Massage News Alert - December 2008
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Dear Bodyworkers,
We got a couple of good news and Christmas Present for everyone:
- Our new second edition of Free e-Magazine is now available here: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/articles/enews.htm Great articles from Kit Laughlin, Erik Dalton, Art Riggs, ... Great Articles covering topics on treatment for legs and lower extremities, Unwinding, Lipoedema, Plantar Fasciitis, chinese reflexology.. Download it now for free now.
We also got few articles on the news for you, Researchers have found Fibromyalgia is related to abnormalities of blood flow in the brain. Check out also The Burnham Review http://www.theburnhamreview.com an e-Newsletter on what the Medical Evidence Based Research Literature is saying about the benefits of Integrative Manual Therapy. Recently made the news by suggesting that Manual Therapy can help in the Avian Flu.
At last, Season's Greetings, Have a Great Holiday, and Looking forward to a More Productive New Year. See you in 2009.
This newsletter is our attempt to bring you what's happening in the latest research and news on massage related issues. We sell massage videos and books so the advert is at the end of this page. Archive of our past news can be found at http://www.massage-research.com/blog/ You can search for and comment on articles. We don't just sell DVDs, we provide you with the latest information. Happy reading and stay healthy… from us at www.terrarosa.com.au
Inside this issue:
Integration Traditional Medicine
Bird flu survival tied to hands-on therapy
Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), researchers in France were able to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions in the brains of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, reinforcing the idea that symptoms of the disorder are related to a dysfunction in those parts of the brain where pain is processed.
“Fibromyalgia is frequently considered an ‘invisible syndrome’ since musculoskeletal imaging is negative,” said Eric Guedj, M.D., and lead author of the study. “Past imaging studies of patients with the syndrome, however, have shown above-normal cerebral blood flow (brain perfusion) in some areas of the brain and below-normal in other areas. After performing whole-brain scans on the participants, we used a statistical analysis to study the relationship between functional activity in even the smallest area of the brain and various parameters related to pain, disability and anxiety/depression.”
In the study, which was reported in the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 20 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 10 healthy women as a control group responded to questionnaires to determine levels of pain, disability, anxiety and depression. SPECT was then performed, and positive and negative correlations were determined. “Fibromyalgia may be related to a global dysfunction of cerebral pain-processing,” study author Eric Guedj, MD, of Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de la Timone, in Marseille, France, says in a news release. “This study demonstrates that these patients exhibit modifications of brain perfusion not found in healthy subjects and reinforces the idea that fibromyalgia is a ‘real disease/disorder.’”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue. It affects 2%-4% of people, mostly women. It has been called the “invisible syndrome” because it can’t be diagnosed based on a lab test or X-ray.
Past imaging studies of patients with fibromyalgia had shown abnormalities in cerebral blood flow, also called brain perfusion. In some areas of the brain, blood flow was below normal, and in some areas, it was above normal. In this study, by using whole-brain scans on the participants, researchers were able to analyze how perfusion in each area of the brain related to measures of pain, disability, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers confirmed that patients with fibromyalgia exhibited brain perfusion abnormalities in comparison to the healthy participants. These abnormalities corresponded with the severity of the disease. An increase in blood flow was found in areas of the brain involved in sensing pain and a decrease was found within an area thought to be involved in emotional responses to pain.
There seemed to be no relationship between these abnormalities and presence of depression or anxiety. “We found that these functional abnormalities were independent of anxiety and depression status,” Guedj says in a news release.
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20081103/fibromyalgia-a-real-disease-study-shows
Integration Traditional Medicine
A UN-sponsored congress has urged the integration of traditional medicine into national health care plans, saying patients would benefit from its use alongside modern medicine. “The knowledge of traditional medicine, treatments and practices should be respected, preserved, promoted and communicated widely and appropriately based on the circumstances in each country,” said a joint declaration issued at the end of the World Health Organisation Congress on Traditional Medicine on Saturday 8 November 2008.
