Is Your Summer A Breeze Or A Sneeze? Tips For Coping With Allergies

by | Jun 18, 2018 | Acupressure

While the hazy days of summer are a delight to some, for others they bring weeks of relentless sneezes, sniffles and sore eyes. Hayfever can drive those allergic to pollen crazy as symptoms build day after day with little respite. Here’s a look at summer’s most common allergy affliction and what its streaming victims can do to get some relief.

What is an allergic reaction?

Allergies kick in when our immune system reacts to what it perceives as a threat. In response it produces histamine in abundance. In the case of hay fever, the allergic reaction occurs when pollen particles come into contact with the lining of the nose. The immune system detects a threat and goes all out to wash it out the way it came. As soon as pollen is airborne the hyper-vigilant immune system in question sends out a decree to “let the streaming commence.”

Why summer?

Hay fever symptoms arise during the summer months because this is the time when pollen and spores are airborne. Rainy days can give relief as pollen and spores are washed to the ground and held captive in a damp environment before things dry up and they get to float around again. Some hay fever sufferers find that their symptoms persist after the typical pollen season is over. Irritants like tobacco smoke, perfume and fluctuating temperatures can aggravate an already sensitive system and lead to continued irritation.

Barrier Methods

One natural method for dealing with allergies is to use a natural and inert oil like coconut, or almond oil, to protect the lining of the nose from direct contact with pollen or other airborne allergens. For itching eyes, Ayurveda (the traditional Indian system of natural medicine) has a simple kitchen remedy. Soak a tablespoonful of coriander seeds in a cup of boiling water, cover and leave to cool. Once completely cool, dip a sterile gauze pad in the liquid and then lay back with it resting on your closed eyes.

The Stress Factor Hay fever loves heat.

Be it the weather, or our internal thermostat, symptoms thrive when we’re running too hot. While it’s not easy to keep cool, calm, and collected when everything is itching and irritated, stress is only going to make it worse. Some sufferers find retreating to a cool showing or swimming pool gives a spell of relaxation and relief from relentless sneezing.

Immune Negotiations

If an immune system is responding to a “perceived” threat that is in reality harmless, one measure we can take to get some relief is to try and convince it that all is OK with the allergen in question.

Give yourself a Helping Hand

EFT is self-help acupressure technique that can settle the immune system and keep stress levels down. If you’re sick of sneezing and reluctant to hoard up on antihistamines for the next 3 months, EFT May be just what you need to get relaxed and stop the sneezes.

Holistic Pain Relief Methods: Never Outdated

by | Jun 18, 2018 | Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine

These days, a growing number of people who suffer from chronic pain are seeking out a holistic approach to managing their discomfort. There are a lot of holistic pain relief methods without relying on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, narcotics, tranquilizers, or anti-depressants.

Holistic health focuses on the principle that human potentials unfold to be actualized as total beings functioning at their best. It operates on the human desire for vitality, enthusiasm and fulfilling and satisfying life. Holistic health addresses not only the physical aspect but also aims to establish balance within the self at all levels, the body, mind, and spirit, as well as achieve harmony with the environment. Holistic health is an approach that affects one’s lifestyle, relationships, and social interaction. Holistic health also encompasses the management and elimination of stress.

Some studies, including a small well-conducted trial, have reported relief from pelvic pain after acupuncture or acupressure, a technique that applies small pins or pressure to specific points on the body. It is believed to work by exciting nerve receptors in those locations that interact with pain blockers in the brain. Some women report relief with reflexology, an acupressure technique that uses manual pressure on the body’s vital points located in the ears, hands, and feet.

These Chinese holistic pain relief methods are based in the belief that health is determined by the level of chi (vital life energy) that is inside the body. This energy is thought to move through pathways called meridians, which connect to specific organs in the body. People use different terms when describing systems and methods used in the scope of holistic medicine. The most popular among the terminologies are alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and natural healing, all of which use procedures that are non-invasive.

