tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72053352160153548662024-03-12T18:47:58.761-07:00Stevenswood WellnessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-38760958941804772042014-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:002014-02-18T14:49:12.140-08:00Massage therapy gaining traction as medically beneficial procedure<br />
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<span class="author-name">By Molly Rosbach / Yakima Herald-Republic</span><br />
<span class="author-email"><a href="mailto:mrosbach@yakimaherald.com" style="background-image: none; padding-left: 0px;">mrosbach@yakimaherald.com</a></span>
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Elbows bent above a 90-degree angle. Computer screen positioned too low or too high. Chin jutted forward. Shoulders slumped.</div>
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Engage in any of these ergonomic no-nos and over
time, you may end up with chronic back pain or spinal problems, say
local massage practitioners, who frequently treat clients suffering from
work-related aches and pains.</div>
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That’s why it’s good news that massage therapy is
slowly gaining more clinical recognition as a medical tool, and not just
a luxury to indulge in at a day spa. </div>
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“We’re seeing more and more use of it on a continual
basis,” said Dr. Ronald Warninger, who has had massage practitioners in
his Yakima chiropractic clinic for about three years. “The increase
that we have seen has been tremendous.” </div>
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Several other chiropractors around town refer
clients out to massage practitioners or have them based in their office,
he said. Physical therapists and hospitals do, too. </div>
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“If you have a chronic condition or an acute painful
condition, medical types of massage therapy can be beneficial because
they’re going to decrease stress and lighten up muscle tension, which is
going to alleviate some pain,” said Danielle Stevens, licensed massage
practitioner and owner of DCS Therapeutic Massage in Yakima. “If
(people) would stretch their chest out, get massage and chiropractic
care, it would decrease their pain considerably.”</div>
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Nationwide, workplace ergonomics is undergoing a
major shift as employees chained to computers learn to improve their
posture and help avoid back problems with standing desks and treadmill
desks. And employers are learning that supporting better ergonomics
could result in healthier, more productive employees.</div>
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Massage practitioners here say they see a lot of
lower-back pain, particularly among people working in agricultural or
warehouse jobs, as well as common desk-related complaints, such as pain
between the shoulder blades that causes neck pain and headaches, and
soreness in the right shoulder and arm — what Stevens calls “computer
shoulder” or “mouse arm.” </div>
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Stevens said several physicians around town refer
patients to her, particularly if they can’t figure out what’s wrong, and
before they resort to an MRI. </div>
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There are often quick, simple things that can be
done to help alleviate problems before they become too severe, but it’s a
matter of knowing and then actually remembering to do them, said Amy
Biskovich, another licensed massage practitioner who works at New Day
Massage in Yakima.</div>
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“I tell my clients, ‘Children and cats, they
naturally stretch when they hear their bodies telling them that they
need it’ ... What I tell them is to listen to their body; when it gets
cranky, move,” she said. “But people don’t want to take 30 seconds every
half hour to stretch, and that’s what the body needs.” </div>
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Even while sitting in a desk chair, she said, people
can stretch their lower back by leaning forward to put their head on
their knees and twisting right and left. </div>
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The longer problems go ignored or untreated, the longer it will take to set things right when treatment is actually sought. </div>
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Sitting at a desk “changes the whole shape of your
spine. You’re sitting there hour after hour, day after day, year after
year — it takes its toll,” Biskovich said. </div>
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If more people understand how massage can address
and reverse those problems, Biskovich said, they may be able to avoid
costly and often unnecessary — even unhelpful — surgery. </div>
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“The sooner you address a problem, the easier it is
to take care of. People tend to wait until they can’t take it anymore,”
she said.</div>
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Warninger said he’s seen more insurance companies
come on board to cover massage therapy, as long as it’s prescribed by a
doctor. And nowadays, people are much more open to the benefits of
massage than they were 30 years ago, he said. </div>
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“I think that trend is in full speed,” he said. “And it should be.”</div>
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Connie, Spa Director, at Stevenswood invites you to visit: http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a list of spa treatments performed by our licensed/certified massage therapists. </div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-2027830540364326482014-02-07T11:47:00.000-08:002014-02-07T12:57:33.178-08:00Massage Therapy Plus Topical Analgesic is Highly Effective on Arthritis Pain<div class="newsbody">
From: www.chiroeco.com <br />
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February 6, 2014 — A recent study comparing the effectiveness of
massage therapy plus topical analgesic and a massage-therapy-only
treatment showed that the addition of the topical analgesic provided
greater improvement in grip strength and a greater decrease in hand
pain, depressed mood and sleep disturbances.<br />
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of massage therapy for
pain syndromes including migraine headaches, lower back pain,
fibromyalgia and arthritis pain.<sup>1</sup> In a 2007 study,<sup>2</sup> massage therapy was noted to reduce pain and enhance function for those specifically suffering with hand arthritis.<br />
The purpose of this most recent study,<sup>3</sup> conducted by Tiffany Field, PhD, and her team at the <a href="http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research" target="_blank">Touch Research Institute</a>
at the University of Miami Medical School, was to determine whether
applying Biofreeze topical analgesic following massage might be more
effective than massage alone in treating hand arthritis pain. Their
study was just published ahead of pri<img alt="Biofreeze_NewFormulaLogo_RGB_1300pxW" src="http://www.chiroeco.com/joomla/images/stories/Biofreeze_NewFormulaLogo_RGB_1300pxW.jpg" height="63" style="float: right; margin: 6px;" width="315" />nt in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.<br />
“As both massage therapy and <a href="http://www.biofreeze.com/" target="_blank">Biofreeze Pain Reliever</a>
have shown promise in the relief of pain associated with arthritis, we
were not surprised by the outcomes from this latest study,” stated Lynda
Solien-Wolfe, LMT, vice president, massage and spa, Performance Health.
“Once again, the Touch Research Institute has validated the
effectiveness of a low cost, non-pharmaceutical course of treatment that
so many individuals are looking for today.”<br />
In this study, 20 females with hand arthritis were randomly assigned
to either a hand massage-only group or a group that received the same
hand massage and a post-massage application of Biofreeze Pain Reliever
gel. The study participants had an average age of 47.6 years. Both
groups<img alt="" src="http://adtrack.chiroeco.com/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=1071&campaignid=278&zoneid=22&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chiroeco.com%2Fchiropractic%2Fnews%2F14887%2F50%2Fmassage%2520therapy%2520plus%2520topical%2520analgesic%2520is%2520highly%2520effective%2520on%2520arthritis%2520pain%2F&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chiroeco.com%2Fwelcome.php%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.chiroeco.com%2Fchiropractic%2Fnews%2F14887%2F50%2Fmassage%2520therapy%2520plus%2520topical%2520analgesic%2520is%2520highly%2520effective%2520on%2520arthritis%2520pain%2F&cb=eb22cd71af" height="0" style="height: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /> received a 15-minute moderate pressure massage each week for
four weeks. In addition, all participants were taught the massage
techniques and performed daily hand massages at home. The Biofreeze
group had the topical analgesic applied at the conclusion of each
massage session, both in clinic and home.<br />
Each study group was assessed for their pain, grip strength, mood and
sleep disturbances before and after the four week intervention. Both
groups significantly improved in their outcome measures. However, the
massage-plus-analgesic group showed greater improvement when the two
groups were compared on the changes from the first to the last day of
treatment. Field emphasizes the importance of self-massage by saying,
“Getting a massage every week has significant benefits for those with
arthritic pain, but self-massage followed by Biofreeze Pain Reliever on
the days between can be even more effective”.<br />
It’s important to note that this study did not include a control
group, thus limiting conclusions on cause-and-effect. Nonetheless, the
authors concluded, “The current study suggests that the combination of
moderate pressure massage administered by the therapist and by the
participants and the application of topical analgesic following the
massage may be a more effective therapy for increasing grip strength and
reducing pain and the associated depressed mood and sleep disturbances
in individuals with hand arthritis.”<br />
<i>Source: <a href="http://www.performancehealth.com/" target="_blank">Performance Health</a></i><br />
<b>References</b><i><br /></i><br />
<sup>1</sup>Lawle and Cameron, 2006; Hsieh et al., 2004; Kalichman, 2010; Field, et al., 2103<sup><br />2</sup>Field et al., 2007<sup><br />3</sup>REFERENCE: Field T, et al. 2014. <a href="http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/S1360-8592%2813%2900204-0/abstract" target="_blank">Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain.</a> Article in press. <i>J Bodywork Movement Therapies.</i></div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-84355537778278031762013-11-02T12:11:00.000-07:002013-11-02T12:11:19.398-07:00Top 9 Health Benefits of Massage Therapy<h2 class="subtitle">
Massages have always been known for their
relaxation benefits, but that’s not the only thing they’re good for.
