Magnificent Massage The Health Benefits

With experts estimating that nearly ninety percent of disease is stress related, now more than ever it's imperative that Americans make the most of self-care options available today to help decrease and manage stress levels. Massage, the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, has shown to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. Massage helps to decrease anxiety, enhance sleep quality, provide energy, improve concentration, and more. For the everyday American, as well as sufferers of chronic conditions, this translates into a proven method for managing pain and stress.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, massage therapy is a practice dating back thousands of years. References to its uses have been found in ancient writings from Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Japan, China, and Egypt. Massage therapy first became popular in the United States in the mid-1800s for a variety of health purposes, complemented with the mineral essentials of natural hot spring resorts so fashionable at the time. It fell out of favor in the 1930s due to advances in other medical treatments at that time. However, it made a return in the 1970s, due in some part to athletes who discovered its benefits in preparing for, or recovering from, strenuous workouts.

Massage is used in both conventional and alternative medicine therapies. There are more than 80 types of massage therapy, and in all of them, therapists apply pressure and movement with the use of their hands and fingers mostly. However, forearms, elbows, and feet may also be a part a therapist's technique. The well-known Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading and finger pressure on tight or knotted muscles. Trigger point massage utilizes deeper, more focused pressure on knots that form in muscles. Shiatsu massage applies varying, rhythmic pressure from the fingers on parts of the body that are believed to be key to the flow of vital energy called chi.

Perhaps the two most obvious benefits of massage are increased circulation and flexibility. Designed to work independently of one another, as muscles dehydrate, their fibers stick together resulting in stiffness. With the use of massage, fluid is reintroduced, softening the muscles and allowing for flexibility. Increased circulation in between the muscle fibers allow nutrients to reach the cells and for toxins to be carried away more efficiently. Dehydrated muscle fibers also cause a lack of circulation which leads to a decrease in oxygen to the muscles. This in turn causes pain to the affected area. Professional massage, combined with adequate dehydration (8 to 10 glasses of water per day), can relive areas of pain and increase flexibility.

Additional benefits of massage are far reaching. Massage therapy has been successfully combined with rehabilitation programs as a treatment for chronic conditions including back pain and arthritis, as well as injuries associated with exercise or injury. Other chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, smoking cessation, and high blood pressure have been greatly aided with the use of professional massage.

Research studies show that massage therapy also reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and increases endorphins. Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate inactive muscles and partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. Research has also indicated that office workers who receive massages regularly perform better and with less stress than those who weren't massaged.

In children, massage therapy creates body awareness from head to toe, as well as relieve growing pains in older children. Studies also show massage for children can aide in digestion and constipation. Premature infants receiving massage reportedly gained more weight and fared better than those babies who did not receive massage. Bodywork therapy has also show to be beneficial for autistic children, who displayed less erratic behavior following a massage.

"Often times people are stressed in our culture," said Dr. Joan Borysenko in a Massage Journal interview. "Stress-related disorders make up between 80-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family-practice physicians". One of the complaints heard frequently is that physicians don't touch their patients any more. Years ago, massage was a big part of nursing. Now nurses for the most part are as busy as physicians. I believe massage therapy is absolutely key to the healing process not only in the hospital environment but because it relieves stress, it is obviously foundational in the healing process anytime and anywhere."

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Get Healthy With Couples Massage

Have you been looking for a healthy way to spend time with your significant other? Your busy schedules usually keep you from exercising together and with the fast pace of the day there's not always time to plan a healthy meal. So what can you do together that takes you away from the same old places? How about a Couples Massage? A Couples Massage is done by two massage therapists in one room with the couple.

How can Couples Massage help you both stay healthy? Massage therapy helps you improve your health due to the many healthy benefits of massage including: improved circulation, greater flexibility, better sleep, feelings of wellness, stress reduction, and reduced muscular pain.

Now that you know that Couples Massage can help you improve your health, you might want to know what types of massage are available to you during a Couples Massage. There are many styles and techniques used in Couples Massage but there are some that are widely available that you can receive during your session. The best known massage therapy techniques for Couples Massage are:

1. Swedish Massage - this is the most common of massage techniques in the United States and perhaps the world. Swedish massage is known for its long gliding strokes, kneading strokes, friction strokes, and percussion as well as joint movements that feel great while improving range of motion. It's most often thought of as a "spa" type of massage but it's much more than that. Swedish massage is great for reducing stress, improving circulation, improving range of motion of your joints, and helping you actually feel better in your own skin. Swedish massage can range from light pressure to a heavier pressure depending on your comfort level.

