April 14, 2008
3 Bodywork Techniques Ideal for Spring Cleaning |
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Spring has finally rolled around, and the first thing that may come to mind is cleaning your home from top to bottom. Spring also happens to be the best time of year to get rid of the toxins in your body - learn which three massage techniques are especially suited for this task.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
As the cobwebs of winter dissipate with spring’s rainfall, the human body has its own way of adjusting to longer hours of daylight and increases in the outside temperature. By getting rid of the dirt that has accrued over the colder months, the tradition of spring cleaning promotes clean homes across the continents. Similarly, many realize spring as the ideal season to rid their body of the toxins accumulated over winter. Known specifically for their internal cleansing properties, certain bodywork techniques have the ability to support this ritualistic detoxification.
Chinese medical theory teaches its students that the energy in the liver organ system is most active in the spring. As the first line of defense against accumulated poisons, the liver’s role in cleansing the blood makes it one of the most important targets for detoxification. According to Denver naturopath and yoga instructor Brenna Hatami, “Spring represents the best time of year for cleansing the body for many reasons.” Hatami cites the availability of lighter foods, milder weather enticing more people outdoors and the enhanced regenerative properties of the liver as contributing to spring’s history as the season where people return to health.
Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, “it's critical to detox,” says Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Detoxification (Healthy Healing Publications). Page recommends detoxifying for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections, bags under the eyes, a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin, menstrual difficulties or mental confusion.
Among advocates of detoxification, there is dissension about what constitutes the ideal detoxification regimen. However, any program that augments the removal of toxins will improve health. Depending on who is consulted, a plan for detoxification may involve many factors, including:
· A highly specialized diet – often organic, vegetarian and low-fat
· Fasting
· Herbal supplements
· Bodywork
· Colonics
· Perspiration practices
· Increased water consumption
· Physical activity
While no one method is sufficient for a complete system overhaul, combining several detoxification approaches always enhances toxin removal quantity.
Bodywork to Detoxify
There are a number of different massage therapy techniques that encourage detoxification. While a case for impurity elimination can be constructed for many of these approaches, three kinds of bodywork are known to be especially supportive of detoxification:
1. Shiatsu for the Liver – Based on the meridian network mapped by Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulating points along the liver channel help stimulate this organ to be a more efficient blood purifier. Performing shiatsu on Liver 3, the source point of the liver, is especially effective in increasing the blood circulation and thus purification capacity of this organ.
2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Integral to detoxification, the lymphatic system sequesters circulating threats in the body and aids in their elimination. Thus, draining the lymph nodes of accumulated toxins with lymphatic drainage massage removes blockages and improves their cleansing function.
3. Swedish Massage – Because the circulation resulting from Swedish massage enhances oxygen exchange among local tissues and improves colon drainage capability, this is a good addition for helping escort impurities out of the body.
Bodywork Caution
Massage therapists working with clients undergoing an intense detoxification program must be aware of the potential for a Herxheimer reaction. The Herxheimer reaction occurs when the body is detoxifying too rapidly, causing toxins to be released faster than the body can eliminate them. When this occurs, symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting and malaise typically ensue. Although a Herxheimer reaction is short-lived, it can be severe enough for a client to stop detoxification.
To minimize this problem, advise clients undergoing detoxification to:
· proceed with their detox program slowly
· drink lots of pure water
· avoid exposure to environmental toxins
· avoid eating refined, processed foods
· abstain from alcohol
· perspire through exercise or taking a sauna/steam bath
Encourage established or potential clients to take advantage of spring’s momentum by cleansing themselves of the toxins residing within. As long as bodyworkers are careful to circumvent a Herxheimer reaction, shiatsu for the liver, lymphatic drainage massage and Swedish massage are the perfect accompaniments to someone’s internal spring cleaning.
Recommended Study:
Shiatsu Anma Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Swedish Massage
References:
http://chetday.com , Detoxification Details, Ted H. Spence, DDS, ND, PhD/DSc, MPH, chetday.com, 2008.
http://life.gaiam.com, 10 Ways to Detoxify Your Body, Deborahann Smith, Gaiam Inc., 2008.
Marty, Diane M., Detox Days, Body Sense, Spring/Summer 2004.
www.healthydetoxtips.com, Detox - Why You Need To Start Now, How to Detox, 2008.
www.integrative-healthcare.com/mt, Emotional Spring Cleaning, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Natural Wellness, 2008.
www.massagemag.com, Massage Eases Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, Massage Magazine, March/April 2005.
www.talkmince.com, Detox Massage for Body Cleansing, Sandra Kim Leong, 2008.
