Name: Basil Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly campherous.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.]

Constituents: Linalol, Fenchol, Eugenol, Methyl chavicol, Beta-caryophyllene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Safety Information: Use sparingly with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content. Avoid in cases of liver problems. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 120.] Avoid during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 186.]

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Bay Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pimenta racemosa

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Deep Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin - Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Medicinal, fruity, spicy, herbaceous aroma.

Possible Uses: Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains, strains. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: Eugenol, myrcene, chavicol, methyl eugenol, linalool, limonene. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 195.]

Safety Information: Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 121.]

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Benzoin Essential Oil.

Botanical Name: Styrax tonkinensis.

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted.

Color: Golden Brown.

Consistency: Very Thick, Hard to Work With.

Perfumery Note: Base.

Strength of Initial Aroma: Light.

Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, slightly woody, creamy, vanilla.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis, stress. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.].

Constituents for Benzoin from Siam: Coniferyl benzoate, benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 222.].

Safety Information: Possible skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis. [Leung, A.Y. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, 64 as cited in Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 222.].

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Mastering the locations and indications of over 400 acupressure points on the body can be an overwhelming task. Our experts highlight 10 of the most effective points on the body, explain how to find them and describe the benefits of these points.

The human body is like a map with key points that, when pressed, can stimulate the body’s natural healing and self-curative abilities. Acupressure, the more than 5,000-year-old healing art of using the thumb and fingers to press on these key locations, is one of the most effective complementary modalities a massage therapist can employ. Acupressure can release muscular tension, promote circulation of both the blood and the body’s vital energy (Qi) and enable the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens the body’s resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

The Qi of the body is produced in the internal organs and circulated through the body in the energy channel system known as meridians (pathways). The meridians are extensions of the 10 internal organs and contain specific acupressure points along each pathway. The points are sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily. Stimulation of these points with pressure releases endorphins. Endorphins are the neurochemicals that close the “gates” of the pain-signaling system. The closing of these gates prevents painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.

Acupressure points can be located easily via anatomical landmarks that either lie underneath major muscle groups or near a bony structure. Points are located by proportional measurements called a “cun” — one cun is approximately equal to one thumb’s width. In order to assure accuracy, the width of the recipient’s thumb is the best determination of this measurement. After locating the point, the therapist stimulates it by pressing directly on the muscular knot of tension or directly into the hollow or indentation near the bone with the thumb or the fingers. Points that are painful when pressed are considered to be areas where excessive energy has accumulated. Points that welcome touch are considered to be areas of energy deficiency. Points are typically addressed bilaterally.

John Hickey, author of the Institute for Integrative Healthcare’s Shiatsu Anma Therapy program, gives the following instruction for applying specific pressing techniques to acupressure points:

“Ordinary pressure is considered tonifying to the point and can be used in excess or deficient energy conditions. Locate the point and with moderate pressure, gradually press directly into the point with the thumb at a 90-degree angle from the surface of the skin, hold for a few seconds and then release, gradually. To address points that feel painful or excessive, perform a stronger more dispersing technique using the tip of the thumb and applying a deeper, stronger pressure to break up the excessive and stagnant energy in the point. Hold the point until the excess energy is released. To address energy deficient points, and to encourage more Qi and blood to the area, use the flat part of the thumb, relax the hands, and use moderate pressure on the point to draw energy into the area.”

The Chinese names (translated into English) assigned to the acupressure points on the meridians can serve as a powerful meditation tool and can help establish the intention of your work. By pressing a point, silently repeating its name, breathing deeply and visualizing the point’s benefit, both you and your client can realize the full potential power held in each point.

There are hundreds of effective acupressure points that influence the functioning of the body. Ten of the most common and useful points to facilitate health are described below:

1. Lung 1, “Central Treasury”
Location: On the chest, 6 cun lateral from the midline, at the level of the first intercostal space, 1 cun below the lateral extremity of the clavicle.

• This is the collecting point for all the energy of the lungs.
• Helps the lung Qi to descend downward in the body to connect with the kidneys.
• Supports the lungs.
• Addresses acute coughs, asthma and a tight chest.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and upper back.

2. Large Intestine 4, “Union Valley”
Location: In the dorsal web space, between the first and second metacarpal bones, approximately level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. Also – on the highest point of the bulge formed when the thumb is adducted.

• This is the command point for the face, mouth and head.
• Treats sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, sore throat, fever and toothaches.
• Strengthens the body’s defensive Qi and is helpful for colds, sneezing, runny nose and sore eyes.
• Alleviates pain in the shoulder and arm.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

3. Kidney 1, “Gushing Spring”
Location: On the sole of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, one-third the distance from the webs of the toes to the heel.

• This is a very important point for grounding, connecting with the earth and rooting the energy downward.
• Helpful to calm someone who is in a disturbed state of restlessness or shock.
• Useful for headaches, anxiety, hypertension, diarrhea and insomnia.

