Who doesn’t enjoy a good massage? Massage therapy are systems of structured palpitation or movement of soft tissue on the body. There are over 250 methods of massage using various techniques such as stroking, kneading, gliding, etc. These techniques may be applied with or without oils, salt or herbal preparations, heat or water. The purpose of massage is to enhance general health and well-being. Massage does not include diagnosis, prescribing drugs, spinal manipulation or physical therapy outside the scope of massage therapy.
An outgrowth of massage is bodywork, defined as various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body. Somatic means of the body and is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach, as distinguished from a physiology-only perspective.
Benefits of massage include:
- quicker recovery of preterm babies
- quicker recovery of oncology patients
- reduced pain in muscles
- reduced pain of carpal tunnel syndrome
- reduced chronic back pain
- reduced anxiety
- reduced stress
- reduced irritability
- reduced restlessness
- reduced stiffness
- reduced post surgical pain
- less frequency of headaches
- improved immune system
- improved employee performance
- lower blood pressure
It’s important to note there are some conditions where massage is not recommended. For example, people with certain forms of cancer, some cardiac problems, skin conditions and infectious diseases. Practitioners and consumers are strongly encouraged when there is any doubt to ask about specific health conditions and seek a doctor’s consultation and permission before providing or undergoing services.
To find a practitioner to suit your needs, search ABMP (Associated Bodyworks & Massage Professionals) at http://www.massagetherapy.com/find/index.php.
Heart disease is the No. 1 worldwide killer of men and women. Heart disease is a broad term used to describe diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels. There are a number of diseases that fall under the category of heart disease, such as coronary artery disesase, heart rhythm problems, and heart defects.
Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. Help yourself to feel your best by making healthy food choices and being physically active every day. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with these recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A healthy eating plan:
Whole medical systems are traditional systems of medicine practiced by individual cultures throughout the world. Major Eastern whole medical systems include Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine. Major Western whole medical systems include homeopathy and naturopathy.
EAT HEALTHY
Tobacco smoke is composed of as many as 4,000 active compounds, most of them toxic and potentially damaging to the eye. Smoking can cause or worsen several eye disorders, particularly cataract and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and may lead to blindness.
While there may be no single fountain of youth, you can slow down the aging process by staying physically active. Regular exercise enhances muscle and joint function, keeps bones strong and decreases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Walking with Jack Frost: 