There are so many ways someone with cancer can benefit from massage. Massage is incredibly nurturing. This is much needed by a person living with cancer. They often feel isolated, depressed and positive touch deprived. Many times their loved ones can not support them due to living far away or sometimes they are afraid of the stigmas attached to the disease. Loved ones also might feel afraid that they might hurt the cancer patient if they touch them. Massage provides relief from stress and restlessness, sleep improvement and pain relief. Fortunately, there are many hospice and cancer support organizations that have massage practitioners who donate their time.
Old school beliefs were based on the opinion that massage increases circulation and can promote the spread of cancer. We now have seen many studies that state that massage does not promote the spread of cancer, though some types of massage are inadvisable for certain types of cancer. For example, we need to be especially gentle when touching people with bone cancer, so deep tissue massage is a very bad idea. Another example might be someone undergoing cancer treatment might have nausea and jostling their body or aggressive movement of their limbs could agitate their symptoms. So, as always, talk to your oncologist about whether or not massage is a good idea for you. If your oncologist gives you the green light, make sure you find out what parameters the therapist should work within. I also suggest you see someone who is trained in how to address the special needs of someone dealing with this disease.
If you know someone with cancer, suggest to them to get a massage. They especially deserve some enjoyment from life. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris, LMP. http://www.pjharris.com/
While doing research on the history of Swedish massage, I came across many discrepancies. So as a result, I will not be relating information regarding it’s history. What I will explain is the main techniques incorporated in what massage practitioners practice while giving a Swedish massage currently in America.
The main goals of Swedish massage is to provide relaxation and improve circulation. The direction of massage strokes are what helps facilitate blood flow improvement. The focus of using strokes that are long and flowing help to promote relaxation.
Swedish massage consists of mainly five basic strokes:
Some of the other benefits of Swedish massage are:
1. Increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles
2. It stretches the muscles, ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable
3. Reduces muscle spasms
4. Stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time
5. Reduces stress
6. Promotes well-being
7. Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
As you see, Swedish massage is beneficial in many ways and adds to the overall quality of life for the recipient. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris, LMP http://www.pjharris.com/
Many of my clients have such busy lives. They show up at my office and the anxiety is written all over their face. I hear about how bad traffic was on their way here or that they almost had to cancel because their calendar is too full. At the end of their massage, they are relaxed, their breathing is slowed and their face is calm. Do I think that massage can decrease anxiety? Most definitely! Although, I have not done an official study including a control group regarding this fact, there are those who have.
I have read many studies that show a decrease in anxiety for people receiving massages. There are even studies that show that people who give massage can decrease their anxiety too. Looks like I picked the right career.
One place that specializes in studies about touch and it’s effects on people is the Touch Research Institute. TRI did a study showing that massage therapy decreased diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and cortisol (stress hormone) levels in adults with hypertension. Another study showed twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes, two times per week for five weeks. The group receiving massage exhibited a decrease in anxiety.
So, there are studies and my opinion, but what is most important is what do you think about how massage can help us become more calm? My guess is that most of you will agree and even believe that your life could benefit from receiving more massage. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris LMP. http://www.pjharris.com/
References:
Massage therapy decreased diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and cortisol (stress hormone) levels in adults with hypertension.
Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, H., Hossain, Z., & Burman, I. (2000). High blood pressure and associated symptoms were reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 4, 31-38. http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/TRIResearch/massageres.htm
Twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and 24 control group adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes, two times per week for five weeks. On the first and last days of the study they were monitored for EEG before, during and after the sessions. The massage group exhibited: 1) increased frontal delta power (suggesting relaxation); 2) decreased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced alertness); 3) increased speed and accuracy on math computations ; 4) lower anxiety levels; 5) lower salivary cortisol levels; and 6) lower depression scores at the end of the 5 week period.
Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Gonclaves, A., Burman, I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1996). Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations. International Journal of Neuroscience, 86, 197-205.http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/TRIResearch/massageres.htm
Yes and most definitely, massage can help with alleviating the discomfort of arthritis. It is not a cure and will not stop the progression of this disease, but many find relief on the massage table.
The Arthritis Foundation list more than 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases exist affecting approximately 46 million Americans today. But first off, lets cover the two main types of Arthritis:
1. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease and occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. It can affect any joint in your body, though it most commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis typically affects just one joint, though in some cases, such as with finger arthritis, several joints can be affected.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that causes joint pain and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the lining of your joints (synovium) causing swelling that can result in aching and throbbing and eventually deformity. Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis symptoms make even the simplest activities — such as opening a jar or taking a walk — difficult to manage.
Here are some of the ways massage can ease the symptoms associated with inflammation and help improve the quality of life of someone affected by arthritis.
The benefits of massage include:
• increase in circulation
• increase in flexibility and mobility
• decrease in pain and inflammation
• relief of muscle aches and stiffness
• a sense of overall relaxation and wellness
Massage is just one of the ways sufferers of Arthritis can find relief. Ask your ND for some other tips. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris LMP http://www.pjharris.com/
A chair massage is a massage provided to the client while they are seated and fully clothed. Chair massages can vary in length. A massage therapist can help clients a lot with only five minutes in the chair. Some massage practitioners offer chair massage at their clinics, but most of the time you will see chair massage provided at an event or on-site situation. A chair massage and an on-site massage are basically the same thing. While I have seen practitioners use massage tables for an on-site event, the more common equipment used is a massage chair.
Some of the benefits of chair massage are:
*Instant relief of the stress created at your workplace
*Increase circulation
*Helps clear your mind
*Clear mind brings about more efficiency
*Decrease in the pain also created at your workplace including but not limited to; headaches, neck pain, and upper, mid and lower back pain.
Here is an interesting video by David Palmer about the history of chair massage.
I offer on-site chair massage through my massage practice. I think it is a wonderful way for people to get a sample of how I work. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris, LMP http://www.pjharris.com/
You can receive massage if you have a sprained ankle. I highly recommend it, just not directly on the ankle. When you have an injury like a sprained ankle, massage can help with the muscle soreness that comes from using crutches and/or limping. Massage helps with circulation which in turn promotes healing. When you provide massage on one leg, the other leg will benefit because they share the same nerve trunk. The other leg will actually relax.
The practitioner needs to make sure:
*Your injured ankle is immobile and elevated
*Be very gentle when moving your leg
*Not massage on or too near the injury.
What if you are not sure you have a sprained ankle? If you have these symptoms you should definitely see a doctor:
*Inability to walk on the ankle
*Significant swelling (swelling can make the area hot or warm to the touch)
*Symptoms that do not improve quickly or persist beyond a few days
*Pain in the foot or above the ankle
If your symptoms are not that extreme your practitioner could attempt massage directly on the ankle. They should do so with EXTREME caution, being very gentle, and stopping if the pain increases.
Trigger Point Therapy: I love it and use it often in my Seattle Treatment Massage practice. Why? Because it is quite effective in helping with immediate relief of pain in trigger points.
What is a Trigger Point?A Trigger Point is not the same as an acupuncture point. When you touch a trigger there is pain and you can feel the spot where it is with your fingers. These areas are often found in “muscle knots” or “taught muscles bands”. Trigger Points usually have blocked blood flow and often cause an entire muscle to be painful, tight, weak, and more easily fatigued. They can be caused by overworking or over stressing muscles or by a direct injury to the muscle.
There are two types of Trigger Points: active and latent. An active trigger point will send pain zinging down your body or pain in another spot on your body when you apply direct pressure. A latent trigger point will only have pain in the spot you are actually touching.
