Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Massage and more for Parkinson's...



The Benefits of Massage and other services for Parkinson's
 
Massage Therapy has many benefits for the person suffering from Parkinson's.  A simple massage can significantly improve quality of life.  Massage has been helpful for insomnia, it aids in relaxing the body for better sleep.  It can also help improve your ability to perform normal day to day activities.  It can help alleviate or lesson some of the other symptoms experienced such as: cramps, low energy levels, weakness in the limbs, hypertension, memory loss, headaches, nausea, anxiety, grief, depression, nightmares and stomach digestion problems.  
Parkinson's Disease destroys dopamine producing cells, a neurotransmitter chemical that helps convey signals that control movement.  Research has shown that massage naturally increases dopamine levels.  It also increases endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.  It can help to balance serotonin, a mood altering hormone as well.  
Massage has been able to alleviate to some degree joint pain and muscle stiffness and it can significantly reduce stress by bringing fresh oxygen and other nutrients to the affected tissues.  Swedish Massage emphasizes soothing strokes, stimulating immune function, increasing blood/lymph flow and circulation.  It also helps maintain connective tissue mobility.  Deep Tissue Massage can greatly benefit areas of muscle tension, while stimulating localized healing.  Neuromuscular Therapy can reach connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and nerves while releasing knots of tension called trigger points. 
Trigger Point Therapy uses deep pressure to release tiny knots that develop in muscle fiber, fascia and ligaments.  Myofascial Release is a gentle blend of stretching and massage that works the fascia, the thin connective tissue that covers every muscle and organ of the body. 
Hot Stone Massage has also been effective in increasing blood flow and circulation via heat, creating longer lasting effects in many cases.  It is noted that when hot stones are used regularly with Parkinson's suffers, the client is in a more relaxed state right from the beginning of the massage because of the heat effect.  Reflexology is a foot massage focused on areas of the feet that correspond to certain organs in the body helping to increase circulation and flush toxins.  It also stimulates nerve endings and helps to balance your body's energy.  There are over 4,000 pores in our feet, and these pores are one of the main sources of eliminating toxins in our body.  Aromatherapy Oils have been used for hundreds of years, and have been very effective when incorporated into a massage to produce the desired effect such as:  having antispasmatic, calming, uplifting, detoxifying or digestive results.  These oils can also be used at home in a diffuser, candle or in a bath.  Certain oils or combinations of oils can be used depending on the effect you want to achieve. 
All of our massage therapy sessions incorporate
 dimmed lighting and relaxing music as part of the treatment.  Music calms and relaxes the body.  Listening to relaxing  music at home can also be very beneficial.
Massage Therapy in general increase flexibility and range of motion, it lowers heart rate and blood pressure while increasing  lymph flow assisting your body in eliminating wastes and toxins.  It soothes nerve endings, and creates the ability to recognize tension. pain and tightness in ones own body.  The skin is the largest organ in the body.  In one square inch of skin cells there are 500 sweat glands, more than 1,000 nerve endings, yards of tiny blood cells, nearly 100 sebaceous/oil glands, 150 sensors for pressure, 75 sensors for heat and 10 sensors for cold, not to mention the millions of other cells.
Other services that are helpful include:
Warm Wax Paraffin Treatment This service can be done on your hands and or feet.  These treatments can be incorporated into your massage or done as a stand alone treatment.  Paraffin increases blood flow to the affected area, decreases nerve sensation thus relieving pain.  It helps relieve muscle spasms and relaxes nerve endings and muscles.  It delivers consistent heat to painful joints and limbs.  The warm wax helps insolate the extremity holding in the heat effects after being applied to the body.  It also exfoliates and softens skin, helping to retain moisture as it holds in the heat.
Body Scrubs can also be an effective treatment.  These salt scrubs gently exfoliate dead skin cells removing the top layer of skin to prepare the body to eliminate toxins through the pores, while hydrating the skin.  This treatment also helps with sluggish circulation, and helps to increase endurance and energy while stimulating nerve endings.
Reiki is a form of energy healing that can help to calm the mind and relieve stress while harmonizing and balancing your emotional state.  It helps to nourish and heal damaged tissue while encouraging the body's natural healing processes.  It promotes deep relaxation, releases energy blockages and helps to detoxify.  It may also be helpful in combating negativity and depression.
Consider scheduling some of these services for yourself, or someone suffering from Parkinson's.  Remember, caregivers also need to take care of themselves.  It is important that they take time to get recharged and refueled naturally!


1 comment: