What do humans walk or run on? Yes, that’s right, feet! It’s our feet that help us to run, walk and achieve all the goals of our lives. And it’s the feet which hurt the most at the end of a long day! Earlier, our forefathers had people who pressed and massaged their feet. They had saunas and steam baths which helped in rejuvenating them. However, these days when a visit to a beauty parlor costs money and almost half your salary, people don’t really get time to take care of their feet. As a result, they have all sorts of problems from edema to varicose veins and painful soles. However, thanks to the increasing popularity of the vibrating foot massager, most people no longer are facing these leggy issues!

Here are some advantages of a vibrational massage:

* It helps in relaxing your feet and hence reducing your stress.
* Stiffness and the muscle tension is relieved.
* Its particularly useful in healing sprained ligaments, strained muscles and swelling.
* It also relieves muscle spasms and aids in enhancing flexibility and range of motion.
* It also helps in enhancing athletic performance.
* Helps in enhancing the blood circulation and lymph fluids movement.
* Since it aids in relieving stress, it also helps in reducing blood pressure.
* You get a relaxed state of mind and your immune system is strengthened.

There is vibration in every atom of the universe. Hence, a vibrating foot massager only helps in the synchronization of these vibrations and helping your muscles to achieve a complete state of harmony.

Find the perfect vibrating foot massager for you! Personal Foot Massager

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

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

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

Pain management techniques are as diverse and far ranging as the areas of the body pain impacts. Massage represents the safest, most effective component of a multi-disciplinary approach to pain management. Discover the options available to your clients in addition to your valued services.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Dealing with chronic pain is big business for healthcare practitioners in the 21st century. An April 2005 nationwide poll conducted by Stanford University Medical Center, ABC News and USA Today found that more than half of Americans suffer from chronic or recurrent pain, and of those surveyed, 25 percent reported back pain as a significant disability. This translates into more than 11 million Americans being significantly impaired by chronic and recurring pain, and more than 2.6 million being permanently disabled by back pain alone.

Time is repeatedly proving that chronic pain has the best outcome when a multi-disciplinary program is followed. This indicates that pain relief finds clients seeking treatment from a variety of sources. The installment of pain management centers across the country have tapped into this success by combining a facility with physicians, pharmacists, rheumatologists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, nutritionists, fitness trainers, chiropractors and of course, massage therapists. Massage therapists can further expound upon the multiple modality approach by utilizing an array of techniques to shift clients out of their pattern of chronic pain.

There are three primary categories in which pain management focuses:
· Non-invasive, non-drug pain management
· Non-invasive, pharmacologic pain management
· Invasive pain management

Non-invasive, non-drug pain management
There is a wide variety of noninvasive non-drug pain management techniques available for treating chronic pain. A few of the most widely accepted in comprehensive pain management programs are the following:

· Exercise—physical exertion with the aim of training or improvement. This can include strength training, water therapy, flexion exercises and aerobic routines involving active, passive and resistive elements. Exercise is necessary for proper cardiovascular health, disc nutrition and musculoskeletal health.

· Manual techniques—manipulation of affected areas by means of chiropractic adjustments, osteopathy, massage therapy and other tactile applications. Manual techniques use physical touch to alter tissue morphology, structure and function. The primary goal is increasing local circulation through muscle/ joint elongation and oxygenation.

· Behavioral modification—use of behavioral methods to optimize patient responses to pain and painful stimuli. Cognitive therapy involves teaching the patient to alleviate pain with relaxation and coping techniques. Biofeedback involves the gradual alteration of neuromuscular signals for symptomatic improvement.

· Cutaneous stimulation —superficial heating or cooling of skin. These pain management methods include cold packs and hot packs, and yield the best results when used in conjunction with exercise and other circulatory methods.

· Electrotherapy —the most commonly known form of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS therapy attempts to reduce pain by means of low-voltage electric stimulation that interacts with the sensory nervous system.

