Monday, September 30, 2013

When it’s not a good idea to get a massage

From:  http://www.reflejos.com/en/stories/health/article/13-09-29/when_it%E2%80%99s_not_a_good_idea_to_get_a_massage.aspx
September 29, 2013

(Submitted by National University of Health Science) — Most people are great candidates for the relaxation and health benefits of massage therapy. However, there are times when a massage may not be the right choice. Certain conditions contraindicate massage, either because of the risk it may pose to the client or to the therapist.

For example, if you have a cold, flu, or other contagious viral or bacterial infection, your therapist may decline to work with you because they don’t want to catch a cold. Most importantly, they don’t want to risk passing the infection to other clients.

“When you have a cold or flu, a massage might seem comforting,” says Patricia Coe, DC, ND, clinic supervisor for National University of Health Science’s massage therapy program. “However, when you have an infection, your body is already working hard to fight it and recover. A massage can be very stimulating internally and place certain demands on your body during a time when you should be simply resting.”

Another occasion when a massage should be postponed is if you are intoxicated. Many folks seek out massage while on vacation or under stress. They may have also had a few cocktails to relax as well. “Intoxication is a risk during massage,” says Dr. Coe, “primarily because it desensitizes you. This makes it hard for you to give your therapist reliable feedback. A massage therapist needs to know what level of pressure is comfortable and what is too much. If you’re intoxicated, those sensations are unreliable.”

“An acute injury is also likely to be a contraindication to massage,” says Dr. Coe. “Although it may seem like a great idea to get a massage immediately after straining a muscle, if there is damage to the area, massage may actually interfere with the healing process.”

“A good therapist will guide the discussion on your health issues so that they can determine the right technique for you and whether or not a massage is contraindicated for you that day,” says Dr. Coe. “Always let your massage therapist

know of any health issues, or any medications you may be taking, prior to a massage. A massage therapist may ask to consult with your physician if he or she is concerned about how massage will affect your condition.”

“The healing benefits of massage therapy are many, and it is fairly rare to encounter situations where massage is contraindicated for very long,” according to Dr. Coe.

Posted by:  Stevenswood.com - We invite you to visit our Indigo Eco-Spa's Treatment Menu:  http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ where we offer a wide variety of massage treatments performed by our licensed massage therapists.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Benefits of Massage on Sciatic Nerve Pain

From:  http://forwardtimesonline.com/2013/index.php/lifestyle/health-beauty/item/503-benefits-of-massage-on-sciatic-nerve-pain

Valecia Weeks is a Professional Licensed Massage Therapist through the state of Texas as well as a Birth Doula.  She is a licensed ZUMBA instructor and a certified personal trainer with NESTA.
sciatic painIn the last few years I have come across more and more ladies…and men… with pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg and sometimes into the foot.  A lady I was with a few days ago even had a limp because of this annoying uncomfortable pain.  Some ladies even attribute it to the great ol’ “autho”…arthritis.  If you or anyone you know are having such symptoms, I would advise seeing your physician.  It could be something as simple as sciatic nerve pain. When I use the word “simple”, I don’t mean that it is not a serious condition; but just mean that there is simple treatment for Sciatic nerve pain.
The sciatic nerve is a bundle that is composed to several roots.  The origination of this bundle is in the lower back and sacral area.   If you can imagine an adaptor with several active plugs plugged in there and that   one decides to malfunction, everything attached to that adapter would no longer be able to function.  Well, that’s how it is with sciatic nerve pain.  When the muscles of your lower back, gluts, and leg tighten, it compresses on the nerve which causes all this pain.  Mild pain can cause slight tingling but severe sciatic pain can prohibit or limit movement.  . Application of cold compresses quite often alleviates sciatica pain and may be used for initial treatments or mild attacks. However, long lasting relief can be obtained from massage therapy once the problem is identified as originating from the sciatic nerve.
One of my massage clients, Mrs. Debra Lofton contacted me with severe pain in the lower back, tennis ball reliefleg, and foot.  It was so severe that she could barely do daily tasks.  I had her come in and did an assessment of the entire back and buttock area.  I then applied constant pressure to the piriformis and gluteal muscles which caused them to relax, thus reducing spasms in her lower back, gluts, and leg. Here are Debra’s thoughts on the massage procedure, “ I am pain-free today because of the expert hands of Val Weeks.  I went with lower back pain that had begun to radiate down my left leg. After an hour long massage with intense pressure on my gluts and lower back, I am pain free.”
Such massage techniques can also be practiced at home between your massage sessions or when the pain is less severe.  Follow these steps:
  • This requires you to use a tennis ball.
  • Place it in the middle of one buttock while lying down.
  • Let your weight settle on the ball and cause pressure on the piriformis in the buttock muscle.
  • Lie still while the muscle relaxes and repeat the massage treatment on the other buttock.
  • Rolling the ball across the gluteal muscles while lying down may also help.
  • Be sure the pressure does not apply to any bones.
  • If you do feel sore after this treatment, apply some moist heat to the area with a heated wet towel.
Massage therapy for sciatica pain may require multiple sessions, but relief can last for two to three months. It is important, ladies, that you take care to see that the conditions that caused the sciatica pain are avoided.

