By Alex A. Kecskes


Among the many benefits of massage therapy are those related to the body's production and regulation of neurohormones. These are the hormones produced by the nervous system that affect an individual's behavior and general well being. It has long been suspected that massage therapy offers a number of mood enhancing benefits. Now scientific studies back this up. Research conducted at the TOUCH Research Institute at the University of Miami revealed that massage increases the availability of all neurohormones affecting brain chemistry.

Massage tends elevates the levels of dopamine, a neurohormone released by the hypothalamus. Dopamine influences fine motor activity like painting or playing a musical instrument. It affects intuition, inspiration, joy, and enthusiasm. Those lacking in dopamine will likely exhibit clumsiness, poor focus, and be easily distracted.

Massage can also raise the availability of serotonin, a neurohormone that regulates behavior in terms of emotions, acting to quell irritability and cravings for sex and food. Those low in serotonin often have difficulty sleeping and tend to suffer from depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Research has shown that massage can achieve a number of positive results. For example, a 15 minute seated massage can elevate epinephrine (adrenaline) levels by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. This can increase a person's alertness. A slower, longer, deeper, and more rhythmic massage can, on the other hand, reduce epinephrine levels, creating a feeling of relaxation, and facilitating deep sleep.

Acupressure and trigger point therapy (applying pressure to tender muscle tissue to relieve pain and dysfunction) are further examples of massage techniques that provide a number of important benefits. These techniques create endorphins, which are compounds known to reduce pain and produce a sense of euphoria. After 15 minutes of massage, endorphins come into play and their "feel good" effects may last up to 48 hours.

Oxytocin is another neurohormone produced by massage therapy. It supports feelings of attachment and can help during pregnancy, birthing, and lactation. Massage therapy has also been shown to reduce levels of Cortisol -- the stress related neurohormone produced by the adrenal glands. Finally, by encouraging  sleep, massage can increase the availability of growth hormones, which promote cell division and is involved in tissue repair, regeneration, and healing.

Before attempting any form of massage therapy, consult a primary care physician. If the doctor advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: At this time, Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive a baby after one year of trying. Women who suffer miscarriages are also said to be infertile. Infertility affects about 7.3 million women and their partners in the United States.  Women and men share the problem of infertility about equally.

Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. It should be noted that conception sometimes occurs when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used without the intervention of traditional medical treatments.

150 Herbs Mixed in "Cocktails"

There are currently over 150 different herbs one can use to treat infertility. No individual herb is considered especially useful for promoting fertility. Instead, herbs are usually given in combination and frequently adjusted for a particular patient. Herbs are often given as pills, powders, tablets, and teas. Herbs are usually discontinued once pregnancy is suspected or confirmed.

Acupuncture Addresses Various Problems/Issues

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. Chinese herbs, bodywork, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and exercise have been shown to restore imbalances found in the body. Acupuncture addresses problems/issues that affect fertility. It can offer these benefits:

• Improve ovarian and follicular function to yield higher quality eggs
• Increase blood flow to the uterus to promote a thick, rich lining
• Regulate hormones for increased production of follicles
• Prevent uterine contraction after an IVF embryo transfer
• Reduce the side effects of IVF medications
• Improve sperm count and motility

Another advantage of using traditional Chinese medicine in treating infertility is that it minimizes certain undesired side effects and the accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drugs. Using acupuncture for fertility treatment poses some risks, however. A miscarriage may occur if incorrect acupuncture points are used on a pregnant woman. This is why infertile patients should only be treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders.

Before and After IVF

Experiments using Chinese medicine to supplement In-Vitro Fertilization  (IVF) at the University of Texas revealed that Chinese medicine increases the success rate of IVF by as much as 50 percent. Patients are given herbs and acupuncture at several critical stages during the procedure. At the first stage, herbs and acupuncture are administered to ensure smooth flow to the ovaries. This is followed by Chinese herbs and acupuncture to ease the side effects of drugs used to stimulate egg production. Other herbs are used before implantation to relax the muscles, prevent contraction, and improve the embryo to implant on the uterus.

Acupuncture treatments usually average 15 minutes, once or twice a week. While some patients have experienced bleeding or a mild allergies , most people experience no side effects from acupuncture therapy.

