CHAKRAS-TOUCH MASSAGE

Massage Therapy for Managing Arthritis Pain

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that doctors should be experienced in "rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard." Today, massage is still a popular way to manage arthritis pain. Proponents claim that massage therapy, done correctly, can help improve joint movement, relax tense muscles, and stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and underlying tissues. What's more, it just feels good, and the relaxation it brings can help break the cycle of pain and stress that often goes along with arthritis.

Pressing the Flesh Technically speaking, massage involves the manipulation of soft tissues with the hands through rubbing, stroking, pressure, and so on. Trained practitioners use massage therapy techniques to improve the well-being of clients. in the United States, and nearly one-fifth of adults now get a professional massage each year. The ScottishMassage Therapy organisationation (SMTO), the field's leading professional organizations, lists arthritis as one of the conditions for which massage can help. But how well does it work? It reviewed the medical literature on the use of massage to manage arthritis pain and it concluded that few people would dispute the short-term benefits for arthritis pain relief. However, studies of the long-term effects of the technique are still lacking. Hands-on Approaches Massage therapy can take a wide variety of forms. These are some of the most common ones: Swedish massage—This is what most people think of when they hear the word "massage." It's a full-body treatment that combines stroking, kneading, and friction on the top layer of muscles with gentle movement of the joints. Deep tissue massage—This technique uses slow strokes and strong pressure on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The goal is to release tension there. However, the deep pressure can cause some soreness, so it's not for everyone. Myofascial release—This approach uses long, stretching strokes to release tension in the fascia, the connective tissue around the muscles. Trigger point therapy—This method uses concentrated finger pressure on knots of tension or pain that can trigger pain elsewhere in the body. Acupressure and shiatsu—These Asian techniques use finger pressure on specific points on the body—the same points that are stimulated in acupuncture. The pressure is supposed to unblock the flow of life energy, called qi ("chee"). Reflexology—This method involves rubbing certain points on the feet, hands, or ears that are believed to correspond to various parts of the body. Much-Kneaded Advice A typical massage therapy session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. To see real improvement, though, you may need four to six sessions about a week apart. The cost runs £30 to £90.00 or more per hour, but insurance sometimes covers the treatment if a doctor prescribes it. The first session usually begins with the massage therapist asking questions about your current physical condition, medical history, and goals for the treatment. Next, you'll be asked to remove some or all of your clothing and lie on a padded table. A sheet or towel should be provided, and the therapist should uncover only the part of your body being massaged. This not only protects your modesty, but also helps you stay warm. Often, the therapist will use oil or lotion, so if you know you have skin allergies, be sure to mention them up front. During the massage, don't hesitate to speak up if anything feels inappropriate or causes pain. While massage therapy may provide short-term pain relief, massage therapy that is too rough may aggravate arthritis pain and symptoms. Hand-y Self-help In addition to giving you a massage, a good therapist can show you techniques to use on yourself at home. Giving yourself a massage isn't as relaxing as having someone else do it, but it can still help ease pain and tension. Not only will the part being rubbed feel better, but so may your hands, since they're getting a workout in the process. Self-massage works best for localized trouble spots that are easily accessible. For hard-to-reach places, you might ask a partner to lend a hand or buy an electric massager. But don't try massage on an inflamed joint or when you have an infection, since it could make these problems worse. Here are some simple techniques to try: Kneading—Grasp the muscle between your palm (or thumb) and fingers. Then lift slightly and squeeze, as if you were kneading dough. Don't just pinch the skin. Work into the muscle itself with a slow, regular squeeze-and-release motion. Be careful not to overdo it. Fifteen to 20 seconds on the same spot is enough. Stroking—Cup your hand over the muscle you want to massage. Then firmly glide your hand over the length of the muscle in a slow, repeated movement. A little oil or lotion may help. Try using different amounts of pressure until you find out what works best for you. One key to a good experience is finding the right massage therapist. Always ask about credentials and education. The main credential to watch for is Scottish Massage Therapy Oranisation (S.M.T.O.). Also, look for a a QUALIFIED THERAPIST ask to see certificates if not on dispaly check with the SMTO to see if they are registered. In addition, ask about which techniques the therapist uses and whether he or she has experience working with other people who have arthritis. To find a qualified therapist in your area, contact Jill Sullivan(chakrastouchmassage.squarespace.com). tel Jill 0131 660 2363

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and the Effects of the Massage

Approximately 1 in 1,000 children suffers from arthritis. It usually shows up between the ages of 2 and 6. It may go undiagnosed for a long time, because parents may attribute it to 'growing pains.'

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), formerly known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis to affect children. It is an autoimmune disorder, and it starts when the immune system attacks the joints, wearing away at the joint lining and causing damage. It is characterized by joint inflammation, pain, fatigue, rash, morning stiffness, flu-like feeling, weight loss, and nausea. The joints feel tender to the touch, and there is all-over body soreness. It affects four or more of the joints. Some children will develop arthritis in every joint, as. If the disease is not treated quickly and aggressively, the child will most likely end up with permanent joint damage.

