Communication is Key

Massage therapy is as much about verbal communication as it is about physical communication. Yet few people realize how essential verbal communication is. Open dialog between the client and therapist can make all the difference in a session.

Every time I meet a new client I spend at least five to 10 minutes discussing the reason they have come to see me, the character and onset of their pain, their background - whether they are an athlete or work long hours at the office - what kind of medicine or treatment they have tried, and other questions to help me assess each patient's individual needs. This is known as the H. O. P. S. assessment, where H stands for history, O stands for observation, P stands for palpation, and S stands for special tests (if needed). S can also stand for strength (of a muscle) or sensation (pins and needles)

This process is key to understanding the client's pain, stress or illness, which then unlocks the answer to relief. It goes beyond having the client simply fill out the intake form (although every client must do this) and getting to know the individual's unique symptoms, history and concerns.

This communication process depends on the therapist as much as the client. A good certified massage therapist knows what questions to ask, and how to spot questions that could lead to answers.

Although every person who walks into my clinic is different, there are several questions that I always make sure to ask:

• Where is the pain?
• What kind of pain? (muscular ache vs. nerve pain, dull vs. tingling etc.)
• On a scale of 1 (least) to 10 (worst) what is your level of pain?
• What makes the pain worse?
• What makes the pain better?

I also ask my clients whether this is the first time they've ever had a massage. Some people coming in have no idea what to expect. Others have done only "spa" massages or a basic neck massage at the airport. It's important to know where each client is coming from and encourage them to ask questions to let them know how the session will proceed.

Depending on what the client wants - whether it's Swedish Massage or Trigger Point Therapy -- the therapist's questions will vary. But the therapist should always be asking.

Once the massage has begun, some people prefer silence. There's nothing wrong with that, especially if you're here purely for relaxation. But if you've come in for a specific problem -- say a pulled neck muscle or arthritic hips -- it's very important to communicate with your therapist, letting him know what areas hurt, if too much or too little pressure is being applied, and how the session is going.

The massage therapist should also communicate occasionally by checking in with you to see how you're feeling, Is the pain is subsiding or which areas they should focus on. After all, communication is a two-way street.

As I've discussed before, there is an intimate connection between the mind and the body. Often what is on one's mind speaks directly through the body. And this is why it's so important to share - because sometimes we ourselves don't know what the source of the problem is until we start communicating with it.

I can't tell you how many times I've had a client come in with neck pain, only to realize that the source of the pain is in her lower back. Or someone who comes in feeling "stressed to the max" and all it takes is a little bit of CranioSacral Massage to get the central nervous system calm again.

The body can be a mystery, and unlocking that mystery requires open communication. Once I know where your pain is and the nature of it, I can often map out the source with my hands, which leads to relief and healing. This process is almost guaranteed when the client is open and communicative.

I understand that open communication depends on trust. That is why I put time and thoughtful consideration into getting to know each of my clients. The more comfortable a client is with my approach, technique, and personality, the easier it is to communicate the nuances of his symptoms or open up about emotional stresses that may be the answer to his pain. Once I have the clues, I can find the answers.

In the end, open communication is a win-win situation that results in the clients learning more about themselves, their pain and the body's potential to heal.  I learn from each client as well, allowing me to develop my understanding of the body, refine my technique and grow as a professional massage therapist. For that, I thank each of you.

Yours in Good Health,
Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

Massage Therapy for Upper Back Pain

Whether you have always experienced back pain or if you have recently noticed aches and pain in your upper back, it can be overwhelming just to get through everyday tasks without the distraction. Getting rid of back pain is not always a simple objective, especially if you have underlying health problems or issues that are contributing to the pain itself.

However, one remedy that can relieve some of the pain and tenseness you feel within your upper back is massage for pain relief techniques.

Using massage therapy for upper back pain can greatly reduce the amount of tension you have in your back and the pain it causes. Knowing the benefits of massage therapy and how to get a therapist to work on your back can get you on the right path to a much happier, pain-free life.

Types of Massage Therapy

There are many different types of massage therapy options depending on the pain you are experiencing as well as the central location of the pain itself. Trigger point therapy is known to find tight areas of muscles that cause tension and sharp pains throughout the body. Using trigger point therapy is ideal if you are looking to alleviate pain with isolated pressure and release techniques on the muscles themselves.

A deep tissue massage is another common form of massage therapy, providing a massage to the deepest layer of the muscle under the skin. The masseuse targets the knots within the muscles, helping to release any sharp pains or chronic pain you experience. You can also find a masseuse that is willing to work on specific areas of your body depending on where you are feeling the pain radiate from throughout your body. If you are feeling sharp pains in one of your shoulders, both, your neck or throughout your upper back, be sure to tell your masseuse to get the massage you need in order to find relief.

