Carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist pain that has gained a prominence in the lexicon of computer users. The pain is caused by the compression of the nerve at the wrist and is associated with motor deficit of the thenar muscles. Computer users who use a mouse quite often suffer from this syndrome because of long hours of moving the mouse over a pad with slight movement of the wrists and hands. The problem is due to the fact that the median nerve is a soft tissue that shares space with nine other flexor tendons that go through the carpal tunnel. Due to the constant use of the median nerve with small and constant movements, the nerve tends to get inflamed and the restricted space within the tunnel causes its inflammation to further compress the nerve and cause the pain associated with this syndrome.

 Patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome will complain of numbness, pain or motor deficit, and neglect of this can even lead to sensory or motor loss. Electro-neuropathy can measure the slowing down of conductivity across the wrist segment and this can lead to the correct diagnosis as to whether the condition is moderate, severe or has been caught at an early stage. Surgery is recommended only for severe conditions where motor loss is extreme. Most other conditions can be treated with massage and massage therapy. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also affect pregnant women due to edema pressures and they are normally recommended anti inflammatory drugs for relief.

Commonly called hay fever or allergic rhinitis, a seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically only present for part of the year, such as spring or fall. Pollens that are spread by the wind are usually the main cause of seasonal allergies. People who are allergic to pollen are also often sensitive to mold, ragweed, dust mites, and animal dander. About 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies, while the number of people with milder symptoms may be as high as 40 million, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Sensitive persons may develop seasonal allergies at any stage of their lives but, on the average, they develop in the preteen years. Statistical studies indicate that seasonal allergies are equally present in males and females and that no culture or ethnicity is more prone than any other.  However, seasonal allergies tend to run in families and they, therefore, have a strong genetic factor.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to a group of permanent disorders of motor conditions resulting in disability towards body movement. CP is not contagious, but is incurable, and usually occurs due to injury to the part of the brain controlling muscle tone and activity. A person with CP may experience disturbance in sensation, perception, communication and thought process. He/she may suffer secondary musculoskeletal problems, have epileptic attacks, or may have increased, reduced or a fluctuating muscle tone. The area of the brain damage determines which parts of the body are affected by CP.

In the US, half a million people have cerebral palsy and around 5,000 new cases among infants are diagnosed annually. This is the most common developmental disability. CP most commonly occurs in the developing stage of the fetus, but can also occur at birth. Research shows the incidence of CP is higher among African Americans.

The risk factors which can increase the possibility of CP at birth are:
-Mother's age less than 20 or more than 40.
-Father's age less than 20
-The child is born premature -Child is either first-born or fifth-born and after
-Very low birth weight. -German measles infection in the mother during the initial days of her pregnancy.
-An attack on the developing fetal brain by micro organisms.
A combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy and speech therapy can help people with CP in managing their condition. In a CP patient, the massage technique utilizes slow repetitive movement to work through the pathways of the brain, in turn triggering a favorable response towards lowering muscle tone. Massage therapy along with stretching, heat therapy, and motion exercises can help in providing relief, preventing contractures, enhancing flexibility, reducing pain and improving range of motion. Craniosacral bodywork (involving working with the spine and skull to disengage the reflex) and slow motion exercises gradually help to engage the patient. Work has to be done on the muscle instead of fighting the tone.
The massage therapist working with CP patients should be sensitive towards the patient's non-verbal signals, facial expressions and breathing techniques. As time passes and the rapport improves, the therapist will learn how to make the patient most comfortable and pick up cues on discomfort or pain.
The Touch Research Institute in Miami has conducted research on children affected by CP subjected to massage therapy. In most cases, the children showed improvement in fine and gross motor functioning and reduced rigidity in overall muscle tone. They exhibited progress in social skills, cognition and facial expressions.

