RECOMMIT, RECHARGE and RELEASE!

   RECOMMIT, RECHARGE and RELEASE
                                   Health Care Benefits of Massage Therapy

     According to the findings of a reader survey published in the September issue of CONSUMER REPORTS where three out of four adults reported using some form of alternative therapy for general health; chiropractic, deep tissue massage, yoga and Pilates dominated the lists of helpful alternative treatments for conditions such as back pain, neck pain and osteoarthritis.

   Not surprisingly to us at LEFT HAND BACK AND BODY, the survey respondents indicated yoga, deep tissue massage and Pilates rated THE SAME as prescription medications for help with back pain.  And some of the respondents initially looked to complementary and alternative therapies upon the suggestion of their physicians!

  What this means for you is that as we continue to explore the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies such as massage therapy, don't be afraid to speak with your physician about how these options might fit into your overall wellness program. Remember also, that there is an "inner physician" or intuition that lies within you that will guide you to explore possibilities for your healing and well being.  This inner guide will activate and give you guidance if you simply open to the dynamic that our health directives and decisions are invariably in our own hands. Take some time to gather information on your own.  There are quite a few resources out there that can help you better understand the research being done on the benefits of massage therapy as well as the different techniques and modalities your massage therapist might use.

   Additionally, talk to your massage therapist openly and honestly about the benefits you want to receive from massage therapy, making sure you get all your questions answered and fully understand what you can expect.

   If you have been away from massage for a while or never had a massage, consider starting or recommitting to regular treatments with a trusted bodyworker.  This will likely recharge you and bring awareness and aliveness to your body and mind and hopefully, with time and effort, release some of those clinging old pains, strains and issues and bring you back to wholeness.  The Doctor ordered it.

In Health, Annette Bloom, RMT, NCBTMB



resource: massage therapy journal, winter 2011

How Yoga Can Help Avoid and Reduce Back Pain

Many of the postures in yoga gently strengthen the muscles in the back, as well as the abdominal muscles. Back and abdominal muscles are essential for maintaining proper upright posture and movement. When these muscles are strong, back pain can be greatly reduced or avoided. Yoga also increases blood flow, allowing nutrients to flow in, toxins to flow out, and overall nourishment of the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back.
The postures below help to decrease the stress placed on the low back by both lengthening and strengthening:

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/491 Downward Facing Dog
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2466    Big Toe Pose - bend knees as much as you need to - lengthens hamstrings
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/472   Bridge Pose to open hip flexors and lengthen the front side of the body
Yoga Journal Magazine

Juli Dabiero Clark, LeftHand Back and Body
Yoga Lover!