Some notes on bodywork for healthy people

Frequently when you have massage or energy work, you may find that you are going to the bathroom more often that day. This is normal. A good massage will improve the efficiency of the circulatory system, as well as move the lymph in the body. To facilitate this process it would be helpful to drink 2 more liters of water or fruit juice during the next few days than you normally do. Once in a while, because the soreness has been worked out of the muscles, and they have returned to a better tone, there may be some residual tenderness the day after your massage. This, too, is normal, and will pass. There is a difference between soreness and pain. A soak in a tub of warm water with either: 1 cup sea salt & 1 cup baking soda or: 1 to 4 cups epsom salts should alleviate any soreness. Remember to rinse well after your soak, and apply a gentle healthy moisturizer. These folk remedies are not to be used if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or any other condition requiring a doctor’s care! The use of compresses of apple cider vinegar & sea salt (well dissolved) over a strain has been helpful in relieving pain & soreness. Ice is very useful in relieving pain. Many people don’t care to use it, but it is one of the most effective ways of reducing swelling and relieving pain. For muscle pain that doesn’t indicate a break or arthritis, you might try using a plastic bag with ice in it on the spot for 5-10 minutes, move the part, ice again, move the part, ice again, move the part. Ice is especially beneficial in sinus soreness when used gently around the eye sockets and under the cheekbones for a couple of minutes followed by a warm steamy washcloth. For some conditions moist heat is also helpful. Never heat longer than 15 minutes at a time. With both ice and heat, it is important to be careful not to injure the body by too much exposure to either. Remember that heat makes tissues swell, so if you already are experiencing swelling, it may not be a good idea to increase it. Caffeine sometimes makes muscles spasm. If you are already experiencing muscle splinting or spasm, you might consider reducing your caffeine intake. Artificial sweeteners, additives & some medications can also affect muscle cramping. Lack of certain minerals will cause muscles to stay in spasm.

Having an alcoholic drink before massage can be harmful to your liver. The day of your massage, you may find it helpful to eat lightly: more fruit and vegetables than heavy foods like meats, heavy gravies, cheesy pastas or milk products.

You may find that you are either very relaxed and ready for a rest after your massage, or very energized and ready to play. Respect what your body needs!!! Massage balances our energies: it will often give you more “life” and great clarity in your thinking.

If you have come for therapy, and you feel better after massage, remember to go slowly in resuming activities that were too painful to do before your visit. Gentle exercise, such as t’ai chi or qigong will prolong the benefits of your massage, as well as adding to your flexibility and energy level. There may be some stretches recommended for specific problem areas. Only YOU can DO those exercises!

If you have any serious medical problems, please check with your physician.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 219-879-5722.



			Some notes on bodywork for healthy people
			Frequently when you have massage or energy work, you may find that you are going to the bathroom more often that day. This is normal. A good massage will improve the efficiency of the circulatory system, as well as move the lymph in the body. To facilitate this process it would be helpful to drink 2 more liters of water or fruit juice during the next few days than you normally do. Once in a while, because the soreness has been worked out of the muscles, and they have returned to a better tone, there may be some residual tenderness the day after your massage. This, too, is normal, and will pass. There is a difference between soreness and pain. A soak in a tub of warm water with either: 1 cup sea salt & 1 cup baking soda or: 1 to 4 cups epsom salts should alleviate any soreness. Remember to rinse well after your soak, and apply a gentle healthy moisturizer. These folk remedies are not to be used if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or any other condition requiring a doctor’s care! The use of compresses of apple cider vinegar & sea salt (well dissolved) over a strain has been helpful in relieving pain & soreness. Ice is very useful in relieving pain. Many people don’t care to use it, but it is one of the most effective ways of reducing swelling and relieving pain. For muscle pain that doesn’t indicate a break or arthritis, you might try using a plastic bag with ice in it on the spot for 5-10 minutes, move the part, ice again, move the part, ice again, move the part. Ice is especially beneficial in sinus soreness when used gently around the eye sockets and under the cheekbones for a couple of minutes followed by a warm steamy washcloth. For some conditions moist heat is also helpful. Never heat longer than 15 minutes at a time. With both ice and heat, it is important to be careful not to injure the body by too much exposure to either. Remember that heat makes tissues swell, so if you already are experiencing swelling, it may not be a good idea to increase it. Caffeine sometimes makes muscles spasm. If you are already experiencing muscle splinting or spasm, you might consider reducing your caffeine intake. Artificial sweeteners, additives & some medications can also affect muscle cramping. Lack of certain minerals will cause muscles to stay in spasm. Having an alcoholic drink before massage can be harmful to your liver. The day of your massage, you may find it helpful to eat lightly: more fruit and vegetables than heavy foods like meats, heavy gravies, cheesy pastas or milk products. You may find that you are either very relaxed and ready for a rest after your massage, or very energized and ready to play. Respect what your body needs!!! Massage balances our energies: it will often give you more “life” and great clarity in your thinking. If you have come for therapy, and you feel better after massage, remember to go slowly in resuming activities that were too painful to do before your visit. Gentle exercise, such as t’ai chi or qigong will prolong the benefits of your massage, as well as adding to your flexibility and energy level. There may be some stretches recommended for specific problem areas. Only YOU can DO those exercises! If you have any serious medical problems, please check with your physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 219-879-5722. Home \| Calendar \| Directions \| Contact Us © Copyright 2008 Wellness Specialists, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
	American Holistic Nurses Association