http://cureyourbody.com/index/ en knichols@digitaldotmanagement.com Copyright 2009 2009-05-29T18:31:42+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/is_your_magnesium_supplement_poisoning_you/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/is_your_magnesium_supplement_poisoning_you/#When:18:31:42Z How do you know if your favorite health supplement is actually doing you more harm than good? The companies certainly aren’t going to tell you. I just found out some information that astounded me, because it was about one of my OWN personal favorite supplements.How do you know if your favorite health supplement is actually doing you more harm than good? The companies certainly aren’t going to tell you. I just found out some information that astounded me, because it was about one of my OWN personal favorite supplements. I have a subscription to ConsumerLabs.com, which is an independent testing agency for health supplements. Every few weeks I will try to give a report on a category of health supplements for my subscribers. This week, I want to talk to you about Magnesium. What Does Magnesium Do? Magnesium is absolutely essential for a well-functioning body and is a vital nutrient for metabolism and proper functioning of the nervous system. As with most nutritional supplements, the exact benefits of magnesium are debated, but it most likely benefits the absorption of calcium into your body and has cardiovascular benefits such as reducing blood pressure and regulating heartbeat. Magnesium may also reduce headaches, menstrual pain and PMS symptoms. Supplements That did NOT Pass CL’s Test Much to my surprise, one of my favorite supplements did not pass the ConsumerLabs.com test! There is some debate between the two companies regarding the accuracy of the tests and whether or not ConsumerLabs.com is truly as impartial as they claim to be. Nonetheless, I was shocked to see literally my favorite supplement on the “not approved list” for lead content (Peter Gillham’s Natural Calm). Here’s what they said about the 3 supplements that did not pass: *  Peter Gillham’s Natural Vitality® Natural Calm, a powder, was found to contain 0.295 mcg of lead per teaspoon.  It suggested a daily dose ranging from 1/2 teaspoon to 3 teaspoons per day which, at the higher end of the range, would exceed the State of California’s limit of 0.5 mcg of lead – above which a warning label is required.  Such lead exposure can be easily avoided when taking magnesium, as evidenced by the many other products that did not exceed this limit.   * Total Nutrition Natural Amino Acid Chelated Magnesium provided only 28.8 mg of magnesium per tablet rather than the expected 100 mg. * Tropical Oasis™ Liquid Calcium Magnesium Orange Flavor contained only 45.4% of its labeled amount of magnesium. Instead of one tablespoon providing the promised 115 mg of magnesium, it provided only 52 mg. CL found the same problem with this product in 2007, when it was found to contain only 46.4% of the magnesium claimed.  Ironically, at both times the product has boasted a “GMP” seal (suggesting that it was made under Good Manufacturing Practices) around which was written “Certified by an independent laboratory.” The back label on this product noted, “Tropical Oasis believes in giving the consumer the most accurate information to allow the consumer to make informed choices.” I will keep you abreast of any details I discover regarding whether or not the results for Natural Calm are accurate, but for the time being, these are a few magnesium supplements that you will want to stay away from in your selection, should you choose to supplement your diet with magnesium. 2009-05-29T18:31:42+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/probiotics_what_most_people_dont_know_about_bacteria/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/probiotics_what_most_people_dont_know_about_bacteria/#When:20:24:21Z There are trillions of different species of bacteria in the world. What most people don’t know is that there are just as many bacteria that are GOOD for you, as there are those that are bad for you.What Most People Don’t Know Question: When is having thousands of bacterial microorganisms in your intestines a good thing? Answer: When they are Probiotics. You may have heard of Probiotics before and not even know it – Acidophilus is one of the more popular strains of probiotic bacteria. There are trillions of different species of bacteria in the world. What most people don’t know is that there are just as many bacteria that are GOOD for you, as there are those that are bad for you. What most people REALLY don’t know is that the portion of the bacteria in your gut that are good for you are actually the difference between life and death. These healthy bacteria are actually part of our immune systems and our digestive systems, and absolutely essential to our bodies’ functioning. They live inside our bodies, mostly in our digestive tract, killing off harmful bacteria that may attempt to use us as a host breeding ground making you sick. Daily Probiotic supplements should be considered absolutely mandatory if you wish to remain healthy. If you are not supplementing your diet with probiotics on a daily basis, you are NOT healthy. WARNING: Health Hazard! Killing off your body’s natural defenses is hazardous to your health. You would be in big trouble without these bacteria in your body. And sometimes people kill them off unintentionally when using antibiotics, or when eating unhealthy processed foods, drinking alcohol, etc. The sad thing is that so often modern medicine treats one problem only to cause another. When we are given antibiotics to kill off a harmful infection, we also kill off the good bacteria. This is why often times you notice that you may have