About 38 percent of adults in the United States use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy, according to a new nationwide government survey released in December 2008. And while the overall use of CAM therapies has remained steady over the past five years, use of massage therapy has increased more than 65 percent.
This survey was part of the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an annual study of the health- and illness-related experiences of Americans, and was developed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). It included questions on 36 types of commonly used CAM therapies—10 provider-based therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic and massage, and 26 other therapies that do not require a provider, such as herbal supplements and meditation.
The survey results represent the first update of data gathered by NCCAM and NCHS in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey. Comparing the data from the 2002 and 2007 shows significant increases in the use of some specific CAM therapies, such as deep breathing, meditation, massage therapy and yoga.
The 2007 survey marks the first time questions were included on children’s use of CAM. Nearly 12 percent— about one in nine—of U.S. children use CAM. Children are five times more likely to use CAM if a parent or other relative uses CAM. Other factors in CAM use are similar for both adults and children, such as socioeconomic status, geographic region, the number of health conditions, the number of doctor visits in the last 12 months, and delaying or not receiving conventional care because of cost.
“These statistics confirm that CAM practices are a frequently used component of Americans’ health care regimens, and reinforce the need for rigorous research to study the safety and effectiveness of these therapies,” says Josephine P. Briggs, MD, director of NCCAM. “The data also point out the need for patients and health care providers to openly discuss CAM use to ensure safe and coordinated care.”
Most Used CAM Therapies in 2007
Therapy Adults, 18 and up Children under 18
Nonvitamin, nonmineral, 17.7 percent 3.9 percent
natural products such as
fish oil/omega 3/DHA,
glucosamine, echinacea
and ginseng
Deep breathing exercises 12.7 percent 2.2 percent
Meditation 9.4 percent
Chiropractic or 8.6 percent 2.8 percent
osteopathic manipulation
Massage 8.3 percent
Yoga 6.1 percent 2.1 percent
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Relieve the Stress
1. Your NEW Montra: "YESSS! I'm worth it!"
Many women find that time isn't the major factor stopping them from visiting their therapist for massage on a regular schedule. It's sad to say, but many of us are so accustomed to putting the needs of our family, friends, others in front of our own, that we don't realize just how necessary it is to schedule the "me time".
Having been said before, it bears repeating again: you cannot take care of your friends and family unless you take care of yourself. You can't adequately address the needs of others, if you are stressed out, distracted by the effects of loss of sleep or suffering from chronic pain.
Know that when you are feeling overwhelmed or depleted, that a good massage session will help to energize and revitalize you entire body, mind and spirit, opening you up to be ready to tackle the challenges of everyday life.
2. Get into the Club
At 'Massage with Style' there are many options, that allow you to prepay for your regular sessions. Many people will shy away from this type of commitment, but consider it an investment in your health.
Generally, signing up for a membership allows you to enjoy massage at a discounted rate. Then all you need to do is login to Schedulicity.com and make that appointment at your convenience.
3. The right soul-therapist
When looking for that special therapist it is quite the same as finding a doctor and the perfect babysitter. Learn to share what is going on when you come in for a Massage appointment. There are several techniques and modalities out there. One mobalitiy will not always be right for every need.
Besides the many varieties of massage, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Prenatal, Hot Stone Sports and Medical, there are other practices that complement that of massage. Some of these practices are Aromatherapy, Reflexology, and Reiki, to name a few of which are offered at 'Massage with Style'.
Massage with Style is a valuable part of your health maintenance plan. During your session we will be able to determine where stress and anxiety are manifesting in your body and will create the right plan to address your specific needs.
Letting the therapist become familiar with your aches and pains also with help she to make appropriate recommendations if, for example, you are experiencing a condition which is out of their realm of expertise.
4. Watch your progress
Once you have gotten yourself into that regular practice of getting that weekly, bi-weekly or monthly massage, you will be able to see the progress that is a result of regular massage sessions. People that visit the massage therapist only once or twice a year will have difficulty seeing the results because they are not on a regular program and they can't see the difference from one session to the next.
Massage therapist are required to keep detailed SOAP notes, which document findings after each session. These notes will allow the therapist to accurately check on areas of concern, therefore, making the session more tailored to your needs appropriately. This is especially helpful when dealing with chronic pain.
5. The dip after
With massage you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but often may complain of feeling sore and tired afterwards. This soreness can at times feel like the day after an intense workout. The soreness is because your muscles were pushed just a bit beyond their everyday routine. This soreness should not last longer than a day or two.
Ways to minimize this soreness is easy. Help rehydrate your muscles and flush the toxins by drinking lots of water in the following days after your massage.
