Monday, January 6, 2014

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief - Massage Therapy For Managing Arthritic Pain


Massage therapy will not cure rheumatoid arthritis but it will definitely offer a rheumatoid arthritis pain relief and will lessen the stress associated with it.

Why Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is considered one of the popular alternative or complementary rheumatoid arthritis treatments because:

- It lessens muscle tension so that stiffness and muscle pain is reduced.
- It promotes better blood flow.
- It improves joint movement and flexibility.
- It reduces inflammation and the pain that goes along with it.
- It is relaxing hence people don't feel stressed out.

According to a recent study, massage therapy has helped to increase grip strength in the hands of people who suffer from arthritis. In a four week period, a massage was given once a week to participants in the study. In addition, the participants were asked to perform the same massage routine on a daily basis.

Different Types of Massage Therapy

There are different types of massage therapy used for managing arthritic pain. These are:

1. Swedish Massage. Swedish massage is a whole body massage that involves the following techniques:


  • Effleurage where there is a gliding movement of the hands that is meant to relax the muscles and calm the nerves. The pressure used is light to medium.

  • Petrissage which involves kneading of the flesh.

  • Friction strokes which are supposed to attack deeper problem areas in the muscles. This technique involves the most pressure.

  • Vibration where parts of the body are gently shaken.

  • Tapotement is a tapping movement which can be done with cupped hands, using the side of the hands or by curling the hand into a loose fist.


2. Myofascial Release. During a myofascial massage, the patient is massaged using long and stretching strokes. This approach releases tension in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.

3. Trigger Point Therapy. In this approach, trigger points are identified then pressure is applied (using the fingers) so that they no longer cause pain to other parts of the body.

4. Reflexology. Reflexology is similar to trigger point therapy in that they both use pressure to ease pain but the former is restricted to points in the hands and feet.

5. Acupressure and Shiatsu. In acupressure and shiatsu, the fingers are used to apply pressure on specific regions of the body. They are similar to acupuncture in that they all "attack" the same points in the body to help release or control pain.

6. Deep Tissue Massage. This approach attacks the areas beneath the surface muscles so strong pressure is usually applied.

Massage therapy provides a safe rheumatoid arthritis relief and while it is true that it doesn't eliminate arthritis altogether, it improves quality of life by effectively managing the pain that comes along with it.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Mothers Going Back To School To Set A Good Example For Their Children


Although the primary goal for enrolling in college is to pursue a college degree, the pursuit can render additional value for mothers returning to school. When moms make the commitment to pursue a college degree, it affords them valuable means to help instill educational principles in their children. As a family leader, a mom becomes a shining example for her children to follow.

Academic success requires motivation. As a student, the opportunities for a mom to encourage her children to strive for academic excellence are countless. As a role model, she can use her own college experience to showcase perseverance, commitment, and success. Children, who witness the success of their mother's academic achievement, are more likely to apply the same characteristics to their own educational objectives.

When moms return to college, it provides a chance for them to bond with their children. Parents should make the best of every opportunity that results in time spent together. Homework can be done together, which strengthen the tie between mother and child. Homework time allows for the parent and child to invest in each other's academic goals.

You may have experienced a time when your child came to you needing help to complete a homework assignment. Unfortunately, due to limited exposure to academics, you were unable to help your child complete his or her assignment. However, moms who return to college can utilize methods and concepts learned in college classes to help their children grow and develop in their studies and achieve academic success.

Moms can set aside reading time whereby both she and the child (children) attend to the reading assignments together. This can easily turn into fun time together, as each can read from his or her assigned textbook and discuss each other's passages. This is an excellent opportunity for mothers to develop their children's reading skills and enhance critical thinking skills by engaging in active discussions and effective communication.

Moms who return to college get a firsthand knowledge as to which subjects and courses are vital for their children to take prior to transitioning into college. As a student, a mother will be able to help her child prepare for foundational subjects like science, math, and English. She will also gain experience as a writer when in college. This will come in handy when critiquing her child's homework, reports, and essay papers.