4. Bladder 23, “Back Shu Point of the Kidney” or “Sea of Vitality”
Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

• This point is a powerful place to strengthen both the yin and yang kidney energy.
• Helps strengthen the lower back and knees.
• Builds core energy.
• Helps the body replenish during times of personal transformation.
• Alleviates low back pain and fatigue.
• Fortifies the digestive organs and the immune system.

5. Liver 3, “Great Surge”Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, approximately 2 cun superior to the web margin.

• This point is the source point of the liver meridian.
• This is a thoroughfare for Qi activity.
• Releases pent up energy that causes anxiety, anger, irritability, tension headaches, depression and PMS.
• Liberates energy that is caged.
• Smoothes energy that is aggressive and edgy.
• Nourishes tendons and ligaments by alleviating tightness, tension and spasms.
• Particularly effective in conjunction with Large Intestine 4.

6. Gallbladder 30, “Jumping Circle” or “Jumping Round”
Location: In the gluteal region, 1/3 the way along a line drawn from the greater trochanter to the inferior end of the sacrum.

• Benefits the low back and all leg joints.
• Strengthens and comforts the low back and leg.
• Alleviates sciatic pain, hip pain and rheumatism.
• Relaxes tendons and restores joint mobility.

7. Heart 7, “Spirit Gate” or “Mind Door”
Location: On the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the insertion of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris into the pisiform bone.

• Calms the mind when overactive thinking is the culprit.
• Relieves insomnia due to overexcitement.
• Relaxes and eases anxiety.
• Reduces heart palpitations by regulating the heart and strengthening the spirit.

8. Small Intestine 11, “Celestial Gathering”Location: In the depression of the scapula half way between the left and right borders of the scapula and 1/3 the distance down from the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle of the scapula.

• Alleviates soreness of the shoulder and back.
• Reduces rigidity of the neck.
• Helps pain and numbness in the arm.
• Helps gather scattered or manic Qi in the body
• Sorts the real from the dream and the authentic from the inauthentic.

9. Spleen 6, “Three Yin Intersection”
Location: Three cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, less than a finger’s width posterior to the border of the tibia.

• This is the meeting point of the three yin channels (spleen, kidney and liver).
• Important for treatment of all gynecological, sexual, urinary, digestive and emotional imbalances.
• Nourishes and builds the blood.
• Use in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, headaches, menstrual cramps, abdominal distention/pain and diabetes.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

10. Stomach 36, “Leg Three Miles”
Location: Three cun below the inferior border of the patella, one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. There is a small notch next to the tibia at this point.

• Ancient physicians said working on this point could treat all diseases.
• Chinese foot soldiers used to halt every three miles and massage Stomach 36 for renewed energy.
• Restores and builds energy in the stomach and spleen.
• Strengthens the stomach and improves digestion.
• Indicated for all digestive disturbances including gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
• Alleviates abdominal pain, distention, coldness and numbness in the legs.

The best way to learn more about these points is to begin practicing on yourself. Daily practice will result in noticing a slight pulse at the point. This pulsation is a good sign that circulation has increased. Start adding some of these highly effective points in with your massage routine, explaining to your clients what you are doing and why. Take care to avoid those points that are contraindicated during pregnancy on an expectant mother. The body’s vital energies concentrate inward during a treatment, so to maximize healing, be sure to keep your clients warm and advise them to stay warm following a session.

The body has many more effective acupressure points that can address different imbalances. There are specific points along either side of the spine which reflexively influence every organ in the body. Watch for a follow up article addressing these powerful points on the bladder meridian.

Recommended Study
Shiatsu Anma Therapy

References:
1. Carey, Donna and de Muynck, Marjorie. Acutonics: There’s No Place Like Ohm, Sound Healing, Oriental Medicine and the Cosmic Mysteries, Devachan Press, 2002.
2. Gach, Michale Reed. Acupressure’s Potent Points, Bantam Books, 1990.
3. Hickey, John. Shiatsu Anma Therapy, Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, 2005.
4. Lundberg, Paul. The Book of Shiatsu, Simon and Schuster, 2003.
5. Tedeschi, Marc. Essential Anatomy for Healing and Martial Arts, Weatherhill, 2000.
6. Xu, Xiangcai. Chinese Tui Na Massage, YMAA Publication Center, 2002.

Posted by Nicole at 04:33 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Looking for suggestions for your next massage on a client with lateral epicondylitis? This article gives a summary of the massage techniques used to help this injury from three experienced and prominent therapists.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a very common disorder of the lateral proximal forearm. While it has an athletic sounding name, tennis elbow can affect anybody participating in an activity that places excessive and repetitive stress on the wrist extensors, flexors, supinators or pronators.

Tennis elbow can cause severe tenderness on the lateral side of the elbow. The affected area becomes painful during extension, flexion, supination or pronation of the wrist, or finger extension. The pain becomes more obvious if resistance is offered against one of these movements.