2. Deep Tissue Massage - right behind Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage is one of the best known and most often requested massage techniques. This massage is used to root out chronic tension in the deeper musculature and connective tissues that contributes to pain and loss of range of motion in joints. While some practitioners use a heavier, sometimes uncomfortable, pressure in Deep Tissue Massage it should be noted that a more moderate pressure can reach deep tissues and achieve great results with little discomfort.

3. Hot Stone Massage - this massage is probably the most relaxing and luxurious massage used in Couples Massage. Heated stones are added to the massage and are used by the massage therapist to perform a mini heat treatment as well as gliding strokes that seem to melt away stress and tension.

4. Sports Massage - just like it sounds, Sports Massage is geared toward athletes at every level from professional to the "weekend warrior" and those who strive for a higher level of fitness. Rather than a specific form of massage, Sports Massage is generally a combination of massage techniques tailored to the athlete's needs. The Sports Massage might be applied to one area to relieve pain or might be more general in nature to assure overall performance. Sports Massage is great for athletic couples.

4. Neuromuscular Therapy - also called "NMT", Neuromuscular Therapy is a well known technique for relieving muscular pain throughout the body even "referred" pain that originates from someplace other than where it's felt. This technique uses very targeted massage techniques, positioning, and stretching to release myofascial trigger points in muscles as well as restrictions in tendons, muscular attachments, and sometimes fascia surrounding the muscle.

All of the massage techniques described here can help a couple receive the health benefits of massage. Of course there are many more massage therapy techniques available during Couples Massage that are relaxing, stress reducing, and that relieve chronic tension and pain. You actually don't have to know what type of massage to ask for, you just need to know what you want to achieve. Do you just want to relax? Reduce muscle soreness? Relieve pain? Improve posture? Ask your massage therapist what they recommend for your particular health needs and get massaged together.
Source: http://www.profoundarticles.com/articledetail.php?artid=70926&catid=708

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Classifying The Types Of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine can be defined as any form of therapy, practice or treatment which is outside the mainstream or beyond the realm of the conventional.

More generally it can be defined as any approach or medicine which differs from conventional Western forms. Alternative medicine is often talked about in conjunction with Complementary Therapy and the umbrella term Complementary & Alternative Medicine or CAM is used.

As a general guide some of the more mainstream CAMs are acupuncture, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, reiki, reflexology & Yoga.

Alternative medicine in the UK is growing year on year and in 2006 it generated expenditure of 1.6 billion pounds. Large numbers of people choose to seek out alternative forms of medicine subsequent to a diagnosis from their GP or other traditional route. However in the main, research shows that people tend to use CAMs in parallel with conventional medicine. There is often resistance from GPs to recommend or refer a patient to an alternative therapy where they consider empirical evidence to be limited or non-conclusive and the research methods are not always standardised as with traditional medicine. There are also often funding issues relating to onward referrals within the NHS.

However, the CAM sector is responding to this criticism by adopting the standard research methods & evidence provision in line with the medical establishments traditional methods. This is largely assisting with the rapid growth of this multi-layered industry, alongside the continually growing wealth of positive empirical evidence.

Generally speaking CAM's can be organised into five key areas, although it should be noted that there are number of areas where these overlap. These areas are -

Whole Medical Systems (WMS)

WHMS have been developed in the West - often with it roots in other medicine systems. Examples of this type of system are Naturopathy - helping or stimulating the body's own in-built healing system by improving diet & lifestyle in conjunction with other CAMs such as acupuncture and massage. A good non Western parallel to this system is Chinese Medicine as is Ayurveda which hails from India and takes the holistic approach of treating the mind body & spirit via massage, yoga, herbs & meditation.

Another WMS which developed in recent years in the West is Homeopathy the practice of stimulating the healing system of the body by delivering minute amounts of certain elements or substances which in much higher doses would be detrimental or dangerous to a patient's health.

