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Natural Treatment of Migraines

Kelly Lott’s Migraine Miracle® is a natural, safe, holistic and uniquely instinctual method for relieving the symptoms of migraine headaches. The Migraine Miracle® healing method incorporates cold stone therapy, proprietary essential oil blends and pressure point massage. This method provides a renewed sense of balance and harmony along with dramatic relief from migraine headaches without the use of prescription drugs.

Book A Treatment today and see your migraine melt away.

Lymphatic Drainage

More Information Lymphatic Drainage More Information on Benefits

What is The Lymphatic System?

The extraordinary workings of the lymphatic system make blood circulation look simple by comparison. Made up of fine vessels and lymph nodes, this little-known circulation is an important part of the immune system. It quietly goes about its business, filtering out waste and debris, and carrying nutrients to cells.

The lymph nodes do the collection and filtering of waste material from cell fluid, while the lymph vessels return the fluid back to the general circulation. It clears the entire body, stopping excess fluid from lying around in the tissues. It always heads towards the heart.

Unlike the heart, lymph doesn’t have a pump to push it round the body. It relies mainly on our muscular action and body movement to keep the fluid moving. As well, it needs all areas of the body to be in good condition; that means adequate fluid intake, excellent nutrition and high level well-being. 

What Goes Wrong? 

When the lymphatic system doesn’t work efficiently, the tell-tale signs of oedema or tight swollen tissue appear. A common instance is seen after a long-distance air travel: ankles and legs become tight and puffy. It’s due to lack of movement, pressure on lymph vessels from sitting, and the hanging position of the legs. Medical conditions can also be the cause of oedema. But as well, by the end of winter, after too little exercise, too much starchy food, and far too many hot chocolates, our bodies may be pretty sluggish and longing for a fresh start to get that fluid moving.

What is Lymphatic Drainage?

When you intervene and encourage the fluid to drain properly, it’s known as lymphatic drainage. You can jazz up your whole system with a treatment, whether or not you have fluid retention. It can be a stand-alone procedure, or it can be incorporated into a massage treatment. You can even do it yourself.

All treatments are not the same; it depends on the condition being treated, but the aim is always to get the fluid moving out of the tissue and towards the heart. 

What Can It Be Used For?

A surprising number of conditions respond to lymphatic drainage. If a medical condition is involved, you should consult your practitioner first:

Swollen ankles and legs after air travel

Tight sore breasts – PMT or fibrocystic disease

Headache

Medical conditions like Cancer – after removal of lymph nodes

Following cosmetic surgery – liposuction, scar tissue

How To Do Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic vessels are generally fine and close to the skin, so it’s never a deep treatment.

Stimulate the closest lymph nodes first, so they’re ready to drain the fluid that you send to them. The main groups are found in the groins, armpits and under the jaw, just below the ears. For swollen ankles, you massage the groin first. Then you clear the fluid closest to the nodes, and gradually work down the leg, always moving the fluid towards the heart. The last part to be massaged will be the ankle and foot itself, having cleared the fluid backlog between it and the nodes. 

One technique is to use a flat hand on the tissue, and move the tissue under it just a few millimeters in the direction of the nodes. Gently stroking the tissue will also work. Each area of tissue is worked for a minute or two, before moving down to the next area. When the whole section has been worked, you re-do the nodes, and repeat the procedure. 

It feels very gentle, but it’s extremely effective. Make sure you are always directing the fluid towards the heart. 

Additional Help For Lymphatic Tune-up

Exercise, especially yoga, will really improve the way your lymphatic system works

Extra water will help to keep your body well hydrated

Add fennel and celery and parsley to other fruits and vegetables, for their diuretic ability.

Essential oils such as geranium, juniper, lemon and rosemary are all stimulating and cleansing. They can all be used in baths and massage. Take care that they are diluted well, and that there is no sun exposure for at least 12 hours after using lemon or any other citrus oils

And now you’re ready to step into spring full of vitality. If traces of sluggishness remain, find a lymphatic drainage practitioner in your local area.

What is The Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is the secondary system of circulation in the body with a very complex set of tasks. The major tasks are cleaning and nourishing the cells. Sounds simple enough, but without it, we wouldn’t survive long. The lymphatic system is a sort of go-between from the blood circulation to the individual cells. Lymph is a clear fluid containing nutrients and oxygen similar to blood but without the red and white corpuscles. It comes from the general circulation and is deposited around the cells to keep them nourished. The cells are able to discard waste and toxic materials into this fluid. The lymphatic vessels pick up this waste and any excess fluid from around cells and transport it, via the lymph nodes which filter it, back into the general circulation. It’s a one-way shuttle, so lymph should only ever flow in one direction – away from the cells and towards the heart.

Find out more in our article What is Lymphatic Drainage?

Reasons for Poor Lymphatic Flow

Poor lifestyle choices are the commonest causes of an inefficient lymphatic system, though they are certainly not the only ones.

