MASSAGE
Massage is a "hands-on" therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
Massage is a systematic, therapeutic stroking and kneading of the soft tissues of the body. The word is derived from the Greek 'masso', to knead and the Arabic 'mass', to press gently. It has been used as a form of therapy for thousands of years and touch is the most instinctive response to pain. Touch is an essential requirement for healthy development in early life and research has shown the babies who have received massage from their mothers have increased weight gain, increased nerve and brain cell development and better hormonal functioning and cell activity. Earliest records of the use of massage as a therapy come from China over 5,000 years ago. The use of massage in the West became more popular in the 16th Century when a French doctor, Ambroise Pare incorporated a more anatomical and physiological approach. A Swede, Per Henrik Ling, developed a system of massage and gymnastics in the early 19th Century which became what we now know as Swedish Massage. There are many different types of massage that have been developed; some approaches focus on the physical effects that the massage techniques have on the body, whilst others focus attention on the flow of 'energy' within the body. All types of massage can have an effect on the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymph, nerves and some of the internal organs.
The History of Massage
The use of massage for healing purposes dates back 4,000 years in Chinese medical literature and continues to be an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) today. A contemporary form of massage known as Swedish massage was introduced to the United States in the 1850s. By the end of the 19th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique and the nation's first massage therapy clinics opened its doors to the public.
In the early 20th century, the rise of technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, massage remained dormant and only a few therapists continued to practice the "ancient" technique. During the 1970s, however, both the general public as well as the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies, which thrust massage therapy back into the limelight. Today, there are more than 125,000 massage therapists practicing in the United States and their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments made every year.
How Does Massage Work?
The relationship between the exterior and interior of the body is closely interlinked via the nervous system and it has been found that by stimulating specific areas on the surface of the body can have a corresponding effect on the internal organs and systems of the body. The dermis layer of the skin contains nerve endings which respond to touch and, on stimulation, the receptor nerves relay impulses via the spinal cord back to the brain. The brain then relays messages back to the area involved. The effects may include the relaxation of voluntary muscles, the sedation of nerve sensors and improved blood circulation to the area. The receptor nerve endings affected by touch travel more quickly than those involved in chronic pain and can reduce the brain's perception of the amount of pain from the affected area. Chemicals known as endorphins are also released from the brain and act as the body's natural painkillers. These help to counter the sensation of chronic pain and give a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
What Is Massage Good For?
In general, massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an injury, ease pain, and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being. In addition to being of value for many musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains, massage may relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed in the abdominal area), decrease swelling after a mastectomy (removal of the breast), alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self-image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness.
Studies have found that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs less than other treatments for this common health problem. In addition, mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from massage. Mothers trained to massage their infants often feel less depressed and have a better emotional bond with their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable. Premature babies who receive massage therapy have been shown to gain weight faster than preemies who do not receive this type of therapy. Infants who receive massage regularly may also sleep better, be less gassy or colicky, and have better body awareness as well as more regular digestion.
Risks Associated With Massage
In general, massage is considered relatively safe. Pain or other rare negative side effects are generally caused by an extremely vigorous massage technique.
Women should be very cautious about receiving massages during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, be sure to find a therapist specifically trained to perform massages on pregnant women.
Even though massage is a useful technique to help regulate blood sugar over time, if you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar after a massage session because it may be too low just following a treatment. Plus, if you have diabetes and you are receiving massage on a regular basis, you should check your blood sugar frequently to evaluate for any changes over time.
Massage should be avoided by people with congestive heart failure, kidney failure, infection of the superficial veins (called phlebitis) or soft tissue (called cellulitis) in the legs or elsewhere, blood clots in the legs, bleeding disorders, and contagious skin conditions. If you have cancer, you must check with your doctor before considering massage because you should not receive such treatments under certain circumstances. For example, sometimes massage can damage tissue that is fragile from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. People with rheumatoid arthritis, goiter (a thyroid disorder characterized by an enlarged thyroid), eczema and other skin lesions should not receive massage therapy during flare-ups. Experts also advise that people with osteoporosis, high fever, few platelets or white blood cells, and mental impairment, as well as those recovering from surgery, may be better off avoiding massage. Also, be sure to let your massage therapist know any medications you are taking as the treatment may influence absorption or activity of both oral and topical medications.
Different Massage Techniques And Approaches
Aromatherapy - massaging diluted essential oils, extracted from plants, directly into the skin using a range of different massage techniques.
Aromatherapy is the combination of healing massage with the medicinal properties of essential oils from plant extracts. The essential oils are absorbed through the skin during massage and also by inhalation through the nose.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, from flowers, trees and shrubs and their fruits, blooms, leaves, stems and roots.
The oils are obtained by steam distillation, expression (squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersing the plant in hot oil to release the essence) or enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glass plates).
Essential oils are usually either massaged into the body, to be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled by means of vaporisers. They may also be added to steam inhalations or baths, added to compresses or spread throughout a room with diffusers.
It's often used to relieve stress, headaches, insomnia, tension and pain, and to aid relaxation and general wellbeing. An aromatherapy massage can last from 20 to 90 minutes depending on whether its a partial or full body massage. People who have aromatherapy for relaxation and pleasure may have a treatment every week.
Certain essential oils may not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have asthma or high blood pressure. In such cases, always get advice on appropriate oils and massage techniques from a trained aromatherapist.
Aromatherapy should not be used with infants and very young children, or immediately after surgery. It is also not advised if you have epilepsy, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis or contagious skin conditions. Areas of broken skin should also be avoided.
Ayurvedic Massage - pressure point or hot oil massage that may involve whole-body massage or only parts of the body, such as Indian head massage.
Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice which aims to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it works on the belief that all life forms have a "dosha" - a unique mix of energies known as "vata", "pitta" and "kapha", similar to the Western idea of elements - water, fire, earth, and so on. A person's dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them, including the sorts of food they should eat and the amount and type of exercise they should do.
Ayurveda covers a variety of techniques, from detoxification, diet and herbal prescriptions, to yoga, meditation and massage therapy. All are personalised to suit the individual's dosha.
A favourite among celebrities, Ayurveda is a lifestyle made up of treatments, diet and exercise.
Ayurvedic massage uses essential oils that are chosen to suit your dosha. The massage techniques used include tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as the more traditional massage strokes you would expect. The style and flow of the massage is determined by who you are, and what your body needs for balance and wellbeing at the time.