Many colleges and universities are helping women who return to school by providing daycare services for their children to attend. These services are typically available for primary school age children. While children are on campus, they get a preview into college life, even at an early age. This helps to embed the notion of post-secondary education as an expected component of a child's academic life.

Physical Therapy College


College programs all across the country are including Physical Therapy as part of their course offerings due to an increased demand for physical therapy services. In the United States, the Bureau of Labour Statistics consider PT as the eighth-fastest growing profession in the country and salary.com ranks physical therapy as the 12th best job to have in America. With statistics like these, it is not surprising that colleges will want to offer Physical Therapy in their campuses.

The basis for a career in Physical Therapy is a commitment to academic education. Occupational Handbook 2008-2009 says that the minimum requirement for a career in physical therapy is a master's degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Education Program and a State license. Once you have these prerequisites, you are eligible to be employed as a physical therapist or to set up your own practice.

Some basic courses you need to take include a lot of science courses such as chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, social sciences and more specific courses in Neuroanatomy, Biomechanics, Examination Techniques, Disease and their Manifestations, Therapeutic Procedures and Human Growth and Development.

The program includes both classroom learning as well as a practicum, which requires you to participate in actual clinic set-ups with many opportunities for you to apply whatever knowledge you have learned in the classroom to patients. You will be under supervision from a practicing physical therapist so this is a great way to learn and acquire some experience prior to graduation.

Some master's programs require students to actively participate and complete a six-week, full time practicum in addition to a couple of eight-week practicums (Northern Illinois University). This is actually a really good way to be eased into what goes on in real-life practice. Some doctorate programs require a minimum of 100 hours practicum with at least 50 hours in an acute care hospital setting before candidates can be accepted into their program (Hunter College).

Physical Therapy also requires the development of interpersonal skills as the therapist needs to interact constantly with patients, their family members and other professionals as well. Being able to establish a positive relationship with the patient early on is a very valuable skill that the therapist needs to take with him throughout his career.

To meet the expected rise in enrollment, colleges are getting ready by having accredited programs already on offer. While some institutions offer a six-year program for high school graduates, others offer two and three-year graduate programs in the master's and doctorate levels. Note that a doctorate degree in physical therapy allows you to practice, diagnose and treat patients without needing a referral from another medical practitioner. This might be something to think about as you plan out your career.

The college where you take your PT education can influence how you turn out as a therapist and how well you run your practice, therefore, it is prudent to do your research well and evaluate all your options before deciding on a course of action.

How Massage Therapy Can Help Heal Tendinitis and Tendinosis


In 20 years of practicing therapeutic massage in Gainesville Florida, I've had many clients come to me suffering from joint pains they believe are tendinitis or bursitis, and that they hope are not due to arthritis. Simple assessment techniques help me to evaluate which tissues are injured or causing pain and which treatment approaches can help my clients.

Tendinitis and tendinosis are dysfunctions of tendons, which are the crucial structures in our bodies that connect our muscles to our bones. Tendons must be tough enough to withstand our strongest muscle contractions, and flexible enough to allow the numerous movements that are part of our daily life. Our tendons will stay strong and elastic if we have good circulation, nutrition, hydration, exercise and rest.

A healthy tendon can tear in extreme situations when a sudden force overpowers it. This trauma can be suffered by anyone in the course of their daily life. What happens in this case is that the tear causes inflammation and pain (tendinitis), and scar tissue forms as the healing process continues.

In contrast, tendinosis is the result of a much more common scenario when repetitive strain and chronic overuse cause a breakdown within the integrity of the tendon on a molecular level. This derangement of the tendon tends to occur without inflammation (Lowe, 2006, p. 10 and Hendrickson, 2009, p.20), and as a result, the healing process cannot take place. The science and art of orthopedic massage will initiate a renewed healing process in your body for both tendinitis and tendinosis.

