Healing Touch: Help for the Human Condition

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY®

2011-11-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY®

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is
a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

On November 26, we're asking millions of people to shop small
at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When
we all shop small, it will be huge.

Hands For Health, LLC is offering a 25% discount on services
purchased on November 26, 2011. What a wonderful way to get Holiday
Gift Certificates for friends and family.

Call to reserve order today!

732.600.4060

Patients with Fibromyalgia Find Comfort in Massage

2011-11-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

Massage Today - November, 2011, Vol. 11, Issue 11
Patients with Fibromyalgia Find Comfort in Massage Myofascial Release Therapy
By Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor
A recent article published in the journal, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, described the "Benefits of Massage-Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Anxiety, Quality of Sleep, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia."

This article, authored by Castro-Sanchez and colleagues, defined fibromyalgia as "a chronic syndrome characterized by generalized pain, joint rigidity and intense fatigue. Other frequently associated symptoms are sleep alterations, headache, spastic colon, anxiety and depression." The authors suggest fibromyalgia often leaves patients feeling incapable of performing basic daily life activities, even resulting in painful symptoms and conditions such as, "myofascial trigger points, degenerative joint disease, inflammatory joint disease, bursitis, tendinitis, development alterations, hypermobility syndrome, neuropathic pain, injuries, traumas, repeated muscle pulls, visceral pain, disk herniation, spinal stenosis and recurrent cephalalgia (headaches)."
To date, there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, thus treatment is focused on symptom control. Myofascial release therapy is commonly used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Myofascial release therapy, a soft tissue therapy, uses palpatory feedback to release myofascial tissue (the fascia that surrounds and separates layers of muscle). This accomplishes increased circulation, lymphatic drainage and relaxation of contracted muscles by stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. The purpose of this study was to "determine the benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia".

Castro-Sanchez and colleagues conducted a two-group (i.e., treatment and control) randomized controlled trial to determine the benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy in patients with fibromyalgia. Of the 64 fibromyalgia patients recruited, 59 participants completed the study; 30 in the treatment group and 29 in the control group. The treatment group received a 90-minute massage-myofascial release therapy session, weekly for 20 weeks. The treatment consisted of "massage-myofascial release at insertion of the temporal muscle, release of falx cerebri by frontal lift, release of tentorium cerebelli by synchronization of temporals, assisted release of cervical fascia, release of anterior thoracic wall, release of pectoral region, lumbosacral
decompression, release of gluteal fascia, transversal sliding of wrist flexors and fingers and release of quadriceps fascia." The control group received a weekly 30-minute session of disconnected magnetotherapy for 20 weeks. Patients in the control group were unaware they were receiving a sham treatment.

Pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life were measured at baseline, after the last treatment session, and at one and six months after finishing treatment. Changes in scores for anxiety, pain,
depression and quality of life were analyzed for group differences between the treatment and control group. After the twenty weeks of treatment, and when measured again one month post-treatment, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain and quality of life were significantly improved in the treatment group over the control group. At six months post intervention, there were only significant improvement in the quality of sleep measure.

Castro-Sanchez and colleagues demonstrated the effects of a 20-week massage-myofascial release treatment program for fibromyalgia patients, with significant improvements in pain, anxiety, quality of sleep and quality of life. Findings indicate the treatment reduced sensitivity to pain, particularly at the lower cervicals, gluteal muscles and near the greater trochanters. In this study the treatment resulted in no changes in depression scores.

Though this was a robust and rigorous study, the authors reported study limitations which should be considered when interpreting findings. First, the exclusion of eligible participants due to incompatibility of schedules may impact sample characteristics. Second, patients with less severe pain may have been able to improve more rapidly. Third, a longitudinal component with more than a six month follow up may be necessary for a more comprehensive analysis to examine the relationship between pain and depression in patients with fibromyalgia.

Despite study limitations, these findings provide important implications for this evidence-based practice. These findings suggest massage-myofascial therapy can be considered as an alternative and complementary therapy to achieve symptom improvement in patients with fibromyalgia. When marketing this treatment modality for consumers, practitioners can provide patients evidence of the benefits of massage-myofascial therapy in reducing pain, anxiety and improving quality of sleep and quality of life.

Castro-Sanchez and colleagues provide compelling data that in the case of fibromyalgia, where symptom control is the only current option, this evidence suggests patients can find comfort in massage-myofascial therapy.

Reference:
Castro-Sanchez A M, Mataran-Penarrocha G A, Granero-Molina J, Aguilera-Manrique G,
Quesada-Rubio J M, Moreno-Lorenzo C. Benefits of Massage-Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain,
Anxiety, Quality of Sleep, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011. doi:10.1155/2011/561753
For more information about the Massage Therapy Foundation, visit www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.
For additional research articles by the Massage Therapy Foundation, visit www.massagetoday.com.
Click here for more information about Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor.

