Discover six techniques that can safely be used on those who are experiencing the discomforts of aging, and find out five special precautions and contraindications to be aware of regarding this growing population.

by Linda Fehrs, LMT

Studies have shown that the lack of touch can lead to severe psychiatric or physical problems, and even death in infants. Among the elder population it can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and lethargy. Lack of caring touch can result in a diminishing quality of life for anyone. Babies cry out to us for touch, but the touch-deprived senior often remains silent. It is important for those in the bodyworking professions to reach out to those who perhaps need them the most.

A frail elder would be defined as someone requiring assistance in taking care of every day needs such as dressing, bathing and eating. They may not be able to move around freely on their own, perhaps needing a walker or wheelchair to assist in mobility. Often they are living with family members or reside in some kind of assisted living facility.

For the very frail client, any vigorous or deep massage is generally contraindicated. But there are also many modalities with a lighter touch that provide similar health benefits, as well as offer comfort and compassion to the recipient. For many frail elders a typical Swedish massage may be too stimulating, and care needs to be taken regarding the use of techniques that might influence the effects of medication. They may be taking medication for blood pressure, a blood thinner, insulin for diabetes or undergoing a regimen of chemotherapy. A thorough intake and evaluation is important in determining what techniques will be most beneficial to your client.

Less Invasive, Yet Effective Techniques
1. Cranial Sacral Therapy – is a gentle, non-invasive technique that uses a light touch to encourage the healthy movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This method of bodywork is used to reduce the negative effects of stress, enhance overall health and improve resistance to disease. It has also been shown to reduce problems associated with pain as well as some neurological dysfunctions, because of its affect on the brain and spinal cord.

2. Lymphatic Drainage – is used to stimulate the movement of lymph, which in turn helps to rid the body of inflammatory and toxic material. This technique uses a rhythmic, light touch to enhance the body’s own gentle pumping action within the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to enhance the immune system as well as to reduce pain.

3. Polarity Therapy – is a bodywork technique that is based on basic principles of energy. The body is gently manipulated to rebalance the negative and positive energies within the body. Polarity therapy also encourages living in harmony with nature and includes recommendations of improving ones diet and exercise.

4. Reflexology – is a modality originally based on an ancient Chinese therapy. It involves the application of pressure to specific areas in the foot, hands and ears, which correspond to various parts of the body. The applied pressure to these reflex zones in turn stimulates body organs and relieves areas of energetic congestion. Reflexology is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, and has been found to be useful in stress related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology can also be used in circumstances where areas of the body are traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct touch is contraindicated.

5. Shiatsu – a light compression technique, similar to acupressure, was developed in Japan and uses traditional acupuncture points which help to encourage the healthy flow of life energy as well as restore balance in the body. Shiatsu uses traditional five-element Chinese medicine, which shows a relationship between the earth’s natural rhythms and the human body. The technique produces a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. In turn, this helps with pain relief and the strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and discomfort.

6. Therapeutic Touch – is a non-invasive form of energy work based on ancient energy healing methods. Used mostly by nurses, it is also used by other bodywork professionals who are trained to feel or sense energy imbalances in the client. The therapist uses a light touch or holds the hand above the body, with the client generally seated. Therapeutic Touch has been used in a variety of medical situations, including the care of premature infants. It is known to induce a state of relaxation within minutes.

Five Precautions
1. Hot Stone Massage – it might seem gentle enough, but for those who are on certain pain medications, or who suffer from the effects of diabetes, they are less sensitive to heat and pain and may not be able to respond appropriately. Make sure you are well trained in this modality before using it on a frail or elderly client.

2. Accommodating Special Needs – whether the massage is conducted in your office, a client’s home, an assisted living facility, a hospital or hospice, care needs to be taken to accommodate the special needs of the individual. Preparation in the way of extra bolsters or pillows, a blanket for added warmth or lubricants for dry or fragile skin is very important.

3. Slower Mobility – depending on the modality or techniques used, you may want to limit the massage session to no more than a half hour, and allow extra time before and after the session to allow for slower mobility. Intake may take longer, your client may need more time to get undressed or there may be problems with mobility, getting on and off the table or in and out of the office.

4. Special Contraindications – would be to never work in an area that has received radiation therapy or that has a tumor.

5. The Usual Precautions Are Also Advices – such as avoiding black and blue areas, varicose or other distended veins, areas of recent surgery, rashes, etc. And if your client has a pacemaker or other implanted device, make sure you get an okay from his/her physician.

