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Popular Forms of Massage & Bodywork Defined Swedish massage Refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. It is comprised of five basic techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement & vibration. The lymph system and veins both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of the body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. Esalen massage Is a modern variation that was developed at the famous growth center, Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California It’s focus is not so much on relieving muscle tension or increasing circulation as it is on creating deeper states of relaxation, beneficial states of consciousness, and general well-being. Whereas Swedish is more brisk and focuses on the body, Esalen is more slow, rhythmic, and hypnotic and focuses on the mind/body as a whole. Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage This approach is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction. Often the movements are directed against the grain of the muscles (cross-fiber) using the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. This is applied with greater pressure and at deeper levels than Swedish massage and that is why it is called deep tissue. It is also more specific. For example, in the case of someone with a sore shoulder, the practitioner may focus on the trapeziums and the rhomboid underneath, trying to work in all layers of muscle that might be involved. Deep tissue massage lends itself to being more focused on a problem area. Myofascial Myofascial release is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body’s contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressure and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeleltal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. It surrounds groups of muscles fibers, and entire muscle groups and organs. That is how it retains tensions from physical and emotional traumas. It is also involved when a person suffers chromic pain or physical dysfunction. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue the body. Both fascia and muscle tissues can become shortened if they ate improperly used. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax, and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures. Trigger Point/Neuromuscular This is a form of deep massage that applies concentrated finger pressure specifically to individual muscles. This is a very detailed approach, used to increase blood flow and to release trigger points, intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body (they become trigger points when they seem to trigger a pain pattern, or referred pain) This form of massage helps to break the cycle of spasm and pain and is often used in pain control. Trigger point therapy is a pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates 'trigger points. The major goals are to reduce spasm by inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduces blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time, which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment. Eastern Energy Models Eastern Energy Models refers to various forms of energy work which take a holistic approach to natural health care. It asserts that energy fields exist everywhere in nature, and that the flow and balance of this energy in the human body is the underlying foundation for health. Stress, tension, pain, inflexible thinking and environmental stimuli are among many factors that can contribute to the restriction of this energy flow in the human body. According to many therapists, such energy blocks can be released by the use of four therapeutic methods: bodywork, diet, exercise and self awareness. Energy work includes gentle body manipulation and holding pressure points (poles) as well as counseling on developing positive thoughts and attitudes, understanding the principles of food combining and easy exercises to increase energy flow. Energy work is often used by care givers in conjunction with other therapies. Sports Massage This uses techniques similar to Swedish and Deep Tissue but more specifically adapted to deal with the needs of athletes and the effects of athletic performance on the body. Sports massage is used before or after events, as part of an athlete’s training regimen, and to promote healing from injuries. Shiatsu Shiatsu is a system based on the bodies energy meridians. Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed and involve pressing points on the body and stretching an opening of the energy meridians. Shiatsu is somewhat related to acupuncture, which is a form of anesthesia and therapy used in Chinese hospitals for surgery. Its proponents view it as a form of treatment alternative to medicine or surgery. Reflexology Reflexology is based on the belief that there are places on the feet and hands that correspond to parts of the body (internal organs and joints) Manipulating those parts of the feet or hands can have a direct effects on the corresponding parts of the body. Some proponents claim the ability to diagnose and treat illness of these organs by an appropriate Reflexology treatment. Aromatherapy By mixing scents with the oil, various pleasing moods can be created. Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant substances for health and beauty treatment. It is often combined with massage since oils can be used to carry fragrances while also allowing more pressure to be applied to muscles. Its proponents claim that the benefits are associated with specific choices of scent. For example, clary sage can be used to combat depression. On-site/Chair Massage On-site or chair massage are names for a short (15-20 minutes) massage of a client sitting is a special portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. On-site is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events.