Effective orthopedic massage consists of five crucial elements that include accurately identifying the compromised tissue using skilled orthopedic evaluation and using different techniques that will help the injury to heal. Treatment is most effective when combined with targeted stretches (creating elasticity in the healing tissue) and rehabilitative exercises (creating strength in the healing tissues). A strong elastic scar or remodeled tendon will be much more functional, and much less likely to be re-injured.

Optimal healing of tendinitis or tendinosis requires that the client practice self-care between massage sessions. Besides proper directed exercises for the specific site of injury, clients are instructed to eat well, hydrate, and rest well.

When dealing with tendinosis or tendinitis, your body is experiencing a stressor. You may be emotionally stressed from the pain. Orthopedic treatment of the injuries can reduce the stress of the injury site. Caring for areas of tension felt in your body during the remaining time in an hour massage session will further reduce the stress felt in your body and allow complete healing to take place.

Prostate Issues and Massage


Men that suffer from prostate problems or difficulty in sex might benefit from a prostate massage. The treatment can provide many benefits from prostate relief to heightened sexual pleasure. A revitalized sex life and healthy functioning prostate can be achieved with proper Kundalini energy flow and movement. I use special Tantric tools for this purpose.

The prostate massage has been known to help men overcome impotence. The prostate helps create seminal fluid and massaging the prostate helps stimulate activity. With increased seminal fluid incidences of impotence will begin to drop. Massaging the prostate has been said to heighten overall sexual pleasure so regular massages can aid tremendously in helping a man overcome impotence. My prostate massages can help relieve the symptoms of prostatitus, and other pelvic problems.

Regular prostate massages can help induce orgasms and stimulate ejaculation. Many times the orgasms reached when prostate massage is involved are highly intense. When the prostate is stimulated, the blood and seminal fluid increase in their flow. This increases flow of fluids also can help to improve sexual function overall. The fresh blood supplies and nutrients help keep the reproductive system healthy and functioning well.

Prostate massages can often times help improve erectile problems. Sometimes men suffer from restricted blood flow in the pelvic area which can directly effect the male reproductive system. Health conditions, age and injury can all be contributing factors in erectile dysfunction. The massage will help improve the flow of blood as well as nutrients and reduce incidences of erectile dysfunction. It isn't uncommon for a full and active sex life to be restored with the help of prostate massages.

Pelvic Awakening

"Elevated Spinal Phase of the Wave: Arching - Anterior Pelvic Position"

Here is the spinal snake arching before you, displaying flexibility and strength. Convexly, the body exercise's lift and expansion of the chest and ribs, and forward tilting of the pelvis. The stomach is firm. Rib-cage is open, and the arms and eyes are relaxed. The cobra breath will excite and pleasure your spirit, as it wave's the body.

"Rounded Spinal Phase of the Wave: Flexing - Posterior Pelvic Position"

The total orgasmic wave cycle includes an up and down motion, especially when we are talking about Tantra. Yet many people as they get older, more often move from a spinal flex position, limiting their range of motion which causes less pleasure, and soft tissue and joint stiffness. A fuller range of motion is called upon for better health.

Kriyas are automatic movements, vocalizations or actions that are part of the process of Kundalini clearing. Spontaneous yoga postures, twitching and shaking are good ways of releasing energy blockages that are stuck in the body.

Kriyas most often occur when the body's instinctive guidance or innate intelligence is responding to the work. The process is about learning to move and channel the Kundalini energy, so that you can contain and experience a full body orgasmic pulsation/wave.

