HealthProfs Blogs
Anatomical Inspiration
What do dinosaurs and massage therapy have in common? The San Diego Natural History Museum! Each week in August, the museum will feature practitioners from a different bodywork or fitness regimen: Pilates, Yoga, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy. Health and Wellness Month is a tie-in to the BODY WORLDS exhibit by Plastination inventor Gunther von Hagens. Take a close look at real human muscles, and then take care of your own.
In Other News
Good for Both Body and Wallet: Canadian researchers proved that massage therapy has long-term benefits for low back pain sufferers. Improvements in feeling and function persisted a full year after treatment, making massage wonderfully cost-effective--as well as just plain effective.
Train Harder and Run Faster: Even hard-core athletes who live by a "no pain, no gain" rule can benefit from a regular rub-down. Marathon runners in particular use sports massage to increase circulation, flexibility, and endorphin levels.
Shed Some Tears, Live a Long Life
Ah, the onion. You might think of it as nothing but a tear-inducing nuisance when you're cooking, but this vegetable has life-saving powers. Studies have shown it can stall the growth of liver and colon cancer cells, as well as ease allergy irritation in the bronchial tubes of asthma sufferers.
Whether you're a lover of red onions or its scallion (green onion) rival, both varieties contain sulfur-rich compounds with healing properties.
In Other News:
Brittle Bones? Peel an Onion:
Swiss scientists found that onions can decrease bone loss, which is promising news for older women suffering from osteoporosis.
Garlic for Good Luck:
From regulating cholesterol to driving away the mosquitos (and vampires!), garlic also contains allicin, a strong antioxidant. So and garnish your dishes with this pungent vegetable.
Merry-Go-World
After a car accident or an unfortunate tackle in a pick-up game of football, the vertebrae located at the base of the head may become misaligned, disrupting signals to and from the brain and throwing the body off balance. The result? Vertigo. If this is the case, a chiropractor can solve the problem by realigning the offending vertebrae. But there are other kinds of vertigo that call for different kinds of treatments.
A recent case study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Theapeutics features a 46-year-old woman who suffered from frequent dizzy spells, nausea and nystagmus. She was diagnosed with Benign Positional Vertigo. Normally, movement of the fluid in the semicircular canal of the ear signals head movement, but in a BPV patient, particles in the inner ear become dislodged, giving the brain the false impression that the head is moving. Her doctor of chiropractic performed the Epley maneuver—which usually takes 15 minutes— and promptly relieved the woman of her vertiginous burden.
Road Trip 101: Perhaps the mere thought of a New York City taxicab makes your stomach churn. Motion sickness is another brand of vertigo, caused not by a knock on the head or rogue ear particles but, rather, by conflicting signals from the inner ears, eyes and body. It can be prevented with visual fixation, a technique that involves keeping the eyes on a certain point in the horizon. Sitting in the front of a car or train, or near the wings of a plane, may help as well.
Skip the Wash: Keep your world upright and vertigo-free by avoiding certain head positions—like the one used in salons for shampooing hair, which involves bending the neck back while looking up at the ceiling.
Ancient Power: Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species and is approved in Germany for treating dementia. It has been found to reduce symptoms of vertigo in several studies; in one, 47% of the subjects who took Ginkgo biloba extract reported a full recovery, versus 18% of the placebo group.
Aesthetic Acupuncture
Several acupuncturists are now offering "acupuncture face lifts." Markedly different to a real face lift, these cosmetic acupuncture sessions focuses on meridians (channels through which chi, or life force, flows) which either begin or end at the face. This process reduces fine lines and wrinkles and improves your complexion. It also reduces puffiness, improves muscle tone, enhances circulation, and generally, gives your face a more relaxed, younger look. A complete cosmetic acupuncture program generally lasts 10 weeks, but many patients have observed results after just four sessions.
In other news:
Let the Chi flow in Chi-Town
A regular participant of the Chicago Marathon contracted plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue supporting the arch of the foot. After just one session of acupuncture, the patient felt rejuvenated and healed and ready to run again.
Oceanic Acupuncture
Cruise ships have always been lavish and luxurious, but recently, they've also become healthy-for your body, mind, and even your feng shui. Celebrity, a worldwide cruise line, is now providing doctors of oriental medicine on every boat. Acupuncture sessions are offered to all customers, helping to ease stress. (Perhaps the acupuncture eases the stress of paying for the vacation.)
'Cruz-ing through the Downturn
Last year, the Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine and Chi Center opened its doors. It didn't turn out to be an ideal time to start a new business, though. However, the center is not only surviving the harsh economic climate-it's flourishing thanks to its environmental conservation efforts and affordability: The facility utilizes a sun-tunnel system instead of electric lights and group acupuncture sessions are offered weekly for as little as $20.
The Cranberry vs. the Cavity
It's good for more than just drizzling as a sauce during Thanksgiving feasts: Cranberry juice combats the cavity-causing bacteria Streptococcus mutans. It also prevents gum disease and plaque by inhibiting enzymes which form the gunk that can coat our teeth.
But don't chug a whole carton. Cranberry juices sold in grocery stores usually have a lot of added sugar, so opt for a sugar-free version.
In Other News:
Say Cheese with Vitamin C:
Brush, floss, and sip some OJ if you aim to keep those pearly whites. Vitamin C has been found to prevent gum disease, thanks to its ability to enable bone and connective tissue growth.
Rx-Cranberry Cocktail:
The same cranberry chemicals that keep plaque-causing bacteria from clinging to teeth also ward off bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.