Massage therapists are often recruited to help during recovery from tennis elbow. Below are summarized lists of massage therapy protocols for this disorder by three prominent practitioners. Incorporating the methods used by others with your personal experience can be an excellent combination to create your own effective therapeutic routine.

According to Whitney Lowe, LMT, NCTMB, in the Assess & Address column in Issue 109 of Massage Magazine, choose your massage techniques for tennis elbow in these sequential steps:

1. Do compressive effleurage, general sweeping and cross fiber techniques to reduce tension and enhance tissue mobility.
2. Perform deep compression broadening strokes to the wrist extensor muscles. Compression broadening techniques enhance the ability of the fibers to spread and broaden as they go into concentric contraction.
3. Lengthen the tissue by using longitudinal stripping of the posterior forearm muscles.

Art Riggs, Certified Advanced Rolfer, CMT, in the book Deep Tissue Massage, offers the following guidance when treating someone with tennis elbow:

• Have the client lift his/her wrist against your resistance to determine the specific location of the strain pattern.
• Focus massage on the supinator muscle, as it is a common culprit of tennis elbow.
• Soften all of the arm muscles, including the lower triceps.
• Design a conservative stretching and strengthening program for your client. It is important to begin modestly and increase intensity of this program slowly.
• Instruct your client to refrain from the offending activity.
• Frequently apply ice to tender forearm muscles.

In the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies Sports Massage manual with James Mally, ND, additional suggestions for tennis elbow are given:

• Apply cross fiber technique to the extensor tendons near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
• Apply ice after the cross fiber friction massage for 10 to 15 minutes, until numb.
• Use Soft Tissue Release by pressing into tender spots along the extensor muscles while the client flexes his/her wrist and fingers.

While a massage therapist is just one professional that may be consulted to treat lateral epicondylitis, it can be an extremely effective choice. The information provided above is intended to give you some ideas so that you can formulate your own tennis elbow treatment plan.

There is a possibility that deep massage, stretching and strengthening of vulnerable tissue can perpetuate an injury, so proceed with caution. Caution entails having a full understanding of the disorder you approach, enlisting cryotherapy, communicating with your client, beginning conservatively (both in duration and intensity), advancing slowly and consulting with other healthcare professionals when needed.

Recommended Study
Sports Massage

Posted by Nicole at 05:41 PM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Preparation for this seasonal change can maintain health and balance during the chilly months that lay ahead. This comprehensive approach to wellness includes six detailed methods (from acupressure to food choices) that will keep us in alignment with the cycle of nature.

The fall equinox, September 22, 2005, announces the first day of autumn, when day and night are of equal length. The cooler temperatures and shortened daylight hours following the fall equinox signal the growing predominance of yin. This time of year, both animals and plants become more yin, turning inward to build up the stores of nutrients they will need to get them through the long winter. Trees store nutrients as sap, which descends down the tree, and animals store nutrients as fat, converting everything they eat into that which will protect them from the cold and be converted into energy when food sources are scarce.

Autumn brings on a time when our vital energy also becomes more yin, moving downward and inward, to be replenished, nourished and refined. As in nature, we also must prepare for the oncoming winter months by strengthening our immune system, the body’s defense against colds and flu, which are often brought on by the change in seasons.

The Metal Element

According to Chinese Five Element theory, each season is represented by an element in nature. The metal element is associated with autumn and represents the mineral ores and salts in the earth. Metal is formed and contained deep inside the earth, where high temperatures and pressures cause molecules in molten magma to separate into homogenous layers. Some layers cool quickly into volcanic basalts, while others condense gradually into minerals and ores. Others stack themselves in precise lattice-like structures to form crystals. This process of separation pushes away impurities and molecules of dissimilar composition, forming metals that are pure and distinct.

In the body, metal manifests as the organs and meridians of the lung (yin) and large intestine (yang). The lungs and large intestine, when healthy and in balance, absorb and transform food and oxygen, utilize the food and oxygen’s essence and release what is not needed. An internal weakness in the metal element can result in problems associated with these organs, such as breathing or elimination difficulties. According to Chinese medical theory, the lung and large intestine perform the following functions:

The Lungs

• The lungs purify the air that we breathe. During inhalation, the lungs extract the purest essences from the air and distribute them throughout the body while eliminating impurities through exhalation. Impaired function of this aspect of the lungs can result in breathing difficulties like asthma and general fatigue.

• The lungs defend the body from pathogenic invasion by distributing protective or defensive energy to the body’s surface. This is primarily accomplished through the opening and closing pores to maintain thermal regulation of the body. Dysfunction of this aspect of the lungs can lower immunity, resulting in colds and flu.

• The lungs keep the body dry by dispersing fluids. Fluids that accumulate in the body are dispersed through the skin’s pores as perspiration and through the bladder as urine. When the lungs fail to disperse excess fluids, dampness can accumulate, causing the mucus and phlegm associated with colds and flu.

• The energy of the lungs can be evaluated in the quality of the skin and body hair, be they moist or dry, elastic or limp, shining or dull, soft or rough.