Working with the Neck and Shoulders

Placing your fingertips where your neck and shoulders intersect is the first step to finding pressure points and giving yourself a bit of relief with an upper back massage. Once you feel the base of your neck, move anywhere from 4 to 6 inches outward and down to determine where the pain is being triggered from and whether you have any tender muscles. Pressing down on the tender spots slowly and moving your fingers helps to relieve the pain while loosening up the muscle altogether. Repeat the process over any tender muscles that you are capable of reaching, especially near the neck. Oftentimes, neck muscles can become cramped and filled with tension if you are sleeping improperly or if you keep your head at an angle each day during work.

Rubbing tender spots near the neck and upper back often is a way to keep your muscles loose and without tension, reducing the amount of pain you experience each day. If you cannot locate the tender spots on your neck or back, working together with a professional may be the right option for you.

Hiring a Massage Therapist

One option to get the help you need for your upper back is to work together with a licensed massage therapist. A massage specialist who works with the upper back can pinpoint trouble areas and knows how to locate muscles that may be strained throughout your shoulders, neck and the upper section of your back. Working together with a massage therapist who understands upper back pain is a way to find relief without worrying that you may cause more pain by not understanding the locations of the back's muscles or joints yourself.

Why Hire a Massage Therapist?

Hiring a massage therapist is ideal when you have upper back pain because they are trained in pinpointing trouble areas without causing you additional pain. Those who have been trained in massage therapy are also knowledgeable of various techniques that can help to give you the relief you need based on the type of pain you describe to them. Additionally, massage therapy provided by someone else is extremely relaxing, giving you time to unwind while the pain is released from your body.

Getting the relief you need for everyday upper back pain can make a world of difference when you are working, celebrating a night on the town or even spending time with loved ones. Living with upper back pain can ultimately cause depression and stress, especially if it increases to the point where it leads to becoming immobile. Getting the help you need with a therapist who specializes in upper back massages can help you feel free and ready to take on new challenges rather than being trapped in your own body.

Eugene Wood
Massage Therapist
NYC Massage

Diaphragmatic Breathing

I often remind my patients to breathe. Whether you're suffering from an acute injury, chronic pain or stress, breathing is one of the best ways to alleviate your pain and quell your anxiety. The oxygen we take in on every breath has amazing healing power. The deeper and slower we breathe, the more oxygen we take in. This not only increases blood flow to an injured or painful area, but it calms down the "alarm bells" going off during a painful or stressful situation.

You may notice that before I start a massage for pain, I will ask you to take some deep breaths and relax. Breathing from the belly optimizes the overall massage experience. It increases oxygen to the brain, aids the body's natural healing process and stimulates the lymphatic system, which you can read more about here. It also reduces anxiety, which studies show can decrease pain from a level of 7/10 to 3/10.

But you don't have to be on the massage table receiving treatment from a massage therapist to fall into this deep and rhythmic breathing pattern. You can do it at home -- even throughout the day.

Diaphragmatic breathing - also called abdominal or belly breathing - is deep breathing that uses the diaphragm (the dome-shaped muscle at the base of the lungs) to breathe rather than the upper lungs. Slow diaphragmatic breathing is the best way to "breathe away" pain and anxiety because it decreases the work of breathing while maximizing the amount of oxygen getting to your body.

Here is a list of symptoms that diaphragmatic breathing can help alleviate:

• Feelings of panic or anxiety
• Ongoing fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Chest tightness
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Chronic pain
• Muscular aches, twitches or stiffness

It's no wonder then, that diaphragmatic breathing is the basis of yoga and is how newborn babies breathe naturally. Like anything, diaphragmatic breathing takes practice, yet the benefits can be felt with as little as 5-10 minutes a day.

Here is a basic step-by-step guide to the proper technique:

1. Lay comfortably on your back, either on the bed, a yoga mat or soft carpet. 
2. Place a small pillow on your belly so that when you breathe in, you can feel it rise with your diaphragm. If you don't have a pillow, you can place your hand over your belly - just below the rib cage - with the other hand on your chest.
3. Breathe in deeply through your nose so that the pillow rises with your diaphragm. Count to four slowly as you inhale. The breath should not be rushed.
4. Exhale through pursed lips, again counting slowly to four as the pillow sinks with your stomach. If you're using your hands, the hand on your chest should be still while the hand on your diaphragm sinks and rises.
5. Repeat for at least 5 minutes. It may help to recite a relaxing mantra such as "om" or "peace" as you breathe out, as long as it lasts the count of four.

Once you get the hang of it, diaphragmatic breathing can be done while sitting in a chair and even walking around. In the beginning, it's best to practice on the floor for 5-10 minutes, three times a day. If you have the time and are feeling the benefits, increase to 15 minutes or even 30. Gradually the breathing will become more natural and you can try it while at your office desk or even walking in the park.