Online spa directory, Spahub.com has provided the top 9 unique health
benefits of indulging in a massage. </h2>
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<img height="25" hspace="5" src="http://www.prweb.com/images/release-topquote.gif" width="29" />Massage therapy can help people unaffected by the conditions listed above too..<img align="absmiddle" height="25" hspace="5" src="http://www.prweb.com/images/release-bottomquote.gif" width="29" />
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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 30, 2013 </div>
Spahub.com, the online leading spa directory, has released their latest blog post on the top health benefits of <a href="http://www.spahub.com/spa-treatments/massage-therapy.html" rel="nofollow" title="Massage Therapy">massage therapy</a> and the reasons people may never thought it could help them.<br />
While there has been a lot of research done on the benefits of the
different types of massage therapy, Spahub.com has now specified the top
benefits of massage therapy to provide a better overall healthy life.<br />
<a href="http://www.spahub.com/massage/types.html" rel="nofollow" title="Massage Types">Professional massages</a>
have always been known to help bring on relaxation, but there are also a
number of other health benefits that can come from it. Therapeutic
massages came in to existence as a way to ease pain temporarily, which
is where its medical benefits stemmed from. <br />
Even when combined with other medical care, massage is still used
today as a natural way to treat certain conditions. But today, there are
many other reasons to utilize massage; not only to make someone feel
good but for other reasons people may not realize:<br />
1. Anxiety: Massaging the body has been shown to calm anxious
feelings in people going through withdrawal. It also helps with
depression, eating disorders, and other medical issues where anxiety
plays a factor.<br />
2. Poor circulation: A skillful massage can increase blood
circulation in the body, which can lead to more energy, reduced pain,
and better distribution of oxygen to the limbs.<br />
3. Spots-related injuries: Pulled muscles and torn ligaments are
often treated with massage therapy. As mentioned previously, the
increased blood flow to aching muscles helps reduce pain.<br />
4. Immune system: Frequent massage therapy has been shown to
strengthen the immune system, making the body less prone to disease or
illness.<br />
5. Migraines: This is especially beneficial for those with
tensions headaches/migraines. It’s one the best ways to treat them.<br />
6. Chronic Pain: Illnesses like rheumatoid arthirits, sciatia, and
other painful conditions can greatly benefit from massage therapy.<br />
7. Frequent cramping: Massages lessen cramps and spasms if performed regularly.<br />
8. Labor pains: Massages have been shown to reduce the pain associated with labor because it lessens the tension in the body.<br />
9. Low self-esteem: The most personal reason of all, massage
therapy can help people feel connected because of the prolonged human
contact. <br />
“Massage therapy can help people unaffected by the conditions listed
above too,” says Mark Verkhovski of Spahub.com. “It has been shown to
stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving waste
through the body. Which makes a massage a natural detoxifier.”<br />
Spahub.com’s team has provided a more in depth analysis of the health
benefits of massage, their top recommendations to get one, and more on
their latest blog post here: <a href="http://www.spahub.com/massage/health-benefits.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.spahub.com/massage/health-benefits.html</a>.<br />
With Spahub.com’s expansive online spa directory and more
informational resources on these top 10 spas (and more), visitors can
find what they need to locate a spa in their local areas anywhere in the
U.S. and Canada. <br />
About Spahub
<br />Spahub's mission is to create the largest Day, Medical and Getaway
Spa Directory in the world. They strive to make the site a comprehensive
place to learn about the different services spas provide. The goal is
to provide every visitor an effective tool to quickly locate and explore
a spa's amenities before taking one step out the door. For more
information, please visit <a href="http://www.spahub.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.spahub.com</a>.<br />
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Posted by: Stevenswood.com, we invite you to visit our website for a menu of spa services. Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-39237452751761364112013-10-31T12:34:00.001-07:002013-10-31T13:13:50.362-07:00Stress and Massage<br />
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From: http://www.reactivemassage.com/stress-and-massage/<br />
By: <span class="by-author"> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.reactivemassage.com/author/ja-on/" rel="author" title="View all posts by Ja-On">Ja-On</a></span></span> <br />
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An instructor of mine once said that our generation is far more
stressed out than our parents, entirely because in today’s world we
simply don’t let things go. We dwell on them, we hold on to things and
never let them go. Whether it’s trying to decide on the color of fabric
for our furniture or that driver that ran a stop sign in front of us, we
simply don’t get over things.<br />
A major part of that problem is the massive amount of stimulus around
us at all times. We have immediate access to all information at all
times on the television, the radio, internet and cell phones. Our lives
are constantly plugged into the world and everything in it. And because
of this, our nervous systems are stimulated and overstimulated.<br />
This constant bombardment of information to our nervous system
stimulates our sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight or
flight system. It’s what encourages the release of hormones that keep us
on edge, ready to run at a seconds notice. It’s also the system that
can prevent us from having a restful sleep at night, properly digest our
food, and cause us to be anxious.<br />
The balancing mechanism to this is the parasympathetic nervous
system, also called the rest and digest system. As the name suggests,
its what helps us calm down especially at night when we need to rest and
to help us properly digest our food.<br />
It isn’t a simple matter of living in balance between the two since
the sympathetic nervous system will always be the more powerful of the
two simply out of self-preservation. But, with a little help, we can
make sure that we don’t exist entirely in a fight or flight state.
Massage therapy is a wonderful way to calm down the system and ease the
tensions of life as it stimulates the calming receptors of the muscles
to decrease tone as well as help the body enter a relaxed state.<br />
Massage therapy isn’t a miracle cure that will remove all stress from
the body, but it is a powerful and accessible tool. Combined with other
methods of relaxation such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi, it can
break the cycle of anxiety that many of us live in and help us regain a
little more inner peace.<br />
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Posted by: Stevenswood.com, we invite you to visit our website's spa menu for a variety of massages and facials performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-86250214480321683862013-10-26T11:51:00.000-07:002013-10-26T11:51:46.834-07:00New Research Supports The Mental Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy Symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression may be alleviated with massage therapyFrom: EVANSTON, Ill., Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW), October 20-26, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has compiled research that suggests symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression (all associated with mental health) may be alleviated with massage therapy. <br />
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Following are some recent research findings which highlight the role of massage therapy in mental health and wellness. View AMTA's Research Roundup Volume 4 online at www.amtamassage.org/researchroundup.<br />
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Massage Therapy for the Treatment of Depression in Individuals with HIV<br />
Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine[1] indicates that massage therapy can reduce symptoms of depression for[1] individuals with HIV disease. The study lasted eight weeks, and results show massage significantly reduced the severity of depression beginning at week four and continuing at weeks six and eight. AMTA President Winona Bontrager says of the study, "This research suggests that regular therapeutic massage could be a useful tool in the integrated treatment of depression for patients with HIV." <br />
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Massage Therapy to Reduce Anxiety in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy<br />
Research published in Applied Nursing Research[2] shows that back massage given during chemotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety and acute fatigue. "This research demonstrates the potential value of massage therapy within the full cancer treatment spectrum, particularly during the often mentally and physically exhausting chemotherapy process," says Bontrager.<br />
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Massage Therapy for Reduced Anxiety and Depression in Military Veterans<br />
Research published in Military Medicine[3] reports that military veterans indicated significant reductions in ratings of anxiety, worry, depression and physical pain after massage. Analysis also suggests declining levels of tension and irritability following massage. This pilot study was a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan.<br />
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Massage Therapy for Nurses to Reduce Work-Related Stress<br />
Research published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice[4] shows that massage for nurses during work hours can help to reduce stress and related symptoms, including headaches, shoulder tension, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. "This study affirms the important role massage therapy can play in the work setting, in this case to ease stress for health care providers who, in turn, can better provide optimal patient care," says Bontrager.<br />
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It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that massage therapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Read additional research on massage for anxiety.<br />
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Visit AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist® to find a qualified massage therapist in your area.<br />
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Previous Research Roundups from AMTA<br />
Volume 1: Highlights the growing body of evidence that shows massage therapy can be effective for a variety of health conditions, including:<br />
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Osteoarthritis of the knee<br />
Inflammation after exercise<br />
Chronic low back pain<br />
Fibromyalgia<br />
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Volume 2: Outlines medical research that suggests the benefits of massage therapy, including the role it can play in overall health and well-being in people of all ages, including:<br />
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Enhanced immune function in preterm infants<br />
Decreased blood pressure and improved stability in older persons<br />
Reduced stress and anxiety in cancer patients<br />
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Volume 3: Contains research that suggests massage therapy can be a helpful aid for manually controlling pain in people suffering from certain conditions, including:<br />
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Metastatic cancer<br />
Rheumatoid arthritis<br />
Post-cardiac surgery pain<br />
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Massage Therapy Facts<br />
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Results from AMTA's 17th annual consumer survey, conducted in August 2013, reveal more Americans are incorporating massage therapy into their regular health and wellness regimens to assist with medical conditions;<br />
88 percent of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness<br />
88 percent of individuals believe that massage can be effective in reducing pain<br />
75 percent of consumers surveyed claim that their primary reason for receiving a massage was medical (43 percent) or stress (32 percent) related<br />
53 percent of people say their doctor has recommended they get a massage<br />
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[1] Polane, RE, Gertsik L, Favreau JT, et al. Open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial of massage for treatment of depression in HIV-infected subjects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2013 Apr; 19(4):334-40. doi 10.1089/acm.2012.0058.<br />
[2] Karagozoglu S, Kahve E. Effects of back massage on chemotherapy-related fatigue and anxiety: Supportive care and therapeutic touch in cancer nursing. Applied Nursing Research. 2013 Sep;19. pii: S0897-1897(13)00070-0. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2013.07.002.<br />
[3] Collinge W, Kahn J, Soltysik R. Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study. Military Medicine. 2012 Dec;177(12):1477-85.<br />
[4] Engen DJ, Wahner-Roedler DL, Vincent A, et al. Feasibility and effect of chair massage offered to nurses during work hours on stress-related symptoms: a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2012 Nov;18(4):212-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.06.002.<br />
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Posted by C. Sackman, Stevenswood Spa Director. We invite you to visit: Stevenswood.com for a complete listing of massage treatments performed in the Indigo Eco-Spa by our Licensed Massage Therapists.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-44612302961907140872013-10-18T12:18:00.001-07:002013-10-18T12:30:44.180-07:00The Incredible Healing Power of Infrared Saunas <div align="center">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">From: Cancer Defeated </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">By: <span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lee Euler, Editor
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When it comes to revitalizing your
health, reversing illness, and just making you feel great, few things
compare to an infrared sauna.<br />
<br />
Infrared saunas are clinically shown to help fight cancer,
reduce blood pressure, relieve pain, reverse heart disease, promote
weight loss, and give you a host of other health benefits.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The deep healing power of infrared energy</span></b></span></div>
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Ever get in a car on a sunny day
in winter? Wonder how it feels so warm inside when the air outside is
freezing? That's the infrared light from the sun.<br />
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In this same way, infrared saunas penetrate up to 1-1/2 inches
below your skin to detoxify and revitalize your cells. This produces a
deep, detoxifying sweat that eliminates toxins at the cellular level.
Infrared energy is powerful, yet it's so safe it's used in hospitals to
warm newborn infants.</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Using infrared saunas to fight cancer</span></b></div>
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Over 2,000 years ago, the famous
Greek physician Parmenides said, "Give me the power to create fever, and
I will cure any disease." Cancer clinics in Germany and Mexico are
putting this principle to use. They routinely treat patients with
hyperthermia, where the body is exposed to high temperatures. High
temperatures can kill cancer cells, usually without damage to normal
tissues.<sup>1</sup> <br />
<br />
Most of the German cancer clinics that I've visited use both
infrared hyperthermia and infrared saunas for their patients, and so do
many of the Mexican clinics. Infrared saunas provide a form of
whole-body hyperthermia that boosts your health in many ways. You can
even enjoy <a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/MWuoU6pwDIQ61Lh7YQ2dop12yRm10um8HHjnxFMYoLhcg1BGdBLOpYTBS" target="_blank">infrared sauna</a> at home, as I’ll explain in a moment. <br />
<br />
In an article in the <i>Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients</i>,
Lawrence Wilson, MD writes, "If I were to single out one method to
combat cancer, it is the sauna. It assists removal of chemical toxins
and heavy metals, increases oxygenation, enhances the immune system, and
reduces the radiation burden in the body."<sup>2</sup><br />
<br />
Dr. Wilson notes that infrared sauna therapy for cancer offers a
combination of healing mechanisms. They act simultaneously to support
the fight against cancer. These include:</div>
<ol type="1">
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Hyperthermia:</b> Heating the
body is a well-known and underused method of killing cancer cells, says
Dr. Wilson. Cancer cells are weaker than normal cells and more
susceptible to damage from heat. Infrared saunas are superior for this
purpose, he says.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Eliminate Toxins:</b> Saunas also help purge the body of toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals. </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Improving circulation</b>.
