Archive for June, 2006
Google Massages At Work
25 June 2006The Seattle Post-Intelligencer examines Google’s growth into the area, and mentions one of the company’s many fringe benefits offered to employees: massage therapy at work!
But all doubt is removed by a sign leading to one of the rooms: “Googlers massaged here.”
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health google
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
Facial Reflexology: A Firsthand Account
19 June 2006A reporter from the Telegraph undergoes a facial reflexology session, and profiles the bodywork modality while talking to one of its practitioners.
So, how does it work? As in traditional, foot reflexology, the therapist assesses problem areas through corresponding points on the face, then addresses them by working specific parts of the face. “It’s designed to create a feeling of wellbeing and to help improve certain conditions,” says Pinkham, who was converted to reflexology when it alleviated her arthritis.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health reflexology
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Keeping The World Cup On Its Feet
17 June 2006World Cup Soccer has been kicking for at least a week now. Some team members, such as Chris Neville, sit proudly on the bench and never enter the field. His time to shine comes after the game is over as he fulfills his role as team England’s massage therapist.
Over the last few weeks he has worked behind the scenes at the team’s German camp, in Baden-Baden, helping squad members to wind down after matches and training sessions and worked closely with doctors and physiotherapists to aid players’ recovery from injury.
“He has to be ready to work with the players from nine in the morning to midnight most days. He has been very busy and if England gets to the final, he will only have two days off in the space of two months.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health soccer england
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Taking Care Of Your Liver And Gall Bladder
15 June 2006One of my clients passed along a website that was chock-full of information about how to keep your liver healthy and flush gall stones. The site’s writer recounts her personal experiences with liver dysfunction and her self-treatment has a distinctive Chinese medicine bent, but the general information is good.
Using basic household ingredients (organic apple juice or apple cider, lemon juice and olive oil) and controlling diet, some people with gall bladder problems can avoid surgery (sited as one of the top 10 unnecessary surgeries), restoring energy levels and clearing up nagging symptoms.
The gallbladder is connected to the spleen by nerves and is also closely connected to the liver. Anyone with gallbladder problems or with gallbladder removed should avoid or minimize foods that weaken the liver or spleen such as white flour, white sugar, caffeine, chocolate and deep fried foods. According to Chinese medicine, cold foods, cold drinks, citrus fruits (unless you also eat the outer skin, which is not advised unless the fruit was organically grown because pesticides often sink into the outer skin), tomato, banana and even salad should also be avoided or minimized because they weaken the spleen and kidneys.
If you choose to read this site and try the cleanse and have questions, please direct your questions to Julia at the number on the website (416-248-2930, 10 am to 5 pm, EST, Canada).
Personally, I’m tempted to try this cleanse because of the stress of working and going to school. I could use a boost to my energy levels but I’d have a hard time giving up chocolate!
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
20 Years of Massage School
15 June 2006As the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy celebrates its 20th anniversary, its hometown paper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette profiles both the school and the field of massage therapy.
Decades ago, when massage therapists would tell people they gave, you know, “massages,” the reaction was weird looks, shock, suspicion.
The perception was what one might suspect: that massage therapists were involved in sex, not health — touching lurid body parts rather than providing beneficial treatment for pain, stress and other ailments.
Twenty years later that perception largely has changed, to the glee of massage therapists and their clients who have experienced its benefits.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
Don’t Forget Dad This Father’s Day
13 June 2006He gave you life too! Not to mention advice, support and the occasional guiding hand when we stepped wrong on the path of life.
Some ideas for Dad for Father’s Day:
* Buy him or accompany him on a round of golf
* Spa services are appropriate if Dad is the metrosexual type (and a massage is nice even if he isn’t–it can help ease the aches and pains that come with the golf gift idea above)
* Take him out to the ballgame
Finding a gift is quite simple; just think of all the activities your father enjoys, then surprise him by planning a full day together. The gift will show your appreciation, but it’s the time spent together that will be the icing on the cake.
More gift ideas . . . .
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
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Introduction To Shiatsu
12 June 200650connect, a UK website, interviews London Shiatsu practitioner Katharine Hall. In the interview, Hall not only gives a concise definition of Shiatsu and its applications, but also delves into her own reasons for being a shiatsu bodyworker and what a person can expect from a Shiatsu session.
When someone comes for a session I will take a medical history, ask about their current health and reasons for having a treatment. A first session is one hour fifteen minutes, thereafter sessions are 1 hour. Shiatsu can be done in any position really- but normally we work on a futon (supportive mattress) on the floor. The client remains clothed throughout. I will do a touch diagnosis on the hara (the abdominal and energetic centre of the body), and ascertain what is going to be most helpful to work, and then get on with the treatment. Afterwards I will explain to the client what I have been doing and why, and may offer recommendations to help them support their well being for example, on food, breathing, activity, visualization. The client is always free to give feedback if they wish.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health shiatsu
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
Integrative Therapy Works In RI Hospital
9 June 2006A Kent County, Rhode Island hospital has implemented an integrative therapies department offering massage, Reiki, craniosacral therapy and reflexology. They provide discount massage to hospital staff and the public at large, while offering massage for free to patients admitted for longer than 24 hours.
The hospital conducted an extensive research study on the impact of these treatments on customer satisfaction.
Wharton discovered through her study that there are proven benefits for patients with stroke, those undergoing dialysis, those with orthopedic injuries and obstetrics patients. Some patients who received these types of treatments, Wharton said, were able to go without their pain medication for longer periods of time and, in some cases, forego them completely. These treatments have also been shown to lower blood pressure, help with immunity, circulation, improve coloring and increase comfort level, Wharton said.
“Even for cancer patients who were receiving integrative care, outcomes turned out far better than those receiving just the traditional forms of treatment,” she said. “The power of the human touch is amazing.”
Hospitals everywhere could benefit from an integrative therapy department.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
How Does A Massage Therapist Reduce Stress?
9 June 2006Many people go to a massage therapist to reduce their stress levels. In the Oregonian, a licensed massage therapist gives advice on how she reduces stress in her own life.
The most helpful two things I use for reducing stress are scheduling breaks and being happy. Not everybody can get away for a month every year, but we can all do something, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, taking a warm, scented bath, reading, painting, dancing, drawing, sitting down for a cup of tea and talk with a friend, doing anything we absolutely love to do.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips
Massage Cures Road Rage!!
7 June 2006My clients crack me up! One just told me that they go only 25 mph when they drive home from their massage. They don’t care if everybody passes them, they just cruise at their own pace.
I’ve had clients tell me that massage mellowed them out so much, they would need to be poured into their car. And they don’t care about other drivers, if they get cut off, “that’s okay, they must be in more of a hurry than I am.”
Interestingly, clients also report better reflexes after a massage. I’ve had better focus and productivity while getting regular massages. My mother-in-law claims she feels smarter after a massage!
So, if you’re planning a road trip, get a massage. It will make you mellow, nimble and may make you a smarter driver.
tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health
Original Article syndicated via RSS from Fingertips