The Large Intestine

• The large intestine separates solid wastes and impure essences and eliminates them in the form of feces.

• Dysfunctions in the large intestine can result in constipation, diarrhea or an inability to “let go” of situations or attitudes. Poor intestinal elimination may affect the skin, another area of the body governed by the metal element.

Acupressure

Tonify and strengthen the metal element through the lungs and large intestine by performing acupressure on Lung 1 and Large Intestine 4. View the previous article Ten Highly Effective Acupressure Points for application and location information.

Emotions and Autumn

As the energy descends during autumn, the lungs and large intestine can be affected on an emotional level. Grief, sadness and depression are possible manifestations of this energetic shift. Just as high temperatures and pressure within the earth transform molten magma into gold and other minerals, the sadness and grief within our lives must be transformed into learning experiences from which we grow our courage and wisdom.

In the action of letting go we face our grief and mourn our losses. Through our losses and honoring our grief we derive strength and the courage to persevere. Although emotionally painful, this process can bring many gifts, crystallizing the essence of what is most important to us. Grief reminds us of how much love we can feel, and there is no greater strength than this deeply humanizing experience. Transforming grief by releasing it keeps our metal element in a healthy state of balance.

Resolve, the gift that comes after grief, is the recognition of what we still have; it is the pure gold that is transformed from the ashes, the distilled essence of what we have and what we can never lose.

Keeping ourselves emotionally healthy can positively impact our physical health. Understanding the connection between physical and emotional health can help us seek courage, strength and clarity to embrace the natural process contained in the energies of autumn.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

As the daylight hours decrease and the weather becomes cooler, people generally spend more time indoors and at home, participating in more relaxed leisure activities. The lessening of physical activity has a profound effect on the lymphatic system and our immunity to colds and flu. Through inactivity, the immune system becomes sluggish and fails to adequately move stagnant fluid out of the tissues and into the lymphatic vessels and nodes where it can be purified by lymphocytes.

Lymphatic drainage massage (LDM) is an excellent means of assisting in this process. A massage therapist performing LDM moves his/her client’s skin in different directions: lengthwise, horizontally and diagonally. These movements, which stretch the microfilaments just below the skin that control the openings to the initial lymphatics, allow interstitial fluid to enter the lymphatic system while stimulating the lymph vessels to contract. Fluids are propelled forward through the lymph vessels and away from tissue areas where fluid has pooled from inactivity. LDM stimulates the lymphatic vessels to contract more frequently.

As the lymphatic fluid flow is enhanced, the body is put into a parasympathetic state, which slows the heart rate and breathing, relaxes muscles and allows organs to resume normal functioning. A deeper, more relaxed rhythm of breathing occurs during this massage and the therapist can work simultaneously with the client to perform specific breathing techniques that rejuvenate the lungs and increase the body’s defensive vital energy via the lungs.

Breathing Techniques

Inhalation nourishes every cell in our body, while the exhale eliminates byproducts and waste that no longer serve us. Every breath offers the opportunity to cleanse and purify the body. The two breathing techniques below can be done separately or combined to ensure maximum expansion of the lungs.

• Abdominal Breathing: Massage therapists can assist their clients with this exercise. Begin by breathing normally. Slowly direct the focus of breathing to the abdomen. Place your hand lightly on the client’s abdomen and ask them to inhale and expand the belly to push your hand upward. At this time, the diaphragm sinks downward, allowing the lungs to expand more fully. When exhaling, the shoulders drop, the chest sinks inward, the diaphragm rises and the belly should contract gently and easily. This action pushes the stale air out through the lungs. Do this exercise for at least three minutes.

• Yin/Yang Breathing: Make a loose fist with the index and middle fingers of the right hand, leaving the thumb and last two fingers extended. Using the ring and pinky fingers, gently close off the left nostril and breathe deeply in through the right. At the top of the inhalation, release the left nostril and close off the right one with your thumb. Exhale slowly and smoothly. At the inhalation, breathe in deeply through the uncovered left nostril. When complete, open the right nostril and close the left one again with the last two fingers, exhaling deeply and slowly through the right nostril. Do this exercise for two to four minutes.

Autumn Diet

Autumn offers an array of fruits and vegetables that can support the lungs and large intestine as well as our overall health. A week of juice cleansing in early autumn will provide a boost of energy and may eliminate any potential illnesses by flushing out excess toxins. Fresh fruit juices in the morning and vegetable juices in the afternoon or evening are ideal.

Since it is autumn, grapes are harvested and prove to be a fine cleanser, harmonizer and tonic for both the lungs and large intestine. Juice the dark grapes in a juicer with organic apples and pears or oranges, or eat them as a snack during the day. Balance the sweetness of the grapes by drinking a glass of lemon water.

Pungent foods penetrate the lung and large intestine, where they can be used in combination with other foods to affect various disorders in those organs. Eating warming pungent foods in moderate amounts such as garlic and onions, chili peppers, horseradish, fennel, anise, dill, mustard greens, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, rosemary, scallions, cloves, ginger, black pepper and cayenne can disperse excess dampness in the lungs and large intestine. Cooling pungent foods like radishes, cabbage, marjoram, white pepper, parsnips and turnip roots can help balance excess heat in the lungs and large intestine.