Lack of exercise – ymphatic fluid needs muscle power to push it round the body

Poor diet – may increase congestion and produce more waste for the lymph to pick up and dispose of

Pollutants – environmental and dietary

Surgery and trauma

Pregnancy

Major Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage 

Every part of the body is influenced by the lymphatic system, because no matter what the purpose of the cells, they all need nourishing and cleaning.

It’s important in immunity, inflammation and healing in general, so an efficient lymphatic system is going to help in many areas. Lymphatic drainage is a way to achieve that efficiency. 

Skin care
For a clearer complexion and to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in facial tissue, as well as reducing puffiness around the eyes.
Old scar tissue can be reduced while the appearance of new scars can be minimized. It’s commonly used before and after cosmetic surgery.

Detox
At the end of winter, or after a period of high stress, the body will really benefit from lymphatic drainage, to reduce the sluggishness brought on by too many starchy, high fat foods and too little exercise.

Headache
Most headaches including sinusitis have a component of congestion that responds well to lymphatic drainage. Once tissue is decongested, blocked fluid and blood flow improve, reducing pain and discomfort.

Promote healing
After surgery or injury, the tissue may be swollen and sore. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment that will help drain the tissue, reduce inflammation and improve healing.

Pregnancy and after
There is often fluid retention in pregnant women and lymphatic drainage can improve comfort especially in legs and feet. Breast feeding will be enhanced by this treatment, especially when there are problems with blocked ducts and sore tight breasts.

Reduce swelling
After long periods of immobility such as air travel or lessened mobility, fluid tends to stagnate in the tissue making it puffy and tender.
Conditions such as arthritis often have joints that are congested with fluid. All of these respond well when fluid is reduced with lymphatic drainage.

Relaxation: Because it is such a gentle treatment, it is one of the most relaxing. And the relaxation is enhanced as the cleansing and rejuvenating effects relieve stress. 

Most people will notice improvements in their level of wellbeing after a treatment because lymphatic drainage has so many benefits. Keep yourself looking and feeling in tip-top condition with a regular session. 

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KNOWN AREAS WHERE LYMPH DRAINAGE WORKS 

I will list a few under each category:

EDEMAS
tramatic, neurologic, dermatologic, gynecologic, autoimmune

DENTISTRY/ORTHODONTICS
tooth pain, gum disease, periodontitis

DERMATOLOGY
rosacea, seborrhea, some pigmentation spots

ESTHETIC
sagging breasts, skin complexion, cellulite, “bags” under eyes

GASTROENTEROLOGY
chronic constipation, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis

GENERAL/METABOLIC
stress, fatigue, detoxification, cholesterol, jet lag

GERONTOLOGY
memory loss, tissue regeneration, immune system stimulation

GYNECOLOGY
PMS, cyst formation in breasts, breast feeding, menstruation

INFECTIOUS DISEASE
chronic sinusitis frontalis, laryngitis, allergic nasal cattarh

NEUROLOGY
headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, multiple sclerosis 

OPHTHALMOLOGY
visual acuity, macular degeneration, cataracts 

ORTHOPEDICS
sprains, hematomas, fractures, traumas

OSTEOPATHIC/CHIROPRACTIC
neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, whiplash

OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY – ORL (ear, nose, throat)
Sjogren’s syndrome, tinnitus, vertigo, peridontal disease 

PNEUMOLOGY/ALLERGOLOGY
bronchial asthma, bronchitis, emphysema

RHEUMATOLOGY, MUSCULOSKELETAL, CONNECTIVE-TISSUE
Rheumatod arthritis, gout, scleroderma, fibrositis syndrome, lumbago, carpal tunnel syndrome, lupus

SURGERY
pre and post surgery

NOTE: Many times results are immediate; other times within a few hours you will notice a change for the better.

Oncology Massage

Massage Overview

Oncology massage is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage.

Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist’s skill set are an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the disease.

ONCOLOGY MASSAGE ASSESSMENTS

Clinical assessments and adaptations to the massage session for someone experiencing cancer or with a history of cancer treatment are critical to providing a safe massage. Standard oncology massage intake questions include those pertaining to:

A properly trained massage therapist will ask questions about these issues and more, depending on your unique situation. Many of the changes that will be made to your session will be virtually imperceptible to you as a recipient (and others may be quite obvious), but they are essential to safety and proper support of your well being.

Prenatal Massage

What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massages are adapted for the anatomical changes you go through during pregnancy. In a traditional massage, you might spend half the time lying face-down on your stomach (which is uncomfortable with a baby belly) and half the time facing up (a position that puts pressure on a major blood vessel that can disrupt blood flow to your baby and leave you feeling nauseous).