An Ayurvedic therapist is trained to focus on the "marma points" - similar to the pressure points in reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure.
When combined with other Ayurvedic principles (eating a range of food prescribed by one's dosha, for example, or exercising at certain times of the day), the massage is designed to:
- detoxify and cleanse
- boost the effectiveness of the immune system
- keep healthy people in good health
- help those with medical conditions to improve their overall well-being.
Before your massage begins, your therapist will ask you questions about your lifestyle and health, to determine your dosha. She may also assess your skin type, and choose herb-infused oils accordingly.
Because it is so personal, no two Ayurvedic massages are the same. For your massage, the therapist (or maybe two therapists working in unison) will tailor the intensity and level of pressure to what suits you best.
During an Ayurvedic massage, your therapist (or therapists) might utter dosha mantras, designed to help balance your body, mind and spirit.
The massage is likely to be quite oily, and some of the oil gets rubbed into your forehead and hair. The massage will probably last around an hour.
Different Kinds Of Ayurvedic Massage
- Ayurvedic: Indian head massage
- Abhyanga: An individually prepared herbal oil massage
- Abhyanga-Garshana: A dry lymphatic skin brushing followed by a herbal oil massage
- Vishesh: A deep muscular massage using herbal oils
- Pizichili: A two-therapist massage using warm herbal oils
- Shiro-Ahhyanga-Nasya: A combination of a deep head, neck and shoulder massage, a facial lymphatic massage and aromatic steam
- Ayurvedic foot massage: A deep massage in which the therapist uses his feet to massage you
- Udwarthanam: A slimming treatment involving deep massage with herbal powders
- Ayurvedic Shirodhara: A treatment using oil poured on the forehead
- Ayurvedic face and marma therapy: A facial using a herbal mask and individually prepared oils
Tips:
- Don't make any arrangements for a couple of hours after your massage; you'll need time to relax and wash the herbal oil out of your hair.
- It's a good idea to avoid large meals and alcohol in the hours leading up to your treatment, too.
- Any Ayurvedic treatment will be tailored to suit you, so your therapist is likely to ask detailed questions about you and your health, in order to determine which oils and massage strokes will best suit your body. As with all types of massage, it's important to share any medical concerns or worries you may have at the start of your session.
- Check with the spa in advance about what you should wear. Ayurvedic massage is very oily, so if you choose to wear anything at all, make sure it's old and dispensable.
- You'll probably want to relax for a while, taking a long, leisurely shower to wash off all the herbal oil. Sip some cool water to re-hydrate yourself and enjoy feeling calm, composed and balanced for the rest of the day.
- Not all oils or massage techniques are safe during pregnancy, so it's also important to tell your therapist if you are - or think you might be - pregnant.
Biodynamic Massage - a form of therapy to promote the release of physical and emotional blockages in the body, especially in the abdomen.
Biodynamic massage was developed by a Norwegian physiotherapist and psychologist, Gerda Boyesen. The term 'Biodynamic' was chosen because 'bio' means life and 'dynamic' means movement or force. Thus biodynamic massage is concerned with the re-establishment of the natural life force in the body. In Norwegian psychiatry it is usual for patients to receive physiotherapy. During her work with mental health clients she noticed that, when there was a physical release of the autonomic nervous system such as shivering, crying, sweats and so on, the clients made good psychological improvements. She also noticed that this physical release often opened up the peristalsis (wave-like movements in the alimentary or digestive canal) and stomach rumblings could be heard.
She believed that stress is processed through the alimentary canal and that the stomach noises indicate that the client's body is 'digesting' unresolved stress. She called this psycho-peristalsis. She went on to develop many different massage techniques with the aim of clearing the body tissue of the 'stress remnants' from old, uncompleted emotional cycles. She used a stethoscope, placed on the abdomen, to follow the peristaltic noises.
Even amongst the plethora of bodywork approaches that exist today (shiatsu, Feldendrais, polarity), biodynamic massage is fairly unique. Some of its techniques are based on Swedish massage, and it usually involves a massage table, and direct skin to skin contact and manipulation. Nevertheless the word massage is misleading as well. Biodynamic massage is based on an in-depth awareness of the body as an embodiment of a psychological and energetic process
Biodynamic Massage can be used as a treatment for stress, psychosomatic symptoms, or as an adjunct to psychotherapy. It can also be used by a body psychotherapist as modularity within the therapeutic relationship.
Biodynamic massage emphasizes the psychological understanding of the body. It works across a wide spectrum from deep muscular work to connective tissue massage, to light energetic touch and work in the aura. It looks at the reasons for physical distress in the body, whether it is expressed as a headache, backache, irritable bowel, sleeplessness or depression. By working with massage, we can soften the physical armoring, release suppressed feelings and free old fixed patterns in the body. Making sense of the energetic and emotional meaning of physical posture and bodily symptoms is the unique contribution of Biodynamic Massage Therapy.
Biodynamic Massage works across a wide spectrum from deep muscular work, to connective tissue massage, to light energetic touch and work in the aura. And it also puts particular emphasis on the psychological understanding of the body. Having an understanding of the somatization or expression of distress in the body and the potential to work towards its physical and emotional release makes it a truly therapeutic massage.
The Vasomotoric Cycle
A primary theory in biodynamic massage is that energy is always moving through cycles, Gerda Boyesen called this the vasomotoric cycle. When these cycles are constantly interrupted and incomplete, discomfort and eventually ill health can result. The aim of the therapist is to encourage the completion of the cycles to clear the system and restore harmony and the free flow of energy through the body.
The vasomotoric cycle has four movements that correspond to the two movements of the Autonomic Nervous System:
A. Sympathetic Nervous System (on guard)
o Contraction/Charge
o Expression/Action
B. Parasympathetic Nervous System (harmony)
o Winding down
o Relaxation/expansion
The stages in the cycle can be illustrated by a deer's response to danger:
o A sudden noise startles the deer.
o The deer runs away from the noise.
o When the deer feels safe, it shakes to release tension.
o In a short time the deer will relax and continue feeding.
As adults we often find ourselves in situations where we are inhibited from expressing our startle reflex, such as the boss shouting at us. Because we do not express our emotion the charge is left in our body causing stress and tension. This can build up to such an extent that we are constantly on guard. A therapist's role would be to encourage the expression of the client's anger at the boss, and massage areas of tension to facilitate harmony. If left unexpressed, this tension could manifest itself as a stiff neck, headache, upset tummy or irritability. The list is endless. It is the inability to discharge the impact of the startle which causes the problem, not the boss.
