Massage therapists have many modalities to choose from to help relax hypertonic muscles. However, the gentle and effective technique of strain counterstrain is one of the best ways to convince shortened tissue to lengthen.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Often forgotten by bodyworkers, strain counterstrain (SCS) is a positional release technique that is invaluable when working with clients experiencing acute muscular pain. Several professions have embraced SCS, and it is one of the first applications therapists can try to help someone with an extremely tender location that has a limited range of motion.

In the January 26, 2009 edition of ADVANCE for Physical
Therapists and PT Assistants, Tom Dalonzo-Baker, PT describes how this positional release technique helped his client. According to Dalonzo-Baker, a patient scheduled for disc herniation surgery in four days entered his clinic bent over backward in agonizing back pain. He knelt down and allowed her body to relax, bent backward, over his knee. While thinking of how to best help her, he noticed that the woman’s posture relaxed. After several minutes, the woman stood erect for the first time in three weeks.

Dalonzo-Baker postulates that positioning her body further into the restriction allowed her to stand upright. Moving away from the restriction is thought to reduce aberrant afferent impulses sent to the spinal cord – and characterize the value of strain counterstrain technique.

About SCS
Strain counterstrain is a manual massage technique for relieving musculoskeletal spasms and pain. A positional release technique, SCS was developed in 1981 by the osteopathic physician Dr. Lawrence Jones. It is a gentle and safe technique that relieves spinal or other joint pain by passively shortening the affected muscle areas.

Repetitive or acute strains can lead to the development of painful tender spots. Dr. Jones identified the most common tender points that result from an abnormal reflex or unnatural movement. SCS focuses on correcting abnormal neuromuscular reflexes by finding the client’s position of comfort and determining at what point his/her tenderness diminishes. SCS involves:

· Having the client hold his/her position of comfort for approximately 90 seconds

· Then, the client is slowly brought out of this position, allowing the body to reset its muscles to a normal level of tension

· SCS is well-tolerated because it positions the recipient opposite his/her restricted barrier and towards the position of greatest comfort

An Explanation
Various scientists have offered explanations as to why SCS is so effective. Written in the 1970s, Irwin Korr’s work on muscle spindles and facilitated segments provides a solid rationalization for SCS. According to Korr, the counterstrain point is on the opposite side of a strained or suddenly stretched joint, otherwise known as the over-shortened side. The physiology that actually occurs on this side is a sudden shortening followed by a rapid return to normal length. On the strained side, the muscle spindles are recruited to protect the rapidly lengthening muscle from damage, creating an immediate reflex contraction. This muscle can then get stuck in a functionally shortened position.

During an SCS session, the practitioner palpates to identify active tender points related to hypertonic musculature. When the appropriate position is held during SCS, the muscles gain strength and diminish in tenderness. The proprioceptor nerves register the changes in the position of the muscle and enable it to remain in this neutral position even when the force applied by the practitioner has been removed.

Applications
In addition to restoring range of motion, strain counterstrain can help alleviate pain and discomfort in muscles and joints. Some examples of when to consider SCS for a client include:

· Post-injury pain
· Whiplash
· For a child or elderly person in pain
· Neck and back pain
· Fibromyalgia

Learning the strain counterstrain technique better equips massage therapists to help their clients overcome different kinds of pain. Designed to correct traumatically induced aberrant reflex changes that hold a dysfunctional muscular pattern, SCS is an excellent first choice for dealing with extreme discomfort. As witnessed in Dalonzo-Baker’s client with back pain, finding someone’s most comfortable position can bring them the breakthrough relief they are hoping to find.

Recommended Study:
Fibromyalgia and Massage
Myofascial Release
Sports Massage

References:

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_5788.shtml, Strain Counter-Strain, Sharon Hopkins, Retrieved February 1, 2009, Icthus.net, October 2006.

http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=9223, “Strain-Counterstrain, Marc Heller, DC, Retrieved February 1, 2009, Dynamic Chiropractic, June 2003.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B758B-4KHC39W-4&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=e10aabfe6b671d7c5482f91319879702, Immediate effects of the strain/counterstrain technique in local pain evoked by tender points in the upper trapezius muscle, Albert Atienza Meseguer, et al, Retrieved February 1, 2009, Clinical Chiropractic, September 2006.