At any age massage therapy can be a benefit, but for the frail elderly it ameliorates some of the inevitable physical discomfort and pain that accompanies growing older. It helps us improve their mobility as well. Getting a regular massage helps in the emotional aspects of their lives as well. It has been shown to reduce the feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety and depression perhaps because it offers a gentle, nurturing touch to those who may live a life alone without close family or friends.

Consider providing your services as a massage therapist to nursing homes, assisted care facilities, hospitals and hospice programs. You will find it is rewarding in more ways than words can express.

Recommended Study:
Cranial Sacral Fundamentals
Healing Energy and Touch
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Polarity Therapy
Reflexology
Shiatsu Anma Therapy

Resources:

Catlin, LMT, Ann. “Serving Older Adults.” MJT Summer 2008: 111-121.

Finch, Mary Ann. Care Through Touch. New York: Continuum, 1999.

Nelson, MFA, CMT, Dawn. Compassionate Touch: Hands-On Caregiving for the Elderly, the Ill and the Dying. Barrytown, New York: Station Hill Press, Inc., 1994.

Nelson, Dawn. From the Heart Through the Hands: The Power of Touch in Caregiving. Forres, Scotland: Findhorn Press, 2001.

Rose, Mary Kathleen. “Comfort Touch: Nurturing Acupressure Massage for the Elderly and Ill.” December/January 2004. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. 14 Oct 2008 .

Posted by Editors at 02:06 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

History

Manual Lymphatic Drainage was introduced in the 1930s by the German doctor Emil Vodder for the treatment of immune disorders such as chronic sinusitis. While treating chronic colds they noticed that many of their patients had swollen lymph nodes. Although at the time the lymphatic system was poorly understood by the medical profession at the time, the Vodders developed careful hand movements to cause lymph movement and introduced Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Paris in 1936.

Migraine: The pain is on one side only, radiating mostly from the eye area, the pain is constant and can last for hours or days. Migraine appears to afflict people who are as one specialist describes “usually perfectionists, who want everything done just so and exactly on time.” This emotional stress may be the case in most instances.
Migraine can in some cases be linked with structural problems as well as emotional issues.
Jaw misalignment and injury to the coccyx can be the cause.
Some migraine sufferers respond well, when treated with the Bowen therapy NST and Bio- chemic tissue salts.

The common headache seems to be traceable to
Stress, work overload, inflexibility, emotional problems
Clenching jaw, grinding teeth, jaw misalignment, eyestrain, dehydration, hunger, lack of oxygen, incorrect work posture, old injury, food intolerance, toxins, pressure from air conditioning vents, perfumes, odours, new furnishings, tight glasses, mobile phone earpieces wireless connection, noise, yellow lights , personal worry, issue with work or people at work, illness, sinus, high blood pressure, medication, eyesight problems.
More often than not it is a combination of physical discomfort and emotional tension. Stress

Thousands of sufferers have experienced relief once they become aware and understand what they are doing to their body
Self awareness
Discussing your problems with a GP or trained therapist will help.

1. Eat and drink properly.
2. Get plenty of exercise, fresh air, laughter & fun
3. Avoid as much as possible, useless and needless worry, try relaxation or meditation.
4. Do you feel frequent resentment, anxiety or disappointment? Try to modify your standards a little. It is important to get satisfaction out of what you can have and can do.
5. Learn to be less frantic about minor details at work. Many people have days when they feel worn out and irritable and try to drive themselves beyond their limits, on these days delegate as much as you can to others till you feel you have the drive and energy to take over again.
6 You can’t change other people, you can only change yourself and your reactions to others; once you change yourself you will see the difference in others.

In short, all headaches can be a useful warning for you to make large and small changes in you life and learn how to live sensibly, give your body good nutrition, plenty of water & fresh air, exercise and sunlight, reduce stress and look forward to enjoying good health into a ripe old age.

The following headache relief technique and tips are extracts from my self help website www.click2revive.co.uk

Lights; Yellow flickering lights can be the problem asks for them to be changed for white light or daylight bulbs were ever possible. If you work near a window or have light in your eyes this will make you screw up your eyes which leads to tension, move your work to a different position.

Air conditioning vents; when you sit directly under air conditioning vents the cold air is being pressed onto your head it will start to feel like a ton weight by the end of the day. Move your work station if possible.

