camclub April Articles
camclub April Articles
Jane Johnson - Deep Tissue Massage
Power at your fingertips – is hand reflexology the next step?
Nutrition for Eye Health - Natural Therapy Pages
Jane Johnson - Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage and the no-pain-no-gain myth
Some massage therapists strongly believe in a no-pain-no-gain approach to massage.
This is a particularly strong view among some sports masseurs. They believe that to be effective, deep tissue massage must be painful, that it is inherently painful. Their argument is based on personal experience, having observed clients report improvements in the days following sometimes excruciatingly painful work to problem areas such as the iliotibial band and calf muscles. Consequently, there are now some clients who also believe deep tissue massage must be painful to be effective.
Fortunately for those of us wishing to avoid giving or receiving pain, the idea that deep tissue massage must be painful is something of a myth. As I hope you will discover from practicing the techniques in this book, there are many ways to work deeply into tissues, and there are other treatments (myofascial release, acupuncture, etc.) of treating excessively tight tissues that in some cases might be more appropriate for a client than deep tissue massage. Most therapists are altruistic in nature, with a desire to do good for their clients. Even those therapists with a brusque approach are unlikely to remain working if they do not meet the expectations of their clients at least in part. Nevertheless, dispelling the no-pain-no-gain myth is important for those of us working in the massage profession because to buy into it has three hugely negative consequences for us all.
First, believing that deep tissue massage must be painful puts off the many thousands of massage therapists who are interested in learning this form of massage but do not want to hurt their clients. These therapists might otherwise employ deep tissue massage safely and effectively without causing pain. They would have developed a useful skill with which to help treat a wider variety of clients with a wider variety of conditions.
Second, the myth puts off many clients who like the idea of receiving a deeper, more firm massage but who have heard how painful it can be. Third, the myth confuses some clients who think that all therapists who incorporate deep tissue techniques are going to inflict pain. Perhaps these clients have received a massage treatment in the past that was painful and are reluctant to go for massage again, even with a different therapist, despite having a condition that might be usefully treated with massage.
A premise of this book is that deep tissue massage should never be painful, and there are good reasons to uphold this approach. If you are uncertain whether deep tissue massage should or should not be painful, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Is it ethical? If a treatment happens to be painful, that’s one thing, but to deliberately set out to inflict pain, believing pain to be necessary—this is quite something else. Governing bodies the world over require therapists to work within a code of conduct and a code of ethics. What do your codes say about inflicting pain? Perhaps this issue is not mentioned in your codes. Should it be mentioned? Remember that we are not talking here about the kind of pain that occurs when you are first learning to massage and perhaps press a little too deeply (and quickly ease up); nor or we referring to the kind of ‘grateful pain’ inherent to the treatment of trigger spots. The kind of pain that some therapists believe is necessary to achieve their treatment outcomes is often prolonged and results from sharp, fast movements or the use of excessively deep pressure in which they try to mechanically force structures to lengthen. This kind of pain causes clients to wince, grit their teeth or hold their breath. It often results in bruising.
2. Is it legal? All massage requires consent from the client. However, pain is highly subjective, and it seems risky to agree to apply or to receive a treatment that might be painful when degrees of pain are difficult to quantify. Experienced therapists might argue that they know their clients and know how much pain they can take and how much pain is usually needed to be effective. But could there be legal implications if there is a misunderstanding between the therapist and the client (even when a consent form has been signed)?
3. Do painful treatments really work better than techniques applied without pain? Physiologically, pain results in the body being flooded with endorphins and an increase in muscle tension all over the body (albeit, this is temporary). Surely, increases in muscle tension are counterproductive to what we are usually trying to achieve in massage, namely relaxation and a reduction of tension in the muscles.
Finally, if you still firmly believe that for a treatment to be effective for some clients and to some parts of the body it must be painful, ask yourself these additional questions:
■ Are you certain that you cannot achieve the same result without causing pain?
Could it be that there are some deep tissue techniques you have not yet discovered that might enable you to achieve the same treatment outcome, or a better treatment outcome, without causing pain?
■ Is there an alternative form of treatment for which you could refer your client that would have the same (or better) treatment outcome?
Power at your fingertips – is hand reflexology the next step?
Hand reflexology is an effective and deeply relaxing therapy. Teresa Rich, FHT Member and lecturer, explains its history, benefits and uses
Our hands are of the utmost importance when it comes to touching, sensing and communicating with others. Perhaps this is why they have such a powerful role in the healing process, whether they are providing a treatment – or indeed, receiving one.
Hand reflexology is a very simple yet effective therapy that most clients find pleasant and deeply relaxing. Although some consider it to be the poor relation of foot reflexology, hand reflexology is often more convenient and can be just as effective as its sister therapy.
History and principles
Many reflexology books make reference to an ancient Egyptian painting found in the tomb of Ankhmahor at Saqqara that depicts pressure being applied to the hands and feet in a way that looks similar to reflexology as we know and practise it today. If this picture was from the tomb in question and does actually depict reflexology in its earliest form, this would indicate that the therapy is more than four and a half millennia old.
