Seen as a more effective method than traditional massage because of the stones’ wonders in promoting muscle relaxation and tension release, hot stone therapy is often preferred by a lot of people who are in dire need of giving themselves a chance to unwind.
But in getting a hot stone massage, there are certain things you have to know and follow. Here are some of the major do’s and don’ts more…
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Hey Readers! I’ve been comin across some crazy stuff the past few days from a few different blogs around the web which I just had to share with you. Check em out below…
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals: ABMP Provides …
The Massage Therapy Foundation Board of Trustees is proud to announce that Ruth Werner of Layton, Utah, is their newly elected President. Werner’s term as President will more…
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Whoever said that a stone massage should only be done in a spa or massage center probably has never heard of a home hot stone massage therapy. With the proper massage supplies such as hot stones and essential oils, you can give or have a hot stone massage right inside the comfort of your home.
If you plan on engaging in a massage business or if you want to give your spouse a personal hot stone more…
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No one knows when the first person began trying to ease the soreness or discomfort from the body of another, but it probably occurred early in human evolution and from then on the history of massage began to record itself. The Chinese are believed to be the first to write about it, roughly 5000 years ago.
Today’s most popular type of massage is based on the Chinese tui na, a form of therapy that more…
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Massage is the act of relaxing body muscles by applying pressure through an act of kneading softly. The practice is known to be therapeutic in all aspects in terms of physical, physiological and psychological. Massage involves a manual or mechanical motion or vibration around the body. Although the mostly targeted areas are the muscles and joints, other body tissues that benefit from the action more…
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Many people with mesothelioma are interested in trying complementary and alternative cancer treatments. If the cancer makes you feel as though you have little control over your health, alternative cancer treatments may offer some hope. But many alternative cancer treatments are unproved and dangerous.
Alternative cancer treatments will not cure mesothelioma, but they may help you cope with signs and symptoms caused by mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatments. Common signs and symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping, and stress may be lessened by alternative treatments.
Use alternative cancer treatments as a supplement to treatments you receive from your doctor — not as a substitute for medical care. While alternative cancer treatments, such as acupuncture, may reduce nausea or pain, they generally aren’t powerful enough to replace medications from your doctor. Work closely with your doctor to determine the right balance between traditional medicines and alternative cancer treatments.
These 11 alternative cancer treatments have shown some promise in helping people with mesothelioma.
1-Acupuncture.
During acupuncture treatment, a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. Studies show acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve pain in people with mesothelioma cancer.
Acupuncture is safe if it’s performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Ask your doctor for names of trusted practitioners. Acupuncture isn’t safe if you’re taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts, so check with your doctor first.
2-Aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to provide a calming sensation. Oils, infused with scents such as lavender, can be applied to your skin during a massage or the oils can be added to bath water. Fragrant oils also can be heated to release their scents into the air. Aromatherapy may be helpful in relieving nausea, pain and stress.
Aromatherapy can be performed by a practitioner, or you can use aromatherapy on your own. Aromatherapy is safe, though oils applied to your skin can cause allergic reactions.
3-Biofeedback.
You use your mind to control various body functions, such as heart rate and blood flow, during biofeedback therapy. A biofeedback therapist uses an electronic device to monitor a specific body function, such as muscle tension or your heart rate. The device uses a beeping sound or a flashing light as cues, for instance to tell you that your heart rate is slowing down or your muscles are becoming more relaxed. Working with the biofeedback therapist, you learn to control these functions by paying attention to the cues.
Biofeedback may be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. Biofeedback is safe when you work with a certified biofeedback therapist. With practice, you can learn to do biofeedback on your own.
4-Exercise.
Exercise may help you manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming may help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better.
If you haven’t already been exercising regularly, check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Start slowly, adding more exercise as you go. Aim to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
5-Hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a deep state of concentration. During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist may hypnotize you by talking in a gentle voice and helping your relax. He or she will then help you focus on goals, such as controlling your pain and reducing your stress.
Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress. It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.
6-Massage therapy.
During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure. Studies have found massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress.
Massage can be safe if you work with an understanding massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.
Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.
7-Meditation.
Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you focus your mind on one image, sound or idea, such as a positive thought. When meditating, you might also do deep-breathing or relaxation exercises. Meditation may help people with cancer by relieving anxiety, pain and stress.
Meditation is generally safe. You can meditate on your own for a few minutes once or twice a day or you can take a class with an instructor.
8-Music therapy.
During music therapy sessions, you might listen to music, play instruments, sing songs or write lyrics. A trained music therapist may lead you through activities designed to meet your specific needs, or you may participate in music therapy in a group setting. Music therapy may help relieve pain and control nausea and vomiting.
