National Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Article and Blog Post

National Blood Cancer Awareness Month: September 2012

(Information provided by: http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=7678971)

Every four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. In fact, there are more than half a million people in the United State living with, or in remission from, lymphoma, the most common form of blood cancer. Yet, despite these shocking statistics, many people do not know very much about the disease, or any of the other blood cancers, until they are diagnosed.
That is why National Blood Cancer Awareness Month is so critical. Awareness and education are powerful tools in the race to find a cure for lymphoma. So this September, the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) – the nation's largest nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to funding innovative lymphoma research and serving those touched by the disease – will host events around the country intended to educate the public about the blood cancers.

Light it Red for Lymphoma

Awareness and education are powerful tools in the race to find a cure for lymphoma. Lighting a building red for lymphoma not only raises awareness about this type of blood cancer, but also gives hope to those who have been affected by this disease. If you would like to join the fight against lymphoma by becoming one of the Foundation's nationwide partners, please contact Peggy Ann Torney, Associate Director of Public Affairs, at either 212-349-2910 or via email at ptorney@lymphoma.org
Light it Red for Lymphoma 2011 Photo Gallery

 

 Read more in this Blog Post on How Massage is an Alternative Form of Medicine for Oncology Patients....

Melanie Bowen

Awareness Advocate for Natural Health
Read About Melanie »

2 0 1 2Aug15

Gain Peace of Mind During Trying Times

Posted by Melanie Bowen

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When one is undergoing a cancer treatment, thoughts of confusion, uncertainty, and pressure can be at the forefront of their minds. It can be extremely difficult to find time to relax and ease your mind amidst all the doctor appointments, days where rest is needed or simple thoughts about the future. However, there is hope and a safe alternative to gaining a piece of mind for both body and spirit—that hope lies within Reiki treatment.
Traditional massage therapists target muscle groups to help relieve soreness and tension while promoting relaxation. This hands-on therapy can be a rigorous workout for both the practitioner and the patient. However, a Reiki therapist takes a very light touch or, in some cases, a hands-off approach that can alleviate the pain and tension caused by illness.
Cancer patients undergoing Reiki therapy find that this touch method relieves pain. Some discover that Reiki can ease chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and extreme fatigue. In fact, positive feedback from cancer sufferers who endorse Reiki massage has inspired many cancer centers throughout the country to offer on-site Reiki therapy as an option for patients.
Those who suffer with advanced forms of cancer such as mesothelioma, breast or ovarian, as well as those undergoing their first course of treatment can benefit from Reiki. According to the American Cancer Society, "some patients who were getting cancer treatment have reported an increased sense of well-being, with less pain, nausea and vomiting after Reiki sessions." However, ACS also points out that no rigorous scientific studies have confirmed the efficacy of Reiki therapy for cancer patients.
People in pain and physical distress require only the proof of personal results. Because Reiki is light or no touch therapy, it poses little danger of harm and promises many benefits. Practitioners who treat cancer patients carefully avoid sensitive areas, such as surgery incisions, while providing gentle, relaxing therapy.
The Reiki practitioner works to increase the universal life energy within and around the patient to strengthen his or her physical and mental resources promote relaxation and foster healing. In the case of cancer patients, the intent is not to heal but to ease pain, reduce stress and bring peace of mind.
During the typical hour-long therapeutic session, the patient wears comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. The practitioner focuses on between 12 and 26 strategic points on the patient's body, letting his or her hands rest gently on each location or hover above for approximately 5 minutes or less. The practitioner's hands act as a conduit to direct positive energy in and around the patient. Many Reiki experts recommend that a subject receive three treatments within a short time period so that the practitioner can build on the positive results.
Despite being adopted by more and more health care facilities for pain relief, Reiki massage therapy remains outside the therapeutic mainstream. Most health insurance providers that pay for traditional massage therapy do not cover Reiki sessions and probably won't until researchers deliver substantiation of its therapeutic efficacy. Reiki therapy is a forefront treatment for mesothelioma patients primarily because it does not involve a lot of pressure on joints or ligaments; rather it is a spiritual and relaxing massage alternative.
However, for cancer patients in pain, Reiki has proven helpful in a number of ways. It not only encourages patients to relax and helps ease discomfort, but Reiki massage can relieve the depression, anxiety and exhaustion that accompany serious illness. Reiki massage for cancer patients may not be a scientifically substantiated therapy, but many people find that it helps them cope with their daily pain and maintain the peace of mind that helps them to relax and rest.
Consult your doctor today and see if Reiki is a therapy that could be beneficial for you and your treatment. Let your mind relax and escape some of life’s everyday stressors. Nourish your body both mentally and spiritually and gain the piece of mind that you deserve.

