Elements Therapeutic Massage - Lake Conroe

Release the Toxins

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:19:00 -0500

Did you know that massage therapy helps release toxins in your body?

When cells are at work, they release waste that can get built up in your system. Massage therapy is known to break up that waste and help eliminate those toxins. This is why it is so crucial to drink lots of water after getting a massage.

Turning the Tables on Stress

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:13:00 -0500

Stress may not be the result of how much you have to do so much as what you have to do. According to Donald A. Tubesing, author of Kicking Your Stress Habits, stress becomes overwhelming when the tasks consuming your time are not aligned with your values.

On the other hand, if your days are busy with commitments that are important to you, stress is manageable. Consequently, simply viewing a job differently may minimize stress levels. Rather than deeming grocery shopping as just another chore, see it as an opportunity to focus on your love for your family. This simple practice of creating love and joy in the daily tasks of life can become habitual and ease the pressures that otherwise close in on you.

If your stress level is too high, the following list of adaptogenic herbs -- general tonics to help achieve wellness -- may help you. Before taking any herbs, consult an herbalist or healthcare professional.

Herb: American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)
Suggested dose: 100-600 mg/day in divided doses, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
Contraindications: Renal failure, acute infection, pregnancy and lactation, MAO inhibitors, hormonal therapy, stimulant medications, hypertension

Herb: Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Suggested dose: 100-200 mg twice daily, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
Contraindications: Stimulant medications, hypertension, active bleeding such as ulcers, anticoagulants (aspirin, NSAIDs), surgery

Herb: Shisandra (Shisandra chinensis)
Suggested dose: 100 mg twice daily
Contraindications: Pregnancy, calcium channel blockers

Herb: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Suggested dose: 450 mg 1-2 times daily
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation, hemachromatosis, narcotic analgesics, sedatives

Herb: Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosacea)
Suggested dose: 50 mg twice daily
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation

Resources: Alternative & Complementary Therapies, vol. 9, no. 2, 2003, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001, LexiComp, Inc.

Benefits of Massage

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:24:00 -0600

As you lie on the table under crisp, fresh sheets, hushed music draws you into the moment. The smell of sage fills the air and you hear the gentle sound of massage oil being warmed in your therapist's hands. The pains of age, the throbbing from your overstressed muscles, the sheer need to be touched -- all cry out for therapeutic hands to start their work. Once the session gets underway, the problems of the world fade into an oblivious 60 minutes of relief and all you can comprehend right now is not wanting it to end.

But what if that hour of massage did more for you than just take the pressures of the day away? What if that gentle, Swedish massage helped you combat cancer? What if bodywork helped you recover from a strained hamstring in half the time? What if your sleep, digestion and mood all improved with massage and bodywork? What if these weren't just "what ifs"?

Evidence is showing that the more massage you can allow yourself, the better you'll feel. Here's why.

Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. Think of the last time you bumped your head or had a sore calf. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? The same was true of our earliest ancestors. Healers throughout time and throughout the world have instinctually and independently developed a wide range of therapeutic techniques using touch. Many are still in use today, and with good reason. We now have scientific proof of the benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you.

The Consequences of Stress
Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. Massage and bodywork is there to combat that frightening number by helping us remember what it means to relax. The physical changes massage brings to your body can have a positive effect in many areas of your life. Besides increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, massage lowers your blood pressure, increases circulation, improves recovery from injury, helps you to sleep better and can increase your concentration. It reduces fatigue and gives you more energy to handle stressful situations.

Massage is a perfect elixir for good health, but it can also provide an integration of body and mind. By producing a meditative state or heightened awareness of living in the present moment, massage can provide emotional and spiritual balance, bringing with it true relaxation and peace.

The incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular "doses." Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif, from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami, is known for her massage research, along with colleague Tiffany Field. Together, they and other researchers have done outstanding work proving the value of massage. While their studies have shown we can benefit from massage even in small doses (15 minutes of chair massage or a half-hour table session), Hernandez-Reif says they know from their research that receiving bodywork 2-3 times a week is highly beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy world, Hernandez-Reif has the answer. "I feel a daily massage is optimal."

It's undoubtedly a wonderful thing when your therapist begins unwinding those stress-tightened muscles, and your day's troubles begin to fade away. But it's the cherry on top to know this "medicine" only gets better with frequency.

What You Already Know: The Benefits of Massage
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits to receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments?

- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.

- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin.

- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles

- Reduces spasms and cramping

- Increases joint flexibility.

- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.

- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.

- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.

- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.

- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.

- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.

Other Body Therapies
Alexander Technique - A movement re-education therapy that was created by a mid-19th century actor who tried to understand his own movement dysfunctions on stage. The emphasis is on observing and modifying improper movement patterns, thereby reducing physical stress on the body.

