Massage News Update - July 2009
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Dear Bodyworkers,
A recent survey found that only 57% of front-page stories reporting on medical research are based on mature evidence-based research, while the rest are just preliminary findings. That means only half of the medical related news that you hear are really currently relevant. Now here's the interesting latest research for you this month (although only half of them are relevant). The topic on the benefits of massage and stretching before/after exercise is revisited again. A new finding on the role of peroneals on ankle stability, and how do clients feel about prescribed exercises. From TCM there are benefits of Tai Chi, Cupping, and Acupuncture. Finally a case report of excessive yawning caused by trigger points stimulation.
This has been a busy month. Here are what we can report to you.
First, we have moved.. please update your address to: Terra Rosa, PO Box M21, Missenden rd PO, NSW 2050.
We have a successful weekend at the ATMS conference in Home Bush. Thanks for all your support.
To thank your support, we continue our sale with most DVDs are on special with discount up to 20%! Visit http://www.terrarosa.com.au/spxjune.htm for special bargain. Only for a limited time only until 20 July.
We are on Facebook (someone called this evil), add us as a friend, or join it for fun or networking with other bodyworkers. Click here for our page http://www.facebook.com/people/Terra-Rosa/100000072901570
We are also on the slightly less evil :-) Natural Therapy pages, here's the link http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/product/23645
We got a range of new products: there's a great new DVD on Thai Massage by Richard Gold. The new edition of Orthopedic Massage book by Whitney Lowe (Whitney will be in Sydney next year as a keynote for the AAMT conference) and a bunch of new DVDs on stretching and exercises by Nick Tumminello. Also check out a new neck support REAL EaSE!
This newsletter brings 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:
Massage is not beneficial after exercise?
Sprained ankle rehab complicated by delayed muscle response
Another New Study on Stretching
People with low back pain typically need to feel ‘much better’ to consider
intervention worthwhile
People with low back pain typically need to feel ‘much better’ to consider
intervention worthwhile
Tai Chi on Arthritis
Effects of cupping therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Excessive yawning induced by stimulation of myofascial trigger point
Acupuncture eases chronic low back pain
Also Inside this issue:
Massage is not beneficial after exercise?
Massage after exercise, doesn’t improve circulation to the muscles or removal of
lactic acid, researchers in Canada said. “This dispels a common belief in the
general public about the way in which massage is beneficial,” Michael
Tschakovsky, a professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, said in a statement.
The belief that massage aids in the removal of lactic acid from muscle tissue is
so pervasive it is even listed on the Canadian Sports Massage Therapists website
as one of the benefits of massage, despite there being absolutely no scientific
research to back this up. “It also dispels that belief among people in the
physical therapy profession. All the physical therapy professionals that I have
talked to, when asked what massage does, answer that it improves muscle blood
flow and helps get rid of lactic acid. Ours is the first study to challenge this
and rigorously test its validity.”
Kinesiology master’s degree candidate Vicky Wiltshire and Tschakovsky show that
massage actually impairs blood flow to the muscle after exercise and that it
therefore also impairs the removal of lactic acid from muscle after exercise.
The study is to be presented at the annual American College of Sports Medicine
conference May 27-30 in Seattle.
So massage isn’t helpful?
“What we’re saying with this research …it’s not that massage isn’t good,” said
Tschakovsky. “It’s just that the common perception that it increases blood flow
and helps in the removal of lactic acid isn’t correct.” A lot of runners were
convinced the theory was correct. Tschakovsky says if massage does improve
performance and help you recover more quickly, science has yet to prove how it
works. On the other hand, science has not proven that massage hinders
performance and recovery. “It feels good, that’s the truth of it. A lot of
performance is psychological-based so if you feel better, if you feel you’re in
a better situation to do something, it probably has the ability to affect
performance.”
Well, this is nothing new, this topic has been covered by Keith Eric Grant: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=10322
"We mistakenly look for massage to have direct
mechanical effects. What seems more likely is that massage acts as a new input
to a system with a memory. In my observation, fatigued muscles tend to remain
hypertonic and shortened. When we cajole specific muscles to relax and lengthen
via mechanical and neurological input, we reduce their metabolic activity and
the compression they exert on surrounding tissue. In my opinion, it is not the
direct action of massage, but the action of massage to create a new homeostasis,
that allows the natural process of recovery to occur more efficiently."