But as your shape and posture changes, a trained massage therapist will make accommodations with special cushioning systems that help you to lie comfortably on your side while being able to receive your massage. Don’t expect deep tissue work on your legs during a prenatal massage: While gentle pressure is safe (and can feel heavenly!), pregnant women are particularly susceptible to blood clots, which deep massage work can dislodge. If the clots make their way to your brain or heart, this can be dangerous for you (and your baby).

Always communicate with your therapist about what feels good — and if something starts to hurt. 

Here at Sacred Grove Healing Massage, we want to maintain your comfort and safety at this delicate and beautiful time of your life. To that end we employ the Oakworks side-lying positioning system to allow you to maintain absolute comfort while lying on your side for your massage.

 
Picture from Oakworks Advertisement on Google Images.

Tuina… What is it?

WHAT IS TUINA?

Tuina (pronounced “Tway-na”) is a medical procedure for treating various diseases, injuries, and disorders by manipulating the body and points along the channels with the hands to bring about health and wellness. Referred to as Chinese Medical Massage, it is a vital component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Originating in China, Tuina has influenced all forms of massage and manual therapies worldwide for the last 3,000-5,000 years. It can, therefore, be said that Tuina is the “Father” of all manual therapies that have been developed. The word “Tuina” is made up of two words, “Tui” meaning to push or stroke, and “Na” meaning to grasp or knead.

Originally, along with treating soft tissue injuries, diseases, and general disorders, Tuina is used in areas of gynecology, neurology, and pediatrics. Today, the field of treatment also includes orthopedics, traumatology, cosmetology, rehabilitation, sports medicine, and general health care.

HOW DOES TUINA DIFFER FROM OTHER MANUAL THERAPIES?

Tuina differs from other manual therapies mainly by the enormous scope of diseases and disorders it is able to effectively treat. Tuina uses techniques found in massage therapy, chiropractic, physical therapy, osteopathy, rehabilitation therapy, orthopedic manual therapy, physiotherapy, and sports rehabilitation therapy performed by sports medicine physical therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, and occupational therapists. If you were to merge all of these therapies together, you would come up with something that is very similar to Tuina. In addition to the techniques and procedures used in these other therapies, Tuina uses the theories and principles of TCM, which very few if any of the western therapies listed above use. And we shouldn’t forget the fact that Tuina has been evolving and developing for the last 5,000 years. A fact that the other therapies cannot claim.

WHAT IS SPORTS TUINA?

Sports Tuina for athletes is an expertise which constitutes an important part in sports medicine. According to different features of athletic sports and gymnastic events, on the basis of different constitution and neurological types of athletes, Tuina for sports health has been taking shape into a specialty. Founded on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Sports Tuina has been developed over the past 45 years to deal with special types of injuries incurred by olympic level athletes.

Common injuries to athletes, which are experienced at a higher degree and frequency at the olympic level, such as joint sprains and dislocations, muscle strains, hematomas, fibrosis, adhesions from past tissue tears, inflammation of muscles, tendons, and joints, neurological and orthopedic trauma, all respond to Sports Tuina at a healing rate much faster than with traditional Western Sports therapies. This is mainly due, in fact, to working the channels and collaterals along with key acupoints, all of which is largely disbelieved and ignored in Western medicine.

In China, as in most other countries except the United States, massage is a vital component in athletic training, not only in the capacity of prevention, but also for treating chronic and acute injuries. In this country, athletes, coaches, and trainers tend to look upon massage only as a means for relaxation and not as a primary weapon in treating sports related injuries sustained by the athlete on a regular basis. Failure to use massage within the major protocol for treating athletic injuries often leads to a more lengthy rehabilitation. Sports Tuina can restore the athlete to as near 100% a state of health as possible, so he is able to push his body past the level he was at before the injury, and not suffer any hindrances or adverse reactions.

Sports Tuina is designed to repair the injury rapidly and to get the athlete back performing in the shortest possible time, and to avoid surgery. In China, surgery is looked upon as a “last resort” therapy, behind Tuina, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic rehabilitation. Once the body is cut on, it’s very difficult to establish a complete state of functional capability, especially within the athlete who must push his body far beyond that which an ordinary person would do.

Tuina and Sports Tuina as explained by my teacher, mentor and friend Terry Norman LMT, MTI

 

WHAT IS A RANGE OF MOTION (R.O.M.) ASSESSMENT?

A range of motion assessment is a test of your individual joint’s or spinal range of motion.  The therapist will use this as a baseline to see where you are at at the beginning of and periodically throughout your treatment.  Typically, a ROM assessment will use inclinometers and/or goniometers, tools specifically designed to measure the degrees of movement, to determine if your ROM is in the normal range and if it isn’t determine how best to treat the given issue.  A typical full body ROM assessment will take anywhere between thirty and sixty minutes.  Generally, if a client comes in to receive treatment for a portion of the body (for example the shoulder) the assesment will be done only on the shoulders to establish a baseline for treatment.