Category: Massage

Touch is the first sense we acquire.  As humans, we have an innate ability to communicate through touch, both receptively and expressively.  Touch seems to be a language that we take for granted and is a powerful tool for many successful relationships.  It may be a more versatile form of communication than voice, facial expressions or other means of communication.  When touch is combined with another form of communication, a voice, for instance, speeds the message being implied. Or at times, touch may simply take the place of voice communication.

What can the power of touch do?

• Newborns that are given nurturing touch grow faster and have more improved mental and motor skill development. A mother’s touch signifies security.  Tiffany Field, director of the University of Miami School of Medicine, did extensive research on the power of touch through massage.  She found that infants who were massaged on a regular basis slept better, had reduced irritability, improved immune function, digestion, and social skills. She also saw dramatic results in improved growth, weight gain, and development of preemies.
• Children raised with more physical interaction tended to be less aggressive and violent.
• Partners who cuddle have been shown to have lower stress levels and blood pressure and improved immune function.
• Elderly people who receive the soothing, affirming experience of touch have been shown to better handle the process of aging and passing with dignity.

Touch helps to release the hormone oxytocin, which helps to enhance a sense of trust and attachment.  This also helps to explain why we self-caress multiple times each day, from self-hugging to rubbing our neck or forehead, it provides a calming effect.  Self-massage has been shown to slow heart rate and lower the level of the stress hormone of cortisol.

These same physiological benefits are reciprocal. You cannot touch without being touched.  Those who initiate touch, often reap the same benefits as those who are being touched.  Tiffany Field’s research revealed that a person giving massage experiences as great a reduction in stress hormones as the person on the receiving end.  “Studies have shown that a person giving a hug gets just as much benefit as a person being hugged”, Field says.  Touch then is a powerful tool not only for communication but for healing the body and balancing the soul. 

Massage therapy dates back thousands of years and has been utilized for many medical and emotional conditions, as well as assisting women during labor and delivery. Unfortunately, there are still some today that view massage merely as a luxury, but there are too many benefits to ignore.  Studies have shown that massage can:

1) Dilate the blood vessels, which improves circulation and relieves congestion throughout the body.

2) Increase the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia.

3) Act as a “mechanical cleanser”, stimulating lymph circulation and hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.

4) Relax muscle spasms and relieve tension.

5) Increase blood supply and nutrition to muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid which is produced through voluntary muscle contraction.  This aspect of massage has helped in many areas of degenerative diseases.

6) Improve general circulation, thus increasing nutrition of the tissues.  It is accompanied or followed by an increased interchange of substances between the blood and tissue cells heightening tissue metabolism.

7) Help to prevent buildup of harmful “fatigue” products resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.

8) Have a sedating or stimulating effect on the nervous system depending upon the length and type of massage given.

9) Help compensate for lack of exercise and muscular contraction in people who, because of injury, illness, or age are forced to remain inactive.  In these cases, massage helps return the venous blood to the heart and eases the strain on this vital organ.

10) Increase the excretion (via the kidneys) of fluids and waste products of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorus, and salt in normal individuals.

11) Encourage retention of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur necessary for tissue repair in persons recovering from bone fractures.

12) Stretch connective tissue, improve circulation and nutrition and break down or prevent the formation of adhesions and reduce the danger of fibroids.

13) Improve the circulation and nutrition to joints and hastens the elimination of harmful deposits.  It helps lessen inflammation and swelling in joints and so alleviates pain.

14) Help reduce edema (water retention) in the extremities.

15) Disperse the edema following an injury to ligaments and tendons, lessens pain and facilitates movement.

From the moment we are born to the final days of our lives, touch acts as a central aspect of the human experience. Whether it’s receiving a massage, or a hug to a spouse leaving for work or even a simple high five, touch is a powerful form of communication.  Being able to give and receive touch in a loving, compassionate manner with pure intentions has a profound effect on the entire healing process.  It impacts our physical, mental and emotional health, and quite literally shapes the way we go through life. 

Start the New Year out right by adding regular massage and bodywork into your wellness routine.  Notice what a difference it makes in your life.

By Alex A. Kecske

Breast cancer currently affects about one in eight women in the United States. In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women throughout the U.S. In addition, 62,280 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer were diagnosed.  Sadly, about 40,170 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2009 from the disease. The good news is that, as of 2008, about 2.5 million women in the U.S. have survived breast cancer. Women with breast cancer can suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, which can result in a decreased in natural killer (NK) cells. A drop in NK cell activity has been linked to increased tumor development.