Sprained ankle rehab complicated by delayed muscle response
Ankle sprain can cause not just lasting damage to ligaments, but leg muscle
whose speed and quality of protective response is also permanently compromised
after a sprain.
“The lateral muscles of the leg (peroneals) are key to ankle injury,” said
Hopkins, a co-author on the study in the current issue of The American Journal
of Sports Medicine. “They are key because they resist the movement that is
involved in injury itself and position the foot during movement.” The new study
provides the latest clue as to why ankle instability persists in most cases long
after the initial sprain.
Hopkins and his team recruited both weak- and strong-ankled people to walk down
a runway custom built with eight trap doors. With legs cleanly shaven, each
participant was hooked up to sensory equipment, launched down the runway, and
told to match their steps to the beat of a metronome. As they strode to the
other end, one of the trap doors would suddenly invert 30 degrees outward,
tweaking their ankle just enough to trigger the series of muscle reactions in
question.
While it sounds (and looks) like walking the plank, Hopkins is quick to point
out that everyone walked away from the tests uninjured.
The participants’ bravery gave researchers data on the speed and quality of
three protective muscle contractions signalled from different parts of the
nervous system: the first from receptors within the leg muscle, the second from
relays within the spinal cord and the third from the brain itself. Participants
with a history of weak ankles had a significant delay for the first muscle
response compared to a control group with no history of sprains.
The researchers found the muscles responded within 55 milliseconds in the
control group. It took more time in the group with a history of ankle trouble -
as much as 90 milliseconds. The delay sounds small but in some cases could mean
the difference between a painful ankle sprain and going merrily on your way.
The strength of the muscle response was also diminished in participants with
prior ankle injury. Researchers believe prior injuries leave the muscle
receptors with less sensitivity, impairing their ability to react as quickly or
strongly as the situation may call for.
“If there are muscles that prevent or reduce the extent of injury and they don’t
work, you’re in big trouble,” Hopkins said. “We have got to somehow turn those
muscles on.”
The researchers focused on a particular muscle – about as thick as an index
finger – called the peroneus longus. When contracted, this muscle moves the foot
in the opposite direction of an ankle injury.
“The peroneus longus by itself probably isn’t a very good protector simply
because of its size, even if it contracted really well,” Hopkins said. “We are
working on other projects now to look at the system of muscles involved with
stabilizing the ankle.”
Hopkins and his team of researchers are continuing their search to find out why
instability persists. With current research, as stated in the paper, a person
should remain active to help maintain dynamic stability in their ankle. Hopkins
believes that with more data they will be able to develop treatments and
exercises to overcome functional ankle instability.
Another New Study on Stretching
Another new study that examined the effects of stretching has found that
stretching does not reduce the overall risk of injury, but does reduce soreness
and risk of injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments. The main purpose of ‘The
Stretching Study’ was to determine whether stretching reduces the risk of injury
and prevents soreness in people who participate recreationally in physical
activity. This international study recruits 2,377 adults over the internet who
regularly participated in physical activity. Participants in the stretch group
were asked to perform 30-second static stretches of 7 lower limb and trunk
muscle groups before and after physical activity for 12 weeks.
The main findings were that:
a) Stretching does not reduce the overall risk of injury, but it does reduce the
risk of specific types of injuries (injuries to muscles, ligaments and tendons).
b) Stretching produces small reductions in the risk of muscle soreness. People
who stretch have about 8% less chance of experiencing soreness in any one week
than people who do not stretch. Another way of saying this is that stretching
will prevent soreness in any one week in one in every 13 people who stretch.
People who exercise may want to know if these findings mean they should or
should not stretch. The researchers summarise the findings in this way: “If you
like stretching, the findings of this study support the decision to stretch.
However you should not expect large effects of stretching: stretching makes only
a small difference to your risk of getting injured or becoming sore. If you do
not like stretching you will need to weigh the small potential benefit of
stretching (a small reduction in risk of being sore and a small reduction in
risk of some injuries) against the effort and time it takes to stretch”.