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/specific-manual-physical-therapy-techniques, Specific manual physical therapy techniques, Robert J. Daul, MPT, Retrieved February 1, 2009, Spine-health.com, 2009.

http://www.massagetherapy101.com/massage-techniques/strain-and-counter-strain.aspx, Strain / Counter Strain, Retrieved February 1, 2009, massagetherapy101.com, 2009.

Mosher, Nathaniel, DPT, PT, CSCS, Empowered Patients, ADVANCE for Physical Therapists and PT Assistants, January 26, 2009; 32-33.

Posted by Editors at 02:53 PM

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

This article describes a study done in Sweden on the effectiveness of massage on those suffering with chronic pain. This sizeable study (117 participants) is done from a subjective perspective and would be a great source of information to relate to a client who is tentative about trying massage for chronic pain.

Massage significantly improved self-rated health, mental energy and muscle pain in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, according to a recent study.

“A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Treatment Effects of Massage Compared to Relaxation Tape Recordings on Diffuse Long-Term Pain” was conducted by staff at the Uppsala University Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, in Uppsala, Sweden.

One-hundred-seventeen subjects with long-term, diffuse (spread out) musculoskeletal pain participated in the study. Each subject had pain that had lasted for at least three months and was not caused by a specific disease or condition.

Participants were randomized to either a massage or relaxation group. Subjects in the massage group received anywhere from six to 10 massages, each lasting 30 minutes. Subjects received the massages one to three times per week. Participants received an average of seven massages. One person administered all massages, and each session was adjusted to meet subjects’ individual pain thresholds.

Subjects in the relaxation group listened to a relaxation tape twice a week for five weeks. The tape instructed them to tense and relax the muscle groups and breathe slowly and regularly.

Questionnaires regarding the subjects’ age, gender, smoking habits, country of birth, marital status and profession were filled out before, immediately after and three months following the study. A self-rated health questionnaire and rating scales for mental energy and muscle pain were also administered at these times.

Results of the study showed that, during treatment, there was a significant improvement in self-rated health, mental energy and muscle pain for subjects in the massage group as compared to those in the relaxation group.

“For all three outcome measures, massage was significantly more effective during treatment, even after controlling for other possible factors,” state the study’s authors.

However, at the three-month follow-up evaluation these improved scores had reverted back to their initial levels.

“This lack of long-term benefits could be due to the short treatment period or treatments such as these do not address the underlying causes of pain,” state the study’s authors. “Future studies of long-term pain should include longer treatment periods and post-treatment follow-up.”

- Source: Uppsala University Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, in Uppsala, Sweden. Authors: Dan Hasson, Bengt Arentz, Lena Jelveus and Bo Edelstam. Originally published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2004, Vol. 73, pp. 17-24.

Posted by Ralph at 04:20 PM
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More than 17 million cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2007, and the figures continue to rise even in the face of economic downturns. Discover how massage speeds the healing and eases the swelling, pain and stiffness caused by these procedures.

by Linda Fehrs, LMT

Whether plastic surgery is utilized for health purposes or cosmetic reasons, the aftereffects are the same for everyone – pain, swelling, scarring, heightened anxiety and, at times, depression. In some cases, medication may be prescribed for the pain and anxiety. But there are also other options – options that can help reduce the dosage or length of time of drugs are used, as well as aid in the healing process.

An increasing number of plastic surgeons are looking at the feasibility of using massage therapy in both pre and postoperative situations, and either hiring a massage therapist as part of the staff or partnering with trained massage therapists in private practice. Some surgeons are even promoting massage therapy services as a part of an overall offering.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Prior to getting plastic surgery, the client often has anxiety or stress about the procedure. One of the primary benefits of massage is a reduction of stress. A plastic surgeon recommending or providing massage before surgery may market it as a luxurious bonus in a spa type setting or simply refer a client to a licensed massage therapist. Numerous studies over the years have shown that massage therapy increases the levels of endorphins and serotonin in the body, thus reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Massage also reduces certain hormone levels such as cortisol, which is responsible for increased stress.