Non-invasive pharmacologic pain management

Pain relievers and related drugs are used at every stage of western medicine’s treatment for chronic pain. The most common noninvasive pharmacologic treatments for chronic back pain are:

· Analgesics—includes acetaminophen. Long-term use involves risk of kidney damage.

· Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)—includes aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and the controversial COX-2 inhibitors.

· Muscle relaxants—used to treat muscle spasms due to pain and protective mechanisms.

· Narcotic medications—most appropriate for acute or post-operative pain. Since the use of narcotics entails risk of habituation or addiction if not properly supervised, they are seldom used for chronic conditions.

· Antidepressants and anticonvulsants— primarily used to treat nerve pain. However, an increasing number of physicians are experimenting with their use for all kinds of chronic pain syndromes.

Determine how client medications influence massage with a comprehensive, easy to use reference chart.

Invasive pain management techniques

Invasive techniques in pain management involve invasion of instruments and devices into the body. In general, surgery is not included in pain management, so invasive pain management techniques typically are less traumatic to the body than surgery. Some of the most popular invasive pain management therapies include:

· Injections—direct delivery of steroids or anesthetic to nerve, joint or epidural space. Injections into the facet, peripheral nerve, trigger point and other locations are also known as “blocks”. These may provide relief of pain (often temporary) and can be used to confirm diagnosis.

· Prolotherapy—injection of a solution to stimulate blood circulation and ligament repair at the affected site.

· Surgically implanted electrotherapy devices—implantable spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and implantable peripheral nerve stimulators. This is essentially an internal TENS device.

· Implantable opioid infusion pumps—surgically implanted pumps that deliver opioid agents directly to an affected nerve. Typically a last resort, this technique carries a high risk of addiction.

· Radiofrequency radioablation—deadening of painful nerve via heat produced by a specialized device.

Massage Therapy’s Role

Massage therapy’s role in pain management can be substantial. Fitting into the safest category with the best long-term outcome, massage is an excellent, non-invasive, non-drug, pain management, manual technique. Analogous to the overall pain management approach of inter-disciplinary healing, the reliance on a variety of massage techniques will give your client the greatest chance for pain relief. In order to visualize this approach, begin by imagining a stream filled with debris that prevents water from flowing downstream. With the goal of increasing water flow, one could choose from the following strategies:

· Physically removing the debris
· Digging a trench around the debris to encourage flow
· Opening an upstream dam to naturally force the debris through
· Pulverizing the debris

A comprehensive approach to increase your success rate would be combining all of the above. A massage therapist can take advantage of this comprehensive approach by relying on a variety of massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, Reflexology, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, reiki, or acupressure. In addition to collaborating with other healthcare professionals, diversifying within one’s own field will amplify your effectiveness. When choosing to enter the ever-growing market of pain management, keep all of these integrative concepts in mind for the ultimate benefit to your clients and your practice.

Recommended Study:
Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Pharmacology for Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu Anma Massage, and Swedish Massage for Professionals.

References:

www.abcnews.go.com, Poll: Americans Searching for Pain Relief, Gary Langer, ABC News Internet Ventures, May 2005.

www.spine-health.com, Pain Management Techniques, Spine-Health.com, 2006.

Posted by Editors at 01:35 PM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org <http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/>

Polarity therapy has established itself as an effective system of alternative healthcare. Founded on similar physical concepts, adding chromotherapy to polarity-based bodywork is likely to enhance client results. What is chromotherapy?

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

For centuries, a select group of alternative healthcare practitioners have known that colors can dramatically affect health, inner harmony and emotions. Although those trained within the conventional medical model may doubt the efficacy of color therapy, or chromotherapy, a surprising number of success stories have surfaced touting the ability of color to impact human health. As the science behind chromotherapy is uncovered, it is easy to recognize it’s parallel with polarity therapy. Since polarity therapy and chromotherapy are both deeply routed in the basic laws of vibrational physics, these two modalities make a logical union.

