Articles

The Power of Touch -
Massage in health practice has proven to be an excellent adjunct with other modes of therapy, as well as promote better recovery after illness, surgery and exercise injuries.
It has proven to provide the patient with noticeable, positive physical responses as well as psychological.
Touching and “The power of touch,” is the most primitive form of human contact and is a simple mode of human interaction.
There is a commonality underlying the work of reknowned therapists- Freud, Reich, Perls, that touch could and does have a psychtherapeutic effect beyond simple support and relaxation.
The simple act of touch, during a massage deeply effects the clients bodily being and sense of self. This philosophical view of massage takes a wholistic approach, whereby “the whole is an intrinsic entity of its own.” The body, mind and spirit are all one. When you are touched during a massage, healing is occurring at every level-i.e. physical, mental and spiritual level.

Looking a little more at the physical benefits of touch or massage.
A “Total Body Relaxation and Lymphatic Drainage Massage,” will free and equalise the circulation of the entire body and relax the muscles and nerves to all parts, restoring a normal condition to the whole body.

The session begins with a Swedish massage. The Swedish or Relaxation massage assists venous return-i.e. circulation of blood from the body back to the heart. As well as that, it assists the muscles in the removal of metabolic wastes, facilitating the removal of toxins due to excessive muscular activity.
We are constantly using our muscles, so we are constantly producing waste, so it is essential that we rid our bodies of these so they don’t accumulate and cause disharmony and disease.
This form of massage invigorates the skin, stimulating transportation of nourishment to the skin by improved metabolism through the blood vessels. Thus improves the texture and appearance of the skin.

The Lymphatic Drainage involves more specific massage techniques to stimulate the circulation of the body fluids, that is blood and lymph.
The circulatory system is one of our most important systems, nourishing and supplying all living cells.
The lymphatic system is also important in that it clears all our wastes, produced during cellular activity as well as providing a defense network in our bodies, against any infections etc. The lymph nodes around our bodies is where this defense takes place. These are our battle fields, so-to-speak. It is in these nodes that our bodies natural defenses fight off these bacterium and foreign matter. So the lymphatic system is an important component of our immune system.
So by massaging the lymph nodes, we aid to decongest the stagnant accumulated masses, so that waste products are moved along more rapidly. This in turn improves circulation.
By doing this we also stimulate the normal functioning of internal organs. The liver is an important organ and usually accumulates a lot of toxicity, due to the foods we eat, medication we have or are taking, air we breathe, smoking, alcohol etc. So the lymphatic drainage will have positive effects on the liver as well as all internal organs.

Other effects include;
Promoting suppleness in the muscular tissues to aid in the execution of rehabilitation and prescrition exercises
Increasing the red cell count in the blood
Removal of adipose tissue in various regions of the body.

For massage to have a lasting effect it must be used in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle patterns-
i.e. proper diet, adequate rest, regular exercise and positive mental attitude.
Give it a go and experience “the power of touch,” for yourself.

Written by Robert Lobosco 2000 and Published in “Around The Circuit" magazine

What is Acupuncture? -
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of treating a disease or relieving pain by inserting one or more metal needles at a certain point or certain points of the human body. It has been practiced in China and the Orient for at least 5000 years.
Acupuncture is practiced based on discerning a pattern of imbalance in the body and treating accordingly. This imbalance can be based on physical and/or emotional difficulties. Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture stimulates a regulatory system which affects the body separately from such systems as the nervous, hormonal, and biochemical systems. This regulatory system is comprised of predictable pathways and points which have a higher electrical conductivity than the surrounding tissues. When these points are stimulated, they send an electrical signal through the pathways which intensifies the healing process and decreases pain.
Acupuncture is a complex system of patient observation, questioning and palpation. These skills are used to determine the course and type of treatment, which may include any or all of the following: acupuncture, acupressure, moxabustion (heat therapy), dietary therapy and lifestyle counseling based on Oriental Medicine principles, and the use of Chinese herbs. The intent/goal of treatment is to restore and/or maintain optimum health, improve physiological function and relieve pain.
Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as drug free treatment of signs and symptoms. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain, which makes acupuncture particularly effective in pain control.
How does acupuncture work?
According to the classical doctrine of Chinese medicine, there is an unceasing flow of life energy (Qi) throughout the human body. This vital energy originates from the major organs, and flows along the continuous circulatory channels called meridians. When the energy flow is smooth and in balance, a person is healthy; if the balance is disturbed, then a person will feel ill or pain. There are some specific points along the meridians called acupuncture points where the energy flow can be stimulated and the function of related organs can be regulated. Acupuncture strengthens the immune system, releases pain-killing endorphins, and creates better functioning of the hormonal system. Acupuncture works by stimulating the various points in the body which are pathways for "Qi" to flow.
Acupuncture is a therapy, which uses natural laws and energies with the application of needles and or other stimulus to specific points on the body. These points are grouped along certain pathways, known as meridians that are located on all surfaces of the body. Whenever the energy flow through these pathways is absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive, or blocked in any way, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain. By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is released and regulated, and health is restored.
What Conditions are Recommended for Acupuncture?
NEUROLOGICAL
Headache/Migraine/Facial Pain
DIGESTIVE
Abdominal pain /Acidity/ Diarrhea/Indigestion/Constipation
EAR, EYE, NOSE, DENTAL
Poor vision, tired eyes Tinnitus
Toothache and gum problems
RESPIRATORY
Sinusitis /Common cold/Tonsillitis/Bronchitis
Allergy /Asthma
GYNECOLOGICAL
Impotence /PMS, cramps /Menopause /Obstetrics
EMOTIONAL
Depression /Anxiety/Neurosis
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Pain and weakness in:
Neck, shoulder, arms /Hands, fingers,
Knees, /Legs, feet
Backache or pain /Muscles cramping
Sprains, strains, Sports injuries
Arthritis Disc problems Sciatica
OTHER BENEFITS
Increase vitality, energy and Stress reduction
Pain Control
Regulates heart rate, blood pressure, Stabilizes the immune system
Is Acupuncture Safe?
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is the infrequent occurrence of serious side effects. Needles are either the one-time disposable type, or sterilized like any other medical instrument under meticulous conditions. The acupuncturist can adjust treatment at any time to react to changes an individual's condition.
Occasionally people may feel dizzy, especially at the start of first treatment and more commonly when haven't experienced acupuncture before.
Are there any side effects to the treatment? Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
Should I Choose to Use Acupuncture?
The use of acupuncture, like many other complementary and alternative treatments, has produced a good deal of anecdotal evidence. If a treatment appears to be safe and patients report recovery from their illness or condition after using it, others may decide to use the treatment. Lifestyle, age, physiology, and other factors combine to make every person different. A treatment that works for one person may not work for another who has the very same condition. Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an acupuncturist who does not have substantial conventional medical training. If you have received a diagnosis from a doctor and have had little or no success using conventional medicine, you may wish to ask your doctor whether acupuncture might help.
Other Alternative Medicines such as Massage Therapy and Herbal Treatments should also be considered. As well as Acupressure or Laser Acupuncture if you are needle phobic.
Rob Lobosco 2004

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