I hope this first newsletter finds you well. This month has been a very busy one for me and my family. I’m sure the same is true of you and yours as well. I’ll be starting with an brief article on Fibromyalgia: What is it and how does Massage Therapy Help?, but also a couple of quick items on ways to comfort yourself if, like me, you’ve gotten a cold or flu and fast destressors which we could all use during this time of economic and political uncertainty.
Coupon For October
This month’s coupon is Book One Get One 1/2 off.
Book an appointment at regular price between October 15th and November 15th and your next appointment will be 1/2 off. This works for gift certificates, too. Book a massage for yourself and purchase a gift certificate for a friend or family member at half off. The second massage can be scheduled anytime. You must mention this coupon when you book your appointment and it cannot be combined with any other offer.
Referral Discount
Anytime you refer someone and they book an appointment, you will receive $5 off your next massage!
Fibromyalgia: What is it and How does Massage Therapy help?
In a nutshell, Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition that is not fully understood by the medical community yet, but is characterized by widespread muscle pain, stiffness, fatigue, digestive disturbances, sleep disturbances and a host of other symptoms. It can be very difficult to diagnose, even more difficult to treat, and no two Fibromyalgia cases present with exactly the same set of symptoms. There are many theories as to the cause of Fibromyalgia, but so far, no one has been able to find a clear trigger for the onset of symptoms.
One theory behind the pain of Fibromyalgia is that a neurotransmitter, Substance P, is present in larger amounts in this population making any sensation of pain more strongly felt. Lack of restorative sleep plays a role in FM as well. Those with FM do not reach the regenerative state of sleep as often as those without. This is a critical phase of sleep as it the time when the brain produces growth hormone and increases the body’s immune function. Growth hormone is necessary for muscle repair which may play a role in the muscle pain of FM and lowered immune function can cause an increase in susceptibility to illness.
How does Massage Therapy help? It has been shown in studies* that massage reduces the amount of Substance P in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Massage has also been shown to help with sleep disturbances. I have seen firsthand in my own clients the reduction in general pain and improved sleep with regular massage. Excercise is another very helpful component of FM management. Massage is very effective at decreasing post excercise soreness and with the right techniques can aid in stretching the muscles, thus enhancing the effects of excercise.
There is so much research being done right now on this condition. My hope is that more knowledge will allow us to develop better, more consistent treatments. I believe that massage will always be an important component of Fibromyalgia Management and I have found great satisfaction in seeing my FM clients improve and maintain their pain levels, functioning, and energy levels.
*http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/research100.2.php
Tips for Taking Care of Your Cold
Well, somehow I didn’t follow advice on how to avoid a cold, or I was just unlucky. I am just getting over the worst cold I’ve had in years so I thought I would pass on some ideas to help you feel better should you face the same fate as me!
Baths
Herbal baths are great for relaxing muscles tired from coughing and the general aches of a cold. Depending on the infusions used, they can also open up nasal passages and allow you to breathe for the first time in days. Here are a couple of recipes:
Cold and Flu Bath: 5 drops eucalyptus * 5 drops peppermint * 4 drops lavender. Add 7 drops thyme for chest congestion.
Adding ground or sliced and boiled fresh ginger can add a detoxifying element to this bath.
An important caution: do not use peppermint if you are pregnant.
Steams
Steams are wonderful for opening up your sinuses. They are relaxing as well!
Cold and Flu Steam: Boil about 5 cups of water and pour into a large bowl. Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to the water. Lean your head over the bowl with a towel covering your head to keep the steam in. Breathe in through your nose for about 15 minutes. If it gets to warm, take your head out of the towel for brief minute. Cautions are to not use this with small children, infants, in pregnancy or if you have congestive heart failure.
recipes adapted from:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Sparta/5725/bath.html
http://www.wlnaturalhealth.com/aromatherapy-articles/aromatherapy-cold-flu-sinus-steam.htm
http://chetday.com/gingerbath.html
Quick Destressors
Who of us is not facing some kind of stress these days? The current political and economic issues only add to our normal daily stress. Here is one of my favorite ways to wind down…
Lie on your back and be sure that your lower back is comfortable. Bend your knees and allow your knees to rest on each other with your hands relaxed, facing up, at your sides. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Start with 5 minutes and increase the time as you see fit. You can deepen this relaxation with prayer, music, or visualization.
Have a great Month!
Jennifer