Posted by: Stevenswood.com.  We invite you to visit our spa treatment menu: 

http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/  for a variety of massages and facials performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.

Friday, September 20, 2013

6 Organic Massages for Joint Pain, Fatigue

From:  timesofindia.indiatimes.com

6 Organic massages for joint pain, fatigue
(Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

How do you counter a backbreaking week that leaves you exhausted? What have you done to reduce the persistent back ache resulting in sleepless nights? Do stress and fatigue accompany you all the time? If the answer to all the above questions is yes, then you are in dire need of a relaxing massage.

Massages have been around for thousands of years. There are countless techniques, pressure styles, and movements that involve pressing, rubbing and manipulating muscles and soft tissues with hands and fingers. Sometimes, elbows and forearms are also used to apply deep pressure to the tissues. The techniques and approaches used today have their roots in ancient Eastern and Western civilizations when the use of touch for healing and rejuvenation was in vogue. Multiple forms of massages have emerged since then and most techniques are customised for specific treatments - relieve pain, relax tense muscles, heal injuries, and prevent illnesses.


Dr Ritesh Kumar, Consultant Physiotherapist agrees, "Medical evidence shows that massage therapy proves beneficial for a variety of health conditions. It is in fact becoming an important element in health and wellness. Many patients come to me with chronic back and knee pain. I usually recommend them to seek help from professional massage therapists instead of going for surgery or pain killers."

One of the few places in Delhi that offer exclusive massage therapies is Ishana Nature Spa. With their centres in Saket, Chattarpur and IGI Airport, expert therapists from Thailand have been called in to provide individually-tailored treatments. All their products are organic so as to tender a pure treatment devoid of any impact on the environment. Rakhi Mahajan, Brand Director Ishana Nature Spa who herself suffers from juvenile arthritis says, "I take a session of the Moksha leg and foot massage almost every month. It revives my feet and body fully enabling me to run around for meetings and other work."

What can you treat with massage therapy?

- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia (Pain and stiffness in the muscles while there are no findings in the X-rays)
- Headaches/Migraines
- Insomnia related to stress
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries

Santisukh Tranquility
Duration: 60 minutes

Santisukh Tranquiity is a fusion treatment combining Asian massage techniques from Shiatsu, traditional Yoga and aromatherapy massage where the therapists use their fingers and hands to apply deep pressure in the tissues. A fair amount of yoga massage-stretching is also involved that helps stimulate blood circulation, induce relaxation and release muscular tension and pains. This treatment is best suited for those who prefer a medium to strong pressure.

Moksha leg and foot massage
Duration: 60 minutes

Our feet have certain reflex points that are linked to various organs and glands of the body. The Moksha leg and foot massage involves applying pressure on these reflex points that ensure gentle stimulation of nerve endings. As a result, it effectively restores your body's energy by improving blood circulation. People with health issues such as planter fasciitis, ankle injuries and general foot fatigue may go for this treatment.