Like I said before, you can't always snap your fingers and end up on my massage table receiving therapeutic massage therapy the minute you need it (although I always do my best to get you in as soon as possible). But you always have your breath. Think of it as a natural internal massage tool that you carry with you everywhere you go.

If you encounter a specifically stressful episode during the day, find a quite place to sit (or lay) for 5-10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing. If you're overcome with a sudden pain flare-up, do the same. I think that you'll be amazed at the results.

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a natural therapy that applies finger pressure to the various reflex points of the feet. Its ideology dates back 5,000 years to ancient civilizations in Egypt and China, where it was believed that reflex points in the feet are interconnected to the different organs and glands of our system.

While Acupuncture works with the qi energy lines, Reflexology is based off the concept of the zone therapy. There is no special skill needed to understand zone therapy.

These zone areas are like energy pathways in the feet. Each part corresponds to the five longitudinal zones of the right side and left side of the body with equal proportions.

Think of it this way: the big toe down to the tip of the feet is zone 1, the index toe and down is zone 2, the middle toe and down is zone 3, and so on and so forth up to the 5th toe for the 5th zone. Therefore, the left big toe corresponds to the left brain, and the left index toe corresponds to the left eye and organs within zone 2. Putting pressure on these zone areas promotes health for their corresponding organs and glands.

The massage therapist may use various techniques to deeply relax and massage the feet, such as finger pressure, holding, rubbing, kneading, and rotation. She may also use special tools like wooden rollers, sticks, wooden stars, and wooden slippers with flat pointy features.

Reflexology is a non-invasive approach and a great alternative for those massage enthusiasts who do not like taking their clothes off. There are no oils needed and no sticky lotions. In fact, it is very much respected throughout the world of medicine.

How Does It Work?

Like any other holistic massage, the patient needs to be assessed before treatment. Typically, the session may last more than 45 minutes, perhaps up to an hour. The therapist will first ask you to take off your socks and shoes and sit comfortably in a reclining massage chair or table.

Depending on what you prefer, the therapist may apply oils or lotions for a smooth and easy massage. He may start the therapy by relaxing tense zone areas with gentle pressing, rubbing, and kneading. Once muscles are relaxed and tensions are released, the therapist will start to apply pressure to effected areas. At times, it may hurt a bit, but this is part of the process. If you feel uncomfortable, simply tell your therapist and he will adjust the pressure.

More time may be needed for areas where you need the most help. This may cause pain, but it is only temporary. The more these areas are kneaded and pressed, the more tender the tissue becomes. Brisk movements may also be applied to various points of the feet. Many will find this relaxing and relieving. Some may even fall asleep during the session.

There is no exact duration as to how long you should see your reflexology therapist. Normally, 1-3 times per week is most beneficial. Once a month is appropriate for those who are simply looking for relaxation.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic approach that has many unique health benefits, the most evident being its ability to relax and sooth the senses. When the right pressure points are stimulated feel-good hormones are released, which improves blood circulation, increases oxygenation to the cells, and release toxins from the tissues.

Likewise, reflexology massages can stimulate more than 7,000 nerves in the feet. This closes up the limbic system, which is responsible for pain, emotional stress, and tension. Reflexology also stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting infections and diseases. Other ailments that reflexology can help with are allergies, arthritis, back pains, constipation, eczema, frozen shoulder, hay fever, insomnia, knee problems, muscle tension, respiratory problems, sinusitis, thyroid disorders, and more.

Precautions of Reflexology

Though reflexology is a holistic approach to relieving both emotional and physical stress, not everyone gains from it. Those with infectious skin diseases or rashes cannot participate in reflexology massage.

Patients with heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and kidney problems may need to ask their physician's approval before going through reflexology treatment. The same holds true for pregnant women, as some trigger points in the feet can cause miscarriage or induce contractions and preterm labor.  Other precautions apply to those who have blood clots, foot ulcers, injury and fractures.

Reflexology is more than a natural and holistic treatment. In fact, unlike other medical approaches, it does not have any side effects. As our ancient ancestors may have believed, reflexology is an effective option for pain relief and the improvement of ailments.

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

The Mind-Body Connection

Woman with a Migraine Headache

"The issues are in the tissues." This is what I tell my clients who are struggling from emotional stress. They come in with back pain, migraines, trigger points and neck cramps that linger, worsen, and flare up with emotional stress. Many ask me "what's wrong" because there seems to be no pathological root to their pain. And that's just it: the cause is not always physical.