stomach problems after taking or even while taking these anti-biotics. Symptoms include: • Constipation or diarrhea • Heartburn • Vaginal yeast infections • Lactose intolerance Antibiotic comes from Greek, literally meaning “anti life” in Latin and Probiotics means “for life.” It’s a problem for your body and your immune system to take antibiotics. Not that your doctor is thoughtlessly prescribing dangerous drugs when she writes you a prescription for anti-biotics, but you should consider a treatment of Probiotics after taking anti-biotics. Benefits of Probiotics: • Strengthen immune system • Normalize bowel movements and relieve constipation • Treating diarrhea, especially antibiotic associated diarrhea • Treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) • Alleviate allergies • Lower cholesterol • Reduce bad breath and body odor associated with a dirty colon • Reducing the occurrence of bladder cancer • Shortening the duration of infections of the intestines.  • The prevention and treatment of vaginal yeast infections and/or urinary tract infections (UTIs); …and a LOT more. I could go on forever. These chivalrous bacteria protect you in exchange for a space to live and thrive with plenty of nutrients to eat. They consume and digest the food moving through your body and by doing so are also helping you break down your food as well, making digestion and passing waste much easier. Get the Highest Quality Probiotics for Your Body DrFloras offers a high-quality, 100% natural probiotics supplement that are resistant to stomach acids so they make the journey to where they need to be – your intestines – for optimal benefit to your health. You can be sure your body is ready to take on all those trillions of other bacteria that want to compromise your health. Once again, if you are not supplementing with Probiotics, you are NOT healthy. If you buy one supplement on a regular basis, it should be probiotics. Article from www.DrFloras.com The Premium Brand in Internal Cleansing   2009-05-08T20:24:21+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/swine_flu_h1n1_virus_-_what_you_need_to_know/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/swine_flu_h1n1_virus_-_what_you_need_to_know/#When:13:57:01Z What began in early April as isolated incidences of swine flu (H1N1 virus) in Mexico has quickly propelled itself into an epidemic that has the world hoping for the best but anticipating the worst. The World Health Organization at the time of this writing says that the swine flu is at level 5.What You Need to Know About the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus What began in early April as isolated incidences of swine flu (H1N1 virus) in Mexico has quickly propelled itself into an epidemic that has the world hoping for the best but anticipating the worst.  Ten states in the United States have reported swine flu cases, and at least one known death from the virus has been reported on U.S. soil (Texas, March 29).  There have been many deaths in Mexico, which is being called the epicenter of this virus. The World Health Organization at the time of this writing says that the swine flu is at level 5.  Level 6 is considered a truly global pandemic, as opposed to the current status of epidemic. What is the H1N1 Virus or Swine Flu? The influenza virus (which has hundreds of strains) causes what we normally think of as the flu.  In typical conditions, different strains of influenza viruses infect only one species of mammal (including humans), making the human influenza virus a separate virus from those of birds or pigs.  When a pig or bird influenza virus swaps genes or mutates with a human influenza virus, then a new virus is born – which is exactly what happened with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.  The H1N1 virus contains genes from human, bird, and pig (swine) influenza viruses.  It is a completely new virus that has never been seen before, which means that there is no immunization for H1N1. Historically, bird influenza or swine influenza is difficult to transfer from human to human, and humans that become ill with bird flu or swine flu usually are isolated cases.  H1N1 is different because it has developed the ability to be spread from human to human easily, which is why the WHO and world governments are so eager to contain H1N1.  H1N1 has all of the probabilities of becoming a disease of pandemic proportions. How Bad Could an H1N1 Pandemic Get? Although many global pandemics have been relatively moderate as far as the number of people who fell ill and actually died, one pandemic that is often referred to is the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 to 1919.  This pandemic affected around 1/3 of the human population around the globe, and killed no less than forty million people in a one year period. The economic fallout from the Spanish flu pandemic is considered among the different occurrences that caused a deep recession in the global economy during the same time period.  How is the H1N1 Virus Transmitted and Who is At Greatest Risk? Scientists are unsure how this new strain of influenza is spread amongst humans, and from person to person.  It is believed that transmission of the H1N1 virus occurs when infected persons sneeze or cough (airborne), or by direct skin to skin contact, such as when an infected person kisses or shakes hands with someone.  Although most influenza viruses are more dangerous to very young or very old people, or those with weakened immune systems, scientists say that a majority of the deaths in Mexico from the H1N1 virus have been of young people who were very healthy.  This is one aspect of the H1N1 virus that is puzzling to those studying the virus. Of particular worry to health authorities is that the Spanish flu pandemic of the early 1900s also saw more deaths among this group of people.   