Posted by Editors at 12:54 PM
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April 10, 2008
Massage Therapists Beware: Drug and Citrus Caution |
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When combined with grapefruit, the side effects of certain medications can intensify. Since these side effects may impact massage therapy, practitioners knowing about this potential are especially valuable to their clients.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
People on certain medications may or may not be aware of the potential danger evoked when they consume grapefruit or any of its derivatives. Because their work can have a dramatic effect on clients taking certain medications, the possibility of grapefruit interfering with a drug is even more complicated for massage therapists. Thus, bodyworkers taking extra precautions for clients who could have a drug and citrus interaction are better equipped to deliver a safe and therapeutic massage.
Grapefruit’s Good Side
Grapefruit and its juice are healthful, providing enough vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and other nutrients to earn the American Heart Association’s “heart-check” mark. Aside from the mixture of sweet and sour favored by so many, some of the documented health benefits of grapefruit include:
· Inhibition of tumor formation
· Supporting the body’s excretion of toxins
· Hindering Hepatitis C propagation
· Improvement in cholesterol levels
· Protection during cold and flu season
While this fruit’s obvious advantages explain its frequent recommendation by nutritionists, grapefruit can dangerously interact with over 50 medications.
Grapefruit’s Not So Good Side
Despite its reputation as one of nature’s perfect creations, grapefruit interferes with the absorption of certain medications. A compound in grapefruit binds to the enzyme CYP3A4 in the intestinal tract – the same enzyme that many drugs fasten to. Because this enzyme is occupied by the grapefruit, the medications that typically bind to it are blocked and pass from the digestive system to the bloodstream. This causes quantities of the drug to rise faster and higher than desired, sometimes dangerously too high.
Although the medications that interact with grapefruit juice always carry clear warnings, many consumers fail to fully read drug labels. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their drug’s interaction with grapefruit. Since a single glass of grapefruit juice can reduce a drug’s intestinal absorption by nearly 50 percent, only a small amount is needed to dramatically boost blood levels of susceptible drugs.
An abbreviated list of commonly prescribed drugs that interact with grapefruit include:
· Anxiety: Xanax, Buspar, Versed, Halcion
· Depression: Luvox, Zoloft
· Allergies: Allegra
· Abnormal heart rhythm: Cordarone, Quinidine
· Heart disease/stroke/blood clots: Coumadin
· Epilepsy: Tegretol
· Cancer: Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Tamoxifen, Vinblastine, Vincristine
· Cough: Dextromethorphan
· HIV: Agenerase, Crixivan, Viracept, Norvir, Fortovase
· Prostate enlargement: Proscar
· Heart disease/High blood pressure: Coreg, Cardizem, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Nimotop, Sular, Covera, Calan, Verelan
· Erectile dysfunction: Viagra, Cialis
· Asthma/Emphysema: Theophylline
· High cholesterol: Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor
· Pain: Alfenta, Duragesic, Actiq, Sufenta
Adding Massage Therapy to the Mix
Similar to any medical treatment capable of dramatic health improvements, massage therapy must be practiced with care. Included in careful bodywork administration is understanding that medications influence massage. Depending on the absorption, distribution and excretion of any particular drug, enhancing circulation through massage therapy can impact the function or side effects of that medication. Making for a larger potential impact, taking a drug that interacts with grapefruit while consuming grapefruit can exaggerate the side effects impacting massage therapy. Therefore, massage therapists can make the best decisions about giving a treatment when they know:
· which drugs carry a contraindication or side effect impacting massage
· and which drugs interact with grapefruit.
Below are three examples of drugs that fall into both categories and their corresponding massage implications:
1. Xanax – An anti-anxiety medication known to interact with grapefruit, this drug can cause fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness and hypotension. Thus, clients who are taking this drug and who have also recently consumed grapefruit are at much higher risk for getting dizzy or experiencing hypotension when changing positions or getting off the massage table.
2. Zoloft – This antidepressant medication also interacts with grapefruit. Its side effects that may impact massage include orthostatic hypotension, sleepiness, anxiety and insomnia. Thus, clients taking this drug who have recently consumed grapefruit are more likely to need stimulating strokes (such as tapotement) for orthostatic hypotension or sleepiness, or slow and rhythmic strokes (such as rocking) for anxiety or insomnia.