Cancer often grows in tissues with poor circulation and thus poor
nutrition and oxygenation. Infrared saunas boost overall circulation.
This brings nutrients, hormones, oxygen and other substances to all body
tissues.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Decongesting the internal organs.</b>
The liver, kidneys and other internal organs can become burdened with
estrogen, chemicals, and toxic metals. Infrared saunas cause blood to
move toward the body surface. This helps cleanse the internal organs.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Care for your body's largest organ:</b>
Your skin is a major organ for eliminating body wastes. But in most
people, it's inactive because they don't sweat enough. Infrared saunas
help cleanse you from the inside. They encourage sweating and free up
toxins stored beneath the skin.</li>
</ol>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Infrared treatment shrinks tumor volumes 86% in 30 days</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
In a clinical study published in the <i>Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy</i>,
scientists studied far infrared's effects on human cancer cells in
vitro and on cancer cells in mice. Far infrared therapy reduced tumor
volumes 86% in 30 days. The tumor-suppressing effects were even seen
without high temperatures, even as low as 77 degrees Fahrenheit.<sup>3</sup><br />
<br />
In another study, researchers in Japan discovered that
whole-body hyperthermia with far infrared strongly inhibited the growth
of breast cancer tumors in mice without deleterious side effects.
Researchers believe this therapy is promising for long-term studies of a
noninvasive treatment of breast cancer.<sup>4</sup> </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The healing power of 'cellular cleansing'</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
Most of us don't sweat enough
regularly. We live in air conditioned homes, cars, and offices. We use
antiperspirants and most of us don't exercise enough. But your body
was designed to sweat. And sweat is a key way to cleanse your body.<br />
<br />
The infrared sauna is a powerful means of cellular cleansing.
It increases your metabolism and boosts blood circulation. It also
relaxes your muscles, soothes your spirit and rejuvenates your entire
body.<br />
<br />
The deep penetration of infrared heat releases toxins from the
fat layers just beneath the skin. It also helps your body eliminate
toxins from your internal organs. These toxins pass from the organs to
the fat tissue under the skin. Then they are eliminated in perspiration.<br />
<br />
To see how this works, researchers analyzed the sweat from both
traditional and infrared saunas. Sweat from traditional saunas was
about 97% water and 3% toxins. Infrared saunas produced a sweat that
was only 80 — 85% water. The remaining 15-20% was made up of heavy
metals, sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia, uric acid and fat-soluble
toxins.<sup>5</sup></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The secret to effortless detox</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
If you're a regular reader of
this newsletter, you're well aware of the toxins we're all exposed to in
modern life. You also know well that many of these toxins in our food,
water and air are believed to be a major cause of increased cancer
rates. If you want to prevent or reverse cancer, you not only need to
reduce your intake of toxins, you also need a regular program to get
these poisons out of your body.<br />
<br /></div>
Infrared heat is incredibly powerful because it helps you
cleanse at the cellular level and release toxins stored in your fat
cells. Infrared saunas are also powerful because they're such a simple,
easy way to detox compared to fasting, exercise, colon cleansing, and
other detox therapies.
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Natural weight loss</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
It is no secret that maintaining a
healthy weight is important for overall quality of life. In fact, a
10-year study published by <i>The New England Journal of Medicine</i>
found that waist circumference by itself is a critical factor in
assessing the risk of premature death. In other words, if you can
maintain a healthy weight, you increase your likelihood of a longer,
healthier life. <br />
<br />
Did you know that you now have basically the same number of fat
cells as you did when you were born? Fat cells develop during the
third trimester of pregnancy and you keep the same number your whole
life. So how do you gain weight? Your fat cells store fat like a
sponge that soaks up water. Infrared saunas help release fat (and the
toxins stored in the fat) like squeezing water out of a sponge.<br />
<br />
Infrared saunas have been clinically shown to dramatically aid
in weight loss. A 2009 study showed that infrared saunas provide
significant results in lowering weight and waist circumference in just 3
months. And for those who are sedentary due to medical conditions such
as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, results were
even more profound.<sup>6</sup></div>
<h3 align="center">
Burn up to 600 calories while sitting still!</h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
According to information published in the <i>Journal of the American Medical Association</i>,
infrared sauna sessions were shown to burn upwards of 600 calories.
During a sauna weight loss session, your core temperature increases and
the body works hard to cool itself. While using an infrared sauna, there
is a substantial increase in blood flow, heart rate, cardiac output,
and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories.<sup>7</sup><br />
<br />
Regular use of an infrared sauna may be an effective means of
cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories, akin to regular
exercise. Using an infrared sauna is like giving yourself a passive
cardio workout — whenever you need it!</div>
As someone who always <i>means</i> to exercise and seldom gets around to it, I appreciate an easy way to get some of the benefits.
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Drug-free pain relief</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
Infrared rays also help you
naturally reduce pain and inflammation. Infrared sauna heat works by
penetrating joints, muscles and tissues. It increases circulation, and
boosts oxygen flow to the tissues. By reducing soreness on nerve
endings, infrared heat reduces muscle spasms and helps the body heal
itself naturally.<br />
<br />
Infrared saunas are proven relief for sports injuries, chronic
fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, joint pain/stiffness and other chronic
pain conditions. <br />
<br />
According to Dr. Jeffrey Spencer, a sports medicine expert from
the University of Southern California and consultant to Lance
Armstrong, "infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat,
which creates profound therapeutic benefits. They increase blood flow to
the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more
energy to heal."</div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Significant Reduction in Chronic Pain:</b> A study reported in <i>Clinical Rheumatology</i>
showed that infrared saunas gave significant relief for patients with
chronic pain (such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis).
Four weeks of 30-minute, twice-weekly sessions in an infrared sauna
resulted in a 40 percent improvement in pain and stiffness (for
rheumatoid arthritis) and 60 percent (for ankylosing spondylitis).<sup>8</sup></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>70% Less Pain AFTER JUST ONE SESSION!</b> A recent study published in <i>Internal Medicine</i>,
showed that patients with chronic pain saw their pain levels drop by
nearly 70% after their first session of infrared sauna therapy. Pain
scores remained low throughout the observation period.<sup>9</sup></li>
</ul>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Reduce blood pressure WITHOUT drugs</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
Infrared saunas have been
clinically shown to provide one of the best, natural ways to lower blood
pressure. In a 2005 clinical study by the University of Missouri Kansas
City, infrared saunas were shown to lower blood pressure through a
program of 30-minute infrared sauna sessions just three times per week.<br />
<br />
The study concluded that infrared sauna therapy dilated blood
vessels and reduced the thickness of their inner lining. This increased
circulation and promoted healthy blood pressure.<sup>10</sup> <br />
<br />
What's more, a Japanese study published in the October 2008 issue of <i>The Journal of Cardiology</i>
examined the clinical effectiveness and safety of infrared blood
pressure therapy, as compared to standard therapies for patients with
chronic heart failure. The report concluded that far-infrared sauna
therapy is both safe and effective at improving clinical symptoms and
cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients. Repeated infrared
sauna treatments improved impaired blood vessel functions in patients
with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. This suggests a
preventive role for infrared sauna use for arteriosclerosis.<sup>11</sup> </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Reverse heart disease</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
A study published in the <i>Journal of the American College of Cardiology</i>
showed that infrared saunas help improve the function of impaired
vascular endothelial cells in patients who are at risk for coronary
artery disease. The infrared heat of the sauna opens capillaries to
improve blood flow. 15 minutes in an infrared sauna each day for 14 days
improved the function of the endothelial cells lining the arteries by
40%.<sup>12</sup><br />
<br />
Research also shows that infrared saunas help:</div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Relieve arrhythmias:</b> A
clinical study explored the therapeutic use of infrared saunas for
patients in the end-stage of congestive heart failure. It showed that
saunas helped relieve arrhythmias (an irregularity in the force or
rhythm of the heartbeat).<sup>13</sup> </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Improve congestive heart failure:</b> In the <i>Journal of Cardiac Failure</i>,
researchers reported statistical improvements in blood pressure,
strength of heart (ejection fraction on echocardiogram), and exercise
tolerance in patients treated with saunas. Saunas also helped reduce the
number of hospital admissions for this condition.<sup>14</sup> </li>
</ul>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Other important health benefits</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
It's hard to think of an aspect
of health and wellness that infrared saunas don't benefit. But other
clinical studies show that infrared saunas can help you:</div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Relieve Depression:</b> A study published in <i>Psychosomatic Medicine</i>
looked at a group of 28 mildly depressed patients. Half of the patients
utilized an infrared sauna once a day for 4 weeks and the other half
had just bed rest for 4 weeks. The sauna group showed a significant
improvement compared to the control group.<sup>15</sup></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Boost Your Immunity:</b> Infrared saunas are clinically shown to help patients with weak immune systems, such as methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>
(MRSA) infections. MRSA is a potentially deadly bacterial infection
that is resistant to most antibiotics. Infrared therapy knocked out the
MRSA pathogens without causing increased inflammation.<sup>16</sup>
Another study from NASA showed that near infrared therapy, delivered by
LEDs deep into body tissue, can quadruple cell health and tissue growth.
</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 12px;"><b>Give You Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin:</b> A study published in <i>The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy</i>
showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks
of sauna skin therapy using near-infrared technology. Participants saw a
reduction in wrinkles and crow's feet, as well as improved overall skin
tone, including softness, smoothness, elasticity, clarity and firmness.<sup>17</sup></li>
</ul>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The health-boosting power of light</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
Most infrared saunas on the market produce only <i>far</i> infrared. However, a new development in the field is <i>full-spectrum</i> infrared. These are saunas that provide all of the benefits associated with far-, mid- and near-infrared rays. For instance, <i>near</i>-infrared energy stimulates the body's natural healing powers. Scientists call this <i>photobiomodulation</i>. In cancer patients, near-infrared is used for healing chemotherapy-induced ulcers and wound healing.<sup>18</sup> </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Boost your cellular energy for supercharged healing</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
Near-infrared
energy boosts your cells' ability to create energy. This can help
stimulate your immune system and your overall healing. It helps your
liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, skin, and other detox organs to
neutralize toxins and work at peak efficiency. To create energy, the
mitochondria (the power-generating centers inside every cell) depend on
an enzyme called <i>Cytochrome c oxidase</i>. Studies show that infrared therapy recharges mitochondria. It boosts their levels of oxygen and <i>cytochrome c oxidase</i>. This can help you maintain a cellular energy level that's usually only seen in young people.<sup>20</sup> <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<b><span style="color: #3f7531; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">How to use infrared saunas</span></b></div>
</span>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"> If
you're already in good health, a 30-40 minute sauna session three or
more times a week will do. Or if you're trying to heal a specific
health condition, some doctors prescribe daily or even multiple sessions
each day.<sup>21</sup><br />
<br />
You can try an infrared sauna at a local health club, spa, or
massage therapist. A typical fee is $30-$45 per 30-minute session. I
also recommend purchasing one yourself. An excellent, cutting-edge
manufacturer is <a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/fXNBKC04NZDwp_YhM22EKbgylO6AfI6SqquxWgmMBHY0PX6G9r_vLb9l-" target="_blank">Sunlighten</a>, offering clinically backed full-spectrum infrared saunas. Visit their <a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/l1XY34NilBz6a8BJfpdBoFxLYL9aMu94EEWbjlefY8LmGBaGI-8139H_f" target="_blank">website</a> or call <a href="tel:1-877-292-0020" target="_blank" value="+18772920020">1-877-292-0020</a>. Another reputable (albeit more expensive) brand is <a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/cIG3kH89iUbv4Ubrh9WxgOjwcV84jY8kDD097mZh3l9ny7vG_XU-knQrR" target="_blank">TheraSauna</a>. Infrared saunas, with their myriad health benefits, are definitely an at-home therapy option worth checking out. <br />
<br />
If you decide to contact these companies you should mention that you read about infrared saunas in <i>Cancer Defeated</i>.