Another important part of traditional Chinese medicine is herbal medicine. Herbs have been used for centuries for their holistic pain relief qualities. Chinese herbal medicine or CHM has been used for many centuries in China. It has been used in public schools to treat unexplained cramps as a menstrual pain relief.

A study conducted by Cochrane researchers found evidence that CHM may provide a possible treatment for pain relief. Experts believe the pain relief the herbs provide may stem from their influence on hormones and micro-circulation hemorrheology, but they have not found conclusive evidence of their exact pain-relieving mechanism.

Yoga and meditative techniques that promote relaxation may also be helpful for pain relief. Meditation is also another popular choice for a lot of people for a holistic pain relief method. It has also been practiced for thousands of years. It is a conscious attempt to calm the mind so that it is not cluttered with thoughts and anxieties that might be contributing to an unnecessary belief in the existence of pain.

There are hundreds of different meditation techniques, but mostly they all into three categories: concentrative, mindful and transcendental meditation. Aromatherapy, at its best works to heal the body and mind, healing it from various illnesses, as well as working as a stress reliever to prevent illness.

Aromatherapy has been used over the years by Egyptians, Indians, Europeans, Germans, France, etc. The oils have proven to assist in relaxing the body and mind, and were used as a medicinal remedy. Applying essential oils is thought to change an individual’s brain chemistry so that pleasurable neuro-transmitters called endorphins are released to relieve pain. Geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme are oils commonly used for this purpose.

For many people, particularly those in the western world, holistic pain relief solutions such as acupuncture, and herbal medicines are novel concepts. However, the rest of the world is probably wondering what the fuss is about, because these traditional approaches to holistic pain relief have been around for thousands of years and are still widely accepted until today.

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

by | Jun 18, 2018 | Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine is gaining popularity in the U.S., as more and more people are learning the benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, deep massage, Qigong, and the herbal medicines. Westerners are the new kids on the block when it comes to receiving these treatments, as over a quarter of the population of the world practices TCM, also known as Oriental medicine.

The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization believe TCM to be a viable alternative to Western medicine, and now many health insurance companies will cover acupuncture as a treatment for various ailments. Very exciting for those of us who find acupuncture to be a great help in lessening pain and improving circulation.

Acupuncture originated in China around 3,000 years ago and is the most common form of medical procedure in the rest of the world, because the same treatment not only relieves immediate pain, it is a preventative procedure because it realigns the Qi ( pronounced “Chee.”) The Qi is the body’s vital energy, all things rise from Qi and it flows and connects a person to the earth and sky.

It is also the source of the body’s natural healing, all disorders can be traced to a Qi imbalance, and the acupuncture points on the body release the bound Qi and allow it to flow naturally-the body can then begin to heal itself. Diagnosis in acupuncture involves the practitioner asking a long list of questions, some usually considered by Americans to be of a private nature.

The questions consist of everything from listing sleeping patterns to a typical day meals to how many times the patient has a bowel movement in a 24 hour period. These are necessary questions, as the more information the acupuncturist has, the better to tell where the Qi is blocked.

The patient typically will then lie down on a massage table (in the East acupuncture is usually done in the sitting position) and the practitioner will insert very thin needles into some of the 2,000 plus points in the body which connect to 14 pathways, or medians. The insertion of the needles does not hurt, and contrary to what you may have heard, he/she does not twist or bore them into the skin. They are inserted just underneath the surface and the patent is left in a soothing, dimmed room for about an hour. There are different sizes and lengths of needles, each for a specific ailments and point. The needles are made of super thin stainless steel and are pliable; they are discarded after each use.

Another form of TCM is herbal remedies; these are often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Because all things are interconnected, pains and conditions in the body have a lot to do with one’s emotions and thinking process. That is why people who experience chronic pain are also frequently depressed.

TCM practitioners will often give the patient herbs to help relax or calm them along with the acupuncture sessions. This is called tonic herbalism, and some popular herbs used are probably already in your kitchen. Green tea and ginseng are two of the most well known herbs used in TCM, but here are some others-considered ”warm” foods which will help maintain good health and restore balance to a depleted Qi: Rice and noodles, broccoli, egg whites, fish and chicken.

