Massage Is Therapy NewsletterWelcome to our NEW MassageIsTherapy.com Newsletter! Q: Dear Dr. Tim, I want to give my Mom something she wouldn’t think of buying herself this Mother’s Day, May 10th. She loves Aromatherapy but doesn’t always know how and when to use it. Do you have any cool ideas that would make her feel special? Signed, Penny A: Dear Penny,
Yes I do! Let your Mom try rose water. Rose floral water is very mild, smells absolutely wonderful and she will feel special each time she mists this beautiful fragrance on her face and skin. Floral waters are the waters that remain after the flower petals are steam distilled. Rose floral water can be sprayed directly on the face, with eyes closed. Rose has the highest frequency (320 Hertz) of any flower on Earth, hence is extremely restorative for all types of skin, bruises, abrasions, even sunburn. Rose water feels luxurious spritzed on legs after shaving and is so soothing in a warm foot bath. It works very well as a stress reducer when spritzed on the face and upper chest and may calm hot flashes too. Rose water can reduce nervousness in many subtle ways. It’s a good choice for the Mom who thinks she has everything! Thanks for the great question and Happy Mother’s Day to your Mom! Until next time… Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
Q:Dear Dr. Tim, One of my clients is a burn victim with scarring. Do you have some precautions or suggestions on how to improve his Range of Motion without causing discomfort to the point of discouraging him to return? Thank you, Kathy A:Dear Kathy, The golden rule for treating clients with scar tissue is this...the earlier you begin treatment, the better the results. As scars age, they become harder and less pliable, especially when crossing joints. This is what decreases a joint's range of motion. Stretch a joint slowly for several seconds and hold, so the scar can begin to stretch. A carefully used hot stone, a parafin wax dip or even a moist heat pack can actually soften the scar before stretching a joint. Always remember your contraindications for heat with everyone. Scars don't require much heat, so limit your time accordingly. Use a good oil containing castor oil and vitamin E to soften a scar and keep it from drying and cracking. When massaging scarred areas, you will feel more bone because there's less adipose (fat) tissue underneath the scar. This is normal. Use myofascial release all around the scarred tissue. Transverse friction is always helpful and can reduce additional scar formation. Lastly, lymphatic drainage technique promotes lymph drainage back toward the heart. If you're not familiar with any of these techniques, call another therapist who is and introduce yourself. Also, take a look at "The Burn Recovery Diet" at http://www.stronghealth.com/services/burntrauma/nutrition.cfm. Sometimes it takes two massage therapists to treat one terrific client. Take good care... Until next time… Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
Q: Dear Dr. Tim,
The sports club where I work is offering outside Massage under canopy. I want to encourage hydration both in my clients and myself. Is water enough or should I drink an electrolyte replacer with outside sessions? Thank you, Kristie
A: Dear Kristie, This is such an important topic, for you and your massage clients when working outdoors! As most Americans lack proper hydration anyway, receiving a chair or table massage outside in the heat and humidity can further dehydrate our bodies. Our muscles will not be able to respond properly to even the best massage technique under even slight dehydration conditions. Dehydration will stiffin healthy muscles. As for you, the Massage Therapist, you simply cannot keep your strength under these temperature conditions for very long. As long as you drink enough fluid so you don't feel thirsty and can excrete 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) of clear or slightly straw-colored urine per day, your fluid intake is normal. Under normal daily conditions, adults should drink eight (8) - 8 ounce glasses of water per day. When working outdoors, consume more water to taste. An electrolyte replacement is a great idea, just be careful NOT to consume much aspartame, an artificial sweetner, that's found in many nutritional and supplemental products. If you must massage outside, try to limit it to mornings and evenings when it's cooler. A well hydrated massage therapist is a happy massage therapist. Keep cool!