Our relationship to pain is emotional and psychological. It is the mind-body connection. You and I can have the same injury (let's use a paper cut, for example) and yet, we will each have very different relationships with that experience. I may dwell on "why did it happen?", "It hurts so much when I touch it!", "When will it go away?", and you may hardly notice the injury.

This is quite different than saying "it's all in your head". There is definitely a link.

In 1977, American psychiatrist George L. Engel elaborated on this idea theorizing what he called the biopsychosocial model, which posits that the biological, psychological (thoughts, emotions and behaviors) and social factors contribute to human functioning within the context of disease or illness. In studying his patients, Engel realized that many ailments were the direct result of emotional turmoil or negative thinking. Conversely, when people feel good and have a positive outlook on life, they are also in stronger health.

More and more people are turning to alternative medicine these days as they realize the immense power behind the mind-body connection. The mind-body connection means that your mind and body are inextricably connected and play an integrated role in overall health. Emotional suffering can lead to pain and sickness just as pain and sickness can lead to emotional suffering.

I've seen countless patients, both men and women, who come to see me after a traumatic event, serious life change or months of growing stress and are amazed that their pain is directly tied to their emotional state. Yet the mind-body connection is at the essence of human health, and has been recognized for ages. Take this ancient Kurdish folk saying:

• The root of all health is in the brain.
• The trunk of it is in emotion.
• The branches and leaves are the body.
• The flower of health blooms
• when all parts work together.

The good thing about the mind-body connection is that it's something you can control. Being aware of your emotional health, tapping into your feelings and releasing these feelings in a healthy way will keep negative energy from becoming "trapped" in the body, and then manifesting in illness or pain. Massage therapy is one of the best ways out there to release this toxic energy.

The connection between mind and body becomes astonishingly clear when practicing therapeutic massage. It's not uncommon that a client will become emotional when I'm massaging a particular area, even to the point of crying. This is clearly indicative of trapped energy. Once the emotion is released, the area of pain melts away. It's truly a miraculous thing to witness.

One young woman came to me with lingering hip pain. She had sustained a minor running injury during the same week that her mother suffered a paralyzing accident. This young woman spent sleepless nights in the intensive care unit of the hospital by her mother's side, followed by three months of physically and emotionally grueling recovery.

The accident, which left her mother paralyzed from the neck down, was deeply traumatizing for this woman and because she had sustained her own injury during this emotionally draining and stressful time, the area was never able to fully heal. Months later she began talking about the emotional toll her mother's accident was taking on her while I massaged the painful area. She suddenly began crying, releasing what was more than three months of trapped emotion. Almost as if in a wave, the tight muscles released and her trigger points melted away. 

This is just one example of many that I have seen in my practice. The mind-body connection is truly a powerful one. Yet its beauty is that you can use your thoughts to positively influence your body's physical response, no matter how much pain you may be in. This is why therapeutic massage, which relaxes the mind as well as the body, is so effective. And it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

Yours In Good Health,

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

Tips for Improving Egronomics

Many forms of chronic pain stem from the simple things we do in life: how we sit at work; the way we walk; how we carry our shoulder bags. The posture we assume throughout the working day is referred to as ergonomics. This includes everything from the way we sit at our desk to heaving lifting in the warehouse. These daily patterns can lead to both acute and chronic pain. But the good news is that we can easily remedy this pain by improving posture and ergonomics.

Poor ergonomics can affect multiple areas of the body: the neck and shoulders; upper and lower back; various joints; and even the wrists and hands.  Most of these pains are related to muscle and tendon problems. Sometimes the nerves can become involved, such as with carpal tunnel syndrome, which results when the median nerve in the arm and hand becomes compressed at the wrist. Carpal tunnel is often due to office stress such as long hours of typing at the computer.

Other common office problems include low back pain from improper sitting or lifting. Neck and shoulder pain can also result from the stresses of work, which lead people to hunch and strain their shoulders even more creating a vicious cycle. The problem with most of these pain syndromes is that we don't realize that we're causing them ourselves!

Take sitting improperly as one example. If you have a an eight-hour work day spent sitting at a desk or hunched over a laptop, your posture is most likely far from perfect. Humans were never designed to sit this long (just imagine all the running, hunting and gathering we did thousands of years ago) so our bodies start to give after hours in one position.

Usually what happens after a few hours of sitting is that we start to slump. This can create micro-trauma to various muscles in the body - most usually the back and neck. If this poor posture persists, chronic pain can develop.

One way to mediate or even prevent office-desk pain is to assume healthier posture. Sit up straight and engage the core. Try to notice when you are slumping. If you're tired or stiff, take a 5-minute break and walk around the office.  Examine the chair you're sitting in: does it support good posture or prevent it? There are actually ergonomic office chairs -- chairs that are designed to provide optimum comfort and avoid stress or injury -- that you can find online.