Reprinted from:
http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14498&no_paginate=true&no_b=true

11-11-11 @ 11:11 (GMT) Meditate with the world

2011-10-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

I hope you will join in to make this hour the greatest in all out lives and the future lives of all!

See a new world and then become the force of that change. It all begins with setting that intention on November 11, 2011 at 11:11 GMT. No money necessary, no gadgets, no must dos or guilt trips necessary. Just one collective mind charged with a loving heart, changing the way it thinks then charging the energy field in which it lives. “Let the pearl inside reveal what’s real.” REMEMBER who you are, stand and change the world we live in.

Collectively, we hold the power to manifest what we need and desire to create a world of joy and abundance for us all. Now is the time to unite and become one field. Unite as one people, one heart and one mind and with one intention to create a loving sustainable world. Not only for us now but for us as a species for generations to come.

Meditate on all the wonderful things you want the world to be like. (For me it is Health, Peace and Happiness for all the world.) Add all you want for yourself and this new world. It is finally our time to unite and be happy!

Blessings and light to all,
Bruce

bmindful.com/forum/thread/2554/11-11-11

firethegrid.com/eng11/index-2011

In Honor of...

2010-10-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

We are coming to the end of October, the month set aside to remember, honor, and support loved ones who have conquered or are currently battling the dreaded big "C". Hands For Health, LLC, joins with Pathways Massage, LLC as well as several other therapists to offer...

There are a few appointments available as of this moment, if you (or someone you know) are a survivor, please call for an appointment. The only thing you need is a note from your physician stating you can receive treatment.

After completing a health form, you will be shown to a treatment room where you will receive a massage and a brief Healing Touch “Tapas”*. Then you can relax and enjoy some great healthy, seasonal treats before you leave with a fabulous gift bag!

* “Tapas” is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. Massage and Healing Touch “Tapas” are a short but effective treatment.

Stress Buster Treo

2010-07-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

New at Hands For Health Massage in Pathways Studio in Bayville is a treatment that will have you facing your day with renewed calm, peace and tranquility.

Starting with a ‘great back rub’, general Swedish Massage techniques are used on your head, neck and shoulders. Smoothing and soothing aching muscles in your neck and shoulders is an important step in the process. Many people carry stress in the upper back and neck causing tension headaches and general aggravation.

A smooth transition to Healing Touch work begins with ‘Mind Clearing’ used to effect deep relaxation and bringing peace and quiet to your mind. Entering into your personal silence, the ultimate in personal restoration, you begin to drift into your personal haven of solitude. One of the goals of this session is balance of all the energy centers in the body, this is achieved by continuing on to a Chakra Balance. Depending on your preference, you may now enjoy a hand or foot massage intended to stimulate the energy meridians throughout your body preparing you for your final phase of the ‘Stress Buster Treo’.

Finally, you will be introduced to one of several guided meditation experiences which will allow you to center, balance, and rejuvenate preparing you for whatever your life has in store. Regardless if it is a continuation of your vacation, an important client meeting or just back home with the family, you will be in top shape to enjoy and be at your best.

Clients report that they leave my studio feeling like they have been renewed and can face the day stress free and relaxed. Regardless of what you have on your plate, you can perform better coming from a place of relaxation and balance.

Call today (732.600.4060) to make an appointment for your ‘Stress Buster Treo’!

Massage Therapy Eases Post-Surgical Pain

2010-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

by Linda Fehrs, LMT

A Mayo Clinic study conducted over a period of five months, showed so much of a reduction in post-surgical pain, they hired a full-time massage therapist to be available for patients after heart surgery. Approximately half of the 58 patients who participated in this original pilot study received massage. On a 10-point scale of pain, those who received massage had a mean pain score of less than one, while those who did not receive massage had an average score of three. In addition to the massage therapy, the Mayo Clinic has been looking into the advantages of other complementary therapies, including ambient music and guided imagery, both of which have shown to have a positive effect of patients recovering from surgery.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Ann Arbor and Indianapolis Healthcare Systems conducted an even larger study involving 605 veterans, male and female, over a period of two years who had undergone major surgery (thoracic or abdominal). They were assigned to one of three groups. Approximately one third received routine care, as well as a daily 20-minute effleurage back massage each evening for up to five days. A second group got individualized attention, but no massage; and the remaining group got only standard routine care.

The purpose of the study was to see how massage and/or individualized support affected recovery after major surgery. Compared to the groups who received no massage, those who did receive massage experienced a faster rate of decreased pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and a reduction in anxiety in the first four days after surgery.

