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

Shiatsu is a method of therapy wherein pressure is applied on particular points of the body with the thumb and fingers.
Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of massaging technique wherein finger pressure is used at various points along the meridians of the body. In fact, the term ‘Shiatsu’ is a Japanese word, which is derived from ‘Shi’, meaning fingers, and ‘Atsu’, meaning pressure. Basically it is a system of acupressure, which differs from acupuncture by the fact that no needles are used, and instead pressure is applied with the thumbs, other fingers, and also the palms, to various parts of the body. This is said to help in unblocking blockages of energy, thus re-energizing the whole system.

A Peek into the Origins of Shiatsu

It was in the early part of the 20th century that Tamai Tempaku, a Japanese practitioner, developed Shiatsu, incorporating modern medical know-how on physiology and anatomy into various ancient systems of treatment. At first, he named it ‘Shiatsu Ryoho, which means ‘healing with finer pressure’, which later was changed to ‘Shiatsu Ho’, meaning ‘finger pressure method’. Nowadays, it’s just referred to as ‘Shiatsu’. Shiatsu was given official recognition in 1964 by the Japanese government, thereby making it distinctive from Anma, the earlier type of traditional massage. The Shaitsu therapist diagnoses as well as heals, based on principles of the ancient medicinal systems of the East.

The Essential Characteristics of Shiatsu

One of the main characteristics of Shiatsu is its simplicity. It is based on the older form of massaging technique, which is known as Anma in Japan, and Tuina or Anmo in China, which incorporates pulling, pushing, tapping, kneading, stroking, and rubbing in order work the circulatory system and the muscles of the body. In Shiatsu, however, not much seems to be happening, with very few massaging techniques used. Instead a relaxed and static pressure is applied on a number of points of the body, either with the thumb, hand, or fingers, or a limb being rotated. It seems as if there is hardly any exertion involved, however, beneath the simple methods, there is a lot happening inside, with the energy system of the body being worked subtly.

In ancient Eastern traditions, the world is described in the form of energy, and everything is regarded as manifestations of a universal force, known in Japanese as ‘Ki’ and ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ in Chinese. Since Shiatsu has its origins in Japan, the term ‘Ki’ is the preferred word used. It is thought that the principal force of life’s substance as well as motive is Ki. Ki is usually defined as ‘energy, although it is also used for ‘breath’ in Chinese and Japanese languages. In the healing traditions of the East, the harmonization of the Ki in the body is thought to be an essential factor of health; hence, all endeavors are based on achieving this harmony of the Ki.

What are the Benefits derived from Shiatsu?

A scientific explanation for the benefits that people experience due to Shiatsu is that it provides relief to stiff and knotted muscles, alleviates stress, improves circulation and has a calming effect on a hyperactive nervous system.

Given below are some of the specific benefits that are attributed to be derived from Shiatsu sessions:
Balances the Ki
An improvement of blood circulation
Soothes nervousness
Relaxes tissues and muscles deeply
Reduces stress
Toxins released from the body
Eases stiffness in the neck
Alleviates joint pain and the resultant reduced mobility
Relieves headaches and back pain
Alleviated injuries from sports
Prevents ailment
Alleviates blood pressure
Increases flexibility
Alleviates anxiety
Enhances spiritual and mental awareness
Feels very soothing and relaxing

By Rita Putatunda
Published: 3/3/2008

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
———————————————————————–
click headline above for web link

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

Are you currently living your life with a superbly busy schedule? If you are, then what is your favorite place to visit whenever you want to clear your mind from stress and take a moment off from the busy activities of life?

I’m sure you can come up with several different choices of places to visit. However, for somebody who truly wants to experience real relaxation and de-stressing solution, then I have just the perfect solution to recommend. When was the last time you enjoyed having one relaxing massage therapy? I’m not talking about having just any kind of common massage that is available in massage centers, I’m talking about a relaxing massage therapy.

There are several types of relaxing massage therapies, and the most popular type is called the Swedish massage. However, there is another new type of relaxing massage therapy I have encountered recently, and this type of massage is quickly becoming popular particularly from the place where it was originally introduced which is in Austin, Texas.