Chromotherapy
Based on the premise that different bands of the light spectrum produce different effects in the human body, chromotherapy is known as a vibrational healing modality. When color and light strike an individual, they influence that same vibration present in the body.

The set of frequencies related to musical notes demonstrates how the vibration of color can influence the human body. If two properly tuned guitars are in the same room and the G string is plucked on one guitar, the G string on the second guitar will also ring. This phenomenon occurs because the sound frequency of the G note travels across the room causing the resonant frequency of the G string on the second guitar to sound. Likewise, the body’s organs have their own resonant frequencies associated with each chakra and meridian. Well known to physicists, the electrically charged molecules composing living tissue is always vibrating. Thus, chromotherapy practitioners can tune their clients for optimal wellness by exposing chakras and meridians to the color needed.

Some of the properties of color that render it a potential healing tool include:

· A property of light, color is electromagnetic energy.

· Different colors of light have different wavelengths.

· The shorter the wavelength, like violet, the faster it vibrates; the longer the wavelength, like red, the slower it vibrates.

Creating resonance between the body’s vibrating electromagnetic particles and the desired color’s vibration helps chromotherapy recipients achieve a more healthful state.

Chromotherapy in Practice
Applying the principles of chromotherapy, a therapist can utilize light and color in various forms. Some of its more common applications include projecting colored light onto certain areas of the body, suggesting colored visualizations and incorporating various colored materials into a session. Each basic color used in chromotherapy is associated with a different chakra and relates to different physical and emotional issues:

· Red – Red stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respiration and blood pressure and excites the sexual glands. It energizes the first chakra located at the coccyx. Warming and energizing, red is appropriate for someone who is tired, cold and has poor circulation.

· Orange – The color of joy and wisdom, orange energizes the second chakra located at the sacrum. Regarded to stimulate the appetite, orange is beneficial for illnesses of the colon and digestion.

· Yellow – Related to the solar plexus chakra, yellow energizes, lifts the mood, improves memory and can improve digestion.

· Green – Affecting the heart chakra, green is calming to the central nervous system. A good color for cardiac conditions, high blood pressure and ulcers, green also benefits those suffering from depression and anxiety.

· Blue – The color of the throat chakra, blue is a good color choice to influence respiratory or throat difficulties. Calming and cooling, blue may help counteract hypertension.

· Indigo – Related to the brow chakra, indigo can improve problems with the sinuses and face. It has also been used to help heal burns and reduce pain.

· Violet – Associated with the crown chakra, violet is cleansing, strengthening and peaceful. Affecting the skeletal system, it is often used therapeutically to improve immunity, arthritis and relieve headaches.

Polarity Therapy
Polarity therapy is a natural health care system that is also based on the human energy field. Relying on the constant motion of molecules, polarity therapy is aimed at balancing the constant pulsation of energy between positive and negative poles. These poles create fields and energetic lines of force throughout the body. Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of polarity therapy, explains that a disturbance in this energetic system causes a departure from good health.

By incorporating energy mapping of the five natural elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) and the seven primary energy centers or chakras, polarity therapy encourages each energetic field to achieve unrestricted, optimal vibration levels. A polarity practitioner adds their own energy to a disordered field, to create vibration in unison. Known in physics as a Bose-Einstein Condensate, creating vibratory unison allows a dysfunctional organ to work more effectively. Similar to understanding entropy in quantum physics, proponents of polarity therapy acknowledge that healing occurs as energetic order is restored to systems that had previously been disordered.

Polarity in Practice
Mostly using very gentle types of bipolar contact, polarity bodywork involves many techniques. Characteristic of polarity, bipolar contact is when a practitioner uses the fingers of both hands to energetically and functionally link related areas of the body for energy movement. Methods used include cranial holds, rocking movements, techniques similar to reflexology and some osteopathic and chiropractic influenced moves. However, polarity therapy always emphasizes energetic work over manipulation. Since forceful manipulations are not part of polarity therapy, it is suitable for elderly and frail clients.