Gestalt Ecstasy: Spinal - Core Release

Here you see complete freedom to express your self. A full range of release is shown through the somatic presence of ecstasy. Boundaries shifting, metaphysically between expansion and contraction, permitting flow and pleasure to emerge. Ecstasy is a wonderful thing to share with your body. The mind simply relaxes and let's go. The secret ingredient is conscious breathing. I teach you how to synchronize and release the breath.
Spinal Waving: Organismic Flow

There are three areas in the bodymind where the reins on our spirit are pulled most tightly by the entrenchment of ego's defenses: the scalenes (head-neck), the diaphragm (chest-belly), and the iliopsoas (kidneys-pelvis) segments. If we can release these, we can free ourselves from the crippling effects of trauma, denial and the accumulation inner and outer negativity.

It is these three somatic blocks that lead to the unconsciousness and inertia resulting from mind-body dissociation.

Since these blockages are set up in order to curb emotion, we cannot be emotionally authentic without opening up these three neuromuscular areas... and in doing so the Heart is then given preeminence in our psyche.

This is why true yoga is more than simply doing postures, it is moving and releasing the breath. [E-motion]

Spinal Waving is like Michael Jackson doing the "Moon Walk Dance" or Elvis moving his body in a rock and roll manner. Flexion and extension with all wheel drive in motion.

Pelvic Movement & Centering

Pelvic Centering is the act of being in between tension and relaxation within the pelvic cavity. This is accomplished by learning how to move energy up and down the spine. This is a core practice with the use of breath channeling. Most people in America breathe from the abdomen, leaving intercostal and pelvic breathing dormant, unused. The lower gates need to be exercised and used for good health, longevity, and performance to take place.

Many people over 40 are numb, comatose within the Chakra system. They hold their breath and tighten their whole body, especially upper back, buttocks, and legs which leaves little energy for genital pleasure. Body awareness and feeling sensation is key for multi-orgasmic flow and pleasure.

Pelvic Thrusting seems natural enough, yet most older adults have difficulty moving their hips. Lower back problems and lower extremity stiffness will do it! My work can help. Relaxation and letting energy release, circulate is good therapy. The opening of the three gates and seven Chakras will balance out the body, giving it greater freedom and mobility.

Tantric Release: Orifice Breathing

Awakening the sacred gates, allows you to experience 'The Holy Spirit.' This is done by energizing the P and G-spots together at the base of the pelvis and moving the spine in a wave like motion (snake-like), and allowing the breath to ignite the water element from the kidneys to the perineum. In an aroused state, the Kundalini Shakti feels so good and vital that you will want to 'sing the body electric.' Orifice breathing is about relaxing the guardian muscles around the mouth (upper body) and the anus (lower body). The polarity between the upper chakras (heaven) and lower chakras (earth) is what forms circular breathing. The combination and synchronization of thoracic-intercostal, abdominal, and pelvic breathing is what creates core movement and visceral health.

By using dialog and touch, I teach you how to enter the sacred spaces within your own body. Remember, whenever we guard our bodies with tension in a chronic way as in oral and anal retention, it does more harm than good.

The mouth and lips is the first seal or gate for controlling and releasing feelings. Emotions like anger, hate, love, and joy start in the mental mind and move into the physical body with oral consumption, expression, and instinctual response. Speech, singing, eating, coughing, sucking, biting, and licking are all healthy signs of expressing oneself.

Tongue yoga is basic to the ancient teachings of Kundalini. The dance of the snake, the hiss begins with the sound coming from the oral cavity. It is a warning sign of power and confidence, no shame or guilt. The cobra stands its ground erect!

Sacred Tantra teaches one how to move their fire and water elements. Fire is stored and made in the heart and belly. Water is stored and made in the mouth (saliva) and in the kidneys and bladder (urine), and genitalia (sexual fluids). Most civilized adults rarely open their mouths very much and move their tongues. For example, try being orgasmic with your mouth shut, and notice how it feels. The tongue and lips make a powerful orifice in relationship to pleasure.

Working the Container: Asanas

Kundalini energy flows when you create a safe container. Yoga creates this container on two basic levels: the subtle channels and the gross vessels. Chakras are subtle locations where Western organs or structures exist in there gross state. I work with both anatomies at the same time. Eastern is more psychic, while Western is more corporal. Remember, it is the mind that controls the body. The soft-ware in your brain has to be adjusted along with the hard drive or hard-ware in your body.