People with low back pain who have participated in exercise programs have
preferences about exercise
Susan Slade and her colleagues in Melbourne looked at the trials that have been
done into exercise programs and chronic low back pain and they rarely, asked
what we thought was best and what worked for us. You can design the world’s most
perfect exercise program but if the customer thinks it’s a crock what’s the
point?
Their survey showed that there are several of the things that people said about
the program that it needed to be fun, there needed to be variety, their
experience of past exercise needed to be taken into consideration so that might
be their level of ability, their experience in the athletic environment in
younger days or complete inexperience. The theme that overwhelmingly emerged was
one of stigmatisation of people feeling discriminated against and another one
was that they wanted to be listened to and have education and have their
situation explained to them. And that they wanted to be partners in their care,
so they wanted to be part of the decisions that were made about their exercise
programs.
They requested that health professionals be receptive and good communicators.
That they be non-judgemental, that they explain and provide education about back
pain and health care and fitness, direct them to information that is easy for
them to understand such as online information. They wanted people to supervise
their exercise programs and teach them effectively and in saying that I mean a
demonstration of an exercise, practice of it under supervision and feedback
about their performance so that they felt they had mastery of the exercise,.
So they are not just told ‘here’s what you do and off you go’? They didn’t like
that at all and that has been found in the research to be not an effective way
of teaching people to give them a leaflet and tell them to go away.
Slade SC et al. People with non-specific chronic low back pain who have
participated in exercise programs have preferences about exercise: a qualitative
study. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2009;55:115-121
People with low back pain typically need to feel ‘much better’ to consider
intervention worthwhile
Manuela Ferreira is a Research Fellow in the University of Sydney’s Faculty of
Health Sciences. The study was the first time in back pain that researchers
decided to hear patients on what they considered to be the clinical significance
of an intervention. Five different approaches were given to patients with lower
back pain: usually used in physiotherapy, massage, heat, ultrasound, exercise
and manual therapy.
For measuring the benefit, they used two scales, how much improvement in
percentage they would expect to see or they would need to see to consider all
that worthwhile.
The patients told the researchers that they needed to be on average 42% better
which is a lot more than what previous research had thought.
Tai Chi on Arthritis
A new study by The George Institute for International Health at Sydney
University has found Tai Chi to have positive health benefits for
musculoskeletal pain. The results of the first comprehensive analysis of Tai Chi
suggest that it produces positive effects for improving pain and disability
among arthritis sufferers.
The researchers are now embarking on a new trial to establish if similar
benefits can be seen among people with chronic low back pain.
“This is the first robust evidence to support the beneficial effects of Tai Chi.
Our study proves that Tai Chi relieves pain and disability among people with
arthritis and shows a positive trend towards effects for overall physical
health. We now want to see if these benefits are the same for people suffering
from low back pain”, said author Dr Chris Maher at The George Institute.
Musculoskeletal pain, such as that experienced by people with arthritis, places
a severe burden on the patient and community and is recognised as an
international health priority. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and
chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85million Australians affected. Low back pain
is the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal condition in Australia,
estimated to cost up to $1billion per annum with indirect costs exceeding
$8billion.
“This research should reassure people with musculoskeletal conditions such as
arthritis to seek exercise to relieve the pain. The fact that Tai Chi is
inexpensive, convenient, enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social
benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions”, added
Ms Amanda Hall, The George Institute.
More details can be found at:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/10/55/abstract
Effects of cupping therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
In the June 2009 issue, Michalsen and co. from Germany report the results of a
randomized trial on the clinical effects of traditional cupping therapy in
patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. They found that Cupping of segmentally
related shoulder zones appears to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome.
Cupping, a traditional treatment that has been used in several cultures,
involves creating a vacuum over certain points on the skin which, in turn,
generates a small visible hematoma. Wet cupping also uses laceration of the skin
so that blood is extracted from the dermal microcirculation. Cupping is claimed
to work via a range of mechanisms from counter-irritation to “detoxification,”
but these are mere theories that have not been tested or investigated.