Craniosacral Therapy - A gentle method of manipulating the body's craniosacral system (consisting of thin membranes and cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) in an attempt to improve the function of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress and enhance health and resistance to disease.

Reiki - A therapy based on universal life energy that serves to align chakras and bring healing energy to organs and glands. Utilizes visualization as practitioner acts as a channel for the life energy.

Rolfing - Used to reorder the major body segments, this technique utilizes physical manipulation and movement awareness to bring the body into vertical alignment. Treatments are offered in a 10-session series.

Shiatsu - A deep, finger-pressure technique using the traditional acupuncture points of Asian healing. Works to unblock energy flows and restore balance to meridians and organs.

The Need for Touch
As a society, we are touch deprived and this can lead to disease or emotional dysfunction. From the cradle to the nursing home, tactile stimulation and the emotional assurance of caring touch bring about a sense of well-being and security. In numerous studies conducted on massage for infants, TRI researchers have found improved weight gain and development in pre-term infants, improved weight gain and motor behavior in cocaine-exposed infants, and improved weight gain and decreased stress behavior in HIV-exposed infants. Full-term infants also benefit with increased alertness and social behavior, less crying and increased weight gain.

Study of the Day: Massage Speeds Up Muscle Healing, Reduces Pain

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 14:01:00 -0600

Blog

Study of the Day: Massage Speeds Up Muscle Healing, Reduces Pain

Posted By: By Hans Villarica on 02/12/2012

Finally. New research led by a pair of McMaster University researchers proves that getting a massage is actually "therapeutic."

PROBLEM: Even though getting a massage is an increasingly popular way to alleviate pain and stress, very little work has been done to understand the molecular underpinnings of this healing process.

METHODOLOGY: Researchers led by McMaster University scientists Justin Crane and Mark Tarnopolsky documented the biological changes that massage evokes in 11 young men who pushed themselves to exhaustion on a stationary bike by analyzing their leg-muscle biopsies prior to the exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage, and after a 2.5 hour recovery period.

RESULTS: The participants' thigh muscles showed microscopic tears and inflammation, but just 10 minutes of pushing and kneading reduced signs of inflammation. Massaged muscle cells were also better able to make new mitochondria, which promote faster recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Interestingly, the popular belief that massage helps clear lactic acid from tired muscles proved false.

CONCLUSION: Massage speeds up muscle healing by activating molecules that reduce inflammation and promote mitochondrial growth.

IMPLICATION: Most pain medications may be replaced by massage therapy since it blunts muscle pain by the same biological mechanisms.

SOURCE: The full study, "Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage," is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Image: Phil Date/Shutterstock.

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/study-of-the-day-massage-speeds-up-muscle-healing-reduces-pain/252242/

Instead of drugs and behavioral therapy for ADHD, try changing diet instead

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:04:00 -0600

Instead of drugs and behavioral therapy for ADHD, try changing diet instead

Monday, January 16, 2012 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that many of the symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the often over-diagnosed condition tacked on many young people, can be treated by simply altering or supplementing one's diet. And a new study published in the journal Pediatrics helps confirm this, noting that when drugs and behavioral therapies are ineffective, ridding the diet of toxic additives, for instance, and consuming more whole, organic foods is the best route to take.

There is still much debate over what ADHD actually is, and whether or not it is even a valid "condition" at all, at least in the way most people define a health condition. Some say ADHD is a true disease attributable to family history and genetics, while others point to petrochemical-based food dyes, artificial additives, synthetic sweeteners, and processed foods as triggers of the brain abnormalities that spur inattentiveness and uncontrollable behavior.

Well, it appears that even mainstream science is finally coming around -- sort of -- to the idea that diet plays a crucial role in improving behavior, focus, and mental capacity in many that have been diagnosed with ADHD. While stopping shy of recommending dietary changes as a primary approach to ADHD, doctors from Northwestern University Medical School at least say that dietary changes constitute a secondary option.

A systematic review of controlled scientific studies on ADHD and diet apparently turned up conflicting for the researchers, with some studies showing a benefit, and others not. However, many cases still show incredible success in reversing ADHD symptoms by simply decreasing or eliminating intake of refined sugars, for instance, or any foods that contain synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings.

"A greater attention to the education of parents and children in a healthy dietary pattern, omitting items shown to predispose to ADHD, is perhaps the most promising and practical complementary or alternative treatment of ADHD," said the study.