Adios, Aquafresh:
Aloe vera is being touted as an alternative to traditional toothpastes, especially for people with sensitive teeth and gums, since it's a less abrasive substance. Researchers found it to be as effective in killing germs in the mouth as leading name brands.
A Winning Career
Heisman Trophy holder Ricky Williams still plays for the N.F.L, but he's also a masseur-in-training. His spiritually adventurous nature has often led him on unconventional paths: At the height of his football career, he traveled around the world incognito, staying in hostels and studying ayurvedic medicine and yoga. In 2006, after suffering a broken arm and finding alternative treatment helpful, he took several classes in craniosacral therapy and discovered the rewards of healing others. Massage aids both physical and mental health--eight medically-proven benefits are summarized here.
In Other News:
Great Gadgets
An Australian deep-tissue massage therapist has invented this tool to soften scar tissue--even from old injuries--alleviating pain and speeding recovery. And here's something for your office: a forearm massager to combat keyboard strain. It's sure to be a conversation-starter.
Doulas, Hear This!
According to a Taiwanese study, foot massage helps new mothers get the rest they need.
Star Students
The Cortiva Institute of Seattle should be proud: it boasts three winners of Massage Therapy Foundation's annual Student Case Report Contest. This national competition encourages the integration of original research into massage education programs. The Massage Therapy Foundation also sponsors a Practitioner Case Report Contest and awards generous research and community service grants. Find out more on the foundation's website, which also features a research database and access to the peer-reviewed International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
In Other News:
Helping Hands
Poker players often sit at the table for 12 hours at a stretch. Luckily for the stars of the World Series of Poker, a cadre of massage therapists provides relief during these high-stakes games. Plenty of office workers sit 12 hours at a stretch, too. Luckily, massage therapists make office calls. Let your favorite boss know about morale-boosting corporate massage.
Relaxing Retreat
If I lived in Illinois, I'd be booking a room (or a hermitage) right now. Located in Frankfort, 45 minutes south of Chicago, the soothing grounds of this Franciscan convent are open to everyone. The Sisters believe it is their mission to provide both spiritual and physical healing. So in addition to natural beauty and quiet, affordable accommodations, visitors may enjoy professional bodywork and facials at the Poverello Holistic Center.
At Your Convenience
Sliced bread, Google calendar, squeezeable ketchup bottles, online check-in...is it time to add chiropractic to the list of convenient products and services? Increased availability is quickly making chiropractic accessible to a wider pool of the uninitiated. The House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would require chiropractic to be made standard for all active duty military personnel. Eleven facilities—including, for the first time, overseas treatment centers—are slated to begin offering chiropractic services. Additionally, Cleveland College students gathered to pen some 1,300 missives agitating for chiropractic care to be included in the national health care reform bill as a covered benefit.
Things are also easier for existing addicts who pop in regularly for their spinal fixes. Many chiropractic offices are now one-stop shops for patients' health needs, not only offering traditional adjustments but also maintaining a stock of nutritional supplements, from intraMAX, a liquid organic energizer, and its child-friendly counterpart, intraKID, to Gastrex, which helps with stomach ulcers.
Machine Adjustments: Instrument adjusting is growing in popularity among the ranks of chiropractors, thanks to its ease of use and enhanced efficiency. The new technique adjusts the vertebra just like the manual method, but with increased speed and, consequently, less force. Since it's easier on the patient, it's a viable alternative for delicate seniors and squirmy 5-year-olds.
Inconvenient Midnight Mayhem: Newly minted mommies and daddies are no strangers to sleepless nights characterized by the nonstop howls of little Sally. Research by Joyce Miller shows that where pharmaceutical, dietary and behavioral prescriptions failed to quell newborn wailing, manual spine adjustments were more likely to succeed.
Cool as a Cucumber
You know it's a refreshing summer snack to nosh on, but cucumbers are also a remedy for rosacea, the facial redness condition. Primarily composed of water, it's no wonder the vegetable is known for its hydrating powers. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, silica and caffeic acid as well, which soothe skin irritations, ease signs of swelling and leave a glowing complexion year-round.
The most popular recipe to treat rosacea: puree and mix cucumber slices with several tablespoons of yogurt. For those suffering from ocular rosacea, simply placing chilled slices over the eyes for 15 minutes can calm splotchiness.
In Other News:
Other Fiery Fixes:
Herbal remedies abound: Licorice, feverfew and that perennial cure-all, green tea, have also proven to calm the crimson flush brought on by rosacea.
On Pins and Needles:
If you're not the type to be squeamish over needles, acupuncture is a viable treatment option for rosacea as well, by coaxing open facial channels, which in turn alleviates symptoms.
Seasonal Slump:
A survey of 1,190 rosacea patients found that hot summer days and harsh winter winds pose major problems for sufferers, and extra precautions should be taken.
Older and Better
Korean researchers found that hand massage helped elderly subjects rest more easily. After receiving hand and forearm massage every other evening for two weeks, residents of a long-term care facility reported diminished fatigue and greater sleep satisfaction. Brittle bones that can be easily broken are another chronic problem of aging. Having a stable footing is one way to avoid a potentially disasterous fall. Amazingly, a French study showed improved balance in nursing home residents after only one session of manual therapy on their feet and ankles.
In other news:
It Takes Two: Sensual massage can improve your sex life. Consider mutual relaxation a means to satisfaction... or vice versa.
Don't Just Lie There: Looking for more than a kneading? Thai Yoga Massage integrates active methods such as acu-pressure and gentle twisting. The therapist stretches your body into different yoga positions, or asanas, to decompress the spine and increase flexibility. An Iowa masseuse reports on its profound positive effect on her clients.