Michalsen et al recruited their patients through a press release and randomized
them into 2 groups. The experimental group received “gentle scarification by
means of a microlancet,” followed by wet cupping and subsequent bandaging of the
wound. The control group received no scarification, cupping, or bandaging but
only a heat pack.
Patients were followed up on day 7 after treatment. The primary outcome,
severity of CTS symptoms, was statistically reduced at day 7 in the cupping
group. “The treatment was safe and well tolerated and conclude that cupping
therapy may be effective in relieving the pain and other symptoms related to
CTS.”
The results of the RCT appear to be encouraging and the authors conclude that
“cupping therapy effectively relieves symptoms and pain…” The authors offered
three possible explanations for the positive therapeutic action: * Local
bloodletting cause by cupping altered tissue perfusion and metabolism and may
have affected the medial nerve function, Cupping may have antinociceptive
effects, and Cupping therapy simply might generate a powerful placebo effect.
The editor of the journal wrote “Ideally we
need a trial where patients are adequately blinded such that any non-specific
effects are neutralized”. Michalsen et al write that “a sham cupping treatment
is not available at present.” The editor emphasized it would be possible to
create a good sham intervention, and implement it in a truly rigorous RCT of
cupping.
Michalsen A, Bock S, Lüdtke R, Rampp T, Baecker M, Bachmann J, et al. Effects of
traditional cupping therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. A
randomized controlled trial. J Pain. 2009;10:601–608.
Excessive yawning induced by stimulation of myofascial trigger point
A strange case was reported by physicians at the National Defence Medical Centre
in Taiwan where trigger points treatment can cause excessive yawning.
A 44-year-old female patient with
unusually severe muscle tightness in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, scalenes
and the suboccipital extensors pain, which are ascribable to subcutaneous
posterior cervical and thoracic trigger points. She was referred to Department
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Taiwan for further rehabilitation
therapy because of the muscle pain, which was in accordance with marked
hyperesthesia, but without referred (distant) pain. She had no history of
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia or cardiac arrhythmia. There were
no specific illnesses in her family background. Results of all laboratory tests
were within normal limits. A possible contribution might come from the
pre-existing degenerative change of cervical spine found on the plain films.
Maneuver of self-myofascial release (SMR) together with stretching exercise
learned from our therapist was used to improve myofascial restrictions and to
restore soft-tissue extensibility. Interestingly, several days later, excessive
yawning developed whenever she was performing SMR.
The authors explained:
"With regard to the treatment of myofascial
trigger points (MTPs), the therapeutic effect on the muscle contractions has
been suggested to be due to stretch and relaxation of the involved deep muscle
fibers possibly resolving the local ischemia postulated as underlying cause of
the pain. Considering another treatment, the SMR is a technique used to mitigate
myofascial restrictions and restore the extensible structure of soft-tissue.
Niddam et al. have recently provided evidence that the intervention of MTP at
least partially involves supraspinal pain control via midbrain periaquaduct gray
(PAG). In addition, van der Plas et al. suggested the PAG involving in the
hypotensive pathway can be activated by the electrical stimulation of
hypothalamic areas.
The above points of view imply that the central modulation of pain evoked from
MTP might be connected to excessive yawning via spinothalamic tract, PAG and
hypothalamus. Regarding the relationship between excessive yawning and
thermoregulation, excessive yawning has been noted as a symptom of abnormal
thermoregulation influenced by hypothalamus. However, further research should be
performed to identify the possible connection between specific thermal
responsiveness of ventromedial hypothalamic neurons and yawning induced by the
stimulation of MTPs in addition to the nonthermal-related excessive yawning."
So be careful, treatment of trigger points may cause excessive yawning to your clients :-)
Acupuncture eases chronic low back pain
But penetrating skin and tailoring treatment may not be responsible for
benefits
Acupuncture can help people with chronic low back pain feel less bothered by
their symptoms and function better in their daily activities, according to the
largest randomized trial of its kind, published in the May 11, 2009 Archives of
Internal Medicine. But the SPINE (Stimulating Points to Investigate Needling
Efficacy) trial raises questions about how the ancient practice actually works.