Another great idea is to swap your chair for a yoga ball. Many people in the workplace are doing this now so most employers won't raise their eyebrows if you roll one into work. Sitting on a yoga ball challenges you to strengthen your core and straighten your back, which improves sitting ergonomics. Remember one thing though: the yoga ball should be used intermittently with a chair, as you can become fatigued sitting on a yoga ball for too long. Find a balance between using the yoga ball and a comfortable chair.

If your job includes heavy lifting, then you should be extra vigilant about practicing good ergonomics. Most manual labor work places will train you on how to lift heavy loads safely. Ask your employer for a handbook on manual handling work safety and study it before engaging in work.

The Health and Safety Authority has a great online manual for ergonomics in the work place at this link. Other similar handbooks can be found online. Take care of yourself and search this information out! It could save you from serious pain.

If, however, you've already developed pain from workplace stress and poor posture, then massage therapy should be one of your first choices in treatment. Whether you suffer from back pain, neck pain or just tight muscles, a deep tissue massage can provide lasting relief.

Sometimes just one session is necessary, although more serious pain will require several sessions. Many of my clients see me regularly, as the demands of working life in New York City can be very hard on the body. A weekly or bi-monthly massage can make all the difference in your quality of living. Not only will it reduce your pain but it will relax your mind, rejuvenate your body and bring balance to your life. 

Eugene Wood, LMT
NYC-Massage.com

Lymphatic Drainage Symptoms and Solutions

Lymphatic drainage may not sound appealing, but it can yield remarkable results in the relief of chronic and inflammatory conditions. 

Put simply, lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that removes toxins from the immune system. It also helps to replenish the body's healthy cells, healing existing ailments or injuries.

The lymphatic system was first identified in the 17th century. Research from several European scientists - Italy's Gasparo Asselli, France's John Pecquet, and Sweden's Olauf Rudbeck - established that the body is made up of a complex network of vessels that carry transparent fluid, or "lymph," to the heart.  This is the basis of the lymphatic system recognized today

More than a century later, the Belgian surgeon Alexander de Winiwarter (1848-1910) introduced the technique of draining lymphatic swellings manually. This was primarily used for lymphedema, a condition in which the lymphatic system is obstructed due to the retention of fluid. The main symptom is swelling.

We've all heard of swollen lymph nodes, but few of us know what lymph nodes actually do. They have a variety of functions:

• They are the filtration and purification centers for lymph circulation
• They locate and eliminate bodily toxins.
• They work in concentrating the body's lymph
• They produce lymphocytes - blood cells that help our immune system

Lymphatic System Drainage Symptoms

If you suffer from lymphatic problems, you will most likely have more than just swollen lymph nodes. Your arms or legs may be swollen as well, which can be quite painful. Such cases, in particular, require lymphatic drainage.

Today, lymphatic drainage is a widely practiced technique, accepted by medical professionals and massage therapists throughout the world. Massage therapists trained in lymphatic drainage learn how to recognize the lymph flow's unique rhythm, as well as the direction, depth and overall quality of the flow.  Using this knowledge, they can gently alter the flow with their hands, improving the circulation of lymphatic fluids while releasing obstructions.

The most talented licensed massage therapists will be able to map the lymphatic system via its pathways, using this knowledge to guide their hands. They are also able to provide accurate diagnosis upon examining the patient, and can recognize improvements and the process of healing. Much like craniosacral massage, the best practitioners have both intimate knowledge and practiced touch of this gentle approach. 

So how do you know if you need lymphatic drainage?

• Do you have chronic inflammation, swelling or joint problems?
• Are your lymph nodes swollen beyond the common cold?
• Are any of you limbs painful and swollen? 
• Are your fingers painful and swollen?
• Is there a detectable lump under the skin?
• Do you have heat in the area of swelling?

All of these may be linked to lymphatic problems. Your doctor should first be consulted, and then you can reach out to a licensed massage therapist with expertise in lymphatic drainage for treatment.

But there are other benefits to lymphatic drainage as well. If you have joint inflammation or arthritis ,the lymphatic fluids could be obstructed. If you suffer from migraines, lymphatic drainage can also help. This gentle technique can assist the healing process after surgery or a injury - but doctors advise that you wait at least six weeks - and can help new mothers avoid the common pains and swelling associated with breast feeding.  In addition, lymphatic massage can improve the immune system, relieve stress and relax the body.

Lymphatic drainage may not sound appealing, but it can yield remarkable results in the relief of chronic and inflammatory conditions. Put simply, lymphatic drainage is a gentle technique that removes toxins from the immune system. It also helps to replenish the body's healthy cells, healing existing ailments or injuries.