3. Duragesic – An externally applied patch used for pain, this narcotic also interacts with grapefruit. Side effects that can impact massage include dizziness, sedation, euphoria and decreased pain sensation. When working with clients on Duragesic, therapists must be extra careful with their depth and pressure due to decreased pain sensation – especially if the drug level in the blood is elevated from grapefruit consumption.
The problem of abnormally high blood levels of a drug caused by grapefruit consumption would not exist if everyone understood the warnings associated with their medication. However, massage therapists work in the real world, where some people are too hurried to comprehensively read and understand their drug’s labels.
Bodyworkers who recognize a client’s medication as one that interacts with grapefruit should always inquire about their fondness for this citrus fruit. By informing clients on these drugs of the danger of mixing it with grapefruit, advising them to discuss it with their physician and being careful with massage by assuming a possible exaggeration of side effects, massage therapists actively contribute to the safety of their clients and to the elevation of their profession.
Recommended Study:
Pharmacology for Massage
References:
Pharmacology Guide for Massage Therapy, Natural Wellness, 2008.
Werner, Ruth, You’re Taking What? Massage and Common Medications, Massage & Bodywork, April/May 2006.
www.globalrph.com, Drug-Grapefruit Interactions, D.McAuley, GlobalRPh Inc., 2008.
www.health.harvard.edu, Grapefruit and Medication: A Cautionary Note, President and Fellows of Harvard College, February 2006.
www.hepatitis-central.com/mt, Update: What You Need to Know About Grapefruit and Hepatitis C, Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Natural Wellness, 2008.
www.webmd.com, Grapefruit May Improve Cholesterol, Miranda Hitti, WebMD, LLC, 2008.
Posted by Editors at 09:34 AM
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April 09, 2008
2 Massage Therapy Methods for Scoliosis |
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The principle goal of traditional scoliosis treatment is to reduce the progression of spine curvature. However, two techniques employed by bodyworkers can reduce some of the most frequent complaints of people with scoliosis.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Affecting the spines of children, teenagers and adults, an estimated six million people suffer from some form of scoliosis in the United States. While the human spine features several natural curvatures to allow for movement and flexibility, scoliosis is diagnosed when there is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is rarely fatal, but it can severely impact a person’s quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Although not one of the treatment options for correcting this condition, massage therapy can help relieve some of the resulting back pain, shallow breathing, sciatica, headaches and insomnia brought on by this aberrant spinal structure.
Spinal Curves
Curves are a normal part of the spine’s structure. Looking at the spine from a lateral view, a properly formed spine resembles a soft ‘S’ shape to maintain balance over the pelvis. From a posterior view, a normal spine will appear vertically straight from the neck to the sacrum.
Scoliosis is diagnosed when a posterior view of the spinal column reveals lateral bends. A scoliosis curve to the right side of center will form a compensating bend back to the left side, and vice versa. Scoliosis usually occurs in the thoracic or lumbar areas of the back. A normal spine has a vertical curve measuring less than 10 degrees. By measuring the curve’s angle using the vertebra at the apex of the curve as a starting point, a scoliotic spine measures curves of 10 degrees in mild cases and up to 90 degrees in the most severe cases.
Distribution and Causes
Most cases of scoliosis are considered to be of unknown origin, otherwise known as idiopathic. Statistics confirm that scoliosis is more prevalent in girls than in boys, and develops in adolescence in eighty percent of all cases. While it is also found in adults, most professionals assume that these scoliosis diagnoses were missed during childhood.
Sometimes, scoliosis can be a result of physical trauma or stress, such as a car accident. Rarely, congenital or infantile scoliosis occurs when severe spinal deformities are present at birth. While all of the following theories have not yet been validated, research has indicated that possible causes of scoliosis include:
· connective tissue disorders
· nervous system abnormalities
· hormonal imbalances
· genetic/hereditary factors
· consistent physical or emotional stress
Treatment
Once diagnosed with scoliosis, there are several considerations a professional will evaluate before assessing treatment. These include determining:
· if the spine is still growing and changing
· how severe the curvature is
· the extent the patient’s lifestyle is impacted
· the curve’s location – according to the Scoliosis Research Society, thoracic curves are more likely to progress than lumbar curves
· the curve’s potential for progression – those with large curves prior to their adolescent growth spurts are more likely to experience curve progression.
After these variables are analyzed, the three treatment options to consider are:
1. Observation – In mild cases of scoliosis, the only treatment warranted is periodic physician observation to ensure that the problem has not increased.