The Kundalini can follow the spine when activated, if the orgasmic wave is allowed to move. Good sexual release and higher consciousness (divine bliss) is based on learning to let go of the Chakras, etheric wheels.

General health and sexual fitness is determined by your ability to tilt the pelvis and curve the spine. Most civilized adults have lost the feeling and/or too stiff to tilt their pelvis back and forth, and bend their spine. Sitting most of the day in one position on a chair will do it.

A healthy pelvis and spine needs to move! Core movements stimulate and balance your Jing energy flow (mojo). Curling up, rounding the lower back (kyphosis) creates a backward/posterior tilt and arching the lower back (lordosis) creates a forward/anterior tilt. The oscillation back and forth of the spine and hips is called 'mojo fucking.' The key to performing this motion is letting-go of the upper torso and lowering one's center of gravity.

A flexible/agile core body can hold and accumulate more warm energy (mojo) when it can move forward and backwards as in the picture above and below. The function here is allowing the kidney area of the back (the Jing energy) to relax while activating the core muscles of the lower body and pelvis. If this is not possible, please come in for a needed Tantric treatment where you can nourish your vital principle.

Expression

Many people actually hold their breath upon the beginning of their orgasmic flow. This constricts the energy body and can be a way to unconsciously attempt to not lose control into the bigger energy feeling. Holding the breath, tightening the stomach, buttock and leg muscles, and tensing the upper body upon orgasm is restricting the orgasm from being felt fully in the body. Mouth breathing can sometimes help release the defense mechanism of control, letting go orally by moving the tongue and lips.

Tantra practice shows you with breath awareness how you can oxygenate the body and build more natural Qi/Prana flow. This energizes the body instead of depleting it. Adding sound toning naturally opens the throat and as the throat opens and relaxes, the body follows. A slower and more conscious movement pattern adds to a more loving release and greater health benefits to your Tantric experience.

Relaxing into a natural state of being is only possible when you are willing to let go of control. The key is allowing the body to move without having the brakes on all the time. This is where you need a teacher to guide and show you the way.

Almost 80 percent of the men who visit me have lost their ability to have a multi-orgasmic response with a pre-cum release. The primary reason being vascular restriction, insufficient blood flow to the Bulbourethral gland, also called a Cowper's gland. This phenomenon can be caused by an over developed sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, freeze response) and too much sedentary sitting. The lack of circulation and exercise by the urogenital and pelvic diaphragms causes' a decrease in the pleasure response. The perineum is the physical epicenter where the dormant Kundalini serpent sleeps in hibernation, just waiting to be awakened. My work is designed to awaken the lower Chakras, increasing the blood flow through out the pelvis and lower back. Most men respond to treatment within three visits or less based on their medical history.

I can do energy, functional, and structural work founded on your request. All sessions are of a Pink Tantric nature incorporating sensual flow, body movement, and pleasurable relaxation. Tantric tools and vibrational healing can be introduced here if you like. Prostate stimulation with a vibrating Tantric wand can be very helpful for awakening and healing the pelvic region of the body.

With every male tune-up you receive a complete operational firmware and utility software update on your body: including optimizing, configuration and implementing servo & ballistic interfacing, defragmentation, repartitioning, transparent decompression analyzes, deleting with your permission old and obsolete programs, improving network connectivity, and data transferring effectiveness.

Most clients are more familiar with IT language than esoteric, shamanist, or yoga terms, so explaining things using Information Technology can be most helpful. IT men are a growing clientele for me, being the sedentary nature of their work and the managerial stress. Being robotic at work is one thing, being human the rest of the time is another. What most men need is to visit the service station at Larry's for a good Male Tune-Up Massage and receive your 5000 mile warranty on all parts and labor.