Take it easy after you massage and let your body embrace the benefits, you will be more comfortable when you return the following month.
Many women find that time isn't the major factor stopping them from visiting their therapist for massage on a regular schedule. It's sad to say, but many of us are so accustomed to putting the needs of our family, friends, others in front of our own, that we don't realize just how necessary it is to schedule the "me time".
Having been said before, it bears repeating again: you cannot take care of your friends and family unless you take care of yourself. You can't adequately address the needs of others, if you are stressed out, distracted by the effects of loss of sleep or suffering from chronic pain.
Know that when you are feeling overwhelmed or depleted, that a good massage session will help to energize and revitalize you entire body, mind and spirit, opening you up to be ready to tackle the challenges of everyday life.
2. Get into the Club
At 'Massage with Style' there are many options, that allow you to prepay for your regular sessions. Many people will shy away from this type of commitment, but consider it an investment in your health.
Generally, signing up for a membership allows you to enjoy massage at a discounted rate. Then all you need to do is login to Schedulicity.com and make that appointment at your convenience.
3. The right soul-therapist
When looking for that special therapist it is quite the same as finding a doctor and the perfect babysitter. Learn to share what is going on when you come in for a Massage appointment. There are several techniques and modalities out there. One mobalitiy will not always be right for every need.
Besides the many varieties of massage, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Prenatal, Hot Stone Sports and Medical, there are other practices that complement that of massage. Some of these practices are Aromatherapy, Reflexology, and Reiki, to name a few of which are offered at 'Massage with Style'.
Massage with Style is a valuable part of your health maintenance plan. During your session we will be able to determine where stress and anxiety are manifesting in your body and will create the right plan to address your specific needs.
Letting the therapist become familiar with your aches and pains also with help she to make appropriate recommendations if, for example, you are experiencing a condition which is out of their realm of expertise.
4. Watch your progress
Once you have gotten yourself into that regular practice of getting that weekly, bi-weekly or monthly massage, you will be able to see the progress that is a result of regular massage sessions. People that visit the massage therapist only once or twice a year will have difficulty seeing the results because they are not on a regular program and they can't see the difference from one session to the next.
Massage therapist are required to keep detailed SOAP notes, which document findings after each session. These notes will allow the therapist to accurately check on areas of concern, therefore, making the session more tailored to your needs appropriately. This is especially helpful when dealing with chronic pain.
5. The dip after
With massage you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, but often may complain of feeling sore and tired afterwards. This soreness can at times feel like the day after an intense workout. The soreness is because your muscles were pushed just a bit beyond their everyday routine. This soreness should not last longer than a day or two.
Ways to minimize this soreness is easy. Help rehydrate your muscles and flush the toxins by drinking lots of water in the following days after your massage.
Take it easy after you massage and let your body embrace the benefits, you will be more comfortable when you return the following month.
What Impact Can Reflexology Have on Our Lives?
Reflexology Research and Quality of Life
Researchshows that reflexology improves quality of life for individuals of various ages and those with a variety of disorders. As increasing numbers of individuals participate in health seeking activities, such research draws attention to reflexology for inclusion in a healthy lifestyle.
Recent research (see below) demonstrates that for those with Parkinson's Disease, cancer patients and pre-menopausal women, reflexology improves quality of life. These studies follow in the footsteps of previous research which demonstrated improved quality of life for: cancer patients (3 studies); hospice (2 studies); senior citizens (cobblestone mat walking); aggressive children (mainstreaming to regular classroom); constipation / encopresis in children; hypertension (3 studies) and stroke patients.
Researchers form the Department of Nursing at Songwon University in Korea studied what happened when premenopausal women applied "self reflexology" three times a week for six weeks. They compared the results to 29 women who did not. "The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and helped blood circulation in pre-menopausal middle-aged women. Conclusion: Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation." Jang SH, Kim KH., "Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women," Journal of Korean Academic Nurs ing 2009 Oct;39(5):662- 72.J, Department of Nursing, Songwon College, Korea.
