February 2005 [Volume 4, Issue 2]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to:

http://www.massagetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php

In this issue of To Your Health:

• Discover Reflexology
• Forgiveness for Your Health
• Answers to Your Massage Questions: Highlights From This Month's "Ask a Massage Therapist" Online Forum

Reflexology is a hands-on technique with roots that date back to the Egyptian ages and ancient China. Based on ancient Chinese methods of healing, reflexology seeks to aid the body's natural healing processes through the stimulation of energy and the release of energy blockages.

Reflexology is similar to acupressure in that pressure is applied to specific points on the body. Where acupressure is applied to the entire body, however, reflexology is only applied to a system of points on the hands, feet and ears that correspond, or "reflex," to the body's organs and other areas. An energy blockage is usually indicated by increased sensitivity to pressure on a problem area's corresponding point. When appropriate pressure is applied to the points, the energy is stimulated and its flow is returned to normal. The end result is pain relief, enhanced immune function, stress reduction and relaxation, among other benefits.

Though few studies have been conducted on the efficacy of reflexology, researchers are beginning to catch on. The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health is currently funding studies researching reflexology for cancer patients. For more information on these studies, visit www.cancer.gov. Like reflexology, several other forms of bodywork assist in promoting health and wellness, as well.

For more information on the benefits of massage therapy, visit www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt.

Thinking negative thoughts and feeling angry are never good for your physical, mental and emotional health; often, these feelings are associated with harboring old grudges toward others. A recent article in the January issue of Havard Women's Health Watch suggests that letting go of old resentment can improve your health. In a word, "forgiveness" is key.

The article, "Five for 2005: Five Reasons to Forgive," outlines how forgiveness can positively affect your health by helping to reduce stress; improve heart function; build stronger interpersonal relationships; reduce levels of pain and anxiety; and increase happiness. And a study published a few years ago in the journal Circulation concluded that angry people are three times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest than their less angry counterparts.*

If you are holding on to old feelings of bitterness and resentment, consider doing yourself a favor by extending forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Your mind, body and spirit will benefit in the long run. And remember that massage therapy treats more than your physical pain; it is a wonderful complement to emotional wellness, as well.

For more information about massage therapy, visit www.massagetoday.com.

*Williams JE, Paton CC, Siegler IC, et al. Anger proneness predicts coronary heart disease risk: prospective analysis from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Circulation 2000:Vol. 101,
p2034-39.

Question: As a patient do you have to get completely undressed to have a massage? What is typical for most patients? Do therapists think its weird if someone doesn't get completely undressed?

Answer: It is common for most people to undress completely or at least down to their underwear. Massage therapists use draping techniques so nothing personal is ever exposed, only the area being massaged. Although it is easier for the therapist to work the muscles of the body without having to go through layers of clothing, the client/patient can choose not to undress at all if uncomfortable.

Question: As a new massage therapist I am very interested in working with the elderly. Could you please discuss any specifics about geriatric massage?

Answer: Geriatric massage is usually shorter in duration and the techniques are more gentle. The focus is not much different from regular massage: decreasing pain, maintaining mobility, and promoting relaxation. Learning about the many conditions that are common with an aging person is crucial.

There is a kit that includes a video, workbook and test called "ABC's of Geriatric Massage" by Dietrich Miesler. "Therapeutic Massage in Facility Care" and "From the Heart Through the Hands" by Dawn Nelson are quite good. Geriatric massage is near and dear to my heart. My elderly patients are such a joy. I'm positive you will feel the same.

Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.

This edition of To Your Health is co-sponsored by:

Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at http://www.massagetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php.

If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at http://www.massagetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.