Caveats

In 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved acupuncture for use by licensed acupuncture practitioners. Prospective patients should note that acupuncture is an art and a science that takes years to master. Use an FDA approved, licensed acupuncturist with formal training and experience in the treatment of infertility. Be sure to discuss any acupuncture and herbal treatments with your doctor to ensure they are right for you.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Breast cancer currently affects about one in eight women in the United States. In 2009, an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women throughout the U.S. In addition, 62,280 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer were diagnosed.  Sadly, about 40,170 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2009 from the disease. The good news is that, as of 2008, about 2.5 million women in the U.S. have survived breast cancer. Women with breast cancer can suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, which can result in a decreased in natural killer (NK) cells. A drop in NK cell activity has been linked to increased tumor development.

Massage therapy has been shown to offer a number of benefits for breast cancer patients. Performed by a skilled and qualified therapist, the immediate benefits of massage therapy include reduced stress and anxiety. Long-term massage effects include reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, NK cell number, and lymphocytes. Massage can also enhance one's feeling of well-being. It can stimulate the nerve endings in the skin, release endorphins (the feel good hormone) and inhibit the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.

In a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the Touch Research Institute found that massage therapy reduced anxiety and depression. It also improved immune function, including increased NK cell number in breast cancer patients. Additionally, breast cancer patients have improved immune functions following massage therapy.

Another study* found that therapeutic massage reduced cancer pain perception by an average of 60 percent, decreased anxiety by 24 percent and enhanced relaxation by 58 percent. A Touch Research Institute study involving 20 children with leukemia found that daily massages by their parents increased the children's white blood cell and neutrophil counts (neutrophils form a primary defense against bacterial infection).

One 2003 study of 230 cancer patients found that those who received one 45-minute therapeutic massage session per week for a month felt less pain and took about eight fewer doses of pain medication than those in the control group.

Massage therapy is usually administered by a therapist using fingers and hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body--muscles, skin and tendons. Administered by a trained professional, massage therapy is generally safe and has no negative side effects. Effective massage therapies include stroking, squeezing and stretching techniques on the head, arms, legs, feet and back.

During chemotherapy treatment, blood count for platelets and/or white blood cells may drop below normal levels. Also, during radiation treatment, the skin develops minor burns. A qualified massage therapist must be familiar with these treatment side effects before proceeding with massage.

Before attempting massage therapy, first consult a primary care physician. If he or she advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.

*Ferrel-Torry & Glick (1003)

Today, millions of children worldwide live with HIV. Regrettably, global access to antiretroviral drugs is not readily available. Massage therapy, which has been shown to improve immune function in HIV-positive adults and adolescents, may boost the immune systems of young children living with HIV.

A strong immune system allows the body to shore up its disease-fighting arsenal. In contrast, a weakened immune system is an open invitation for disease. For HIV patients, the immune system must be continuously built up to prevent the patient from succumbing to the disease. Research has proven the benefits of massage therapy among patients who were HIV-positive. Massage boosts immune system function by reducing anxiety and stress, increasing white blood cell counts, and decreasing the levels of the stress hormone, Cortisol, which has been noted to destroy immune cells. Massage has also been shown to activate the body's natural killer cells.

By Alex A. Kecskes

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects about 6.8 million American adults. It affects twice as many women as men and its onset occurs gradually, beginning typically between childhood and middle age. A Surgeon General's report on Mental Health revealed that 16% of adults between the ages of 18 and 54 suffer from various anxiety disorders for at least one year.

GAD sufferers are often overly concerned about health issues, money, family problems or difficulties on the job. They can have negative, fearful thoughts about the future or suffer excessive guilt about some past event. These concerns can last for months and are often groundless. Physical symptoms associated with GAD include muscle tension/aches, fatigue, headaches, difficulty swallowing, twitching, irritability, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, frequent urination, hot flashes and shortness of breath.

One way to reduce the symptoms of GAD is through massage therapy. Various forms of therapeutic superficial tissue manipulation have been practiced for thousands of years to treat anxieties of various sorts. Therapeutic massage can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress. Massage was shown to promote relaxation and alleviate pain and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients.

Massage therapy can act to cleanse the body of impurities. It can, for example, help break down built up toxins or waste in muscles, and often has a calming effect on anxious patients. A good massage performed by a trained professional can help you relax and soothe the aches and pains in various parts of your body. While receiving a massage, one should avoid talking or dwelling on family, work or money matters. Instead, it's best to relax and clear the mind. Keep in mind that it takes time for massage therapy to begin working. This means that persistent pains and tensions will require several sessions, so don't expect immediate results.

There are several different types of massage available today. There's Deep Tissue massage, which reaches deep into the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. Practitioners need advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology to correctly perform this technique. Another popular technique is Swedish massage, which is a vigorous treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. It uses five basic strokes--kneading, rolling, vibration, percussive and tapping--to manipulate the body's soft tissues. Chinese self-massage techniques can also help relax your body, ease tension and reduce anxiety. These self-massage methods seek to restore balance and harmony of the body's various parts.They stimulate the flow of qi by kneading, rubbing, slapping, pinching or gently pounding the surface of the body.