Researchers at the Nursing Department of Bedfordshire University in England, "explored whether reflexology could improve or sustain the wellbeing of people with Parkinson's Disease [PD] using the PDQ39 wellbeing tool designed specifically for use with people with PD. The treatment protocol involved giving 8 therapy sessions (over 20 weeks) to 16 people with varying degrees of PD in a cross-over design to enable a longitudinal survey of impact. Whilst the results reþected the progressive nature of PD deterioration over time there was an improvement in wellbeing over the active therapy phase. These results suggest that continuous two- three weekly reflexology may limit further deterioration or maintain improvement of wellbeing. A further study is indicated to study this hypothesis." Johns, Christopher, Blake, Debbie, Sinclair, Alan, "Can reflexology maintain or improve the well- being or people with Parkinson's Disease?" Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice , Nov. 2009
In a study of cancer patients following breast surgery, researchers at Exeter University of England assigned 183 women randomly to one of three groups: SIS (self-initiated support), SIS plus reflexology, or SIS plus scalp massage. The women received eight weekly reflexology or scalp massage sessions starting six weeks after breast surgery. Two weeks after sessions stopped, researchers measured quality of life using: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy with secondary outcome measures of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Mood Rating Scale (MRS). Researchers found that "When compared to SIS, reflexology and (scalp) massage have statistically signiÞcant, and, for reflexology, clinically worthwhile, effects on QofL (Quality of Life) following surgery for early breast carcinoma. " Sharp DM et al, "A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer," European Journal of Cancer , 11/13/09
The is a reprint from a newsletter published by Kevin and Barbara Kunz. Both Kevin and Barbara are leaders in Research and Education of Reflexology for Professional and Client alike.
Researchshows that reflexology improves quality of life for individuals of various ages and those with a variety of disorders. As increasing numbers of individuals participate in health seeking activities, such research draws attention to reflexology for inclusion in a healthy lifestyle.
Recent research (see below) demonstrates that for those with Parkinson's Disease, cancer patients and pre-menopausal women, reflexology improves quality of life. These studies follow in the footsteps of previous research which demonstrated improved quality of life for: cancer patients (3 studies); hospice (2 studies); senior citizens (cobblestone mat walking); aggressive children (mainstreaming to regular classroom); constipation / encopresis in children; hypertension (3 studies) and stroke patients.
Researchers form the Department of Nursing at Songwon University in Korea studied what happened when premenopausal women applied "self reflexology" three times a week for six weeks. They compared the results to 29 women who did not. "The results showed that self-foot reflexology was effective in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and helped blood circulation in pre-menopausal middle-aged women. Conclusion: Self-foot reflexology may be an effective nursing intervention in reducing perceived stress and fatigue and in improving blood circulation." Jang SH, Kim KH., "Effects of self-foot reflexology on stress, fatigue and blood circulation in premenopausal middle-aged women," Journal of Korean Academic Nurs ing 2009 Oct;39(5):662- 72.J, Department of Nursing, Songwon College, Korea.
Researchers at the Nursing Department of Bedfordshire University in England, "explored whether reflexology could improve or sustain the wellbeing of people with Parkinson's Disease [PD] using the PDQ39 wellbeing tool designed specifically for use with people with PD. The treatment protocol involved giving 8 therapy sessions (over 20 weeks) to 16 people with varying degrees of PD in a cross-over design to enable a longitudinal survey of impact. Whilst the results reþected the progressive nature of PD deterioration over time there was an improvement in wellbeing over the active therapy phase. These results suggest that continuous two- three weekly reflexology may limit further deterioration or maintain improvement of wellbeing. A further study is indicated to study this hypothesis." Johns, Christopher, Blake, Debbie, Sinclair, Alan, "Can reflexology maintain or improve the well- being or people with Parkinson's Disease?" Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice , Nov. 2009
In a study of cancer patients following breast surgery, researchers at Exeter University of England assigned 183 women randomly to one of three groups: SIS (self-initiated support), SIS plus reflexology, or SIS plus scalp massage. The women received eight weekly reflexology or scalp massage sessions starting six weeks after breast surgery. Two weeks after sessions stopped, researchers measured quality of life using: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy with secondary outcome measures of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Mood Rating Scale (MRS). Researchers found that "When compared to SIS, reflexology and (scalp) massage have statistically signiÞcant, and, for reflexology, clinically worthwhile, effects on QofL (Quality of Life) following surgery for early breast carcinoma. " Sharp DM et al, "A randomised, controlled trial of the psychological effects of reflexology in early breast cancer," European Journal of Cancer , 11/13/09
The is a reprint from a newsletter published by Kevin and Barbara Kunz. Both Kevin and Barbara are leaders in Research and Education of Reflexology for Professional and Client alike.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Everyone Win!
That is RIGHT!!!
Everyone is a Winner in my office. For every new person that any of my clients refer, that makes an appointment, I will give you and your friend a discount of $5.00 off your appointments.
What it looks like - New Client $5.00 off appointment
Est.Client $5.00 off next appointment
There is a limit of only 1 discount per appointment. BUT!!! with enough friends, you could get the discount with every appointment.