Gaya Energizing Massage
Duration: 90 minutes

The Gaya Energizing Massage is a completely different treatment essentially designed for sportsmen and people who are into intense workouts. It incorporates assisted yoga movements where the receiver is made to undergo a variety of yoga-like postures. The therapists apply pressure on specific tension trigger-points using their fingers, palms, elbows, knees and even feet to help you stretch your muscle groups. After the vigorous treatment, a heated herbal compress is applied for full 30 minutes to soothe the muscles.

Sukham Wellbeing Massage
Duration: 90 minutes

The Sukham wellbeing massage is a great treatment for individuals coping with arthritis pain, sprains, rheumatism and even fractures. It appoints the lymphatic massage therapy, a very soothing and gentle massage that combines the sense of touch and smell to release redundant metabolic toxins from the body. Organic oil is first applied to the chakra points followed by a very light massage.

Mudita Moment Head massage
Duration: 45 minutes

Mudita moment head massage is an Ayurvedic head oil massage that works toward restoring the balance of three chakras - Vissuddha (the base of the throat), Ajna (the forehead) and Sahasrara (the crown). Pressure is applied on the Marma points that helps improve vision and levels of concentration. This massage also helps prevent premature loss and greying of hair.

Nirundhara Rejuvenating Back massage
Duration: 45 minutes

This treatment is a deep tissue massage that uses black pepper herbal balm with green oil to soothe sore or stiff backs. Incorporating the art of stretching and acupressure on shoulders and back, the Nirundhara rejuvenating massage is an ideal solution to chronic back pains.


Posted by:  Stevenswood.com - visit our spa menu for a list of treatments performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Power of Well Being Found in Belonging