Music therapy is safe and doesn’t require any musical talent to participate. Many medical centers have certified music therapists on staff.
9-Relaxation techniques.
Relaxation techniques are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles. Relaxation techniques might include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. Relaxation techniques may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They may also help people with cancer sleep better.
Relaxation techniques are safe. Typically a therapist leads you through these exercises and eventually you may be able to do them on your own.
10-Tai chi.
Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep-breathing. Tai chi can be led by an instructor, or you can learn tai chi on your own following books or videos. Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. It may also be helpful if you’re having difficulty sleeping at night.
Tai chi is generally safe. The slow movements of tai chi don’t require great physical strength, and the exercises can be easily adapted to your own abilities. Still, talk to your doctor before beginning tai chi. Don’t participate in any tai chi moves that cause pain.
11-Yoga.
Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that require bending, twisting and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with its own variations. Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
Before beginning a yoga class, ask your doctor to recommend an instructor who regularly works with people with health concerns, such as cancer. Avoid yoga poses that cause pain. A good instructor can give you alternate poses that are safe for you.
You may find some alternative treatments work well together. For instance, deep breathing during a massage may provide further stress relief.
About The Author
Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
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Stripped off all pretense or flourishes, the basic intent of therapeutic massage is to manipulate the soft tissues purposefully to help heal the damaged, sore, bruised or otherwise impaired part of the body. There are, however, a seemingly vast number of specific specialized techniques and types of massage. There is Sports Massage, Myofascial Massage, Neuromuscular Massage, Swedish Massage, Acupressure, Thai Massage, Watsu and Hydrotherapeutic Massage. The massage therapist must look at the different kinds, examine their techniques and decide what is appropriate for their client.
This may seem an insurmountable difficulty, but it is not. You can easily divide the basic techniques of massage therapy into two categories: Eastern (or Oriental or Asian) and Western. Although there are hybrids of these two major categories of therapeutic massage, the techniques remain distinct. There are clear indicators of the focus and style of massage in hybrids.
Eastern Massage at its most traditional bases its massage techniques on a pressure point system. While the philosophy of Thai Massage, Shiatsu, An Mo and Tui Na refers to the existence of some form of universal life force of energy, the actual technique involves working on specific points of the body. In Acupressure, for example, there are 365 acupoints on the body. A practitioner of this method uses the fingertips or hands to press on a specific point. This pressure, applied for a specific length of time, may relieve the pain, reduce tension, increase circulation, eliminate toxins and prevent nausea. In Reflexology, the practitioner utilizes reflex zones. Each point on the foot represents a specific part of the human anatomy. A point may have an association with a specific organ, gland or other body part. Pressing on the Reflex point helps remove congestion or imbalance within the body. This, in turn, prevents or removes disease and illness.
In the classic form of Western massage, there are no specific acupoints. The practitioner uses 5 basic hand motions to relieve stress, reduce tension and help the body heal itself. These 5 points for Classic Massage or Swedish Massage bear French nomenclature. They are Effleurage, Petrissage, Frictions, Tapotement and Vibration. Effleurage is long, smooth motions while Petrissage refers to a kneading of the flesh. In Frictions, a practitioner makes circular movements with the hands while in Tapotement the hands perform a tapping or percussion-like movements. With Vibration, the therapist uses two hands or thumbs to shake the flesh.
In Classic Western Massage, the hand and its parts work to manipulate the flesh. In Swedish Massage Therapy, the body is the entire canvas of the practitioner. In variations of Classic Massage, such as Sports Massage, the therapist usually focuses on a specific body part. In Traditional and modern forms of Asian Massage Therapy, the practitioner may utilize the fingers and other parts of the body to free energy. The desire is to use the techniques to unblock the channels for the entire body.
A massage therapist needs to know the different techniques. Although he or she may prefer a specific type of massage therapy, it is necessary to understand the essential differences and their application. In addition, a practitioner needs to know the necessity to adapt the techniques of massage therapy to the client. This includes realizing adjustments are essential when dealing with the specific needs of clients.
There are several individuals requiring alterations or adjustments in technique. This applies to both Western and Eastern approaches. The factors for which a therapeutic masseuse must make modifications include body type, age, pregnancy, disability and even gender. A practitioner has to be able to assess and tweak their approach accordingly.
Heavily padded or thin, bony clients require different techniques. You do not use Tapotement on a small, slender individual. This may produce bruising. In the least, the action can be uncomfortable. In the case of well-padded clients, you will have to increase the depth of your massage. Otherwise, you will not be able to affect the circulatory system.