It is no coincidence that these are some of the main ingredients in all Eastern cooking. In order to get a holistic view of TCM, we have covered acupuncture (prevention and treatment), herbal remedies and diet, it is only right that we should touch on exercise.

Qigong (Pronounced Chee Kung.) Qi, of course, still means energy, and gong means work or practice. The art and practice of Qigong involves practicing posture, breathing, meditation, and slow regulated movement of the limbs. Qigong is a great exercise, and you can find that we offer classes here.

Asian Massage Therapy

by | Jun 18, 2018 | Uncategorized

There are several forms of ancient Asian massage still being practiced in the world today. Asian massage techniques are ancient healing rituals developed over the centuries in India and the Far East. Thai massage, shiatsu and asian massage are becoming more and more popular in the west as more people become interested in pilates, yoga and other more holistic forms of exercise and relaxation.

Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.

Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.

Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.

Indonesian Javanese massage is a system of massage that uses all parts of the hand, including the knuckles, to knead and massage the muscles. Usually a massage oil is used to facilitate the therapy. This massage works on the muscles and nerves to relieve tension, back pain and aid in the healing of fractures. Of all of the Asian massages, this is the most robust, and the massage is often painful, although greatly beneficial in the long run.

Whatever your preferences, there are many ancient Asian massage treatments to choose from. Explore your massage options by adding one of these interesting and beneficial massages to your health regimen.

What Kind of Massage is Right for You?

by | Jun 18, 2018 | Acupressure

Massage feels sinfully good, doesn’t it? The truth is, massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself; especially during times of change such as menopause. This soothing therapy has been shown to lower blood press, reduce muscle pain, improve joint flexibility and alleviate headaches, just to name a few of its healing powers.

Most people think of massage in terms of muscle aches, but it’s much more than that. It increases blood flow to your muscles, tissue and every cell in your body which brings oxygen and nutrients to these critical areas. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and the immune system.

Here are some of the different strokes you have to choose from:

Acupressure

An ancient Chinese technique involves the therapist using his fingers to press key points on the skin to release muscle tension and promote circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture involves needles. The pressure restores balance to the body and treats ailments such as headaches, menstrual cramps and constipation.

Swedish Massage

This is probably the most common form of massage in the US. Its main goal is relaxation and improved circulation. The therapist applies oil to the skin and uses flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage is more vigorous and uses various styles to loosen the muscles. It helps break patterns of tension, relieves chronic pain, including inflammation-related pain such as tendonitis and improves range of motion.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure.” This technique is similar to acupressure where the practitioner uses their finger, thumb, palm, elbow, knee (and sometimes even walk on you) to put pressure on acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow. It also promotes relaxation and strengthens the body against disease and restores balance.

Sports Massage

This treatment incorporates several massage techniques which is great for athletes. It keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from an injury. Hot Stone Therapy During this therapy, heated stones are placed strategically on the body which dilates blood vessels and gets blood and oxygen flowing into tense areas. It can feel like a body “rush.” The soothing heat can also prepare the body for deep-tissue work as well as alleviate PMS symptoms.

Aromatherapy Massage

The therapist incorporates essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and roots into the massage. They select the proper oils based on a particular physical condition and blend them into a massage oil or lotion. The end result is a relaxing massage tailored to your individual needs.

Reiki

This therapy is an Eastern method meaning “universal life energy.” It brings healing energy to the organs and glands in order to bring the body back into balance and help prevent disease. The massage practitioner places their hands on or just above the body to realign chakras and dissolve toxic substances from your physical and emotional being. People often feel warmth or tingling sensations during Reiki.

Pregnancy Massage

This massage focuses on a pregnant woman’s needs including swollen hands and feet, stress on weight-bearing joints, exhaustion and lower back pain. And of course the practitioner positions you to accommodate your baby bump.

Craniosacral Therapy

This therapy involves the Craniosacral system which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine and consists of the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and surrounding membranes. The practitioner uses a light touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This can help treat such conditions as headaches, eye and ear problems as well as whiplash and back pain.