There are many parents that swear by dietary alterations as their primary mode of intervention, though. Since dietary-induced inflammation and neurotoxicity is considered by many to be a primary cause of ADHD symptoms, eliminating these toxic triggers from the diet and replacing them with healthy alternatives rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and amino acids is a great way for many people to help cure and even reverse ADHD (http://www.naturalnews.com/032275_ADHD_natural_remedies.html).

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034660_ADHD_diet_symptoms.html#ixzz1liymSIIS

New Year

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:03:00 -0600

Our entire staff at Elements would like to say thank you to all our wonderful clients for your business and wish you all a Happy New Year! 2012 is going to be a GREAT year and we look forward to seeing you all this year for all your relaxation and therapy needs. Remember you are always in good hands at Elements!

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:22:00 -0600

Please join us for our annual open house Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 7pm. We will be giving away lots of awesome door prizes as well as having live music, refreshments and a gift card special that will make finishing your Christmas list very easy.

MassageTherapy Lowers Blood Pressure

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:51:00 -0600

Massage Therapy Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has more misconceptions than nearly any other medical condition. Here are some common misconceptions according to the American Heart Association:

Myth: High blood pressure has many symptoms
Fact: High blood pressure has NO symptoms. That's why it's often called the silent killer.

Myth: High blood pressure is a man's problem
Fact: High blood pressure can be anyone's problem. In fact, women need to be aware of certain things that may put them at greater risk than men

Myth: You don't need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach middle age.
Fact: Children as young as six can have high blood pressure. It's a good idea to start having your blood pressure checked at an early age.

One effective way to stave off high blood pressure naturally is massage therapy. Long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety and hostility.

If you or someone you know is looking for natural ways to help lower blood pressure, please visit our Massage Envy membership page to Learn More.

Benefits of Lower Blood Pressure

Lower depression, anxiety, and hostility
Keeps stress hormone levels under control
Low blood pressure can contribute to lowering the odds of having a heart attack, kidney failure, or a stroke

Massag Therapy for stress relief and much more....

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:07:00 -0600

Massage Therapy for Stress Relief and Much More

Experts describe massage tips you can try on yourself to ease headaches, back pain, and to help you relax.

By Susan Seliger
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD

Few sensual experiences rival a full-body massage for pleasure and stress relief -- at least among those things you can talk about in front of the children at the dinner table. Word on the health benefits of massage therapy for stress relief has spread. In 2006, 39 million Americans -- one in six adults -- had at least one massage, according to a nationwide survey by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

"Americans are looking to massage for much more than just relaxation," says Mary Beth Braun, President of the AMTA. "Massage therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, lower back pain, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, circulatory problems, and recovery from a sports injury."

Recommended Related to Stress Management

6 Surprising Stress Fixes

By Catherine Guthrie Simple, field-tested strategies you can use right now You know what stress looks like: The sun rises; so do you. Your child suddenly remembers that he needs cupcakes for the school party. The dog's gotten sick in the living room. Your spouse leaves for work in a huff after a pre-breakfast tiff over finances. You leave for work without a report that's due today. You double back, grab it from the kitchen counter, trip over an Everest of laundry — must we go...

Read the 6 Surprising Stress Fixes article > >

When you can't get to a masseuse, you can still reap many of the benefits of this age-old healing practice -- with your own hands. WebMD consulted several massage experts to find these simple, self-massage techniques that incorporate the best soothing rubs and pressure-point applications that massage has to offer.

Try them on yourself -- or someone you love -- throughout the day to boost your energy and increase concentration. You can also use them at night to relax and get a good night's sleep. You'll find the benefits of massage therapy for stress relief are only the beginning.

Massage Therapy to Relieve Tired Eyes

"This one is great for tired eyes from staring at the computer -- it brings circulation to the area and relieves sinus pressure, eye strain, and headaches," says Dale Grust, President of the New York Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association and a licensed massage therapist in New Paltz, N.Y., for 23 years.

Close your eyes. Place your thumbs under your eyebrows, starting at the inside corner of each eye socket. Press and gently move the thumbs in tiny circles, working slowly towards the outsides of your eyebrows and continuing this movement all around your eyes, ending back at the bridge of your nose.
Repeat this several times, spending a little extra time at the indentation of the inner eye socket, where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows - an especially tender point on many people.

Massage Therapy to Ease Headaches and Tension

Start by placing your thumbs on your cheekbones close to your ears, and use your fingertips to gently apply pressure and rub the temples (the soft spot between the corner of your eye and your ear).
Using very firm pressure and a tiny circular motion, gradually move your fingers up along your hairline until they meet in the middle of your forehead, massaging your entire forehead and scalp as you inch along.

Massage Therapy to Relax the Hands

Here are several moves that will relieve the strain from pounding the keyboard all day.

