General Health Articles

1. AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE OFF MY UNDERWEAR?
Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, others prefer to be nude. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks or groin, tight-fitting underwear can get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men do the trick. But ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged should be uncovered.

2. WHAT IF I REALIZE THAT I’VE DROOLED?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Ask the massage therapist for a tissue. It’s that simple!

3. WILL THE MASSAGE THERAPIST BE THERE WHEN I UNDRESS?
In many salons/spas, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Don’t rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you; they always knock and ask if you are ready before entering the massage room.

4. SHOULD I TALK DURING THE MASSAGE?
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don’t feel compelled to make conversation with the therapist. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. But be sure to speak up if the room is too hot or too cold, if you experience pain, if you have any questions related to the massage or if there’s anything you forgot to mention during the consultation.

5. WHAT IF I GET TURNED ON DURING THE MASSAGE?
Some men don’t get massage therapy because they worry that they’ll get turned on. It’s perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and turn you on. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.

6. I’M SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT A CERTAIN PART OF MY BODY…
People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some common concerns are: I’m overweight, I have excessive hair growth on my body, I’ve got acne on my face or back, my feet are ugly or I have scars. Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it’s visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you’re self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area.

7 I’D RATHER SEE A SAME SEX MASSAGE THERAPIST. SHOULD I REQUEST FOR ONE?
Some men don’t feel comfortable getting a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting turned on during the massage. Meanwhile, some women prefer female massage therapists because they say they feel more comfortable with them. Do what you feel good about. Your massage, your call!

8. AM I SUPPOSED TO TIP MY MASSAGE THERAPIST?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15-20 per cent tip is standard (if you were pleased with the services). On the other hand, there are no ground rules when it comes to a massage in a medical setting. Some therapists say that tipping isn’t appropriate in a medical setting. If you aren’t sure, call ahead to ask if you should tip or not.

Mesothelioma: The Deadly Cancer
For all practical reasons it is said that there is no cancer as deadly and devastating as ‘Mesothelioma’. Once diagnosed, it kills the patient within 12 to 18 months.

Mesothelioma has possibly existed for a very long time, but it is now that the number of those suffering from it are on a steep rise. This trend of persons being diagnosed with mesothelioma could continue for a further 30 to 50 years, even more. Reason for this is that mesothelioma is usually diagnosed 30 to 40 years after initial ‘asbestos inhalation’ (asbestos inhalation is the prime cause of mesothelioma). Even though banned in the 80s, asbestos was still in use till the 90s. Products that contained asbestos till the 90s are asbestos free today; but this does not mean that we are living in an asbestos free environment. The effects of all the asbestos used till the 90s is still felt today. Any construction built from the early 1900s to the 80s contain toxic levels of asbestos in their flooring, roofing, and insulation; all of which could easily pollute the air with invisible asbestos fibers while renovating without taking all safety precautions.

Conventional Mesothelioma Treatments
Almost every patient diagnosed with mesothelioma in the past decade have had a very limited choice as far as treatment was concerned. These treatments depended on the stage of cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and included one or more of the following treatments.

– Surgery
– Radiation Therapy
– Chemotherapy
– Combination Therapy

New Mesothelioma Treatments
Over the years of treating mesothelioma, surgeons have realized that the conventional treatment methods for mesothelioma were not very effective in treating the cancer with a low success rate and survival time.

New Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy was one option in the conventional type of treatment. Today several different types of chemotherapy are undergoing trials. Some trials are abandoned due to a lack in cancer improvement and the side-effects, but there are many new chemotherapies that are showing good results with fewer and more manageable side-effects.

Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma
Photodynamic Therapy is another new mesothelioma treatment that is undergoing trial. This therapy is based on the power of light to destroy the cancer cells. A photosensitive drug is injected into the patients body and a laser of specific frequency used to stimulate the photosensitive drug. This laser will detect and kill only the active cancer cells when it reacts with the photosensitive drug.

Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma
Immunotherapy is a recent therapy that makes use of the patients own immune system to create a self defense mechanism against the cancer. The theory here is that the immune system can differentiate between normal healthy cells and cancerous cells, and will naturally destroy the cancer cells. This new therapy is based on a substance known as BRM (biological response modifiers) which is naturally present in the human body. Today BRM can also be created in a laboratory. Trials for this therapy are underway and the current results are good, making it a possible solution for mesothelioma in the near future.

