Energy flow to me is palpable. Whether chakras, meridians, or directed energy, when I am quiet and still, listening and feeling with open simpleness, energy flow is as real to me as visible light. Most humans have the experience of welling feelings of sadness, love, joy, or power. These are energy flows (even though clearly there are neurological and biochemical movements as well; energy as I refer to it is when we look at the body as bioelectromagnetic energy in its entirety—the quantum physics view of the body rather than the Newtonian.)

If you have had an experience moving energy within your own body, with Qi Gong, Tai Chi, meditation, kundalini yoga, etc., then you know that there are flows of energy that can be directed with the mind. When combined with the breath, these energy flows can be intensified.

Quantum Touch (http://www.quantumtouch.com) gets people in touch with their own energy flow, and uses specific breathing techniques to intensify the energy (just as fire breath in certain yoga practices). Using soft hands, this energy flow is then “intended” to flow through you into the injury/pain site. The receiving body can use the energy to balance and restore, as well as raise an area of lower or discordant energy vibration to a higher, healthier one (as a hand on the shoulder of someone who is quaking with fear will help ground and calm them in many cases).

[Lots more on this subject at http://www.Thrivingnow.com ]

Does it work? Absolutely. It can be a useful practice for a massage therapist to use to raise his or her own awareness of energy and energy flow, to build up the skill to feel it. I find that what I learned in Quantum Touch most often comes into play when I do Stillpoint or Craniosacral work. I will often intuit that an energy flow would be helpful, and “quantum touch” can help provide that. Yet, I don’t really consider myself a quantum touch practitioner. The book and other information I have read on it served to reaffirm what I have been doing for 12 years with energy flow. I don’t “reasonate” myself with the breathing techniques it uses, although you might.

If I had a recommendation for an energy technique, I personally think that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is quicker and more effective. For example, I was doing a charity chair massage benefit yesterday. I worked with a client and after the session was over, she said she felt a lot better but her heel was in terrible pain. She had a diagnosed “bone growth problem” in the heel. Quantum Touch would have had me with my hands on her heel for several minutes (maybe even 15-30 minutes) directing energy into the area. EFT uses a combination of a statement that gets the person directly connected to the pain “Even though I have this bone-growth heel pain, I deeply and completely accept myself” (my wording choice) along with tapping on key meridian points. Her pain level went from a 6 on a scale of 10 to a 2 to a zero in two rounds of EFT. In two minutes of work, she said “My bad heel feels better than my good one right now!”

It is my intuition, which is not scientific, that Quantum Touch provides energy to an area which if intense enough and sustained enough ends up helping the energy flow in the body. The body starts moving energy and blockages clear. EFT uses tapping, even self-tapping, to do the same thing in a quicker way by “tapping all over the energy system.” Yes, there is an art to it. But like massage, the benefits are apparent really early in the learning.

Dentists offices used to consist of a chair, extractor pliers and a bucket full of teeth.  Today would you choose this kind of dentist?  If you had to have a operation would you have it done orthoscopically or do you want them to open you up so that they can get both hands into the incision?

I tell people that I do not want to insult the tissues that I am working on. I work smart rather than with force.  This gives me more precision and I can correct more detail problems.  Besides I find that while occasionally you may feel the work the next day you do not have to recover from trauma that may be worse than the original problem. Today people are learning to work smart.  Unfortunately there are still dinosaurs out there who just don’t know better.  [ via Carl of http://www.ablebodyworks.com ]

No Pain. No Gain…. Oh really?

As Carl points out, we’ve come a long way in certain aspects of medicine when it comes to viewing pain as unncessary and even unhelpful. I remember after my back surgery five years ago that my surgeon was one of these doctors that didn’t want to “over medicate” so the afternoon and night when I had just had my back opened up and stapled shut, I received one Vicodin to ease the pain. I could not move, I could not shift my weight, I could not sleep, I could not take that walk they want you to take without tears.