Ear
Candling The flame creates a vacuum which can gently and naturally pull the wax, moisture and other residues out of the ear and into the Ear Candle. Ancient Egyptians made the first Ear Candles. They would light hollow rushes and insert them into the ear to clean it out. They soon found that they had greater success if they dipped the rush into melted wax. Our modern Ear Candles have evolved from this process. Today we make our Ear Candles from 100% cotton fabric and pure local beeswax. We use only the finest materials. Ear Candling is an alternative method that has been used for centuries. Ear Candling is NOT intended to be a substitute for any medical treatment nor is it the practice of medicine. Ear Candling is NOT intended to treat or cure any medical ailments or diseases. Some people find the process to be so relaxing that they fall asleep during the candling. Ear candling can be very useful any time wax or moisture in the ear is a problem. Results vary with the individual. Most people have a much greater problem with wax and moisture in their ears than they realize. Wax and moisture can also affect the functioning of the inner ear, which is critical to our sense of balance. If you have experienced a gradual reduction in hearing sensitivity, this may be due in part to wax build-up. Itching in the ears and plugged ears are also symptoms that can often be relieved by ear candling. Ear Candling has also been known to relieve symptoms associated with swimmer's ear, allergies and sinus problems. Many people who experience discomfort in their ears when flying in an airplane or at a high altitude find that ear candling can help to relieve their symptoms. Scuba divers also find the process very useful. You need to use your own judgment as to what feels normal in your ear once it is cleared out, and how often your ears will benefit from being candled. No claims are made that ear candling cures any specific diseases. It is recommended that you follow the advice of your doctor concerning any specific health challenges. Ear candling is not a cure-all. It has been very useful in many cases, but not all ear problems are associated with the build up of moisture and wax in the ears. The residue found in the candle is a mixture of candle residue and ear residue. The percentage of each varies from individual to individual and candle to candle. Even the conditions of the room can affect how much residue is found in the candle. Two candles are normally used in each ear. A third is sometimes used at the request of the client. The Ear Candling session can be stopped at any time for any reason at the request of the client. Each Ear Candle burns for about ten to fifteen minutes. A normal, four-candle session will typically last about an hour.
What is Qigong? The
word Qigong (pronounced chi kung) is a combination of two ideas: “Qi” means
air, breath of life, or vital energy of the body, and “gong” means the skill
of working with, or cultivating, self-discipline and achievement.
The art of Qigong consists primarily of meditation, relaxation, physical
movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises.
Practitioners of Qigong develop an awareness of qi sensations (energy) in
their body and use their mind to guide the Qi.
When the practitioners achieve a sufficient skill level (master), they
can direct or emit external Qi for the purpose of healing others. For thousands of years, millions of people have benefited from Qigong practices and believed that improving the function of Qi maintains health and heals disease. In traditional Chinese medicine, good health is a result of a free flowing, well-balanced energy system. It is believed that regular practice of Qigong helps to cleanse the body of toxins, restore energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and help individuals maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Although there is not yet an instrument that can measure the strength of Qi and that we may not fully know what Qi is physically, research has shown that external Qi of a Qigong master could produce significant structural changes in water and aqueous solutions, alter the phase behavior of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposomes, and enable the growth of Fab protein crystals (Yan et al. 1999). It has been said that Qigong is one of the most powerful healing traditions ever developed in human history. It is literally a health wonder of the world. A
Brief History of Qigong Qigong is the key component of traditional Chinese medicine with a history of five thousand years (in record), which can be divided approximately into four major periods.
(1) The period of united heaven, earth and man
(before 206 BC): This period was marked out historically by the book “Yi
Jing” (Book of Changes) introduced in 1122 BC, which talked about Qi, the
concepts of the natural energies and the integration of Heaven, Earth, and Man. (2) The period of
Qigong mixed with religion (206 BC – 500 AD): During Han dynasty (206
BC) Buddhism and meditation methods were imported from India, which brought
Qigong practice and meditation into the religious Qigong era. (3) The period of
martial art Qigong (500 AD --): In the Liang dynasty (502- 557 Ad), it
was discovered that Qigong could be used for martial-art purposes.