Stretch your hands and fingers out. Rub each finger from the base to the tip, gently pulling and twisting each finger as you go.
Next, rest your left hand, palm upward, on your lap. Squeeze the fleshy part of your palm between your right thumb and index finger, moving from your wrist to the base of your thumb.
Now squeeze that web between your left index finger and thumb several times, looking for any tender points.
Then rub the entire palm with your right thumb, applying firm pressure and using gliding strokes from the wrist to the base of each finger.
Repeat this process on your right hand.

"Massaging the hands is not only great for the hands but can help to relieve headaches as well," Grust says. The hands, like the feet, contain reflexology points that correspond to the entire body, including the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and sinuses.

Massage Therapy to Relieve Neck Tension

While you are sitting there at the computer, mold your hands over your shoulders. Exhale, letting your head drop back as you slowly squeeze your fingers towards your palms, gliding up the muscles of your back and shoulders towards your neck.
Now, rest your elbows on your desk, allowing your head to drop forward slightly. Massage your neck from your shoulders to the base of your skull using your fingertips to make small deep circles into the muscles on either side of your spine.
Place both hands on the back of your head, interlacing the fingers. Drop your head forward and allow the weight of your elbows to pull your head gently down, stretching the muscles of your neck and those that run down your back.

Massage Therapy to Loosen Tight Shoulders

You will need a tennis ball or solid rubber ball for this one. "Once I was desperate and couldn't find a ball, so I used an apple," Grust says. "It felt amazing, but the apple took a beating."

Stand 18 inches from the wall, with your feet hip distance apart. Go into a partial squat with your buttocks against the wall.
Lean forward, placing the ball behind your back at the top of your shoulder.
Slowly stand up -- an inch at a time -- pressing against the wall and letting the ball roll slowly down the muscles along the side of your spine, stopping when you find a tender point and waiting for the pain to subside.
Reverse the process, slowing sitting down into a squat, and allowing the ball to move back up to the top of your shoulder muscle.
Now switch sides, moving the ball to the other side of your body and repeat the same slow massage.

Not only will you be releasing the tension from your shoulders, but you will also be developing strong leg muscles at the same time.

Massage Therapy to Release the Lower Back

Stand up and put your hands on your waist, with your thumbs behind you and fingers facing forward.
Gently press your thumbs into the muscles at either side of the spine -- but be careful not to press on the spine itself.
Keep your thumbs pressed in while you move in a very tiny motion -- up, down, and around in a tiny circle. Spend extra time where you find a tender point - making sure not to cause pain.
Move your thumbs gradually, an inch at a time, up either side of the spine as far as your hands can comfortably reach. Then gradually move back down your back and press on the bony surface of the sacrum.

Massage Therapy to Soothe Tired Feet

Bring your left foot onto the seat of your chair so you can see your instep. Using your right thumb, apply very firm pressure along the side of your foot, working from the heel to the big toe. Walk your thumb across the ridge where the toes meet the ball of your foot. When you get to the small toe, use your thumb and index finger to squeeze and twist along the entire surface of the toe. Work each toe individually until you get back to the large toe. Take all of your toes in one hand and stretch them back and forth, bending and flexing.
While supporting the top of your left foot with your left hand, use the knuckles of your right hand to apply deep pressure to the entire surface of the bottom of your foot, working from the heel to the toes and back down.
Stretch your toes, flex and extend your feet, and do a few ankle rotations.

Repeat the entire process on the right foot

Keep in Mind Before You Start

With all of these exercises, remember, you never want to cause yourself pain -- but you do want to reach the area that is tender, because that is where the tension is. Always stretch the muscle out after massaging the area.

"If these moves do not ease your pain, contact your doctor to rule out any underlying medical problem," says massage therapist Dale Grust. "Never substitute self massage for proper medical treatment."

And enjoy.

Health: Fact or Fiction

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:27:00 -0600

Health: Fact or Fiction. Where we dispell myths about massage! Great show and very educational.

10 immune system alternatives to the flu shot

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:25:00 -0500

by Paul Fassa

(NaturalNews) Pharmacies have already begun promoting walk-in flu shots for the "flu season". The late and early months of each year seem to be when more of us catch colds and come down with the flu. So what measures can you take to ensure you are not sidelined with nagging colds or a debilitating flu episode?

This article will give you nine easy tips, with probably the most important last. There you'll also be able to access a Health Ranger video with Mike Adams, which convincingly debunks the concept of "flu season".

Your Immune System

Boosting your immunity is important for coping with the cold and flu season. Of course, getting a flu shot with dubious efficacy is not one of them. All vaccines depress the immune system and can cause lifelong neurological damage and autoimmune diseases.

Elderberry for Cures: Elderberry (picture above) extracts or syrups have been clinically proven to help get over colds and flu. It's not a drug. So it's cheaper and without the side effects that have been reported for Tamiflu. If you hurry, you can make your own tincture and save money. (Source #1)

Protective Supplements: Elderberry is curative. Echinacea herbs are protective. They're usually sold in tinctures or extracts. Vitamin C is protective and, in large quantities, curative. Zinc is a helpful mineral for protecting against colds. Increase them with the right foods or supplements.

Minimize Sugar: Ease up on sodas, pastries and such. You've probably had enough ice cream during the summer. A few grams of sugar can destroy your white blood cells' ability to resist infections for several hours.

Eat for the season – Root vegetables, soups and slow-cooked stews and casseroles are all favourites for the winter, as are beans and lentils. Don’t worry about calories (although avoid using too much fat and sugar in your cooking). Focus instead on the nutritional content. It’s normal to gain up to 4kg in the winter. This makes up part of your yin for the yang months.

Eat more Garlic and Onion: Besides being rich in antioxidants and selenium, garlic is antibacterial and antiviral. Both garlic and onions are part of the Allium family, which is rich in sulfur-containing compounds responsible for many of their health-promoting effects.

Exercise: Moderate exercise, even walking a mile or two at least three times a week, helps your lymph system cleanse impurities to boost your immune system. Avoid long gruelling workouts. A brisk walk every day is all you need in the winter. Mindful practices such as winter chi ball, qi gong, tai chi, yoga, Pilates and Feldenkrais are also excellent for building and balancing yin and yang.

Stress Less: This should be an all year practice. Many consider stress or anxiety as the leading cause for decreased immunity. Lighten up. Try meditation or yoga. Laugh more. Be less critical. Worry less.

Sleep: Not necessarily more, but better. Make sure where you sleep is totally dark so your melatonin production will be sufficient. There are melatonin supplements if you feel the need. The different phases of sleep contain two cycles that are deep enough to refurbish your immune system. You need to sleep through them. (Source #2)

Probiotics: Your body contains ten times more bacteria than cells. Most of them have to be friendly. Friendly bacteria not only attack pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but also they trigger appropriate white cell reactions to invaders and they influence your mental/emotional state. It's estimated that eighty percent of your 100 trillion bacteria are located in the gut (Source #3). Friendly bacteria are usually depleted, especially by GMOs. We all need probiotic foods and supplements. Commercial yogurt is insufficient. Raw milk and raw cheese, fermented foods, and water kefir or milk kefir should be staples (Source #4). There are probiotic supplements as well. If you're forced into taking antibiotics, double up with probiotic supplements.

Vitamin D3: If you live in a year round warm sunny area, you'll need to make sure you get plenty of sun to skin exposure. If your regional climate restricts sun exposure, take your Vitamin D3 supplements. You can check your Vitamin D3 blood levels, but many experts recommend five to ten thousand units daily.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/033814_winter_flu_shot.html#ixzz1cWTi9vis

Health: Fact or Fiction

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:54:00 -0500

We will be the guest on Dr. Eulitt's webradio show on Waymore FM next Tuesday, November 9, 2011 at 9:30am. The topic will be Health: Fact or Fiction. Please tune into Waymore FM to hear more!

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:37:00 -0500

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors

It’s no secret that the fastest-growing segment of the American population is 65 or older. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the number of people 65 and older numbered 39.6 million and represented 12.9% of the US population in 2009. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million people 65 and older, or 19% of the population. As this population group grows, there will be an increased emphasis on health, quality of life and well-being.

Massage therapy offers many possibilities to this senior group of citizens. Massage can provide relief from various types of muscle tension and overall discomfort for seniors who are still very active as well as those who are living with limiting conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure

Therapeutic massage, provided by a licensed massage professional, has been proven to do the following:

Decreases anxiety and stress
Lessons the symptoms of depression
Stabilizes blood pressure
Helps alleviate sleep disorders
Increases circulation
Improves joint mobility
Decreases inflammation
Increases the sense of well being
May lesson dependence on pain medications and other types of medications
Improves the flow of lymphatic fluid
Improves digestion
Provides much needed touch and nurturing

Additionally, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that massage therapy can improve the quality of life for those in hospice living or comfort care.

Most licensed massage therapists are knowledgeable of the conditions that can occur in seniors, and can provide light to medium touch massage for specific, individual needs. Of course, all therapists are sensitive to each client’s sense of modesty and privacy and will respect and accommodate special requests. Before undergo any massage session, it is always recommended to discuss your needs and make sure the therapist is trained in massage techniques for seniors.