Mind-Body Medicine (MBM)

MBM can call upon a number of techniques which are aimed at improving the symptoms & functions of the body e.g. meditation, Yoga etc. A number of therapies which historically where thought to be CAMs are now firmly placed in the mainstream such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).

Biologically Based Practices (BBP)

BBP are derived from elements and materials which are found naturally such as vitamins for supplements, healthy foods for well being & detoxification and herbs helping with everything from pain relief to stress & weight loss. Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (MBBP)

MBBP work by manipulation, pressure and rubbing of soft tissues and muscles aimed at promoting repair, better health & flexibility. These type of therapy work by removing scar tissue, promoting oxygen flow and helping the removal of toxins and acids.

A number are further examples of therapies which are becoming less and less alternative and more mainstream. These include Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage & other body work such as Shiatsu and Sports Massage.

Energy Medicine Therapies (EMT)

EMT are believed to help the patient by tapping into the energy fields which cloak the human body and restoring balance, improving energy flow and clearing blockages. Examples of these type of therapies are Reiki, Chinese Medicine and Energy Healing.

So, why the growth in CAMs? Well, in recent years patients have gradually taken more accountability & responsibility for their health and are not as happy as maybe they once were to be told what to do or how to live. As a result they are becoming more autonomous and seeking out their own alternatives and solutions.

It is important to note they don't side step mainstream traditional medicine but seek help from CAMs to complement their treatment. Part of the reason for this empowerment is the growth of the internet and the ease of access to swathes of information, research, forums and feedback available at a click on the World Wide Web. Recent research has shown that over 60% of internet users use the web to provide answers on health related issues.

In addition to the ground swell of the general public embracing CAMs, areas of traditional medicine are adopting and recommending alternative therapies. The NHS now has as 5 hospitals offering CAMs for patients and more and more health professionals such as doctors, nurses and mid wives are training in alternative therapies to offer within their mainstream practice.
Baldness Treatments Online

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Classifying The Types Of Alternative Medicine Posted By : Shaun Parker

Alternative medicine can be defined as any form of therapy, practice or treatment which is outside the mainstream or beyond the realm of the conventional.

More generally it can be defined as any approach or medicine which differs from conventional Western forms. Alternative medicine is often talked about in conjunction with Complementary Therapy and the umbrella term Complementary & Alternative Medicine or CAM is used.

As a general guide some of the more mainstream CAMs are acupuncture, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, reiki, reflexology & Yoga.

Alternative medicine in the UK is growing year on year and in 2006 it generated expenditure of 1.6 billion pounds. Large numbers of people choose to seek out alternative forms of medicine subsequent to a diagnosis from their GP or other traditional route. However in the main, research shows that people tend to use CAMs in parallel with conventional medicine. There is often resistance from GPs to recommend or refer a patient to an alternative therapy where they consider empirical evidence to be limited or non-conclusive and the research methods are not always standardised as with traditional medicine. There are also often funding issues relating to onward referrals within the NHS.

However, the CAM sector is responding to this criticism by adopting the standard research methods & evidence provision in line with the medical establishments traditional methods. This is largely assisting with the rapid growth of this multi-layered industry, alongside the continually growing wealth of positive empirical evidence.

Generally speaking CAM's can be organised into five key areas, although it should be noted that there are number of areas where these overlap. These areas are -

Whole Medical Systems (WMS)

WHMS have been developed in the West - often with it roots in other medicine systems. Examples of this type of system are Naturopathy - helping or stimulating the body's own in-built healing system by improving diet & lifestyle in conjunction with other CAMs such as acupuncture and massage. A good non Western parallel to this system is Chinese Medicine as is Ayurveda which hails from India and takes the holistic approach of treating the mind body & spirit via massage, yoga, herbs & meditation.

Another WMS which developed in recent years in the West is Homeopathy the practice of stimulating the healing system of the body by delivering minute amounts of certain elements or substances which in much higher doses would be detrimental or dangerous to a patient's health.

Mind-Body Medicine (MBM)

MBM can call upon a number of techniques which are aimed at improving the symptoms & functions of the body e.g. meditation, Yoga etc. A number of therapies which historically where thought to be CAMs are now firmly placed in the mainstream such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).