Compared to the group that got usual care, results were similar for all three of
the SPINE trial’s acupuncture groups: individualized, standardized, and
simulated (without going through skin). Of the people who got any kind of
acupuncture, an extra one in five were functioning significantly better at the
end of the seven-week treatment—and an extra one in eight were still functioning
better at one year.
“This study suggests that acupuncture is about as effective as other treatments
for chronic back pain that have been found helpful,” said SPINE trial leader
Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD, a senior investigator at Group Health Center for Health
Studies in Seattle. “But we found that simulated acupuncture, without
penetrating the skin, produced as much benefit as needle acupuncture—and that
raises questions about how acupuncture works.” So, although acupuncture
effectively treated low back pain, that therapeutic benefit seemed to require
neither tailoring acupuncture needle sites to an individual patient nor
inserting needles into the skin.
“We don’t know precisely why people got back pain relief from the simulated
acupuncture,” said Cherkin’s co-author Karen J. Sherman, PhD, MPH, a senior
investigator at Group Health Center for Health Studies. “Historically, some
types of acupuncture have used non-penetrating needles. Such treatments may
involve physiological effects that make a clinical difference.” Or it might be
all about the mind-body connection, she said: “Maybe the context in which people
get treatment has effects that are more important than the mechanically induced
effects.”
“The findings of this research show that acupuncture-like treatments, including
simulated acupuncture, can elicit positive responses,” said Josephine P. Briggs,
MD, director of NCCAM. “This adds to the growing body of evidence that something
meaningful is taking place during acupuncture treatments outside of actual
needling. Future research is needed to delve deeper into what is evoking these
responses.”
Link to paper:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/169/9/858
Lomi Lomi Workshop with Carrie Rowell :
North Curl Curl, Sydney, 24-27 September 2009,
Byron Bay, September 14-17 2009
New Plymouth, New Zealand ,October 9-11 2009
AAMT approved for 20 CPE points. http://www.terrarosa.com.au/articles/lomi.htm
Massage Therapy Week 6-12 September. 2009.
The 2nd International Fascia Research Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 27-30 September 2009. http://www.fasciacongress.org/2009/
AMT National Conference, 24-25 October 2009, Novotel Brighton Le Sands,
Sydney. We will be there, give us a visit. More info:
http://www.amt-ltd.org.au/
World Massage Conference, 12-17 November 2009.
AAMT National Conference, 21-13 May 2010, Sydney with Whitney Lowe as Keynote. http://www.aamt.com.au/page.php?pgname=Conf10Announce
Art Riggs' Deep Tissue Massage Workshop. Sydney & New Zealand, October 2010. Fundamentals of Touch & The Upper Body. More info coming soon...
FLOAT ON A CLOUD WITHIN 30 SECONDS! Contoured headrest to let you relax your neck, head & shoulder. The REAL-EaSE is the most advanced and comfortable neck support available today. The product is so unique that it has a U.S. patent. Imagine surrendering the weight of your head into a massage therapist’s healing hands, while the muscles in your neck, shoulders and face completely relax. This is just what the REAL-EaSE can accomplish for you. Find out more
Learn the ancient art of Thai Massage with master instructor, Richard Gold. This beautifully filmed DVD features over 3 hours of instruction and over 170 detailed techniques. Each technique is clearly demonstrated showing proper alignment, positioning and proper body mechanics so that pressure can be applied effectively and effortlessly. This DVD includes traditional Thai stretches, work on the Sen energy lines plus abdominal massage. Mastering Thai Massage is one of the most comprehensive programs available!
This DVD is the most comprehensive collection of Self Joint Mobilizations. Discover how safely and effectively incorporate Toe, Ankle, Hip, Thoracic Spine and Shoulder self mobilizations with clients and athletes of all levels. This DVD is unlike any other and promises to deliver some of the powerful techniques you have ever seen.
This DVD presents a comprehensive collection of Self Myofascial techniques assembled for trainers and therapists. Discover how to stretch the myofascial lines and incorporate self myofascial release to relieve tension, improve ROM and increase strength. New techniques, tips and tricks, program design and common mistakes are discussed.
