Almost everyone is familiar with the phrase detoxification—or detoxing—but many don’t really understand how vital this process is to your health. Here are some basic points you should know:
To simplify, detoxification is the process of your body cleaning out any substances that aren’t needed or shouldn’t be in your body. And in today’s world, the incidence of exposure to unneeded or unwanted substances is substantial. Air and water pollution; pervasive chemical use; insecticides, pesticides, and antibiotics in our food; excessive use of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, various drugs and medicines—there is little doubt that we are all exposed to many things that are to some degree toxic to our bodies.
So what takes place within your body that makes this such an important health issue? Physically, you maintain a healthy condition when your system gets adequate exercise, fresh water and nourishment. When unnecessary substances “invade” the body, they must be collected and removed. If the volume of toxins is too high (more than your body can handle), these substances will be stored in your body. This opens the door to illness and degenerative diseases.
Signs of toxicity include headaches, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and skin conditions (rashes, etc.), to name a few.
To cleanse your body of toxins and wastes requires more than regular bathroom visits—your body relies on the liver, kidneys, skin, lymphatic and circulation systems working in harmony to keep your system clean and functioning properly. For instance, your skin disposes of many toxins through perspiration, and your liver removes wastes from the blood. If your digestive system is sluggish, the waste putrefies and creates toxins that can be recirculated within your body.
One of massage’s greatest benefits is its contribution to the detoxification process. While massage is improving your circulation, increasing your flow of lymph, and encouraging all your various systems into more efficient operation, it is helping your body toward more effective elimination of toxins and waste.
In her book Purify Your Body, Nina L. Diamond has this to say about massage: “Research has shown that bodywork treatments strengthen your body’s immune system, enabling you to resist and combat disease... By directly stimulating your body’s systems, all forms of massage and bodywork are valuable tools for literally helping your body clear its toxins and toxic accumulation of your body’s natural substances.”
So while you’re enjoying your next massage session, you can appreciate this added health benefit!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Use of Reflexology as Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Reflexology
Reflexology is both a science and an art. As a science, reflexology requires careful study, faithful practice, a solid knowledge of the techniques, and skill. As the art, reflexology yields the best results when the reflexologist works with dedication, perseverance, patience, focused intention, along with loving care.
As a therapy, Reflexology is a therapeutic technique where pressure applied to specific reflex points that are found on the feet and/or hands that relate to other areas and organs found throughout the body. A trained reflexologists will determine which spots to work to provide the patient with the targeted therapy as determined by the symptoms and type of pain that the patient is currently experiencing.
History
Ancient Egypt is thought to be the root of Reflexology, where pictograms have been found show men having work done on both their hands and feet. The practice of Reflexology has also been found to be used in the Roman Empire, China, India and even the Incans of South America, who are believed to have passed the practice onto the people who were the North American First Nations. During the 1930's, Eunice Ingham, rediscovered that the placement of pressure points on the plantar aspic mirrors the placement of the organs within the body. Ingham went on to publish "Stories the Feet Can Tell" which forms the basic of modern reflexology, in 1938.
Is Reflexology the Same as Massage?
Reflexology is not the same as standard massage therapy. Where massage therapy concentrates on relieving pain and tension found in muscles, reflexology works to promote healing in the different areas of the body, which cannot be touched from outside by manipulating pressure points. Reflexology is a technique which is similar to acupuncture and acupressure.
Reflexology as a practice, is based on the theory that energy blockages along the meridian pathways of the body may disrupt the flow of blood and lymph necessary to healthy functioning of organs and tissues. There are some theories concerning fibromyalgia that suggest that energy blockage plays a part in the development of the fibromyalgia syndrome. During a session, when a tender point or tension is found on specific areas of the feet, this may indicate a blockage of energy in that corresponding organ or tissue. The manipulation of the tender point through reflexology pressure can relieve this blockage, stimulate the body's self healing and provide some easing of pain.
Fibromyalgia a form of Non-inflammatory Arthritis
As a form of non-inflammatory arthritis, Fibromyalgia Syndrome affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. It can be quite debilitating because of the intense pain that it causes throughout the body. Along with pain as a symptom being associated with the illness fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, myofascial pain, mental clarity, tender point pain and irritable bowel syndrome, there can be a great impact on the patient's ability to work.