The morning nurse asked me whether I was in a lot of pain. I was. She arranged to double my dose, and the relief allowed me to move, breath, and even sleep a bit. It made the drive home possible, whereas before the extra dose people would have cleared our path from the shrieking siren screams coming from within.

Did you know some massage therapists take the no pain, no gain approach? Some clients do, too. “If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not going deep enough!” I am here to tell you that such an approach is not optimal. Going to deep too fast insults the tissue. It resists. Injured fibers feel assaulted and must fight back, further damaging tissue that we’re trying to heal.

Imagine you have a hose that is in terrible knots. Do you just yank and pull and aggressively dig in? You can… I just see another way. Why not use softer hands, look at how the hose is changing as you unwind part after part?

Massage therapy can be painful if you work with someone who uses brute force rather than sensitive and listening hands. I had a half hour session on a cruise ship with Helga the Horrible, and I really, really should have gotten off the table. The only relief I got was feeling like I was glad to be alive after it was all over! It need not be that way, and part of the screening you should do with a therapist before making an appointment is to find out how he or she approaches the body. And, if you feel pain, let your therapist know immediately. If the pressure is not adjusted to your satisfaction and benefit, end the session. That is my professional advice.

(Oh, and you might be thinking, “I don’t want to hurt the therapist’s feelings.” That is what we therapists hear most often when clients share their massage horror stories with us. Just say, “I’m sorry, I need to stop this session right now. Please give me a chance to get dressed, and we can discuss it.” Maybe all the rest of this therapist’s clients are masochists. If you are not, it’s okay to make that clear. In professional terms, you are setting good boundaries by speaking up. If the therapist doesn’t understand this, it is the therapist that needs an adjustment.)—Rick

“Many patients find that weekly massages greatly help the pain and stiffness, but unfortunately insurance usually does not cover massage therapy.” [from Fibromyalgia FAQ for Patients]

It is unfortunate that we have structured health care in this country so that decisions are made based often on reimbursement rather than effectiveness. If you talk to sufferers with fibromyalgia, many of them will report that their massage therapy sessions (with an appropriately sensitive and trained practitioner) keeps them going, that it helps them to function, not miss work, and be more physically active. From a quality of life standpoint, massage therapy makes a significant difference.

In the absence of insurance reimbursement, if you have fibromyalgia and need regular massage therapy, one option is to look for newly graduated therapists who have been trained in fibromyalgia treatment (our local massage school at the college offers this as an elective). In return for weekly visits, the new therapist may be able to offer a significant discount. Also, many therapists have “off hours” where they have spots left unfilled, or spots when someone cancels and rather than letting the spot go unfilled, it may be preferable to offer a session at a discount.

I’ll add that if you have fibromyalgia and have not had massage before, PLEASE GO SLOWLY. Although some people with fibromyalgia WANT really deep work, to work out the kinks and the trigger points, this type of work may bring on a flare-up. Start with a light Swedish massage with some light myofascial unwinding work in areas that often have trouble but are currently not overly sensitive.

More details along with feedback from those with Fibromyalgia who get massage can be found at: http://www.remedyfind.com/rm-506-Massage.asp

We’d like to congratulate the 8th graduating class of the massage therapy program at Garrett College. The graduates are: Diane Beckman, Yvonne Cuppett, Kathleen Gibbs, Kathy Gray, and Karen McGehee. As soon as they complete national and state certification exams, we’ll add them to the provider directory here at http://www.healthfulhands.net/providers.

Active Isolated Stretching is an ideal way of bringing stretch to muscles without activating the muscle’s protection mechanisms. Read more at http://www.aistretch.com/exercises.htm.