Postoperative Benefits of Massage
· Eases Pain – The anticipated pain after plastic surgery may cause anxiety in people having the procedure. For the most part, the doctor will prescribe anti-pain medication for the days immediately following the procedure. Started a few weeks after surgery, massage has been shown to interfere with the pain receptor signals to the brain. Also, the use of contrast therapy (using alternating cold and warm packs) can ease the pain caused by swelling and the muscle tightness caused by the surgery.

· Reduces Swelling – The benefits of lymphatic drainage massage (LDM) techniques have long been known to reduce the edema caused by the aftereffects of mastectomies, which often require the removal of adjacent lymph nodes and cause a reduction in the flow of lymph fluids. LDM mimics the pulse and flow within the lymph system. It helps to move stagnant fluids out of interstitial body tissue and into lymphatic vessels, thus both reducing the edema and stimulating the immune system.

· Softens Skin and Reduces Scarring – Part of the body’s own healing process is to protect an injured site from further harm. The physiological process involved does not recognize that the injury or intrusion is from a surgeon’s scalpel or a mugger’s knife. Though the mind understands the difference between cosmetic enhancement and assault, the body only feels pain and an interruption of its normal processes, and seeks to recover. This results in an increased production of collagen fibers which, if over produced, form highly visible hypertrophic or keloid scars. Massage therapy done locally on newly healed scar tissue can reduce and soften this buildup of tough fibrous tissue. Collagen will soften using warmth resulting from touch therapies such as Swedish massage or localized cross friction techniques.

· Speeds Up Healing – Massage speeds up the overall healing process by helping to eliminate the buildup of toxins that occur after plastic surgery and increasing the circulation of blood to the area that brings nutrients to both the skin and its underlying layers of tissue. The body, in an attempt to protect itself against further injury from intrusion will, after surgery, withdraw blood from the area, retaining the life sustaining fluid for internal organs. This can lead to a deterioration of the affected tissue and a temporary deadening of nerve endings. By encouraging a healthier blood flow, massage can help to return nourishment and flexibility to the affected area. Massage therapy also helps build up the immune system, thus helping to speed up the overall healing process.

· Lifts Spirits – Between the postoperative pain, swelling and high expectations people have of plastic surgery, it is likely they will experience some depression. Massage therapy has, time and time again, shown itself to be beneficial in making people feel better about themselves.

Working With a Plastic Surgeon
If you are interested in working in conjunction with a plastic surgeon, make sure you brush up on your anatomy, physiology and pathology. You should also know the effects of drugs used before and after surgery, and how they may be affected by massage. Be familiar with medical terms and procedures and be aware of what can go wrong after surgery. Furthermore, it is important to keep an open and professional three-way communication with the surgeon, the client and yourself, including maintaining accurate intake and SOAP notes.

Precautions
Massage should not be part of postoperative treatment until the client gets clearance from the surgeon or primary care physician. Depending on the procedure done, massage may begin as early as a few days after surgery, or may have to wait until 3 to 4 weeks later. If there are stitches, massage will have to wait until they are removed.

Reconstructive surgery is sometimes performed after surgery to remove cancerous tumors or in mastectomies. Massage, which historically has been advised against in these circumstances, is beginning to gain recognition as a viable adjunct therapy. However, it is still advised not to use massage on active tumors, recent incisions or on patients undergoing radiation.

Whether a person has undergone plastic surgery for personal image enhancement or because of medical necessity, the integration of massage therapy to pre and postoperative care offers both psychological and physical benefits. For some, this may be the first time they are experiencing massage in a therapeutic setting. And who knows, they may become long-term clients!

Recommended Study:
Advanced Anatomy and Pathology
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Medical Errors
Pharmacology for Massage
Swedish Massage

References:

Eppley, Barry, MD. “Massage and Plastic Surgery at Ology Sp.” 06 January 2008. Explore Plastic Surgery. 5 Mar 2009 http://exploreplasticsurgery.com/category/massage-therapy/.