But please be aware that these companies can’t give you advice about
treatment for cancer or any other disease. It’s against the law for
them to do that. You’d be wasting your time and theirs to ask what
saunas can do for cancer and probably for most other health conditions.
That’s why you need to read <i>Cancer Defeated</i> (and other sources of
health information.) We have the first amendment right to tell you
what supplement marketers and other vendors aren’t allowed to.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">Posted by: C. Sackman, Spa Director: We invite you to stay at Stevenswood Spa Resort (Stevenswood.com) and enjoy the amenities including our infrared sauna.<br />
<br />
</span>
</div>
<hr noshade="noshade" size="1" />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><b>References</b></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7205335216015354866" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><sup>1</sup> van der Zee J. Heating the patient: A promising approach? <i>Annals of Oncology</i> 2002; 13:1173-1184.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>2</sup> Wilson, L. Saunas and Cancer, <i>Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients</i>, June 2004</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>3</sup> Tatsuo I, Ishibashi, J. et al Non-Thermal Effects of
Far-Infrared Ray (FIR) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells HepG2 and
their Tumors, <i>J Cancer Sci Ther Volume</i> 1(2) : 078-082 (2009) - 078</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/OTCtvZr6h8Iv6tr6VrMrcHVX6lCRujCvddzcpG8Vt0aM47PGohty9F3mD" target="_blank">http://www.omicsonline.org/<wbr></wbr>ArchiveJCST/2009/December/01/<wbr></wbr>JCST1.78.pdf</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>4</sup> Udagawa Y, Nagasawa H, Kiyokawa S, Inhibition by
Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) with Far-infrared rays of the Growth of
Spontaneous Mammary Tumours in mice. <i>Anticancer Res.</i> 1999 Sep-Oct;19(5B):4125-30</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>5</sup> Dr. A. J. Adams, International Institute of Holistic
Healing: What is Far Infrared Therapy and How Does it Work Toward
Healing the Body? (<a href="http://www.drajadams.com/SaunaDomeInfrared.." target="_blank">www.drajadams.com/<wbr></wbr>SaunaDomeInfrared..</a>.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>6</sup> Dr. Richard Beever BSc, MD, CCFP. Do Far-Infrared
Saunas have Measurable Health Benefits? A Sequential Longitudinal
Interrupted Time Series Design Study. 2009. Dr. Richard Beever BSc, MD,
CCFP. Do Far-Infrared Saunas have Cardiovascular Benefits in People with
Type 2 Diabetes? <i>Canadian Journal of Diabetes</i> 2010; 34 (2) :113 - 118.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>7</sup> Dr. Masakazu Imamura, MD, et al. Repeated Thermal
Therapy Improves Impaired Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients With
Coronary Risk Factors. Vol. 38, No. 4, 2001. <i>Journal of American College of Cardiology:</i> pp 1083-1088. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>8</sup> <i>Clinical Rheumatology</i>, January 2009,</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>9</sup> Internal Medicine (Tokyo) Aug 15, 2008 by Matsushita
K, Masuda A, Tei C. The First Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima
University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>10</sup> Becky Edwards, M.D., Heather Kort D.O, Faculty Staff
Advisor: Dr. John Foxworth, PharmD. A Study of the Health Benefits of
Far Infrared Sauna Therapy - Conducted by the University of Missouri,
Kansas City, 2005.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>11</sup> Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), August 1981;</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>12</sup> Imamura, M, et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves
impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk
factors. <i>Journal of the American College of Cardiology.</i> 2001, 38 (4): 1983-88.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>13</sup> Kihara T, Biro S, Ikeda Y, et al. Effects of repeated
sauna treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic
heart failure. <i>Circ J. 2004;68(12):1146-1151.</i> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>14</sup> Miyamoto, H. et al. Safety and efficacy in repeated
sauna bathing in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: a
preliminary report. <i>Journal of Cardiac Failure.</i> 2005; 11(6): 432-6.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>15</sup> Masuda A, et al. "Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients." <i>Psychosomatic Medicine.</i> 2005 67 (4): 643-47.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>16</sup> Photochemistry and Photobiology, August 2009</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>17</sup> B.A. Russell, N. Kellett & L.R. Reilly. Study to
Determine the Efficacy of Combination LED Light Therapy (633nm and 830
nm) in Facial Skin Rejuvenation. <i>Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy</i>, 2005; 7: pp 196-200. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>18</sup> <a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/u_oY84Vihwyc97tYf6dBkpSLau9aMu9HEEWojlefY8zxGQyGl-713XHBF" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/<wbr></wbr>Infrared#cite_note-24#cite_<wbr></wbr>note-24</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>19</sup> Hargate G. A randomised double-blind study comparing
the effect of 1072-nm light against placebo for the treatment of herpes
labialis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Sep;31(5):638-41.<a href="http://enews.cancerdefeated.com/q/Qe3MK52SNvn0w6Smce6XWrNMJeopxroy__uVjaUcMRci8ExGny6l4Rd-P" target="_blank">PMID 16780494</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>20</sup> Whelan, et al. Photobiomodulation Directly Benefits
Primary Neurons Functionally Inactivated by Toxins: Role of Cytochrome C
Oxidase. JBC Papers in Press. Published on November 22, 2004 as
Manuscript M409650200. Copyright 2004 by The American Society for
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><sup>21</sup> Wilson, L, Manual of Sauna Therapy, Sauna Therapy, LD Wilson Consultants, Inc., Prescott, AZ 2003.</span></div>
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</span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-68770202435486515332013-10-15T14:34:00.003-07:002013-10-15T15:40:23.582-07:00Technology Can Be A Pain In The NeckFrom: phillyburbs.com<br />
By: Rita Manno, Correspondent<br />
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<span class="paragraph-0">
Jen Probst, a massage therapist at Suede Salon and Spa in
Evesham, rounds her shoulders, bends forward and then looks down toward
her lap. She straightens out and then twists her wrist at an angle
unnatural to those joints.<br />
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<span class="paragraph-1">
It’s a demonstration on what technology has delivered to our
bodies — a BlackBerry thumb with damage to the joint from frequent
texting and a bent wrist and sore palms causing pain up the arm from
constantly holding devices like smartphones.<br />
</span>
Then there are the painful neck spasms and
headaches from always looking down at those hi-tech wonders that keep us
from actually talking to each other. Not to mention strained and tight
muscles caused by hours in front of a computer, which can lead to the
even more serious carpel tunnel syndrome.<br />
Put your phone down now and listen to Jen.<br />
Probst, a slim, fit 39-year-old who’s been in the
massage therapy world for 12 years, said in the last few years she’s
seen an increase in clients who unwittingly have become the casualties
of bigger and better technology.<br />
“You’re so into what you’re doing, you don’t even feel the pain until you stop and try to relax and then it hits you,” she said.<br />
Pain sends them to her. Some clients hold onto
their cells so much during the day that even when they’re not, their
fingers are curled as if the phone was still there.<br />
“Everybody is looking down at their devices,”
whether it’s in the car (you shouldn’t be doing that anyway while
driving) or looking down at a laptop or an iPad on a table without a
stand. The result: neck pain, back pain and headaches. After awhile it
actually is a strain to try and sit up straight.<br />
“Over time with such great repetition, you get stuck with that position and it’s hard to retrain your body.”<br />
Take Shavon Rodriquez, 26, who is a student at
Camden County College. She puts together car engines; plays flag
football in a co-ed league as well as leagues in basketball and
volleyball. Active, for sure.<br />
But it was the five years on a computer at a
mortgage company that contributed to the painful muscles in her hands
and the tense and tight muscles all the way up both arms.<br />
“It gets so bad I have trouble brushing my hair. My hand cramps up,” she said.<br />
Rodriquez said she’d be willing to slow down with
all her activities, including her close relationship with her phone.
“But I won’t stop. This is my life.”<br />
All of this sent her to Probst, the massage therapist, sometimes twice a week.<br />
In 60- to 90-minute sessions for a full massage,
Probst uses essential oils to reduce inflammation in Rodriquez’s hands
and arms — bringing the blood flow down her arms to her hands, relaxing
the nerves and loosening the wrist. She uses light to moderate pressure
to achieve a better range of motion.<br />
Probst also sees a growing number of men who
complain of back and neck pain from long hours driving. Add to that
their preoccupation with electronic devices, the result is big-time
pain.<br />
There are even skin products available for
“smartphone breakouts.” Yes. Believe it. Holding a cellphone against
your cheek repeatedly and for long periods can cause skin breakouts, not
an attractive look for a professional.<br />
Probst wants to help her clients with their pain
through massage but she also gives them “homework,” to eventually make
it less likely they’ll experience the degree of pain that brought them
to her in the first place. Clients are given instruction on stretches
and strength exercises, which have to be performed regularly to see any
results.<br />
“I talk to them about their electronic devices
and how changing their body positions can make all the difference in the
world,” she said.<br />
<br />
Posted by: Stevenswood.com: We invite you to visit our stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a listing of spa treatments performed by our Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians for information and relief from pain associated use of technology which affects our joints, muscles, & etc.</div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-36350517511525850492013-10-10T12:29:00.003-07:002013-10-10T12:43:47.254-07:00Cranial Sacral Massage Therapy<h1 class="storytitle">
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From: iphysioperth.com<br />
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<img alt="Perth Cranial Sacral Massage Therapy" class="size-full wp-image-2481 aligncenter" height="253" src="http://iphysioperth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Perth-Cranial-Sacral-Massage-Therapy.jpg" width="199" /> </div>
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<b>Massage Therapy for Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST)</b>
– is a therapy that uses gentle manual pressure to the skull, spine and
membranes. The pressure restores rhythmic flow to the cranial sacral
system including the brain, spinal cord, cerebro-spinal fluid and the
surrounding membranes. It is a type of body work that activates the
human body’s Central Nervous System. The nervous system defines the
communication between the brain and the body via the spine. This
relationship between the brain and the spine controls the entire
functioning of the human body.</div>
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<b>History of Cranial Sacral Therapy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger
first observes the rhythmic movement of the cranial sacral system during
a neck surgery in 1970. No one could explain that discovery at that
time. But Dr. Upledger was still curious and started with a research of
Dr. William Sutherland who is the father cranial osteopathy. In the
early 1900s, Dr. Sutherland achieved the concept that the bones of the
skull are structured in a way to be allowed for movement. Dr. Upledger
believed that, Dr. Sutherland’s theory of cranial movement will help to
explain the existence of the rhythm he had observed in the neck surgery.
