Massage Therapy
- Stress Reduction Thru Laughter
- Reflexology for Cancer Patients
- Foot Massage or Foot Reflexology
- Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress
- Massage has Many Benefits
- Why do People Have Massage?
- What the Heck is Mindfulness?
- Can Massage Change Your Mood?
- Alternative Complimentary Therapy
- Are Alternative Practices Safe?
Stress Reduction Thru Laughter
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Learn more about how laughter and humor can help you live a happier and less stressful life.
There is a wave of interest in using laughter to heal, to reduce stress, and to live well.
Programs such as Laughter Yoga have been gaining popularity these past few years. The Oprah Winfrey Show even had a segment on how Laughter Yoga helped Oprah's make-up artist, Reggie. He was sent to one of Jeffrey's Briar's Laughter Yoga workshops because of his constant complaining, and he came back laughing.
Research shows that laughter is good medicine and good for the body and mind. I know how I feel after a good belly laugh. It's a great way to forget about all your worries and problems. I, for one, watch Ellen. Ellen makes millions of people laugh every day and keeps them all just a little bit healthier and happier.
Want to become a certified laughter leader? Join The World Laugher Tour .
Read more ... Stress Reduction Thru Humor
Programs such as Laughter Yoga have been gaining popularity these past few years. The Oprah Winfrey Show even had a segment on how Laughter Yoga helped Oprah's make-up artist, Reggie. He was sent to one of Jeffrey's Briar's Laughter Yoga workshops because of his constant complaining, and he came back laughing.
Research shows that laughter is good medicine and good for the body and mind. I know how I feel after a good belly laugh. It's a great way to forget about all your worries and problems. I, for one, watch Ellen. Ellen makes millions of people laugh every day and keeps them all just a little bit healthier and happier.
Want to become a certified laughter leader? Join The World Laugher Tour .
Read more ... Stress Reduction Thru Humor
Reflexology for Cancer Patients
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Cancer patients can benefit from complimentary and alternative therapies such as foot reflexology and foot massage to help manage pain, anxiety and nausea.
The American Cancer Society Journal (August 15, 1998) found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as an alternative therapeutic approach.
Research studies on foot reflexology and foot massage for cancer patients:
Research studies on foot reflexology and foot massage for cancer patients:
- Researchers at the School of Nursing, East Carolina University found that foot reflexology alleviates anxiety and pain for patients with breast and lung cancer. Researchers noted a significant decrease in anxiety for patients diagnosed with breast or lung cancer and a significant decrease in pain for patients with breast cancer (Stephenson, NL, Weinrich, SP and Tavakoli, AS, "The effects of foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in patients with breast and lung cancer," Oncol Nurs Forum 2000, Jan-Feb;27(1):67-72).
- Ten minute reflexology treatments can provide relief from pain, nausea and anxiety according to a report from the School of Nursing at the University of Canberra, Australia. Nurses at the school conducted an empirical study on the use of foot massage as a nursing intervention in patients hospitalised with cancer ("Review of "Foot Massage: A nursing intervention to modify the distressing symptoms of pain and nausea in patients hospitalized with cancer," Grealish, L. Lomasney, A., Whiteman, B., Cancer Nurse 2000, June;23(3):237-43).
Foot Massage or Foot Reflexology
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
What is the difference between foot massage and foot reflexology?
Most people think that a foot massage is the same thing as foot reflexology, but there are some really big differences. For one thing, when you have a foot massage, typically oil or lotion is used so that you have the gliding effect over the skin. You never use oil or lotion for foot reflexology, because what you need is a bit of friction in order to get under the skin to affect the reflex in the foot. A foot massage can make you feel better, can help you relax, can be done by most anyone, but it cannot affect the body in quite the same way as foot reflexology. Foot reflexology is an ancient healing practice that can help balance the body and can help to reduce pain and tension in quite remarkable ways. Reflexology is a very specific technique that does not include rubbing the skin, but rather walking the thumb and fingers much like an inch worm with pressure and holding techniques to affect the reflex in the foot. Reflexologists are trained and certified. It takes quite a bit of practice to get the right feel for this technique.
Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Why is it important to promptly deal with pain and stress?
We haven't even really scratched the surface of our understanding about what happens to our bodies in the long-term if we are faced with a life of chronic stress and pain. If pain isn't effectively managed in the short term, it can become a vicious cycle that can essentially lead to many other health problems. Scientists have shown how the brain is affected both chemically and physically by the constant assault of stress and pain. We know that some diseases are the direct result of lifestyle. Perhaps some of the diseases we get in later life are the result of pain and stress. How do you get a grip on pain and stress? I have been thinking a lot about this topic lately. It's so easy to talk about stress management and relaxation techniques. It's so easy to talk about it, but to actually incorporate this into one's lifestyle is another thing. We live in a world that doesn't value being still. We live in a world that values action. But if you are faced with chronic stress and pain, you don't have much choice if you want to have a life beyond that. It all comes down to quality of life.
Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress
Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
The benefits of massage are numerous. For some, massage is a necessity in order to be able to function.
If you have ever known anyone with chronic pain, then you know that relief from this pain really comes as a blessing because it permeates through every part of your life. Relief from pain allows you the freedom to breathe again, to move with ease, to think more clearly, to have moments of joy, to smile again.
I have known many people in my life who have had to endure the misery of chronic pain. Through massage, many find relief. Here is an interview with a remarkable woman who offered to share her experiences on the benefits of massage and how massage helped her to grow and revel in those moments when she was without pain.
Read more - Benefits of Massage Therapy, a personal interview.
I have known many people in my life who have had to endure the misery of chronic pain. Through massage, many find relief. Here is an interview with a remarkable woman who offered to share her experiences on the benefits of massage and how massage helped her to grow and revel in those moments when she was without pain.