Every emotion, shock and frustration has a direct physiological consequence, as well as a psychological one. Making sense of the energetic and emotional meaning of physical posture and bodily symptoms (and working therapeutically with this information) is the unique contribution of Biodynamic Massage Therapy.
The Massage Techniques
Biodynamic massage has evolved many massage techniques. These include energy distribution, aura-work, lifting, packing, holding, deep draining, hypotonous work, stretching, basic touch and connective tissue work. These can be energizing, calming, reassuring, grounding, and affirming. Every client at each session receives an individualized massage that works towards an on-going process of releasing stress and tension.
Placing a stethoscope on the abdomen, the therapist would follow the peristaltic sounds closely. These sounds indicate to the therapist that the body tissue is succeeding in letting go of some 'stress remnants' from old uncompleted emotional cycles. By working to increase the sounds, the therapist progressively clears the body tissue of its armoring to allow energy to flow more freely.
There may be involuntary autonomic nervous system reactions such as muscular twitching, yawning, shivering, crying or a need to urinate. These reactions are seen as signs of the body rebalancing itself.
Working with Biodynamic Massage
On a physiological level massage encourages the deepening of breath, releases tension in the tissues, increases body tone, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases the circulation of blood, and stimulates the digestion and elimination of food. Massage can also release endorphins, the body's own pain killers, and so help to relieve pain, depression and anxiety.
The massage therapist's ability to create an atmosphere of safety and comfort is important in enabling people to relax and gain these benefits. Touch that is caring, attentive, non-sexual and undemanding is very nurturing and creates a sense of well-being. Some people are uncomfortable about some parts of their body being massaged, such as their abdomen, buttocks or legs. These feelings would be respected by a therapist trained to be sensitive to each individual's feelings about being touched.
Hot Stone Massage - application of different types of warm or cool stones to the skin to relax muscles or reduce swelling and inflammation.
Hot Stone Massage is a style of massage in which water-treated stones are placed at specific sites on the client's body to promote relaxation and to help open up the merdians (energy pathways). Muscles are pretreated with the heated stones to allow the therapist to more easily perform deep tissue manipulations. Cool stones are sometimes used alternately with hot stones. Massage oils are usually incorporated into the massage treatment.
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.
It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.
What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?
- Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.
- The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.
- The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.
- If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.
What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage:
- The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.
- The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.
- You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.
- Technique is very important. Less experienced practitioners sometimes use too much pressure.
- Small local day spas might have less experienced therapists. If you have any doubts, ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long she has done it.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
- Promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- Alleviates stress
- Releases toxins
- Relieves pain
- Improves circulation
- Calms the psyche
Health Conditions Treated With Hot Stone Massage
- Muscular aches and pains
- Back Pain
- MS
- Arthritis
- Fibromylagia
- Stress, Anxiety
- Circulatory problems
- Insomnia
- Depression
Hot stone massage was invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She has trademarked her particular style and calls it LaStone Therapy, but most spas offer their own versions.
Lymphatic Massage - (also known as manual lymphatic drainage) – light and gentle techniques to improve the circulation of lymph fluid in the body.
A lymphatic drainage massage, sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a gentle form of massage which stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, allowing it to naturally circulate fluids and increase the body’s metabolism and immune system.
The skin is massage lightly and rhythmically in the natural direction of lymph flow the aim is to stretch the superficial lymphatic vessels which lie just beneath the skin and there is no deep tissue massage. For a healthy body the Lymphatic system must efficiently eliminate waste in order to prevent illness.
The lymphatic system can become blocked, causing fluids and toxins to build up, making us more susceptible to colds and viruses. If the lymphatic system is sluggish, it affects many other functions within the body, when working properly the lymph stems drains fluids, detoxifies, regenerates tissues, filters out toxins and helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
So a lymph drainage massage can make a substantial contribution to overall health. The number of treatments required will depend upon your level of health, but three treatments are often sufficient for most people. Some practitioners may incorporate essential oils into the treatment and each session will be between half an hour and an hour.
Lymph drainage massage is a unique technique first developed in Europe as a physical therapy modality for the treatment of lymphedema disease. Experience has shown that it is not only for ill patients; lymph drainage massage is also a perfect technique for helping clients to maintain health and improve the beauty of the skin. MLD treatment was started in the 1930’s and continues to be a popular component of holistic health.
Because lymph fluid moves slowly without aid of its own pump, inactivity can seriously restrict its flow. Muscular contraction through exercise and deep breathing is the primary means by which our lymph circulates, but lymphatic massage and drainage provide another helpful option.
In Europe, patients often receive a special massage called lymph therapy or lymph drainage before undergoing surgery. This method of treatment was popularized in the US by the Danish doctor, Dr. Emil Vodder, as an effective treatment for lymphedema. Practitioners believe that it significantly improves healing by readying the system for recovery. For more information, visit Dr. Vodder’s educational website.
On an everyday basis, regular lymph massage (particularly around the abdomen, auxiliary nodes, and breast) can be great preventive health maintenance.
The Lymph System And Your Health
The lymphatic system is recognized by doctors in Europe and the Far East for its importance to preventive health care. They understand how lymphatic function supports every other system in the body, including the immune, digestive, detoxification and nervous systems. In fact, many believe that poor lymph health underlies a host of conditions, from cellulite to cancer.
By contrast, in America our practitioners don’t think much about the lymph system until something goes wrong — usually when infection causes a swollen lymph node, or worse, when we develop cancer in a lymph gland, or cancer elsewhere that metastasizes through the lymph vessels.
The reality is that you have twice as much lymph fluid in your body as blood. The lymph continuously bathes each cell and drains away the detritus in a circulatory system powered only by your breathing and movement. If the movement of the lymph stopped entirely you would die in a matter of hours.
Anatomy Of The Lymph System
The first thing to understand about your lymph system is its vast extent. Like the circulatory system that supplies blood, the network of lymph vessels serves almost every cell in your body.
Strung along the lymph vessels like pearls knotted on a string, the lymph nodes serve as a series of cleaning filters. Lymphatic fluid percolates through the nodes, being purified and immunologically boosted at every stage.
The lymph vessels and nodes are made of lymph tissue, but so are many other parts of the body. One crucial function of lymph tissue is generating and storing white blood cells, the blood cells that fight infection. Besides the lymph nodes, principal lymph organs include the bone marrow (where white blood cells called B-lymphocytes are made), the spleen, tonsils and the thymus gland (where T-lymphocytes are made). Lymphoma is a group of related cancers of the lymphocytes.