Incorrect working posture; sitting correctly when working on your computer will lessen the strain on you neck and shoulders this will help to reduce headaches, bad posture also restricts your breathing when you are slouched over you lungs can’t expand correctly and you don’t breath out fully so toxins cant be eliminated; Do some deep breathing and sit upright when working. www.click2revive.co.uk

Dehydration: Drink more water, when you work in air conditioning you need to drink little and often you are not aware of how much moisture you lose and the odd cup of tea is not enough, aim for at least 6/8 glasses per day plus your usual beverage, tea & coffee act as a diuretic try drinking a glass of water as you wait for the kettle to boil that way you will quench your thirst and then you can really enjoy that cup of coffee

Eye strain; Get you eyes tested; constant close work can change your eyesight

New building and furnishings; Can give off gasses, with sensitive people this can cause headaches: If you are doing any decorating at home or if there is new paint in your work place or furnishings; take an onion and chop it into quarters leave it on a plate in the room it will absorb the toxins and smells from the paint etc. leave for a few days then throw it away.

To help relieve a headache
Methods
1)
Use your fingertip or thumbs to press the area, press deep into the skin, rotate in small circles in the located area. You may feel some soreness, minor discomfort, tingling or tenderness. Each point is pressed firmly for approximately one minute as you press the point do some deep breathing, then stop pressing the point for five seconds repeat the procedures and work each point till relief is felt, you can work each point for up to 20 minutes. Drink a glass of water before and after treatment to re-hydrate the body and assist removal of toxins. Aim to drink at least 6 glasses of water per day.
2)
This point is situated in the depression level with the outside corner of the eye
Use two fingers on either side of your temple, press gently but firmly, rub in small circles.

You will find this point at the back of the skull.
Follow the two large vertical neck muscles up to the base of the scull where you will find two hollows.
Use three fingers and press gently but firmly and rub in small circles.

This point is situated at the back of the head in the middle of the base of the scull where there is a hollow.
Use one or two fingers and press gently but firmly, rub in small circles.

Rub a drop of lavender or peppermint on the middle of your forehead and on both temples

Have a large glass of water and do some deep breathing
Breathe in and hold for the count of 4 then slowly breathe out to the count of 8. Gentle rub the back of your neck and head as you breathe out.

As you can see that people who suffer from migrines find it hard to deal with, Massage can help to decrease the pain and pressure on the head. This is most helpful to staff when they are in an office as this helps them get on with their work rather than taking off to go home.

for all your corporate, onsite, workplace massages and sport events please visit www.therapy4u.biz

* There are many other therapies that will help you to relax i.e. Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Shiatsu, Massage, Yoga, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Bowen NST to name but a few.

Joyce Hardy Holistic Practitioner MICHT Hol.Dip. BTAA.IIAHS.MFHT
www.therapy4u.biz
© copyright 2008 Joyce hardy

What to do about HEADACHES
Are you one of the many people who experience recurring headaches?
Experts now believe that nearly all headaches are due to either the effects of muscle tension or dilated blood vessels in the head or to a combination of both.
About 90% of headaches are part of the body’s response to physiological and emotional stress, most of which you can help to control.
About 10 % of people suffer from headaches that are caused by organic troubles i.e. Infections, tumours, high blood pressure, Visit your GP to check any possible underlying medical disorders if you are suffering headaches which have not responded to self help.
Tension headaches; quite often start in the base of the skull or the back of the neck and spread all over the head
Posture problems usually set this type of headache off. Computer operators, book-keepers, draftsmen, factory worker, drivers etc who stare intently and bend over their work, staying in the same position for too long, this causes the neck and head muscles become rigid and go into spasm.
This can cause constriction of the blood vessels and their network of nerves, the decreased circulation then adds to the pain of the muscle spasm, you then have a headache.
Many of these problems can be eliminated by good posture and short breaks throughout the day, which will revive the body and get the circulation flowing.

Corporate massages, workplace or onsite massages are the best thing for staff as this helps them relax and when they relax more work can be done.
www.therapy4u.biz
Visit my free self help website www.click2revive.co.uk

© copyright 2008 Joyce hardy

CARPAL TUNNEL PAIN AND REFLEXOLOGY

Do you suffer from pain in your wrist, hands, arms or fingers? Could you describe this pain as “a tingling numbness feeling?”

Does this pain keep you from enjoying the things you need or want to do? It’s most likely you have developed “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. “
Reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet, hands, body and ears, which correspond to all organs, glands and systems of the body. The physical art of applying specific pressures using thumb, finger, and hand techniques result in physiological changes. Whysong Reflexology™ takes in the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Searching for the core issues to help release this restricting dis-ease.