Some may wonder if a physician’s approval or a prescription is required for massage therapy, and it is generally not. However, there may be instances when a client should consult with their physician to insure safety before beginning a massage program. For example, someone who has an acute illness, is undergoing chemotherapy, has osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or has had recent surgery, should talk to their doctor first.

All of the Massage Therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage are trained in providing a massage that is specific to the needs of senior clients. To find out more about Elements and to learn about the location nearest you, go to http://corp.touchofelements.com.

Massage is an inexpensive treatment for pain

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:26:00 -0500

Massage an inexpensive treatment for pain

Posted By: Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden on 09/06/2011

Chronic neck and back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States.

It accounts for a large percentage of health care dollars: In 2005, we spent close to $90 billion on medical procedures, imaging studies and medications for neck and back pain. That's up from $52 billion in 1997.

Still, the percentage of people with neck and back pain continues to escalate, and so does the cost. So, it behooves us to keep looking for other ways to treat and manage chronic pain:

Massage therapy holds promise as an alternative treatment for low back pain. In fact, a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003 suggested that massage therapy was superior to both chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture in relieving pain for people with persistent nonspecific back pain (back pain that was not due to a disc rupture, spinal stenosis or similar cause).

Massage therapy also was felt to reduce the overall cost of care. However, there are many forms of massage treatment, and it has not been clear which type is most beneficial for people with low back pain.

A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine sheds some light on this.

Relaxation massage, a standard technique, helps relax the tense muscles that contribute to pain. Structural massage uses a more specific approach to release tension, requires more training and might be more expensive.

The researchers speculated that the patients receiving the structural massage would have greater pain relief than those getting the simpler massage.

Each of the massage groups received a weekly one-hour massage for 10 weeks; the placebo group received usual care for people with back pain - including pain medications, muscle relaxers and physical therapy.

After 10 weeks, both massage groups noted a significant reduction in pain, as well as an improvement in their daily functioning; there was no significant difference between the two types of massage therapy. The improvement in function seemed to last at least six months, but benefits after one year were questionable.

The authors concluded that both relaxation and structural massage were beneficial treatments for people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

The bottom line is that it might simply come down to which type of massage therapy you prefer, and that is something each of us needs to determine for ourselves. Other factors: Obesity, lack of exercise and depression are all on the rise and contribute to pain.

So if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain: Work on getting your weight into a normal range, exercise daily and get help if you suffer from depression. If this doesn't do the trick, consider gifting yourself with a massage periodically. It might be one of the best investments you make in your health and well-being.

What type of Massage do You Need?????

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:01:00 -0500

What Kind of Massage Do You Need Right Now?

Choosing from a menu of massage techniques may sound like a heavenly dilemma (so many techniques, so little time …). But the choice you make is a weighty one — and it’s not just about your preferences for light or deep pressure, but also your health and physical condition right now.

So how do you know which massage therapy technique is best for your health concerns and priorities? Here’s how to know your options so you can get the greatest therapeutic benefit from your massage.

Swedish massage

Best for: Relaxation, stress relief, first massage

The most common form of massage therapy in the U.S., Swedish massage is designed to warm up the muscle tissue to release toxins, tension and soreness. The strokes are longer and slower than with many other forms of massage. It’s usually done using the hands, sometimes with the forearms. Swedish massage can be done using lighter or deeper pressure, but the strokes are long — from the shoulders to the low back and back up, for example, or from wrist all the way up the arm into the neck and then back down again.

This form of massage is typically very relaxing and is an ideal technique to experience if you’ve never had a massage before.

Deep tissue massage

Best for: Chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, recovery from injury

Deep tissue massage is a combination of various techniques used to increase the level of pressure applied to the body. It’s often done more with the forearm or elbow to help exert more pressure into the tissue. Two of the most common specific forms of deep tissue massage:

Petrissage is a massage movement that is much like kneading bread; the therapist uses this technique to get the blood flow into a traumatized area of the body. It’s typically applied in a specific area of the body rather than used as a full-body treatment.
Friction is another technique that produces heat and helps bring more concentrated blood flow to an area.
Tapotement (tah-pōt-ment´) is often described as karate chopping but can be done in other ways as well, such as using the fingertips or with the hands cupped. The main characteristic of tapotement is a rapid, rhythmic tapping motion, usually with a higher intensity of pressure applied to the tissues than with many other forms of massage.

Most deep tissue techniques are done at a slower pace, with lots of communication between the therapist and the client. The therapist should check in with you during the treatment by asking, “With this pressure would you like me stay here or go deeper or lighter?”

