The April issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing has reported on a Swedish study where a 25 minute massage was offered for eight weeks to relatives who had lost a loved one to cancer. Participants ranged from 34 to 78 years of age and included widows, widowers, daughters and sisters. They were offered a choice of foot or hand massage and divided fairly evenly over what they chose. Only three of the participants had previous experience of soft tissue massage.
They reported that having a soothing massage helped provide much-needed consolation during an intense, stressful period of grieving. “Soft tissue massage is gentle, but firm” explains Dr Cronfalk, who carried out the research with colleagues from the Karolinska Institutet. “This activates touch receptors which then release oxytocin, a hormone known for its positive effects on well-being and relaxation. In this study the hand or foot massage was done with slow strokes, light pressure and circling movements using oil lightly scented with citrus or hawthorn.
The use of hawthorn and lemon as the oils is interesting as they would not naturally spring to mind first. Lemon oil is probably best known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties but it reputedly increases concentration and awareness and helps to eliminate emotional confusion, which would fit with the grieving process.
Positive Touch Triad had their ribbon cut by Angela Howard, health coach of the Piedmont Triad. Angela has lost over 210 pounds with Take Shape for Life! Her motto, “There is no 1 solution to weight loss.”
It was chilly but over 40 supporters attended.
Snacks and B-Skinney Coffee were offered for those at the ceremony.
Doctor Akihito Gido practices Chiropractic and Acupuncture Services right next door to Positive Touch Triad.
Just a Cloud Away, Inc™Journal highly recommends the products and services provided at Positive Touch Triad and wishes the best of luck in the new year. Take care of yourself first, especially those going through life transitions.
[...] Healing Touch and other energy healing modalities, including Energy Psychology, help us balance out our energy [...]
Thank you so much for bringing attention to the vital services that massage and reflexology offer many people. Often ignored populations are the Chronically ill who recieve both pain relief from a session, as well as digestive support.
Elders love reflexology! They are often not touched enough, and they do not have to get undressed. The reflexology sessions will increase their circulation and give a deep sense of relaxation.
Cancer patients will benefit due to the increase in their immune function by the reflexology session. It may offset the nausea that may accompany their treatments. The endorphin response will help alleviate pain.
Autoimmune disorders, clients who suffer with this will benefit by the increased immune function and pain relief.
The Terminally Ill will respond to reflexology in profound ways. It will ease their anxiety, and assist in breathing. It supports the functioning of the organs, and the digestive systems and kidneys.
[...] Angela Howard, Health Coach of Take Shape for Life offers guidance for women regarding a healthy diet and increased quality of living. [...]