The largest concentration of lymph tissue in the body surrounds the intestines. Called gut-associated lymphatic tissue, or GALT, this tissue is the guardian of this largest gateway through the body’s defenses, and it actively separates desirable nutrients from undesirable pathogens, and helps mount a defense whenever needed.
Picture from http://www.womentowomen.com/detoxification/default.aspx
Reflexology - pressure from the thumb and fingertips on the soles of the feet, and sometimes the hands.
What Is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.
Reflexology has over a 5,000 year history and was used in ancient India, China and Japan. An American doctor, William Fitzgerald developed the form we know today in 1913. Reflex areas in the feet (or the hands) correspond with parts of the body, so reflexology treats the body as a whole. These points are massaged to unblock energy channels in the body and heal the damage caused by these blocks.
How Does Reflexology Work?
There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of reflexology's working.
Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body's reflexive response that makes possible the "fight or flight" reaction to danger. Feet ready to flee and hands ready to fight communicate with the body's internal organs to make possible wither eventuality. The sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this reaction. Reflexology taps into this reflex network, providing an exercise of pressure sensors and thus the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied.
How Reflex Area Charts or Maps Organized?
The body is reflected on the feet or hands. Left foot/hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot/hand the right side. The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the foot and hand with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand. The toes and fingers reflect head and neck reflex areas as well as those of the internal parts of the body they enclose. The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs. At the base of the long bones of the feet and hands is represented the waistline of the body. Portions of the body above its waistline are mirrored above this line toward the toes or fingers and those below the waistline toward the heels of the foot or hand. Internal organs lying above the body's waistline are reflected by reflex areas above this line while those below the waistline are mirrored below this line.
Interactive Foot and Hand Charts
Free Hand Reflexology Widget
A reflexologist has a highly refined sense of touch and can detect tiny deposits and imbalances in the feet and will work on these points; there may be a feeling of tenderness in the areas being massaged, but the treatment itself is gentle and relaxing. Reflexology encourages the body to heal itself and to return to an optimum state of healthy functioning.
What Are The Benefits Of Reflexology?
In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.
Whether reflexology can benefit certain conditions and diseases is still under investigation. Further scientific study need to be done in order to come to some definite benefits of reflexology in regard to illness and disease.
Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.
Reflexology can be used to treat specific health conditions, but can also be used as a diagnostic tool to detect imbalances you may not have been aware of. A detailed medical history will be taken and a treatment usually lasts around an hour, more than one session may be required. There may be a temporary reaction after the treatment as the body adjusts or releases toxins, this is part of the healing process and will only last a short time, and most people experience a sense of well being and relaxation.
Many clinical trials have been conducted and thousands of papers published proving the effectiveness of reflexology for many conditions including MS, fertility, asthmas, insomnia constipation and many more. It has also proved very useful as a method of pain relief during labor and decreasing the time of childbirth. Reflexology is holistic in that it treats the whole body, so it is a natural way to relieve stress, restore balance and stimulate the bodys natural healing process.
Reflexology has been shown to be effective for:
- Back Pain
- Migraine
- Infertility
- Arthritis
- Sleep disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Sports injuries
- Digestive disorders
- Stress-related conditions
What Can A Reflexologist Be Able To Tell Me About My Health?
Reflexology assessment takes place as stress cues are evaluated. Stress cues are parts of the foot or hand that shows adaptation to stress. Adaptation is shown by visual signs such as callousing, knobby toes or bunion. Indications of stress are also seen as sensitivity to technique application or touch signs perceived by the reflexologist as technique is applied. The assessment of such stress cues allows the reflexologist to target areas of stress and to design a session of pressure technique application appropriate to provide relaxation specific to the individual.
But remember a reflexologist cannot diagnosis or prescribe. Also remember reflexology is an adjunct to medical help not a replacement for it. You should seek medical help if you have an urgent or acute problem.
Remedial Massage - soft-tissue massage, commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain and sports injuries.
Remedial Massage provides a healing treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow. Remedial massage holistically treats the whole body and traces the discomfort as far as possible back to the original cause, healing both the cause of the disorder as well as the symptoms.
Remedial Massage Technique
It uses several specialized techniques to locate and repair damage and to support and speed up the body's own repair mechanisms. The massage is applied directly to the skin using a lubricating medium, usually oil, which ensures that the muscles associated with the disorder and mobilization of the joint are deeply penetrated. Passive stretching moves are also used.
Benefits of Remedial Massage
Key benefits of Remedial Massage include: the stimulation to the blood supply allowing toxins in the muscles to be removed; the calming of the peripheral nervous system to ease pain and discomfort; and the toning and relaxing of muscles to improve joint mobility. An improvement to the health of the cells, the repairing of tissues, and the easing of stiffness and tension can also be experienced through therapeutic relaxation.
Muscular and skeletal dysfunctions often addressed with Remedial Massage include Fibrositis, Spondylitis, Arthritis, frozen shoulder, muscular cramps, Whiplash, muscular atrophy, sports and dancing injuries.
Sessions usually take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the whether the practitioner will just address a specific area or give a whole body massage. As oil is used, it is necessary for the patient to be unclothed for the treatment.
How Remedial Massage Works
Remedial massage works intensively with deep tissue massage and mobilization techniques on localized areas of your body to achieve the following:
1. Blood Supply Stimulation – Massage helps the blood to circulate which nourishes and re-establishes a system to keep the flesh healthier. Indications of poor circulation include cold hands and toes, swollen ankles, feet and fingers.
2. Toxin Clearing – Toxic poison in the muscles can take the form of persistent bruising or inflammation. Soft tissue work through remedial massage works to clear the toxins and bring back healthy flesh.
3. Skin Nourishment – Massage gives the skin a healthy glow, refreshing skin that has become dry as a result of poor circulation.
4. Calming of the Peripheral Nerves – Nerves that have become damaged by injury or infection can be treated by soft tissue massage that will help to bring in fresh blood to nourish the area. Regular gentle massage helps sensitive areas to recover and regain their natural function.
5. Swelling Reduction – Massage above and around an inflamed joint encourages the fluid that is causing the swelling to disperse, promoting healthy lubrication and allowing swollen areas to return to normal size and movement.