Gene Therapy for Mesothelioma
Gene Therapy / Replacement Gene Therapy is another new therapy undergoing trial. In this therapy abnormal genes that are responsible for the growth and spread of the cancer are replaced by normal healthy genes. In this therapy the cancer is treated at the DNA level. Once healthy genes replace the abnormal genes, it helps stop any further growth and spread of the cancer.

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments
Traditional methods of containing and curing mesothelioma are not proving to be very effective, and has lead to a host of alternative treatments for mesothelioma.

These are methods that are not subscribed to by physicians / surgeons because most of them do not have a scientific base. Usually patients use alternative mesothelioma treatment methods in combination with traditional methods to improve the chance of recovery and increase survival time.

Alternative methods for mesothelioma cure include the following.

– Acupuncture
– Herbs
– Massage
– Homoeopathy
– Visual / Guided Imagery
– Yoga
– Meditation
– Breathing techniques
– Specialized diet
– Spiritual Healing

Acupuncture Treatment for Mesothelioma
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedy used for curing many ailments. Sterile acupuncture needles are placed on specific energy points on the skin to release positive energy to diseased parts of the body, helping restore a perfect balance in the body. It is a technique that is very helpful in relieving pain associated with mesothelioma.

Herbs Used for Treating Mesothelioma
As with acupuncture, treatment with herbs too has its origins in China. Traditional Chinese doctors have an assortment of herbs that will cure / reduce the intensity of various ailments. These herbs are used in addition to conventional mesothelioma treatment.

Massage for Mesothelioma
Massages are known to increase blood circulation and relieve body stress. Massages are not used for curing mesothelioma, but for stress and pain relief during / after conventional treatments used to cure mesothelioma.

Meditation for Mesothelioma
Meditation techniques are centuries old and practiced worldwide for various spiritual reasons. It is one of the best ways known to relax the mind and body. If done with proper guidance it can destress the mesothelioma patient and help control pain. Meditation is also claimed to strengthen the immune system. The advantages of meditation are many. Meditation can be performed by the patient in the comforting confines of home. At a time when alternative therapies cost a lot monetarily, meditation once learned will not cost anything. Unlike most medication, meditation does not have any negative side-effects.

Don’t Stop Conventional Mesothelioma Treatment
Many of those practicing alternative mesothelioma treatments will make you believe that they can cure you of the dreaded cancer without the need for conventional treatment. Most of these claims are not true and could end in disaster, since time is of essence in any mesothelioma treatment.

Even though not proven scientifically (which will never happen), many alternative treatments (most of which are based on spirituality) have proved to be beneficial when combined with conventional treatment. Whenever you decide to opt for an alternative treatment, try to locate and speak to someone who has undergone the specific treatment. Also speak to the physician / surgeon treating you and let them know of your alternative treatment choice.

As of today, mesothelioma is not curable using conventional methods such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapy. Keeping this fact in mind, and also the fact that most alternative treatments for mesothelioma do not have any negative side-effects, it is a good option to combine conventional treatment with an alternative treatment to help fight mesothelioma.

Alternative treatments for mesothelioma could cost a lot. Before opting for a particular type of alternative treatment, find out if insurance will cover this treatment. If it does, good. If not, go in for alternative treatments such as meditation, yoga, or specialized breathing techniques that once learned will help you get better, at the same time not burden you financially.

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. It is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing the body by the use of plants and their parts. The word aromatherapy is derived from two words aroma which means smell and therapy which stands for healing.

Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapyy the roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts are used for the distillation of oils. Each essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. These oils can be blended together and this blend is called synergy. The synergy is more potent than the individual oils. Since these oils are so potent in their concentrated form they are mixed with simple oils called carrier oils like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil.

Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit. They can be sedative or stimulating, analgesic and antispasmodic and antibacterial. They enter through our olfactory system and affect the nervous system, thus improving mood and relaxing or energizing us. This helps is alleviating stress and speeds up healing.

There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically - in baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, massage.

Massage

Massage therapy is also an ancient form of alternative medicine. It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calms the mind, reducing the stress in the body. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and in the immune system.

Hippocrates said: “The Physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing . . . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.”

Depending on your need a synergy blend is created with the carrier oil. There are a lot of combinations that are specially made for specific diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, stress, sports injury, migraines, insomnia etc.