Males and females have different requirements. During pregnancy, a practitioner will need to adjust the mat, pad or massage table to address the various trimesters. The length of the massage may not correspond to a comfortable time for the woman. At 4 months, it may be difficult to lie on the stomach. Later, it may also be hard to maintain a position on the back. There is also the question of depth of massage and massaging the stomach. With the male, therapists may need to apply greater pressure too manipulate the larger muscle bulk.
Another factor is age. You do not apply the same force or use the same technique for either the elderly or infants. In Tui Na, the form for infants differs from that for adults. The same is true for Western Massage Therapy. In both the elderly and the very young, a practitioner does not utilize heavy hands. Therapists also avoid pressure on fragile bones. If the practitioner knows his or her craft and understands the need to vary and adapt his or her technique, there should never be a problem.
Sachi Bhat runs Heartgard chewables. You can check his latest article here where he advices people on making the right decision when buying Heartgard Plus.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sachy_Bhat
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Therapeutic Massage Research Findings
by: P. Sidney Parker
Research on massage therapy, and its benefits, continues to show that it reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases endorphins, and the circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Research has also shown that therapeutic massage relaxes muscles, and improves range of motion (ROI).
While massage does not increase muscle strength, massage can increase muscle tone. Therapeutic massage also helps the body’s homostatic functions thereby decreasing the amount of time needed to recover after exercise or injury which is often caused by muscle stiffness (inflexibility). Massage helps in keeping the proper amount of fluid circulating between muscle fibers, and in rehydrating dehydrated fibers.
Joan Borysenko (www.joanborysenko.com), a medical scientist, licensed clinical psychologist, and cofounder of the Mind/Body Clinic at Harvard Medical School, had this to say when interviewed by the Massage Journal, in 1999:
“Often times people are stressed in our culture. Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family-practice physicians. What they require is someone to listen, someone to touch them, someone to care. That does not exist in modern medicine.
One of the complaints heard frequently is that physicians don’t touch their patients any more. Touch just isn’t there. Years ago massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage. Now nurses for the most part are as busy as physicians. They’re writing charts, dealing with insurance notes, they’re doing procedures and often there is no room for massage any more.
I believe massage therapy is absolutely key in the healing process not only in the hospital environment but because it relieves stress, it is obviously foundational in the healing process any time and anywhere.”
In the past century research on the benefits massage therapy has yeilded some very encouraging findings.
There is research showing that Office workers felt less stress, experienced heightened alertness and increased performance, when getting regular massage sessions. Some of the other findings from research on the benefits of massage therapy are:
University students, in New Jersey, massaged before an exam showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiration rates. It was also found they had a measurable increase their white blood cell count and in the production of T-cells so important to the immune system.
After receiving therapeutic massage a group of cancer patients experienced reduced pain and anxiety.
An university study found that mothers who had recently suffered the death of a child, experienced reduced levels of depression after receiving therapeutic massage.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted studies that found therapeutic massage was beneficial in improving weight gain in HIV infants.
Reseachers at the Touch Research Institute (University of Miami) found therapeutic massage helpful in reducing blood pressure. The same research has found that therapeutic massage helps in reducing pain in migraine sufferers.
Some of the other benefits of therapeutic massage are:
The skin
Improves tone and elasticity
Improves skin nourishment
Aids in normalizing glandular functions
Skeletal system (Myofascial)
Relieves stiff joints
Assists in proper body alignment
Muscular system
Reduces fibrosis and adhesions in fibers
Assists in maintaining flexibity
Can relax or stimulate fibers
Relieves tension, and stiffness
Circulatory system
Improves cell nutrition
Improves cell oxygen supply
Decreases blood pressure
Nervous system
Stimulates nerves
Relieves insomnia
Promotes a state of well-being
Lymphatic system
Increases circulation
Flushes out toxins and metabolic wastes
Athletes
Improves flexibility and ROI
Relieves tight and sore muscles
Decreases recovery time after exercise or injury
For more information on the benefits of therapeutic massage, visit the American Massage Therapy Association’s web site at http://www.amtamassage.org and my Holistic Health Therapy web site at http://www.sidneyparker.com
About The Author
P. Sidney Parker is a Holistic Health Therapist, with a practice in Phillipsburg, NJ which specializes in massage therapy and fitness training. For more info please visit http://www.SidneyParker.com or http://www.PrimalWellness.com.
© 2005 Primal Wellness Health
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Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…
Massage Chairs Review: Omega Massage Recliner | Fitness Health Buzz
The Prestigio massage recliner comes with very effective in penetrating massage therapy. It has some invigorating and stimulating massage programs. more…
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The most important thing is the mood that must be set up for a good massage. Normal room temperature with candle lights or some dim light with some fragrance in the room must help in setting the mood. Slow music may be better.
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