6. Relaxation – There is nothing like massage to bring about relaxation. When tension is removed from the tight muscles of the neck and shoulders, the whole back, the legs and the arms, it is no surprise that people often fall asleep during the healing process. People suffering from stress or poor sleeping habits should be given a massage regularly.
7. Remove Stiffness – Overworked muscles often stiffen up, cramp or expand painfully. Deep soft tissue remedial massage works to break down the spasm and soften up the hard tissue releasing the stiffness.
8. Muscle Strengthening – Regular massage is an effective treatment to bring back muscle strength and tone. This is best suited to sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis whose muscles have gone soft and weak or victims of a break whereby the muscle has not been used for many weeks and weakness has built due to non-use.
9. Joint Mobility – Joints and muscles work together therefore if a joint is damaged or displaced, the surrounding muscles are put under strain. Remedial massage helps to relax the muscles, making bone adjustment easier. Follow-up treatment will strengthen the area, helping to prevent recurrence. Good massage is essential to heal injuries such as disc lesion in the back and whiplash in the neck.
10. Body Re-Balancing – Massage improves body mobility especially in the upper back neck area which is often restricted as a result of bad habits in posture.
11. Injury Treatment – Muscles, tendons and ligaments are all susceptible to injury and need skilled massage and exercise to bring about improvement.
12. Beauty Therapy – Facial massage is a treatment covering forehead, cheeks, eyes, whole face, neck and shoulders. It helps to fight sagging muscles and puts the life back into tired and dry skin.
13. Pain Reduction – Tension and spasm in the muscles is often the cause for the pain people have in arms, legs, back, neck and head. Using massage to release the pain at the root of the problem will often relieve symptoms such as headaches.
Sports Massage - a range of techniques for treating sport injuries and aiding performance.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
The main purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. The massage will help prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.
Types Of Techniques
Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used. The technique often involves a blend of traditional Swedish massage and Shiatsu specifically designed to treat professional athletes.
Each type of sport has different demands on the players. Each sport uses muscle groups in a different way. Sports massage is designed to address those specific concerns and may differ according to the sport the athlete plays. Sports massage can be aimed to help heal strained muscles and allow healthy ones to reach peak performance and maintain it while minimizing the risk of injury.
Benefits Of Sports Massage
Sports massage has many benefits. In addition to feeling good, sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain. Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way.
Sports Massage can also include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.
Shiatsu - pressure from the fingertips, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees or feet applied to the body, often through clothing. It's said to improve the flow of vital energy, known as ‘ki’, increase circulation and release tension.
What Is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning "finger pressure". It is a new name for the oldest form of medicine - healing with hands. Everybody has the healing power of touch and responds to touch. It is a natural ability that people are now beginning to recognize again. Shiatsu uses hand pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and its natural inner energies, to help ward off illness, and maintain good health.
Shiatsu is characterized by its great simplicity. It grew from earlier forms of massage, called Anma in Japan (Anmo or Tuina in China) which use rubbing, stroking, squeezing, tapping, pushing, and pulling to influence the muscles and circulatory systems of the body. Shiatsu, by contrast, uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening - merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb. It almost seems a lazy activity and, to the extent that it conserves one's energy, it is. But underneath the uncomplicated movements much is happening internally to the body's energy on a subtle level.
Shiatsu has some features in common with European-style massage and other forms of bodywork in that the use of physical pressure and stretches serves to reduce muscular tension and loosen stiff joints. However, unlike massage, the receiver remains clothed during the treatment and the principal aim of Shiatsu is not to work on localized muscles and joints, but on the overall energy system of the client. This is the big difference between Shiatsu and other physical therapies. A Shiatsu practitioner working on a shoulder joint, for example, will not just be focusing on the joint but on the pattern of energy throughout the client's body.
Shiatsu is a relaxing treatment and can be beneficial for back pain, stress, headaches, whiplash injuries, neck stiffness, joint pain and reduced motibility and many sports injuries amongst other ailments.
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular sessions help to prevent the build-up of stress in our daily lives.
How Does Shiatsu Treatment Work?
Based on the initial diagnosis and on physical and visual feedback gained during the session, the practitioner will seek to even out the perceived energy imbalances through pressure on the meridians, probably in conjunction with other techniques such as rocking, stretches and joint rotations. As with diagnosis, Shiatsu treatment is holistic, with the practitioner working on the whole body rather than focusing on the area where symptoms are most obvious. Shiatsu works best if the client is as relaxed and comfortable as possible, so you should close your eyes, relax your muscles (the practitioner will do all the work if movement is required) and refrain from speaking unless it's really necessary. But let the practitioner know the moment you feel any discomfort or your body will start to tense up and the benefit of the session will be lost.
By the nature of Shiatsu, it is almost impossible for it to have harmful effects. The aim is to shift energy around the body in such a way as to relieve areas of tension and enliven weak areas. This is effectively a collaboration between the practitioner and the client's body, which will instinctively want to do the same thing, but may need a little help to get started. Occasionally a new patient may have healing reactions after the first few sessions. These occur when toxins have been released during the treatment, and as these work out through the body there may be symptoms such as headache, stiffness, stomach upsets or diarrhea, desire to urinate frequently, or lethargy. Such symptoms are transitory and soon pass, usually in 12 hours at most. Drinking plenty of spring water and resting will help, as well as asking the practitioner for advice and reassurance.
Emotional releases may take longer to work through, and indeed, over the course of a number of treatments, deep-seated emotional patterns or memories involving past emotions may be uncovered. These can have profound effects on the patient's life. In such cases, extra contact between sessions may be necessary to talk through the reactions to treatment.
Is Shiatsu Complementary Or Alternative?
Shiatsu is complementary to mainstream Western medicine, not an alternative to it. It is worth listing here the most common syndromes which may be amenable to treatment by Shiatsu. These include: headaches, migraine, stiff necks and shoulders, backaches, coughs, colds, menstrual problems, respiratory illnesses including asthma and bronchitis, sinus trouble and catarrh, insomnia, tension, anxiety and depression, fatigue and weakness, digestive disorders and bowel trouble, circulatory problems, rheumatic and arthritic complaints, sciatica and conditions following sprains and injuries. Treatment of all these conditions will be given according to Oriental diagnosis, though it is always important that the modern Western diagnosis is confirmed and considered as well. However, for acute, localised problems such as appendicitis, broken bones or a heart attack, you should call an ambulance, not your Shiatsu practitioner. Both Shiatsu and Western medicine have important roles to play, and if you hear your Shiatsu practitioner disparraging conventional healthcare you should consider finding a different practitioner. Equally, if your GP disparages complementary medicine, look for a new GP.