Ancient Chinese writings also allude to a pressure therapy that involves the fingers and thumbs, as well as wringing or rubbing the hands together in order to benefit the body as a whole.
However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that Dr William Fitzgerald wrote a book about ‘zone therapy’, explaining how the body is divided into 10 vertical zones, which run from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and fingers.
All of the organs and structures that fall within the same zone are believed to be linked by a flow of energy and can be ‘accessed’ or rebalanced by applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands where their relevant zone terminates – a theory Eunice Ingham went on to develop in greater detail in the 1930s.
Why foot reflexology became more popular than hand reflexology remains unclear. However, Eunice states in her first book, ‘Stories the feet can tell…’, ‘Reflexes exist in our hands in the same proportion, location, and so on, as in our feet. Only it is more difficult to locate them for they are not so pronounced and the added amount of exercise we give our hands keeps the tenderness worked out, which would otherwise be found.’1
It is true that the reflexes are much deeper in the hands and therefore more pressure is required in order to produce the same results as foot reflexology. However, if a gentler treatment is desirable for a particular client, then hand reflexology may be more preferable to foot reflexology as it is generally considered less powerful.
What the treatment involves
When preparing for a hand reflexology session, the therapist should remember that comfort is essential.
Hand reflexology should be carried out on a soft but firm surface. This could be a covered pillow or a folded towel, whichever the therapist and clients prefer.
Ideally, the client should be sitting back in a recliner chair with a hand resting on a pillow or towel placed on the armrest. The therapist would then sit diagonally opposite the client in another chair, on the corresponding side being treated.
Therefore, the therapist should sit to the client’s right hand side when working the right hand, and on the client’s left hand side when working the left hand. However, the therapist and client may find it more comfortable to sit opposite one another, with the client resting their arms on a table placed in the middle.
A treatment typically begins with a five-minute massage of the right hand, which includes effleurage, wrist rotations, thumb rotations and knuckle kneading. This is then followed by a 25-minute reflexology routine, where the therapist works the following:
■ The neurological system/skeletal system/ muscular system;
■ Head;
■ Arm and shoulder;
■ Spine;
■ Pelvic area;
■ Cardiovascular/lymphatic system;
■ Digestive system, liver, gall bladder;
■ Reproductive system;
■ Urinary system;
■ Endocrine system. The treatment is then concluded with a five-minute massage routine and all of the above is repeated on the left hand.
As touch is a vital part of the treatment, it is important that the therapist takes good care of their hands. Treat them to a regular soak in warm olive oil with a few drops of peppermint essential oil (if not contraindicated). Always ensure that your nails are kept short and smooth at the edges and moisturise your hands daily.
The benefits
As with many complementary therapies, most clients report that their health has improved either specifically or generally from treatment, yet there is currently little scientific research available to either verify or refute the many benefits associated with hand reflexology. As well as improving circulation and well-being, the therapy is said to:
■ Benefit conditions that typically affect the hands and wrists, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI;
■ Aid recovery from hand injury;
■ Help maintain manual dexterity;
■ Rejuvenate overused or tired hands.
Many reflexologists have also found that hand reflexology is particularly useful if the client has an injured foot, an infection – such as athlete’s foot – ticklish feet, or does not like their feet being touched, or is generally uncomfortable with touch. It is found that most people can cope with having their hands touched as this is a common occurrence in everyday life.
Reflexologists who are presented with a local contraindication on the foot, such as an ingrown toe nail, or who want to reinforce their work on a particular reflex found on the foot, may find it useful to work the corresponding reflexes on the hand towards the end of their treatment.
It is also much easier to provide clients with some home care advice that involves working reflex points on the hands as opposed to the feet, as the latter are obviously much harder to reach, particularly If the client is elderly or disabled.
An added bonus of hand reflexology is that it enhances hand awareness in clients, helping them to protect their hands from future injury – which could be of paramount importance to those who use their hands for a living, e.g. musicians, computer operators, and dare I say, therapists!
As most people use their hands to some extent in their professional lives as well as their personal lives, it could be argued that anyone and everyone can benefit from using hand reflexology on a ‘preventative medicine’ basis.
Contraindications to treatment
The list below covers just some of the contraindications to a hand reflexology treatment, and medical advice should be sought where appropriate:
■ Unstable blood pressure;
■ Liver disorder;
■ Recent surgery;
■ Cuts or abrasions;
■ Fractures or sprains;
■ Diabetes;
■ Epilepsy;
■ Infections;
■ Skin allergy problems;
■ Under the influence of drugs/alcohol;
■ Medication by the doctor.
If the client is pregnant, the pituitary should not be worked and most books recommend that hand and foot reflexology should be avoided during the first trimester. If the client has any heart problems, treatment should ideally commence on the hands – with GP approval – as treatment via the feet may be too strong. The hands are also a powerful aid in normalising palpitations.