Zen massage as they call it, is a is a highly intuitive, soothing, energy-balancing massage which incorporates a variety of advanced techniques to create a seamless, effortless relaxation experience. This type of massage targets to relax your muscles and lets you experience that mental state wherein you suddenly feel naturally calm and peaceful from within. Zen massage is a completely therapeutic massage technique. All of the procedures involved in applying it are all designed to produce healing effects to the body.

Here are some of the procedures you can expect to experience when having a Zen massage:

Hot Stone Treatment - involves the use of therapeutic stones gliding along your muscles with the perfect combination of heat and pressure.
Hot Towel Pore Cleanse - involves using fresh steamed towels opening the pores while deeply cleansing and rejuvenating all the skin layers.
The Bio Mat - the Bio Mat relaxes tight sore muscles, soothes jangled nerves and provides an overall sense of well being.
Aromatherapy - the inhalation of pure essential oils that aid in relaxation, stress relief, balance and well-being.
Peppermint Bliss Foot Massage - soothe and soften your tired, over-worked feet through the use of acupressure.

If you are currently living or at least touring within the United States, Austin Texas is the best place that offers the finest programs and services for relaxation.

Do you want to discover the best massage Austin Texas has available for you?

“Zen Blend” offers the finest services for complete mental and physical relaxation. Experience the best therapeutic Zen massage Austin TX can ever offer through its expert services on relaxation.

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

With over 250 different types of massage and new types of massage emerging every day it is hard to know what is best for you and your needs.

For the most part, it really depends on your needs and the type of massage you like the most. Discovering your needs often involves trying different types of massage and even just different massage therapists to see what you like and don’t like.

Rolfing is named after a woman, Ida Rolf who created it. It is a series of sessions that is based on reorganizing the alignment of the body. It is deep tissue bodywork and works best when you are having structural based issues such as chronic knee problems, neck or back problems. It can be very painful at times and also more expensive than most types of massage. Rolfers usually go through more schooling than just regular massage therapists.

Polarity therapy is quite the opposite as far as the depth of the touch used in the massage. Polarity therapy isn’t really even massage in some ways. It was developed by Randolf Stone and combines pressure point therapy with diet and exercises that uses breath and sound and self awareness. The theory is that energy flows between two poles (negative and positive) inside and outside of our bodies. Increasing the flow of energy between the two poles can help alleviate pain and sickness. The Polarity therapist then applies pressure of varying degrees to areas of the body that are blocked and sometimes they don’t even put any pressure or touch at all. Practitioners are certified by the American Polarity Therapy Association.

Shiatsu is a system that uses ‘finger pressure’ to treat what are called ‘Tsubos’ or acu-points. There are 360 tsubos along the meridians on each side of the body. There are different types of Shiatsu - Zen Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Japanese Shiatsu.

So you can see that just reading about different types of massage doesn’t do much to explain what it really is. Each therapist will also have a different learning background and own application of each technique making it even more difficult to know what type of massage to get.

In getting a massage some of the things to remember is to just always be honest with the massage therapist about what you are feeling. Many people think that going to a massage therapist that the therapist will know what is best. The fact is that you know best. If it hurts too much, if the pressure isn’t deep enough, if the room it too hot or cold or if you hate or love the music - let the therapist know.

Julie Onofrio a licensed massage practitioner in Seattle WA for 20 years and author of the “Massage Therapy Career Guide: The truth about becoming a massage therapist ” and “How to Find a Job in Massage”.

My websites http://www.massage-career-guides.com and http://www.thebodyworker.com are great resources to help you learn more about different types of massage.

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

Massage reduces physical and emotional stress, and reduces pain and insomnia among primary caregivers for terminally ill family members, according to a study, “Massage as a respite intervention for primary caregivers.”

The study was administered by The Oregon Hospice Association and East-West College of the Healing Arts, and funded by a community outreach grant from the American Massage Therapy Association Foundation in 1998. The grant initiated a massage respite project that provided massage as an intervention for primary caregivers, who often experience fatigue and stress.

Massage was offered to a group of 13 caregivers between the ages of 35 and 82, who had been referred by a volunteer coordinator or social worker. Most participants were women, usually wives, caring for men. They received 75-minute sessions of Swedish massage and other techniques, including shiatsu, Reiki, polarity, jostling, compression, myofascial release, trigger-point therapy and gentle stretching, weekly or biweekly at a hospice or at their home. Half of the participants had never had massage before. On the intake form, caregivers primarily asked to have their necks, shoulders or backs massaged. The average number of massages received was six (the caregivers were often too busy to take time for massage).

