Proof Why Massage's Reduction of Anxiety Is Vital

On Monday I had the opportunity to massage a regular client under unique circumstances. He had a heart attack four days prior, resulting in a new stint.

I was very surprised when he called to verify his appointment time and mentioned to me his procedure. I was a bit apprehensive, but quickly reminded myself how important massage will be to his recovery.

His session went very well and he was able to rest and sleep for a portion of it. He reflected on how his body must still be tired. I can't imagine the trauma a heart attack puts on the body. He left feeling restored and balanced.

Today I received a great article from the Institute of Integrative Healthcare Studies pointing out "based on the premise that massage reduces anxiety, a collection of emerging research suggests that massage therapists are needed to work side-by-side with cardiologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists."

I am honored my clients trust me as a resource in maintaining their health. Its times like these we personally experience and share in the vital components of advantageous bodywork and massage.

Best to you!

Stretching

Every day I ask my clients to stretch more frequently. I can't stress how important stretching is to our health and maintenance of our bodies. Even simple stretching can help minimize or even eliminate nagging aches and pains.

I often give my clients stretching homework hoping they will remember to do at least one each day. I give handouts with pictures, demonstrate myself after their session and sometimes follow up with emails.

In my constant search for new stretches I found a great site on YouTube. Thanks so much Optimum Care Providers for sharing your knowledge with the us!

http://www.youtube.com/user/OptimumCareProviders

*Before starting a stretching program, please consult your physician.

Hives, itching and redness while exercising?

I've been on vacation for two weeks and have missed my routine rigorous walks with my dog (and he has, too). So I headed out this morning for our 60 minute loop around a nearby park. The weather was somewhat cool so it was easy to set a quick pace and get the heart pumping.

About halfway through my loop, my thighs and calves started burning and itching where red blotches were appearing. I've experienced this several times before when using my leg muscles again after a break from exercising. I couldn't remember why this was happening so I looked up the symptoms when I got home. I found the answer very interesting and thought I'd share since it is very common.

What I was experiencing was exercise-induced urticaria, a condition that causes hives and other allergic symptoms. Familydoctor.org explains it can occur during or after exercise. Hives or "welts" are usually raised, flat bumps on the skin that are more red around the edge than in the middle. Hives may also look like red spots, blotches or blisters. They can occur on any part of the body. Please click on the links to follow their post for more information.

Personally, after a couple of days of regular exercise this condition goes away. Thankfully, once I stopped exercising and rested my legs, the symptoms subsided within 20 minutes or so and my the rash, itching and burning went away.

If you experience something similar to this condition, please check with your doctor for his or her suggestions.

To your health!
Tanya

A Good Reminder

The Value of Massage Therapy

While massage is commonly known as a great technique for relaxation, its many benefits far exceed quiet time at your local spa. Massage is valued for so much more. It is known to alleviate joint and back pain, manage fibromyalgia and migraines, speed recovery from injury, increase blood circulation and manage stress, to name a few.

And whether you're an athlete, manual laborer or work in an office, regular massages help prevent injuries common in many professions, such as repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains and carpal tunnel.

Ideally, we should be receiving a massage weekly; if that is not possible than we should strive for a massage every other week. Here are the two main reasons given for not receiving regular massages:

I do not want to spend the money. Many of us have had to adjust the way we manage our finances, and prioritize our budget. We're spending less money on frivolous things such as Starbucks coffee, fast food or another shirt in that color that looks great on you. However, taking care of your body should be on the priority list. Our body is our tool and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is functioning well.

I do not have the time. Really? We all have time for what is a priority to us. Yes, we are all busy, especially those of us who are caretakers of young children, aging parents, or other family members. What rings more true is to say "I do not believe receiving a massage is a priority in my busy life right now." Anyone can find one hour (one and a half, including travel time) each week, or every other week, for something that is a priority. Your challenge, therefore, is to re-categorize massage as a priority in your life.

May 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 5] To Your Health is brought to you by:

Book Signing: Dr. Greene - Fertility and Hormone Expert

Come meet SIRM Sacramento Medical Director, Robert Greene, M.D., author of the “Perfect Balance” book series. Dr. Greene is an internationally renowned authority on Hormone Balance.

Dr. Greene will be in-store signing copies of his bestselling books (there will be books available for purchase onsite):

- Perfect Hormone Balance for Fertility
- Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Balance
- Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy
- Happy Baby, Healthy Mom Pregancy Journal

Saturday, March 14, 2009
2:00-4:00 PM
Border’s Books and Music
7415 Laguna Blvd. | Elk Grove, CA 95758

Massage for Healing in Health & Fitness Magazine

Tanya is a featured massage therapist in the TMJ therapy article on page 16. Click here to download the issue!

This Month Editor's Notes

It’s becoming clearer and clearer that when it comes to health, self-sufficiency is essential. With predictions by many that the current health system is collapsing, we all must turn to natural solutions for our health issues. For almost every single health issue, there is a natural solution that is known by chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, herbalists, acupuncturists and body workers. These will become your life line.

In this month’s issue, you’ll see things in a whole new way by reading different opinions on what to do about health issues that affect the head, mouth, neck, TMJ and jaw. Keep the issue as part of your health resources since it’s easier to have everything in one place rather than spend the hundreds of hours it would take to find this info when you need it. That way, if something happens,
you can proceed forward with a solution rapidly.

Lacking time to read all the articles? Go straight to the Test Your Memory article and come back to finish reading later.

Have a great month and don’t forget to live life to its fullest, love and make every day a day you learn something important!


Dr. Donna of Health & Fitness Magazine

Protect Your Naturopath Doctor!

Help save Naturopathic Medicine in California

Dear Supporters of Naturopathic Medicine;

The letter below is from the Executive Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the California Naturopathic Doctors Association about the potential loss of NDs in the State of California, unless we take massive action!

I am writing you with some very sobering news. The licensing body for California Naturopathic Doctors is slated for elimination under Governor Schwarzenegger's latest budget proposal. The California Naturopathic Doctors Association has been working hard over the last month to deal with the problem through direct discussion with the Governor's office and other legislators. We have made significant inroads but we need your help! A significant outcry from the public at this point will aid our cause.

In the absence of the Bureau, some other Government agency would be required to oversee ND licensure, or Naturopathic Doctors would not be able to stay in practice!

Our state association, the California Naturopathic Doctors Association has created a message to California legislators to enable all California residents to easily let their legislators know that eliminating the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine would be a serious mistake.

Please forward this to any family or friends in California as well!!!

Click here to email your legislator in California!

http://capwiz.com/naturopathic/issues/alert/?alertid=12551186

Thank you for your support!

Karen Howard
Executive Director
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

James Mally, ND

P.S. Economics of Naturopathic Medicine:

The Naturopathic Bureau is self-funding and provides a positive cash flow to the State through licensing fees. According to the most recent report, the Bureau fund has a net balance of $78,000. The Bureau does not even use any general funds.

NDs also pay approximately $1 million in sales tax on supplements sold and another $1 million in income taxes from the doctors themselves!

Inclusion of Naturopathic Medicine in the broader health care system has the potential to save the State 10s to 100s of millions of dollars through Preventative Medicine and Naturopathic Wellness Programs.

Thank you in advance for your letter in support of our cause! The more details and specifics that you describe in your letter to legislators about the difference that naturopathic medicine has made in your life and that of your family and friends, the more effective the letters will be. I would appreciate it if you could also forward a copy of your letter to me at: DrGodby@SacND.com.

Thank you so much for your support,

James Mally, ND