By Alex A. Kecskes

Today, millions of children worldwide live with HIV. Regrettably, global access to antiretroviral drugs is not readily available. Massage therapy, which has been shown to improve immune function in HIV-positive adults and adolescents, may boost the immune systems of young children living with HIV.

A strong immune system allows the body to shore up its disease-fighting arsenal. In contrast, a weakened immune system is an open invitation for disease. For HIV patients, the immune system must be continuously built up to prevent the patient from succumbing to the disease. Research has proven the benefits of massage therapy among patients who were HIV positive. Massage boosts immune system function by reducing anxiety and stress, increasing white blood cell counts and decreasing the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which has been noted to destroy immune cells. Massage has also been shown to activate the body's natural killer cells.

Effect of Massage on Chronic Low Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions in the United States and a leading reason why people see a doctor. Four out of five adults will suffer from low back pain during their lives.

Unlike lower back pain, which is often caused by muscle strains, chronic lower back pain typically persists for more than three months. The pain may be progressive, or be characterized by flare-ups. The causes of chronic pain can be hard to pinpoint, but they can usually be linked to a degenerative disc disease or a lumbar herniated disc. While some doctors prescribe muscle relaxants, many patients prefer to avoid these drugs. People feel drowsy, dizzy, confused, lightheaded or less alert when using muscle relaxants. Other side effects include blurred vision, clumsiness or unsteadiness. Thus many patients are turning to massage therapy for relief.

Many healthcare providers accept massage therapy as an effective treatment to relieve the symptoms of lower back pain. A majority of providers advise patients to combine massage therapy with medical treatment. Massage therapy can reduce lower back pain, depression and anxiety. It may also improve a patient's range of motion and elevate their serotonin and dopamine levels, allowing for enhanced sleep.

The American Massage Therapy Association points to research showing massage therapy improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles and increases endorphin levels. Endorphins are the feel-good chemicals the body produces to help us deal with pain.

A research study conducted by the Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington revealed that massage therapy could have prolonged benefits for sufferers of chronic back pain. In the study, 262 adults, ages 20 to 70, were given Swedish and deep-tissue massages, trigger-point therapy (applying pressure to tender muscle tissue), neuromuscular therapy and movement education. After 10 weeks, participants noted that the benefits of massage therapy continued well beyond the last treatment and persisted up to one year later.

When suffering from chronic lower back pain, first consult a primary care physician before attempting massage therapy. If the doctor advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.

Take Off those Extra Pounds with Acupuncture

By Alex A. Kecskes

It's a staggering fact that as many as a quarter of all Americans are overweight. In their struggle to lose those excess pounds, Americans spend over 33 billion dollars every year on weight-loss programs. Regrettably, a whopping 95 percent fail in their attempt to lose the weight they need to maintain good health. Fortunately, medical acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific body points or "energy pathways." The inserted needles act to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural "feel good" hormones. This can create a calming, relaxing effect, which counteracts the need for excessive eating brought about by increased stress, frustration or anxiety. In this respect, acupuncture can calm those so afflicted and help them lose weight without resorting to drugs.

Several studies have shown that when acupuncture is combined with traditional methods of weight loss, patients lose more weight. In these cases, one to three acupuncture weight loss sessions can be safe and effective in helping people achieve reasonable weight loss goals.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the belief is that excessive weight gains are caused mainly by an imbalance in the body due to a malfunction of the spleen and liver organ systems. Skilled acupuncture practitioners will zero in on specific body areas to effect weight loss. Among these are the endocrine system and kidneys, which are addressed to treat water retention and to stimulate nerve and hormonal rebalance. The spleen and thyroid gland are also targeted to effect sugar and hormonal rebalancing. Finally, the adrenal and ovary glands are included to treat weight gain due to menopause or Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some people notice the effects of acupuncture fairly quickly and only require treatments every other week.

Another Chinese acupuncture practice for losing weight is ear stapling. This involves manipulating points on the ear to control food cravings. Auricular acupuncture has been used successfully to help cigarette smokers and heroin addicts kick their drug habits.  When properly administered by a qualified acupuncturist, this technique may help some people lose weight. One study, published in Medical Acupuncture, found that ear acupuncture combined with a 2,000 calorie a day diet and 15-minute walk helped reduce weight. The study involved 20 obese women, 22 to 42 years of age. Half of those who received weekly 15-minute sessions of ear acupuncture lost an average of 10 pounds. Those without ear acupuncture averaged only a three-pound loss. Moreover, the women who received the acupuncture treatments reported a decrease in appetite.