Until next time… Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
Q: Dear Dr. Tim, As a Massage Therapist, I usually give my Dad a 60 minute Massage gift certificate for Father’s Day. He really enjoys my therapeutic massages but I want to add something new and special this Father’s Day. Do you have any cool ideas? Signed, Miffy A: Dear Miffy, Let me tell you what I gave my Dad one Father’s Day that he talked about for years. I ordered an Ear Candling kit. Ear candling or ear coning has been used in many ancient cultures since before 2500 BC. I have instructed hundreds of massage therapy students to perform this safe and effective way to gently soften and draw ear wax out of the external ear canal. Centuries ago, clay pots were used for ear coning. Today, we use disposable waxed candles. Waxed unbleached linen is formed in the shape of a hollow cone, about 12 inches long that gently inserts into the opening of the ear. The angle of the cone tends to follow the angle of the jaw or mandible. The other end of the cone is lit with a match and as the smoke slowly tumbles down the inside of the cone, ear wax is softened and can be lifted out of the ear canal and into the bottom of the cone through a vacuum effect and convection heat. The process of ear coning still appears ancient because of the element of fire still used today. Ear candling can help soothe ears with too much wax. Since my Dad wore hearing aids, he produced more ear wax. It was his body’s way of trying to push something out of the ear that wasn’t natural. After Dad’s first ear candling session, he was able to turn his hearing aids down and could hear his grandchildren laughing and giggling much better. Contraindications include: ear infections, severe ear ache, perforated ear drums, Meniere’s disease, Vertigo, etc. When in doubt, always ask your doctor. Purchase a professional ear candling kit, follow the instructions and contraindications and I bet this Fathers’ Day will be very memorable for your Dad too. Until next time… Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
Q: Dear Dr. Tim, What is the therapeutic value of a still point inducer? Should it be used during therapy or sold to the client to use at home? Thanks, Barbara A: Dear Barbara, A still point is a small red curvilinear device that the base of your head rests upon in order to help relieve headaches, encourage deep relaxation, relieve stress, etc. It was originally inspired and invented by Dr. John Upledger and John Matthew Upledger to recreate the CranioSacral Therapy method of pausing the rhythm of the craniosacral system and increasing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). So yes, a still point used correctly is therapeutic. The still point is used by itself, not during a massage therapy session since any rocking and vibration would interrupt a still point's purpose of pausing and increasing the flow of CSF. Once a still point is placed correctly by a craniosacral therapist, it can be used successfully at home. For more information and research on CranioSacral Therapy, please go to www.Upledger.com. The Upledger Institute has trained over 90,000 therapists worldwide! Until next time… Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
Q: Dear Dr. Tim, I love the idea of using hot towels on my massage clients, but when do I use them so I don't waste time during a therapeutic massage? Can I do anything to add to the hot towel experience? Truly, Annie, Mobile Massage Therapist A: Dear Annie, This is a great question, especially since hot towels are an excellent choice of hydrotherapy during a massage. I like to use aromatherapy with my hot towel treatments to add an additional "layer" of therapy. I'll talk more about Aromatherapy in a bit. First off, remember your contraindications to heat: Don't use heat on the following conditions: Inflammatory conditions that are active, such as Rheumatoid arthritis. Numbness, Bruises, Breaks in skin, Multiple Sclerosis, Clients who cannot give proper feedback regarding temperature (e.g. pain meds), Thin or fragile skin, Very young and very old clients, Hypertension, stroke patients, Pregnancy, areas of implants, Phlebitis, etc. Always look up your contraindications in your massage textbook to be safe and well informed. When in doubt, don't apply heat. Heat from hot towels increases local blood flow, reduces pain and increases white blood cells by producing a localized artificial "fever" to the area you're warming. Plain and simply, heat feels wonderful to virtually everyone! Short term heat application has a stimulating effect on the body while long tern heat has a depressing effect. I use hot towels between 102-104 degrees F. It's the safest heat zone. The BEST areas I've found to apply hot towels are the back, upper gluteal area and the feet. Place a quarter size portion of massage oil on your palm and then drop 3 - 6 drops of a organic therapeutic grade essential oil of Lavender, not Lavandin into the massage oil. Gently mix with one finger and apply to the back and upper gluteal muscles. After laying two (2) hot towels over the back, cover with additional layers of dry towels. Begin massaging the legs and feet. Next, massage the back, neck and gluteal muscles. FYI: Every time you incorporate aromatherapy into your massage routine, you get treated also. Lavender will calm you unless you use it over the course of a day. Then, it will stimulate you. Peppermint has a nice stimulating effect on worn, tired feet. Apply a quarter's worth of massage oil on your palm, drop two (2) drops of organic therapeutic grade oil of Peppermint in the massage oil, gently mix and apply to both feet AFTER your foot massage or foot reflexology treatment. Wrap one hot towel around each foot and cover with a dry towel. Peppermint is a terrific essential oil to "wake up" hard working feet! FYI: Peppermint should not be used during pregnancy or with high blood pressure.
Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT "Therapist do no harm" MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html Q: Dear Dr. Tim, 'When should I introduce aromatherapy during a massage session?' Truly, Amber
A: Dear Amber, For such a small question, I have such a BIG answer!