Assessments included a pre- and post-massage list of questions that rated emotional stress, physical stress, physical pain and sleep difficulty on a 1-5 scale. Physical stress measurements included things such as stamina and energy level, while physical pain referred to specifics such as headaches, back pain and knotted muscles.
Results showed that 85 percent of the caregivers reported a decrease in emotional and physical stress. Physical pain was relieved for 77 percent of the caregivers. Difficulty sleeping was eased for 54 percent. The few caregivers who reported contradictory results also commented on having so much stress (due to daily duties or a recent death) that they were unable to feel the benefits of massage beyond the immediate session.

The study concluded that participants experienced an overall decrease in stress, and that by offering massage as a respite intervention, hospice agencies would benefit both caregivers and the patients under their care.

“Perhaps the hospice team of the future will include a massage therapist who will work side-by-side with the nurse, clergy, social worker, and physical therapist,” study author Gayle MacDonald stated. “Not only do they have the training to work with sore muscles and stiff necks, massage therapists bring with them qualities such as restfulness, tranquility, deep compassion, and the ability to listen with their entire being. Through their hands these attributes are transmitted, momentarily easing the burden and nourishing the caregiver’s body, mind and heart.”

- Source: Gayle MacDonald, LMT. Originally reported in The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care, January/February 1998 pp. 43-47.

Acupressure significantly improved dyspnoea - shortness of breath - in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a recent study.

“Effectiveness of acupressure in improving dyspnoea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” was conducted by staff at the Jen Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, in Miaoli, Taiwan; the Institute of Health and Welfare Policy and the Institute of Clinical Nursing at National Yang-Ming University, in Taipei, Taiwan; and the Institute of Chinese Medical Science at Chinese Medical College, in Taichung, Taiwan.

The study involved 44 subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Subjects’ average age was 73, and most of them were men.

The participants were randomly assigned to either a true-acupressure group or a sham-acupressure group. Both groups had five sessions of acupressure per week, 16 minutes per session, for four weeks, for a total of 20 sessions.

In the true-acupressure group, the acupressure protocol involved the following acupoints: Great Hammer (GV14), Celestial Chimney (CV22), Lung Transport (B13), Kidney Transport (B23) and Fish Border (L10).

In the sham-acupressure group, the acupressure protocol involved the following acupoints, which are used to promote intestinal movement: Shang Hill (Sp5), Supreme White (Sp3) and Large Pile (Liv1).

Activity, fatigue and dyspnoea were rated at the beginning and end of the study using the Pulmonary Function Status and Dyspnoea Questionnaire-Modified (PFSDQ-M). Subjects also rated their levels of anxiety associated with dyspnoea using the State Anxiety Inventory at the start and finish of the study, and took a six-minute walking distance test as well, to evaluate tolerance of activity.
Oxygen saturation in the finger of each participant was measured before and after each acupressure session using a pulse oximeter.

Mean scores on the PFSDQ-M showed that dyspnoea in the true-acupressure group decreased significantly after the intervention and that fatigue levels for this group improved significantly, as compared to the sham-acupressure group.

Results of the State Anxiety Inventory showed that, on average, anxiety was significantly lower in the true-acupressure group than the sham group at the conclusion of the study.

Subjects in the true-acupressure group also improved significantly on the six-minute walking test, indicating that they had more tolerance for activity than the sham group.

Mean oxygen-saturation scores for the true-acupressure group were significantly greater than the sham group following each acupressure session, which suggests improved pulmonary function.

“We found significantly greater improvements in patients receiving acupressure at true acupoints compared with those receiving acupressure at sham points,” state the study’s authors. “This improvement related to all the variables studied and suggests that people with [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] would benefit from acupressure at true acupoints.”

- Source: Jen Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, in Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, Institute of Clinical Nursing at National Yang-Ming University, in Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Chinese Medical Science at Chinese Medical College, in Taichung, Taiwan. Authors: Hua Shan Wu, R.N.; Shiao-Chi Wu, Ph.D.; Juang-Geng Lin, Ph.D.; and Li-Chan Lin, Ph.D., R.N. Originally published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2004, Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 252-259.