The lymphatic system was first identified in the 17th century. Research from several European scientists - Italy's Gasparo Asselli, France's John Pecquet, and Sweden's Olauf Rudbeck - established that the body is made up of a complex network of vessels that carry transparent fluid, or "lymph," to the heart.  This is the basis of the lymphatic system recognized today

More than a century later, the Belgian surgeon Alexander de Winiwarter (1848-1910) introduced the technique of draining lymphatic swellings manually. This was primarily used for lymphedema, a condition in which the lymphatic system is obstructed due to the retention of fluid. The main symptom is swelling.

We've all heard of swollen lymph nodes, but few of us know what lymph nodes actually do. They have a variety of functions:

• They are the filtration and purification centers for lymph circulation
• They locate and eliminate bodily toxins.
• They work in concentrating the body's lymph
• They produce lymphocytes - blood cells that help our immune system

If you suffer from lymphatic problems, you will most likely have more than just swollen lymph nodes. Your arms or legs may be swollen as well, which can be quite painful. Such cases, in particular, require lymphatic drainage.

Today, lymphatic drainage is a widely practiced technique, accepted by medical professionals and massage therapists throughout the world. Massage therapists trained in lymphatic drainage learn how to recognize the lymph flow's unique rhythm, as well as the direction, depth and overall quality of the flow.  Using this knowledge, they can gently alter the flow with their hands, improving the circulation of lymphatic fluids while releasing obstructions.

The most talented massage therapists will be able to map the lymphatic system via its pathways, using this knowledge to guide their hands. They are also able to provide accurate diagnosis upon examining the patient, and can recognize improvements and the process of healing. Much like craniosacral massage, the best practitioners have both intimate knowledge and practiced touch of this gentle approach. 

So how do you know if you need lymphatic drainage?

• Do you have chronic inflammation, swelling or joint problems?
• Are your lymph nodes swollen beyond the common cold?
• Are any of you limbs painful and swollen? 
• Are your fingers painful and swollen?
• Is there a detectable lump under the skin?
• Do you have heat in the area of swelling?

All of these may be linked to lymphatic problems. Your doctor should first be consulted, and then you can reach out to a licensed massage therapist with expertise in lymphatic drainage for treatment.

But there are other benefits to lymphatic drainage as well. If you have joint inflammation or arthritis ,the lymphatic fluids could be obstructed. If you suffer from migraines, lymphatic drainage can also help. This gentle technique can assist the healing process after surgery or a injury - but doctors advise that you wait at least six weeks - and can help new mothers avoid the common pains and swelling associated with breast feeding.  In addition, lymphatic massage can improve the immune system, relieve stress and relax the body.

I have a LDT-1 (level one) certification in lymphatic drainage, which I received after taking intense, hands-on courses at the Chickley Institute. I am eager to share this remarkable approach to massage with my patients - existing and new.

With more than 20 years of experience and natural intuition, my approach to lymphatic drainage is professional, gentle and individualized for each client. For more information on lymph drainage massage, or to schedule an appointment, visit my website.

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Woman with Adrenal Fatigue

There's nothing worse than feeling lethargic and run down, especially when you just can't shake it. Of course, everyone feels fatigued at some time or another, but if the feeling seems to exist for no apparent reason and lasts for days, weeks or months, you could be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.

Dr. James L. Wilson first used the term Adrenal Fatigue in 1998 to describe a specific type of chronic exhaustion characterized by severe and constant stress. This stress can be mental, emotional or physical. After years of working with "stressed and tired" patients, Wilson realized that his patients' adrenal glands (endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys and release hormones in response to stress) were functioning below the necessary level. As a result, his patients were feeling a general sense of lethargy, tiredness and poor health.

Adrenal Fatigue is also known as hypoadrenalism or neurasthenia. Addison's disease is a somewhat similar but different disease, as its symptoms are much more severe. The two should not be confused.

Although Adrenal Fatigue symptoms vary, if you feel most of the following without due cause you may be suffering from it:

• Feel tired for no reason
• Struggle to get out of bed in the morning, even after getting plenty of sleep
• Depend on coffee, soda, sweet and salty snacks for energy
• Feel run down and stressed
• Feel overwhelmed and exhausted
• Have difficulty recovering from stress or illness
• Only feel awake and alert after 6 p.m.

If you think you're struggling with Adrenal Fatigue, you are not alone. An estimated 80% of people experience Adrenal Fatigue and the physical symptoms of stress at some time in their lives. In addition to interfering with your quality of life, Adrenal Fatigue can also contribute to health issues that range from obesity to allergies to depression.

Stress is often unavoidable in today's modern life. Juggling work, family, and social events can leave little time for rest and relaxation. Our bodies do an incredible job of "keeping up" but there comes a point when we start to break down.  Therefore, it is no surprise that more and more people are feeling the effects of chronic stress.