2. Orthopedic Bracing – The most common treatment used for scoliosis, bracing is used for curves of 30-40 degrees. While a brace does not change the amount of curvature already present, a brace can stop the curve’s progression. Since most curve progressions occur during a child’s growth phase, bracing is most common from infancy through adolescence. Braces have replaced full torso non-removable casts and are usually worn 23 hours per day.
3. Surgery – Surgery is used to stabilize the spine. In a procedure called Bone-Fusion, an orthopedic surgeon takes tiny pieces of bone from the patient’s pelvis and inserts them between the vertebrae in hopes of stimulating the bones to eventually grow together. During the surgery a metal rod, hooks and wire are inserted to keep the spine straight until the bones fuse. The hardware is rarely removed because that would require another extensive surgery.
Alternative Medicine for Scoliosis Relief
Since scoliosis is considered a deformity, the treatments discussed above are focused solely on reducing the progression of the problem. Due to the elongated musculature on one side and the shortened musculature on the opposite side, back pain, shallow breathing, sciatica, headaches and insomnia are frequent issues that a person with scoliosis must contend with. Consequently, many alternative treatments have been used to help reduce the problems caused by excessive curvature of the spine.
While Rolfing®, yoga, acupuncture, structural integration and exercise have a history of improving scoliosis symptoms, two massage therapy techniques also can help this condition:
1. Cranial-Sacral Therapy – By gently addressing restricted tissue patterns surrounding and within the spinal column, adipose tissue and the dural tube, cranial-sacral therapy’s mobilization of fascia, gentle traction and enhancing mobility of the body can help bring some balance to the spine.
2. Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue work, neuromuscular therapy and assisted stretching techniques to hypertonic muscles enhance local circulation and can bring relief from muscular pain and related adhesions. By elongating these tightened areas, the causal pull on the spine can relax. However, therapists should be aware that deep work on the overstretched fascia covering the ribs is not beneficial.
Since scoliosis reforms bone and becomes more difficult to liberate beyond 25 years of age, younger patients can have more dramatic results. While scoliotic patterns can change for adults too, older bodies change more slowly and differently than with youth.
Alternative treatments are not suggested to replace a traditional physician’s prescription. However, massage therapy can help reduce some of scoliosis’ related symptoms. Appropriate application of cranial-sacral therapy and deep tissue massage can provide a respite for continuously over-stretched fascia and muscles, thus lessening the stress on a wrenched spinal column.
Recommended Study:
Cranial-Sacral Fundamentals
Deep Tissue Massage
Neuromuscular Therapy
References:
Dalton, Erik, Symptomatic Scoliosis, Massage and Bodywork, April/May 2006.
Lensman, Lena, Getting it Straight: Scoliosis and Structural Integration, Massage and Bodywork, April/May 2003.
http://erikdalton.com, “Scoliosis – A Case Study”, Erik Dalton, PhD, Rolf Institute, 2008.
Wanveer, Tad, LMT, CST-D, Scoliosis and CranioSacral Therapy, Massage Today, February 2008.
www.associatedcontent.com, Rolfing: Treating Scoliosis With A Special Massage, Jennifer Dooley, Associated Content, Inc., January 2008.
www.spineuniverse.com, The Natural Curves of Your Spine, Stewart E. Eidelson, MD, SpineUniverse.com, 2008.
www.yogajournal.com, Back to Back, Elise Miller, Cruz Bay Publishing Inc., 2008.
Posted by Editors at 09:05 AM
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April 08, 2008
Chromotherapy: A Fascinating Similarity to Polarity |
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Polarity therapy has established itself as an effective system of alternative healthcare. Founded on similar physical concepts, adding chromotherapy to polarity-based bodywork is likely to enhance client results. What is chromotherapy?
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
For centuries, a select group of alternative healthcare practitioners have known that colors can dramatically affect health, inner harmony and emotions. Although those trained within the conventional medical model may doubt the efficacy of color therapy, or chromotherapy, a surprising number of success stories have surfaced touting the ability of color to impact human health. As the science behind chromotherapy is uncovered, it is easy to recognize it’s parallel with polarity therapy. Since polarity therapy and chromotherapy are both deeply routed in the basic laws of vibrational physics, these two modalities make a logical union.
Chromotherapy
Based on the premise that different bands of the light spectrum produce different effects in the human body, chromotherapy is known as a vibrational healing modality. When color and light strike an individual, they influence that same vibration present in the body.