It is important to note that ear acupuncture treatments must be administered by a qualified acupuncturist. For the best results, these treatments should be combined with a reduced calorie diet and appropriate physical exercise. The critical point to be made here is that acupuncture should be viewed as a support system not a sole modality.

As with all medical conditions, always seek the advice of a doctor before beginning any acupuncture treatments for weight loss.

How Massage Can Benefit Your Heart

By Alex A. Kecskes

Regardless of age, massage therapy performed by a skilled and qualified therapist can reduce stress, cause relaxation and enhance feelings of well being. A good massage can stimulate the nerve endings in skin, release endorphins (the feel good hormones) and inhibit the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Blood will circulate more efficiently, blood pressure will drop and heart rates will slow down.

A regular massage regimen can reduce the risks associated with stress, such as cardiac arrhythmias (the heart pumps less effectively, so less blood reaches the brain and other vital organs). A number of long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure. And maintaining a healthy blood pressure can contribute to lowering the odds of one having a heart attack. Massage therapy releases contracted muscles and pushes venous blood towards the heart, easing the strain on the heart. In this way, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach for allowing the body to naturally heal itself.

Some suggest that massage therapy may move a patient's nervous system from the sympathetic toward the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system helps mobilize the body for action (the fight-or-flight response), which ups the heart and breathing rate and causes blood vessels to narrow. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system creates a resting response characterized by a reduced heart and breathing rate and dilated blood vessels. An increasing number of research studies reveal that massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure and increases blood circulation. A pilot study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles showed that in-patient massage treatments performed after heart bypass surgery reduced pain and muscle spasms.

Massage therapy is usually administered by a therapist using fingers and hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body--muscles, skin and tendons. When administered by a trained professional, massage therapy is generally safe and has no adverse side effects. Since massage improves the circulation, it facilitates the flow of essential nutrients and oxygen to your body. The gliding action of the massage therapist’s hands over your skin (a technique called effleurage) can have a calming effect on nerves, which medical studies show can help reduce stress.

For those who do not get enough physical exercise, a monthly massage is highly recommended. Keep in mind that the effects of regular massage are cumulative. If the goal is one of health maintenance, a massage every week or two can help one feel better and reduce tension and stress levels.

Before attempting massage therapy, first consult a primary care physician. If the doctor advises that massage may help, find a licensed massage therapist who is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (www.ncbtmb.org) or the American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org). Note: Medicare and most private insurance do not cover massage.

Light Touch and Lymph Drainage Therapies Ease Pregnancy Problems

It's no secret that pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery subject most women to a gauntlet of physical and emotional challenges. Light touch Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can offer considerable relief in dealing with the discomforts and demands of pregnancy.

So what exactly is Light Touch CST?  Quite simply, it's a gentle method for resolving physical and emotional issues. Therapists work with the body's connective tissue--tissue that connects and supports every part of the human anatomy--to access and correct any restrictions in this tissue. Therapists will apply a very light touch, which allows for deeper contact that penetrates the central nervous system. By doing so, CST techniques work with the body's ability to heal itself, to treat the root cause of a condition, rather than the symptom. A key benefit of light touch CST is that it is non-invasive with no side effects.

Prenatal CST sessions can reduce the effects of daily stress and gently improve mobility in the mother’s pelvis, allowing her baby to more easily assume an ideal position for birth. CST sessions also provide some peace of mind, allowing many women to express any fears or concerns about their transition to motherhood.

A CST practitioner evaluates the body and uses a light touch to encourage expansion, mobility and healing. Working with the CranioSacral rhythm, the light massage releases restrictions in the body and pelvis to help the birthing experience. This eases tension and allows women to prepare for labor and birth. It also helps to ease and prevent ligament pain, and low back, hip or rib pain. During labor and birth, CST helps to balance and unwind the pelvis, uterus and sacrum, and ensures the best fetal positioning.

Many women suffer from swelling during pregnancy. Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) can help. Developed in the 1930s, LDT is a delicate form of massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, improving its overall metabolism. In practice, trained LDT practitioners use gentle, rhythmical circling movements of the skin to stimulate the contractions of the lymphatic vessels. This not only helps to detoxify tissues, regenerate cells and improve circulation, but it also helps to remove excess fluids from the body's tissues.

For more information on light touch and lymph drainage therapies, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu


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