Biologically Based Practices (BBP)

BBP are derived from elements and materials which are found naturally such as vitamins for supplements, healthy foods for well being & detoxification and herbs helping with everything from pain relief to stress & weight loss. Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (MBBP)

MBBP work by manipulation, pressure and rubbing of soft tissues and muscles aimed at promoting repair, better health & flexibility. These type of therapy work by removing scar tissue, promoting oxygen flow and helping the removal of toxins and acids.

A number are further examples of therapies which are becoming less and less alternative and more mainstream. These include Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage & other body work such as Shiatsu and Sports Massage.

Energy Medicine Therapies (EMT)

EMT are believed to help the patient by tapping into the energy fields which cloak the human body and restoring balance, improving energy flow and clearing blockages. Examples of these type of therapies are Reiki, Chinese Medicine and Energy Healing.

So, why the growth in CAMs? Well, in recent years patients have gradually taken more accountability & responsibility for their health and are not as happy as maybe they once were to be told what to do or how to live. As a result they are becoming more autonomous and seeking out their own alternatives and solutions.

It is important to note they don't side step mainstream traditional medicine but seek help from CAMs to complement their treatment. Part of the reason for this empowerment is the growth of the internet and the ease of access to swathes of information, research, forums and feedback available at a click on the World Wide Web. Recent research has shown that over 60% of internet users use the web to provide answers on health related issues.

In addition to the ground swell of the general public embracing CAMs, areas of traditional medicine are adopting and recommending alternative therapies. The NHS now has as 5 hospitals offering CAMs for patients and more and more health professionals such as doctors, nurses and mid wives are training in alternative therapies to offer within their mainstream practice.
Shaun Parker has tried a wide variety of different alternative medicine therapies and shares his experiences to help those looking for alternative medicines.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/Classifying-The-Types-Of-Alternative-Medicine/40488

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Hand Dermatitis Treatment Tip

Hand dermatitis (also known as hand eczema) often results from a combination of causes, including genetic makeup (constitutional factors), injury (contact with irritants) and allergy. This condition is usually multi-factorial. The skin can react to the inflammation by forming scales. Fissures can then develop and these can be quite painful. The majority of individuals who have irritant dermatitis (75% of all cases of hand dermatitis) will produce this through contact with detergents, cleansers, water, metals, food or rubber. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving cleaning, catering, metalwork, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work. Hand dermatitis varies in severity. It may affect the backs of the hands, the palms or both sites.

Often it starts as a mild intermittent complaint, but it can become increasingly severe and persistent. The affected skin initially becomes red and dry, then progresses to itchy papules (bumps) and fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), scaling, cracking (fissures), weeping (exudation) and swelling (oedema). Hand dermatitis can spread to affect other sites, particularly the forearms and feet. Emotional stresses make hand dermatitis worse, especially the type known as pompholyx in which crops of very itchy vesicles erupt on the palms. Some people are more prone to hand dermatitis than others. They often have a personal or family history of atopic dermatitis, asthma or hay fever. Friction and repetitive injury also damage the skin. Irritants result in much more damage once dermatitis has become established

To treat hand dermatitis, you must avoid contact with the substance that irritates your skin. Protect your hands from direct contact with soaps, detergents, scouring powders, and similar irritating chemicals by wearing waterproof, cotton lined, gloves. Topical steroids to reduce inflammation. These come in various strengths and should only be applied to areas of active dermatitis once or twice daily. Avoid the temptation of using very hot water even if wearing gloves. Wear cotton gloves to do general house work as they can be washed instead of washing your hands too often. Cortisone ointments are used treat severe cases of hand dermatitis.
Mud Gloves are good for working outside if you have hand dermatitis. Use a mild soap (Dove, Basis, Olay, Cetaphil) or a soap substitute.

Hand Dermatitis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Use a long handled brush for washing the dishes

2. Avoid direct contact with turpentine, paint thinner and paints.

3. Avoid the temptation of using very hot water even if wearing gloves.

4. Keep hand washing to a minimum, keep water temperature luke warm

5. Avoid harsh or scented soaps, soapless cleansers may be the best to use.

6. Apply moisturizers after washing, ointments that are clear and sticky seem to work the best.

7. Avoid heating or cooling the skin, sweating within rubber gloves alone can worsen the dermatitis.

8. Wear cotton gloves to do general house work as they can be washed instead of washing your hands too often.
Source: http://www.profoundarticles.com/articledetail.php?artid=71007&catid=708

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Natural the types of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine can be defined as any form of therapy, practice or treatment which is outside the mainstream or beyond the realm of the conventional.