The set of frequencies related to musical notes demonstrates how the vibration of color can influence the human body. If two properly tuned guitars are in the same room and the G string is plucked on one guitar, the G string on the second guitar will also ring. This phenomenon occurs because the sound frequency of the G note travels across the room causing the resonant frequency of the G string on the second guitar to sound. Likewise, the body’s organs have their own resonant frequencies associated with each chakra and meridian. Well known to physicists, the electrically charged molecules composing living tissue is always vibrating. Thus, chromotherapy practitioners can tune their clients for optimal wellness by exposing chakras and meridians to the color needed.
Some of the properties of color that render it a potential healing tool include:
· A property of light, color is electromagnetic energy.
· Different colors of light have different wavelengths.
· The shorter the wavelength, like violet, the faster it vibrates; the longer the wavelength, like red, the slower it vibrates.
Creating resonance between the body’s vibrating electromagnetic particles and the desired color’s vibration helps chromotherapy recipients achieve a more healthful state.
Chromotherapy in Practice
Applying the principles of chromotherapy, a therapist can utilize light and color in various forms. Some of its more common applications include projecting colored light onto certain areas of the body, suggesting colored visualizations and incorporating various colored materials into a session. Each basic color used in chromotherapy is associated with a different chakra and relates to different physical and emotional issues:
· Red – Red stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respiration and blood pressure and excites the sexual glands. It energizes the first chakra located at the coccyx. Warming and energizing, red is appropriate for someone who is tired, cold and has poor circulation.
· Orange – The color of joy and wisdom, orange energizes the second chakra located at the sacrum. Regarded to stimulate the appetite, orange is beneficial for illnesses of the colon and digestion.
· Yellow – Related to the solar plexus chakra, yellow energizes, lifts the mood, improves memory and can improve digestion.
· Green – Affecting the heart chakra, green is calming to the central nervous system. A good color for cardiac conditions, high blood pressure and ulcers, green also benefits those suffering from depression and anxiety.
· Blue – The color of the throat chakra, blue is a good color choice to influence respiratory or throat difficulties. Calming and cooling, blue may help counteract hypertension.
· Indigo – Related to the brow chakra, indigo can improve problems with the sinuses and face. It has also been used to help heal burns and reduce pain.
· Violet – Associated with the crown chakra, violet is cleansing, strengthening and peaceful. Affecting the skeletal system, it is often used therapeutically to improve immunity, arthritis and relieve headaches.
Polarity Therapy
Polarity therapy is a natural health care system that is also based on the human energy field. Relying on the constant motion of molecules, polarity therapy is aimed at balancing the constant pulsation of energy between positive and negative poles. These poles create fields and energetic lines of force throughout the body. Dr. Randolph Stone, the founder of polarity therapy, explains that a disturbance in this energetic system causes a departure from good health.
By incorporating energy mapping of the five natural elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) and the seven primary energy centers or chakras, polarity therapy encourages each energetic field to achieve unrestricted, optimal vibration levels. A polarity practitioner adds their own energy to a disordered field, to create vibration in unison. Known in physics as a Bose-Einstein Condensate, creating vibratory unison allows a dysfunctional organ to work more effectively. Similar to understanding entropy in quantum physics, proponents of polarity therapy acknowledge that healing occurs as energetic order is restored to systems that had previously been disordered.
Polarity in Practice
Mostly using very gentle types of bipolar contact, polarity bodywork involves many techniques. Characteristic of polarity, bipolar contact is when a practitioner uses the fingers of both hands to energetically and functionally link related areas of the body for energy movement. Methods used include cranial holds, rocking movements, techniques similar to reflexology and some osteopathic and chiropractic influenced moves. However, polarity therapy always emphasizes energetic work over manipulation. Since forceful manipulations are not part of polarity therapy, it is suitable for elderly and frail clients.
Whether practicing polarity therapy or chromotherapy, bodyworkers have the opportunity to put their physics knowledge to good use. For a Western science trained, analytical mind, both modalities are logical ways to influence well-being. If proficient in both chromotherapy and polarity, practitioners can combine the two to increase the therapeutic effectiveness of their sessions.
Recommended Study:
Polarity Therapy
References:
http://healing.about.com, Color Therapy – Chromotherapy, Phylameana lila Desy, About.com, Inc., 2008.
Rowen, Robert Jay, MD, 9 Alternative Health Scams, Second Opinion Publishing Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, 2002.
www.biopulse.org, Color Therapy, Association Alternative Medicine, 2008.
www.polaritytherapy.org, Polarity Therapy: An Introduction, Will Wilson, American Polarity Therapy Association, 2008.
Posted by Editors at 12:36 PM
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