Read more - Benefits of Massage Therapy, a personal interview.
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Massage is gaining in popularity every year. The AMTA's recent survey shows an increase in the numbers.
Is Massage Gaining Popularity?
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional association of more than 55,000 members. In a recent AMTA survey, more than 39 million Americans received a massage last year.
Compared to 10 years ago, 25 million more Americans each year are receiving a massage.
Common reasons for having a massage? The AMTA's survey suggests:
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional association of more than 55,000 members. In a recent AMTA survey, more than 39 million Americans received a massage last year.
Compared to 10 years ago, 25 million more Americans each year are receiving a massage.
Common reasons for having a massage? The AMTA's survey suggests:
- Men and those 65 and older (30 percent) are more likely to receive massage for medical/health reasons
- Women respondents reported that massage provided the greatest relief from pain
- 26 percent of the respondents reported that they use massage for relaxation/stress reduction
- 21 percent had a massage because it was free or they received a gift certificate
- 11 percent pampered themselves
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Mindfulness-based stress reduction may help improve your mood.
I really like Jack Kornfield's sentiments and wisdom in "An Opening Bow". It speaks of the benefits of being mindful. Here is an excerpt:
"That is how I began to learn that the true task of spiritual life is not found in faraway places or unusual states of consciousness; it is here in the present. It asks of us a welcoming spirit to greet all that life presents to us with a wise, respectful and kindly heart. We can bow to both beauty and suffering, to our entanglements and confusion, to our fears and to the injustices of the world. Honouring the truth in this way is the path to freedom. To bow to what is rather than to some ideal is not necessarily easy, but however difficult, it is one of the most useful and honourable practices.
To bow to the fact of our life's sorrows and betrayals is to accept them; and from this deep gesture we discover that all life is workable. As we learn to bow, we discover that the heart holds more freedom and compassion than we could imagine."
Read more about how being mindful can reduce your stress and improve your mood -
Stress reduction Thru Mindfulness
"That is how I began to learn that the true task of spiritual life is not found in faraway places or unusual states of consciousness; it is here in the present. It asks of us a welcoming spirit to greet all that life presents to us with a wise, respectful and kindly heart. We can bow to both beauty and suffering, to our entanglements and confusion, to our fears and to the injustices of the world. Honouring the truth in this way is the path to freedom. To bow to what is rather than to some ideal is not necessarily easy, but however difficult, it is one of the most useful and honourable practices.
To bow to the fact of our life's sorrows and betrayals is to accept them; and from this deep gesture we discover that all life is workable. As we learn to bow, we discover that the heart holds more freedom and compassion than we could imagine."
Read more about how being mindful can reduce your stress and improve your mood -
Stress reduction Thru Mindfulness
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Find out what the research suggests about how massage can help improve your mood.
THE BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF MASSAGE
A survey of the research on the effects of massage therapy suggests that massage can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
It has been suggested that massage causes the body to release and suppress certain chemicals in our body.
Researchers suggest that massage can:
A survey of the research on the effects of massage therapy suggests that massage can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
It has been suggested that massage causes the body to release and suppress certain chemicals in our body.
Researchers suggest that massage can:
- increase dopamine and serotonin
- reduce the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline
- increase the relaxation alpha brain waves
- increase the release of endorphins
- decrease levels of noradrenaline and the stress hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone)
- boost the immune system
- stabilise blood sugar levels
- improve lung functioning
- make you feel better.
Alternative Complimentary Therapy
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
The distinction between alternative therapy versus complimentary therapy.
Alternative therapy is a term used to describe a health practice that is used as an alternative or in place of traditional or conventional medicine.
As the name suggests, complimentary health is a term used to describe a health practice that compliments or is used together or in conjunction with traditional or conventional medicine.
Complementary and alternative health practices and therapies can include anything from massage and reflexology to herbs and supplements, homoeopathy, nutrition.
Some of the well known branches of alternative and complimentary health include Chinese medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, homoeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage and bodywork, ayurvedic medicine, and nutritional medicine.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONSUMER
As the name suggests, complimentary health is a term used to describe a health practice that compliments or is used together or in conjunction with traditional or conventional medicine.
Complementary and alternative health practices and therapies can include anything from massage and reflexology to herbs and supplements, homoeopathy, nutrition.
Some of the well known branches of alternative and complimentary health include Chinese medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, homoeopathy, reflexology, aromatherapy, massage and bodywork, ayurvedic medicine, and nutritional medicine.
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONSUMER
Are Alternative Practices Safe?
Posted by
Sylvia Carlson
Choosing the right health care treatment for you.
If something can heal, can it also harm?
Does something as seemingly benign as a massage have the potential to cause harm? What about all the different alternative and complimentary health practices that we espouse to be "natural". We equate natural with safe and pure and therefore not harmful. But, that's not all true.
I know for myself, I've had some experiences with pure and natural products that burned my skin. It is possible to overdose or have an adverse reaction to herbal products, and it is possible that you may have an adverse reaction from a certain type of massage.
I believe in the old adage: "everything in moderation" but also listen to your gut. Not every alternative practice is going to be right for you. Not every alternative health product will help you. We are all very much individuals and have different reactions and responses.
Does something as seemingly benign as a massage have the potential to cause harm? What about all the different alternative and complimentary health practices that we espouse to be "natural". We equate natural with safe and pure and therefore not harmful. But, that's not all true.
I know for myself, I've had some experiences with pure and natural products that burned my skin. It is possible to overdose or have an adverse reaction to herbal products, and it is possible that you may have an adverse reaction from a certain type of massage.
I believe in the old adage: "everything in moderation" but also listen to your gut. Not every alternative practice is going to be right for you. Not every alternative health product will help you. We are all very much individuals and have different reactions and responses.
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