According to the Nursing Times, researchers studying the effects of massage therapy on CP patients have deduced improvement in blood circulation and digestion. The patients showed increase in circulation in the paralyzed limbs, lessening of spasms and muscle tension. The study concluded that passive range of movements stimulate the cranial areas and act as a nurturing touch in increasing flexibility. Thus the overall daily well-being of a CP patient is enhanced. Massage therapy contributes to the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy by improving their physical and mental health.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that an estimated 5.8 million people in the U.S. suffer from, with symptoms that involve muscle aches, pain, weakness and joint stiffness.  It also involves unexplained fatigue, making it difficult for patients to move or perform normal daily activities. Although fibromyalgia symptoms may be alleviated through the use of medications, many patients also turn to massage therapy for relief. 

Massage requires the physical manipulation of muscles and tissues. Performed correctly, it encourages proper circulation of blood throughout the system. Coupled with correct breathing by the patient, regular massage therapy can promote tissue oxygenation, helping to eliminate pain and stiffness and promote better flexibility, as well as promote relaxation and restful sleep.  It can also help improve a patient's mood and prevent depression.

In TCM, there are two types of massage that may be most effective with patients who have fibromyalgia, depending on their symptoms and conditions.  Shiatsu, a type of massage that targets pressure points in the hands, fingers and knuckles, stimulates the body to relax and relieve itself of pain. It avoids direct contact with the muscles and major joints, which are typically the parts of the body where the most pain is experienced. Also a popular type of Oriental massage is reflexology, which focuses only the patient's feet and hands, using light and moderate pressure to suit the patient's needs.

For the treatment of pain, stiffness and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia, massage therapy has been observed to be effective among subjects in several studies.  One such study, which appeared in April 2002 in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, reported that the group that received massage therapy reported improved sleep duration and quality and decreased pain.

Cirrhosis is a disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue by scar tissue and nodules. The abnormal tissues limit the flow of blood and bile which leads to progressive loss of liver function as it cannot perform its vital tasks of cleaning the blood of toxins, controlling infections, regulating blood clotting and the absorption of fat and fat-soluble nutrients. Unfortunately, any damage that is already done is irreversible, but Cirrhosis can be detected and treated early on which can stop the disease in its course. If left untreated, Cirrhosis can lead to symptoms like extreme fatigue, weight loss, swollen legs and abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), mental confusion and even death. The most common causes of this liver disease are excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis B or C, however, not all people affected by this liver disease are alcoholics or dealing with hepatitis B or C. It is also possible to be diagnosed with Cirrhosis from inherited diseases or exposure to toxic substances.

When treating Cirrhosis through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), two actions have to be taken: treating the underlying cause and stopping further damage from occurring. When Cirrhosis is due to alcoholism, TCM can help via acupuncture sessions designed to help patients get over their addiction. When the cirrhosis is caused by Hepatitis C, acupuncture in conjunction with orthodox Western medicine and other TCM methods such as herbal medicine can help decrease symptoms, lower liver enzyme levels, and slow down the disease progression. Acupuncture proved to be effective in helping people with Hepatitis through a study conducted at the Quan Yin Healing Arts Centre in 1995 on people infected with Hepatitis C. The study indicated that acupuncture alone can help normalizing liver enzyme levels. If a liver transplant is required, acupuncture before and after the surgery may help speed the recovery. An article published in 2009 on Hepatitis Central described acupuncture as a way to smooth liver transplant recovery, citing various studies including a Duke University Medical Center trial.
As a chronic disease, Cirrhosis can be at the source of continuous pain and stress. Acupuncture treatments reduce some of the painful symptoms related to the disease, as well as the stress and sometimes debilitating fatigue. Doctors do not recommend the use of most painkillers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs as they metabolize in the liver, making an acupuncture treatment a smart alternative to relieve the discomforts caused by the disease.

Almost everyone has suffered the pain of a headache. Headaches can last for a few hours up to several days, and sometimes involve symptoms such as sensitivity to light and nausea. They can impact daily life when they occur frequently or for an extended period of time. The most common types of Chronic Headaches are muscle tension and vascular headaches. Muscle tension headaches produce dull, constant pain on both sides of the head and may also involve an aching neck or sensitive scalp. They generally start slowly and can last from hours to days. Muscle tension headaches are sometimes called muscle contraction headaches because it is the tightening of the muscles of the head, face and neck that causes the pain. This is why tension headache sufferers often describe their pain as tightening bands around the forehead or along the base of the skull.