French, Ramona Moody. Milady’s Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage. Clifton Park, New York: Milady Publishing, 2004

Press Release, “Plastic Surgery Procedures Maintain Steady Growth in 2007.” 25 March 2008. American Society of Plastic Surgeoss. 5 Mar 2009 http://plasticsurgery.org/Media/Press_Releases/Plastic Surgery_Procedures_Maintain_Steady_Growth_in_2007.html.

Pruitt, Elana. “Treating Your Health to a Massage.” PlasticSurgery.com. 5 Mar 2009 http://www.plasticsurgery.com/microdermabrasion.treating-your-health-
to-a147.aspx.

Staff Writers, “Massage After Cosmetic Surgery - Are You a Good Candiate?.” 23 August 2008. LocateADoc.com. 5 Mar 2009 http://www.locateadoc.com/articles/massage-after-cosmetic-surgery-are-
you-a-good-candidate-1457.html.

Stevens, Grant, MD. “Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.” 08 October 2002. Breast Health Online. 5 Mar 2009 http://www.breasthealthonline.org/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?tid=46478.

Posted by Editors at 12:32 PM
© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

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

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

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.

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

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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

Massage therapy is a holistic option to deal with issues arising from tense muscles and depression. The pressure applied by the fingers and hands and feet of the masseur results in the effective reduction of pain and the targeted relaxation.
Interestingly, the word massage is derived from the French word for friction of kneading! The word meanings from other cultures include ‘to touch or feel’ and ‘mass or dough’. Massage is the therapy for the treatment of the soft body tissues with physical and functional methods to relax the muscles. Many a times, the purpose of the medical and therapeutic massage is to serve pre determined psychological purpose. The art of effective massage involves manipulating the muscles with pressure. The pressure could vary according to requirement and thus be structured or unstructured or stationary or moving. The tension or vibration could be manipulated either manually or with the help of special mechanical aids.

In a massage, the muscles and tissues targeted usually include the tendons, ligaments, joints and the lymphatic vessels and organs within the gastro intestinal system. Massages are now designed for relaxation of the hands, feet, fingers etc. It is interesting to note that there are over a hundred massage modalities! A massage may be opted for either by patient demand or as prescribed by the physician for clinical effectiveness. The benefits of massage, according to dedicated medical research, include relief from pain, reduction of muscle tension and anxiety or depression. Massages are also effectively used to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

The massage actually blocks the ‘pain’ signals to the brain and activates the nervous system that in turn, stimulates the release of the hormones like endorphin and serotonin. This helps in preventing scar tissue and increases the flow of lymph, which is known to induce and improve sleep. A massage can be effectively given by a trained masseur, a chiropractor, athletic trainer or osteopaths and physical therapists. There are massage therapists who are an integral part of hospitals and nursing homes and various sports and fitness facilities. The technique is much appreciated and is catching up fast. Today, along with the regular beauty treatments, a number of spas and beauty salons also offer the services of trained masseurs.

It is important to be educated that massage therapy cannot and should not be used to treat damaged blood vessels, weakened bones, cancer, osteoporosis or any bleeding disorders. In a professional massage setting, the client is treated while he or she is in the reclined position on a massage table. There are forms of massages that are even extended to clients who sit upright in special massage chairs or lie down on a pad, on the floor. During a massage, the person could be either clothed or unclothed or partially unclothed. In the latter, the body is draped with special towels or a sheet. The commercial massage tables are very comfortable. They have a heavily padded surface and a head support designed to allow the client to breathe easily even while lying face down.

The massage table may be stationary or portable and now there are special orthopedic bolsters that are available to correct the body posture. The massage chairs are ergonomically designed to create a similar setting as the massage tables. The chair designs make it easy for the practitioner to maneuver around the client. The oils used for massage include coconut oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, olive oil, almond oil, pine oil and macadamia oil. These are usually fractionated or mixed with certain prescribed carrier oils.