Whether practicing polarity therapy or chromotherapy, bodyworkers have the opportunity to put their physics knowledge to good use. For a Western science trained, analytical mind, both modalities are logical ways to influence well-being. If proficient in both chromotherapy and polarity, practitioners can combine the two to increase the therapeutic effectiveness of their sessions.

Recommended Study:
Polarity Therapy

References:

http://healing.about.com, Color Therapy – Chromotherapy, Phylameana lila Desy, About.com, Inc., 2008.

Rowen, Robert Jay, MD, 9 Alternative Health Scams, Second Opinion Publishing Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, 2002.

www.biopulse.org, Color Therapy, Association Alternative Medicine, 2008.

www.polaritytherapy.org, Polarity Therapy: An Introduction, Will Wilson, American Polarity Therapy Association, 2008.

Posted by Editors at 12:36 PM

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

May is Stroke Awareness Month. This is a good time to learn how bodywork can play a valuable role in helping to prevent stroke in those who are most vulnerable, and help victims recover with dignity. Of the five million stroke survivors in the United States, more than three million have some resulting disability or degree of impairment. Discover three complementary therapies that have been shown to help in stroke recovery and rehabilitation.

by Linda Fehrs, LMT

Every 45 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. It is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer and the number one cause of adult disability. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association.

Depending on the severity, recovery can be long and difficult. A major stroke can result in a person being unable to walk or speak; a mild stroke makes recovery easier and resulting disabilities are barely noticeable. Quick intervention, within 48 hours, is most effective in reducing the negative impact of damage to the brain. Unless you work in a hospital setting this is difficult but, as doctors become aware of how massage helps, this may change.

Causes
The causes of stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), include:

· Cerebral thrombosis, which is caused by a clot lodged in a cerebral artery and accounts for about 88% of strokes.
· An embolism, similar to cerebral thrombosis, differs in origin. Inefficient pumping of the heart allows blood to thicken, forming clots in the left atrium, which then enter the bloodstream and, ultimately, the brain.
· Cerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhages are caused by ruptured blood vessels as a result of uncontrolled chronic hypertension, head trauma or malformed blood vessels, which produce tissue death in the brain.

The extent of damage depends on the part of the brain affected, how much of it and for how long. Motor damage can be seen in either partial or full paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia), a loss of language (aphasia), personality changes and/or loss of memory.

Symptoms
Massage therapists offer a first line of defense in helping to recognize the symptoms of stroke and later, during recovery, to reduce its effects.

If a client appears to have a sudden onset of numbness in one arm, speech is slurred or difficult to understand, if they cannot repeat a simple phrase, or their face appears to droop on one side, it is time to call 911.

Prompt intervention is the best treatment, including administration of anticoagulants for blood clot reduction, except in strokes caused by a hemorrhage. Massage would typically not be introduced into the recovery regimen for several weeks or months and requires approval from the attending physician.

Massage Reduces Anxiety and Pain
In a 2004 study, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Nursing and Wong Chuk Hang Hospital in Hung Hom, Lowloon, Hong Kong, found that slow-stroke massage on elderly stroke patients treated for anxiety and shoulder pain resulted in significantly lower pain, anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate. The subjects had an average age of 73 and received no other pain relief measures. They received ten minutes of slow-stroke massage prior to bedtime for seven days and an evaluation before receiving massage on the first day, again on the last day of the study, and three days after the sessions ended.

The authors, Esther Mok and Chin Pang Woo, wrote “the results of this study support the view that [slow-stroke back massage], as an alternative adjunct to pharmacological treatment, is a clinically effective nursing intervention for reducing anxiety and shoulder pain in elderly stroke patients.”

As the study indicates, slow-stroke massage reduces two of what may be the most important factors in stroke recovery – pain and anxiety. Deep or vigorous strokes are counterproductive and may cause more harm than good. Slow, soothing techniques and gentle stretching help with flexibility and proprioception.