JIA and JS are the most common forms of juvenile arthritis, but there are over 100 forms of arthritis that can occur at any age. Some others types of the disease are Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile Non-Inflammatory Disorders, Juvenile Systemic Lupus, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, and Juvenile Scleroderma. There are also arthritis-related diseases like Fibromyalgia and Raynaud's phenomenon.

There is, however, a lot of hope for children diagnosed with arthritis. If arthritis is detected early and treated quickly, children may go into remission and will sustain less joint damage. Some children with JIA go into remission and never have another flare-up. There have been cases where children completely 'outgrew' their arthritis. Medical practitioners attribute this to the resilient nature of children's bodies. Children's hospitals and physical rehabilitation centres can help teach children how to deal with their disease symptoms, and to live a full life despite the illness. Children with supportive families and medical practitioners will have a better chance of success than children who are neglected.

Arthritis symptoms can be eased with proper medication, exercise, diet, a well-balanced lifestyle low in stress, and alternative treatments such as massage and reflexology. Children should definitely see a physiotherapist to learn the best forms of exercise and stretching, which will aid the joints. It is also advisable for kids to talk to counsellors, and to see an occupational therapist, who can help the child with any needed lifestyle or physical modifications.

Reflexology is healing system within complementary medicine in which specific points on the feet (and occasionally the hands), known as reflex points, are manipulated to bring about changes in other parts of the body. These reflex points are believed to correspond to every major organ, gland, or area of the body.

Reflexology was first introduced to the Western world in the early 20th century as zone therapy. It is based on the principle of ancient Asian medicine in which a life force circulates throughout the body, connecting one part to another; when this energy is blocked, disease develops. By stimulating reflex points on the feet or hands, reflexology is thought to restore the energy flow and the body's own natural ability to heal itself.

Reflexology is viewed primarily as a general healing therapy that helps the body regain its natural balance, harmony, and health. It stimulates circulation in the blood and lymph systems and is considered especially useful for migraine , sinus trouble, and constipation . During a reflexology session, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, and palms to stroke or lightly press the reflex points on each foot or hand. Where energy blocks—commonly felt as tiny crystalline deposits are found, the reflexologist applies deep pressure for seconds or minutes until these deposits are broken down (it is advised to drink water after a session in order to expel these toxins from the body). Reflexology sessions generally last about 50 minutes.

The benefits of reflexology are said to include an overall feeling of well-being, released tension, increased energy, and pain relief. Often one or two reflexology sessions are enough to produce results. Persistent conditions may require weekly treatment at first. Reflexologists recommend regular maintenance sessions to strengthen and balance the energy flow.

Complementary Medicine sometimes called alternative medicine, unconventional approaches to healing and health, many of which are now thought to complement conventional Western medicine. Some of these techniques, such as acupuncture, have gained widespread acceptance and approval by both conventional doctors and the general public, but many others are still viewed with suspicion and occasionally outright hostility by the established medical profession. Shared care is only permitted if a registered practitioner remains in overall control; this is not always acceptable to practitioners of complementary medicine.

Traditionally, medicine as practised by a doctor has largely been mechanistic, with doctors picturing the body as a machine made of many parts, with the respective individual parts treated separately. The mechanistic approach stresses the role of doctors in the healing process as their intervention is active, and in general downplays the role of mental and emotional factors that may cause the disease or play a role in its natural evolution or treatment.

While mechanistic medicine largely ignores the emotional or spiritual aspects of health and healing, holistic medicine (from the Greek holos,”whole”) treats the person as a whole. The philosophy of holism treats the person as an entire unit rather than as individual parts. In this, it attempts to bring emotional, social, physical, and spiritual dimensions of the person’s being into harmony and emphasizes the role of therapy or treatment which stimulates the person’s own healing process. Holistic medicine highlights the interaction between the living body and the spirit, which in holism is defined as giving the person direction in life and a sense of inner happiness. In addition, holistic medicine stresses the importance of the individual maintaining the individual’s own sense of well-being and health. It extends also to the prevention of disease, with emphasis on the maintenance of good health and active healing of disease processes.

While traditional medicine stresses the importance of pathological factors ( bacteria , viruses , environmental agents) in the causation of disease (aetiology), holistic medicine maintains that decreased resistance brought about by poor habits and physical and mental stress directly makes the body susceptible to disease. Disease, therefore, is seen as an imbalance between social, personal, and economic stresses as well as biological influences. Paavo Airola, a leading proponent of holistic medicine, defines these stresses as fears, worries, emotional stresses, exogenous poisons from air pollution , food, water, toxic drugs , excess alcohol intake, overeating, over-indulgence in fats , and lack of sufficient exercise , rest, and relaxation. In terms of prevention, holistic medicine attempts to establish and maintain a balance between the individual and the environment .

Reflexology can help with the treatment of J.I.D. by reducing stress reducing pain, restoring balance in the body and restoring the energy balance in the body to promote natural healing .and balancing the body and emotions there-for increasing the sense of well-being.