What are the Symptoms of the H1N1 Virus? The H1N1 virus initially causes the same symptoms that are experienced with regular cases of the flu, including fever, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches.  More common with the H1N1 virus, however, is nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.  In adults, teenagers, and children from ages three through twelve, the most dangerous symptoms of H1N1 include shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, and persistent vomiting. For children two years of age and under, the most dangerous symptoms are very rapid breathing, high fever, rash, bluish color of the skin and lips, abnormal behavior such as not drinking normally, unusual irritability or being more sleepy than usual. How is H1N1 Treated? The H1N1 virus is currently treated with two antiviral medications – zanamivir and oseltamivir.  Optimal results from treatment are achieved when the medications are taken with a couple of days of the person becoming ill.  There has been no proven benefit of taking either of these medications before being exposed. There is no current vaccine against the H1N1 virus. Diagnosis of the H1N1 virus is made by taking a throat swab of the suspected infected person, or by analyzing the sputum that is “coughed up” by the person.  How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family from H1N1 There are some basic steps that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to avoid contracting the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, including: • Wash your hands frequently.  • Use alcohol based hand cleaners like Germ-X when you are not around hot water and soap.  It is a good idea to send some of this type of antibacterial hand wash with your children to school in their backpack and instruct them on proper usage. • Avoid being around people who are sick or appear sick. • If you become sick, protect others from contracting the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a clean tissue, and discard used tissues into the trash.  You should also avoid being around others as much as possible until you are better again.  Sick children should be quarantined at home and the school notified.  Those who are infected with H1N1 will be contagious for as many as 14 days after the onset of symptoms.  For updated information on the H1N1 and the possible coming global pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu or contact your physician or other medical practitioner. 2009-04-30T13:57:01+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/ulcerative_colitis_pain_embarassment_and_frustration/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/ulcerative_colitis_pain_embarassment_and_frustration/#When:12:44:55Z An inspiring message and explanatory video about just how vitally important the digestive system is for overall health. Never take your basic body functions for granted.An inspiring message and explanatory video from Dennis of http://ucvlog.com about his battle with Ulcerative Colitis: “Two years ago I was diagnosed with the disease ulcerative colitis at age 21. It’s an inflammatory bowel disease that affected my entire colon and rectum, causing me uncontrollable diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, and bloody stool. Not knowing much about this disease, I did what the doctors told me to do in the beginning. I tried the medicines they prescribed but nothing worked. I tried the gambit of colitis medication to little effect.” “My symptoms continued to persist and I was out of options. In June 2008 I underwent surgery to remove my colon. With no colon, no ulcerative colitis. I then lived with an ileostomy for six months, which was created by pulling the end of my intestine out through my abdominal wall. Waste collected in a plastic bag continually attached to my skin, which I emptied periodically throughout the day. Now I live with an internal pouch, a j-pouch, created using part of my intestine. I no longer wear an ileostomy bag and instead I am trying to train my j-pouch how to function. It’s capacity is far lower than that of a colon and rectum, so I go to the bathroom 4-6 times during the day and 1-2 times during the night. While my bowels will never work the same again, the life is live now is much better than my life of colitis. Determined not to render my life with colitis meaningless, I have since started an educational video website, the Ulcerative Colitis Vlog. Here I show what it is like living with colitis, living with an ileostomy, and living with a j-pouch. Through this project I have realized that ulcerative colitis was one of the best things to happen to me, since it has forever changed my attitude towards life and myself. In spite of the pain, embarrassment, and frustration that has come from ulcerative colitis, my life is now better.” - Dennis 2009-04-21T12:44:55+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/acai_berry_scam_exposed/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/acai_berry_scam_exposed/#When:13:55:25Z A completely free report that exposes the lies and scams behind the recent Acai berry craze. Separate fact from fiction with this special CureYourBody.com initiative.Acai has been the latest craze for sometime now, ever since Oprah talked about the incredible antioxidant powers of this “super berry.” While some of what has been marketed is true, much of it is a complete fabrication. With this free report, we tell you what the Acai berry CAN do, what it certainly CANNOT do, and how to make your decision should you be interested in integrating the Acai berry into your dietary routine. “Acai Berry: True Lies” is a completely free report created by the founders of CureYourBody.com. Download with this link (right-click and “Save as”): Acai Berry: True Lies (.PDF file) Acai Berry: True Lies (.ZIP file) Feel free to pass the report on to any health conscious friends or family in your life. This is a completely free report. 