In addition to long-term stress, Adrenal Fatigue can be brought on by illness, a life crisis, or repeated infections such as the flu or bronchitis. Even the healthiest person can develop Adrenal Fatigue. Athletes can suffer if they work out too hard and too often without taking days off to rest. Working professionals can fall victim to adrenal fatigue due to content stress in the work environment. College students who stay up all night studying for tests and eat poorly (junk food and coffee are big culprits) are also prone.

As you can see, virtually anyone can develop Adrenal Fatigue. However, there are certain factors that increase your risk. These include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Inadequate sleep
• Overly stressed lifestyle
• Long-term illness or persistent infections
• Feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances

The good news is, by making diet and lifestyle improvements (which includes reducing stress and improving rest) most people can overcome Adrenal Fatigue and feel good again. Therapeutic massage is also an excellent treatment for Adrenal Fatigue, as it promotes healthy adrenal function while relaxing a tired body.

Many people who visit my practice tell me that they "just don't feel well." They are stressed, tired and sluggish and they have no idea why.  It is very likely that these clients' adrenal glands are fatigued in some way.  

In such cases, I usually suggest Visceral Manipulation Therapy, which is a gentle massage technique that focuses on the internal organs and their interrelationship with one another. This approach can help restore the adrenal glands to optimal functioning, revitalizing your body, mind and sense of well-being.

To learn more about Visceral Manipulation Therapy and how it can help with Adrenal Fatigue, please visit my website. It's truly a fascinating technique - one that often has life changing results.

Eugene Wood
Licensed Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Woman Receiving a CranioSacral Massage

Pregnancy brings a considerable amount of changes to a woman's body. It lasts for approximately nine months and is divided into three trimesters; each bringing its own different set of changes and experiences. What types of changes occur to the body during pregnancy?

During the first trimester there are a series of hormonal imbalances, which can result in breast tenderness, morning sickness, fatigue, irritability, headaches, and indigestion. The second trimester, on the other hand, is the easiest phase of pregnancy. 

Though oestrogen and progesterone hormones are lowered, morning sickness and fatigue have generally subsided after the first 12 weeks. It is also a time when the uterus and the pelvis begin to expand, and the abdomen gets bigger.

The third trimester is usually the most difficult phase of pregnancy. Women take on significant weight as the baby gets bigger, which can lead to numerous discomforts, especially with the back and the belly.

Pregnancy may be the hardest physical change any woman goes through, especially for first-time mothers. It is, therefore, important that women get enough support to help them with each stage of pregnancy. There are various types of prenatal aid, and one of them is prenatal massages.

What is Prenatal Massage?

Prenatal massage is a holistic and therapeutic approach to help mothers-to-be with their special needs, especially when their body goes through different dramatic changes. It offers gentle massages that focus on providing better circulation, improved mental and physical health, and relieving pain from sore muscles and joints. It can also be an emotional and psychological support during times with hormonal imbalances are at high.

Prenatal massage is normally given to pregnant women during their first and second trimester. You can never be too pregnant to have a massage, though. Even if you are closer to your due date, with your physician's approval, the massage could still help you calm your mind and prepare your body for delivery.  However, it is important that you only ask for help from legitimate centers because miscarriage can occur if the massages are not handled properly, especially during the first and third trimester.

How is Prenatal Massage Done?

A prenatal massage is handled with extreme care because there are not only one, but two lives that need to be given full attention. After careful assessments, *Our therapists* will customize the therapy according to how many weeks a woman is pregnant, as there are some massage techniques that may not be suitable for every trimester.

The session is normally done on a special table where there are hallowed-out areas to accommodate swollen breasts and soft pillows and wedges to support the belly. Unlike other massages, prenatal massage normally avoids asking their patients to lie face down, keeping the mother in a position that is safe and comfortable for both her and the baby. Semi-reclined positions or lying on the side are the best positions to avoid stressing the back and the abdomen.

Prenatal massage uses more stroking techniques than applying pressure. The massage therapist focuses more on the back than the abdomen. Also, there are numerous pressure points that need to be avoided, such as the feet, the lower back, hands, and the wrists to ensure complete safety for the fetus.  

Once on the side-lying position, the therapists will work at their patient's comfort level, providing low-pressured single strokes on the back, legs, and arms. A patient may be asked to shift onto her side, with pillows supporting the abdomen and the back, keeping the bottom leg straight, while the top leg is slightly bent and supported by a pillow.

Although a therapist usually avoids the abdomen, patients may find it soothing and relaxing if this area is massaged. Gentle strokes can be applied, avoiding the heart and just below the stomach. However, if the patient is not comfortable -- at any time -- she has the right to decline a therapeutic massage in these areas.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage has been recognized for its many benefits. It does not only relieve aches, pains and tension, but additionally provides physical and emotional comfort. It has also been proven to improve blood circulation, which can eliminate risks of preeclampsia, blood clots, edema, and fatigue.