There might be a certain level of discomfort — what we call ‘in a good pain range’ — for deep tissue massage to be effective. But it should not feel too uncomfortable. It’s similar to stretching — it may not feel very good to start, but if you breathe and hold the stretch, it starts to feel better.

Trigger point work

Best for: Highly localized “knots” where the body holds tension;

Trigger point work is designed to get into those little knots. It’s often done using the thumb, knuckle or elbow to apply static pressure to those points. The therapist can feel that knot to detect when it’s loosening up and is trained to know what a muscle is supposed to feel like normally versus what it feels like when it’s “in knots.”

Common trigger points — like that nagging area between the shoulder blades — are associated with the fact that toxins commonly accumulate in certain places in the body. When the therapist locates a trigger point and applies pressure, that pain will often “refer” or travel to another part of the body. For example, if the therapist applies pressure to your hamstring or back of your leg, you might feel it in your lower back.

Trigger point work will help get an injured client’s muscle tissue back to a more normal state, but the initial massage may be about getting everything around that injured area more relaxed. Sometimes a client’s tissue can’t take the deeper pressure work, or the client doesn’t like the feeling of the deep tissue work – it may be uncomfortable for some clients.

Hot Stone Massage

Best for: easing muscle tension without deep pressure; maximizing massage time

A hot stone massage might look and feel too good to be therapeutic, but these stones do in fact serve a clinical purpose.

The shape of the stones themselves enable the therapist to use special techniques that can deliver more therapeutic benefit — benefits you’ll really feel.

A therapist might use the rounded edge of a stone around the shoulder blade or in the low back or neck area to really relax the tissue between the muscles and the bone.

Then there’s the heat, of course. Beyond the “ahhh” factor of feeling those hot stones go to work on your aching back or neck, the stones transfer heat into your body. Thus allowing the therapist to work more effectively.

Still, you want the longest session you can get with a hot stone massage. The stones are pre-heated to 125 degrees at the time your session begins. You want an 80- or 110-minute hot stone massage to get the greatest benefit.

Prenatal Massage

Best for: Decreasing swelling, relieving aches and pains, easing the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s very important to work with a therapist who’s trained in prenatal massage. Prenatal massage training includes instruction in specific modifications used to help protect the baby, relieve symptoms like edema (swelling) and low back pain that are common during pregnancy, and make Mom more comfortable both during and after the massage.

Prenatal massage is typically done with the client lying on her side, or on her back with a wedge to support the back and knees to take pressure of the baby off the mom’s internal organs.

The therapist also needs to be trained on certain aspects of prenatal massage such as pressure points that may have the possibility of triggering contractions. Research doesn’t necessarily prove that, but you want to make sure the therapist is knowledgeable in this area.

Sports massage

Best for: Preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

Sports massage is designed mostly for pre– or post–sports event work. For example, you might get a sports massage the day of or the day before an event such as a half-marathon to get the body really ready for the activity.

Sports massage is typically not as relaxing as other forms of massage — the generally more fast-action than Swedish massage; the techniques the therapist uses to apply pressure to the body move at a faster pace. Aided stretching is also a common sport massage technique; and it’s used to help get the lactic acid buildup in the muscles to dissipate.

But you don't have to be a professional athlete to get a sport massage. It's ideal for anyone who’s physically active — as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine. Especially if you’re more of a novice athlete, a pre-event sports massage can make that a better event for you. And for regular marathon runners, there are specific techniques used to help a body that’s been through that kind of intense event.

Right technique, right therapist

The majority of massage therapists are trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Some have had advanced training in other techniques, and everyone has techniques in which they’re especially skilled or experienced. So a high-quality therapeutic massage provider will look at your health history, goals, challenges and lifestyle to match you with the therapist who’s best for your situation. You don’t want to just get put in a time slot – you need to be matched to the right therapist for you.

Your preference for light or deep pressure is another reason you want to be matched to a therapist vs. just a time-slot technique. Massage therapists’ level of pressure is not determined by the therapist’s stature, size or strength, but by how they leverage their body weight to do the deep bodywork.

Many people believe a male therapist is stronger than a female therapist and assume they’ll get a deeper massage, but that’s really not true. There are a lot of petite female therapists who know how to leverage their body weight and provide a deep tissue massage experience. So remember, gender doesn’t determine the type and depth of massage you will get.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, our therapeutic approach is designed to match you with the therapist and the specific technique that’s best for your unique health and wellness situation. We specialize in customizing each massage session to the specific needs of every client. Therefore we often incorporate techniques from each type of massage to ensure that you receive the best and most appropriate treatment.

We also use a proprietary numbering system that indicates the level of work a therapist does. Level 1 is light pressure and Level 4 is deep pressure. Some conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes are not appropriate for some massage techniques. Please consult your physician before beginning any massage therapy program.