By:  Laureen Lowe-Albrecht, Orchard Park Health Care Centennial

The fountain of health lies in belonging to a group.  At least that’s what the research reveals. In the last sixty years there have been numerous studies that show that either loneliness or isolation or the combination of both, have a significant impact on an individual’s health, especially in the elderly.
“There is mounting evidence that loneliness significantly increases the chances of diabetes, sleep disorders, and other potentially life-threatening problems. Research has also shown a greater risk of high blood pressure among lonely people, as well as higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, weakened immune systems, and Alzheimer's disease,” states John T. Cacioppo, Ph.D., director for the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago as he reported in 2010 to “AARP The Magazine.”
With health at risk, one may ask if there is an antidote for loneliness.  Dr. Dean Ornish, seems to think there is an answer and he responded to the question recently posed online at ShareCare.com.  “Whatever allows you to experience a higher force - whether through prayer, meditation, contemplating nature, and so on - can be a powerful means of transcending feelings of isolation. A direct experience of something larger than ourselves can profoundly transform our lives when we realize that we are not isolated and we are never alone.”
Because research regarding social isolation is linked to health and happiness, it continues to be studied. Many psychologists and social behavior experts point to the hierarchy of needs study performed in the 1940s by Abraham Maslow, MD, PhD.  He ranked the importance of belonging as one of the most important necessities for our survival after food, shelter and our immediate safety was taken into account.
His study was globally put to test by psychologist Ed Diener of the University of Illinois. The findings, published in 2011, suggest that Maslow’s theory is largely correct and that fulfillment of needs correlates with happiness. It was found that social needs were important even when many of the most basic needs were unfulfilled.
The connection between well-being and friendships suggest that after all is said and done, we need each other. The steps that can help lower risks include strengthening ties with immediate family, joining or establishing a self-help group, taking up a sport, becoming a volunteer and involving in a spiritual community.
Every person who makes up our social network is essential to our well-being. Instinctually we have always felt this in our heart.  And today there is certainly scientific evidence to back it up.
According to a study reported by the “Journal of the American Medical Association,”researchers took 276 healthy volunteers and exposed them to a cold virus. The results?  The group reporting six or more diverse social networks was the most disease resistant.
Conversely, there are negative physical effects when social ties are cut.  Many studies confirm higher death rates for recently widowed spouses, especially men.  It’s true, as evidence suggests, that married couples have fewer health problems than their single friends.
Back in 1965, Dr. Lisa Berkman, a Harvard epidemiologist, initiated her jaw-dropping study.  Through her scrutiny of seven thousand men and women, she discovered that those who had limited social ties, meaning lack of contact with friends, marital status, church or social memberships, were up to three times more likely to die (in the nine-year follow-up period). And it was clearly proved, regardless of gender, age, lifestyle or health status. 1
But there’s more. Over two thousand people in Evans County, Georgia were studied and followed.  Those who had extended and close contacts with family and friends coupled with community group affiliations had lowered mortality rates. 2
The Tecumseh Community Health Study in southeast Michigan explained that men with stronger social ties had fewer incidences of lung and heart disease, decreased cancer and stroke incidence regardless of age, occupation or health status. 3
What do elderly men and women from East Boston, New Haven and rural Iowa have in common?  Studies indicate that those with no social ties had two to three times the mortality risk compared to those with four or greater social connections. 4
Seventeen thousand people were studied in Sweden.  It was a 6-year investigation of people between the ages of twenty-nine to seventy four. Socially isolated individuals were almost four times more likely to have an increased mortality ratio.  Of importance, factors such as age, lifestyle or health status did not change the end results. 5
Every person who makes up our social network is essential to our well-being. Many people instinctually believe this truth and today there is certainly scientific evidence to back it up.
  1. Berkman, L.F., and S.L. Syme. 1979 Social networks, host resistance, and mortality: A nine-year follow-up study of Alameda County residents. AmJ Epidemiol 109: 186-204
  2. Schoenbach, VJ., B.H. Kaplan, L. Friedman, and D.G. Kleinbaum, 1986. Social ties and mortality in Evans County, Georgia. Am J Epidemiol 123:577-91
  3. House, J.S., C. Robbins, and H.L. Metzner. 1982. The association of social relationships and activities with mortality: Prospective evidence from the Tecumseh Community Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 116:123-40.
  4. Seeman, T.L., L.F. Berkman, F. Kohout, et al. 1993. Intercommunity variations in the association between social ties and mortality in the elderly: A comparative analysis of three communities. Ann Epidemiol 3:325-35.
  5. Orth-Gomer, K., and J.V. Johnson. 1987. Social network interaction and mortality: A six-year follow-up study of a random sample of the Swedish population. J Chron Dis 40:949-57.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Regular Massage Therapy Provides Many Benefits

By: Elements Therapeutic Massage, Carmel, CA
 
People from all cultures, professions and age groups suffer from stress-related tension and other conditions. Massage therapy has been proven to provide a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to staying healthy, based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Not only can massage therapy help with insomnia, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, autism, pain, infertility and other conditions, but has also been found to:

• Increase circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs.
• Stimulate the lymph system, helping the body’s natural defense system fight against invaders.
• Release endorphins, helping the body’s natural painkiller fight off pain and injury.
• Improve range of motion and decrease discomfort associated with lower back pain.
• Relax and soften injured and overused muscles.
• Reduce muscle spasms and cramping.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Reduce recovery time for workouts.
• Relieve migraine headache pain.
• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing.
• Contribute to shorter labor during the childbirth process, which reduces the need for medication and quicker recovery.

The benefits of each type of massage offered can vary: Deep tissue massage is beneficial for tight or painful muscles and recovery from injury; Hot stone massage eases muscle tension without deep pressure; Swedish massage is best for relaxation and stress relief; and, Trigger point massage eases tension in localized areas.
Elements Therapeutic Massage in Carmel Mountain specializes in massage that is individualized, customized and handcrafted to the individual’s specific needs whether they are in pain, stressed, in need of relief and relaxation or have sports and muscle injuries and are in need of a therapeutic massage.