Start today by going through you address book and sending those friends in for that much needed stress relief!!
For appointment:
ONLINE SCHEDULE: www.schedulicity.com
Phone: 360 844-5973
email: liz@massagewithstyle.com
Liz @ Massage with Style
Elizabeth A Stiles, BS, LMP, MR
WA Lic: #MA00018891
Everyone is a Winner in my office. For every new person that any of my clients refer, that makes an appointment, I will give you and your friend a discount of $5.00 off your appointments.
What it looks like - New Client $5.00 off appointment
Est.Client $5.00 off next appointment
There is a limit of only 1 discount per appointment. BUT!!! with enough friends, you could get the discount with every appointment.
Start today by going through you address book and sending those friends in for that much needed stress relief!!
For appointment:
ONLINE SCHEDULE: www.schedulicity.com
Phone: 360 844-5973
email: liz@massagewithstyle.com
Liz @ Massage with Style
Elizabeth A Stiles, BS, LMP, MR
WA Lic: #MA00018891
Dr. Oz Declares Reiki his #1 Alternative Medicine Secret
I’m sure that most of you watched or heard about Dr. Oz doing a segment on his show about alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners all over the world celebrated on January 6th as Dr. Oz revealed his ultimate alternative medicine secrets for 2010 during his nationally broadcast talk show. Dr. Oz ranked Reiki as #1. He said, “Reiki is one of my favorites, we’ve been using it for years in the Oz family, and we swear by it.”
If you still don’t know who Dr. Oz is, he has a huge and devoted following thanks to his many appearances on the Oprah Show the past few years, and his wife, Lisa, is a Reiki Master. Dr. Oz is one of the leading cardiovascular surgeons in the United States, and the first to allow the use of Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplant operations. Of those followed in case studies, heart patients did not experience the usual postoperative depression; bypass patients had no postoperative pain or leg weakness; and transplant patients experienced no organ rejection. Here is a clip from the show that day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPj2uuiReds
Dr. Oz ended the show with: “Here are the three things I want you to remember from today's show: First off, try Reiki. Second, boost your metabolism. Third, check your blood pressure”. It has been exciting to see our local community and medical professionals embracing Reiki more and more every day. It won’t be long before Reiki is as main stream as acupuncture or other alternative wellness therapies. Having Reiki in your life is like having a personal first-aid kit at your fingertips.
Have questions or want to learn more, contact Liz at 'Massage with Style'. I have been as practicing Reiki Master/Teacher since 1996. I will be more than Happy to answer your questions or even make an appointment for a Reiki Session.
(360) 844-5973 email: liz@massagewithstyle.com Schedule an appointment: schedulicity.com
If you still don’t know who Dr. Oz is, he has a huge and devoted following thanks to his many appearances on the Oprah Show the past few years, and his wife, Lisa, is a Reiki Master. Dr. Oz is one of the leading cardiovascular surgeons in the United States, and the first to allow the use of Reiki during open-heart surgeries and heart transplant operations. Of those followed in case studies, heart patients did not experience the usual postoperative depression; bypass patients had no postoperative pain or leg weakness; and transplant patients experienced no organ rejection. Here is a clip from the show that day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPj2uuiReds
Dr. Oz ended the show with: “Here are the three things I want you to remember from today's show: First off, try Reiki. Second, boost your metabolism. Third, check your blood pressure”. It has been exciting to see our local community and medical professionals embracing Reiki more and more every day. It won’t be long before Reiki is as main stream as acupuncture or other alternative wellness therapies. Having Reiki in your life is like having a personal first-aid kit at your fingertips.
Have questions or want to learn more, contact Liz at 'Massage with Style'. I have been as practicing Reiki Master/Teacher since 1996. I will be more than Happy to answer your questions or even make an appointment for a Reiki Session.
(360) 844-5973 email: liz@massagewithstyle.com Schedule an appointment: schedulicity.com
Monday, April 19, 2010
Massage--Good for What Ails You
Ask the average person what they think of when you say massage therapy and they most likely will mention getting sore or tight muscles rubbed, getting relaxed or reducing tension. These are probably the main reasons most people seek out massage treatments.
This issue is going to review the very broad scope of treatment that massage addresses every day. Many of these conditions may not directly apply to you, but you may know someone—a family member or friend—who is affected. At the very least, you should find it interesting to learn just how beneficial massage therapy is to all of us in our quest to lead a happy and healthy life.