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Celebrate Massage Therapy: Oct. 23-30, 2011
Share why everyone should make massage therapy a part of their health and wellness routine with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® (NMTAW)!

NMTAW is designed to raise public understanding about the benefits of massage, attract media attention to nationwide activities being carried out by AMTA chapters, members, as well as AMTA school members, and to give all AMTA members an opportunity to demonstrate their profession and skill.

Elements Massage Lake Conroe

3 Reasons to get a massage more often

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:04:00 -0500

3 Reasons to Get a Massage More Often

Why a regular massage should be a fundamental component to your overall wellness program

We'd all love to get massage on a regular basis. If that sounds more like a luxury and not a necessity, check your facts. Health experts recommend regular massage therapy with good reason!

Consider these three excuses to get a massage as often as you like:

1. Your pain wasn’t built in a day.

You didn’t develop that ache or pain or health condition overnight. Pain comes from things you do over a period of months and years, like working at a desk or computer. And it’s likely to reoccur simply due to the routine of everyday life and the toll that it takes on your body.

A regularly scheduled massage helps you keep on top of your health rather than playing catch-up all the time. American comedian and actor, Bob Hope received a massage almost every day of his life and he lived to be almost 90.

Think about how much money you spend on healthcare to treat symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression — and to diagnose you when you’re sick — and consider then how much you could save by adding a preventive treatment like regular massage.

2. Stress happens — all the time.

Your stress triggers are always with you, not just on days when you decide to treat yourself to a massage. Sure, there are bigger, one-time events that are intensely stressful, like losing a job. But low- to moderate-level stress triggers — crazy traffic, difficult people, delayed flights — are an ongoing part of everyday life. And experts widely agree that this chronic, continual stress is the underlying cause of 80 to 90 percent of all health conditions.

Stress leads to all kinds of serious, chronic health conditions including high blood pressure, insomnia and obesity. And there’s more and more research showing that stress alone can lead to certain types of cancer.

You can’t stop stressful situations from happening. Even if you practice stress management techniques like meditation, it’s challenging to completely prevent the natural chemical reactions that stress triggers in your body. But you can manage its lasting effects on your health by “stress-detoxing” on an ongoing basis. Frequent and consistent massage helps your body sustain its stress resilience mechanisms and keeps stress hormones in balance, in turn reducing the risk of chronic health conditions and illnesses.

Therapeutic massage can become a part of a regular stress management program. Making this is a priority can help you maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and even alleviate depression in certain situations.

3. Quality of life isn’t just for special occasions.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage about half our clientele comes in for regularly scheduled massages. Some of the longtime clients become concerned if they can’t come in for their regular session — because it helps keep them healthy and enables them to lead an active lifestyle.

Even if you’re not experiencing pain or mobility challenges that keep you from hiking, biking, golfing or other physical activities you enjoy, massage can simply be the breather you need to keep your sanity and perspective in a hectic society. Think about how that can improve your outlook, attitude and relationships with your spouse, kids, family, friends, coworkers, boss....

Not sure how often you should have a massage? Almost everyone can benefit from a monthly massage. Depending on your health situation or concerns, a more frequent massage may be in order. Ask us about how a regularly scheduled massage regimen could help you save on healthcare costs like over-the-counter remedies for stress-related symptoms and illnesses. We’ll take the time to discuss your unique situation, lifestyle and health concerns, and help you decide whether an ongoing program could benefit you.

Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:14:00 -0500

By RONI CARYN RABIN

Does a good massage do more than just relax your muscles? To find out, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recruited 53 healthy adults and randomly assigned 29 of them to a 45-minute session of deep-tissue Swedish massage and the other 24 to a session of light massage.

All of the subjects were fitted with intravenous catheters so blood samples could be taken immediately before the massage and up to an hour afterward.

To their surprise, the researchers, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.

Volunteers who received Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood and saliva, and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. They also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Volunteers who had the light massage experienced greater increases in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment, than the Swedish massage group, and bigger decreases in adrenal corticotropin hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

The study was published online in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

The lead author, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, chairman of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, said the findings were “very, very intriguing and very, very exciting — and I’m a skeptic.”

Elements Therapeutic Massage - Lake Conroe

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National Massage Therapy Awareness Week

Celebrate Massage Therapy: Oct. 23-30, 2011Share why everyone should make massage therapy a part of their health and wellness routine with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® (NMTAW)!

3 Reasons to get a massage more often

Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep

By RONI CARYN RABIN

Celebrate Massage Therapy: Oct. 23-30, 2011
Share why everyone should make massage therapy a part of their health and wellness routine with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® (NMTAW)!