How does Trigger Point Therapy work? Trigger Point therapy works by applying direct pressure or deep strokes on the spot or stretches. During this, it is important for the client to breathe deeply and evenly. Slowly the pain and tension will melt. This creates a release in the muscle that can give you greater flexibility, a decrease in stiffness and increase in local blood flow. Massage practitioners find these points by using our skill of sensitivity in our hands or even our elbows. Trigger Point Therapy can be used in conjunction with many other types of massage including Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Lomi Lomi, and especially Treatment Massage.
Does Trigger Point Therapy hurt?It does not have to. When I apply Trigger Point Therapy on my clients we are in constant communication. I slowly increase the intensity of the work checking in with the clients comfort level. Some clients prefer that I go quite deep to that “hurts good” point. If at anytime you are not comfortable with the depth or intensity of your massage, it is important that you communicate that to your practitioner. Everyone has a different pain threshold and it is to be respected.
Trigger Point Therapy can be used to treat:
General muscle Pain
Jaw (TMJ) pain
Headaches and migraines
Whiplash/Neck pain
Tennis Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Frozen Shoulder
Foot pain or Plantar Fasciitis
So, if you are noticing you have spots in your muscle that are painful to the touch, I highly recommend you find a therapist that can asses if Trigger Point Therapy is going to help you find relief from that pain. Thank you, PJ Harris, LMP. http://www.pjharris.com/
Many times my massage practice clients speak of their experience with insomnia. Sometimes they even come seeking massage to help them with this issue. This is a great idea and there are also other things you can do that might help.
I have been talking to people and reading articles on insomnia. As a result I composed a list of all of the suggestions I have been privy too. I hope this helps.
1)Regular sleep schedule – Get up at the same time and go to bed at the same time everyday. This includes the weekends.
2) Take a little walk – The gentle exercise and fresh air can help clear the day and bring about a more relaxed state.
3)Short or no naps- Taking naps decreases your likelihood of being sleepy come bedtime.
4) A little snack – Some people can’t sleep because they are actually hungry. Some foods are more conducive to bringing about sleep than others.
5) Decrease stress – This could create a whole new list. Good thing to explore.
6) Warm bath – What a lovely way to end the day. I feel relaxed just thinking about it.
7) Massage – My favorite relaxation tool. How about you?
8) Exercise – Many people can’t sleep because they don’t get enough exercise. Exercise promotes improved sleep quality by allowing smoother and more regular transition between the cycles and phases of sleep.
9) Avoid caffeine or alcohol – Both can get in the way of your sleep. Yes, even alcohol.
10) Chamomile tea – Chamomile is a lovely relaxing herb. Ask your Doctor or Naturapath about some other natural sleep aides.
11) Read something boring – Remember when you were in school and how hard it was to stay awake while studying?
12) Medium firm to firm bed – My chiropractor recommends this and I concur.
13) Relaxing music – Here is a list of my favorites.
14) Sleep Apnea – If someone has told you or you suspect that you temporarily stop breathing intermittently while you sleep, you could have Sleep Apnea. I suggest you consult your primary care person. There could be help for it.
15) Bedtime transitional routine – This could include some of the tips above or ones you have found on your own.
Now what I am wondering about is what has worked for some of you? What do you do to fall asleep when it seems that might be difficult? Let us know by leaving your tips in the comment section. Thanks for reading, PJ Harris, LMP http://www.pjharris.com/
When we come into this world we are a blank slate, Tabula Rasa. So why not start out in life with the very best care? It is a wonderful way to model great habits to your baby. Infant Massage is so very nurturing and also has good health benefits too. Here are some of them:
~Helps increase blood circulation
~Improves digestion and helps relieve gas and constipation
~Aids in development of the Nervous System
~Increases alertness and a heightened awareness
~Helps with immune function
~Releases Oxytocin, the Nurturing Hormone
~Greater relaxation and aids sleeping
~Helps create greater parental bonding
~Promotes communication between parent and baby
~Can increase weight gain
When you are giving your baby a massage, make sure the temperature in the room is nice and warm and the lighting is low. Some believe it is best to pick the same time of day to massage your baby. It is a good idea to make sure that you use massage oil that will be gentle on baby’s skin. There is massage oil out there made especially for babies.