The medical conditions that people find therapeutic massage can help include:
• allergies
• anxiety
• arthritis
• asthma & bronchitis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• chronic & temporary pain
• circulatory problems
• depression
• digestive disorders
• headache, especially when due to tension
• insomnia
• myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
• reduced range of motion
• sinusitis
• sports injuries
• stress
• TMJ (jaw joint dysfunction)
As interest in massage therapy grows, more studies are being conducted to verify the anecdotal results clients have reported for years.
As an example, a recent study supports current evidence that immune function is strengthened by massage therapy—in both healthy people as well as those who are fighting disease.
“ ‘In one study after another, research is suggesting that massage therapy has a positive impact on immune function,’ said Diane Zeitlin, research associate at the Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Kessler Medical Rehabilitation and Education Corporation, West Orange, N.J.
“ ‘An increase in white blood cells and natural killer-cell activity better prepares the body to fight off possible invading cells,’ said Zeitlin. ‘These cellular changes suggest the immune system benefited from the massages, and these findings fall in line with previous research.’ ”
In a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami on women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the women received regular massage therapy (three times a week for five weeks), with 80 percent showing improved immune function.
“ ‘These are the first studies that show an effect of massage therapy on an immune function test, which can support the use of massage therapy to alleviate stress, relax muscles and now possibly serve as an alternative medical practice,’ said Michael Ruff, Ph.D., research associate professor at Georgetown University Medical School.”
Another TRI study addressed fibromyalgia (a chronic condition characterized by muscular pain, aching, and/or stiffness and afflicting an estimated 3–6 million Americans). A portion of the study group received 30-minute massages twice a week for five weeks. The rheumatologists that evaluated the results determined that this group experienced decreases in pain, fatigue, stiffness and improvements in the quality of sleep.
If you are fortunate enough to have excellent health, consider what benefits massage can provide for you. What is becoming evident from the growing number of studies on massage benefits is that massage is helping people to enjoy more optimal physical functioning. And this in turn can lead to a better mental outlook.
The next time you hear someone say that massage is only a luxury, you’ll know that massage is really a tool that can help improve a body’s ability to regain and maintain proper function. Making you feel terrific is just a wonderful bonus!
© 2006 Massage Marketing. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
This issue is going to review the very broad scope of treatment that massage addresses every day. Many of these conditions may not directly apply to you, but you may know someone—a family member or friend—who is affected. At the very least, you should find it interesting to learn just how beneficial massage therapy is to all of us in our quest to lead a happy and healthy life.
The medical conditions that people find therapeutic massage can help include:
• allergies
• anxiety
• arthritis
• asthma & bronchitis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• chronic & temporary pain
• circulatory problems
• depression
• digestive disorders
• headache, especially when due to tension
• insomnia
• myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
• reduced range of motion
• sinusitis
• sports injuries
• stress
• TMJ (jaw joint dysfunction)
As interest in massage therapy grows, more studies are being conducted to verify the anecdotal results clients have reported for years.
As an example, a recent study supports current evidence that immune function is strengthened by massage therapy—in both healthy people as well as those who are fighting disease.
“ ‘In one study after another, research is suggesting that massage therapy has a positive impact on immune function,’ said Diane Zeitlin, research associate at the Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Kessler Medical Rehabilitation and Education Corporation, West Orange, N.J.
“ ‘An increase in white blood cells and natural killer-cell activity better prepares the body to fight off possible invading cells,’ said Zeitlin. ‘These cellular changes suggest the immune system benefited from the massages, and these findings fall in line with previous research.’ ”
In a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami on women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the women received regular massage therapy (three times a week for five weeks), with 80 percent showing improved immune function.
“ ‘These are the first studies that show an effect of massage therapy on an immune function test, which can support the use of massage therapy to alleviate stress, relax muscles and now possibly serve as an alternative medical practice,’ said Michael Ruff, Ph.D., research associate professor at Georgetown University Medical School.”
Another TRI study addressed fibromyalgia (a chronic condition characterized by muscular pain, aching, and/or stiffness and afflicting an estimated 3–6 million Americans). A portion of the study group received 30-minute massages twice a week for five weeks. The rheumatologists that evaluated the results determined that this group experienced decreases in pain, fatigue, stiffness and improvements in the quality of sleep.
If you are fortunate enough to have excellent health, consider what benefits massage can provide for you. What is becoming evident from the growing number of studies on massage benefits is that massage is helping people to enjoy more optimal physical functioning. And this in turn can lead to a better mental outlook.
The next time you hear someone say that massage is only a luxury, you’ll know that massage is really a tool that can help improve a body’s ability to regain and maintain proper function. Making you feel terrific is just a wonderful bonus!
© 2006 Massage Marketing. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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