The Ayurveda massage is a natural health care system from the orient. Ayurvedic massage is also referred to as Abhyanga and is part of a therapy that involves the expertise part of two therapists. The massage is given with a warm blend of herbal oils, with the aim of loosening and relaxing the muscles through kneading and rubbing motions. There is the barefoot deep tissue massage therapy also, where the therapist applies pressure to sense and manipulate the tissues and search for and attack the anxiety trigger points. There are therapists that apply the ‘rolling’ movement on the target body part, to relieve muscle tension and to restore the normal lymphatic flow.

By Gaynor Borade
Published: 2/3/2008

HARA SHIATSU
(CHI NEI TSANG)

Overview
Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) also known as Taoist Massage works with the energy-flow of five major systems: energy-meridian, fasciae-tendon-muscular, nervous, vascular and lymphatic.
The navel area, the centre where all systems meet, connects - or separates - our upper and lower parts, left and right, front and back, inner and outer, mind and body. Here we feel our emotions, the causes of internal blockage and distortions, which often manifest as symptoms elsewhere. Many recipients of Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) have reported relief of some of these symptoms.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Source: Chi Nei Tsang, by Mantak Chia (referrred as CNT pp 000-??? For terminology and techniques outside the “generally understood” shiatsu register and not self-explanatory in the context.)

Classical Oriental Medicine
Taoism, Five Elements, Classic 14 Meridians

Theory of Winds
Energy blockages arising from organ obstructions and congestion in the abdomen can result in knots and tangles at the centre of the body’s vital functions, impeding the flow of Qi, the life-force or bioelectromagnetic field described by Deepak Chopra as energy-intelligence. Emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, depression and worry are related to different organs. When the Qi of an internal organ is in a state of imbalance, it emanates toxic wind. Diagnosing the energetic condition, the practitioner uses intention and touch to influence the participant’s Qi and “chase the winds”.

Wind is an energetic vibration which, whether toxic or the vital source of life, enters the being through the “mountains”, which include the pointed bones of the nose, coccyx, fingers, toes, knees and elbows. Winds drain out through “marshes” such as the anus, vagina, eye of the penis, pores of the skin, mouth, armpits, backs of knees and front of elbows. The mouth, navel, palm, sole and perineum are among the two-way conduits. A practitioner disperses or directs winds through marsh or mountain, often using supplementary meridians or points.

When obstructed the internal organs store unhealthy energies that can overflow into other systems and manifest as negative emotions and sickness. In search of an outlet these toxic energies create a cycle of negativity and stress, festering in the organs and overflowing into the abdomen, the body’s garbage dump. The energetic centre of the body at the navel becomes congested and seem cut off from the rest of the body.

Principles of Protection
Avoidance of depletion or contamination of practitioner’s own energy-field. CNT pp 59-117

Contraindications
Conditions for which Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) would be unsuitable or dangerous

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic knowledge:

Knowledge of the external manifestation of “normal” Winds:

Heart: warm and energetic
Lung: cool and dry
Liver: warm and dry
Spleen: warm and moist
Kidney: cool and moist

Information gathering;
Observing the Body: Looking, Feeling and Asking (CNT117-140)
Hara
Body Structure
Navel shape
Hand-scanning internal organs

TREATMENT

Knowledge
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Location
Internal Organs
Front Mu or Bo points
Source Points
Meridian Start and End points

Handling Techniques (CNT pp 165-201)
Spiralling
Scooping
Rocking
Kneading
Shaking
Patting
Elbowing

Skills
Opening Wind Gates and Chasing the Winds (CNT pp 143-163)
Detoxifying Skin and Intestines (CNT 165-201)
Tonifying organs (CNT 203-227)
Detoxifying organs (CNT 229-255)
Lymph Detoxification (CNT 259-273)
Centering Balancing and Flushing (CNT 277-292)
Common Ailments (CNT 295-334)
Working Procedures (CNT 337-349)
Stress Management (CNT 353-361)

TRAINING

Hara Shiatsu (Chi Nei Tsang) Practitioner training is in four parts:

Specialist Training

Self Development

Theoretical Learning

Practical Application

Accreditation of Prior Learning
Recognised Diploma in Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Acupressure or Tuina, gives exemption from Classical Oriental Medicine modules of Theoretical Learning (i.e. non-specialist training)

ASSESSMENT

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training the candidate is expected to:

Know
Classical Oriental Medicine
Theory of Winds
Principles of Protection
Contraindications
Four Forms of Diagnosis
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
Location and Functions of Internal Organs
Location and Functions of Front Mu or Bo points
Location of Source Points
Location of Meridian Start and End points
The answer to any question taken from the source reference

And be able to Do, as defined in source reference
Handling Techniques
Opening Wind Gates and Chasing the Winds
Detoxifying Skin and Intestines
Tonifying organs
Detoxifying organs
Lymph Detoxification
Centering Balancing and Flushing
Common Ailments
Working Procedures
Stress Management

And to Show
By presentation of case-studies the ability to put theory into practice
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ANCIENT HEALING THERAPY HIJACKED BY BUREAUCRATS

How did it happen?

The Yellow Emperor of ancient China created foreplay techniques to help sustain the interest of his harem of 1200 wives and concubines. And found that it worked for healing too. A psychologist in modern Japan devised a protocol. And the West institutionalised it.

Huang-Ti (2697-2598 BCE) the Yellow Emperor codified the theory behind the therapy. Treatment, from acupuncture to herbs, he decreed, should vary according to the life-style (obviously!) environment and geographical location of his subjects. For those dwelling in the mild climate of the central regions who were “able to obtain a varied diet without great exertion” massage was recommended to harmonise the elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and thus maintain spiritual, energetic and physical health – and the interest of however many partners.

Local healing traditions evolved across the “Middle Kingdom” (between Heaven and Earth) and its spheres of influence, from Tibet to Japan, Siberia to Siam. Earth medicine flourished among the Fang Shi - Masters of the the Formula, barefoot healers, witches, wizards and shamans.

Under the Han (208 BCE-220 CE) and successive dynasties religious and magical Taoism emerged, peacefully co-existing with behavourial Confucianism, until the Northern Wei (386-534 CE) saw the rise of Buddhism and persecution of the shamans. Healing had become politicised.

Immortality being considered the best kind of good health, Chinese alchemists sought an Elixir to render their Emperors immortal, retaining a few drops for themselves, but external alchemy lost its appeal when it did for a few courtiers and kings as well as a number of alchemists.

The search continued. Physicians in the Tang Dynasty (618-906 CE) vivisecting condemned prisoners described flows of energy through certain invisible channels which ceased at the moment of death. If this flow could be sustained…

…..1500 years later: In the 1950s so-called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) synthesised local and traditional approaches and purged the spiritual aspects, overlooking the less obvious magical which had been absorbed into orthodoxy as Five Elements.

20th Century standardised TCM was now fit to be practised alongside dialectically materialist and politically correct western medicine, in the hospitals of a new China.

In modern times things happen fast: In 1977 the Japanese psychologist Shizuto Masunaga and his student Wataru Ohashi developed a complex set of protocols integrating psychotherapeutic thought, meridian connection and physical pressure.

Masunaga described how to induce the phenomenon that occurs between meridian points under pressure, and published it as Zen Shiatsu – how to harmonise Yin and Yang for better health. By making his name and system synonymous with Zen Shiatsu Masunaga reinforced the trend towards standardisation.

But in the post-war restoration of Japan the rival and even more rationalistic Namikoshi system, based on western neurology, became the one officially recognised.

Shiatsu went West and found a welcome among the eclectic materialists of the New Age. Yin, Yang and Zen, it involved touch, was supported by an suitably complex theory, alleviated symptoms of many chronic conditions resistant to orthodox medicine and could reduce the need for medication.

Described as a Japanese form of physiotherapy by certain Western Schools, the intuitive loving-touch practised by barefoot blind healers wearing red head-bands became the subject of theses and dissertations by earnest people in white.

The gap between rational/physical and traditional/spiritual began to close with the publication in 1988 of Hara Diagnosis - Reflections on the Sea. Matsumoto & Birch wrote of the flicker of life, the moving Qi between the kidneys, and explored the connections between Eastern and Western medicine.