The only one of its kind, this two volume series shows you how to incorporate creative warm-up progressions with clients and athletes of all levels. Discover how to design and implement seamlessly integrated warm-up sequences that will save time and improve performance. Each DVD discusses common warm up mistakes and display’s brand new, never before seen progressions and variations.
Myoskeletal Alignment for the Lower Back, Hip & Leg Pain
We are proud to bring you the new 6 volume DVD set by Erik Dalton. This six volume 'Spinal Engine' DVD series based on ground breaking research developed by Dr. Serge Gracovetsky. His discovery that the spine is the engine driving the legs has dramatically altered the view of body movement and opened exciting new clinical avenues for assessing and treating chronic pain syndromes. The 6 DVD set includes: 1. Myoskeletal Mechanic 2. Fixing Kinetic Kinks 3. Bone & Belly Work 4. Sacroiliac Syndromes 5. Toning the Core & Pelvic Floor 6. Unlocking Lumbars. Now available as 3 installment payment!
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your condition. Whatever the level of your pain, or if you just want to strengthen your back, this DVD has the safe and appropriate therapy for you!
Yoga Flow: Saraswati River Tradition
Another great Yoga DVD from Real Bodywork. Explore the power and fluidity of yoga with this inspiring practice. This DVD features 8 yoga routines, ranging from 24 minutes to 75 minutes, each with a varying degree of difficulty. Unite breath and movement as Zyrka leads you through the sequences with her clear and soothing guidance. This intermediate practice introduces both dynamic flowing yoga sequences, plus the option to explore more traditional yoga practices such as yogic breathing (pranayama), using toning during practice (surya yoga), and guided meditation (yoga nidra).
Orthopedic Massage 2009 2nd Edition by Whitney Lowe
Fully updated and revised Orthopedic Massage has been written for those interested in understanding and applying massage as an intervention for soft-tissue disorders. Full colour. Recent research into the physiological effects of massage has strengthened the justification for its use in the treatment of soft-tissue pain and injury conditions. The definitive resource for all those wanting to use massage therapy to treat pain and injury conditions. Whitney Lowe approached orthopedic massage as a broad spectrum of techniques and approaches to treat soft-tissue dysfunction.
Muscle &
Bone Palpation Manual
with Trigger Points, Referral
Patterns, and Stretching
By Joe Muscolino. With more than
1,000 vibrant, full-color illustrations and 2 DVDs with over 4 hours of detailed video
demonstrations, This is the most visually
engaging way to help you master and successfully apply palpation techniques in
massage therapy. This innovative text uses unique, richly detailed photographic
illustrations of muscles as they appear under the skin to give you a thorough
understanding of effective palpation. This comprehensive guide provides
unparalleled preparation for professional success.
The new Anatomy Trains is now back in stock, includes numerous updates including important new findings in recent fascial research, photos of the Anatomy Trains myofascial meridians dissected, new appendices on Structural Integration protocols based on the Anatomy Trains concept, and a comparison of the myofascial meridians with the meridians of acupuncture. The entire book is now in full colour, including all new artwork. The new edition also benefits from new web links and includes an interactive DVD-ROM with animations of the Anatomy Trains lines, fascial release techniques, and dissection videos.
Fascial Manipulation - Practical Part by Luigi Stecco & Carla Stecco
Welcome to an exciting new field in musculoskeletal therapy: the fascinating world of fascia. This manual provides practical techniques to facilitate the treatment of the fascia. It describes the topographical location of all the points, the respective movement tests and the modality of treatment for each point. In order to manipulate the fascia it is essential to know the exact location of the points, to perform the movement examinations correctly and to position the patient appropriately for each treatment. This new book is now back in stock and specially imported from Italy.
The Soothing Art of Baby Massage by Roma Turner, Susie Nanayakkara
This highly illustrated book is filled with step-by-step photographs to guide you through a massage from preparation and basic movements to a full-body massage sequence, with detailed advice on massage for mothers before and after childbirth, and healing techniques for common infant ailments, and sequences for older children. It shows how to give babies a soothing massage to help with relaxation and sleep. This book demonstrates a number of different techniques which are effective with most babies. Originally published in 1996, this is the last of the stock. Every book is personally signed by the author. Also a great gift for new parents.