Eating root vegetables in season can strengthen deficiencies and support the lungs and large intestine. Sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, radishes, ginger, garlic and onions are plentiful in the autumn and help to consolidate the lower body energy so that it doesn’t become too dispersed. Baking and/or roasting foods like squash, pumpkin and meats help draw heat energy into the foods to keep our bodies warmer in the winter months.

Those foods that congest the large intestine are sweets (cookies, cakes, etc.), cheese, noodles and breads. To keep the large intestine healthy and balanced, eat ample foods that lubricate this organ such as nuts (pecans, brazil, walnuts), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) and oils made from seeds (sunflower, sesame, olive). To support the large intestine, include soups that are made from the pungent food groups, roots and squash, which are also plentiful in the autumn.

Exercise and Meditation

Because the energies of nature are turning inward and becoming more yin, it is important to concentrate more on staying relaxed and loose. Stretching, calisthenics, yoga, tai chi and qigong all keep the body flexible and the energy moving during this season and can be done indoors during the cold months. Meditation is also valuable during the autumn to quiet the mind and regulate our breathing. Setting aside 15 to 30 minutes each morning to focus on abdominal and yin/yang breathing can contribute to strengthening of the body’s vital energy.

Change is a recurring process in nature and in our lives. Adapt to this change in season by taking advantage of lymphatic massage, acupressure, eating seasonal foods, exercising and meditating. These proactive lifestyle suggestions can support the immune system, the lungs and the large intestine helping to maintain our health and vitality during the autumn months.

Posted by Nicole at 05:48 PM |
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

An estimated 42 percent of Americans process calcium deposits. These bumps can be found in many different areas of the body and range from barely noticeable to painfully obtrusive. Although their diagnosis is beyond the scope of practice for massage therapists, professional bodyworkers can learn how best to handle clients with calcium deposits.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Calcinosis is the development of hard calcium deposits that form on the skin or in the body. There are four main types of calcinosis: dystrophic calcinosis, metastatic calcinosis, iatrogenic calcinosis and idiopathic calcinosis.

1. Dystrophic calcinosis is the most common type of calcium deposit, where people do not have a higher than normal level of calcium and phosphate in their blood. Calcification tends to occur around the site of a recent surgery or wound. Simple acne or minor cuts may cause dystrophic calcinosis, which usually occurs in the presence of damaged skin or other soft tissues. Tissue damage from autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma can result in calcinosis around the damaged areas. An injured joint or a tumor can also damage surrounding tissue, prompting the formation of calcium deposits. Dystrophic calcinosis typically results in calcium lumps localized to the area of tissue damage. However, some autoimmune disorders that result in damage to soft tissues in multiple areas may cause a systemic distribution of calcinosis lumps.

2. Metastatic calcinosis is caused by the presence of too much calcium and/or phosphate in a person’s blood. As a result, calcium deposits tend to build easily in various locations throughout the body. The main cause of metastatic calcinosis is a failure of the kidneys to rid the body of excess calcium and phosphates. Some other causes of metastatic calcinosis include:

· Overstimulation of the thyroid gland that can produce excessive calcium and phosphates in the blood supply.

· A deficiency of magnesium, a mineral required for proper calcium absorption.

· Diseases that destroy bone tissue, like Pagets Disease, or various bone cancers that cause metastatic calcinosis.

3. Idiopathic calcinosis may arise in children born with birth defects of the soft tissues. Some conditions, like Down’s syndrome, increase vulnerability to calcium deposits.

4. Iatrogenic calcinosis is usually localized to a single site where tissues have been damaged through surgery. For example, children who undergo frequent heel sticks to withdraw blood may develop calcium deposits on their heels.

Locations
While the pathology is not fully understood, there are many locations calcium deposits are found:

· If scar tissue calcifies, old injuries can result in calcium deposits. This is most typical on tendons and bone.

· Scleroderma, dermatomyositis and systemic lupus are all autoimmune diseases that can involve the development of calcium deposits, typically in the fingers.

· Calcific tendonitis is a condition that causes the formation of a small calcium deposit within the tendons of the rotator cuff.

· Calcium deposits can form in the blood vessels causing stiffening and contributing to atherosclerosis. This is not the type of calcium deposits a massage therapist would feel.

What Does It Feel Like?
Most early calcium deposits are very soft, but after a long time, they dry up and become chalk-like, sometimes even turning into bone. The probability of a massage therapist palpating a calcium deposit will depend on its location. A likely location is on the anterior border of the tibia, a bone prone to bumps and bruises. These likely will be felt under the skin, yet are attached to the bone.

Working with Calcinosis
Because most massage therapists are not licensed to diagnose medical conditions, it is important to have a client confirm the cause of any bodily lumps and bumps with his/her physician. An evaluation by a primary care physician can rule out anything more serious than a calcium deposit.

