The Power of Aromatherapy
by Liz Dose, Clinical Aromatherapist, Cht, LC “Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived. The odors of fruits waft me to my southern home, to my childhood frolics in the peach orchard. Other odors, instantaneous and fleeting, cause my heart to dilate joyously or contract with remembered grief. Even as I think of smells, my nose is full of scents that start to awake sweet memories of summers gone and ripening fields far away.”Helen Keller Since the dawn of time humans have been under the spell of perhaps the most mysterious of the senses – the sense of smell. Our ancestors relied heavily on this gift to find food, detect a predator in the area or alert them of a nearby fire. But on another level, our sense of smell has blessed us with the ability to experience … Read More
Four Facts About Reflexology
The roots of reflexology date as far back as ancient times. A non-invasive, complementary practice, reflexology involves the use of thumb and finger techniques, applying alternating pressure to reflexes. It is a clothed technique limited to the feet, the hands, and the ears. According to the Arizona Reflexology Association (AZRA), these reflexes match up to different parts of the body, also referred to as “maps,” located on the feet, hands, and outer ears. Over the last century, reflexology has become fairly main stream due to diligent study by medical doctors and surgeons. Dr. William FitzGerald and his student Dr. Joe Shelby Riley created Zone Theory, a basis for reflexology. (See Fact 1 for details about the Zone Theory.) A physiotherapist working with Dr. Joe Shelby Riley, Eunice Ingham, documented organ reflex areas that complemented the Zone Theory. When Ingham saw the positive impact of reflexology on the clients in their … Read More
5 Things to Know About Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a wonderful self-care tool that can be used during this special time. The wise woman sees massage as an integral part of her total prenatal care, addressing the many changes rather than a special treat! It is safe and effective. Pregnancy is a non-medical event; it is a natural process. If you have concerns about receiving massage as an expectant mother, have a conversation with your obstetrician. I first took classes in pregnancy massage when my daughter was having her first child. I wanted to support my daughter, make her more comfortable, and create a warm, supportive environment for my grandson by providing pregnancy massage for his mother. It was a wonderful time for me to be able to be totally present for my daughter on the many levels. Touch is a way of connecting and developing deeper bonds. Research has shown that expectant mothers that receive … Read More
Fibromyalgia Massage
Article written by Carol Gutierrez When you hurt all over…how does massage help with fibromyalgia symptoms? When you hurt all over, you are exhausted, and can’t think straight, it is hard to make decisions on what modality to try next to be more proactive in managing your health! Rest assured research shows massage provides short-term benefits in persons with Fibromyalgia. Good news!!! How do I know if I have fibromyalgia? You may have occasional aches in pains in various parts of your body, but it may not be Fibromyalgia. The new 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria include expanded the criteria for the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia (FM). In the 2010 criteria, wide-spread chronic (more than 6 months) pain is only one of the criteria. Other symptoms may include fatigue, waking un-refreshed, cognitive symptoms, and body symptoms. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless leg syndrome, migraines, and … Read More
The Benefits of Infant Massage
Newborns and infants do not come with an instruction manual. Each child is unique and has a language all their own! During the first few months the new parents begin to learn the different sounds, cries and body cues the child displays as a means of communicating their needs. One of our great graduates, Carol Gutierrez, recently welcomed a new grandchild into the world! She shared that at two weeks old, her grandson began communicating he had colicky symptoms after feeding by wiggling, crying inconsolably and sleeplessness. “As a caring grandparent it was frustrating to watch. Many hours were spent rocking, singing, walking and providing a loving presence”, Carol reported. Carol shared she used many of the things she had learned during her massage therapy training at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. She reported reaching into her tool-kit for all the techniques she had learned about infant massage, energy work, … Read More
7 Health Benefits Of Massage
Massage has many benefits! When most people think of massage, the image of spas and pampering often comes to mind. Massage is much more than a soothing touch. Many research studies have proven that massage benefits your health, addressing the whole person body, mind and spirit. The Touch Research Institute has documented research findings as to the enhanced growth of infants, diminished chronic pain, enhanced immune function, decreased autoimmune problems, improved glucose levels in diabetics, improved pulmonary function tests in people with asthma, and enhanced alertness and mental performance due to regular massage therapy sessions. Health Benefits Of Massage 1. Lowers Stress The University of Miami School of Medicine reviewed studies that measured the stress hormone cortisol in participants before and immediately after massage and found that massage therapy lowered levels by up to 53 percent! 2. Relaxes and Unwinds Sore Muscles Do you have chronic headaches, low back pain, … Read More