Massage therapy has been shown to offer a number of benefits for breast cancer patients. Performed by a skilled and qualified therapist, the immediate benefits of massage therapy include reduced stress and anxiety. Long-term massage effects include reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, NK cell number, and lymphocytes. Massage can also enhance one’s feeling of well-being. It can stimulate the nerve endings in the skin, release endorphins (the feel good hormone) and inhibit the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.

In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the Touch Research Institute found that massage therapy reduced anxiety and depression. It also improved immune function, including increased NK cell number in breast cancer patients. Additionally, breast cancer patients have improved immune functions following massage therapy.

Another study* found that therapeutic massage reduced cancer pain perception by an average of 60 percent, decreased anxiety by 24 percent and enhanced relaxation by 58 percent. A Touch Research Institute study involving 20 children with leukemia found that daily massages by their parents increased the children’s white blood cell and neutrophil counts (neutrophils form a primary defense against bacterial infection).

One 2003 study of 230 cancer patients found that those who received one 45-minute therapeutic massage session per week for a month felt less pain and took about eight fewer doses of pain medication than those in the control group.

Massage therapy is usually administered by a therapist using fingers and hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body–muscles, skin and tendons. Administered by a trained professional, massage therapy is generally safe and has no negative side effects. Effective massage therapies include stroking, squeezing and stretching techniques on the head, arms, legs, feet and back.

During chemotherapy treatment, blood count for platelets and/or white blood cells may drop below normal levels. Also, during radiation treatment, the skin develops minor burns. A qualified massage therapist must be familiar with these treatment side effects before proceeding with massage.

Before attempting massage therapy, first consult a primary care physician. If he or she advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.

Raindrop Technique Massage is a very powerful healing tool using a series of 9 different therapeutic grade essential oils.  It originated from the research of D. Gary Young, ND and a medicine man named Wallace Black Elk of the Lakota Indian Tribe.  The routine is based on the theory that many viruses and/or bacteria lay dormant along the spine.  Over time, they can cause multiple problems in the body, such as Fibromyalgia, spinal misalignments, and scoliosis, or other viral conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

A growing amount of research shows that certain microorganisms lodge near the spinal cord and contribute to deformities.  At the University of Bonn, researchers found that the varicella zoster virus can lodge in the spinal ganglia throughout life.  Research in 2001 further corroborated the existence of infectious microorganisms as a cause of spine pain and inflammation.  Under the guidance of Alistair Stirling, colleagues at the Royall Orthopedic Hospital in Birmingham, England found that 53 percent of patients with severe sciatica tested positive for chronic, low-grade infection by gram-negative bacteria, which triggered inflammation near the spine.

The essential oils used in this routine are all highly antimicrobial, designed to reduce inflammation along the spine and rid the body of the viral agents that have triggered the initial response.  The sequence is designed to allow the oils to enter the body and begin to clean up and detoxify the cells, re-oxygenate and then reprogram at the cellular DNA level.  The oils used in the Raindrop Technique Massage are:

• Valor- a blended essential oil containing Spruce, Rosewood, Blue Tansy and Frankincense in an Almond Oil Base. Valor promotes feelings of strength, courage, and protection and has been found to support energy alignment in the body.   Ancient stories tell us that soldiers applied Valor to their bodies before going into battle for these same reasons.
• Oregano – a powerful essential oil for helping to support healthy immune and digestive systems.   Recent research at Weber State University has shown that Oregano has a 99% kill rate against in-vitro colonies of Streptococcus pneumonia, even when used in one percent concentration.
• Thyme – one of the most highly antimicrobial and antiseptic essential oils and can be used to assist in a healthy immune and cardiovascular system.
• Basil – has many anti-inflammatory properties also, and can be used to support a healthy immune system. When used topically, Basil can be used to bring normal circulation and support healthy skin properties.
• Wintergreen – can be used to help support normal circulation and a healthy cardiovascular system. It has been used for decades to support healthy oral hygiene.  The primary constituent, Methyl Salicylate, has long been added to liniments and ointments for multiple musculoskeletal problems.
• Marjoram – was known as the “herb of happiness” to the Romans, and “the joy of the mountains” to the Greeks. Marjoram can assist with normal digestion.
• Cypress – can be used for supporting the cardiovascular system as well as the lymphatic system.
• Peppermint – one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for helping to soothe and support healthy digestion. In addition, it is an anti-bacterial oil and can help support the immune system.
• Aroma Siez- a blended essential oil containing Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Peppermint, and Cypress. It has the potential to help support a healthy immune system.