"Receiving regular massages is important for people from any walk of life from office workers to weekend warriors,” said Jules Cumberbatch, office manager at Elements Therapeutic Massage. “Your body's muscles need to be worked on and stretched out to maintain their natural flexibility. Just a couple of benefits include preventing tightness from becoming a chronic and aging condition and reducing your risk of injury during everyday activities. The bottom line is: if you do not take care of your body it will not take care of you."

Posted by:  Stevenswood Spa Resort:  specializes in massage that is individualized, customized and handcrafted to the individual’s specific needs whether they are in pain, stressed, in need of relief and relaxation or have sports and muscle injuries and are in need of a therapeutic massage.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Ten Strategies for Improving Mental Wellness, Part II

From:  Cecildaily.com
By:  Rich Bayer, P.h.D.

Posted: Friday, September 6, 2013 4:00 am
As noted last week, mental health researchers have traditionally studied problems. They have concentrated on identifying what goes wrong with our thinking and our feelings. In other words, they have studied mental illness, not mental wellness.
But in some of the newer research, scientists have studied what goes right. This research has revealed many positive actions that people can take in order to improve their mental and emotional health.

The first five, noted last week, were sleep, exercise, friendship and socialization, helping others and nutrition. Here are the second five of 10 key strategies researchers have identified:
6. Humor. There’s extensive research showing the positive effects of laughter. As you might expect, a good laugh can lift your mood but also it supports the immune system, improves blood pressure and reduces pain. Laughter has been shown to be not only physically healing, but relaxing as well.
Laughter actually offers us a distraction from our worries, a momentary relief. If we can pause for a few laughs, we can return to our worries and meet them refreshed.
7. Spirituality. We all need a sense of purpose to our lives and we need to feel that our lives have some meaning. That sounds like a tall order. But that’s where spirituality or religion can play a key role.
It helps each of us to have an image of the world around us and to feel as though we’re personally connected. If we can see the big picture and feel that we fit into that picture, that’s an ideal situation for us as it increases our sense of security.
8. Optimism. Recently there has been a lot of psychological research on optimism. Having an optimistic attitude has been shown to be a strong predictor of positive mental and physical health. Studies show that people with optimistic outlooks have longer life expectancies and report having a greater sense of happiness.
To become more optimistic, we need to focus on positive possibilities in our lives. We can cultivate this skill through the practice of refocusing. If we pause and think about it, we can find it’s possible to look on the bright side. Even when facing adverse circumstances, we can look for that silver lining, a positive outcome that will result, and this shift of focus will help to pull us through.
9. Acceptance. The world doesn’t always give us what we want. In fact, the world can often bring us pain and suffering.
That’s where this talent can help. By accepting things the way they are, we can meet the challenges. If we can accept a bad situation, we can figure ways to deal with it and move on. Step one is acceptance. Step two is what to do about the situation.
Acceptance is similar to, but varies from, optimism in the sense that we’re not trying to put a positive spin on things. We’re just acknowledging facts. By doing this, we can better monitor our emotions and manage the way we respond.
10. Managing stress. Individuals who are chronically stressed are more likely to develop numerous mental and physical illnesses. Chronic stress has been associated with an increased health risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stroke. Also high levels of stress exaggerate symptoms of depression, restlessness, sleeplessness and anxiety.
So what can help to reduce our stress? If we’re physically, emotionally or cognitively stressed, first we need to recognize it. Then we need to find a way to take a break from it. Think of it as a vacation, even if it’s just a five-minute vacation, from the stress.
Another recommendation when facing increased stress, especially from a sad event, is to remember that “this too shall pass.” In addition, all of the abovementioned techniques will help to reduce stress as well.
Of course, each one of these ten strategies could be the topic of an article by itself. Hopefully you can use some of these ideas to improve, not only your mental health, but your physical health as well.
Rich Bayer, Ph.D., is the CEO of Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. and a practicing psychologist.

Massage is helpful in stress management, visit:  Stevenswood.com for a menu of spa treatments.
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