3 Complementary Therapies for Stroke Rehabilitation
In addition to slow-stroke massage techniques, a client’s recovery may also be helped by the use of familiar complementary therapies such as reflexology, aromatherapy or shiatsu.

1. Reflexology might be used if Swedish massage is inappropriate. It gently helps the body recover from a stroke. Clients are helped without using techniques that increase blood flow, and contraindicated in someone with blood vessel weaknesses.

2. Aromatherapy is also helpful. Using an essential oil such as lavender helps relieve stress, while oils of rosemary and lemon may help circulation.

3. Another option is shiatsu. In Chinese medicine, chronic weakness of Qi blocks the blood flow to the brain, causing strokes. Shiatsu helps restore this flow, offering a session that is both rehabilitative and relaxing. Using points known as Four Gates (LI4 and LV3) relaxes tension in the head, reduces pain and calms the mind. GB20 improves circulation to the head, thus bringing much needed oxygen to the brain.

Documentation
Documentation through accurate and thorough SOAP notes is an important factor in the treatment of stroke victims. You will most likely be working in conjunction with other health care professionals, and sharing the outcomes of your sessions provide important evidence of a client’s progress. While initial intake is important in determining the type of massage treatment, ongoing notes will record the client’s improvement, help to update the primary care physician and demonstrate how massage can be an effective and valuable tool in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors.

While there may be no definitive studies proving the efficacy of massage in preventing or reducing strokes, it has been shown to positively affect predictors such as improving circulation and lowering stress and blood pressure. The effects of stroke continue to be one of the most debilitating disability issues. Massage therapists may help prevent stroke in those who are most vulnerable, and help victims recover with dignity.

Recommended Study:
Aromatherapy Essentials
Ethical Case Management
Reflexology
Shiatsu Anma Therapy

Resources:
www.haleclinic.com, Ailments/Stroke, Hale Clinic, London, UK, 2008.

http://holistic-online.com, Jacob, Dr. George, Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Stroke, 2008.

Massage Benefits Stroke Patients Study: Originally published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery, 2004, Vol. 10, pp. 209-216.

www.massagetherapy.com, Stroke Rehab – Part I, An Overview, April/May 2000, and Stroke Rehab – Part II, Coming Back, June/July 2000, Massage and Bodywork Magazine, Miesler, Dietrich, M.A., C.M.T.

www.stroke.org, May is Stroke Awareness Month, National Stroke Association, 2008

www.pacificviewpress.com, The Practical Application of Meridian Style Acupuncture, Pirog, John E., Pacific View Press, Berkeley, C, 1996.

www.americanheart.org, Stroke Statistics, American Heart Association, 2008.

Posted by Editors at 09:29 AM

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

With just a few simple changes, discover more tips on how massage therapists can take better care of the earth and their clients.

by Linda Fehrs, LMT

As massage therapists, our clients often look to us for simple ways to improve and maintain their health. Massage therapy could be thought of as a collection of non-invasive, non-toxic techniques and tools that help to reduce blood pressure, increase circulation and improve muscle tone. Our needs as professionals are few. All that is required at the very basic level is a trained pair of hands and a body to work on. The next step up would perhaps include a good quality massage table, some clean sheets and safe, healthy lubricants. A good location, somewhere to set up, is of course also necessary. It doesn’t get much easier, or greener, than that.

As time goes on, though, we may develop some bad habits, or not look into newer, more environmentally friendly ways of doing things. Most, if not all, of us can do better. We can make our practices healthier for ourselves and for our clients and, in turn, help the earth.

Here are ten simple ways to make your home and your practice a place that is not only safe and healthy for you, but also has a positive effect on the environment.