There are also classes and books out there to show you how to start this wonderful practice for you and baby. Enjoy!
Do you notice that sometimes as people get older, they shuffle their feet when they walk? Many times this is due to fear of tripping and falling so they don’t pick up their feet. In actuality, they increase their chance of tripping by NOT picking up their feet. Sometimes, they have had hip or knee surgery and have not fully recovered from their surgery. After a surgery like that, it is very important that they work with a health practitioner to regain full or as close to full as possible range of motion in their hips and knees.
For the people who have not had knee or hip injuries, it is of vital importance that you continue to use your hip and knee joints to their full capacity. Muscle strength declines by 15 percent per decade after age 50 and 30 percent per decade after age 70. Elderly who are out of condition and sedentary, should be encouraged to improve their functional ability with strength and balance training before beginning aerobic exercise.
Working out in a gym or at home doing exercises to strengthen the legs and increase flexibility is a great way to keep your legs in tip top shape. Other simple ways to keep your legs strong are climbing stairs or repeatedly rising from a chair. You can purchase exercise bands from many department stores or pharmacies. They are a great way to get those muscles into shape and keep them there. Many community centers are now offering yoga classes for the elderly. This is yet another great way for someone to work on their balance, strength and flexibility. Make sure before starting any exercise routine to check with your physician.
Massage is also beneficial in keeping your legs healthy as you get older. There are therapist out there that specialize in massaging the elderly. This modality is known as geriatric massage. It helps with the circulation and flexibility that keeps those legs and the whole body happy.
There are so many ways someone with cancer can benefit from massage. Massage is incredibly nurturing. This is much needed by a person living with cancer. They often feel isolated, depressed and positive touch deprived. Many times their loved ones can not support them due to living far away or sometimes they are afraid of the stigmas attached to the disease. Loved ones also might feel afraid that they might hurt the cancer patient if they touch them. Massage provides relief from stress and restlessness, sleep improvement and pain relief. Fortunately, there are many hospice and cancer support organizations that have massage practitioners who donate their time.
While doing research on the history of Swedish massage, I came across many discrepancies. So as a result, I will not be relating information regarding it’s history. What I will explain is the main techniques incorporated in what 
was on their way here or that they almost had to cancel because their calendar is too full. At the end of their massage, they are relaxed, their breathing is slowed and their face is calm. Do I think that massage can decrease anxiety? Most definitely! Although, I have not done an official study including a control group regarding this fact, there are those who have.
Yes and most definitely, massage can help with alleviating the discomfort of arthritis. It is not a cure and will not stop the progression of this disease, but many find relief on the massage table.
A chair massage is a massage provided to the client while they are seated and fully clothed. Chair massages can vary in length. A massage therapist can help clients a lot with only five minutes in the chair. Some massage practitioners offer chair massage at their clinics, but most of the time you will see chair massage provided at an event or on-site situation. A chair massage and an on-site massage are basically the same thing. While I have seen practitioners use massage tables for an on-site event, the more common equipment used is a massage chair.
help with the muscle soreness that comes from using crutches and/or limping. 
Trigger Point Therapy: I love it and use it often in my 
experience with insomnia. Sometimes they even come seeking massage to help them with this issue. This is a great idea and there are also other things you can do that might help.
When we come into this world we are a blank slate, Tabula Rasa. So why not start out in life with the very best care? It is a wonderful way to model great habits to your baby. Infant Massage is so very nurturing and also has good health benefits too. Here are some of them:
Do you notice that sometimes as people get older, they shuffle their feet when they walk? Many times this is due to fear of tripping and falling so they don’t pick up their feet. In actuality, they increase their chance of tripping by NOT picking up their feet. Sometimes, they have had hip or knee surgery and have not fully recovered from their surgery. After a surgery like that, it is very important that they work with a health practitioner to regain full or as close to full as possible range of motion in their hips and knees.
