ACCUPUNCTURE AND ITS BENEFIT

WHAT IS ACCUPUNCTURE?

Contrary to popular Western belief, acupuncture is not just a system for inserting very fine needles into specific body locations to alleviate pain. So, what is acupuncture, then? Acupuncture is a complete medical protocol focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. From its inception in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health.

The traditional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness is that it modifies the flow of energy (known as qi or chi) throughout the body, but there is no scientific consensus that this is actually its mechanism of action. Research published in the May 30, 2010 online edition of Nature Neuroscience demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture needling include influencing the activity of adenosine, an amino acid which becomes active in the skin after an injury to ease pain. This may explain in part why pain relief is often experienced as one of the benefits of acupuncture. In fact, much research in the West has focused on this pain-relieving effect, rather than acupuncture’s traditional role of balancing energy to address a wide range of disorders, and the more subtle mechanisms that may be responsible for its overall benefits to health.

Acupuncture was popularized in the States during the early 70’s after President Nixon opened relations with China. At the time, a New York Times reporter, James Reston, had an appendectomy in a Chinese hospital using acupuncture as a means to decrease his post-surgical pain.

What is acupuncture used for?

Because the goal of acupuncture is to promote and restore the balance of energy, which flows throughout the body, the benefits of acupuncture can extend to a wide variety of conditions, from emotional disorders (anxiety, depression) to digestive complaints (nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome). It can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be helpful in treating neurological problems like migraines or Parkinson’s disease, or as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke. Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma have been relieved with acupuncture, as have many gynecologic disorders and infertility. Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for reducing fatigue and addictions, and for promoting overall well-being.

Studies in the U.S. indicate that acupuncture can help relieve chronic low back pain, dental pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It has been shown to assist in the treatment of emotional pain syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It has also demonstrated clinical success in achieving pregnancy when used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization.

HOT STONE MASSAGE AND HEALTH BENEFITS

WHAT IS STONE MASSAGE?

Hot stone massage therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Each 1 ½ -hour hot stone massage therapy session promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body. Our professional massage therapists also incorporate a customized massage, with the use of hot stones which offers enhanced benefits.

The premise behind hot stone massage therapy is that the direct heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist access to their deeper muscle layers. Combining hot stone protocols with a full body massage provides a very healing and effective experience. The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation.

BENEFITS OF HOT STONE MASSAGE

• Provides relief from pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other chronic conditions
• Decreases pain and muscle spasms
• Reduces chronic stress and tension
• Increases flexibility in joints, aiding in easier mobility and movement
• Relieves pain and tension created by strained and contracted muscles

BANANA SCANNING

Banana Scanning or Pinoy traditional Hilot is a proven relief of minor discomforts of the veins, bones and muscles. It cures fever, sprains, muscle weakness, stress, body pains, dislocated uterus and many more. It uses home-made oil infused with different herbs which is then massaged onto the patient’s affected body part. 

This unique Filipino therapeutic massage also makes use of banana leaf for scanning the affected areas.

Experts say the Pinoy therapeutic massage is a hit because there is no risk of overdose 


Banana leaves are a natural ioniser that works on bio-energy with its application to the skin to a certain part of the body and determines which part of the body needs necessary attention and recovers balance and harmony to the body. Banana leaves also have an antiseptic effect. It has been a useful way of treating illnesses from flu to sprains and even bone dislocations. It is embedded in the Filipino culture and is still into practice as an alternative medicine massage.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any sportsman or woman whether they are injured or not. Massage has a number of benefits both physical, physiological and psychological.

Sports massage can help maintain the body in generally better condition, prevent injuries and loss of mobility, cure and restore mobility to injured muscle tissue, boost performance and extend the overall life of your sporting career.

Physical effects of massage

Pumping - The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.

Increased tissue permeability - Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.

Stretching - Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.

Ankle massageBreak down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.

Improve tissue elasticity - Hard training can make tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.

Opens micro-circulation - Massage does increase blood flow to tissues, but so does exercise. What massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.

Physiological effects of sports massage


Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the bodies endorphins.
Relaxation - Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.

Psychological effects of massage

Anxiety reduction - through the effects mentioned above relaxation is induced and so reduces anxiety levels.

Invigorating - if massage is done with brisk movements such as what would be done before an event then this can produces an invigorating feeling.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A MASSAGE?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A MASSAGE?

How often you should get a massage depends on several personal factors, particularly your physical and emotional needs, your budget, and your stress levels. There's no question that you will experience the most health benefits from massage when you get massage regularly.  Massage calms the nervous system, improves blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, relieves muscle pain, and helps with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.  

If you get a massage once a year, it will be relaxing, but it can't undo a lifetime of muscle tension. Typically, once every week or two is ideal for keeping your muscle tissue pliable and in good shape.   If you are in chronic pain or have a special issue to address, you might need to come weekly (or even twice a week) until you feel better. 

Once you're feeling good, once a month is the recommended minimum for maintaining the health of your tissue. If you start stretching the massages out too far, then your muscles can revert to their old patterns, especially if you come under stress.

 If you wait too long, you'll have to start all over again to restore their suppleness and pliancy. Listen to your body, but don't wait too long in an effort to save money.

general guidelines our experienced massage therapists recommend:

GENERAL WELLNESS

For general wellness aim for a frequency of about once or twice a month. This allows people in generally good health to receive all the health benefits, and allows each massage to build upon the last so that you are not essentially starting over from scratch each time.

TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS

If you want a massage for the treatment of a chronic condition such as migraines, neck aches and backaches, you’ll need to receive one more frequently to see relief. It is recommended to start off with twice weekly massages for the first four to six weeks, and then gradually increase the time between sessions as symptoms improve. While chronic conditions are generally not solved in a single session, most can be well managed by regular, effective massages.

ENHANCED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Massage is a necessary support mechanism for athletes to maintain muscle health and flexibility. People heavily involved in sports should have a massage as often as two to three times per week during periods of intense training and less often—perhaps once or twice a month—during the off-season. Massages helps athletes reach peak physical fitness while giving some protection from injury.

STRESS RELIEF

Studies conducted on the benefits of massage have demonstrated that massage helps combat stress, anxiety and insomnia related to stress. People going through a particularly stressful situation or those leading high stress lives should aim to get a massage every one to two weeks.

The bottom line is that people who wish to treat specific medical conditions will need to have massages more frequently than people who want massages strictly for enjoyment and relaxation. If you want to know which category you fit into best, it’s always a good policy to speak with an experienced massage therapist to create a schedule that’s customized for you.

PRESSURE POINTS OF OUR BODY

PRESSURE POINTS OF OUR BODY

Massaging pressure points on the human body is both pleasurable and therapeutic. It can help relieve pain, improve circulation and channel the flow of energy. There are hundreds of pressure points all over the human body. Most are found in soft tissue near bundles of nerves and joints. All pressure points should be manipulated gradually and carefully. Too much pressure can result in pain and injury.

SPINE

Massage pressure points along both sides of the spine. The muscles lining the spine contain pressure points from the pelvis all the way up the the base of the skull. Apply pressure straight into the body about one inch on each side of the vertebrae. Never apply pressure directly to the spine itself.

NECK

Apply pressure to the ridge of the neck. These are the sloping muscles that descend from the sides of your neck to your shoulders. The pressure points are located along the top of this ridge. Walk your fingers from the shoulders up to the neck then back down again. This will release tension from the body.

ACHILLES TENDON

The Achilles tendon is the ridge that runs from your heel to your calf. Pinch the Achilles tendon gently between your thumb and index finger. Great care must be taken while doing this as the Achilles tendon is extremely sensitive. Light pressure along it will relieve stress in the lower body.

FEET

Locate the ball of the foot. This is the rounded area on the sole of the foot behind the big toe, just before the foot arches upward. Apply pressure to the pressure point just behind the ball of the foot. Also apply pressure to the bottom of the heel and beneath each of the toes. These pressure points can alleviate pain in the feet.

HANDS

Press the pressure point in the webbing of the hand. This is the muscle located between the thumb and the index finger. This pressure point provides relief to pain throughout the body, especially headaches.

WRIST

Trace a line from your little finger down to the fold of your wrist. A pressure point is located right along this crease. Another is found on the fold of the wrist directly under the index finger. Applying pressure to these points will make your fingers tingle and release tension.

8 WONDERFUL REASONS TO GET A MASSAGE

8 WONDERFUL REASONS TO GET A MASSAGE

1. STRESS RELIEF

One of the most obvious reasons to get a massage is to relieve stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Getting a good kneading can help lower the stress hormone cortisol, which results in lower blood pressure and elevated moods.

Massages are also said to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters needed for things like concentration and mood stability!

2. STRENGTHEN IMMUNE SYSTEM

Another benefit of getting a massage is the nice boost that it gives our immune system!

In a study done by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, it showed that getting one massage can cause quantifiable changes in the immune and endocrine systems in healthy adults.

This is a great reason to get regular massages.

Boost your immune system and help keep yourself healthy!

3. EASE PAIN

The next time you notice that you have some pain or maybe someone you know has an aching body part, get a massage!

Massages have been found to actually ease pain and increase range of motion in those with arthritis.

There have also been studies that showed that getting a massage was as effective as taking medication, getting acupuncture or doing yoga!

4. REDUCE PMS SYMPTOMS

If you’re like most women, the days or weeks leading up to that time of the month can be painful and just plain awful.

Lucky for us, a benefit of getting a massage is that it can help relieve some of the common symptoms of PMS, like mood swings and bloat.

What a great, guilt-free way to spoil yourself!

5. IMPROVE SLEEP

These days, it’s very rare that I’ll get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

So when I heard that getting a massage can help improve my sleep, I signed myself right up!

According to Health Magazine, getting massaged affects the delta waves in our brain, which are linked to deepest stage of sleep.

If you experience bouts of insomnia or just don’t sleep well, a simple back rub from your honey can be just what you need for deeper sleep!

6. RELIEVE HEADACHES

As mentioned previously, a benefit of getting a massage is to lessen pain, so it makes sense that it can help relieve headaches.

If you suffer from tension headaches, migraines or headaches from TMJ, massages have been found to help alleviate pain or alleviate symptoms to the point where you can resume your day without any problems!

Sounds like a great way to spend your lunch hour!

7. BEAUTY BENEFITS

If your skin is starting to look dull or maybe your hair just doesn’t look or feel as good as it used to, it’s a good reason to get a massage!

Getting a professional or DIY head and facial massage helps stimulate blood flow, which results in radiant, clear skin and silky, smooth strands.

8. HELP YOUR BODY HEAL

If you’ve sustained an injury or have sore muscles from a vigorous workout, massages can help!

Getting a massage can help decrease inflammation, help sore muscles recover and shorten the time it takes for your body to heal!

The next time you feel like you overworked those muscles, help yourself recover and relieve soreness with a soothing rubdown!