Massage can also improve digestion and skin elasticity. It can stimulate the soft tissues and muscles, providing more oxygen while eliminating stretch marks, dryness, and itchiness in the belly. Prenatal massages can also decrease swelling, especially around the pelvic area, lower back, neck, the hands, and lower legs.

It can also stabilize mood swings by producing two "happy hormones," serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin can help fight stress, while melatonin can provide a good night's sleep. Prenatal massages can also help with weight-bearing stress on the back, ribs, and the knees. Lastly, it can help induce a faster labor. Studies show that expectant mothers who went through prenatal massages delivered their babies in as few as 3 to 4 hours.

Taking the time to consult with your physician and therapist on holistic approaches to prenatal therapy is a rewarding decision. Prenatal massage can help in many ways, eradicating the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy, so you can focus on the joy and excitement of being a new mother. 

Eugene Wood LMT
NYC-Massage.com

The Amazing Healing Power of Deep Tissue Massage

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?
by Eugene Wood

NYC-Massage.com

Deep Tissue Massage is an ancient practice. People from ancient Egypt and Greece were the first ones to master the technique and discover its many health benefits. Its close modern replica is what we know today as Swedish massage. Only a well-trained Deep Tissue Massage Therapist who undergoes intensive years of training to gain a license and certification, proper knowledge, and know-how to perform the technique is qualified to do this.

How Deep Tissue Massage Works

Deep tissue massage therapy involves providing slow stroke massages with ample pressure to reach the sub-layer of the patient's musculature system and to realign the deep layers of the connective tissues. Its main goal is to provide relief to most chronic ailments our body experiences because of our strenuous activities, everyday stressors, or acquired injuries.

Chronic tension and injury to our muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause adhesions that could restrain the proper flow of blood, limit movement, and thus, cause repeated pain. Adhesions are in forms of rigid tissues and when deep tissue massage therapy is applied, it gradually breaks down the adhesion and restores body's proper function.

Who Can Benefit from Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage does not guarantee relief of all chronic pain and body ailments.  Mostly, athletes take advantage of this massage. The constant wearing and tearing of their connective tissues and joints can cause them tremendous pain and discomfort. Two to three sessions of deep tissue massage therapy cannot only alleviate their pain, but can also improve their performance.

It can help them relieve their back and knee pain, sore shoulders, muscle strains and tightness, sore heels, shin splints, tendonitis, and even stiff necks. This therapy, however, is not always advisable to treating injuries. Only superficial injuries can be consulted. It is not advisable for injuries like fracture, sprains, dislocations, and cuts.

Even our senior citizens who suffer from arthritis, high blood pressure, and migraines can seek help from a deep tissue massage therapist. Deep massages can improve circulation of blood, thus relieving sore pains and lowering blood pressure.

The Healing Power of Deep Tissue Massage

Aside from alleviating chronic pain and improving blood flow, this therapy can also help correct postural problems and eliminate osteoarthritis. Deep massages can reach down into the spinal areas and gradually improve the spinal structure and balance.

Women who suffer from menopausal disorders like Fibromyalgia may also benefit from this therapy. Deep massages can sooth the senses and provide relaxation, making it easy for menopausal women to have a calm mind, and therefore, eliminates psychological tendencies of feeling pain all over the body.

It can also improve the wellness of the heart. When faced with our daily stressors, our heart has the tendency to beat faster in order to accommodate the speed of blood flow rushing. Consistent visits to your deep tissue therapist can help reduce stressors and thus, improve heart rate and provide heightened relaxation.

Advanced Techniques

There are different techniques applied during deep massages, such as trigger point or rolfing, but one thing should be expected; they will use many parts of their body, which ever suits the area, to lessen your pain. They can use their bare hands, their fingers, their knuckles, forearms, and even their elbows. Regular massage for pain relief is very effective.

And since the goal is to reach into the deep muscles, ligaments, and tissues, it is only normal to feel pain. If the pain you experience is not tolerable, then your therapist must immediately be made aware. However, the more sessions you receive, the more your pain tolerance increases.

With its much help comes its limitations. This therapy is not applicable for women who are pregnant, those who are undergoing chemotherapy, and those who have skin diseases, anemia, osteoporosis, abdominal hernia, and skin ailments.

Although, it can provide several benefits, it is still advisable to consult your physician first before seeking its help. There are some areas in the body that is very crucial, such as your spine and neck. Though, there has been no accounts of any malpractice, it would be best to be on the safe side. Deep tissue massage has been an ancient practice that has provided comfort and relief, which up until how has been widely used to help millions benefit from its magic touch.