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Archive for the ‘Therapeutic’ Category

You exercise your cardio-vascular system with aerobics. You strengthen your muscular system with weight training. You watch your diet to avoid pollutants and supply nutrients. All these good things provide your body with health and vitality. What’s missing? Your brain.

You work your heart and muscles to improve their condition and tone. You want to have a low resting heart rate and slow deep breathing all the time. Exercise definitely helps all that. There is nothing better you can do for depression than regular exercise. But it’s also very desirable to directly train the nervous system to operate efficiently and effectively. Anyone can become more sane.

When I tell you to exercise your brain I don’t mean soduku and crossword puzzles. For almost everyone, stimulation is not the big issue. The problem is inadequate capacity for relaxation of the nervous system. I don’t mean the kind of relaxation that you get after physical exhaustion or a few shots of tequila. I mean training the relaxation response.

The methods I describe below have permanent benefits for a broad range of issues. Most of them involve biological monitoring and biofeedback. Biofeedback means interactive training with a display of your physiological responses. It is like exercising with an inner body mirror.

These nervous system training devices quickly and reliably calm the brain, the most important organ in your body. They guide you toward optimal flow and function of your nerves.

A cheap and easy device for your mental gym is a digital thermometer. The biofeedback task is to increase your finger or toe temperature. This is a mind-body exercise with trial and error learning. The opposite of the fight ‘r flight response is rest ‘n digest. Learning how to bring blood flow to your extremities is a particular form of relaxation that can be mastered with training and practice. Google: “stress thermometer” for the $20 item.

A lie detector monitors subtle physiological reactions to detect stress. You can reduce stress by training with some of those same monitors. The Journey to Wild Divine is a rather sedate computer game with dozens of biofeedback challenges. You have the mouse in one hand and biofeedback sensors in the other. As you follow the beautiful road on the monitor you are prompted to increase or decrease your nervous energy levels in order to proceed in the game.

What’s going on here is that you are consciously paving the road between activation and relaxation. As you intentionally clear the road you are expanding the range and flexibility of your physiological responses. This allows you greater freedom of response at all times. That means you can more easily calm yourself down after getting upset or maintain yourself in the optimal performance zone with greater resilience.

Another group of devices gets your heart rhythms and breathing in sync. The idea here is based on the observation that when we inhale our heart rate increases. And when we exhale, our heart rate decreases. Having a wide range of heart rates within a single breath is an excellent indicator of overall health.

The free way to train for heart rate variability is to breath at 6 breaths per minute: 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out. But using a watch is rarely a successful way to train. Counting your heart beats is slightly better. But to seriously train heart rate variability you need a computer program such as HeartMath ($300) or the hand held device made by StressEraser ($400). An alternate way to train heart rhythms is feel and hold warm expressive positive emotions.

The king of biofeedback training methods is brain wave biofeedback. This kind of training has a large body of research over 35 years showing substantial relief from a large number of mind and body problems. There is also strong evidence for peak performance training with students, athletes, performers and soldiers. Indeed the U.S. Army is beginning an aggressive training program for officers on 13 bases following the work done at West Point. The main emphasis for the Army is improved mental focus.

Consumers can buy an EEG and software for home or you can work with a biofeedback trainer. Google: EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback. Systems will cost over a thousand dollars to $2500 and may require a hot computer.

Neurofeedback involves use of equipment that amplifies and displays the electrical activity of the brain, (EEG). Sensors attached to the scalp are connected to an encoder which feeds the signals to a computer. Some of these systems up train certain brain wave frequencies and down train others. The most advanced software reduces excess brain wave volatility.

Sophisticated software allows for graphical display of the signals and includes programs based on complex mathematical formulas designed to provide the central nervous system with information in a form which is readily processed. The role that the conscious mind plays in this process is minimal. You simply absorb pleasing visual displays and sounds. Brief pauses guide the brain toward peace, resilience and flexibility. You can think of this as defragmenting your brain or removing brain crud.

The final healing gadget is not a biofeedback device but does have the most research support. Cranial Electrical Stimulation units run a very mild electrical current through your brain. So very mild you don’t feel it. These devices are approved by the FDA for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Many research articles show relief from plenty of other problems too. You typically use this device for 30 to 60 minutes for 30 to 60 days. We know that it reduces excess slow brain wave activity. It seems to re-set your stress levels. It seems to trick the brain into producing serotonin. Some people feel the runners’ high without the running.