He continued his research and confirmed the clarification of the
mechanism behind the cranial sacral system. He served as a professor of
Biomechanics by developing the cranial sacral therapy at Michigan State
University.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How It Supposedly Works </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The working procedure of the cranial
sacral therapy includes a place in the body which is called the ‘Third
Ventricle’. It is located between the right and left hemisphere in the
center of the brain. The third ventricle contains the cerebral spinal
fluid which is a liquid substance. It drops down the brain canal to
cover the whole wiring of the nervous system in the vertebral spine.
Cranial sacral therapy enhances the presence of optimal fluid when there
is a blockage to prevent the flow of fluid protecting electric wiring
of the central nervous system from the spine to the brain and vice
versa.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Potential Benefits of Cranial Sacral Therapy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your body suffers an amount of stress
and strains every day. This tightens the body tissues and distorts the
cranial sacral system. The spinal cord results in restriction from the
tension caused by the distortion. The tension can create a barrier which
will prevent a healthy performance of the central nervous system. It
will also interact with every other system potentially. The solution to
such restrictions is a light/soft touch i.e. cranial sacral therapy. The
simple methods of touch can detect the correct the restrictions. A
cranial sacral therapist can feel various locations of the body by using
his hands to evaluate the cranial sacral system. The soft touches can
help to release the restrictions in any tissues which may influence the
cranial sacral system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cranial Sacral Therapy may help alleviate a wide variety of symptoms of chronic pain or dysfunctions such as:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li class="first-child">migraines and headaches</li>
<li>chronic neck and back pain</li>
<li>autism</li>
<li>stress and tension related disorders</li>
<li>infant and childhood disorders</li>
<li>chronic fatigue</li>
<li>fibromyalgia</li>
<li>motor-coordination impairment</li>
<li>scoliosis</li>
<li>TMJ syndrome</li>
<li>central nervous system disorders</li>
<li>ADHD</li>
<li>ADD</li>
<li>learning disabilities</li>
<li>orthopedic problems</li>
<li class="last-child">It can also help in neurological impairment and strokes.</li>
</ul>
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We invite you to visit Stevenswood.com for a list of spa treatments, including cranial sacral therapy, performed by our licensed massage therapists. </div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-38888477290738643272013-09-30T11:18:00.001-07:002013-09-30T11:54:11.918-07:00When 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<br />
September 29, 2013<br />
<br />
(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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
“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.”<br />
<br />
“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<br />
<br />
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.”<br />
<br />
“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.<br />
<br />
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.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-59574978481700802872013-09-26T11:12:00.003-07:002013-09-26T11:30:05.578-07:00Benefits of Massage on Sciatic Nerve Pain <h2 class="itemTitle">
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From: http://forwardtimesonline.com/2013/index.php/lifestyle/health-beauty/item/503-benefits-of-massage-on-sciatic-nerve-pain</div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span></i><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><img alt="sciatic pain" height="320" src="http://forwardtimesonline.com/2013/images/sciatic_pain.jpg" style="border: 3px solid #ffffff; float: left;" width="400" />In
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.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">One of my massage clients, Mrs. Debra Lofton contacted me with severe pain in the lower back, <img alt="tennis ball relief" height="300" src="http://forwardtimesonline.com/2013/images/tennis_ball_relief.jpg" style="border: 3px solid #ffffff; float: right;" width="400" />leg,
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.”</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Such
massage techniques can also be practiced at home between your massage
sessions or when the pain is less severe. Follow these steps:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">This requires you to use a tennis ball.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Place it in the middle of one buttock while lying down.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Let your weight settle on the ball and cause pressure on the piriformis in the buttock muscle.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;"> Lie still while the muscle relaxes and repeat the massage treatment on the other buttock.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Rolling the ball across the gluteal muscles while lying down may also help.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Be sure the pressure does not apply to any bones.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">If you do feel sore after this treatment, apply some moist heat to the area with a heated wet towel.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Posted by: Stevenswood.com. We invite you to visit our spa treatment menu: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;">http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a variety of massages and facials performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians.</span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-85302604464960002162013-09-20T12:36:00.000-07:002013-09-20T15:28:02.800-07:006 Organic Massages for Joint Pain, Fatigue <div id="LeftData" style="min-width: 155px;">
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From: timesofindia.indiatimes.com<br />
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<img alt="6 Organic massages for joint pain, fatigue" border="0" src="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-22805972,width-300,resizemode-4/Massage.jpg" title="6 Organic massages for joint pain, fatigue" vspace="0" width="300" /></div>
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<i>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.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Massages">Massages</a>
have been around for thousands of years. There are countless
techniques, pressure styles, and movements that involve pressing,
rubbing and manipulating <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/muscles">muscles</a>
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 <span class="cm_word" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #0000FF !important; color: #0000FF !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">Western civilizations</span> when the use of touch for healing and rejuvenation was in vogue. <span class="cm_word" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #0000FF !important; color: #0000FF !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">Multiple forms</span> of massages have emerged since then and most techniques are customised for specific <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/treatments">treatments</a> - relieve pain, relax tense muscles, heal injuries, and prevent illnesses.<br />
<br />
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<tr> <td><br /></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
Dr Ritesh Kumar, <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Consultant-Physiotherapist">Consultant Physiotherapist</a> agrees, "Medical evidence shows that <span class="cm_word" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #0000FF !important; color: #0000FF !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">massage therapy</span>
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 <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/surgery">surgery</a> or pain killers."<br />
<br />
One of the few places in Delhi that offer exclusive massage therapies is Ishana Nature Spa. With their centres in <span class="cm_word" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #0000FF !important; color: #0000FF !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">Saket</span>, Chattarpur and <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Indira-Gandhi-International-Airport">IGI Airport</a>, expert therapists from <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Thailand">Thailand</a> have been called in to provide individually-tailored treatments. All their products are <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/organic">organic</a> so as to tender a pure treatment devoid of any impact on the environment. Rakhi Mahajan, Brand Director <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ishana-Nature-Spa">Ishana Nature Spa</a> who herself suffers from juvenile <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Arthritis">arthritis</a> says, "I take a session of the Moksha leg and <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/foot">foot</a> massage almost every month. It revives my feet and body fully enabling me to run around for meetings and other work."<br />
<br />
<b>What can you treat with massage therapy?</b><br />
<br />
- Anxiety<br />
- <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Digestive">Digestive</a> disorders<br />
- Fibromyalgia (Pain and stiffness in the muscles while there are no findings in the X-rays)<br />
- Headaches/Migraines<br />
- <a href="http://timesofindia.speakingtree.in/topics/health/insomnia" target="_blank">Insomnia</a> related to stress<br />
- Soft tissue strains or injuries<br />
- Sports injuries<br />
<br />
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<tr> <td><img class="gwt-Image" src="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/22806530.cms" /></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<b>Santisukh Tranquility</b><br />
<b>Duration:</b> 60 minutes<br />
<br />
Santisukh Tranquiity is a fusion treatment combining Asian massage techniques from Shiatsu, traditional <a href="http://timesofindia.speakingtree.in/topics/health/yoga" target="_blank">Yoga</a> and aromatherapy massage where the therapists use their <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/fingers">fingers</a>
and hands to apply deep pressure in the tissues. A fair amount of yoga
massage-stretching is also involved that helps stimulate <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/blood-circulation">blood circulation</a>,
induce relaxation and release muscular tension and pains. This
treatment is best suited for those who prefer a medium to strong
pressure.<br />
<br />
<b>Moksha leg and foot massage</b><br />
<b>Duration:</b> 60 minutes<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="height: 258px; width: 253px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td><img class="gwt-Image" src="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/22806839.cms" /></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<b>Gaya Energizing Massage</b><br />
<b>Duration: </b>90 minutes<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Sukham Wellbeing Massage</b><br />
<b>Duration: </b>90 minutes<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="height: 258px; width: 253px;"> <tbody>
<tr> <td><img class="gwt-Image" src="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/22806932.cms" /></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table>
<b>Mudita Moment Head massage</b><br />
<b>Duration: </b>45 minutes<br />
<br />
Mudita moment head massage is an <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Ayurveda">Ayurvedic</a>
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.<br />
<br />
<b>Nirundhara Rejuvenating Back massage</b><br />
<b>Duration: </b>45 minutes<br />
<br />
This treatment is a deep tissue massage that uses <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/black-pepper">black pepper</a>
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
Posted by: Stevenswood.com - visit our spa menu for a list of treatments performed by our licensed massage therapists and estheticians. </div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-58506889531718791682013-09-19T14:20:00.000-07:002013-09-19T14:20:35.490-07:00Power of Well Being Found in BelongingBy: Laureen Lowe-Albrecht, Orchard Park Health Care Centennial<br />
<br />
<div class="content">
<span class="paragraph-0">
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.<br />
</span>
<span class="paragraph-1">
“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.”<br />
</span>
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 <a href="http://sharecare.com/">ShareCare.com</a>.
“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.”<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
<ol>
<li>Berkman, L.F., and S.L. Syme. 1979 Social networks, host resistance,
and mortality: A nine-year follow-up study of Alameda County residents.