When the therapist knows the encountered bump is a calcium deposit, take relief in knowing that they generally are not dangerous. However, as the size of the deposit increases, it can put pressure on surrounding structures, causing inflammation and pain. As long as massage does not irritate the calcifications, they can be ignored.

Of interesting note to the massage therapist is that calcium deposits generally form at the body’s weakest points. Therefore, arthritic joints are highly prone to developing these protrusions. This knowledge can prompt the massage professional to find out more about a particular location, which may enhance the therapeutic purpose of a session. For example, being aware of a calcium deposit on the knee may prompt asking a client whether any pain or weakness exists around the joint. A positive response may indicate focused work on the musculature supporting the knee to relax any tightened muscles and increase circulation around the weakened joint.

The more knowledgeable massage therapists are about the anomalies they encounter, the more safe and effective treatment they can administer. While calcium deposits do not pose imminent danger to bodywork, a massage therapist will gain confidence in understanding why the bump might be there, and how they can provide the most therapeutic massage possible.

Recommended Study:
Advanced Anatomy and Pathology

References:

Werner, Ruth, LMP, NCTMB, Cysts, Cysts, Cysts!, Massage Today, November 2006.

www.askwaltstollmd.com, Calcium Deposits, Dr. Walt Stoll, 2006.

www.ezinearticles.com, Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Deposits, Jeremy Low, calcium.articlekeep.com, 2006.

www.orthopedics.about.com, Calcific Tendonitis, Jonathan Cluett MD, About Inc., 2006.

www.wisegeek.com, What is Calcinosis?, Tricia Ellis-Christensen, Conjecture Corporation, 2006.

Posted by Editors at 11:56 AM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Approximately one-third of Americans have heartburn at least once a month, with 10 percent experiencing it daily. In addition to seeking a physician’s guidance, massage therapy can also help a person with this uncomfortable condition. Learn what massage modalities can assist individuals suffering from heartburn.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Heartburn is a burning discomfort in the chest or throat resulting from stomach acid contacting and irritating the lining of the esophagus. It is an expression of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a phenomenon caused when contents from the stomach rise into the esophagus, much like water bubbling up into a sink from a plugged drain. While occasional episodes are likely not indicative of GERD, frequent heartburn should always be evaluated by a doctor. The exact symptoms and sensations of heartburn vary from person to person, though the most prominent characteristics of heartburn are:

· a bitter, sour or acidic taste in the mouth
· feeling partially digested food or liquid rising from the stomach to the mouth
· burning chest pain, often behind the breastbone
· bloating, belching and nausea
· chronic cough
· stinging, hoarseness or sore throat
· an increase in severity of pain when lying down or bending over

Physiology
To break down food, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid. While the stomach’s lining protects it from this potent acid, the esophagus does not share the same protection. Thus, heartburn is the burning sensation felt when hydrochloric acid enters the esophagus.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is the muscular valve connecting the esophagus and stomach. The LES is a high-pressure zone that acts as a barrier to protect the esophagus against the backflow of gastric acid from the stomach. If the LES relaxes or malfunctions, it allows stomach acid to flow upward into the esophagus. Normally, the LES works like a dam, opening to allow food to pass into the stomach and closing to keep food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing contents of the stomach to reverse direction. While medical experts are uncertain why this happens, a loss of muscle tone in the LES results in the inability to close completely after food empties into the stomach. A complex segment of smooth muscle under the control of nerves and various hormones, dietary substances, drugs and nervous system factors can impair LES function.

Tips to Minimize Heartburn
Since many factors can affect stomach pressure and LES tone, there are a myriad of ways to minimize heartburn.

· Elevate – Lying down worsens the burning discomfort associated with indigestion and heartburn. By elevating one’s head when reclining, gravity promotes the downward flow of digestion for preventing regurgitation. During a massage session, massage therapists can place extra pillows under a client’s head for a similar effect.

· Dietary avoidances – Suggest clients abstain from food or drink that increases acid secretion, decreases LES pressure or slows the emptying of the stomach. Known offenders include alcohol, chocolate, carbonated beverages, fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, spicy foods, mints, tomatoes, oranges and other acidic foods and drinks.

· Quit smoking – One more reason to kick the habit, nicotine stimulates stomach acid and impairs LES function.

· Relax – Massage and other relaxation methods prevent and relieve heartburn by reducing abdominal pressure. Additionally, stress can increase sensitivity to refluxed acid, reduce pain thresholds and increase the frequency and severity of heartburn symptoms.

Warnings
While heartburn is generally not considered dangerous, it can be mistaken for a more serious condition. If heartburn is persistent and severe, it could be a symptom of GERD. Untreated, GERD can cause or contribute to a wide range of problems, including peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia or even esophageal cancer. Fortunately, many of these complications can be avoided with proper monitoring from a health care professional.