Subtle Energy In The Body
The Oriental tradition describes the world in terms of energy. All things are considered to be manifestations of a vital universal force, called 'Ki' by the Japanese, ''Chi", or 'Qi', in China. Because of the Japanese origins of shiatsu therapy, the Japanese word Ki is used in preference to the Chinese word, Chi. Ki is the primary substance and motive force of life. It is most often described as "energy", but Ki is also synonymous with breath in the Japanese and Chinese languages. In Oriental medicine, harmony of Ki within the human body is conceived as being essential to health. All its endeavors are addressed to this end.
History of Shiatsu
The Development of Shiatsu in Japan
Shiatsu was developed in the early part of the 20th century by a Japanese practitioner, Tamai Tempaku, who incorporated the newer Western medical knowledge of anatomy and physiology into several older methods of treatment. Originally he called it "Shiatsu Ryoho", or "finger pressure way of healing", then "Shiatsu Ho ", "finger pressure method". Now known simply as "Shiatsu", it was officially recognized as a therapy by the Japanese Government in 1964, so distinguishing it from the older form of traditional massage, Anma. The role of shiatsu therapists is to diagnose and treat according to the principles of Oriental medicine.
Chinese origins of Shiatsu
The earliest known book of Chinese medicine is called the 'Huang Ti Nei Ching', 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine'. In it the legendary Emperor questions his physician, Ch-I Po, about problems of medicine ,and health among his people. In one well known passage Ch'i Po explains that different forms of medicine were developed in different regions according to the prevailing climate and the resulting constitutional problems from which people suffered. Treatment using herbs, needles and heat were attributed to Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western regions, but development of physical therapy including massage and breathing exercise was accorded to the people of China's central region. Thus began the long association of massage and manipulative therapy with special physical exercise, breathing techniques, and healing meditations which represented the highest level of Chinese medicine. These came to be known collectively as "Tao Yin", methods for guiding the subtle energies within the body to flow smoothly. Shiatsu is the modern inheritor of this tradition. Chinese medicine was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk in the 6th century. The Japanese developed and refined many of its methods to suit their own physiology, temperament, and climate. In particular they developed the manual healing and diagnostic arts, evolving special techniques of abdominal diagnosis, treatment, and abdominal massage.
Thai massage Thai massage is a blend of Chinese and Ayurvedic systems. It uses gentle stretching, bending and pulling techniques to affect the flow of 'prana' or vital force in the body. Treatment is focused on the massage channels and points on the body and a practitioner will use hands, feet and elbows to affect this flow and help to restore harmony to the body.
Thai Yoga Massage is one of the three main branches of the ancient Thai Medical system. The founder of this system is thought to have been Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, a doctor from North India, who was the personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara more than 2,500 years ago. The teachings of Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha are said to have reached Thailand from India along with Buddhism in the 2nd or 3rd century BC.
Traditional Thai Medicine is based on the concept of an energy system comprising 72,000 'sen' lines through which energy is transformed and distributed in the human body. This is similar to the system of 'nadhis' found in Ayurvedic medicine and yoga.
Thai Yoga Massage works to stimulate, open and balance the flow of energy through the sen lines to assist the body in its natural tendency towards self-healing. This is achieved through rhythmic manipulation of sen lines; mobilization of joints; passive stretches and applied Hatha Yoga asanas. In practice the massage unfolds like a continuous and rhythmic dance.
Thai Yoga Massage exemplifies the four divine states of mind described in Buddhist teachings. These are: loving kindness, compassion, vicarious joy and equanimity. Thai Yoga Massage is traditionally taught and practiced with the aim of embodying these states in action. For this reason the massage is sometimes referred to as 'meditation in movement'. During a good Thai Yoga Massage the receiver would experience this meditation as a state of clear, calm and vivified embodiment.
Thai Yoga Massage is practiced on the floor. There is no need for the use of oil. The receiver can remain lightly clothed.
Swedish Massage (also known as therapeutic massage) - a range of techniques applied to the skin using oils, including effleurage (stretching and relaxing superficial muscles), petrissage (kneading and squeezing deeper muscles and tissues), friction and compression (rubbing and ‘holding’ the tissues to break down scar tissue and relax muscles), tapotement (rhythmical movements and tapping performed with the edge of the hand or heel of the palm to increase blood circulation) and vibration (rhythmical movements for releasing tension and boosting circulation).
What Is A Swedish Massage?
The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.
Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling.
Purpose Of Swedish Massage
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.
Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.
Swedish Massage Techniques
Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. The usually sequence of techniques are:
1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
4. Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
6. Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching
Benefits Of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.
EXFOLIATION
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking. It also makes penetration easier for products like serums that nourish the skin.
The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. The keratinized skin cells are essential. They give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.
Exfoliation occurs naturally in the skin – each person has their own time clock; on average, skin cell growth occurs within a monthly cycle. Using cleanser daily, toning and moisturizing, and especially massage, all work to exfoliate your skin. If your skin is feeling sluggish, looking dull or lifeless, has an ashy or sallow undertone, or if you are experiencing lots of black heads or clogged pores, then you may need to exfoliate on a regular basis.
As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance.
Exfoliating speeds up the process of the constant shedding of the epidermis’ top layer of the skin. The stratum corneum, is the outer layer of the epidermis, so when you exfoliate, you are detaching this cell layer, which is what makes your skin feel and look smoother. You will know if your skin is thicker that you can handle more exfoliation than someone with fine, translucent skin – your skin will feel sensitive, be more susceptible to heat or cold.
Skin should feel silky and smooth, slightly hydrated and nourished – harsh exfoliants leave your skin feeling raw or scratched, so choose a product with round grains or softened ingredients like the pre-soaked Almonds and Oatbran.
The gentle massaging that usually complements exfoliating will increase blood flow to the skins surface and stimulate sebaceous activity.
Exfoliation provides deep cleansing of the superficial layer of the skin, which is important for keeping the skin blemish free, as it deeply cleanses any hard sebum plugs which block the pores. However, over cleansing and exfoliating can remove too much of the skins protective layer (of which sebum is a part), which renders the skin waterproof and protects from bacteria – so as a result of over exfoliation you may find your skin is not as resilient in its process of destroying invading bacteria, which in turn may exacerbate your problem… If your skin is chronically inflamed with acne, it would be a good idea to discuss specialised treatment with your health care professional, as exfoliation and broken skin are not a recommended combo.