When treating carpal tunnel with reflexology you work the feet, wrist, back, shoulders and neck area. Clients say they can feel a tingle release and go up there arm or down the arms from the neck.

During 1998, an estimated three of every 10,000 workers lost time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Half of these workers missed more than 10 days of work.

The average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker.

Reflexology combined with Asian study could pay an enormous part in discomfort of the wrist area. We have six meridians that run through our wrist. Each meridian has many points of action in it, but the main one is called a source point. This is an area that when touched, reflexed, massaged can adjust the whole meridian. These points are located on the brink of the wrist.

One of these meridians is the lung meridian. The source point Lung 9 the lung meridian is in the radial groove at the wrist fold. This is a good reflex location for wrist conditions, asthma, coughing, chest pain and the emotion of grief connected to the lung meridians. Lungs gather the heavenly chi in the course of the breath. Breathing is the first thing we do when we are born and the last thing we do before we die.

The Lung Meridian travel up from the chest area and along side of the thumb. Pain in the thumb could be a chi disorder, or due to lung involvement or/and due to the paired meridian the large intestine. Or in this area could be that of carpal tunnel and the Ulnar /Median nerve.

Flexibility – Theories
Keep your mind flexible and open to theory. The more theory the more chances at finding core issues to the problem area. Chose prevention before it’s too late.

You too can learn how to apply this technique. You don’t have to be a therapist to have an interest in helping yourself, loved ones and your friends. Class available on DVD distance training course that you can view and review until you are comfortable to apply it with the skills to make a difference.

Master Helen Whysong has been a therapist in good standing since 1992, she is the director of Whysong Reflexology a Distance Training Center in Mesa AZ since 2000, author of S.O.A.P. Notes for Clinical Reflexology, One Step Beyond, and more.

This article was posted by Helen Jeanne Whysong

Why would you want to buy foot massagers? Most people feel that it’s really a waste of money, when you can avail the same benefits in a professional saloon. Well, if you are one of those who think that, then just think about how many times have you been to the saloon in the past month?

Most of us are constantly running around trying to get things done through out the day; we hardly get time! And when we do get time; we prefer to catch up on our beauty sleep rather than go to a saloon. So when do we really get a foot massage done? Almost never! As a result, we face problems like varicose veins, oedema and other problems in our old age.

When you buy foot massagers, you are actually investing in your future. Let’s have a look at the benefits:

* A good foot massage will enhance your blood circulation. This helps in eliminating the accumulated toxins in cells and increasing the flow of nutrients to the cell. As a result your feet will have no problems related to swelling and poor circulation.
* If you are a heart patient, then a relaxing foot massage can do wonders for your stress levels. Researches reveal that patients report a significant decrease in the stress levels after a foot massage.
* According to the principle of acupressure, there are some strategic points in the feet which can help in eliminating problems, pains and aches in other body parts.

These days a lot of research goes into the designing of most foot massagers. Hence when you buy foot massagers then you are actually getting scientifically designed equipment which can relieve your stress and make you feel young again. You can even multitask! While you read, watch a movie, or even talk on the phone your foot massager is happily massaging your troubles away!

If you have decided to buy a foot massager, you may be wondering which one is right for you. Well, there is one site I’ve found that can help. Visit Personal Foot Massager Review and read about the best 3 foot massagers out on the market!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rin_Otori

Learn about a Japanese study confirming that a specific type of massage can have measurable results for lowering cholesterol levels.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Most massage therapists are knowledgeable about the range of benefits possible from their work. While the ability to deliver pain relief, induce relaxation and assist with healing injuries are some of the well-known strengths of massage therapy, the internal organs and tissues can also benefit. Although most people assume massage primarily influences muscles, tendons and fascia, research from Japan proves yet another way massage therapy supports a healthy body. In addition to medications, dietary changes and regular exercise, Japanese researchers have shown that massage therapy also has a place among approaches to reduce cholesterol.

About Cholesterol
A natural component of the body’s cells and blood, cholesterol is a soft waxy fat. An essential part of a healthy body, excessive amounts of cholesterol in the blood increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. With too much cholesterol circulating in the blood, sticky clumps of plaque can attach along the artery walls, eventually capable of obstructing or blocking the flow of blood to the brain, heart and other organs. Heredity appears to make some more susceptible to high blood cholesterol, but increasingly sedentary lifestyles combined with diets high in saturated fats appear to be the main culprits.