Vascular headaches are the ones many people describe as pounding or throbbing. They occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain and the muscles in the head swell and constrict. Vascular headache pain intensifies with physical activity and typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours. It may be associated with other symptoms such as vision problems, extreme sensitivity to light, and nausea. Migraines, cluster headaches and headaches that result from high blood pressure are all examples of vascular headaches. In the United States alone, more than 60 percent of the 45 million Americans who suffer from chronic headaches suffer from migraines. The disorder can be debilitating and typically results from high stress levels and/or lack of sleep. Men suffer slightly more from headaches than females, 25 million men on average, compare to females who average about 20 million who suffer from headaches.
Massage is one natural alternative to allopathic medicine that can help relieve chronic headaches while avoiding the side effects that often accompany prescription and over-the-counter medications. Massage therapy helps to relieve both types of headaches by easing muscle tension, relieving muscle spasms, releasing shortened muscles, and relaxing tension held in the muscles of the head, shoulders, and neck. When muscle tension eases, there is less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that supply them. Oxygen-rich blood circulation improves, which also relieves pain. Massage therapy not only helps the muscles of the body to relax but also effectively reduces the anxiety and mental stress that can cause or exacerbate headaches. Regular, ongoing massage therapy can also help to prevent headaches by helping to reduce overall stress and maintain emotional balance.

Osteoporosis, commonly referred to as brittle bones, is a syndrome leading to reduction in bone mineral density, and architecture and changes in the variety and amount of proteins in bone. The patient is at an increased risk of fracture. A hip or spine fracture would require immediate hospitalization and surgery. Spinal or vertebral fractures can result in loss of height, severe back pain and deformity.

There are various risk factors linked to the development of Osteoporosis:
-80% of cases occur in women, as they have lighter and thinner bones and lose bone rapidly post menopause.
-Age reduces bone density.
-Heredity and genetics determine if one is at risk.
-A smaller and thinner person is at a higher risk
-An adult who has broken one or more bones during their adulthood.
-There is a greater likelihood of people of Caucasian, Asian or Latino descent to develop osteoporosis as compared to Africans. -Women with low estrogen levels.
-Men with low testosterone levels. Testosterone may be low due to high alcohol intake and insufficient diet. -A diet lacking in calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous and essential vitamins.
-Too much of animal protein in the diet can lead to loss of calcium through the kidneys.
-High consumption of sodium.
-Inactive lifestyle combined with smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risk  of osteoporosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) centers on the balancing of energy (Qi) in each human being to achieve overall wellness. According to TCM, the loss of kidney Qi and blood stagnation are mainly responsible for osteoporosis.

Herbal remedies are used to strengthen the kidneys, build Qi, as well as work towards regeneration of new bone cells. Various types of Chinese medicine aim at nourishing the blood and kidneys, harmonizing nutrients, and promoting yin and yang energy balance by enhancing the digestive capacities of the spleen and liver and expelling superficial pathogens. A variety of herbs are used such as liquorice root, fresh ginger, Chinese taxillus herb, fresh oyster shell, white peony root, cassia bark, etc.

Clinical research conducted at the Traditional Medicine Research Institute, found that Chinese medications containing rich kidney tonic ingredients, amino acids and compounds could revitalize the cell systems and help in the treatment of osteoporosis. Other clinical research found that the herbs were effective in faster recovery from traumatic fractures. The formulas had anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, lessened pain and swelling, and improved blood circulation and microcirculation of injured tissue and organs.
Acupuncture has also been shown to treat Osteoporosis. When the specific points are subjected to pressure, the nerve stimulation works towards building calcitonin, the hormone responsible for recalcification of bone and reducing bone pain. Research done at the Chengdu University have proven the positive effects of acupuncture towards increase in bone metabolism. This experiment had been carried out on female osteoporosic rats with lower estrogen levels.
The tried and tested ancient Chinese preparations coupled with acupuncture offer promise in treating the root causes of osteoporosis and bone disease, providing a beneficial environment to the body and enhancing bone health.