2009-04-15T13:55:25+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/chinese_medicine_law_of_similars/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/chinese_medicine_law_of_similars/#When:15:10:55Z The theory of “Law of Similars” is from Chinese Medicine, and is an interesting way to look at natural healing. The idea is that food itself - the PROPER foods, in whole/organic form - should possess all that you need to heal yourself of any ailment, and most importantly, to prevent them in the first place.Today, we are hosting a video created by Josh Rubin of EastWestHealing.com The theory of “Law of Similars” is from Chinese Medicine, and is an interesting way to look at natural healing. The idea is that food itself - the PROPER foods, in whole/organic form - should possess all that you need to heal yourself of any ailment, and most importantly, to prevent them in the first place. EastWest Healing and Performance is a Personal Training center based in San Diego, CA. 2009-04-08T15:10:55+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/irritable_bowel_syndrome_-_what_is_ibs_and_what_can_you_do/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/irritable_bowel_syndrome_-_what_is_ibs_and_what_can_you_do/#When:21:45:58Z Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the term used by doctors to describe a discomfort of the bowels and gut. Generally, its symptoms include stomach cramps and/or longer bouts of abdominal pain, sometimes severe, and chronic diarrhea alternating with constipation. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the term used by doctors to describe a discomfort of the bowels and gut. Generally, its symptoms include stomach cramps and/or longer bouts of abdominal pain, sometimes severe, and chronic diarrhea alternating with constipation. A person may suffer from both, or one may be prevalent. They may experience nausea, bloating and gas. There may also be an urgent need to move the bowels, yet an inability to pass anything, allied to a feeling of fullness in the rectum, as if stools are *pushing down* constantly. No-one has yet found one single cause for IBS and many sufferers can live with it for years without it being diagnosed. Diet can sometimes play a part, and certain foods trigger an attack. At other times, long-term stress, anxiety, depression, or panic attacks are a major factor. It should be stressed that people suffering prolonged stomach problems should see their doctor, rather than self-diagnose and self-medicate, since there may be other causes such as diverticulitis and Crohns Disease. However, IBS has become increasingly common since I myself was diagnosed over fifteen years ago. The stomach pain and changes in bowel habits can be extremely worrying. I have undergone such chronic pain that I have not known where to put myself, and had to writhe in pain with a hot bottle on my stomach and take painkillers. I have also experience rectal bleeding, and that of course can be frightening. However, after examination it was shown to be a tear to the muscle of the anus, due to both severe diarrhea and other times, the passing of hard stools. The treatment for IBS suggested by a doctor seems to be focused on controlling the symptoms rather than curing it, and many people will have tried almost every remedy in an effort to alleviate IBS. Anti-spasmodic medications are commonly prescribed, Mebeverine Hydrochloride, often sold as Colofac IBS is said to help to relax the intense cramping of the intestines. The intestines squeeze rhythmically as part of the digestive process, whereby food is passed through the gut. With IBS that squeezing action becomes an acute spasm, or clenching, thus causing sometimes severe pain. Anti spasmodics are said to address this, but it is something which has to be taken regularly, not as and when, to have any real affect. Some people take anti-diarrhearal medications, such as Imodium, or, Pepto Bismol, this garish pink liquid has always proved the most effective for me, as I suffer very bad nausea and trapped wind. However, it is not suitable for people allergic to aspirin and the label must be read before trying it. Nausea is also treated by prescribed medications such as Metoclopramide, although the side effects to that can include stomach cramps and diarrhea. Ginger tablets, or ginger tea can also be very effective against nausea. Some people recommend an acidophilus supplement which encourages a healthy balance in the flora present in the gut. The pain of an IBS attack may require painkillers, either prescribed or bought over the counter. A three-pronged approach for me has always been codeine and paracetamol tablets (although codeine can bind up the bowels) a hot pad and Pepto Bismol. I have found no other way that has as yet worked. For constipation sufferers, an intake of fiber is suggested, although there are certain fibers, such as those in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) which can exacerbate stomach cramps and gas. Some people prefer to take a soluble fiber in water, (Fybogel for example) which is becoming more popular and is easy to take. Drinking at least two to three liters of water is also a cheap and effective way of softening the stools when one is constipated. For people who are almost continuously constipated, the advice of a doctor or pharmacist should be sought, since some remedies may be too ‘harsh’ to be taken long term, and a gentler medication or solution is likely to be suggested. Because certain foods can trigger IBS, it