1. Drive Less – If possible, use public transportation, or if your office is close enough, walk or ride a bicycle to your practice. You might want to consider the benefits of working out of your home and eliminate commuting all together. There are no motorized vehicles that are totally non-polluting. Even the newer hybrid cars use some gasoline, and a totally electric car still uses unhealthy materials to produce electricity and batteries.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat – By lowering your thermostat by a few degrees in the winter months and raising it in the summer, you will not only reduce the use of energy that is used to produce it, but could also see a savings of 25 to 30 percent on your heating and air-conditioning bills. Remember to lower your thermostat as well during times you are not using your office, such as overnight or while on vacation.

3. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs or LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) – Consider using these instead of incandescent bulbs at your desk or in your waiting room. They last longer and are more efficient than incandescent bulbs, resulting in the use of between 30 and 75 percent less electricity. If you are concerned about the harshness of the light, soften it with warm colored lampshades. Also, remember to turn off any lights in unoccupied rooms.

4. Buy in Bulk – Purchasing often used items in larger containers will save on packaging as well as cost. Massage oils, lotions and creams can be bought in large quantity and your small bottles can be refilled.

5. Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaners – Massage offices need to be clean, but that doesn’t mean having to use harsh or toxic chemicals. Many stores now carry gentle but efficient cleaning products. Going back to basics is often the best and there are many books and websites offering easy recipes for creating your own cleaning materials.

6. Use Cloth Bags Instead of Paper or Plastic – Using and reusing cloth bags for shopping ends the debate on paper vs. plastic when it comes to groceries or other products you purchase. Cloth bags are stronger, usually hold more and nothing new is added to landfills.

7. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – Reducing your consumption of one-use items such as disposable razors, plastic water bottles and overly packaged food, reusing what you already have on hand like glass containers, and recycling things made of paper, plastic and metal items helps to lighten the load on local landfills.

8. Visit Your Local Library – By taking advantage of the library you can reduce the number of magazines you buy or subscribe to and minimize the number of books you buy. This helps to save valuable trees, which in turn helps wildlife to survive.

9. Buy Organic – As much as possible eat organic food and use organic materials, such as oils and sheets in your practice. Crops grown using pesticides have been shown to have negative health effects including damage to the nervous system, cancer and birth defects. Growing crops organically decreases this risk not only for the consumer but also farmers and animals.

10. Support Local Vendors – By shopping locally, especially at farmer’s markets or small businesses, you help lower your own fuel consumption as well as reduce the amount of energy it takes to transport goods across the country. Shopping within your community also helps the local economy, providing jobs close to home and resulting in less gas consumption.

Every day, in both large and small ways, we can help to make our offices and homes more eco-friendly. Something as simple as using essential oils instead of commercial air fresheners can reduce allergic reactions and may even help to alleviate the symptoms of asthma or other respiratory problems. Walking short distances instead of driving not only reduces air pollution, but it also gives our body exercise, allows us to slow down and we may see the world around us in new ways.

Setting good examples and letting our clients know that we care about the environment shows we care about their health and safety as well.

Recommended Study:
Developing a Wellness Center

Resources:

Bond, Annie, Home Enlightenment: Practical, Earth-Friendly Advice for Creating a Nurturing, Healthy, Toxin Free Home and Lifestyle, Rodale Books, September 2005.

www.care2.com, Green Living, Care2, 2008.

www.earthshare.org, Workplace Campaigns, EarthShare, Spring 2007.

www.epa.gov, Pollution Prevention and Recycling, Environmental Protection Agency, 2008.

www.greenbiz.com, Small Business, GreenBiz.Com, 2008.

www.greenthislife.com, A Bright Idea: Eco Conscious Lighting, Blake Frino, Green This Life, December 2008.

www.massagemag.com, How Green is Your Massage Practice?, Karen Menehan, Massage Magazine, March 2008.

www.amtamassage.com/mtj, Going Green, Elizabeth Barker, Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 2007.