The Nervous System and the Benefits of Swedish Massage Therapy


Swedish massage stimulates your central nervous system to sooth and calm your nerves. By doing so, it reduces stress and tension in both a physical and psychological sense. This is why Swedish massage is often recommended as an important part of a stress management program for people who are otherwise naturally predisposed to suffering from elevated stress levels.

Your body's nervous system is responsible for sending, receiving and carrying nerve impulses around your body. It is the main control unit in your body and these nerve impulses allow your organs and muscles to work efficiently.

Nerve impulses are electrochemical signals carrying information, which travel from your brain to nerves around your body. The stresses and strains of everyday life can affect the smooth running of the nervous system and this where massage therapy can help alleviate the problems this causes.

The skin is the body's largest sensory organ of the body, and when it is touched thousands of tiny nerve receptors send messages to the brain. These are interpreted and returned to the muscles. When the muscles are massaged the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, are triggered which send messages of calm and relaxation. If vigorous massage strokes are applied, the skin's underlying muscles are stimulated, easing tension and stiffness.

Massage can have a very powerful sedative effect on the nerves and problems such as headaches can be relieved, patterns of insomnia broken, tension, stress and anxiety relieved, as well as encouraging relaxed muscles.

The effect of a Swedish massage on the nervous system depends on the reaction of the nerves stimulated. Depending on the type of massage strokes used, the nervous system can be stimulated or soothed creating a calming and relaxed state of well being in the receiver.

The Benefits of massage on the nervous system are:

1. Stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system's response enhancing your well being and boosting your energy

2. Reduces stress, tension and anxiety which can result in headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, depression, irritability, anger

3. Improves nerve function

4. Massage therapy relaxes contracted muscles which press on or pinch nerves, causing tingling, numbness and pain.

5. Helps treat insomnia caused by tense muscles. Massage therapy relaxes them and allows you to have a good night's sleep

6. Helps balance the nervous system

7. Stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers thus decreasing pain

8. Massage relaxes and tones the muscles due to its effect its effect on the neuro-muscular reflex pathways.

9. Depending on the type and length of a massage given it will leave you relaxed yet stimulated

10. Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and receptors of the skin and underlying tissue.

If anyone suffers from any problems caused by the dysfunction of their nervous system then a Swedish massage is the answer to their problems. With a little practice anyone can learn a few strokes to alleviate and improve a person's health and well being.

Why Online Massage Training is Better Than Going to Massage School


If you're interested in online massage training, that's fantastic. As you probably already know, massages offer a slew of benefits - whether it be from helping other people, or you self massaging yourself. However, going to a school might not always be the best option. Online massage training tends to beat school out in my ways, and for a few reasons. Here are some:

You might not like it! - How awful would it be to plunk down thousands of dollars on a massage training education, switch around your schedule to make it to school, tell everybody about your decision as you get more emotionally invested in it - and then decide you don't like it?

There's nothing more disappointing than being super-energized about something and then having it fade out completely. An online training beats out going to school because the courses would be less expensive, and you would be able to do them at your convenience. Because of the anonymous nature of them, you wouldn't even have to tell anybody until your mind was made up that you loved massages.

It costs a lot of money! As mentioned, massage schools can cost anywhere from $1k up to many thousands of dollars. If budget is an issue, or if you're just not 100% that this is what you want to do, it can be a huge drawback to have to lay out that kind of money.

Online training beats this because you can get year-long training very inexpensively, even though you get course-style lessons.

It takes up a lot of time! Going to massage school takes a lot of time. You have the commute to school, the time you spend at school, the time it takes for teachers to answer other people's questions that you might already know the answer to, etc.

With online massage training, you can learn at your own pace, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home, so you never have to worry about neglecting anything else to further your education. Overall, online training tends to be a much better idea for many people. If they end up liking it, they can certainly go to a school and get their accreditations - but for a fraction of the price online, they can make sure it's even worth it in the first place.