The parley drew some 1,100 delegates from more than 70 nations. “Governments have a responsibility for the health of their people and should formulate national policies, regulations and standards, as part of comprehensive national health systems to ensure appropriate, safe and effective use of traditional medicine,” it said.
The organization summarized the role of traditional medicine in healthcare systems and highlighted the progress, challenges and future direction of its development in the “Beijing Declaration”.
It also recognized traditional medicine as one of the resources of primary healthcare services to increase availability and affordability, as well its contributions in improving the health of those targeted in the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. “Governments should establish systems for the qualification, accreditation or licensing of TM practitioners. TM practitioners should upgrade their knowledge and skills based on national requirements,” it said. The declaration was issued at the first two-day WHO congress on traditional medicine that started in Beijing on Friday.
“For millions of people, often living in rural areas of developing countries, herbal medicines, traditional treatments, and traditional practitioners are the main - sometimes the only - source of healthcare,” Margaret Chan, WHO’s director-general, said. “The two systems of traditional and Western medicine need not clash. Within the context of primary healthcare, they can blend together in harmony, using the best features of each system,” she said. But she pointed that such harmony would not happen by itself unless government made genuine policy decisions. “Many countries have brought the two systems together,” she said. “Here in China, herbal therapy of proven utility in many disorders is provided in State hospitals throughout the country, alongside conventional medicine.”
Bird flu survival tied to hands-on therapy
Chances of surviving a deadly avian flu pandemic would likely increase with hands-on therapy, even without antiviral drugs, a U.S. health newsletter says. Integrative manual therapy in the area of the spleen and liver, for instance, would help fluid, blood and lymph flow appropriately, significantly boosting people's immune systems and helping them endure the feared pandemic, The Burnham Review said.
The avian H5N1 flu -- spreading from birds to other animals and people in Asia, Europe and Africa -- has claimed at least 245 human lives, the Geneva-based World Health Organization says. Epidemiologists are afraid the next time the virus mutates, it could pass from human to human, resulting in a pandemic that could kill 60 percent of the people who catch it.
The precedent that experts fear is the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 100 million people worldwide -- often healthy young adults, The Burnham Review said. The review said flu patients back then who received manipulative therapy had a 0.25 percent mortality rate, compared to a 6 percent U.S. average.
"The results are striking," Editor Kimberly Burnham told United Press International.
"Some gentle manipulative therapy resulted in a dramatic difference in mortality," said Burnham, who has a doctorate in integrative medicine from Westbrook University.
Avian influenza is an infection caused by the H5N1 virus. Under these circumstances the fear is that a pandemic of avian influenza could result in the kind of mortality that was seen with the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, where the number of deaths was estimated to be as high as 40 million people.
Retrospective data gathered by the American Osteopathic Association shortly after the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic have suggested that osteopathic physicians (DOs), using their distinctive osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) methods, observed significantly lower morbidity and mortality among their patients as compared to those treated by allopathic physicians (MDs) with standard medical care available at the time. In light of the limited prevention and treatment options available, it seems logical that a preparedness plan for the treatment of avian influenza should include these OMT procedures, provided by DOs and other healthcare workers capable of being trained to perform these therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the characteristics of avian influenza, describe the success of DOs during the 1918–1919 Spanish influenza pandemic, describe the evidence base for the inclusion of OMT as part of the preparedness plan for the treatment of avian influenza, and describe some of the specific OMT procedures that could be utilized as part of the treatment protocol for avian influenza patients.
For full article, Read: http://www.om-pc.com/content/1/1/10
New DVDs
Another great Yoga DVD from real Bodywork, Explore deep relaxation, rejuvenation and healing by experiencing restorative yoga. In this style of yoga, each pose is held for several minutes supported by blankets, allowing the nervous system to completely quiet and return to a state of balance, while gently stretching and opening the body. A total of over 4 hours of yoga practice!
