August 2003 [Volume 2, Issue 8]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Rely on Nature for Relief from Pain and Anxiety
• Massage Plus Yoga Equals One Great Experience
• This Month's Massage Q & A

Rely on Nature for Relief from Pain and Anxiety

The next time you go in for a massage, ask your therapist to turn up the sounds of nature.

Researchers at John Hopkins School of Medicine found that patients who were exposed to the sights and sounds of nature while undergoing bronchoscopy -- a 25-minute procedure that requires inserting tubes into the nose and throat -- reported feeling less pain and anxiety during the procedure and three-hour recovery period, than those not treated with the therapeutic distractions.^2,3

Patients were shown a mural of a calming outdoor setting and listened to the sounds of a gurgling brook through headphones.

"Natural sounds and images, if they're the right ones in the right format, are a safe, inexpensive, effective way to reduce the pain and anxiety of inserting tubes through the nose or mouth to see the lungs," said Dr. Noah Lechtzin, author of the study.¹

The researchers have recommended the use of the therapy during other invasive procedures; however, there is no evidence to suggest that the sights and sounds of nature won't work in non-clinical settings. Discuss this idea with your massage therapist; or better yet, incorporate the sights and sounds of nature into your home for a relaxed environment. Murals are inexpensive and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

References:

1. Nature sights and sounds ease pain during common lung procedure. Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Press Release, May 27, 2003. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2003/may/030527b.htm

2. Nature sights and sounds can help reduce patient stress. Environmental Graphics press release, June 2003. www.environmentalgraphics.com

3. Back to nature for pain relief. BBC News, online. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1337838.stm

Massage Plus Yoga Equals One Great Experience

If you would like to experience the benefits of yoga without having to do the work, Thai massage, also known as yoga massage, Thai yoga massage and ancient massage, might be just the thing for you.

Practiced in Thailand for hundreds of years, Thai massage works to clear energy blockages and restore balance and harmony to the body. The practice combines typical Westernized massage therapy practices, including myofascial release and trigger point therapy, with light stretching similar to that of yoga. It has even earned the name "lazy man's yoga."

Like yoga, Thai massage helps to strengthen the body and increase flexibility, while allowing the client to benefit from the relaxation and healing properties of massage.

To locate a Thai massage practitioner, or for more information, visit www.thaimassage.com or www.ancientmassage.com

This Month's Massage Q & A

Question: I am 14-years old. About six months ago, I strained the lower right side of my back/hip playing soccer. I think it was from extending my leg too far. At first it only hurt to kick and make quick, agile movements. Now it hurts regularly, so I've been advised by a doctor to take two weeks off. Fall soccer is coming up and my lower back isn't healed yet. I also run and that irritates it, too. Should I go to a massage therapist, and if so, what kind? If not, what do you recommend that I do to speed up the healing process?

Answer: If you are still running or active, I recommend you stop for now. When your doctor told you to take two weeks off, that probably included anything physically demanding. Inflammation may subside in a few days if you're resting, but the repair of damaged muscle usually takes a few weeks. Give your body time to heal itself. Continuing to be active during the healing phase only prolongs the process, and may worsen the injury. During the acute phase of your injury do not stretch or exercise. You should rest and ice the area. Self-massage can also help reduce muscle spasm. You can probably benefit from seeing a professional massage therapist. This is a common injury, so any properly trained massage therapist will know how to pursue treatment.

Question: This may seem like a silly question, but here goes...I would love a massage. I have a stressful job and end up with many aches and pains in my shoulders, neck and spine. However, I am overweight and very embarrased to have a therapist give me a massage. Do they do therapy on a lot of people who may be overweight?

Answer: Please, do not be embarrased. Massage therapists give massages to many people of various shapes and sizes. Being a massage therapist, I have seen hundreds of backs and legs; the truth is, I do not pay that much attention to the superficial. I focus on what is going on underneath the skin. Keep in mind that the only body part exposed during a massage session is the body part being treated; the rest of the body is covered with a sheet. If you want your neck and back massaged there is nothing that says you have to completely disrobe. Leave your clothing on if it would make you feel more comfortable.

Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. The forum is located online at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.

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