<em>AmJ Epidemiol</em> 109: 186-204</li>
<li>Schoenbach, VJ., B.H. Kaplan, L. Friedman, and D.G. Kleinbaum, 1986. Social ties and mortality in Evans County, Georgia. <em>Am J Epidemiol</em> 123:577-91</li>
<li>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. <em>Am J Epidemiol</em> 116:123-40.</li>
<li>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. <em>Ann Epidemiol</em> 3:325-35.</li>
<li>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. <em>J Chron Dis</em> 40:949-57.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-35273432070764687702013-09-14T11:25:00.001-07:002013-09-14T11:25:33.113-07:00Regular Massage Therapy Provides Many Benefits<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p1">
By: Elements Therapeutic Massage, Carmel, CA</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p1">
</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p1">
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.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p2">
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:</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p3">
• Increase circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p4">
• Stimulate the lymph system, helping the body’s natural defense system fight against invaders.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p5">
• Release endorphins, helping the body’s natural painkiller fight off pain and injury.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p6">
• Improve range of motion and decrease discomfort associated with lower back pain.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p7">
• Relax and soften injured and overused muscles.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p8">
• Reduce muscle spasms and cramping.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p9">
• Increase joint flexibility.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p10">
• Reduce recovery time for workouts.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p11">
• Relieve migraine headache pain.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p12">
• Reduce post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p13">
• Contribute to shorter labor during the childbirth process, which reduces the need for medication and quicker recovery.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p13">
<br /></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p14">
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.</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p16">
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. </div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p16">
<br /></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p17">
"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."</div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p17">
<br /></div>
<div class="permalinkable" id="h876941-p17">
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. </div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-58223134767108813152013-09-06T13:01:00.003-07:002013-09-06T14:46:28.303-07:00Ten Strategies for Improving Mental Wellness, Part IIFrom: Cecildaily.com<br />
By: Rich Bayer, P.h.D.<br />
<br />
Posted: <span class="updated" title="2013-09-06T04:00:00-04:00">Friday, September 6, 2013 4:00 am</span>
<br />
<div class="byline">
<span class="author vcard"><span class="fn">By Rich Bayer, Ph.D.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="entry-content" id="blox-story-text">
<div class="container" id="paging_container">
<div class="content">
<span class="paragraph-0">
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.<br />
</span>
<span class="paragraph-1">
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.<br />
</span>
<br />
<div class="encrypted-content">
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:</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<b>6.</b>
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<b>7.</b>
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<b>8.</b>
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<b>9.</b> Acceptance. The world doesn’t always give us what we want. In fact, the world can often bring us pain and suffering.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<b>10.</b>
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
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.</div>
<div class="encrypted-content">
<i>Rich Bayer, Ph.D., is the CEO of Upper Bay Counseling and Support Services, Inc. and a practicing psychologist.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Massage is helpful in stress management, visit: Stevenswood.com for a menu of spa treatments.</i><br />
<i>Posted by Stevenswood Spa Resort </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-71335766468645385082013-08-23T11:52:00.001-07:002013-08-23T11:52:25.299-07:00Tips for a Successful Couples Massage Experience: If you and your partner have been feeling a little distant lately because of life’s endless demands of your attention, there is hope available.<div class="releaseDateline">
From: Tampa, FL (PRWEB) August 23, 2013 </div>
<div class="releaseDateline">
<br /></div>
Two can experience the benefits of therapeutic, <a href="http://signaturemassagetampa.com/tampa-massage-therapy-services/" rel="nofollow" title="relaxing massage therapy">relaxing massage therapy</a> in the same room. A massage should be tailored to what each partner finds as relaxing.<br />
Couples massage comes with many benefits and the first one is
obvious. It is the opportunity to relax and take it easy with someone
special. One of the biggest benefits of couples massage is that each of
you can experience totally different massage modalities at the same
time, in the same room.<br />
<a href="http://signaturemassagetampa.com/tampa-massage-therapy-services/" rel="nofollow" title="In couple's massage therapy, two people share">In couple's massage therapy, two people share</a>
in the close personal experience of receiving a massage in the same
room at the same time with different massage therapists. Romantic
partners, friends, or family members each enjoy the same therapeutic
benefits as in a traditional massage.<br />
Each of you will review your needs with your individual licensed
massage therapist who will custom tailor the massage therapy session
exclusively to you. Conversation with your massage partner is totally
acceptable during a couples massage or if you prefer you can both relax
and quietly enjoy your massage. Our therapists will always keep their
conversation limited to periodically checking on your comfort level. You
should always feel comfortable during a couples massage, or during any
massage session.<br />
<br />
Contact: Stevenswood.com, our Stevenswood Indigo Eco-Spa offers the Love in Paradise Couples Massage, including a soak in our private jacuzzi with chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne following your couples massage. <br />
<br />
Posted by: Connie, Stevenswood Spa Director, 1-707-969-7720<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfwB-squAYkPw9ji5Q06Od3L_8Ky377UfNBsoRxlN8r4tOcHIKED22CW9W5bk45P1aMBY69Bg0SNkr4LJLY_16QbBhjdeLHOKZGJk4m6aVSjoLEeFErdJz23kpkoSrP2nmmhRzM2TIEjo/s1600/couples-massage-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfwB-squAYkPw9ji5Q06Od3L_8Ky377UfNBsoRxlN8r4tOcHIKED22CW9W5bk45P1aMBY69Bg0SNkr4LJLY_16QbBhjdeLHOKZGJk4m6aVSjoLEeFErdJz23kpkoSrP2nmmhRzM2TIEjo/s1600/couples-massage-image.png" /></a></div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-64702349777124821982013-08-03T10:57:00.000-07:002013-08-03T10:57:13.484-07:00Rockville massage therapist says take time to stretch.<div class="mod-washingtonpostarticlebyline mod-articlebyline" id="mod-article-byline">
<span>From Washingtonpost.com </span></div>
<div class="mod-washingtonpostarticlebyline mod-articlebyline" id="mod-article-byline">
<span>By Lenny Bernstein</span><span class="separator">,</span><span class="pubdate">July 30, 2013</span></div>
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<li style="height: 200px; width: 300px;"><a class="thickbox" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/07/30/LocalLiving/Images/DSC_0299-1.jpg" id="mod-article-image-link" target="_blank" title="Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique he learned from its creator, Aaron L. Mattes . Above are three stretches that Mattes says need to be held for only two seconds to achieve maximum benefit. STRETCH NO. 1: Start in this position. (Aaron L. Mattes/Stretching USA/)"><img alt="Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique he learned from its creator, Aaron L. Mattes . Above are three stretches that Mattes says need to be held for only two seconds to achieve maximum benefit. STRETCH NO. 1: Start in this position." src="http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_606w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/07/30/LocalLiving/Images/DSC_0299-1.jpg" style="height: 80%;" title="Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique he learned from its creator, Aaron L. Mattes . Above are three stretches that Mattes says need to be held for only two seconds to achieve maximum benefit. STRETCH NO. 1: Start in this position." /></a></li>
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Active Isolated Stretching: Raju Mantina practices a stretching technique… (Aaron L. Mattes/Stretching…)</div>
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Don’t tell <a data-xslt="_http" href="http://www.seemtechnique.com/">Raju Mantina</a> you can’t find the time to stretch every day. I tried, and he would have none of it.<br />
Fifteen
to 60 minutes every night before you go to bed, he says in a tone that
leaves no room for argument. “People tell me, ‘I don’t have time to
exercise and to stretch,’ ” he tells me in an accent still heavy with
the tones of his native India. “I am not one who will listen to this.
It’s a total lie.”<br />
There are a lot of massage therapists and
trainers out there. I’ve met quite a few in the more than four years
that I’ve written this column. Not many approach their work with
Mantina’s missionary zeal<br />
“Movement is an opportunity, not an inconvenience,” he tells me. “That [should be] the mentality of our entire life.”<br />
Stretching
and massage are not part of my fitness routine, but I went to see
Mantina, 57, last week at the practice he maintains in his Rockville
home. I was just back from a vacation that included four days of
strenuous hiking in southern Utah, and my legs, which are always tight,
were particularly stiff. A friend at The Post whom Mantina has stretched
and massaged for years recommended him.</div>
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When
I learned that Mantina had worked on athletes at the 2000, 2002 and
2004 Olympics and at four U.S. Olympic track and field trials, I decided
to give him a try. My skepticism waned when I saw photos of Mantina
with <a data-xslt="_http" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45451-2005Apr11.html">Kenenisa Bikele</a>,
the Ethiopian world record holder in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter runs
who is widely considered one of the greatest distance runners in
history, and <a data-xslt="_http" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42680-2004Aug28.html">Hicham El-Guerrouj</a>,
the Moroccan who holds the world records in both the mile and the
1,500-meter races. Mantina’s walls are adorned with photos and posters
of other Olympic athletes and with his credentials from those games.<br />
Mantina,
once a university-level track and field athlete in Hyderabad, India,
volunteers that he was secretly an alcoholic the entire time, for most
of his adult life in fact — a bottle-a-day drinker who had previously
worked as a gardener and run a liquor store. After he injured his back
working in his garden and received massage therapy himself, he decided
to change his career. He trained at the <a data-xslt="_http" href="http://www.pmti.org/">Potomac Massage Training Institute </a>and opened a practice. He says he has been sober for 10 months.<br />
I’ve
booked a 90-minute session of total body stretching and massage, but by
the time Mantina and I finish discussing his philosophy of movement,
stretching and massage, there are only 30 minutes left. I suggest
Mantina just work on my legs. I describe the wall stretch I do before
and after every run, the one you can find depicted in every gym in the
land. I am careful to mention that I warm up first.<br />
It doesn’t
matter; Mantina is not happy. “You are just putting a load on those
muscles,” he tells me, not stretching them. I lean over and try to touch
my toes but fall about six inches short. This has always been the case,
even when I was young.<br />
Upstairs on his massage table, Mantina
gets to work. His fingers quickly find the sore spots in my
gastrocnemius muscles, and he begins to stretch them in every direction,
explaining that he can’t do anything about my hamstrings until he
loosens my calves.</div>
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“How
are my hamstrings, compared to the average person’s?” I ask at one
point. “Terrible,” Mantina responds. At another he says: “You need to
lose some weight.”<br />
Okay then.<br />
He begins to loosen my
hamstrings, closing his eyes and leaning into them with his shoulder.