The pain caused by heartburn and heart attack can be so severe that both patients and doctors have a difficult time distinguishing one from the other. In fact, sophisticated equipment is generally necessary to determine whether patients are suffering from a heart attack or not. Experts advise seeking immediate medical attention if chest pain, or other heart attack warning signs, lasts for more than a few minutes. The following details the differences between heartburn and heart attack:

Heartburn
· A sharp, burning sensation just below the breastbone or ribs
· Although it is possible, pain generally does not radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms
· Pain usually comes after meals
· Rarely accompanied by a cold sweat, lightheadedness or dizziness

Angina or Heart Attack
· A feeling of fullness, tightness, dull pressure or pain generally in the center of the chest
· Pain may spread to the shoulders, neck or arms
· May be accompanied by a cold sweat
· Might experience lightheadedness, weakness or dizziness
· Shortness of breath
· Nausea and possible vomiting

Seek immediate medical attention if you or a client experiences any warning signs of a heart attack.

Shiatsu for Heartburn
By applying various pressure techniques to specific locations, shiatsu can quiet the nervous system, calm a churning stomach, slow increased acid production activated by stress and alleviate the burning symptoms of reflux. Practitioners of this specialized form of massage agree that the most useful points to ease heartburn, are:

· Stomach – Stomach 41, 42 and 43 are used to decrease stomach acidity.

· Pericardium – Pericardium 6 relaxes the chest, helps digestion flow downward and reduces nausea.

· Liver – Liver 3 reduces anxiety, decreases stomach acidity and minimizes pressure on the stomach from constricted abdominal muscles due to stress.

· Additional points – Conception Vessel 17 promotes the downward flow of energy in the chest. Spleen 4 is used for calming a rebellious stomach.

Odds are that a significant percentage of clients in any massage practice struggle with either occasional or frequent heartburn. While diagnosing and treating this condition is beyond the scope of practice for massage therapists, being familiar with its symptoms, physiology, tips to improve symptoms, warnings and beneficial massage locations will ensure your client receives the best care possible.

Recommended Study:
Shiatsu Anma
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology

References:

www.ehow.com, How to Use Shiatsu for Heartburn, eHow, Inc., 2006.

www.healingwell.com, Natural Remedies that Work: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Jini Patel Thompson, HealingWell.com, 2006.

www.heartburnalliance.org, All Q & A, National Heartburn Alliance, 2006.

www.massagemag.com, Heartburn Solutions, University of California Wellness Letter, Massage Magazine, Inc., 2006.

www.mercksource.com, Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease, Harvard Health Publications, 2006.

www.worldwidehealth.com, Heartburn, Rita Louise, PhD, WorldWideHealth.com, 2006.

Posted by Editors at 09:30 AM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

The primary means used by massage therapy organizations to ensure the integrity and competence of its professional advancement is through continuing education. Learn about the terminology most commonly used by licensing organizations and boards governing the field of massage therapy and continuing education.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Understanding the terminology of your professional recertification requirements can take a load of worry off your shoulders. Depending on your renewal guidelines, there is likely to be a pile of rules to abide by, exams to pass, applications to complete as well as continuing education (CE) programs to fulfill. In the field of massage therapy, most state licensing boards and professional organizations use CE hour as the measurement for mandated continuing education.

Joining the ranks of all reputable healthcare fields, licensing and professional institutions have been steadily increasing the number of CE hours required. Some examples of continuing education requirements include:

· The NCBTMB requires a total of 48 CE hours every four years.

· Florida licensed massage therapists must complete 24 CE credits every two years.

· Texas requires 6 CE hours every year while Iowa requires 24 every two years.

· Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) certified members must complete 16 CE hours every two years.

Although the continuing education requirement is standard practice for most massage therapists, there remains confusion regarding its acceptable unit of measure. Within a majority of massage therapy organizations requiring continuing education, each hour of instruction is equivalent to one CE credit. Below are five definitions clarifying CE terminology:

1. One CE credit is 60 minutes of instruction.

2. One CE hour is 60 minutes of instruction.

3. One clock hour is 60 minutes of instruction.

4. One contact hour is 50 minutes of instruction.

5. One continuing education unit (CEU) is equal to 10 contact hours. CEUs are rarely used for massage therapy continuing education requirements. The term “CEU” is sometimes used conversationally albeit inaccurately.

When setting out to responsibly fulfill your CE recertification or renewal requirements, make sure you are going about it correctly. Unless specified otherwise, most massage therapy institutions mandate continuing education using the CE hour measurement.

For further information about your CE requirements or approved courses to help you meet them, please visit www.HomeStudyCredits.org or check directly with your board.

References:

www.abmp.com, About Membership, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, 2007.

www.doh.state.fl.us, Renewal Requirements, State of Florida, 2007.

www.dshs.state.tx.us, Massage Therapy Licensing Program, Texas Department of State Health Services, 2007.

www.iacet.org, Continuing Education Units, International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 2007.

www.ncbtmb.com, Requirements for Recertification, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 2007.

www.idph.state.ia.us, Iowa Board of Massage Therapy Examiners, Iowa Department of Public Health, 2007.