A Raindrop Technique Massage begins with the oils being applied to the feet with a specific reflexology technique called Vita Flex.  This same sequence of oils is then drizzled and lightly dropped onto the spine.  Very light massage is applied, which allows the body to elicit responses, typically goose bumps.  With the nerves now awake, the body can absorb the oils much deeper, and allow healing to begin at the cellular level.   These oils have been chosen for their specific healing properties in combating the viral infections that lie dormant along the spine.  This particular type of massage takes approximately one hour, and the client is asked to turn their thoughts inward and reflect on the specific healing needed in their own body.  Although some may not notice immediate results, the effects of a Raindrop Massage will last at least one week.

Raindrop Technique Massage is a wonderful tool to add to your health and wellness routine.  As the oils are applied topically, they will help to restore a sense of balance as your body begins to heal from within.   It is one of the safest, most non-invasive techniques available for spinal health.  It is the most powerful and helpful broad-spectrum applications of essential oils.  Due to the wide variety of essential oils applied, there may be a benefit for almost every condition within the Raindrop Massage.

Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, affects one in three adults in America, the majority of who are aged 65 or over.

Hypertension is defined by the consistent measurement of a systolic blood pressure exceeding 140mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure exceeding 90mmHg.  The systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries during a heartbeat and the diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries in between beats.

It is normal for individuals to experience high blood pressure during exertion.  However, if a person’s blood pressure is consistently high, they are at an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, two leading causes of mortality in America.  Hypertension often goes unnoticed, as no apparent outward symptoms are associated with the disease.  The condition is commonly diagnosed in the physician’s office when a physician measures a patient’s blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer during a routine medical examination.

Many lifestyle factors contribute to hypertension, including cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of regular exercise, an unhealthy diet and being overweight.  Anti-hypertensive drugs are the primary treatment for hypertension and oftentimes, multiple drugs are used to achieve a final satisfactory blood pressure reading.

Quitting cigarette smoking, reducing alcohol intake, regular exercise, changing unhealthy dietary habits, and reducing body weight may help hypertension that is caused by lifestyle factors.  Adults with hypertension should aim to reduce their experience of stress, in order to prevent rises in blood pressure.  For this reason, massage can be beneficial for hypertension.

A study on the effects of myofascial trigger point massage therapy for people with hypertension showed that significant decreases in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure resulted following massage.  The study, conducted by Delaney, J.P., Leong, K.S., Watkins, A., and Brodie, D. in 2002 at the Wirral Metropolitan College, Department of Medicine in Liverpool, United Kingdom, also reported that patients experienced decreases in muscular tension and heart rate as a result of massage therapy.

A study conducted by Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, H., Hossain, Z., and Burman, I. reported by the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in the year 2000, also asserts that hypertension and its associated symptoms were reduced through massage therapy.  The subjects in this study were provided with ten 30-minute massage sessions over the course of five weeks.  The subjects, all of who suffered from hypertension, experienced reduced blood pressure, reduced feelings of depression, less hostile behavior, and reduced levels of cortisol in their urine and salivary samples.  Hernandez-Reif concluded that massage for hypertension may be beneficial to reduce diastolic blood pressure and lessen the symptoms associated with hypertension.

Research by Mieko Kurosawa, Thomas Lundebert, Greta Ogren, Irene Lund and Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg, conducted in 1995 at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, reported that massage-like stroking of the lateral and ventral sides of the abdomen lowered arterial blood pressure in anesthetized rats.  Research by Boone, T., Tanner, M., and Radosevich, A., conducted in 2001 and reported in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, showed that subjects with hypertension who received a ten-minute long back rub, experienced decreased cardiac output.  The study, which took place in the Department of Exercise Physiology at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, USA, supports the findings of the aforementioned studies.

Massage is a safe, non-invasive, and soothing treatment for hypertension, particularly for people that experience stress on a frequent basis.  If treated regularly, massage patients demonstrate long term improvement in stress levels and heart rate.

Before attempting massage therapy, first consult a primary care physician. If the doctor advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is board certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (www.abmp.com) .

Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.