“C’mon,” he commands when he wants me to push through the pain and
stiffness a little more. “C’mon.”<br />
After 30 minutes, I stand,
enjoying the loose feeling from my achilles tendon all the way to my
hips. I bend over and am four inches closer to touching the floor. Not
bad for a half-hour’s work.<br />
Now that he’s getting older, Mantina
wants to spend more time teaching, to bring his philosophy of movement,
stretching and massage to as many people as he can. He is looking for an
assistant to take some of the load of his practice. If people would
follow his principles, especially stretching, many would feel so much
better, he says.<br />
“You are using your tools all day,” he says of
the human body. “You are cleaning them and putting them back, so they
are ready for the next day.”Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-7724498510566151042013-07-27T10:58:00.000-07:002013-07-27T10:58:20.872-07:00From: massagemag.com/News/massage-news<br />
By: Karen Menehan, Editor in Chief <br />
<br />
Some leaders in the massage field are taking steps to try and ensure
that massage becomes a greater part of the U.S. health care system, as
the implementation date of the <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/index.html" target="_blank">Affordable Care Act</a> (ACA) comes closer. A section of the ACA, which goes into effect in <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/timeline-text.html#2014" target="_blank">2014</a>,
prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against health care
providers—including those licensed as complementary health care
providers—relative to their coverage and participation in health plans.<br />
A group of Washington state massage therapists has written a document titled <a href="http://media.wix.com/ugd/866ad1_dcf69b1d9437e85c5d68ab1304fdee1b.pdf" target="_blank">"Evidence-Informed Massage Therapy is an Integral Component in the Affordable Care Act's Essential Health Benefits."</a><br />
The document summarizes "the high-quality evidence for [massage
therapy's] effectiveness in treating medical conditions and populations"
pertaining to the three (out of 10) Essential Health Benefits described
in the ACA.<br />
The authors are Marissa Brooks, L.M.P., Michael Hamm, L.M.P.,
Benjamin Erkan, Diana L. Thompson, L.M.P., and Kenneth Pfaff, H.F.W.L.,
H.P.C.U.H.G.S.<br />
"The Affordable Care Act (ACA) supports the integration of MT into
state-regulated insurance plans, both in its definitions of health care
practitioners, and in its definition of Essential Health Benefits
(EHBs)," the authors wrote, adding that two sections in the ACA<img alt="" height="0" src="http://adtrack.massagemag.com/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=623&campaignid=268&zoneid=25&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.massagemag.com%2FNews%2Fmassage-news.php%3Fid%3D14161%26catid%3Ddocument-details-why-massage-is-an-qintegral-componentq-in-the-affordable-care-acts-essential-health-benefits-%26title%3D&cb=4f8ad7d6df" style="height: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /> <br />
provide for massage therapists to provide care: "Section 2706:
Non-discrimination with respect to licensed or certified providers
acting within their scope [and] Section 3502: Establishing community
health teams that include CAM practitioners ... "
The authors also noted that of the 10 EHBs specified in the ACA,
massage therapy "has shown substantial benefit in three primary
categories: 5. Mental health and substance use disorder services,
including behavioral health treatment"; 7. Rehabilitative and
habilitative services and devices"; and 9. Preventive and wellness
services and chronic disease management."<br />
The documents reviewers include Ruth Werner, the current president of
the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). Thompson is MTF past president.
Tracy Walton, L.M.T., and Albert Moraska, Ph.D., reviewed the document
as well. The document was funded by the <a href="http://www.amta-wa.org/" target="_blank">American Massage Therapy Association's Washington chapter</a>.<br />
<br />
Posted by: Stevenswood.com. We invite you to visit http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a listing of treatments performed in our Indigo Eco-Spa by licensed/certified massage therapists and estheticians.<br />
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-2319301729153847132013-07-24T11:22:00.000-07:002013-07-24T11:39:06.393-07:00Benefits of Massage<div class="MtVideoPlayer" id="Story_CenterWell_bIStory_bIVideoPlayer_VideoPlayerPanel" style="width: 440px;">
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From: uppermichiganssource.com<br />
By: Patti Mulligan<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Health care professionals are increasingly recognizing the medical benefits of massage.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marie
Chenier of Escanaba was in a 4-wheeler accident four years ago. The
trauma of the crash left her in pain in several areas of her body,
including her hip and back. At the request of her physical therapist,
she turned to massage therapy to help her recover.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"My
hip was numb and full of knots, swollen. The message therapist was
actually able to do a deep tissue massage and get the knots out of
there, which took the swelling down," said Chenier. By relieving
pressure caused by overly tense muscles, Chenier says massage therapy
also relieved nerve pressure causing numbness in her hip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Elizabeth Thompson, massage therapist and owner of Grand Day Spa in Escanaba, said:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"When
you go to massage school, you learn about the bones, the muscles, blood
flow, lymph flow so that you know what is under that skin. You know
what to do and what not to do, so you don't hurt the person." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Margie
Haslow, physical therapist at Northwoods Rehabilitation in Escanaba,
says, "Massage therapy is very beneficial to promote elasticity in the
muscles, relieve tension and spasms. It also increases blood flow to the
tissue and injured area. So, it helps in promoting healing."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Many
people may be reluctant to seek massage due to prohibitive costs. But
some health care companies are beginning to cover the cost of massage,
if prescribed by a doctor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">After only six
treatments, Marie Chenier said her pain is almost completely gone. She
credits massage with providing the finishing touch in her recovery. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Article posted by Connie Sackman, Spa Director, Stevenswood Spa Resort. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">We invite you to visit: http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/ for a listing of spa treatments performed by our licensed professional massage therapists.</span><br />
</div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-21779008803724105652013-07-18T11:13:00.000-07:002013-07-18T11:14:14.275-07:00The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Animals and PetsFrom: Examiner.com<br />
By: Susan Stokes<br />
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Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body through stroking,
rubbing, kneading or tapping in order to increase circulation, improve
muscle tone, increase range of motion and to relax the patient. Massage
therapy has been found to be beneficial not only for humans but for
animals as well. <br />
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Animal massage therapists develop and implement treatment plans using these same
hands-on techniques based on the individual animal’s needs, and they may
work in conjunction with veterinarians.<br />
Cathy Sauer, owner of <a href="http://chasingdreamsat.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chasing Dreams LLC</a> based in New Jersey, is one such therapist. She is a member of the <a href="http://www.iaamt.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Association of Animal Massage Therapists</a>,
an association whose member technicians are trained and operate under
guidelines specifically designed to achieve the ultimate benefits of
animal massage therapy.<br />
Sauer grew up with a love for horses and animals in general. She was
a horse trainer for many years working with junior riders. During the
past 10 years, she bred Quarter Horses for Reining Cow, Working Cow and
Cutting.<br />
During Cathy’s competitive years with her animals, she noticed the
wear and tear on their bodies similar to humans as we age and are
subject to stress. She began to search for ways to help improve and
maintain the health and well-being of her animals in addition to
traditional veterinary medicine.<br />
“I became a certified animal massage therapist because I found that
massage for the pleasure horse or dog that does not compete has enhanced
their lives in so many ways," said Sauer. "The benefits they reap are
many, and massage therapy can help an older dog or horse with mobility
issues as well as many other problems.”<br />
Sauer has learned there are numerous health benefits achieved through animal massage including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Relaxation and stress reduction</li>
<li>Increased flexibility of soft tissue</li>
<li>Reduction of edema (swelling)</li>
<li>Enhancement of waste and toxin elimination</li>
<li>Maintenance of good posture and body balance</li>
<li>Prevention of atrophy (wasting) in inactive muscles</li>
<li>Improved athletic performance</li>
<li>Loosening and softening of scar tissue</li>
<li>Releases endorphins which are naturally occurring steroids in the body which act to assuage pain</li>
<li>Enhanced muscle tone and range of motion</li>
<li>Advances healing through increased flow of nutrients to injured muscles</li>
<li>Lengthens connective tissue and reduces the formation of adhesions leading to fibrosis.</li>
</ul>
She has since branched out to treat a variety of animals including cats, goats, cows, llamas and alpacas. <br />
“All types of animals can benefit from this therapy,” continued
Sauer. “It can help boost the immune system, aiding in allergies and the
stress of this summer's heat wave.”<br />
“Just be reminded that this is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for regular veterinary care,” cautions Sauer.<br />
<br />
Stevenswood Spa Resort, Stevenswood.com, offers pet massage by our certified massage therapists, 707-969-7720.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-84120836241006065042013-07-02T15:15:00.000-07:002013-07-02T15:15:17.022-07:00Scientific Proof of Massage Therapy Benefits...<div class="storyByLine" id="j_id383">
From: SippicanVillageSoup.com</div>
<div class="storyByLine" id="j_id383">
by: The Matrix Spa | July 01, 2013</div>
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<em><span class="imageByLine">Source: Brown Chiropractic & Acupuncture</span>
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Relaxation, healing & stress management, just some of the benefits of massage... </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 15px;">As you lie on
the table under soft, fresh sheets, hushed music draws you into the
moment. The smell of sage fills the air and you hear the gentle sound of
massage oil being warmed in your therapist's hands. The pains of age,
the throbbing from your overstressed muscles, the sheer need to be
touched -- all cry out for therapeutic hands to start their work. Once
the session gets underway, the problems of the world fade into an
oblivious 60 minutes of relief and all you can comprehend right now is
not wanting it to end...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">But
what if that hour of massage did more for you than just take the
pressures of the day away? What if that gentle, Swedish massage helped
you combat cancer? What if bodywork helped you recover from a strained
hamstring in half the time? What if your sleep, digestion and mood all
improved with massage and bodywork? What if these weren't just "what
ifs"?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Courtesy of massagetherapy.com and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Evidence is showing that the more massage you can allow yourself, the better you'll feel. Here's why:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Massage
as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many
cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and
for conveying compassion and support. Think of the last time you bumped
your head or had a sore calf. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? The
same was true of our earliest ancestors. Healers throughout time and
throughout the world have instinctually and independently developed a
wide range of therapeutic techniques using touch. Many are still in use
today, and with good reason. We now have scientific proof of the
benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases
and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern
lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and
mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which
occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent
therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it
can cure what ails you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The Consequences of Stress</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Experts
estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related.
Massage and bodywork is there to combat that frightening number by
helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage
brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your
life. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage
lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery
from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your
concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle
stressful situations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Massage
is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an
integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or
heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can
provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true
relaxation and peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular
"doses." Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, from the Touch Research Institute
(TRI) at the University of Miami, is known for her massage research,
along with colleague Tiffany Field. Together, they and other researchers
have done outstanding work proving the value of massage. While their
studies have shown we can benefit from massage even in small doses (15
minutes of chair massage or a half-hour table session), Hernandez-Reif
says they know from their research that receiving bodywork 2-3 times a
week is highly beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy world,
Hernandez-Reif has the answer. "I feel a daily massage is optimal."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">It's
undoubtedly a wonderful thing when your therapist begins unwinding
those stress-tightened muscles, and your day's troubles begin to fade
away. But it's the cherry on top to know this "medicine" only gets
better with frequency.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">What You Already Know: The Benefits of Massage</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">In
an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a
drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's
natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits to
receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">-
Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system,
against toxic invaders. For example, in breast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> cancer patients, massage
has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Reduces spasms and cramping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Increases joint flexibility. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> at any level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">-
Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used
in chronic illness, injury and recovery</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> from surgery to control and
relieve pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> has occurred. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">-
Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces
shortening of the muscles for those with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> restricted range of motion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">-
Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need
for medication, less depression and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Posted by Connie, Stevenswood Spa Director: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">We invite you to visit Stevenswood.com and select a massage therapy treatment from our spa menu.</span></div>
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Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-20532174382512589802013-06-22T13:08:00.000-07:002013-06-22T13:08:53.111-07:00The Benefits of Massage TherapyFrom: lasvegas.informer.com<br />
By: Joe Breen, CFT <br />
<br />
As I discussed last week there are many benefits to <a href="http://lasvegas.informermg.com/2013/06/15/the-benefits-of-massage-therapy-part-i/">adding massage therapy to your workouts</a>.