History of Aromatherapy Massage: Aromatherapy Massage is the brain child of Marguerite Maury, née König of Austria. Marguerite trained as a nurse and surgical assistant. Her interest in aromatherapy began with the book of Dr Chabenes, Les Grandes Possibilités par les Matières Odoriferantes. Marguerite met and married a French doctor in the early thirties, and continued her research into essential oils

She developed her particular method of using the “Individual Prescription” blending several essential oils, for each patient, after an in-depth consultation and examination. She also pioneered the use of massage to administer the essential oils, partly perhaps because she was not a medical doctor, and therefore not qualified to prescribe internal use of the oils.

Basic Oils

There are a variety of essential oils that can be blended to create a perfect one for your needs, a few of them are

Lavender

• most basic of oils
• relaxation, calming, balancing
• antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifier
• use on burns

Rosemary

• stimulant for mental and physical body
• antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, adrenal stimulant
• muscular strains and sprains, headaches, fatigue, congestion, prevents scar tissue formation

Bergamot

• refreshing, uplifting,
• antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant, deodorizer
• can be slightly irritating to skin

Peppermint

• digestive aid, headaches, fatigue
• anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, vasoconstrictor
• cooling

Tea Tree

• antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic
• treatment of infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, gum disease
• caution when applying full strength

Geranium

• eases stress
• antidepressant, adrenal and hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative, antiseptic
• good for PMS and female disorders

Clary Sage

• antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic
• relieves PMS, soothing, relaxing

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. It consists of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind, spirit and body relationship. According to the principles of yoga the mind, spirit and the body are one and they together can heal itself.

Yoga has three main techniques:

Asanas or poses

The various yogic poses give your body flexibility and strengthen the muscles. Many asanas are aimed at improving blood circulation and functioning of specific organs in the body.

Pranayama or breathing

Pranayama is actually the most important aspect of yoga as they cleanse the subtle energies flowing through the body. These breathing techniques are an effective way to energize, harmonize and tranquillize the body, spirit and mind.

Meditation

Mediation is an important way in managing stress and anxiety. Regular meditation trains the mind to be calm and relaxed; it curtails overreaction, emotional outbursts and temper tantrums.

When these three techniques are done together in sync the health benefits to the mind, soul and body are tremendous.

Benefits

Yoga has many health benefits, the main are:

Yoga asanas massages all organs of the body. It works on the internal organs in a systematic manner. This stimulation of the organs benefits us by keeping away disease.

Yoga increases the lubrication of joints, ligament and tendons. Yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.

Yoga offers a complete detoxification of the body. It ensures the maximum blood supply to various parts of the body, which helps in the flushing out of toxins from all over the body.

Yoga exercises strengthen the nervous system through its non-tiring physiological asanas.

Yoga breathing exercises and meditations develop parts of the brain that are normally dormant.

Conditions Benefited By Yoga

Though yoga has a beneficiary effect on all ailments, the ailments mentioned below have specially been helped by yogic practices,

Acid Stomach
Addictions
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Cold
Constipation
Depression
Diabetes
Emphysema
Eyestrain
Flatulence
Headache
Heart Disorders,
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Indigestion
Insomnia
Menstrual disorders
Migraines
Neurasthenia
Obesity
Premenstrual Tension
Prostate troubles
Pain Management
Rheumatism
Sciatica
Sexual debility
Sinus
Skin diseases
Sore throat
Stress And Tension
Wrinkles

Yoga helps to makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even at times of great stress. Practicing yoga makes you feel fitter, more energetic, happier and peaceful.

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Let me begin by saying that I hate exercising. Period. But, I’m forced to exercise because things tend to get too out of hand otherwise (I tend to put on weight easily). So, over the years I’ve pared my exercise routine down to the barest of the bare minimum. About a 15-minute yoga workout which has 13 asanas (positions), including the Shavasana (the death pose), which is the last one, and is nothing but lying flat on your back with your eyes closed – the best asana of all, according to me. Here they are for you to check out.