Moss Arnold, originator of Chi-Reflexology, guides you through the practical techniques he has developed which form the basis of Chi-Reflexology. The DVD is an easy to follow, step-by-step guide to these techniques. The techniques covered include Chi-Reflexology Relaxation Techniques, Chi-Reflexology (Acupressure in Reflexology) techniques, Balancing Organ Chi Sequence, Balance Organ Chi, Meridian Chi and Integration sequence, and Balancing Meridian. Produce in Australia
3 series of DVDs on QiGong by Simon Blow. From Beginner, Intermediate to Advanced. Qigong is the ancient art of longevity developed over 7000 years ago in China. Qigong is a conscious practice where each individual takes personal responsibility to balance and harmonize their vital energy - reducing stress, increasing health and vitality as well as developing spiritual perception and awareness. Qigong literally is working with the energy of life. Produce in Australia
This newly revised single disc Trail Guide to the Body DVD, is an outstanding resource for students, instructors and practicing massage therapists. Now available at an affordable price! Using the DVD, manual therapists can refine their palpation skills, resulting in improved accuracy of technique application and better treatment outcomes. This 2-hour DVD shows specific palpation techniques to locate, identify and palpate 54 essential muscles following the Trail Guide to the Body book.
Jim Pascucci, an Advanced Rolfer, teaches you myofascial release techniques with applications and demonstrations for the: Head, Forelimb, Head, Neck, Rear Limb, Scar Tissue, Back, Psoas as well as Joint Range of Motion testing. This DVD is appropriate for therapists who wish to work with dogs as well as dog guardians who want to help their companions be more comfortable in their bodies. This 2 disc set includes an extensive menu options allow you to watch individual segments with ease. Running time is 110 minutes.
Poster
We got a range of posters.. Muscular Chart, Skeleton, Reflexology and Lymphatic Drainage.. All available at an affordable price. All posters are beautifully crafted and designed. Don't pay $35 for the Mr Muscle poster that is so common you can find anywhere in the schools and clinics .. Our unique posters are available from $11 and $18. Check them out: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/dvd/poster.htm Note: This offer is only for Australian customers
New Books
The Myofascial Release Manual - 4th Edition
The Myofascial Release Manual is now available in a completely updated and comprehensive Fourth Edition. The "bible" of myofascial release, continuing the tradition that started over 20 years ago and with a new focus on the current terminology regarding each technique. Carol J. Manheim has taken years of knowledge and expertise and incorporated them with the actual intent and result of the myofascial release treatment techniques to bring to the pages essential information for clinician in search of basic information or wanting to refine more experienced skills of these manual therapy techniques.
Equine Structural Integration Manual by Jim Pascucci, presents Equine Myofascial Release (MFR) for the horse owner or therapist with little experience as well as an essential reference for the professional equine body therapy practitioner. This manual presents a logical series of techniques for bringing more structural order to your and your client's horses. This manual is rich in illustrations of Equine Myofascial Release Techniques for the: Head, Forelimb, Shoulders, Rear and mouth.
Zachary Comeaux presents an application of connective tissue of mayofascial release principles called Facilitated Oscillatory Release (FOR). The book reviews the role of oscillatory or vibratory work as an extension of other connective tissue techniques, explains the relevant physiology and the principles of wave propagation in tissue, and then provides illustrated introductory exercises, applications, and case studies. Building on the work of his mentor, Robert Fulford, to get more deeply into the core of patients’ injuries, Dr. Comeaux presents FOR as a lens through which to reinterpret the strategic use of force in manual therapy, including osteopathic manipulation.
Out in the Open, Complete Male Pelvis
This is everything you ever wanted to know about the pelvis but were afraid to ask. Louis Schultz examines the male pelvis under the dual lens of culture and science. North American culture prizes male strength, upper-body bulk, and muscularity, but ignores male genitalia for anything other than sexual function. The author strives to increase knowledge of this body region with a guide to male pelvic anatomy and a discussion of male sexual pleasure and emotions.
The female pelvis and its contents are an underappreciated region of the anatomy. Important not only for sexuality, they are also central to the processes of childbirth and elimination. The Female Pelvis was written for women to use over the course of their lives, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and its aftermath. Its purpose is to help women become more familiar with the pelvis and its related structures, and how to keep them healthy and fit.