Read entire article from Integrative Healthcare Here

Ancient Form of Healing

2009-12-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

My clients often have a combination treatment of Healing Touch and Massage. Massage is one of the most ancient forms of healing. The first writings on massage showed up around 2000 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans used massage to maintain health and promote healing. As early as the 14^th century, Guy deChauliac was noted to have written a book on surgery and bodywork was mentioned as an adjunct to surgery. During the 16^th century, Ambroise Pare, a French barber surgeon, was noted to have mentioned the many benefits of massage. Also, it was Lord Francis Bacon who observed that massage enhanced circulation. During the 1850's, scientific massage therapy was introduced in the United States by two New York physicians, brothers George and Charles Taylor. (Excerpt from TheMassageGuru)

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Massage is a manual manipulation of the body's soft tissue for the purpose of stimulating circulation and promoting relaxation. It has been used in many world cultures for more than 4,000 years. Massage allows you a quiet time to focus on yourself and become more connected to your body.

Massage is generally used for the reduction of stress and pain. It has been shown to boost the immune system as well.
Since most diseases are exacerbated by stress, massage can help you become and stay healthier.
Massage can help with the following:

stress reduction
anxiety
relaxation
muscle aches and pains
sleep problems
depression
immune system function

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage is primarily used for relaxation. Cream or oil may be used with light strokes. Usually, this is a full body massage. You may want to have some areas skipped or opt to have me work on all of your body. It is important to express your wishes at the time of your appointment.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue massage is a goal-oriented massage. With this type of work, I may use my forearms, elbows or thumbs to apply pressure. Deep tissue work can be used in conjunction with Swedish massage to loosen the muscles in a specific area,or by itself for a mini-target session.

What is Myofascial Massage?

Myofascial massage is the slowest type of body work. This type of work is used to relieve aches and pains. Lotions are not used. Instead, I will apply pressure, using the palm of my hand or finger tips. You may be asked to breathe during this session, or move your arms or legs during a stroke so that muscles be better accessed. …more

Every Client carries her or his own "doctor" inside.

2009-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I totally agree with Albert Schweitzer (1875 - 1965) who said "Every patient carries her or his own doctor inside."

Energy Work, regardless of the name you give it, takes advantage of your body's innate ability to heal itself.

A Healing Touch treatment has the ability to stimulate and revive the circulation, eliminate energetic blockage, and allow self-healing to take place. It will support the immune system, uplift your spirits, help clear emotional 'stuckness' and generally allow your body to relax and revive.

There are currently two things going on right this moment that can contribute to your physical and emotional 'issues'.

The holiday's are upon us. This brings stressors such as having enough resources to get the gifts you want to give, or if the money is not the issue, what to get, and if that's not the issue, time to get it, or if that's not the issue, where to get it.

The other issue (in our little corner of the world) is high drifts of snow that need to be relocated from where they are now to someplace out of the way (such as shoveling the driveway) so that life can go on. This proves to be an issue that many people really don’t want to face (I sure don’t) and forces one to wonder where all the young entrepreneurs are. My kids made loads of extra money shoveling; today there are no knocks at the door by kids who want to earn money to buy their dying mother a pair of shoes to meet Jesus in. (Thank you Luther Vandross).

OK, one could just say, ‘relax’, and assume that will fix everything. No, unfortunately it doesn’t. Generally speaking we don’t know how to relax any more. Stress rules, everything causes stress, and we all know that stress kills. So if just saying relax doesn’t do the trick, if one doesn’t know how to relax, then how can this be remedied? What can one do to help themselves or their loved ones to deal with the stress?

Ah, enter Somatic Body Work. (Wiki- Somatic disciplines are a type of Alternative medicine often referred to as bodywork, body therapies, hands-on work, body-mind integration, body-mind disciplines, movement or dance therapy, somatic therapy, movement awareness or movement education.) Studies abound proving that these methods improve your life situation. Check out http://healingtouchinbayvillenj.com/.

What do I feel when I ...

2009-12-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am often asked what I 'feel' as I am assessing the field. I have been doing energy work for several years now and still find that a very difficult question to answer. Sometimes I feel heat, sometimes I feel coolness, sometimes I feel vibrations, sometimes I feel absolutely nothing at all!

Is my interpretation of what I feel significant in the healing work I do? No, not at all. I can and do use my impressions of what I feel in the field as a guidepost as I set my intention for the work to be done, but the outcome of all energy work is determined by a power or force far greater than my own (or even that of my client). Even the most dubious may experience healing from 1 simple session.

Healing can be measured in inches or in miles, just as the threshold of pain is different in different people, the experience of healing will vary from "oh my headache went away" to "I haven't felt this good in years"! I've had clients report aches and pains go away that they'd forgotten they had until they were gone.

So, don't ask me what I feel, ask yourself, how good do I feel now? How good can I stand it?