Research has shown how Reflexology can help Fibromyalgia Sufferers
In a study conducted on a group of 10 fibromyalgia sufferers who received reflexology treatments twice weekly for five weeks, researchers noted definite improvement found in the symptoms of all ten of the patients in the group, with no side-effects.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome patients who have undergone regular reflexology treatments reported improvements in the following :
People who suffer with fibromyalgia often experience profound and widespread pain that most commonly involues the hands, shoulders and neck, lower back and pelvis areas. This amplified pain experienced in fibromyalgia is believed to be due to an abnormal sensory processing in the body's central nervous system. Patients diagnosed with the chronic pain syndrome known as fibromyalgia report a reduction in symptoms after undergoing a series of sessions under the care of a trained reflexologist.
How Can Reflexology Help Fibromyalgia?
The Reflexologist will examine the foot looking for 'stress cues" which will help determine which area of the body may be experiencing distress. When the pressure is applied with the thumb and finger techniques to specific areas of the feet, this will help stimulate the body's natural healing response in the corresponding areas of the body. For those suffering the pervasive pain of fibromyalgia, reflexology can offer some relief of the distressing symptoms without danger of the side effects which are often associated with pharmaceutical medication.
What are some of the Benefits of Reflexology?
Adding Reflexology to your Healthcare
Locating a trained reflexologist is not hard. The Reflexology Association of America (RAA) on their website has a current listing of Reflexologist listed by state. Those who have coverage for complimentary therapy on their healthcare plan, may find that for fibromyalgia reflexology is covered.
Reflexology can also be done as part of a full body massage session, or a stand alone treatment. At the patient first visit with the reflexologist, the patient will talk about what specific things the patient is looking at reflexology as a treatment for and what symptoms the patient may be currently experiencing. Treatments are usually any where from an hour to an hour an a half. It is best if the patient tries to schedule the sessions for a time when they don't have to be rushed.
Additional Information can be found:
If I've helped by answering some of those unasked questions and want to learn more contact me either my email or book an appointment for a Reflexology session through www.schedulicity.com at 'Massage with Style' .
Reflexology is both a science and an art. As a science, reflexology requires careful study, faithful practice, a solid knowledge of the techniques, and skill. As the art, reflexology yields the best results when the reflexologist works with dedication, perseverance, patience, focused intention, along with loving care.
As a therapy, Reflexology is a therapeutic technique where pressure applied to specific reflex points that are found on the feet and/or hands that relate to other areas and organs found throughout the body. A trained reflexologists will determine which spots to work to provide the patient with the targeted therapy as determined by the symptoms and type of pain that the patient is currently experiencing.
History
Ancient Egypt is thought to be the root of Reflexology, where pictograms have been found show men having work done on both their hands and feet. The practice of Reflexology has also been found to be used in the Roman Empire, China, India and even the Incans of South America, who are believed to have passed the practice onto the people who were the North American First Nations. During the 1930's, Eunice Ingham, rediscovered that the placement of pressure points on the plantar aspic mirrors the placement of the organs within the body. Ingham went on to publish "Stories the Feet Can Tell" which forms the basic of modern reflexology, in 1938.
Is Reflexology the Same as Massage?
Reflexology is not the same as standard massage therapy. Where massage therapy concentrates on relieving pain and tension found in muscles, reflexology works to promote healing in the different areas of the body, which cannot be touched from outside by manipulating pressure points. Reflexology is a technique which is similar to acupuncture and acupressure.
Reflexology as a practice, is based on the theory that energy blockages along the meridian pathways of the body may disrupt the flow of blood and lymph necessary to healthy functioning of organs and tissues. There are some theories concerning fibromyalgia that suggest that energy blockage plays a part in the development of the fibromyalgia syndrome. During a session, when a tender point or tension is found on specific areas of the feet, this may indicate a blockage of energy in that corresponding organ or tissue. The manipulation of the tender point through reflexology pressure can relieve this blockage, stimulate the body's self healing and provide some easing of pain.
Fibromyalgia a form of Non-inflammatory Arthritis
As a form of non-inflammatory arthritis, Fibromyalgia Syndrome affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. It can be quite debilitating because of the intense pain that it causes throughout the body. Along with pain as a symptom being associated with the illness fatigue, sleep disorders, depression, myofascial pain, mental clarity, tender point pain and irritable bowel syndrome, there can be a great impact on the patient's ability to work.
Research has shown how Reflexology can help Fibromyalgia Sufferers
In a study conducted on a group of 10 fibromyalgia sufferers who received reflexology treatments twice weekly for five weeks, researchers noted definite improvement found in the symptoms of all ten of the patients in the group, with no side-effects.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome patients who have undergone regular reflexology treatments reported improvements in the following :
- Mental clarity - sometimes referred to as Fibrofog. Refers to a variety of cognitive impairments which are often experienced with the disorder. Can be one of the most stressful and upsetting symptoms found with fibromyalgia.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - condition which affects the large intestine, characterized by an extreme sensitivity to muscle contractions in the large intestine, causing at time symptoms including diarrhea or constipation. As with fibromyalgia, IBS is classified as a functional disorder due to the fact that there is no clear structural or chemical cause for the condition.