Here are some more benefits to adding these techniques. You can
lessen depression and anxiety. You can promote tissue regeneration,
reducing scar tissue and stretch marks. You can pump oxygen and
nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. You can
reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling. You can reduce spasms and
cramping. You can release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s
natural painkiller, This is very helpful when it comes to recovery,
where the true progress begins. You can also relieve migraine pain.<br />
<br />
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the
adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the
reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain
management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare
regimen.<br />
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress
related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally,
then high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in
this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt,
help manage stress. This translates into: decreased anxiety, enhanced
sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased
circulation, and reduced fatigue among other benefits. Furthermore,
clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a
massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as
vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.<br />
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-4671906306950994452013-05-09T12:11:00.001-07:002013-05-09T12:11:42.558-07:00Massage as a Complementary Therapy for ArthritisFrom: sturgisjournal.com<br />
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Massage has been relieving pain and stress since ancient
times. In fact, the Greek physician Hippocrates called medicine “the art of
rubbing.” According to an American Massage Therapy Association survey, about 48
million U.S. adults received massage therapy between July 2009 and July 2010.</div>
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Benefits: “Most of all, people with arthritis will
notice greater joint mobility, range-of-motion, and less pain and
inflammation,” says Kim Turk, director of massage services at Duke Integrative
Medicine in Durham, N.C. “Arthritic joints are often inflamed and filled with
fluids. Massage pushes those fluids into the lymphatic system, which then
flushes them into the body. So, there is often a visible reduction of fluid on
the joint, especially in the knee.” Turk is involved in a National Institutes
of Health (NIH) study that compared people with OA who had massages once or
twice a week for either 30 or 60 minutes. “The study found that one hour once a
week was optimum in relieving pain and improving function,” she says.</div>
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“When people with RA or OA have a
flare, it’s important that a massage therapist not work too aggressively,” </div>
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Posted by: C. Sackman, Indigo Eco-Spa at Stevenswood.com </div>
Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-72035502377331947862013-05-04T12:49:00.003-07:002013-05-10T16:04:08.734-07:00Benefits of Massage for Stress Reduction<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: #888888;">We all know that certain types of constant stress in our lives is not healthy. <br /><br />But did you know that recent evidence indicates that physical changes associated with stress may be one of the leading causes that contribute to heart disease and cancer.<br /><br />In addition, stress can create and/or exacerbate many physical and emotional conditions such as chronic fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, back pain, high blood pressure, and risk of stroke. <br /><br />Also stress can lead to depression, followed by anxiety, and even panic attacks!!!<br /><br />A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California recruited 53 healthy adults and assigned them to receive deep tissue, Swedish, and light touch massage. The researchers found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.<br /><br />Volunteers showed significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol. They also had an increase in white blood cells that are part of the immune system.<br /><br />What this study shows is that receiving massage actually activates the body on an internal level to respond and correct the physiological imbalance caused by stress in our lives.<br /><br />By confronting stress on a number of fronts, the benefits of massage for stress relief include relaxation of muscles, an increase in circulation, and reduction in stress related pain.<br /><br />Once your stress level is reduced, you can reclaim the energy you once enjoyed, and experience a refreshed body and mind.<br /><br />Article by: Walter Lopez, Licensed Massage Therapist, Stevenswood Indigo Eco-Spa,<br />Stevenswood.com</span><br /><span class="HOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;">
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Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-67306849933578761802013-05-02T13:08:00.000-07:002013-05-02T13:08:05.979-07:00Experience the Benefitws of Healing Massage Therapies From: Galaway Advertiser, May 2, 2013 <br />
<br />
Experience the many wonderful healing benefits of massage therapy —
an ancient art of natural medicine practised for thousands of years<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are having difficulty sleeping, frequent headaches, feeling anxious, or have low energy levels, massage can help.
<br />
<br />
<br /> <br />
<br />
Reiki Healing:
<br />
Reiki is a Japanese technique used for
stress reduction inducing relaxation and promoting healing. When our ki
(life force energy) is blocked, we become ill and find it difficult to
cope with stress. A treatment feels like a wonderful, glowing, radiance
that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person
including body, emotions, mind, and spirit, creating many beneficial
effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and
wellbeing.
<br />
Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method
of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can benefit
from. It has been effective in helping a wide range of illnesses. It
also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic
techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.<br />
<br />
For a menu of spa treatments, we invite you to visit: http://stevenswood.com/spa/spa-menu/<br />
C. Sackman, Spa Director, Stevenswood Indigo Eco-Spa Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7205335216015354866.post-56003149241210055152013-04-19T15:50:00.000-07:002013-04-19T15:50:47.452-07:00Organic Food vs. Conventional: What the Stanford Research MissedFrom: Huffingtonpost.com<br />
By: Robyn O'Brien, Analyst, Author <br />
<br />
Yesterday's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/science/earth/study-questions-advantages-of-organic-meat-and-produce.html?_r=1&ref=health" target="_hplink">report out of Stanford</a> that organic foods may not be much healthier or more nutritious than their conventional counterparts has caused quite a stir.<br />
A deeper investigation into the study reveals a few things that the researchers failed to report.<br />
While the scientists analyzed vitamins and minerals, food isn't
simply a delivery device for these things alone. We are quickly
learning in this industrialized food era that our food can be full of a
lot of other things. It has become a delivery device for artificial
colors, additives, preservatives, added growth hormones, antibiotics,
pesticides, insecticides and so much more.<br />
The term "organic" actually refers to the way agricultural products
are grown and processed and legally details the permitted use (or not)
of certain ingredients in these foods.<br />
The details are that the U.S. Congress adopted the Organic Foods
Production Act (OFPA) in 1990 as part of the 1990 Farm Bill which was
then followed with the National Organic Program final rule published by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).<br />
The standards include a national list of approved synthetic and
prohibited non-synthetic substances for organic production, which means
that organically produced foods also must be produced without the use
of:<br />
<ul>
<li class="first">antibiotics</li>
<li>artificial growth hormones</li>
<li>high fructose corn syrup</li>
<li>artificial dyes (made from coal tar and petrochemicals)</li>
<li>artificial sweeteners derived from chemicals</li>
<li>synthetically created chemical pesticide and fertilizers</li>
<li>genetically engineered proteins and ingredients</li>
<li>sewage sludge</li>
<li class="last">irradiation</li>
</ul>
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, these added
ingredients are actually what differentiate organic foods from their
conventional counterparts. Yet nowhere in that Stanford study,
comparing organic food to conventional, are these things measured.
There is no measure of the insecticidal toxins produced by a genetically
engineered corn plant, no measure of the added growth hormones used in
conventional dairy, no measure of the fact that <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/daniellegould/2012/06/26/survey-reveals-growing-consumer-demand-for-antibiotic-free-meat/" target="_hplink">80 percent</a> of the antibiotics used today are used on the chicken, pork, beef and animals that we eat.<br />
Food is not just a delivery device for vitamins and minerals, as
measured in the study, but it is also used as a delivery device for
these substances that drive profitability for the food industry. To
fail to measure these added ingredients, while suggesting that there is
essentially no difference, is incomplete at best. Some might even go so
far as to suggest that it is irresponsible in light of the fact that we
are seeing such a dramatic increase in diet-related disease.<br />
Additionally, anyone who knowingly sells or mislabels as organic a
product that was not produced and handled in accordance with the
regulations can be subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per
violation. In other words, if an organic producer were to add any one
of the ingredients listed above, they would be fined.<br />
<br />
WHY ORGANICS COST MORE<br />
Admittedly, the high price of organic food can irritate anyone. But
the scrutiny that these foods undergo is enormous and expensive, driving
prices at the cash register and for those producing them on the farm.
Why the costs? Because the cost structure on our food supply offers
taxpayer-funded resources called subsidies to the farmers using
genetically engineered seeds and saturating crops in insecticides and
weed killers, while charging the organic farmers fees to prove that
their crops are safe.<br />
That's like getting fined to wear your seat belt.<br />
So while conventional food production allows for the addition of
cheap, synthetic and often controversial ingredients that have been
disallowed, banned or never permitted for use in developed countries
around the world, organic food carries the burden of having to prove
that its products are safe -- products produced without the use of added
non-food ingredients that other countries have found controversial or
removed from their food supply.<br />
In other words, it's an un-level playing field right now. And if we
were all sitting down as a national family at our national dinner table,
I don't think that any of us would want to be using our resources this
way. Wouldn't we rather have the organic food be the one that we fund,
making it cheaper, more affordable and more accessible to all Americans?<br />
<br />
Or if given the choice, would we rather eat food hopped up on growth
hormones, antibiotics and chemical pesticides? You can answer that.<br />
And while correlation is not causation, in light of the growing rates
of cancer, diabetes and other conditions affecting our families, the
answer would appear to be "eat less chemicals."<br />
But right now, the majority of the population does not have that
choice. Food, clean from antibiotics, added growth hormones and
excessive pesticide residue, should be a basic human right, afforded to
all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status.<br />
<br />
WHERE TO START?<br />
But since the high price of organic produce and a flawed food system
that continues to charge organic farmers more to prove that their
products, produced without ingredients that mounting scientific evidence
has shown to cause harm, is still an insurmountable hurdle to the
majority of the population, especially the growing number of unemployed,
where can an American who wants to avoid these ingredients start?<br />
Start with baby steps. None of us can do everything, but all of us
can do something. And thankfully, foods without these controversial
additives and ingredients are increasingly sold in grocery stores like
Wal-Mart, Costco, Kroger and Safeway, which represent the largest single
distribution channel, accounting for <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=YtldfGaOJ5IC&pg=PA99&lpg=PA99&dq=%2238+percent+of+all+organic+food+was+sold+in+mainstream+supermarkets+in+2006%22&source=bl&ots=nTp0pXkgKU&sig=AAfeLTVcQwPPV6VBSKM-PtaiYp8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=S8xIUOzoE4fG0QGMt4DQBA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%2238%20percent%20of%20all%20organic%20food%20was%20sold%20in%20mainstream%20supermarkets%20in%202006%22&f=false" target="_hplink">38 percent</a>
of organic food sales in 2006. Look for milk labeled "RbGH-free" or
look for products without high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors.
A growing number of companies, from Kraft to Nestle, are producing
them, because their employees have kids battling conditions like asthma,
allergies, diabetes and cancer, too.<br />
So maybe you rolled your eyes at this whole thing a few years ago,
dismissing it as an expensive food fad. The Stanford study goes a long
way towards reinforcing that. But read between the lines. You are
smarter than you realize and braver than you think. And the love that
you have for your family and your country can propel you to do things
you could never imagine. So navigate the grocery store a bit
differently, get involved with a food kitchen, a community garden, a
child's school. And reach out to your legislators. They have families,
too.<br />
<br />
Because as the science continues to mount, from the Presidents Cancer
Panel to the American Academy of Pediatrics, we are learning just how
much the food we eat-- and the artificial ingredients being added to it
-- can affect the health of our loved ones.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515503407810844414noreply@blogger.com0