Daily infant massage is a great way to bond with baby. What’s more, researchers are finding that massage may promote better sleeping, relieve colic, and perhaps even enhance an infant’s immune system, motor skills, and intellectual development. [Read more at American Baby]

Headaches, back pain, arthritis and other muscle and joint pain cost the nation’s employers more than $60 billion a year in lost productivity, a study has found. [read at MSNBC]

If you look at these injuries and costs, many of them could be reduced through regular massage therapy.

Quackwatch has a document on Raindrop Therapy and its creator Gary Young. I encourage any therapists interested in Raindrop Therapy to read this document before proceeding. http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Several other links that might be of interest: http://www.aromaticsage.com/GYRDT.html and http://www.aromaticsage.com/RDT.html

Dec 2005 update: There is a rebuttal to the QuackWatch article at: http://enews.essentialscience.net/public/QckRebut.pdf

I have to say that Quackwatch gets a LOT of things wrong. In fact, most of the areas where I have any expertise, QuackWatch gets wrong. I’d delete this article, in fact, except so many people find it. Perhaps this will give people enough to let their intuition be their guide. I have a number of friends who use the essential oils although not as part of “raindrop therapy” and are very pleased with the quality.

Reflexology improves the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study published in Multiple Sclerosis (2003;9:356-61). Reflexology is a therapeutic technique from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves applying pressure to the endpoints of the meridians, or channels, through which energy flows through the body. These points are on the soles of the feet and correspond with specific areas and organs of the body. Although very few studies of reflexology exist, one preliminary study suggested a benefit in people with MS.

In the current study, 53 people with MS were randomly assigned to receive either (1) reflexology treatment, which included massage of specific points on the soles of the feet and massage of the calf, or (2) “sham treatment,” which included massage of the calf only. Treatments lasting 45 minutes were given weekly for eleven weeks. Participants were evaluated to determine scores for the following symptoms: paresthesias, urinary symptoms, muscle strength, and muscle spasticity.

At the end of the study, significant improvement was observed in all four symptom scores in the group receiving reflexology treatment, but no significant improvement in any of the scores was observed in the group receiving sham treatment. The reflexology group improved significantly more than the sham group in scores of paresthesias, urinary symptoms, and muscle spasticity, but the difference in improvement in muscle strength between the two treatment groups did not reach statistical significance. The improvement in paresthesias observed in the reflexology group remained significant at a follow-up evaluation three months after the final treatment.

Full report at: http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2003/11/03.html

Senior participants and caregivers pre- and post-tests: Surveys showed a decreased breathing rate in 50% of participants. Other results showed intensified feelings of wellness; calm; relaxation; happiness; and a sense of belonging. Physically, the LMTs’ measures of range of motion (ROM); body posture; skin color and tone; and body awareness all improved.

Massage therapists pre- and post-tests: The LMT [reported] perceptions of how seniors benefit from massage did not vary significantly from pre-to post-tests. The LMT [reported] benefits of giving seniors massage were a sense of calm; satisfaction; helpfulness; gratitude; the importance of listening; intercon-nectedness; sharing; fun/laughter; appreciation; and “compassion keeps growing.” LMTs were surprised by how open the seniors were to share, explore and express feelings. One hundred percent of the massage therapists stated that they plan to include geriatric massage in their practices.

Facilities staff pre- and post-tests: 100% of the staff thought seniors benefit from massage because of improved circulation; relaxation; emotional well-being; decreased pain and stress; and a sense of connectedness. The post-test also revealed that the seniors experienced a new and pleasant experience; helped them forget about their problems; helped them be in the moment; and gave them a sense of peace.

Many people already know that massage therapy helps relieve muscle soreness. But a new consumer survey released today by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reveals that more people than ever before seek massage specifically to manage and relieve pain. The survey shows that nearly half (47 percent) of those polled have had a massage at some time specifically for pain relief and/or pain management. The percentage is even higher (58 percent) among 18-24 year olds as well as those ages 35-44. What’s more, 91 percent of adults polled agreed that massage therapy can be effective in reducing pain. Two other national surveys reinforce these findings.

