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October 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 10]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Anna Gammal has spent the past 10 years specializing in sports massage and dedicating her life's work and focus to serving competitive athletes. A former 10,000-meter national champion in her native homeland of Greece, she watched the recent competitions in Beijing from a perspective far different than the 200 million viewers who tuned in to see records fall and hear anthems play. The emotional highs and lows touched her deeply, but Anna's thoughts frequently turned to her time spent with Olympic athletes from around the world and the benefits she has been able to provide by introducing massage into their training regimens.
"Massage therapy allows me to relieve pain in others and to assist anyone in reaching their higher potential and ability. ... Providing what someone needs individually can be a challenge, but to be part of their transformation is exciting, rewarding and humbling. At the heart of it is the connection you develop with all of these extraordinary people."
Kareem Thompson, who competed in the long jump and 100-meter dash at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, saw firsthand what Anna was able to provide. "What an athlete feels and what is going on in the body can be different things. Anna was extremely intuitive and put my mind at ease very quickly. We developed a bond of trust that continues to this day. She was a real standout in my experience with massage therapists."
Gammal continues to serve and advise current Olympic-level athletes and competition officials around the country, in addition to providing massage therapy to elite runners and competitors nationwide. She's been recruited by Olympic athletes and is looking to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Whether you're an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or somewhere in between, massage therapy offers a variety of health benefits. For more information, visit www.massagetoday.com.
According to the Yoga Alliance, nearly 6 million Americans practice yoga and 14 million say a doctor or therapist has recommended yoga to improve their health. In May, the National Institutes of Health celebrated its first-ever "Yoga Week" to highlight the science and practice of yoga. According to the alliance, yoga helps improve circulation and heart health, along with reducing oxidative stress and providing other anti-aging benefits. And if you're overworked and overstressed, a few minutes of yoga can help loosen those muscles and let you face the rest of your day.
Yoga teacher Denise Dunn suggests frazzled workers try these four poses to take the edge off during a busy day at the office:
- Side stretch. Raise both arms and stretch first to one side and then the other, holding the stretch for a few seconds on each side. This increases circulation and gets your spine moving the way it was meant to - much better than spending the entire day hunched over a keyboard.
- Rotation. Now slowly twist to each side. Be careful not to twist your neck excessively, especially if you're tense. Keep your chin lined up over your chest.
- Back arch. Sit at the edge of your chair and put your hands behind you. Slowly arch backward, raising your chin as you do so. Squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- Forward fold. Cross one leg so your ankle rests on the opposite knee, and then lean forward gently. This is a great way to stretch out hip and back muscles, which can tighten after hours of sitting.
According to Dunn, start each pose by slowly breathing through your nose. Hold each pose for at least three slow breaths, being careful not to overexert yourself. Remember, the goal is to relax and relieve tense muscles. This isn't a workout; it's a gentle, peaceful break from your stressful routine.
Of course, yoga isn't the only way to relax and loosen up tight muscles -- massage can accomplish the same thing. And here's the great part: More spas and health centers are offering a variety of services and programs, including massage therapy and yoga classes. Talk to your massage therapist about the best ways to de-stress and get through your busy day.
Q&A: "I Have Lupus; Can I Use Essential Oils for Pain Relief?"
Question: I'm taking 11 different drugs for systemic lupus [an autoimmune disease]. A friend suggested essential oils for my muscle/joint pain – but are they safe to use with the medications I'm on?
Answer: I would suggest you find someone in your area who specializes in the uses of essential oils and has experience treating similar conditions. Since no two people suffering with systemic lupus will have the same symptoms, a treatment plan using essential oils should be designed specifically for you.
Wendy Turpin, LMT
Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.
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