Start by giving yourself a loving pat on the back, for your body is already hard at work fighting the germs that cause illness, such as harmful bacteria and viruses.
One of the best ways to ensure good health, especially in winter months, is to support your immune system in its quest to stave off sickness. With a few simple self-care measures you can boost this powerful system and reinforce its germ-fighting ability.
Our immune system is quite like an army, composed of various troops, battalions and warriors all working together to defeat a common enemy.
“Our immune system might be the most important weapon we have for living in the modern world” said Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa-D.N.C., R.H., N.C.T.M.B., senior research scientist at Yogi Tea Company. “Without this protective guardian system, we wouldn’t last a day.”
To support immune function, begin with massage. Scientific studies show healthy touch is a great defender against stress, which is one of the immune system’s toughest opponents.
In between visits to your favorite body worker try tapping into Mother Nature’s toolbox for immune-boosting benefits. “Prevention is the key” says Khalsa. In order to ward off the winter bugs, it’s necessary to begin boosting your immune system before sickness strikes.
Similar to the benefits of herbs and massage, the essential oils may also aid in soothing, protecting and assisting the immune system. Whether blended in massage lotion, dabbed on skin or diffused in the air, essential oils can help you stay healthy this winter.
In the chilly months that surround the holiday season, it may be a good idea to add one more thing to your immune system-support regimen, an all-in-one supplement that contains vitamins and minerals you may be missing, even in a healthy diet.
With winter in full swing, it’s wise to take self-care steps that support immune-system function. Take time to receive a massage or brew a hot cup of herbal tea. Enjoy the experience of aromatherapy, and get the body boosting power of supplements every day. With these simple, immune-friendly additions to self care, you have a better chance at keeping those uninvited winter guests-stress and sickness-at bay.
Taken from Massage Magazine; December 2007 edition
Article by: Brandi Schlossberg
Massage and Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is on the rise! Fueled by and reflected in the popularity of such television programs as Extreme Makeover, Doctor 90210 and Nip and Tuck.
According to statistics provided by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) nearly 11 million Americans underwent some form of cosmetic plastic surgery in 2006. That’s a 7 percent increase from the previous year.
An increasing number of people are seeking cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeons are looking for ways to enhance the experience. That’s where massage comes in.
According to Marilyn Downey, a massage therapist in Leominster, Mass., massage following plastic surgery offers several benefits. In most cases, it helps reduce swelling and tightness in the surgical area, increases circulation, diminishes bruising and improves scar healing.
Plastic surgeons are coming on board with the idea massage can aid patient’s recovery. A 30 minute lymphatic drainage massage will tighten skin, reduce swelling and healing time, and increase elasticity. The ultimate outcome is better.
Plastic surgeon Deborah K. Ekstrom suggests patients begin massage therapy at least once a week for six weeks approximately 10 days after procedure. Some enjoy the treatment so much they return daily which, according to Ekstrom, is perfectly safe.
As noted on the website from the Skin Institute at Savannah Plastic Surgery in Savannah Georgia; “Massage therapy is included in most post-operative procedures. Manual lymphatic drainage specifically reduces edema, bruising, lymphatic congestion, lowers blood pressure as well as soothing patient’s and calming anxiety”.
No matter whether massage therapy takes place onsite, in the surgeon’s office or at a remote location, significant benefits still exist for all involved.
Taken from Massage Magazine; November 2007 edition
Article by: Phyllis Hanton
SLEEP: HOW HIGH QUALITY SLEEP ENABLES YOU TO LEAD A HIGH QUALITY LIFE
We’ve all been told the importance of certain factors such as diet, exercise, relaxation and stretching to overall health and happiness. There is one key element of health, however, that people often overlook; SLEEP.
The quantity and quality of sleep a person gets has a huge impact on his or hers wellness, from energy level and muscle health to mental concentration and mood. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep is often placed on the back burner in favor of other tasks deemed more pressing. It’s time to wake up to the true value of sleep as one of our greatest assets on the road to health.
Robert de Stefano said: “Restorative, restful, natural sleep is the only time when our bodies can truly heal, organs are refreshed, muscle tension is released and our minds and spirits rejuvenate.”
Most people think of sleep as a time to shut down, but in fact it’s a time for dynamic action. For instance sleep is a time when cells show and increase in the production of proteins. As building blocks of the body, proteins are essential for cell growth and help repair damage from stress. (National sleep foundation report/sleep-wake cycle: its physiology and impact on health.)
Quality sleep is also critical to muscle health-a time when contraction is no longer necessary. Those who lack sleep rarely achieve a full reduction of muscular action. “Instead, muscles may remain chemically contracted throughout the day and even during sleep” said Michael Krugman, founder of the Sounder Sleep System.
Besides providing time for muscle relaxation and protein production, sleep has been shown to enhance nearly every other aspect of health, from heart and mind to appetite and energy. “Getting plenty of natural, restful sleep really is one of the best preventative health measures-one of the best things you can do to ensure your ongoing health and happiness.” (Michael Krugman)
For more on Sleep and High Quality of Life please read the article in the October 2007 issue of Massage Magazine.
Article by: Brandi Schlossberg
Sweet Slumber
Massage Magazine, October 2007
Back pain is one of the most frequent causes of work absenteeism. A study conducted in 2001 compared the effects of massage therapy and relaxation therapy on lower back pain. Massage therapy improved these areas and decreased pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances in participants.
A newer study titled “Lower Back Pain and Sleep Disturbances are reduced following Massage Therapy” examined the effects of massage therapy and relaxation therapy for reducing chronic lower back pain, depression, and anxiety and sleep disturbances as well as improving range of motion.
Thirty adults (16 males & 14 females) with lower back pain for at least six months participated. Participants with pain due to herniated or degenerated discs, fractured vertebrae, sciatic nerve involvement or who had surgery because of their back pain were excluded from the study.
Participants were randomly assigned to either a massage therapy or relaxation therapy group for 5 weeks. Massages were done 1 time a week for 30 minutes by a trained therapist where the relaxation therapy exercises were done 2 times a week for 30 minutes by the participant at home.
In the end massage participants reported a less depressed mood, were less anxious and had a decrease in pain. They also noticed a decrease in sleep disturbance. However, the study showed that massage therapy did not affect job productivity or absenteeism for those with chronic lower back problems.
Researchers concluded massage therapy is more effective than relaxation therapy for reducing pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances and improving mood in individuals with lower back pain.
Taken from Massage Magazine; August 2007 edition
Research: Massage Therapy Reduces Lower Back Pain and Sleep Disorders
In the physical, health oriented field of massage, it is essential to stay hydrated for both the client and the therapist.Just a small drop in the body’s water content can lead to a large drop in energy.Muscle health is highly dependent upon water.Liquid is vital to the flow of blood, which serves as a delivery system for oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.When water within the body is reduced by 5 percent, muscle strength and endurance decline significantly resulting in a hot and tired body.
Blood, muscles and organs all need proper water balance to work effectively. So it’s a pretty good idea to drink water periodically during the day.
Taken from Massage Magazine; July 2007 edition
Article: Hydration Matters; by Brandi Schlossberg