A survey of massage clients conducted by AMTA member massage therapists and a national survey sponsored by the American Hospital Association (AHA) show that a large number of consumers and health care providers are using massage therapy for pain management and for other important health benefits. AMTA’s client survey shows that 63 percent of massage clients polled believe massage therapy provides the greatest pain relief when compared to chiropractic services, acupuncture, physical therapy and other bodywork. Ninety-six percent of those surveyed by their massage therapist would use massage again for pain relief. And nearly three-quarters of those polled, 74 percent, experienced a temporary reduction in pain following their massage, 14 percent experienced a permanent elimination of pain.

Consumers aren’t alone. In fact, 62 percent of health care providers who had discussed massage therapy with their patients strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage. Seniors are also recognizing the benefits of massage for pain relief — more than half of those 65 and older who got a massage in the past five years did so to relieve pain, for injury or muscle soreness or as part of a physical therapy regimen.

A survey of hospitals scheduled for release this week by the American Hospital Association, with support from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), polled hospitals about their use of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies. Of the 1,007 hospitals responding to the survey, 82 percent of the hospitals offering CAM therapies included massage therapy among their health care offerings — with more than 70 percent utilizing massage therapy for pain management and pain relief.

“These numbers clearly demonstrate that a greater number of people and medical professionals are recognizing that massage is more than a means for pampering or relaxation. Massage therapy has numerous health benefits including the ability to relieve pain – whether it be lower back pain, other muscle or joint pain, or for pain following surgeries,” said Brenda L. Griffith, president of AMTA. “And, an increasing number of people among all age groups seek the therapeutic benefits of massage.”

Overall, more people are getting massages than in previous years whether for pain relief or other health reasons. More than one in five adults surveyed said they had received a massage within the last year, a double-digit jump (13 percentage points) since 1997, the first year the survey was conducted. When asked if they had received a massage within the past five years, nearly a third (32 percent) of adults answered affirmatively, with 39 percent of 45-54 year olds giving that response, a 12 percentage point jump since last year. Twenty-eight percent of those polled expect to get a massage within the next year, up from 25 percent a year ago.

A greater number of people today — more than half of those polled (52 percent) — are viewing their massage therapist as a health care practitioner, a reflection of the growing awareness of massage’s many health benefits, including pain relief. Massage therapy has also been proven to help relieve stress and to help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Research has shown that massage also boosts the body’s immune system functioning and increases the body’s natural “killer cells” activity.

Younger people view massage in a positive light and recognize its health benefits. Of those 18-24 years of age, 99 percent agree that massage can be beneficial to one’s health and 95 percent of 25-34 year olds agree with this statement. The figure is 90 percent for all age groups.

The annual consumer survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, International August 14-17, 2003, among a national probability sample of 1,015 adults (513 men and 502 women) ages 18 and older, living in private households in the continental United States. The survey has a confidence level of plus or minus 3 percent. Commissioned by AMTA, this is the seventh annual massage therapy survey of American consumers. AMTA is releasing this data in conjunction with its National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW), a week dedicated to educating consumers on how massage effectively helps relieve pain, bolster the immune system, relieve stress, increase endorphins and reduce scar tissue. This year’s NMTAW theme is “Relieve Pain with Massage.”

From May through July 2003, AMTA members surveyed clients seeking massage for pain relief for their perceptions of the effects of the massage. Nearly 2,000 completed questionnaires (1,993) were received.

According to Health Forum, which conducted the survey of hospitals for the American Hospital Association (AHA), 6,105 hospitals were sent the survey on use of CAM therapies. A total of 1,007 hospitals responded to the survey, with 269 (26.7 percent) reporting that they use some type of CAM therapy. Two hundred twenty hospitals listed use of massage therapy — the highest use for any CAM therapy. In 2002, the AHA hospital survey showed that 16.7 percent of hospitals responding incorporated CAM therapies into the care they provide.