More generally it can be defined as any approach or medicine which differs from conventional Western forms. Alternative medicine is often talked about in conjunction with Complementary Therapy and the umbrella term Complementary & Alternative Medicine or CAM is used.

As a general guide some of the more mainstream CAMs are acupuncture, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, reiki, reflexology & Yoga.

Alternative medicine in the UK is growing year on year and in 2006 it generated expenditure of 1.6 billion pounds. Large numbers of people choose to seek out alternative forms of medicine subsequent to a diagnosis from their GP or other traditional route. However in the main, research shows that people tend to use CAMs in parallel with conventional medicine. There is often resistance from GPs to recommend or refer a patient to an alternative therapy where they consider empirical evidence to be limited or non-conclusive and the research methods are not always standardised as with traditional medicine. There are also often funding issues relating to onward referrals within the NHS.

However, the CAM sector is responding to this criticism by adopting the standard research methods & evidence provision in line with the medical establishments traditional methods. This is largely assisting with the rapid growth of this multi-layered industry, alongside the continually growing wealth of positive empirical evidence.

Generally speaking CAM's can be organised into five key areas, although it should be noted that there are number of areas where these overlap. These areas are -

Whole Medical Systems (WMS)

WHMS have been developed in the West - often with it roots in other medicine systems. Examples of this type of system are Naturopathy - helping or stimulating the body's own in-built healing system by improving diet & lifestyle in conjunction with other CAMs such as acupuncture and massage. A good non Western parallel to this system is Chinese Medicine as is Ayurveda which hails from India and takes the holistic approach of treating the mind body & spirit via massage, yoga, herbs & meditation.

Another WMS which developed in recent years in the West is Homeopathy the practice of stimulating the healing system of the body by delivering minute amounts of certain elements or substances which in much higher doses would be detrimental or dangerous to a patient's health.

Mind-Body Medicine (MBM)

MBM can call upon a number of techniques which are aimed at improving the symptoms & functions of the body e.g. meditation, Yoga etc. A number of therapies which historically where thought to be CAMs are now firmly placed in the mainstream such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).

Biologically Based Practices (BBP)

BBP are derived from elements and materials which are found naturally such as vitamins for supplements, healthy foods for well being & detoxification and herbs helping with everything from pain relief to stress & weight loss. Biologically based practices in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (MBBP)

MBBP work by manipulation, pressure and rubbing of soft tissues and muscles aimed at promoting repair, better health & flexibility. These type of therapy work by removing scar tissue, promoting oxygen flow and helping the removal of toxins and acids.

A number are further examples of therapies which are becoming less and less alternative and more mainstream. These include Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage & other body work such as Shiatsu and Sports Massage.

Energy Medicine Therapies (EMT)

EMT are believed to help the patient by tapping into the energy fields which cloak the human body and restoring balance, improving energy flow and clearing blockages. Examples of these type of therapies are Reiki, Chinese Medicine and Energy Healing.

So, why the growth in CAMs? Well, in recent years patients have gradually taken more accountability & responsibility for their health and are not as happy as maybe they once were to be told what to do or how to live. As a result they are becoming more autonomous and seeking out their own alternatives and solutions.

It is important to note they don't side step mainstream traditional medicine but seek help from CAMs to complement their treatment. Part of the reason for this empowerment is the growth of the internet and the ease of access to swathes of information, research, forums and feedback available at a click on the World Wide Web. Recent research has shown that over 60% of internet users use the web to provide answers on health related issues.

In addition to the ground swell of the general public embracing CAMs, areas of traditional medicine are adopting and recommending alternative therapies. The NHS now has as 5 hospitals offering CAMs for patients and more and more health professionals such as doctors, nurses and mid wives are training in alternative therapies to offer within their mainstream practice.
Shaun Parker has tried a wide variety of different alternative medicine therapies and shares his experiences to help those looking for alternative medicines.

Acne skin care products

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