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For those with a cancer diagnosis, the healing touch of massage can
make a world of difference. Massage not only provides them with a safe
and comforting source of human contact, which is vital for everyone to
have in order to thrive, but it can also have medical benefits as
well. Massage can help improve blood circulation and equalize blood
pressure in the body. It also promotes relaxation, can help with pain,
fatigue and even nausea. On an emotional level, massage can be very
nurturing. Rather than the fearful reaction a cancer patient might get
in other social situations, a massage therapist offers acceptance of
the physical body and it's limitations while helping their clients to
experience a more pleasant physical reality.
There are obviously
certain limitations and contraindications to massage when it comes to
cancer, such as in the case of radiated tissue which will have
increased sensitivity for a period of time after the radiation. In
such cases, as well as across the board, a reflexology-focused foot or
hand massage can be extremely beneficial. These can both be used
safely on hospitalized patients as well as during treatments such as
chemotherapy to relieve some of the side effects. Through reflexology,
trigger points in the hands and feet can be used to nourish and
encourage homeostasis in organ systems throughout the body.
Massage
can go a long way in complimenting traditional cancer treatments. On a
physical level, massage can work to relieve pain and promote healing in
the body. On a emotional and spiritual level, massage can be used to
help people release emotions they are holding in, as well as give a
comfortable emotional and social space for that person to experience
therapeutic touch.
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The use of massage to enhance sports training, performance, or to help
the body recover from exertion is growing in popularity. Sports
massage is classically performed using deep tissue massage techniques.
Manipulating the soft tissue of the body involves more pressure than a
Swedish massage, for example. While at times potentially
uncomfortable, at no point in time should a sports massage be painful.
In
order to be in peak physical condition, an athlete must work their body
extremely hard. Tissue damage, injury, and imbalances in the body are
all potential problems that may arise. Through the use of massage,
athletes can prevent injuries, release tension being held in the body,
and gain flexibility. Massage can be used prior to, during or after,
all three times having their own advantages.
Sports massage also
acts to improve circulation and encourage the removal of waste products
from the body's tissues. By that same token, it also helps bring
essential nutrients to tissues which promotes faster healing. This is
beneficial after a hard workout or an injury, both of which may require
the body to rebuild muscle tissues. Sports massage has also been shown
to help reduce fatigue and improve performance.
While sports
massage can be very helpful after an injury to support the healing
process, prevent loss of mobility, or regain mobility in an injured
joint, there are some conditions for which massage is contraindicated.
These include muscle ruptures, tendon ruptures, thrombosis, broken
bones, bursitis, contusions (bruises), and soft tissue infections. In
order to determine whether or not a sports massage is appropriate for
an injury, consult a qualified massage therapist.
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This holiday season, gifting those you care about with a massage gift
certificate is one of the very best gifts you can give. No matter how
much you love the season, the holidays are stressful and busy. Massage
can relieve the body's stresses and relax the mind, creating better
total well-being. When it comes to gifting someone with a massage this
holiday season, you have a few options. You can book them with the
massage therapist of your choice, or give them a gift certificate to a
spa where they will be able to choose from the massage therapists on
staff.
If you know that the person you're giving the gift
certificate to really enjoys hot stone massage or Swedish massage, look
for a good match in a massage therapist. If your intended recipient
has never had a massage before, you might choose to select a type of
massage for them, or let them find their own way. If you do not live
in the area, research online to find reviews of spas or individual
massage therapists before purchasing a gift certificate.
Of
course, a massage can also be the very best gift you could give
yourself. Set aside a few hours during your busiest holiday rush to
pamper yourself. Treating yourself to a massage will not only help you
get through the holidays, it can enhance your enjoyment of them. If
you're in a better mood, you'll bring more cheer to those around you,
so really, you could think of getting yourself that massage as your
gift to everyone!
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In This Issue
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News from my office
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Self Massage Techniques for the Neck
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click to play
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Calming/Relaxing Aromatherapy Blend
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from:www.aromaweb.com
Ingredients:
-1 ounce carrier oil
such as sweet almond
-10 drops Roman Chamomile
- 5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix the oils well and add
to a clean, air-tight dark glass container. Massage gently into the feet
of the individual who requires increased calm. Giving yourself a foot
massage with this relaxing oil is also delightful. Roman Chamomile has
a strong sedative effect, so do not plan to drive or concentrate after
using this blend.
If you prefer to make a diffuser blend, make a blend
with a ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Lavender and add to
your diffuser.
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