Archive for the ‘Massage Therapy’ Category
Massage Therapy is Not Just a Luxury
Massage Therapy Is Not Just a Luxury
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Guillaume_Tarralle]Guillaume Tarralle
Most of us still think of massage therapy as the weekly routine for the well-to-do-stay-at-home moms who don’t know what to do during the day. They “reward” themselves for all the exhausting shopping they just went through at Neiman Marcus.
And to be quite honest, you’re not to blame! Most of the advertisements you see feature women lying down half-naked on a table by the beach resort with rose petals on their back. How often do you go on cruises in the Bahamas sipping Pina-Coladas and enjoying a massage on the beach? While it does sound peachy, is this the only time you should think about getting massages?
This old stereotype might have been true 15 years ago. But no longer. Yes, massage therapy is relaxing, but it’s also therapeutic. We live in a high-paced society that constantly asks us to do more, and then always puts us down for not doing enough.
The perception of massage therapy is slowly and rightfully changing, morphing from a luxurious treat to an everyday & every-person necessity. Even though everyone would benefit from regular massages, here are 5 examples of the types of individuals who should consider getting a monthly treatment.
The Office Worker: Working from 9am to 5pm crouched over a computer screen can create a lot of neck and back problems. Think about it – extend your arms out in front of you, and wiggle your fingers for 5 seconds. While you do that, try to notice your shoulder muscles tightening. It’s not much, true, but your muscles are working none the less for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year (if you’re lucky and get 4 weeks of vacation). In addition, although I have heard of some companies providing walking treadmills with computers for their employees, most of us sit down while we’re at work typing away. Your back is crouched over as you’re sitting on the edge of your seat. You’re putting tremendous stress on your lower back.
The Work-Out Addict: We all agree that exercising is a healthy way to stay fit, relieve stress and optimize your energy level. But it would be even better served if accompanied by a Sports massage. It is much easier for a third party to stretch you out thoroughly then when you do it yourself. A massage therapist can also access certain areas of your body that you may not be able to. When you exercise, your muscles are in a constant state of tension & your heart inches faster – that’s when you burn the most calories. After you work out, your muscles need oxygen, electrolytes and proper hydration among other things to recover from the effort. Massages can help the recovery happen faster & can even help prevent injury before a workout or sporting event.
The Low Energy/Depressed One: While we have spent most of our time so far talking about the physical benefits of massages, it is worth noting that it can also help in times of depression. The NIH did a study on the effect of self foot massage on middle-aged women (read article here rel=nofollow http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16520577 ). After the experiment, results showed “There was a statistically significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, natural-killer cells and Ig G.” Massages help boost the immune system, and touch creates the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps relax, increases pain thresholds and helps with overall feelings of “goodness”. It is the body’s natural painkiller and “feel-good” hormone.
The Pregnant Woman: Prenatal massages are always a must. Adding 25 to 50 pounds to your body only increases the stress put on your back and your joints. And let’s not forget the overall fatigue you go through creating another little human inside of you! The birth of your child will be a beautiful event, but let’s try to make the pregnancy as enjoyable as possible as well. It is difficult to enjoy your pregnancy if you’re constantly aching and tired – qualified massage therapists can help you through the process. No matter how well-intentioned your partner is with those shoulder rubs, it’s just not the same.
The Stressed Out One: This applies to almost everyone we know. Whether you’re stressed out by your family or work circumstances, financial situation and hundreds of other daily life burdens, massages can help you decompress and leave you feeling better about yourself. It can boost your self-esteem and reinvigorate you. It can make you stronger in front of the challenges that await you. Many don’t realize how detrimental stress, commonly referred to as the “silent killer” by doctors and health professionals everywhere, can be. You often take care of others, let the massage therapist take care of you for once. Just lie down and relax, as an experienced massage therapist will know what needs to be done.
As great as massage therapy can be for you, one treatment will not solve all your problems. While it might temporarily help, receiving massages once a month is highly recommended for optimized results. Yet, many people will find excuses to avoid getting a treatment, and here are some of them:
- No time. No one is asking you to drop your life, simply try to take care of your body the way it should be taken care of. By the time you leave your home and come back, it takes two hours max, less if you live close by. Two hours in a month to look after yourself is the least you could do.
- I’m a guy, that stuff is for women. Yes, women do enjoy and benefit from massages. But men do too! Do you not work out? Are you not stressed? Are you never feeling blue? Do you never have problems sleeping? Do you never ache? If none of these apply to you, you’re not a guy, you’re Superman and I want to be just like you.