My best answer for the BEGINNER Aromatherapy student is to introduce aromatherapy BEFORE your session in the waiting area of your massage practice by placing a couple of drops of a therapeutic grade essential oil, such as Lavender on a clay ring that sits on top of a light bulb. Or introduce aromatherapy in your massage room by simply dropping a couple of drops of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon or Orange in a small bowl of distilled water. This is a great way to introduce oils to new comers. Clean up is minimal and aromas won't be overwhelming.
For my INTERMEDIATE Aromatherapy students, I recommend using one or two drops of a specific essential oil on their client's feet or hands BEFORE your full body massage begins. Just a small amount of research will determine what's best for your client's needs. Remember that each time you use aromatherapy, whether diffused in the air, on your client or your hands, you are also being treated. Aromatherapy is powerful and less is more!
For my ADVANCED Aromatherapy students, I recommend using a single oil or making a simple yet effective blend for their client's special health concerns to be used on the client's
There are several ways to introduce aromatherapy to a new or regular massage client. I will use aromatherapy on a cotton ball to be placed in a client's shoes or front shirt pocket if they're chemically sensitive or fair skinned.
'Amber, here's a thought...' I love to teach Aromatherapy to massage therapists. I've developed a 3-part teleconference where I can teach LIVE over the telephone. I teach Beginning and Intermediate Aromatherapy on a Saturday for 90 minutes each over 3 sessions. I always allow 30 minutes after each call for Q&A. My next Aromatherapy teleconference classes will be held Sept. 12th, 19th & 26th. The total cost is $39.00. Go to my Aromatherapy page to register and learn more about my Aromatherapy course content. Hope to meet you there! Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC MassageIsTherapy.com/newsletter.html
What is Reiki?
Re-printed in part with permission of www.ChristianReiki.com and reference “Reiki—The Gentle Healing Art” by Info for People, Inc. Reiki is a method of stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The technique was developed in Japan and is administered by the laying on of hands. It is based on the idea that all living things have a special energy flowing through them called life energy. When your life energy is high, you'll feel strong and confident, more relaxed and centered and less likely to get sick. When it is low, you'll often feel tired, be more easily affected by stress and less resistant to illness. Reiki is a Japanese word that means universal life energy. It is a gentle hands-on healing method that utilizes the energy of ki (Japanese) or chi (Chinese). It is the chi referred to in Tai Chi and it is the same energy systems balanced through an acupuncture treatment. A Reiki treatment is a way of increasing your life energy. To receive a Reiki treatment, most people lie fully clothed on a massage table in comfortable clothing. The hands of the Reiki practitioner are lightly placed on or near the body in various positions around the head, shoulders, stomach and feet. A treatment can feel like a warm glowing radiance that flows through the body. It is a very relaxing experience and some clients report the body feeling heavy as it relaxes and yet the spirit or emotions feeling light at the same time. A treatment will usually release negative feelings or thoughts leaving the client feeling more positive, light hearted and with feelings of well-being. While almost everyone experiences relaxation and improvements of various kinds, healing results cannot be guaranteed. Hospitals such a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Pennsylvania’s St. Mary Medical Center have Reiki practitioners available for patients. Dr. A. Grace Reischman, BA, DC, LMBT NC #1149
Q: Dear Dr. Tim, I like to use my hands for my therapeutic massage, but are there indications where an electric massager would accelerate the benefit for the treatment of certain conditions?
Thank you, Lisa N. A: Dear Lisa,
This is an excellent question and one that is difficult for any therapist to answer. Using an electrical device to massage is both soothing and therapeutic but it does not compare to human touch. Weren't we taught that healing comes from healthy intentions via human touch? I know I was and I continue to believe this even today. In the mid-1980's I used a G-5 and a Thumper vibrator on several patients with success. Electric massagers can stimulate both the circulation in blood vessels and lymphatic channels. They should NOT be used over bony prominences, never on the cranial area, over thin skin, over joint replacements and especially never used for lymphatic drainage. Massagers do help diffuse pain and relax tight muscles. They work, just without the healing energy of therapeutic touch. Artificial massage devices can be used successfully on paraspinal muscles (avoiding the bony scapulae), over gluteals, hamstrings and calf muscles with therapeutic results. Realizing that a vibrator can be used on athletes, heavier clients and to 'warm-up' muscles for deeper tissue work limits the need in most massage practices. Unless the bulk of your clients are body builders, athletes and/or heavier clientele, your warm and soothing hands can be taught to "see" through the layers of musculature to assess their condition without the need of an electrical massager. In my opinion, you should try a professional massager out for yourself and get feedback from your clients. I'd be willing to bet that less than 10% of your clients will prefer it over your capable hands. Let's remember that therapists like Ida Rolf never used anything but her two hands.
Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC www.MassageIsTherapy.com Q: Dr Tim, I have been using therapeutic grade essential oils for many years. I have considered organic oils but they are very expensive. Especially with today's economic state, is there a compelling reason to make the switch?
Sincerely, Jennifer R.
A: Dear Jennifer, My answer is YES, make the switch if your therapeutic grade oils DON'T have one of the three International Standards for therapeutic grade essential oils stamped on the bottle's label. 1. ISO (International Standards Organization) 2. AFNOR (Assoc. French Normalization Organization Regulation) 3. EC (European Community) stamped on the label. The AFNOR stamp states the percentage of chemical constituents that must be present for an essential oil to be considered therapeutic grade. AFNOR oils must be sent to France for testing and approval before oils are distributed and sold. The EC is truly the world's "Gold" standard. There is no higher stamp of approval than EC. Oils the DON'T heal are oils that have been grown with chemical herbicides or pesticides, have been distilled at too high temperatures, have synthetic additives, etc. I have used "therapeutic" grade oils that were very weak and did not give me immediate results. These oils were not stamped with any standardization. Oils that are stamped therapeutic grade will give you immediate results and improvement. That's the test. Your clients will tell you so. Organic oils that are truly therapeutic grade should last many months or even years due to their concentrated strength as long as you store and handle them properly. You'll spend more money up front buying organic therapeutic grade oils, but save money and improve your client's success rate in the long run. Buy organic therapeutic grade essential oils whenever possible. You and your massage clients will be happier using them so sparingly and seeing much better and faster therapeutic results.
Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC www.MassageIsTherapy.com Q: Dear Dr Tim, I have been asked to treat an advanced Parkinson's patient with twice a week massages. Do you have any precautions, suggestions or can you direct me to a reliable source of information for this?
Thanks, Mallory C.
A: Dear Mallory, Twice a week for 30 minutes per massage sounds ideal for client's with mild to moderate Parkinson's Disease. 15 minutes prone and 15 minutes supine is a great starting point for these individuals. Start your client prone and massage the back (the least rigid area). Use slow, repetitive effleurage massage strokes as well as friction throughout your full body massage. Use passive stretching on every limbs, very carefully. Effleurage the abdomen clockwise to maintain normal intestinal movement. Assist your client on and off the massage table. Avoid heating modalities since they may have sensations of heat and increased sweating at times. Lay a thin plastic cover underneath your massage sheet/fleece padding in case they've lost bladder control. A great reference book is "Pathology A to Z", a Handbook for Massage Therapists by Dr. Kalyani Premkumar, MD, MBBS, LMT, MSc. ISBN 0-7817-4098-3
Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman, BS, DC, ST, LMBT #1140 NC www.MassageIsTherapy.com
Q: Dear Dr Tim,
I'm worried about my energy level after I give a massage. I usually feel focused during a massage, but I'm drained after and between massages. Do you have any ideas how I can feel as good as I my clients feel after I give them a massage? Yours Truly, Sandra
A: Dear Sandra, I certainly do! Before your first massage of the day, take 5 minutes to sit quietly, close your eyes and "erase" your mental blackboard. Actually picture yourself erasing every distraction until your blackboard if squeeky clean. This works. Next, imagine yourself in a bright white shower of healing waters and see yourself being covered with healing protection. This will keep your energy balanced throughout several massages. Remember to slowly and carefully stretch your finger flexors and extensors and both wrists before and between massages. Be careful upon wrist flexion. Don't forget to stretch your low back muscles, shoulders and neck to release your muscle tension as often as needed. Between massages, recharge your body with small snacks, such as baby organic carrots, a healthy protein bar or organic fresh fruit. Frozen organic blueberries always wakes me up between clients. Stretching your pectoralis major muscles between a doorway is a good way to keep your shoulders from becoming excessively medially rotated. This muscle is a major massage therapists' challenge. Try it. Self-care is vital for your longevity as a massage therapist. Have a word of the day before, during and after a massage client. Words like, Harmony, Non-judgement, Balance, Nurture, Peace, Serenity are great words to focus on if and when you need them throughout your massage. They bring you back to Earth, so to speak. Look at your hands Sandra. Thank them for their wonderful ability to help heal and restore the many clients they've touched. Hands are amazing, aren't they? Massage them once a day. Treat them like gold for they are your fortune. Now, let's go to work... Until Next Time, Dr. Tim Reischman BS,DC,ST,LMBT #1140 NC www.MassageIsTherapy.com
|