All of these devices produce broad benefits that last for the long term. The particular benefit and size of the effect varies for each person. These gadgets work well for spiffing up your responsiveness or with multiple problems because the central nervous system is central to all that we do.

You’ve been living with the shoulder pain for a while. Maybe you thought the pain would go away after a few weeks but it didn’t. What do you do from here? Can a torn rotator cuff heal naturally? This article is not intended to replace professional medical advise but the short answer is, yes, a torn rotator cuff can heal if proper rotator cuff therapy is approached in a progressive and patient manner.

The series of small tendons and muscles that are part of your rotator cuff are prone to injury. Too much stress, especially repetitive overhand motions, may result in severely inflamed tendons. Resting the inflamed tendons is crucial, otherwise a tear may follow.

The delicate rotator cuff must be exercised in a gentle and cautious manner to avoid damaging the tissues further. Always use light weight and high repetitions with strict attention to proper form.

It’s also important to add stretching to any rotator cuff therapy program. The benefits of proper stretching include improved circulation and increased mobility and range of motion. In order to speed up the healing, increase the amount of blood flow to the rotator cuff with heat and massage as well as stretching.

By slowly and progressively strengthening the rotator cuff through intelligent physical therapy, it may be possible to heal the injury. Luckily, there are programs designed by specialists in rotator cuff therapy that may be able to help you.

The best physical therapy program in the world is still no guarantee of success. It’s up to you to stay focused and work consistently. It’s very possible it could take up to a year to get full use of your shoulder back.

Whatever you do, don’t just select a random group of exercises off the internet. The only way your shoulder will heal naturally is if you go about rehabilitation in an intelligent way. A good rotator cuff rehabilitation program is one that is developed by someone who specializes in these types of injuries. By following the advice of a specialist in this field, you greatly improve your odds of naturally healing your shoulder.

Through 2016, outlook for careers in massage therapy is expected to be very good; primarily because the benefits of massage are gaining notoriety in the natural healthcare industry.

Education

Before you jump on the massage bandwagon, it is essential that you acquire the skills and training necessary for the field. Achieving fast growing careers in massage therapy takes time, willingness to apply your self, and the desire to help others in healing.

It’s also a good idea to review the massage school in which you’d like to enroll. While there are a number of technical colleges that provide massage therapy training, there are also many qualified massage schools that provide excellent massage curricula.

Careers in massage therapy vary, so it’s critical to determine what your professional goals are before you apply to the school of your choice. For example, if you would like to become nationally certified, you must locate a massage school that provides 500+ hours training in massage therapy. In addition to general anatomy and physiology, typical massage programs entail modalities like deep tissue, Swedish and sports massage. Note, however, that more advanced somatic programs may offer diverse techniques such as acupressure, medical massage, infant/prenatal massage, and Trigger Point, among others.

Professional Atmospheres

Unlike other healthcare professions, massage therapists have a broader scope of working environments from which to choose. Were you aware that careers in massage therapy can lead you aboard cruise ships, beautiful retreats, and at sporting arenas? Traditional work settings like hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and nursing homes commonly have positions for licensed bodyworkers; however, professional massage therapists have the option to work in spas, massage clinics, and fitness centers, among others.

Like the idea of being self-employed? Then careers in massage therapy can lead to successful entrepreneurialships, where you can reap the rewards of setting your own hours and becoming your own boss. In 2006, roughly 60 percent of massage therapists were self-employed.

Due to the increasing interest in natural and alternative health modalities like massage and holistic health, chances are that careers in massage therapy will continue to grow to meet consumer demands.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other bodywork programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in massage therapy [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

*Source – BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Careers in Massage Therapy

If you’ve been searching for enterprising ways to acquire a respectable and rewarding profession, there are a diverse number of careers in holistic healing that you may find quite intriguing. In addition to professions in holistic nursing, there are careers in holistic healing like massage therapy, holistic nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic, and homeopathy.

Professional massage therapists are making headway in the healthcare industry as more patients are migrating to natural healing alternatives. These careers in holistic healing require somatic education and training from a quality massage school or technical college. To compete in these careers in holistic health, students are opting for National Certification (through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) — which demonstrates the following: the candidate has completed a minimum of 500 required training hours entailing 125 hours of anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology; 200 hours of application, assessment, and theory; 40 hours pathology; 10 hours business/ethics; and 125 hours of related studies.