- No money. Well, it’s true that massages aren’t always cheap. But you don’t need to go to the 4 Seasons Spa. What you’re paying for there is all the amenities, not the quality of the massage therapist. Any local spa or massage studio will do as long as you make sure that your massage therapist is properly licensed and insured. Simply replace one night out a month with your friends with a Deep Tissue treatment. You would spend more on food and drinks than you would on a massage. Some health insurance companies will even reimburse the cost! Check with yours.
- I don’t like others touching me. Now this is a more legitimate reason.Having a therapist you feel comfortable with is a first step. It can sometimes take 2-3 sessions until you feel completely relaxed and trust your licensed massage therapist to do their work. You’ll be better for it afterwards.
- It’s just not for me. Darn, I thought I made my point. Read the article again.
Author, G. Tarralle
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Massage-Therapy-Is-Not-Just-a-Luxury&id=6947011] Massage Therapy Is Not Just a Luxury
Massage Therapy Is Not Just a Luxury
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Guillaume_Tarralle]Guillaume Tarralle
Most of us still think of massage therapy as the weekly routine for the well-to-do-stay-at-home moms who don’t know what to do during the day. They “reward” themselves for all the exhausting shopping they just went through at Neiman Marcus.
And to be quite honest, you’re not to blame! Most of the advertisements you see feature women lying down half-naked on a table by the beach resort with rose petals on their back. How often do you go on cruises in the Bahamas sipping Pina-Coladas and enjoying a massage on the beach? While it does sound peachy, is this the only time you should think about getting massages?
This old stereotype might have been true 15 years ago. But no longer. Yes, massage therapy is relaxing, but it’s also therapeutic. We live in a high-paced society that constantly asks us to do more, and then always puts us down for not doing enough.
The perception of massage therapy is slowly and rightfully changing, morphing from a luxurious treat to an everyday & every-person necessity. Even though everyone would benefit from regular massages, here are 5 examples of the types of individuals who should consider getting a monthly treatment.
The Office Worker: Working from 9am to 5pm crouched over a computer screen can create a lot of neck and back problems. Think about it – extend your arms out in front of you, and wiggle your fingers for 5 seconds. While you do that, try to notice your shoulder muscles tightening. It’s not much, true, but your muscles are working none the less for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year (if you’re lucky and get 4 weeks of vacation). In addition, although I have heard of some companies providing walking treadmills with computers for their employees, most of us sit down while we’re at work typing away. Your back is crouched over as you’re sitting on the edge of your seat. You’re putting tremendous stress on your lower back.
The Work-Out Addict: We all agree that exercising is a healthy way to stay fit, relieve stress and optimize your energy level. But it would be even better served if accompanied by a Sports massage. It is much easier for a third party to stretch you out thoroughly then when you do it yourself. A massage therapist can also access certain areas of your body that you may not be able to. When you exercise, your muscles are in a constant state of tension & your heart inches faster – that’s when you burn the most calories. After you work out, your muscles need oxygen, electrolytes and proper hydration among other things to recover from the effort. Massages can help the recovery happen faster & can even help prevent injury before a workout or sporting event.
The Low Energy/Depressed One: While we have spent most of our time so far talking about the physical benefits of massages, it is worth noting that it can also help in times of depression. The NIH did a study on the effect of self foot massage on middle-aged women (read article here rel=nofollow http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16520577 ). After the experiment, results showed “There was a statistically significant difference in depression, perceived stress, systolic blood pressure, natural-killer cells and Ig G.” Massages help boost the immune system, and touch creates the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps relax, increases pain thresholds and helps with overall feelings of “goodness”. It is the body’s natural painkiller and “feel-good” hormone.
The Pregnant Woman: Prenatal massages are always a must. Adding 25 to 50 pounds to your body only increases the stress put on your back and your joints. And let’s not forget the overall fatigue you go through creating another little human inside of you! The birth of your child will be a beautiful event, but let’s try to make the pregnancy as enjoyable as possible as well. It is difficult to enjoy your pregnancy if you’re constantly aching and tired – qualified massage therapists can help you through the process. No matter how well-intentioned your partner is with those shoulder rubs, it’s just not the same.
The Stressed Out One: This applies to almost everyone we know. Whether you’re stressed out by your family or work circumstances, financial situation and hundreds of other daily life burdens, massages can help you decompress and leave you feeling better about yourself. It can boost your self-esteem and reinvigorate you. It can make you stronger in front of the challenges that await you. Many don’t realize how detrimental stress, commonly referred to as the “silent killer” by doctors and health professionals everywhere, can be. You often take care of others, let the massage therapist take care of you for once. Just lie down and relax, as an experienced massage therapist will know what needs to be done.
As great as massage therapy can be for you, one treatment will not solve all your problems. While it might temporarily help, receiving massages once a month is highly recommended for optimized results. Yet, many people will find excuses to avoid getting a treatment, and here are some of them:
- No time. No one is asking you to drop your life, simply try to take care of your body the way it should be taken care of. By the time you leave your home and come back, it takes two hours max, less if you live close by. Two hours in a month to look after yourself is the least you could do.