Tags: alternative treatments, cancer treatments, mesothelioma, reiki

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/staff/gain-peace-of-mind-during-trying-times.htm#ixzz26m0JQ8MG

Benefits and Alternative Treatments for Cancer Patients

Benefits - Alternative Treatments for Cancer Patients

From blog writer Melanie Bowen http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/melanie/

When most people think of cancer treatment, they think about chemotherapy, and other harmful procedures that can leave patients feeling sick and fatigued. However, many alternative forms of therapy and medicine for cancer exist. They're certainly not an assured cure for the disease, but they're considered legitimate, effective, and helpful alternative choices of treatment.

Alternative medicine is either referred to as simply “alternative medicine”, or  “complementary medicine”. Both terms share the same meaning: the practices and treatments used are not found within procedures and practices of standard medicine and medical care.

When understanding what standard medical care, think of how you experience a regular visit to a doctor. They ask you questions about your symptoms, do tests, diagnose you, and give you drugs as medicine, or possibly surgery. This is standard care. Whether you have breast cancer, testicular cancer, or even mesothelioma, these alternative forms of treatment could benefit your health and quality of life.

Alternative or complementary medicine contains a wide array of different forms of treatment not used in standard medicine. This includes a variety of categories, which also include their own medical philosophy and treatments.

• Mind/Body Medicine
Mind/body medicine practices the use of more spiritual approaches in treatment. These practices can help those suffering from cancer find physical relief, as well as prevention toward side effects of the disease such as depression.

- Spirituality
Spirituality is the use of a spiritual or religious doctrine to ease the mind of stress. Although not considered a genuine physical treatment for cancer, many argue that it instills hope and positive prayer tactics to fight feelings of depression, and improve overall health.

- Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of oils and other materials that create aromas to cause pleasant feelings of emotional and physical relief. It's used as a spiritual method to open the mind to an alternative form of stress prevention.

- Yoga
Yoga is the use of physical exercises in the form of various poses held for certain periods of time. These exercises can assist the body in strengthening joints and other areas, helping those suffering from cancer to build their body's muscles in order to relieve feelings of pain and fatigue.

- Hypnosis
Hypnosis is the spiritual use of a mind-altering state. Argued among many medical professionals, some state that it is an effective method of causing those with illnesses to be able to fight diseases much more effectively and easily.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine incorporates alternative ideas, mostly focused on the physical treatment of the body.

- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of needles placed in strategic areas of the body to relieve physical and emotional tension. Professionals, who state that it can have beneficial physical effects for those with cancer, apply the procedure.

• Nutritional Medicine
Nutritional medicine incorporates the philosophy of eating well to cause the body to be at it's maximum healthy state. This includes treatment plans that contain the use of dietary supplements, vitamins, and other consumed ingredients that apply beneficial effects to areas of the body, which those suffering from cancer are vulnerable.

These are just several forms of alternative or complementary medicine. However, consult your doctor and find a massage therapy that will be beneficial to you and your cancer treatment. Give your mind, body and spirit a vacation from some of life’s everyday stressors and go indulge yourself in a massage today!

Massage is more than pampering-It's medicine for "Every" Body

Check out this article and it's studies. It's scientifically proven massage makes a difference!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304537904577277303049173934.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Arnica after a massage, a perfect homeopathic remedy

Homeopathic Remedies: The Benefits of Arnica

By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide

Updated August 14, 2009

Arnica (or Arnica montana) is a perennial herb often used to prepare homeopathic remedies. Arnica's flowers and roots are also used in herbal medicine, typically in remedies applied directly to the skin.