To begin with, put on some soft, soothing music… try Hariprasad Chaurasia’s bansuri (bamboo flute), or Ravi Shankar’s sitar. The names of the asanas sound complex, don’t let that scare you off, most of the positions are fairly simple. Oh, and breathe normally through all these exercises. And also, don’t force your body to stretch beyond its capacity. Take it easy, and stretch further as you become more flexible with regular practice. So, here goes –

Utthita Trikonasana
Stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart. Turn the foot of your right leg outward, and the foot of your left leg a little inward. Raise your arms by your sides and hold them parallel to the floor. Now, bend sideways from the waist to touch your right foot with your right hand, with the left arm stretched toward the ceiling. Hold this position for a minute. Straighten up. And repeat on the other side. (Gives a great stretch and improves the flexibility of the body. Improves the balance too.)

Padahastasana
Stand with your feet together. Raise your arms overhead and bend forward from your waist and touch your toes. As you become more flexible, you can grab hold of your ankles and try to get your forehead to touch your knees. Hold for one minute. And return back to the starting position. (The spine and the hamstrings get a great
stretch.)

Janushirsasana
Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Bend you left leg at the knee so that the sole of the foot rests on the inside thigh of your right leg. Now raise your arms and bend forward, and get hold of your right leg’s toes with both your hands. Try and get your face as close as possible t your right knee. Hold for one
minute and come up. Repeat on the other side. (Good stretch for the hamstrings and the back. Gives your internal organs a massage.)

Upavishtakonasana
Sit with your legs stretched sideways as far out as possible. Bend forward to try and touch your chin on the floor in front of you, while you grab hold of your toes on either side with your hands. Try to keep your spine as straight as possible, and try not to bend your knees. Hold for one minute. And release the stretch. (This gives an intense stretch to the inner thighs. Improves the flexibility of the pelvic region.)

Paschimottanasana
Sit erect with your legs together and stretched out in front of you. Now raise your arms up and bend forward and grab hold of your toes. Try to get your face as close to your knees as you can. Don’t allow your knees to lift off the floor. Hold for a minute and come up. (The spine, hamstrings and calf muscles get a good stretch. Massages the abdominal region.)

Shalabhasana
Lie flat on the floor on your belly, with your arms by your sides. Now lift your head, torso, arms, and legs off the floor, so that you are balancing on the lower part of your belly. Hold for one minute, and come down gently. (Great for toning up the back muscles. Strengthens the spine.)

Bhujangasana
Lie flat on your belly. Place your palms on the floor at shoulder level. Now lift your head and chest off the floor, straightening your arms, while the lower portion of your body, from belly down, remains on the floor. Stretch your head back, looking up at the ceiling. Hold for a minute, and come down gently. (Great for the spine. Gives a nice stretch to the chest and arms.)

Dhanurasana
Lie on your belly, face down. Bend your knees. Reach back with your hands to grab hold of each ankle with each hand. Now, pull your legs up from behind, and lift your head and torso up. Hold for one minute, and release out of the stretch gently. (Another one for your back muscles and spine.)

Urdhwa Prasaritapadasana
Begin by lying on your back, arms by your side. Now, place your hands, palms down, under your lower back. Then, tautening your abs and tightening your leg muscles, lift both legs off the floor to a height of 30 degrees. Hold them there for a few seconds (count a slow ten silently). Then raise your legs to a height of about 60 degrees, and hold for a few seconds. Then lift up to 90 degrees or straight up. Then reverse the process, coming down to 60 degrees, then 30 degrees, then down on the floor. (Very good for the abs.)

Halasana
Lie on your back. Lift both your legs and your hips up, off the floor, and swing them over to reach over your head, so that the tips of your toes touch the floor above your head. Hold for one minute. (Terrific for the spine, and massages the abs too. But requires some expertise. So get expert help for this one.)

Sarvangasana
Lie on your back. Lift both your legs and your hips off the floor, lifting them straight up, until your whole body is balanced on your shoulders and the nape of your neck, with your hands supporting your waist from behind. This is considered to be the queen of all the asanas (the king being the Sirshasana, or the head stand, which is too advanced for me). Anyway, the Sarvangasana tones the whole body, including the glandular system deep inside. But this exercise too needs a fair amount of expertise. So, learn the technique from an expert first.

Shavasana
Lie flat on your back. Close your eyes and let your whole body go limp. Breathe deeply and slowly. And relax completely for one minute. Feel the soft music flowing over you and through you. (Great relaxation after doing the asanas.)

Well, that’s it. Actually, the fun thing about this set is that you get a total body workout in just about 15 minutes.

By the way, all forms of exercise are liable to cause injury, so expert help by your side at first is advisable.