- I’m a guy, that stuff is for women. Yes, women do enjoy and benefit from massages. But men do too! Do you not work out? Are you not stressed? Are you never feeling blue? Do you never have problems sleeping? Do you never ache? If none of these apply to you, you’re not a guy, you’re Superman and I want to be just like you.
- No money. Well, it’s true that massages aren’t always cheap. But you don’t need to go to the 4 Seasons Spa. What you’re paying for there is all the amenities, not the quality of the massage therapist. Any local spa or massage studio will do as long as you make sure that your massage therapist is properly licensed and insured. Simply replace one night out a month with your friends with a Deep Tissue treatment. You would spend more on food and drinks than you would on a massage. Some health insurance companies will even reimburse the cost! Check with yours.
- I don’t like others touching me. Now this is a more legitimate reason.Having a therapist you feel comfortable with is a first step. It can sometimes take 2-3 sessions until you feel completely relaxed and trust your licensed massage therapist to do their work. You’ll be better for it afterwards.
- It’s just not for me. Darn, I thought I made my point. Read the article again.
Author, G. Tarralle
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Massage-Therapy-Is-Not-Just-a-Luxury&id=6947011] Massage Therapy Is Not Just a Luxury
Manual Lymph Drainage After Breast Cancer Treatment
Manual Lymph Drainage After Breast Cancer Treatment
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Phillips]Charlotte Phillips
Some treatments for breast cancer can be damaging to the lymph nodes under the armpit. Whether nodes are removed during surgery or receive radiation, lymph node reduction is a typical result of breast cancer treatment. Some people may develop lymphedema because of this and experience swelling in the arm, hand, or on the chest. It’s not clear what will definitely trigger lymphedema, and some people can have many lymph nodes removed without having lymphedema, some can have just a few removed and have problems. Lymphedema can develop shortly after treatment or many years later.
Treatment for lymphedema includes manual lymph drainage (lymph drainage massage or MLD), compression bandaging, skin care and gentle exercise. MLD by a certified therapist can work to reroute the fluid away from the missing or damaged lymph nodes to the nearest site with healthy nodes.
Traditional massage increases the process of fluid moving out of the blood vessels and into the tissue. For someone whose lymph system is already having a difficult time processing the fluid in the tissue, traditional deep massage of that area may not be appropriate.
The manual lymph drainage sequence to help reduce arm swelling starts with getting the healthy lymph nodes ready to take the extra fluid. Depending on the situation, fluid may be moved from one armpit across the chest and the back to the other armpit, from one armpit down the chest and stomach to the groin on the same side, or from one side of the neck to the other.
When you go to receive lymph drainage massage, you should be prepared to remove your clothing in the treatment room the same as you would for a traditional massage. Most of the work will be on your upper body, but fluid may be directed to your groin as well. It will be helpful, if you are comfortable, for you to remove your shirt and pants before getting onto the massage table underneath the top sheet. If you would be comfortable taking off your bra that is also helpful, some people prefer to leave it on which is ok too. Once you are undressed and on the massage table under the top sheet, your therapist will knock on the door to come back into the room.
The session takes about an hour. You will be laying on your back under the top sheet, and for the last 10 or 15 minutes you will likely be laying on the unaffected side. That way fluid can be directed across your back to your unaffected armpit.
If you are experiencing significant swelling, bandaging may be included at the end of your session. Your arm would be wrapped tightly to keep the swelling from increasing after the treatment. Even if you are not receiving bandaging, if you have a compression sleeve you may want to bring it to wear after your session.
People choose to receive manual lymph drainage in a variety of frequencies. For the most effective work to bring down swelling, sessions should happen very close together, several times a week. Someone who is experiencing very mild swelling that is mostly maintained at home, or someone who just wants to include lymph drainage massage as preventative maintenance, a once a month session is not unusual.
Manual lymph drainage can also be performed after traditional massage techniques. A session could be scheduled where 30 minutes are spent with relaxation massage to the head, neck and shoulders, and then an hour of the MLD sequence.
Lymph drainage massage feels very light compared to traditional massage. Many people find it to be relaxing, but it is always surprising to feel the difference in the first session. Make sure to ask your therapist any questions that you think of, and find a way to fit manual lymph drainage into your healthcare routine if you are experiencing any swelling.
About the Author
Charlotte Phillips has been a licensed massage therapist working in Chicago since 2005. She specializes in manual lymph drainage and myofasical release for cancer survivors and people post-surgery, as well as prenatal massage and relaxation massage. Find more information about the benefits of massage for these populations at http://www.solaceclinicalmassage.com