Case study
Ann first came to me in 1997 through a recommendation by another client. She is a retired lady with osteoarthritis throughout her body and especially in her hands.
History
As a result of her condition, Ann was finding it extremely difficult and painful
to carry out everyday activities that involved her hands, such as opening jars and putting on clothes, and she often had to rely on others for help.
At her initial consultation, Ann was evidently distressed by the pain she was experiencing as a result of her condition. On examination, her hands appeared deformed, inflamed and stiff, and their colour indicated that she had poor circulation. Due to the arthritis she was also experiencing pain in her hips, knees, shoulders and feet. At the time, Ann was taking several anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief, but the dose has been gradually reduced since she has been having regular hand reflexology treatments.
Her initial treatment plan involved weekly hand reflexology, followed by monthly appointments.
Aftercare
Ann continues with daily hand exercises, consisting of squeezing a ball in the palm of her hands, pressing her fingers together and rotating her wrists. She follows a very healthy diet, drinks lots of water and tries to avoid foods that antagonise her arthritis. In between treatments she uses a TENS machine and soaks her hands in Dead Sea salts. Whenever the pain returns, she increases her hand reflexology treatments to once a week.
Current health status
Over the years, the arthritic pain has become more manageable and Ann has experienced episodes where her hands have been pain-free. She has regained the use of her hands and this has given her more independence as she no longer relies heavily on others for support. Ann is now a very happy lady with a positive outlook on life.
Reference
1. Ingham, Eunice D. (1938) Stories the feet can tell thru’ reflexology and stories the feet have told thru’ reflexology: the original works of Eunice D Ingham.
Ingham Publishing, Inc. Revised by Dwight Byers (1984). ISBN: 0-96118043-9. Available from FHT. Tel: 02380 624350 or visit www.fhtonline.co.uk
Teresa Rich, MFHT, ATL, MICHT, is the founder of Footprints, providing advanced reflexology treatments, training and DVDs in hand and foot reflexology.
Tel: 01202 295910 or visit www. teresarich-therapy.co.uk
‘This article was first published in International Therapist, the membership journal of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. Reprinted with permission of the FHT (www.fht.org.uk) and Tina Rich. Images are (C) Teresa Rich 2008′
Nutrition for Eye Health - Natural Therapy Pages
The eyes, and eyesight, are one of the most important parts of the body, and most people fear losing their sight or their eyesight worsening. However, there are some foods that can help to protect the health of your eyes, and ward off eye diseases such as age related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts.
Essential Fatty Acids for Eyesight
Essential fatty acids or EFAs are fats that the body needs but cannot manufacture itself. Thus, they must be obtained from the diet. The two types of EFAs are omega 3 and omega 6. EFAs have been connected with the development of eyesight in infants and deficiencies in adults can lead to impaired vision. If the deficiency is chronic, retinal or macular damage may result. Omega 3s may help to protect against dry eye syndrome. The body converts EFAs into prostaglandins which helps the aqueous humor in the eye to drain, and also regulates the intraocular pressure. The best source of omega 3s is cold water fish.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eyesight
Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds called xanthophylls. These xanthophylls are carotenoids and are found in the flesh and leaves of yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. Dark green, leafy vegetables have substantial amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs also contain lutein in the yolk. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in high amounts in the lens and retina of the eyes and act as antioxidants to protect eyes from free radicals. They may also protect the eye by filtering out high-energy blue light, thus protecting the underlying cell layers from light damage. A diet high in these xanthophylls may protect the eye from macular degeneration and cataracts.
Vitamin A for Eyesight
Vitamin A is important for eyesight as it helps to prevent night blindness. If you are deficient in vitamin A and you have night blindness, uncorrected, this can lead to xerophthalmia, a condition that causes dryness in the eyes, corneal ulcers and swollen eyelids. If xerophthalmia is not treated, that, in turn, can lead to blindness. Vitamin A has also been shown to help stop the formation of cataracts, and may play a part in preventing blindness relating from macular degeneration.
Vitamin C for Eyesight
Vitamin C in high levels can help to reduce the risk of cataracts. Cataracts are buildups of protein that result in cloudy vision. It may also play a role in delaying macular degeneration. Vitamin C may also help to prevent and relieve glaucoma.
Bioflavonoids for Eyesight
Bioflavonoids are compounds that give certain foods their colour and they often work as antioxidants. Any food that contains bioflavonoids will contain vitamin C as well. Bilberry is excellent for the eyes, as are citrus fruits, and red and purple fruits. Bilberry is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Vitamin E for Eyesight
Vitamin E may be useful for eyesight as it has been shown to prevent cataracts and it may be useful in helping to prevent macular degeneration. This is because vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant.
Minerals for Eyesight
Zinc is required for normal eye function and adapting to the dark. A zinc deficiency may lead to cataracts, and zinc has been used for the specific purpose of reducing the development of age relataed macular degeneration. Zinc also helps the body to absorb vitamin A. Selenium helps the body to absorb vitamin E. Copper is also used to help reduce the development of age related macular degeneration.