Posted by Editors at 03:47 PM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Incorporating a postural evaluation in each client assessment can help bodyworkers customize massage sessions. Learn why and how this skill can maximize client benefits and satisfaction.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

After giving a countless number of massages, it is easy to fall into the habit of performing the same routine on each client. When a client does not have a particular complaint, most therapists have a tendency to rely on a familiar work rhythm. Although many people seek massage therapy solely for relaxation, conducting a professional assessment, including postural evaluation, extends the benefits of your work beyond relaxation to target their specific needs.

A tool designed to identify structural imbalance, postural evaluation is a reliable method of customizing a treatment plan to facilitate a deeper level of healing. Since structural imbalances often underlie chronic pain and dysfunction, correcting the imbalance can be a long-term solution for chronic musculoskeletal imbalance.

Evaluating a client’s posture includes knowing what to look for and then deciphering the meaning of what you see.

What to Look For
Here are 20 questions to consider when evaluating a client’s physical characteristics.

When looking at the feet, ask:

1. Are the toes clenched?
2. Is the weight on the outside/inside of the feet or balanced over the ankles?
3. Are the feet pointed in or out?
4. Are one or both ankles falling in?

When looking at the knees, ask:

5. Do the knees point forward, together?
6. Are the knees directly under the hips or closer together than the hips?
7. When the client is standing with their feet hip-width apart and asked to bring the knees forward as if they were going to sit, do the knees remain in the same plane or do they move outward or inward?
8. Are the knees locked, straight or slightly bent?

When looking at the torso, ask:

9. Is one iliac crest higher, farther forward or backward than the other?
10. Is the waistline straight or is one side higher than the other?
11. Are the hips forward over the feet or behind the feet?
12. Does the low back sway forward or is it straight as a board?

When looking at the upper body, ask:

13. Is the upper back rounded forward or are the shoulder blades pulled back?
14. Is one shoulder higher or more forward than the other?
15. Do the arms hang evenly?
16. Do the scapulas stick out or are they close to the back?

When looking at the neck and head, ask:

17. Does the head tilt to one side or the other?
18. Does the neck go one way and the head the other way?
19. Can you draw a straight line from the top of the head through the nose, chin, and navel to the mid-point between the feet?
20. Is the head forward, backward or right over the shoulders?

Symmetry
Characterized primarily by symmetry, ideal alignment is when the feet are directly under the hips and knees, while the torso, shoulders and neck are balanced over the hips with minimal muscular activity to hold this upright position. The knees and feet should point straight ahead, and the client’s weight should be symmetrically balanced over the feet. From the side you should be able to draw a line perpendicular to the floor straight through the ear, shoulder, hip and ankle. Indicative of misalignment, any deviance from symmetry represents either a current or eventual problem.

The Next Step
Once a postural deviation from normal is identified, the next step is to identify the muscles involved. A working knowledge of anatomy will make this an easy task. Keep in mind that misalignment leads to more stress in certain areas of the body, just as when a car’s tires are in need of balancing. Certain areas will incur greater stress and wear out faster, especially under stress or trauma. After identifying the misalignment, the massage therapist must determine which muscles are abnormally stretched and which are shortened before choosing the most effective techniques to correct the imbalance. Neuromuscular therapy is one such massage technique traditionally used to restore balance to the musculoskeletal system.

Identifying the Cause of a Postural Imbalance
When applied correctly, massage techniques can restore a client’s ideal alignment. While this is good news for bodyworkers, there is one more step that must be taken – figuring out how the problem started. Detective work is often needed to determine where the poor posture originated from. Since the way we carry ourselves is a culmination of our experiences, emotions, traumas, strengths and weaknesses, a practitioner must typically recruit the client’s help to identify the cause of a postural imbalance.

A typical cause of bad posture is tense muscles, which will pull the body out of alignment. In general, being conscious of maintaining proper posture, as well as finding a way to release stress will help many people maintain their realignment. However, a lifestyle or ergonomic adjustment such as changing from a purse to a backpack, or sitting in a chair of proper height, may be necessary.

Postural evaluation is an extremely valuable skill for any massage therapist to have. For bodyworkers striving to break beyond the limits of “relaxation only” to provide therapeutic and individualized massage sessions, learning to perform and utilize postural evaluation will help bring their practice to the next level.

Recommended Study:
Anatomy Review for Professionals
Neuromuscular Therapy

References:

www.backandneck.about.com, Ideal Alignment, Anne Asher, About, Inc., 2007.

www.biotone.com, Three Ways to Improve Your Massage, Sean Riehl, Biotone, 2007.

www.massage2wellness.com, Key points when looking at posture, Dr. Christopher Napoli, massage2wellness, 2007.

www.spine-health.com, Guidelines to Improve Posture, John Schubbe, DC, Spine-health.com, 2007.

Posted by Editors at 02:54 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org