From 1911 on, Chinese Qigong training was mixed with Qigong practices
from India, Japan and many other countries because of the ease of communication
in the modern world. (Source: Jwing-Ming
Yang, Qigong for Arthritis). (4) The period of modern Qigong research:(1980s – present). As more and more Qigong practitioners came out to show the public their amazing abilities and to teach the public to practice Qigong, it gradually emerged from the traditional secret transmission into a practice found in the public domain and scientific research.
Medical Applications of Qigong Qigong
promotes health and healing by physical and mental exercises that promote the
balancing of Qi. Qi is the
foundation of traditional Chinese medicine, which is built on the belief that
pathology or sickness arises when an individual’s Qi (vital body energy) is
unbalanced or stagnant in the body. External
Qigong refers to the emission of Qi by a Master with the objective of affecting
someone other than himself. A
patient is healed or affected when the master emits his Qi to balance the
patient’s Qi. Numerous studies
have reported amazing effects on a variety of different illnesses when Qi is
emitted on humans. Qigong can be administered to an individual in the following
three ways: self-administration, emitted by a Master externally, or a
combination of the two. Some of the
functions and organs affected by Qigong include the brain, blood flow, heart
functions, kidney, biophysical (enzyme activity, immune function, sex hormone
levels), eyesight, and tumor size in mice.
For example,
Qigong changes the blood chemistry and mortality of patients with hypertension.
A study conducted by Huang Zianbiao of Fujian (China) found that,
compared to control groups, patients with hypertension that self-administered
Qigong for 30 minutes twice a day regained their strength faster; their
appetites grew larger, were freer of diarrhea, increased body weight by more
than 3 kg, and had an increase in phagocytic rate by 12.3% while the control
decreased by 7.9 %. A
study conducted by the Jiangsu Provincial Research Institute suggests that
emitted Qi from a Master damages tumor cells, inhibits their growth, promotes
the regenerative function of the lymph system, and increases anti-tumorigenic
function in rats. The Shanghai
Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine observed that Qigong increases cellular
immunity in cultured blood cells. Emitted
Qi affected all of the functions of cell-mediated immune systems that were
measured, not just one part of the system.
It has also been shown that the emitted Qi combined with self-Qigong practices can effectively treat heroin addiction. It is a safe way for detoxification, and possibly for rehabilitation (Li, Chen &; Mo, 1999). Even plants seem to benefit from Qigong. Qi-treated seeds had a higher and faster germinating rate than non-treated seeds (Laboratory of Photocatalysis, Shanghai Teacher’s University, Shanghai, China)
What is Mind/Body Medicine? Mind/body medicine is an approach to healing that uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health. As Hippocrates once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." This is the essence of mind/body medicine. Does Mind/Body Medicine work? While phrases such as "mind over matter" have been around for years, only recently have scientists found solid evidence that mind-body techniques actually do combat disease and promote health. In 1989, a landmark study by David Spiegel, M.D. at Stanford University School of Medicine dramatically demonstrated the power of the mind to heal. Of 86 women with late-stage breast cancer, half received standard medical care while the other half received the standard care plus weekly support sessions in which the women were able to share both their grief and their triumphs. Spiegel discovered that the women who participated in the social support group lived twice as long as the women who did not. What are Mind/Body Techniques? The key to any mind/body technique is to "train" the mind to focus on the body without distraction. It is in this state of "focused concentration" that an individual may be able to change his or her health. The following are some of the most commonly practiced techniques. Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique in which people are trained to improve their health by learning to control certain internal bodily processes that normally occur involuntarily, such as heart rate or blood pressure. These activities can be measured with electrodes and displayed on a monitor that both the participant and his or her practitioner can see. The monitor thereby provides feedback to the participant about the internal workings of his or her body. This person can then be taught to use this information to gain control over these "involuntary" activities. Biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions, but it is primarily used to treat tension headache, migraine headache, and chronic pain. Relaxation Techniques: There are three major types of relaxation techniques:
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