There are two forms of exfoliation:
1) Mechanical Exfoliation The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive.
Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or
coffee grounds, or skin brushing. Products for the face should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads.
2) Chemical Exfoliation
A chemical peel is a technique designed to remove the dead skin cells from the skin's surface layer and re-stimulate the regenerative process. The chemical used include enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) which help loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the product is.
During a chemical peel treatment, a variety of chemicals are applied to the skin. The chemicals are derived from fruit, vinegar and sugar cane. High doses of vitamins can also be added during the treatment.
Chemical Peels removes excessive buildup of dead skin cells, smoothes and tighten the skin, lightens brown spots, diminish puffiness and circles around the eyes and treats sun damaged skin.
For maximum affects, most doctors recommend a series of 3 chemical peels in one-month intervals. Peels should be repeated every 6 - 12 months.
The number of layers and the intensity of the chemical peel solution are individualized according to your skin type, skin color and the condition being treated.
Type of Chemical Peel
There are 3 main types of chemical peels
1. Superficial peels
- Superficial chemical peels are the mildest type of chemical peel and can be used on all skin types.
- Superficial chemical peels usually use liquid containing a dilute acid, most often glycolic acid.
- Dry ice solid carbon dioxide is sometimes used.
2. Medium peels
- Medium chemical peels penetrate the skin more deeply than superficial peels and cause a second-degree burn of the skin.
- Trichloroacetic acid is the main peeling agent used for medium peels.
- Medium chemical peels may be done in several steps using a different chemical solution followed by Trichloroacetic acid.
3. Deep peels
- Deep chemical peels penetrate several layers of skin and cause a second-degree burn of the skin.
- They are the strongest kind of chemical peel and are used only on the face.
- Deep chemical peels are reserved for individuals with deep wrinkles from sun exposure or used to treat skin wrinkling around the lips and chin area.
- Deep peels tend to bleach darker skin.
- A deep peel can be done only once in most cases
How to Prepare for a Chemical Peel?
During the week leading up to the peel:
- avoid sun exposure
- do not use scrubs or masks
- do not apply a tanning solution to your skin
- do not wax, bleach or pluck
What to Expect During a Chemical Peel?
The entire chemical peel procedure takes about 45 minutes. During the chemical peel, you will probably feel a burning or stinging sensation. This stinging sensation is felt after each layer is applied to the skin. Stinging should not last more than a minute. The "stinging" is cooled down with a fan. You should not experience any pain once you leave the office or during the peeling process.
What Happens the days Immediately Following a Chemical Peel?
During the three to four days immediately following a chemical peel, most people have the following experiences:
1. Increased Sensitivity
2. Redness - blotchiness
3. Tightness and Dryness
4. Swelling and scabbing
Deeper peels usually scab and swell.
5. Peeling
Follow-up Care
After a chemical peel, your doctor may recommend follow up care. Followed up treatments are usually designed to enhance the skin's regenerative process. The most common follow up treatments are: cryotherapy and a hydrating facial.
The cryotherapy treatment is a dry ice treatment that helps remove flaking and enhances healing. Cryotherapy treatment should be done four days after your peel. A hydrating facial is recommended four days after the cryotherapy to protect and moisten your new skin.
Can Dark or Sensitive Skin be Peeled?
Yes. All skin types can benefit from a chemical peel.
How to Exfoliate
1) Wet the area of skin you want to exfoliate.
2) Use a synthetic scrubbing sponge, exfoliating gloves or a body loofah.
3) Apply an exfoliating cleanser to your skin or sprinkle it onto your sponge.
4) Making circular motions, scrub the exfoliating cleanser over your skin using your sponge or loofah.
5) Be gentle over sensitive parts of the body, like delicate neck and thigh tissue.
6) Rinse skin thoroughly.
7) Follow up with a good moisturizer.
Exfoliation Tips
- When exfoliating the face, use products specifically designed for the face.
- Products designed for your body may be too abrasive and irritating for your face.
- Your skin may tingle after using alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
- The tingling should stop within 15 minutes.
- If you exfoliate regulary, keep moisturizer on your face at all times.
- Exfoliating causes the skin to dry out, and dry skin is an invitation for skin to wrinkle.
HYDROTHERAPY
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health. Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the application of cold and hot water compresses.
Hydrotherapy is popular in Europe and Asia, where people "take the waters" at hot springs and mineral springs. In North America, it is often recommended as self-care by naturopathic doctors.
There is a physiological basis to hydrotherapy. Cold is stimulating, and it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict, shunting the blood to internal organs. Hot water is relaxing, causes blood vessels to dilate, and removes wastes from body tissues. Alternating hot can cold water also improves elimination, decreases inflammation, and stimulates circulation. Different forms of hydrotherapy are used to treat different conditions and problems. All however aim to increase your overall sense of well being. Water can be used in various ways to heal your body, mind and spirit because it is the substance that makes up most of our physical being.
It can ease physical aches and pains as well as improving circulation and breathing. It can help to boost your natural immune system and leave you feeling re-energized, clean, and invigorated. These treatments can allow your body to absorb important minerals which restore balance and improve bodily functions. They wash away not only surface dirt but the accumulation of stress and fatigue that can weigh down your being. They're very useful for recovering after a long illness, injury or operation. Chronic conditions that do not necessarily respond well to conventional medicine can be eased or cleared up.
Mobility and flexibility can be greatly improved and you are left feeling younger and healthier. They also help the mind to relax and to open yourself up to a greater appreciation of the present moment as well as new ideas and creativity.
Typical Hydrotherapy Treatment
Hydrotherapy treatments are often given at health spas or recommended as home self-care treatments. These are some types of hydrotherapy:
- Aqua Acupressure Massage - a passive aquatic therapy that incorporates the stretches and principles of the Japanese massage, while utilizing the properties of water. During the session, client is held and supported while being moved, floated and gently stretched in the water. The experience of deep relaxation and nurturing in this massage can facilitate a meditative state, free the body from pain and allow for restoration.
- Sitz Bath - There are 2 adjacent tubs of water, one hot and one cold. You sit in one tub with your feet in the other tub, and then alternate. Sitz baths are recommended for hemorrhoids, PMS and menstrual problems, cystitis, polyps.
- Warm Water Bath - Soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes, depending on the condition. Epsom salts, mineral mud, aromatherapy oils, ginger, moor mud, and dead sea salt may be added.