What Is Arnica Gel?

One of the most common uses of arnica is the treatment of wounds, bruises, sunburn, and other forms of skin irritation or inflammation. In these cases, an arnica-based gel, cream, ointment, or salve is topically applied to promote healing and soothing of the skin. Arnica gel is also touted as a means of relieving muscle soreness and sprain-related pain.

Other Uses of Arnica

In homeopathic medicine, arnica is used in treatment of these and other conditions:

arthritis

backache

carpal tunnel syndrome

eczema

fibromyalgia

influenza

headache

hemorrhoids

migraine

Benefits of Arnica

Several studies have found arnica to be no more effective than a placebo in relieving pain, swelling, and bruising. Still, other research suggests that arnica may be useful in treating the following health problems:

1) Arthritis

In a 2002 study of 79 adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers observed a significant decrease in pain and stiffness (as well as an improvement in function) among those who used arnica gel twice daily for six weeks.

Another study, published in 2007 and involving 204 people with osteoarthritis of the hand, showed that arnica gel lessened pain and improved hand function as effectively as ibuprofen.

2) Post-Surgery Swelling

Taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica may slightly reduce postoperative swelling, according to a 2006 study of 227 adults undergoing arthroscopy.

3) Post-Surgery Pain

In a 2007 study of 190 adults having their tonsils removed, scientists discovered that those taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica had a small but significant decrease in pain compared to patients assigned to a placebo.

A 2002 study of 37 people undergoing surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome found that taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica and applying arnica ointment also produced a significant decrease in post-surgery pain.

4) Muscle Soreness

Taking a homeopathic dilution of arnica may help ease muscle soreness, according to a 2003 study of 82 marathon runners. However, an earlier study of 519 runners found that homeopathic arnica was ineffective for muscle soreness following long-distance running.

Is Arnica Safe?

Arnica should not be taken internally, except in the form of a homeopathic dilution. While arnica can be toxic when ingested, homeopathic arnica contains too small an amount of the herb to cause adverse effects.

In some cases, topical use of arnica can cause skin irritation, itching, blisters, and other allergy-related problems. Be careful not to use arnica on broken skin.

Where to Find Arnica

Homeopathic arnica -- as well as arnica gels, ointments, and creams -- can be purchased at most health food stores or obtained directly from a homeopathic physician.

Massage is more than just a luxury

More Than A Luxury
The Lifelong Value of Massage Therapy
By Lee Picciuto
Originally published in
Body Sense, Autumn/Winter 2009. Copyright 2009. Associated Bodywork and Massage
Professionals. All rights reserved.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if it's
worth the expense? Massage is not just a simple back rub, nor is it just a
"luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage therapy is a
valuable component of a well-rounded healthcare regimen, combating everything
from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Not Just a Back Rub
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy
education. I have had friends of mine express great surprise upon learning that
I had to take anatomy, physiology, and other science-based classes during the
course of my massage therapy education. When I explain my massage school
curriculum to them, these friends usually utter variations of "Wow! I had no
idea your studies were so involved!"If you are trying to educate
others about massage, have them consider the profession's educational and
regulatory requirements.
Education
Ask your massage therapist to tell you about the extent of his or her massage school curriculum and completed courses.
Regulation
Most states regulate the practice of massage therapy with licenses,
certificates, etc. Usually, the completion of a comprehensive examination is
also required for state or national certification.
Continuing Education.
Many states and professional organizations require massage therapists to complete continuing
education courses each year. This ensures that therapists learn about emerging
modalities and current issues pertinent to the field.
Professional Standards.
Many massage therapists belong to professional organizations and commit to upholding
rigorous standards of practice and codes of ethics.Through stringent educational standards, state and national regulation, continuing education requirements, and professional affiliations,
the massage therapy profession has evolved beyond the "basic back rub"
stereotype into a well-respected healthcare modality.
More Than a Luxury
The misconception that massage therapy is just a luxury is also prevalent. Some people believe
that massage therapy is either an indulgence for the wealthy or a "treat" for
special occasions. Most therapists have some clients who only come in once a
year, usually for a birthday or special holiday. I have also encountered clients who have been influenced by others and made to feel guilty for spending money on a monthly massage session.These clients seem to think of massage therapy as a frivolity they don't deserve. They
will say: "I try to explain the benefits I get from massage therapy to my spouse
[friend, family member, etc.], but all they can focus on is the money being
spent on a 'luxury.'" Admittedly, massage
therapy has a monetary cost, but that should be weighed against the benefits of
the treatment--diminished stress, decreased pain, improved moods, etc. There is
usually a way to budget for a monthly massage with a bit of reprioritizing.
Insurance Recognition and Employee Benefits
With the healthcare benefits of massage therapy
increasingly being touted, many health insurance companies are choosing to
include coverage for massage in their plans. Massage therapy is also included as
a healthcare option in personal health savings accounts being offered to some
employees, while many employers are providing coverage for various alternative
health benefits, including massage. With this expanded recognition in the
medical realm, massage therapy is definitely shedding its former perception as a
luxury and embracing its new role: necessity!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line I share with my clients is you do not need to be in pain or discomfort to benefit
from massage therapy. In addition to being effective for pain relief, massage is
also beneficial as a stress-reducing and wellness measure. In reality, massage
therapy is an integral component of an overall health maintenance plan.