- Fatigue - While not all patients with fibromyalgia suffer from fatigue, some are able to adjust to the reduced energy levels, where others find that the chronic fatigue really impacts their daily life in a negative way. The most disturbing fact is that this fatigue never seems to get any better, even with extended periods or rest and sleep.
- Sleep Disorders - It is thought that about 80% of all people with fibromyalgia experience some type of sleep disorder. Alpha EEG Anomaly, Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), Bruxism / Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) 75% of patients with fibromyalgia also have TMJ/TMD.
- Depression - Having fibromyalgia can be a very painful and frustrating illness to deal with, from having symptoms like chronic headaches, sleep disorders, muscles aches and pains, to dealing with lack of understanding from the medical community, many patients feel isolated and alone. As a result, many with fibromyalgia experience chronic depression alongside the illness.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) - Another form of chronic pain that can affect the entire body, particularly the face and jaw. Can add to the already annoying symptoms of fibromyalgia, and can also contribute to disability and a poor quality of life, if not diagnosed properly. MPS is a pain diorder that affects the muscles and fascia throughout the body.
People who suffer with fibromyalgia often experience profound and widespread pain that most commonly involues the hands, shoulders and neck, lower back and pelvis areas. This amplified pain experienced in fibromyalgia is believed to be due to an abnormal sensory processing in the body's central nervous system. Patients diagnosed with the chronic pain syndrome known as fibromyalgia report a reduction in symptoms after undergoing a series of sessions under the care of a trained reflexologist.
How Can Reflexology Help Fibromyalgia?
The Reflexologist will examine the foot looking for 'stress cues" which will help determine which area of the body may be experiencing distress. When the pressure is applied with the thumb and finger techniques to specific areas of the feet, this will help stimulate the body's natural healing response in the corresponding areas of the body. For those suffering the pervasive pain of fibromyalgia, reflexology can offer some relief of the distressing symptoms without danger of the side effects which are often associated with pharmaceutical medication.
What are some of the Benefits of Reflexology?
- Improved Circulation and energy flow
- Relief from common aches and pain
- Release and elimination of toxins from tissues
- Promotion of healthy functioning of the body's organs
- An Improved Immune System
- Alleviate tension and stress
- Balance energy and the promotion of Homeostasis
Adding Reflexology to your Healthcare
Locating a trained reflexologist is not hard. The Reflexology Association of America (RAA) on their website has a current listing of Reflexologist listed by state. Those who have coverage for complimentary therapy on their healthcare plan, may find that for fibromyalgia reflexology is covered.
Reflexology can also be done as part of a full body massage session, or a stand alone treatment. At the patient first visit with the reflexologist, the patient will talk about what specific things the patient is looking at reflexology as a treatment for and what symptoms the patient may be currently experiencing. Treatments are usually any where from an hour to an hour an a half. It is best if the patient tries to schedule the sessions for a time when they don't have to be rushed.
Additional Information can be found:
- http://www.reflexology-research.com/reflexresearch.html
- http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Reflexology-for-Fibromyalgia
- http://www.reflexologywebworks.com/fibromyalgia_and_the_benefits_of_reflexology.html
If I've helped by answering some of those unasked questions and want to learn more contact me either my email or book an appointment for a Reflexology session through www.schedulicity.com at 'Massage with Style' .
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Have a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season!
Just a reminder to take steps to stay healthy during the often-hectic holiday season. With the added stress of more to do and the many tempting, tasty treats just calling you to overindulge, it’s all too easy to push yourself too far and suffer the consequences.
• Know your limits. Whether it’s at work, a party or visiting friends, decide now to limit your intake of holiday treats and to eat as sensibly as possible. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.
• Only do what you can manage. If you try to attend every event and please everyone you know, you could stretch yourself too thin and wind up ill or too stressed to enjoy the activities.
• Make time for massage! De-stress, stay relaxed, and help keep your body functioning smoothly. Take those vital few minutes just for you—put the rest of the world on hold for a couple of hours while you take care of yourself. When you make the commitment, you and your life will be better for it!
• Know your limits. Whether it’s at work, a party or visiting friends, decide now to limit your intake of holiday treats and to eat as sensibly as possible. In the long run, you’ll be glad you did.