- Steam Bath or Turkish bath
- Compresses - Towels are soaked in hot and/or cold water.
- Wraps - Cold wet flannel sheets are used to cover the a person lying down. The person is then covered with dry towels and then blankets. The body warms up in response and dries to wet sheets. This is used for colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, infection, and muscle pain.
- Wet Sock Treatment - Used for sore throat, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
- Hot Fomentation - For treatment of acute conditions such as chest colds and coughs. It seems to relieve symptoms but also decrease the length of the illness.
Colon Hydrotherapy
What Is Colon Hydrotherapy?
Colon hydrotherapy is a safe, effective method of removing waste from the large intestine, without the use of drugs. By introducing filtered and temperature regulated water into the colon, the waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. This process is repeated a few times during a session.
Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy
The colon has been referred to as the sewer system of the body. It is the place where we store the waste material that most of us would rather not think about and most of us don't until our health becomes poor or we feel constipated or have diarrhea. It best benefits the body due to release of this accumulated congestion in the bowel.
A toxic colon is a major factor in the development of food intolerance leading to chronic ill health. You cannot expect to be well if the main organ responsible for ridding the body of toxic waste is under-functioning. When the colon is irritated by diet, stress, drugs, chemicals, and other substances, it tries to protect itself by producing more mucus. This additional mucus can bind with the sludge from refined foods, such as white flour, and build up on the wall of the bowel, narrowing the lumen. This layer of gluey, hardened feces can weigh several pounds and is a good place for harmful organisms to breed. Do not think because you have regular bowel movements, or even diarrhea, that you have escaped this problem. The stool can pass daily through a dirty colon and leave the accumulated residue on the walls behind. There is no need to get panicky about the amount of weighty garbage you might be carrying around with you: there is a great deal you can do about it.
Colon hydrotherapy can support your health and wellness objectives primarily through cleansing and rejuvenation of the colon. There are over 22 know poisons that can be found in a toxic colon. A buildup of colon toxins can stress and weaken the heart, cause wrinkles, blemishes, psoriasis and liver spots, disturb mental function, cause acidity of the body tissues--leading to decreased energy, calcium and other mineral loss in the bones, bad breath, dental problems, and can be directly related to arthritis and joint pain.
Through colon hydrotherapy, the colon is detoxified and reconditioned. This promotes improved organ function. As this occurs, the entire toxic load of the body is decreased, reducing the burden of the immune system, which is absolutely necessary in any efforts to build and maintain health. In addition, colon hydrotherapy is highly beneficial during a detoxification program following a major illness or health challenge.
Colon hydrotherapy is best used in combination with adequate nutrient and fluid intake as well as exercise. Today's sophisticated technology promotes both the safety and sanitation of this popular cleansing practice.
How is colon hydrotherapy administered?
There are currently many colon hydrotherapy methods and systems used today. At Relaxing Alternatives, we offer both a "closed-style" (HydroSans) and an "open-style" (LIBBE) system. Both are FDA approved systems and all materials used on either system are safe and disposable. The environment is private and aesthetically pleasing, and we strive to make your experience comfortable and relaxing.
The difference between the "open" and "closed" style systems
First of all, both are equally effective and neither should be considered 'better' than the other.
That being said, with the 'closed' system the water going in and the waste and water being eliminated stay "enclosed" in the disposable plastic speculum that is inserted into the rectum. The practitioner is by your side during the entire process controlling the flow of water in and out during the entire procedure.
With the "open" system, the client is lying down on a specially designed table and inserts a thin flexible tube into the rectum. Once the water is turned on, the client will eventually feel the need to release and can do so. The elimination takes place around or outside of the tubing and is taken out through the system. With this style system, it is not necessary for the practitioner to stay by the side of the client the entire procedure. They can actually step out of the room for short temporary intervals if the client prefers.
In many cases it really just comes down to a matter of personal preference. For someone who has never had colonics obviously there is no way to know until you have experienced the procedure.
Sanitation
Modern colon hydrotherapy equipment is manufactured through compliance with strict FDA guidelines that dictate rigorous accountability. The FDA-registered equipment features temperature controlled water mixing and back flow prevention valves, pressure and temperature sensors, and a built-in chemical sanitizing unit and/or water purification unit. Disposable single-use rectal tubes, and/or speculae are highly recommended.
Purification of cleansing water
The water used for the therapy undergoes as much as five purification processes. This purified water is also known as RO water and is processed through imported U.S. Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant, which produces kidney dialysis grade water of the purest quality. And as a result, clients can be relieved of any worries about the quality of the water used for a detoxification session – the water is 100% pure and natural.
The Procedure
Before each treatment, the client will meet with resident doctor who are able to provide the relevant information and answer any health-related questions or concerns. Resident doctor also conducts a thorough physical examination and take blood pressure measurements in order to ensure that each client is physically able to undergo treatments.
During the session, a certified and experienced colon hydrotherapist will assist you in the comfort of a private room. The therapist will adjust the temperature and regulate the flow of purified water into your colon to ensure a comfortable excretion of waste. The specially designed bed allows you to easily insert a lubricated thin rectal tube by yourself. You will be checked frequently by the therapist throughout the session, who will also gently massage your lower abdomen to aid the release of waste
At the end of the procedure, Bifidus (friendly bacteria) or Acidophilus will be given orally or through rectal infusion to maintain the balance of healthy elements in your body. The whole session lasts approximately 40 minutes. Our therapists aim to make your session relaxing, private and dignified.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of required treatments varies depending upon the individual's health status and overall wellness goals. However, a minimum of 3 sessions is generally recommended and anywhere from 6 to 10 necessary to adequately achieve detoxification and colon rejuvenation.
It is unlikely that you will have a clean colon within a couple of weeks: it could take months. You will know when things are happening: your skin and eyes will look clearer, your digestion will improve, you will have more energy, and nagging aches and pains that have been around for years will disappear. You could feel mentally better too, clear-headed, and less jumpy.
Contraindication
Conditions such as active infections, active inflammation (such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), a painful fissure or painful hemorrhoids mean treatment cannot be comfortably carried out until they are healed or in remission.
Diseases such as congestive heart disease, severe uncontrolled hypertension, severe anemia, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, severe hemorrhaging and colo-rectal carcinoma are also absolute contra-indications for treatment as are some physical conditions such as severe abdominal or inguinal hernias which cannot be easily reduced.
Treatments are also not performed during the first three months of pregnancy, and not at all during complicated pregnancies.
