Posts from — June 2008

As a practicing massage therapist, I have found many modalities that enhance the quality of life for my clients. One I especially enjoy, Bach Flower Remedies, has proven to be of great benefit when assisting clients with their spiritual and emotional issues.

Bach Flower Remedies, developed in England by Dr. Edward Bach, have been practiced for over fifty years. Dr. Bach developed his “flower therapy” from discoveries he made while studying the properties of dew on flower petals and the water’s ability to hold the unique essence of each individual flower. He then applied these “essences” on people with various mental and emotional issues and found these specialized waters brought relief from many of their symptoms.

The healing properties unique to each plant are distilled by sunlight or boiling spring water. The “tinctures” are then mixed with alcohol and diluted into a final mixture that is taken by dropper internally, mostly sublingually (under the tongue). Many flower essences matching the needs of the client can be safely mixed together to provide a positive change. These homeopathic natural flower essences do not conflict with any other medications the client may be taking.

Bach Flower Remedies do not focus on the physical symptoms of an illness or discomfort, but rather aim to address underlying or predominant mental or emotional conditions. Many times clients come to my office asking for physical relief when, in reality, their discomfort originates from something deeper. This is a perfect time for Bach Flower Remedies to come to the rescue. For example, one client came to me complaining of chest pains. When questioning her, she shared that her beloved dog had just recently passed away. I gave her Rescue Remedy (a Bach flower blend) for stress and shock. I also provided Honeysuckle for mourning a loss. After ten minutes she said that her chest pains (in the heart area) had disappeared and that she felt lighter and more at peace.

There are thirty eight single Bach Flower Essences and countless combinations from which to choose. So how does one choose? I question my clients about how they are feeling and look for underlying emotional or mental conditions. I then administer the corresponding remedy. Some examples are Agrimony for fear, Impatiens for restlessness, Larch for insecurity, Holly for irritability and rage, and Walnut for major life changes.

The beauty of Bach Flower Remedies is that the body knows exactly what to do with them and there are no side effects or overdosing indications. In this type of therapy, less is more; only a few drops at a time are all that is required to make a positive difference.

To learn more about Bach Flower Remedies, I suggest reading The Bach Flower Remedies by Edward Bach, MD. Another good resource is Advanced Bach Flower Therapy by Gotz Blome, MD.

Toni Tessier, CMT, has practiced massage therapy and Bach Flower Remedies for over twelve years. She maintains her practice at Stepping Stones Wellness Center, 803 Pine Street, Sandpoint and may be reached at (208) 610-8681.

Kevin Watson and Owen are developing a web site and business that unites all the aspects of living a whole life under one site. Whole Revolution supports the growing lifestyle of enjoying the benefits of everything from holistic health to environmental design homes. The site is sponsoring the collaborative writing of a book about the Whole Revolution.

They plan to take advantage of the fact no other company or site is addressing the need to have a meeting place for people who share common interest in living a Whole Life. Beyond green living, whole living addresses the need for comfort, pleasure, connection, purity of products and a spiritual connection. From a marketing standpoint, this is over 4 billion dollar market just in the U.S.

Sandpoint Men’s Group just launched their blog: www.AjourneyofIntegrity.com . This blog chronicles the travels the men in our local men’s take. Check it out.

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Joint Pain, Joint Disorders and Massage Therapy

In my practice as well as in general conversations, many people complain about achy joints, especially hips, knees, hands and wrists. These conditions are especially problematic as they can deter normal activities affecting our work and play. Some joint issues may fall under the category of regional affectations, whereby some activity was undertaken and swelling, inflammation, and achiness became temporary. Or the condition might fall under the category of degenerative joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, whereby irritation, inflammation, and general deterioration have been long term with no improvement.

Many of our joints are weight bearing and most are confronted with repetitive motions from work or sports activities. The tough and tender components of our joints are bathed in fluids to keep them moving freely and to keep nutrition flowing to the cells. Several factors can lead to the breakdown of these internal joint structures, such as inadequate dietary nutrition, overwork, overstress, excess weight, especially on hips, knees, and ankles, strained musculature pulling on tendon and ligament attachments or even lax musculature that puts a strain on surrounding structures creating imbalance and misalignment. Ruth Werner in her textbook, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology , third edition, informs us that hormone deficiencies, dehydration, allergic reactions creating inflammation that often settles in joint capsules, or improper metabolic absorption, as well, can all lead to compromises in joint capsules. (p.111)

Massage therapy can be highly effective for alleviating the pain and swelling of arthritic conditions. The warmth, touch, and gentle movements become a welcome nurturance to areas plagued by chronic pain. It is important to note, however, for therapists as well as patients, that arthritic conditions have subacute and acute stages, and massage may not be helpful during the acute stage, also referred to as the flare-up stage, as it is too painful oftentimes to touch or manipulate. When a patient is in the subacute stage, a state that may be uncomfortable, but not inflamed, massage can be helpful in alleviating any strained, cramped, or spasmed musculature creating pressure on the joint capsules. Gentle manipulation working inner structures may begin to improve normal ranges of motion and may be helpful in restoring synovial joint fluids and creating spaces for nutrients to enter especially if one is taking nutritional supplements assisting joint repair. This may reduce stiffness and lower pain sensations.

For both the client with arthritis and the massage therapist treating the client, it is important to work with the health care team to determine any other associated underlying medical conditions that might exist.

Thinking differently often means having more information about options in health care, in knowing what else we can do synergistically with present medical care that enables us to take better care of ourselves.

Krystle Shapiro is a Washington State licensed medical massage therapist. She owns Touchstone Massage Therapies located in the Stepping Stones Wellness Center at 803 W. Pine Street, Sandpoint. Krystle specializes in oncology massage therapy with emphasis on lymphedema treatment. She is currently undertaking a Master of Science of Holistic Nutrition program and can be reached at 208/290-6760.