In 1989 at the Columbia Hotel in London Dr Motoyama and his Qi-machine demonstrated energy flowing through the connective tissues at 1.5 volts – hey, presto! energy is real, meridians exist! But among the dignitaries present, representing interests from scientific to esoteric, there were those who feared an end to their mystique.

Shiatsu-related techniques multiplied in the 80’s and 90’s with the development of such as Ohashiatsu – Touch for Love, Shizuko Yamamoto’s Barefoot Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Mantak Chia’s Chi Nei Tsang: internal organ energy massage, Five-Element Shiatsu, energy-shiatsu – kiatsu, water-shiatsu or watsu, even tantric: tanatsu. Unrecognised was the one style licensed by the Japanese Ministry of Health.

Potential for harmony between the main approaches, Masunaga-Zen, Five-Elements and TCM was illustrated in 1995 by Carola Beresford Cooke in Shiatsu Theory & Practice. Then, in 1996, the English Zen Shiatsu Master, Simon Fall, inspired a return to the Source with As Snowflakes Fall, Shiatsu as Spiritual Practice.

Realisation dawned: its not all just finger-push!

Two years after Fall, the American acupuncturist, Lonny Jarrett, wrote Nourishing Destiny, the Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine reviving the spiritual origins excised by Mao’s dialectical materialists.

Shiatsu in the West was ready to enter the new millenium. But the shadow of European bureacracy threatened English freedom to practise, since the repeal of the witchcraft legislation in 1947, any complementary therapy without restriction or, indeed, qualification.

On the principle that if more than two Englishmen gather they start a club British institutionalism proliferated. Playing politics in the race for orthodoxy and acceptance by what they perceived as the Establishment, Shiatsu organisations vied for authenticity with regulation, examination, assessment, accreditation, validation and moderation in apparent belief that more rules would attract a greater membership with a louder voice in the meridians of power, not to mention subscription income.

Competition intensified. Rumours of poaching rippled through the bazaars. Databases disappeared to resurface under clouds of denial in rival offices.

While older organisations stagnated in vested interests, elitism and exclusivity, nouveau upstarts canvassed bewildered students and practitioners with the relentless enthusiasm of a time-share seller.

Fragmentation ruled in the world of gentle healing until early in 2001 when Tom Litten, a former trades-union organiser whose love of Shiatsu equalled his passion for politics, called a meeting of the rivals. The General Shiatsu Council was born, to front a unified team in the game of Europe.

Beyond the politics, the Tao of Zen Shiatsu Practitioner uses the caring touch of love, drawing down Heaven Qi to cleanse and Earth Qi up to heal. The spirit of real Shiatsu, following a proven theory based on the ebb and flow of the force known as Qi, bioelectromagnetic energy or energy-intelligence, throughout the organ-meridian networks.

Zen Tao Shiatsu combines the wisdom of the Tao with the Beginner’s Mind of Zen, trusting in the perfection of now, however it should manifest.

Based on an article by Kris Deva North originally published in and reproduced here with permission of Positive Health magazine entitled Ancient Techniques for the 21st Century.

For more information on Zen Tao Shiatsu visit http://www.healing-tao.co.uk/Zen Tao Shiatsu.htm

United States: Massage started to become popular in the United States in the middle part of the 1800s and was introduced by two New York physicians based on Per Henrik Ling’s techniques developed in Sweden.
During the 1930s and 1940s massage’s influence decreased as a result of medical advancements of the time, while in the 1970s massage’s influence grew once again with a notable rise among athletes. Massage was used up until the 1960s and 1970s by nurses to help ease patients’ pain and help them sleep.
Because it is illegal to advertise or offer sexual services in most of the United States, such services are sometimes advertised as “massage”.
United Kingdom: Massage is popular in the United Kingdom today and gaining. There are many private practitioners working from their own premises as well as those who operate from commercial venues.
Massage in sports, business and organizations: The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta was the first time that massage was offered as a core medical service. Massage has been employed by businesses and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing and Reebok.