Careers in holistic healing like acupuncture can take you to foreign countries. In addition to extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and philosophies, candidates that participate in these Oriental medicine programs are often offered the opportunity to travel as exchange students to China and other foreign Nations for hands-on experience and training.

Other careers in holistic healing like chiropractic can be very professionally and personally satisfying. Though this particular holistic health occupation does require comprehensive education (usually up to four years post-graduate training), chiropractic practitioners administer gentle, non-invasive spinal adjustments to patients to help with common health issues like chronic pain and other musculoskeletal problems.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other healing arts occupations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore careers in holistic healing [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Careers in Holistic Healing

Treatment for incontinence depends on what is causing the condition. For example, if a prostate gland problem is the cause, treatment for that condition can cure incontinence. In severe cases, an artificial sphincter, which allows you to control its open and closed settings, can be surgically implanted. Collagen injection therapy-where in collagen is injected into the external bladder to add bulk to the urethra is effective in some cases for women with sphincter deficiency and for men who experience urinary stress incontinence after prostate surgery. Medication also may be prescribed to treat incontinence; commonly prescribed drugs are anticholinergic agents (Pro Banthene), alpha-adrenergic agonist drugs, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, and antispasmodics (Bentyl, Ditropan, and Urispas). Postmeonpausal women with stress incontinence may benefit from estrogen either orally or by applying a cream to the vagina.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda views incontinence as a vata disorder that’s caused by a weak bladder sphincter. Your Ayurvedic practitioner may recommend taking an Indian herbal blend containing ashwagandha and also may suggest eliminating or reducing your intake of alcohol and coffee and other caffeine-containing foods, which intensify the urge to urinate as well.

If symptoms persist, see your doctor for evaluation and assistance.

Bodywork and Somatic Practices

Oriental bodywork, reflexology, massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, polarity therapy, and CranioSacral Therapy are helpful first options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Chinese medical experts believe that incontinence is caused by a lack of energy in the kidney and spleen and their related meridians. To combat this imbalance, they work on the points that correspond to these areas and to the bladder.

Acupressure Points that may be focused on during an acupressure session to treat incontinence are Conception Vessel 2, Spleen 6, and related auricular points.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbs may be given to help tone the kidney and spleen and to strengthen bladder functions.

Yoga and Meditation

Exercise is always beneficial for strengthening muscles, including those of the bladder and surrounding areas. Try these easy yoga exercises several times daily to combat incontinence: Ashwini Mudra and Stomach Lock. Consult a trained practitioner for proper technique. Avoid these poses if you’re pregnant.

Having to consider getting a knee replaced itself can be daunting to a lot of people. Their will come a time when there will have to be decision made to whether you will have a full knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

Now of course prior to this point you have been in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon and, they have considered you a good candidate for surgery. Not everyone for instance will be able to withstand the surgery for one reason or another. Determining whether you have the option of having either a partial knee replacement or need a full replacement will depend on the condition of the knee and the overall wear and its locations.

There are some surgeons that do not do partial replacements and will prefer the full replacement only. There are a number of reasons for this but it will depend on their preference. With a partial knee replacement there are several advantages.

1. Less recovery time. Generally you are back on your feet in 3-5 weeks depending on your overall condition. With a total knee replacement you can expect 6-8 weeks in recovery.

2. Less time spent in the hospital after surgery. With a partial replacement you have the surgery one day and may come home the next if there are no complications. With a total replacement you can expect a minimum of 3 days in the hospital and up to 5 in some cases. Again this depends on after surgery results and if there are complications or not.

3. The partial knee replacement can be converted to a full replacement later down the road if needed. With a partial knee replacement the conversion is rather simple, with a full replacement this becomes a more invasive procedure when having to do a revision again with a longer rehabilitation process involved as well.

Depending on who you talk with there may be several more benefits between the two but, the three listed are the major ones to consider.

When it comes to the rehabilitation of the two I have found working with both for a number of years that the partial replacement progress is rapid when it comes to pain and flexibility due to the fact its less invasive and less tissue destruction involved and, the major ligaments are preserved as well. Both however I have found get very good results if they are cared for properly during recovery and not pushed beyond their ability to recover after exercise.

If you surgeon feels a partial replacement will suffice in your case and is willing to do it then by all means have it done and save yourself time and maintain a excellent quality of life as well.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.