Can massage really boost your immune system? A way to keep healthy and not get sick

A simple massage could keep you from getting sick

Saturday, September 11, 2010 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Massages are a great way to release tension and stress and promote relaxation. But a new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has revealed for the first time that massages also provide a measurable, therapeutic benefit to the immune system as well.

Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., evaluated 53 people, 29 of which received 45-minute Swedish massages--one of the most common forms of massage used in the U.S.--and 24 who received gentler, light touch massages. Researchers took blood samples at intervals before and after the massages and found that those who received even just one Swedish massage experienced significant, positive changes in blood composition.

"This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," explained Dr. Rapaport in a press release. "People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body's heightened immune response following massage until now."

Besides experiencing a significant increase in lymphocytes, the white cells in the body that help fight and prevent disease, the Swedish massage group experienced lower cortisol levels as well. Cortisol is the hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

The Swedish massage group also experienced a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone linked with aggressive behavior.

"European-style massage is often used to treat back pain, sleep disorders, and other stress-related disorders," explain Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox and Makoto Suzuki in their book The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029713_massage_immune_system.html#ixzz1mVBc65un

Strengthen Bonds with a Couples Massage at Origins Massage and Bodyworks

Strengthen your Bonds with Couples Massage
Article Submitted by: Victor James Friday, 09 December 2011
The tiring work schedules and gruesome workout sessions can leave you wanting for some pampering to ease off the stress levels. It is seen that the married couples always look up to their partner to massage them back so that they can regain the vigor but the fact is, it works the other way round. Getting massages from someone without any professional understanding of the pressure points or the required techniques that are used to reduce stress can lead to serious muscle spasms.
Instead of providing massages to each other, a couple can search for a professional couples massage service or spa. Nothing can be as intimating and indulging as getting a massage together and listening to the moaning sounds of your partner when a professional massager is giving them a relaxing massage. More and more massage parlors and spas are offering professionals massages for couples these days because of its growing popularity.
It is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the fun. Usually couple massage is taken by married or otherwise in a romantic relationship couples, but it can be a great idea for sisters, best friends, mother and daughter pair or anyone you would like to be with. Apart from that, a couple's massage can also prove to be an amazing wedding gift for your partner. Popular all over the world, this form of massage is most favorite of the people residing in Orange County, California. There are a lot of professional massagers present that provide great massage Orange Country services at reasonable prices. If you are someone who reside in Orange Country and looking for a spa or massage service, the web can be an answer to all your questions. The globalization of the internet has changed the way people think, search and browse and it has made the life of people much easy and quick. The web can be the best medium to find out a great spa or massage service center in your locality. You can also check for ratings of the spas along with the prices in order to get the best possible service within your budget. Make sure that the spa that you have chosen is reputed enough. Go to the testimonial column of the website and check what customers have to say about the services of the massage center or spa. Make a right decision and give your partner an amazing surprise.
Article source: www.articleblast.com