• Only do what you can manage. If you try to attend every event and please everyone you know, you could stretch yourself too thin and wind up ill or too stressed to enjoy the activities.
• Make time for massage! De-stress, stay relaxed, and help keep your body functioning smoothly. Take those vital few minutes just for you—put the rest of the world on hold for a couple of hours while you take care of yourself. When you make the commitment, you and your life will be better for it!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Massage--For Body & Soul
Nothing beats feeling your best. When everything is running smoothly and your energy is high, you’re ready to enjoy all the good things in life.
The downside to feeling good is it’s easy to take your good health for granted. When nothing is bothering you, it’s easier to ignore doing the things that keep you healthy. A common comparison made in the health field is taking care of your car—and for good reason. Many people are more aware of the need to maintain a regular schedule for tune-ups and oil changes than they are for their own bodies. Obviously, there’s no comparison between the importance of your health and well-being and that of your car. We expect to “trade up” and replace several vehicles during our driving years—but your body is by far the most important “vehicle” you have!
It may be that we associate the need for personal healthcare with illness rather than with the prevention of poor health—or that the auto industry has trained us to follow specific maintenance schedules. After all, a car is a fairly simple mechanical device compared to the human body.
Your maintenance plan for your body includes several parts that are best addressed daily, such as which fuel you put in your tank, how much wear and tear you subject yourself to, and all the other choices you make that affect the way you feel tomorrow and in the future.
If you think of your massage sessions as your body’s periodic tune-ups, you may ask how they can help you to keep cruising down the highway of life.
The underlying reason that makes regular massage so important to your overall health is this: Your body is constantly changing, and massage contributes to the positive aspects of these many changes. In other words, a major factor in maintaining good health is ensuring all of the communication systems of the body are operating properly and everything is kept moving. It’s very hard to imagine the millions of processes that are taking place every day within your body. Each of these minute actions contributes to the quality of your health and well-being. Since each system depends on the others, helping your body to keep things flowing properly greatly benefits your overall condition.
Anyone who’s received several massages is probably most aware of the reduction in tension and muscle stiffness. While massage is working out those noticeable kinks, it’s also contributing to more subtle areas of concern, like promoting detoxification and encouraging your body’s regenerative and cleansing capabilities, as well as boosting your immune function. These benefits are the ones you notice in increased energy, an enhanced sense of well-being, etc.
So, make the most of your most-prized vehicle (your body) by keeping it in tune with your regular massage sessions!
The downside to feeling good is it’s easy to take your good health for granted. When nothing is bothering you, it’s easier to ignore doing the things that keep you healthy. A common comparison made in the health field is taking care of your car—and for good reason. Many people are more aware of the need to maintain a regular schedule for tune-ups and oil changes than they are for their own bodies. Obviously, there’s no comparison between the importance of your health and well-being and that of your car. We expect to “trade up” and replace several vehicles during our driving years—but your body is by far the most important “vehicle” you have!
It may be that we associate the need for personal healthcare with illness rather than with the prevention of poor health—or that the auto industry has trained us to follow specific maintenance schedules. After all, a car is a fairly simple mechanical device compared to the human body.
Your maintenance plan for your body includes several parts that are best addressed daily, such as which fuel you put in your tank, how much wear and tear you subject yourself to, and all the other choices you make that affect the way you feel tomorrow and in the future.
If you think of your massage sessions as your body’s periodic tune-ups, you may ask how they can help you to keep cruising down the highway of life.
The underlying reason that makes regular massage so important to your overall health is this: Your body is constantly changing, and massage contributes to the positive aspects of these many changes. In other words, a major factor in maintaining good health is ensuring all of the communication systems of the body are operating properly and everything is kept moving. It’s very hard to imagine the millions of processes that are taking place every day within your body. Each of these minute actions contributes to the quality of your health and well-being. Since each system depends on the others, helping your body to keep things flowing properly greatly benefits your overall condition.
Anyone who’s received several massages is probably most aware of the reduction in tension and muscle stiffness. While massage is working out those noticeable kinks, it’s also contributing to more subtle areas of concern, like promoting detoxification and encouraging your body’s regenerative and cleansing capabilities, as well as boosting your immune function. These benefits are the ones you notice in increased energy, an enhanced sense of well-being, etc.
So, make the most of your most-prized vehicle (your body) by keeping it in tune with your regular massage sessions!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Christmas @ Massage with Style!
Gift Certificates
Purchase one Gift Certificate and get the second at 50% off regular price. Good only on Hour or greater sessions.
Purchase one Gift Certificate and get the second at 50% off regular price. Good only on Hour or greater sessions.
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