The ranges and corresponding risk levels for total blood cholesterol are:

· Normal = 140 – 200 mg/dL

· Moderate Risk = 200 – 240 mg/dL

· High Risk = over 240 mg/dL

In general, total cholesterol is composed of three types of lipids: low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides (TRI). Often referred to as the protective kind of cholesterol, HDL differs from the other two types of lipids because high levels of HDL are desirable. These three types of fat have a complex relationship and the level of each one is important when determining a person’s state of health. In general, high cholesterol is characterized by elevated LDL, normal or low levels of HDL and normal or elevated TRI.

Keeping Cholesterol Levels Healthy
The causes of high cholesterol are so variable; there are few health conditions or poor lifestyle habits that could possibly be excluded. Physicians usually advise the following adjustments to help bring cholesterol levels back to a balanced state:

1. Weight Reduction – If overweight, even small amounts of weight loss can shift cholesterol ratios to reduce total cholesterol. Weight loss is typically accompanied by lowered triglycerides and increased HDL levels.

2. Exercise – Regular physical activity by itself both reduces the risk of death from heart disease and enhances the effects of diet on LDL cholesterol levels. Moderate exercise three to five times per week can help lower blood pressure, promote weight loss in overweight individuals, reduce LDL and triglyceride levels and produce favorable levels of HDL.

3. Diet – Instead of foods high in calories, saturated fat, trans fatty acids and cholesterol, eating foods high in fiber, rich in antioxidants and abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce total cholesterol.

4. Stop Smoking – In addition to increasing blood pressure, decreasing exercise tolerance and increasing the tendency for the blood to clot, tobacco use also lowers the favorable kind of cholesterol, HDL.

Besides these lifestyle changes, physicians commonly prescribe medications to those with high cholesterol to prevent the accompanying risks. However, research from Japan demonstrates massage may be another valuable addition to help reduce cholesterol.

The Study
In an effort to evaluate the effects of massage on anxiety, the immune system and blood cholesterol levels, Japanese researchers examined participants receiving Anma massage before and after a 25-minute session. Results of the study compared baseline measures to post-massage measures, and there were significant improvement in all areas. As determined by blood tests, participants had lower total cholesterol levels after receiving Anma massage.

By focusing on the entire body, the subjects received a fully clothed Anma massage that combined pressure, friction and touch with deep tissue bodywork. The practitioners used the following techniques: effleurage, kneading with whole hands and kneading with thumbs along the muscle. Each massage followed a specific order, beginning with the head and neck, then moving to the shoulders, back and hips, upper limbs and the lower limbs. Study participants were asked to let the massage therapist know the most comfortable level of pressure.

An Explanation
Although the researchers did not propose a mechanism by which massage reduces total cholesterol, there is a reasonable explanation. Massage therapy’s relaxation of the autonomic nervous system is likely behind the seemingly miraculous effect of massage over cholesterol.

When stressed, a person’s internal body chemistry changes. As part of the autonomic nervous system’s fight or flight mechanism, one of those changes involves a release of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Thus, repeated life stressors keep the autonomic system active and continually flood the blood with cholesterol. Through the relaxation effect, massage can actually end the fight or flight response. By stopping the autonomic nervous system from pumping cholesterol into circulation, a person’s cholesterol level and subsequent risk for heart disease drops.

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 106.7 million adults in the United States have total blood cholesterol values of 200 mg/dL and higher. To help bring their cholesterol back to a healthy range, lifestyle changes and medications are typically combined. Likely a result of the autonomic nervous system’s reaction to massage, Japanese researchers have supplied proof that massage therapy is a viable option for reducing high cholesterol.

Recommended Study:
Shiatsu Anma Therapy

References:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4506, Cholesterol Statistics, Retrieved January 2, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4545, Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease, Retrieved January 2, 2009, American Heart Association, 2009.

http://www.innerworksmassage.com/cholesterol.html, Putting Cholesterol in its Proper Place, Jane Christ, Retrieved December 30, 2008, b.savvy magazine, February/March 2004.

http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jcam/2/1/59/_pdf, The Effects of Massage Therapy on the Immune, Hematological and Psychological State of Adult Subjects, Hiroko Kuriyama, et al, Retrieved December 31, 2008, Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2005.

http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=4909&catid=238&title=research-exclusive-massage-boosts-mood-immune-function-and-relaxation, Research Exclusive: Massage Boosts Mood, Immune Function and Relaxation, Retrieved December 29, 2008, Massage Magazine, December 2008.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypercholesterolemia-000084.htm, Hypercholesterolemia, Retrieved December 29, 2008, University of Maryland Medical Center, 2009.

Posted by Editors at 04:13 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org