Posted by Editors at 12:27 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Few things in life are more relaxing, than a good foot massage. Tired feet suddenly feel light again, and as the sole of the foot contains thousands of nerve endings, a foot massage can stimulate the whole body. Whether you lead an active or a more sedentary life, a leg massage can benefit anyone. And, as backache can be caused or aggravated by problems in the legs, a leg massage may actually help your back!

First the feet

I usually start a leg massage on the feet, since most people love to have them massaged, and it’s a great way of relaxing the whole body. However, if your partner has slightly swollen ankles, I would recommend starting on the thighs with the aim of clearing the ankle swelling, by stimulating the circulation. Then the order of massage would be thighs, knees, calves, and feet.

Preparing the foot

Kneel at your partner’s feet and work first on one foot then on the other. You don’t need to use much oil; if you have too much, your fingers will slide around, which can be ticklish. If your partner has ticklish feet, use very firm strokes for the massage; alternatively, if you massage the legs first, by the time you reach the feet they may be less sensitive. Ticklishness seems to be linked to tension, so if you can release some of the tension through massage, your partner may be more relaxed and better able to enjoy the foot massage. Work through the whole sequence of massage moves on one foot, and then go back to the beginning and start on the other foot.

The Foot

Leonardo da Vinci referred to the foot as “the greatest engineering device in the world.” The feet contain almost a quarter of all the bones in the body, each having 28 bones. The bones are arranged in arches that help the foot support the weight of the body and provide leverage when walking. An intricate web of muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounds and supports these bones.

Stroking

Start the massage by stroking one of your partner’s feet to get it used to your touch.

Sandwich the foot between your hands and stroke firmly with both hands from the toes toward the body.

When you reach the ankles, swing your hands round and return them to the toes with a light stroke. This a warming movement, and is ideal for anyone who suffers from cold feet. Repeat at least four times.

Thumb stroking

In this move, you will apply more localized pressure with your thumbs.

Support the foot with your fingers underneath it, and place your thumbs on top of the foot at the base of the toes. Stroke up the foot with your thumbs, fanning out to the sides and gliding back to the toes, ready to start again. Repeat three or four times.

Now stroke with your thumbs working alternately. Stroke, up with on, thumb as the other glides back down the side. The movement can go a little higher than before, reaching up to the ankle. Again, repeat several times.

Free beauty tips and makeup tips and secrets along with tips how to apply makeup and reviews of the latest cosmetics products.

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

Authors: Jennifer Hattan BSc RN RM, Independent Midwife, The Birth Centre, London; Lindy King PhD BN RN, Senior Lecturer School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Peter Griffiths BA PhD RGN, Senior Lecturer Primary and Intermediate Care, Head of Graduate Studies (taught programmes), School of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s College London

Abstract

Background: Due to the widely presumed association between heart disease and psychological wellbeing, the use of so-called ‘complementary’ therapies as adjuncts to conventional treatment modalities have been the subject of considerable debate. The present study arose from an attempt to identify a safe and effective therapeutic intervention to promote wellbeing, which could be practicably delivered by nurses to patients in the post-operative recovery period following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Aim: To investigate the impact of foot massage and guided relaxation on the wellbeing of patients who had undergone CABG surgery.

Method: Twenty-five subjects were randomly assigned to either a control or one of two intervention groups. Psychological and physical variables were measured immediately before and after the intervention. A discharge questionnaire was also administered.

Results: No significant differences between physiological parameters were found. There was a significant effect of the intervention on the calm scores (ANOVA p=0.014). Dunnett’s multiple comparison showed that this was attributable to increased calm among the massage group. Although not significant the guided relaxation group also reported substantially higher levels of calm than control. There was a clear (non-significant) trend across all psychological variables for both foot massage and, to a lesser extent, guided relaxation to improve psychological wellbeing. Both interventions were well received by the subjects.

Conclusions: These interventions appear to be effective, non-invasive techniques for promoting psychological wellbeing in this patient group. Further investigation is indicated.