Thai massage is a type of massage that involves stretching and deep tissue massage. It is believed to have been created by Buddha's physician and has been practiced for more than 2000 years. It is a healing technique that combines influences from China, India and other cultures from Southeast Asia. Because of strong influences from yoga techniques, Thai massage is also called Thai yoga, yoga massage, or assisted yoga. During Thai massage sessions, patients wear comfortable clothes, as no oils are required. Throughout the session, a patient is passively moved from one stretching or yoga position to another while the patient can stay focused on relaxing and on his breathing. It is a massage technique that is much more energetic and vigorous than others. A Thai massage practitioner will always pay attention to the level of flexibility of each individual and adapt the stretching and pressure applied, so as not to cause any  muscular pain or injury.

How Thai massage can improve flexibility

Flexibility can be defined as the range of limb movement around the joints. Thai massage is renowned as the best massage technique to progressively improve overall flexibility and more specifically the flexibility of legs, back, and hip muscles. The scientific study conducted at the Chiang Mai University in Thailand and published in 2008, proved a significant increase in the flexibility of the study group versus the control group. The results of the study also showed that Thai Massage can lessen muscle stiffness, and relieve tension more effectively than bed rest with significant differences. The effectiveness of Thai massage is that it relieves muscle tension as well as reduces muscle fatigue. The stretching movements also helps increasing joint mobility by stimulating the body's natural production of joint lubricants but also by keeping the cartilage free of contaminating toxins. 

Lou Gehrig's disease, otherwise known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a highly degenerative disease affecting the nervous system. ALS hinders the power of the brain to pass messages to the voluntary muscles as the muscle neurons start degenerating. Eventually the neurons completely die off causing the muscle groups to waste away.

ALS gained the name of Lou Gehrig's disease due to Lou Gehrig, a professional baseball player that developed the illness in 1939 and passed away some two years later.

The explanation for this degenerative disease remains unknown, with theories that it is caused by an infection or virus, although it has still to be proven. There is a genetic component, but to date, only 5 in 10 instances are in fact inherited.

The Initial Phase and Symptoms of Lou Gehrig's Disease

Within the early phases, the patient may discover minor leg or arm weakness as the muscle mass begins to show signs of atrophy and ripples. This happens as the motor neurons are dying with the patient losing control over his muscles until he can no longer move them at all. They might also experience difficulties with speech and/or swallowing, along with cramping and muscle pain as common symptoms.  The body continues to waste but the patient's cognitive abilities remain intact.

Lou Gehrig's disease occurs 60% more in men than women, primarily affecting those males between the ages of 35 and 65. Approximately 50% of the individuals diagnosed with this illness live three years or more. Of the remaining, a further 20 % live another 5 years or more with about 10 % making it past the 10 year mark or more. The scientist Stephen Hawking still lives with the illness and has done so for many years.

Massage Therapy & Other Treatments for ALS

As there is no known cure for Lou Gehrig's disease, there is also no clearly defined treatment, although various treatments are used to minimize pain and suffering associated with the disease. A medication is being currently researched which will slow down the progression of ALS.
 
Therapeutic massage therapy is generally used in order to make patients more comfortable and minimize cramping and muscle pain. Gentle, passive massage and various ranges of motion prevent joints from becoming stiff. By increasing the blood supply into the muscle, therapeutic massage works to decelerate muscle atrophy and lower anxiety by lowering the quantity of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. Should the patient's muscle tissues be too atrophied to work on, then a simple hand, foot and scalp massage may help to make the individual with Lou Gehrig's disease a great deal more comfortable.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of an organism called Candida. These organisms are sometimes present in the vagina in smaller numbers without any symptoms, but occasionally a change in their environment gives them a chance to multiply excessively. Yeast infections can occur due to increased sexual activity, infections, colds, and tight clothing. They may also be passed from partner to partner and affect both genders.

This type of infection can target men, women and in some cases even babies. Those men with weak immune systems are candidates for male yeast infection. Men who eat sugary foods or baked goods are also possible candidates. People taking strong antibiotics, especially for a long period of time are also at risk. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which can alter the balance of microorganisms in the mouth, vagina, intestines, and other places in the body and result in a proliferation of yeast. However women are more prone to this type of infection because of hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy trigger a yeast infection.