is important that we remember what we have been eating preceding an attack. Cutting out such trigger foods can help us avoid another episode. IBS caused by stress or anxiety is another matter entirely, since it is impossible to avoid it. There are many natural remedies that are gentle and can be bought over the counter to aid in stress, tablets containing the herb Valerian are popular, as is Bach Rescue Remedy. Doctors may prescribe medication to control stress, panic or address depression, so it is worth perhaps approaching stress-related IBS from the direction of the stress itself as well as the stomach. It is important to realize that IBS is different for every single individual sufferer, and that each treatment will differ in its effectiveness. It can take a long time to find out which remedies and treatments best suit each person. Article by: Sian, Founder of IBS Tales Ibstales.com *** If you are suffering from any symptoms of IBS, we at CureYourBody.com HIGHLY recommend that you consider a deep internal cleansing system. Check out the review on our #1 rated internal cleanse. 2009-04-07T21:45:58+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/natural_solutions_for_canine_arthritis/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/natural_solutions_for_canine_arthritis/#When:17:46:13Z Here’s a little something for your beloved pets: Just like humans, many dogs suffer from arthritis pain and inflammation as they age. Joints and bones naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed. acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, supplements and nutrition.Just like humans, many dogs suffer from arthritis pain and inflammation as they age. Joints and bones naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with the help of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, supplements and nutrition. Natural and alternative therapies are generally safe, effective and can be used in conjunction with western medicine. If your dog suffers from arthritis, these are a few natural remedies that are helpful: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) will help protect and lubricate joints. Research has shown that MSM has an strong anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine has been studied for over 20 years in humans, and has been proven effective to relieve arthritic joint pain. Please note that it may take four to six weeks before your dog feels the results from these supplements. An Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplement from fish oil or flaxseed oil also works as an anti-inflammatory. These help to lubricate the joints and help with inflammation. Omega 3 oils will also improve the health and appearance of your dog’s coat. Omega 3 oils have been proven to help reduce excess weight in people and dogs. Diet plays an essential role in decreasing the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have indicated that wheat can exacerbate pain and cause inflammation in both humans and animals. Cooking for your dog is the best option. However if you cannot make the time to cook, then make sure you are feeding your dog the best food you can find. Choose a safe brand that is organic, and contains free-range meat. Unfortunately most grocery stores do not carry the best pet food brands. It is the smaller independently owned pet supply shops and on-line shops that carry the better quality brands. Your dog’s food should also be wheat, corn and soy free. These filler ingredients may exacerbate arthritis and often are involved in weight gain. Wheat, soy and corn products have also been linked to allergies and skin problems in animals. Make sure the treats you feed your dog are also free of wheat, corn and soy, especially if your dog is overweight, as this puts more pressure on already weakened joints. One of my favorite dog treats is Cinna-bones made by Solid Gold. These cookies are not only free of wheat, soy or corn but they also contain cinnamon which is very effective in relieving pain in arthritis made worse with cold damp weather. Acupuncture & Arthritis Study after study have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbs are effective to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis in both humans and dogs. Canine acupuncture is also an effective treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia, ligament and tendon injuries, and many other ailments. Acupuncture helps to increase circulation to the muscles and joint capsules, providing more oxygen and slowing cell degeneration. It also relieves painful muscle spasms and releases endorphins to make your dog feel better. Most humans and dogs feel relaxed and pain free after an acupuncture session. Don’t expect an instant one-treatment miracle, though. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Over time, the treatments build on one another, giving better results with each successive treatment. These natural approaches to treating canine arthritis are generally safe and effective, but you should check with your pet healthcare provider before using a new supplement. Jeanie Mossa Kraft, M.S.,L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist living in Salem, Massachusetts with a private practice treating dogs with Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is a former faculty member of the Canadian College of Oriental Medicine (Toronto, Canada) and has published two books on traditional Chinese herbal medicine and theory, as well as authoritative articles on Oriental Medicine. For more info on veterinary acupuncture please visit www.FourPawsAcupuncture.com website. Questions? Email her at woof (at) fourpawsacupuncture (dot) com 2009-04-06T17:46:13+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/yellow_pea_shows_promise_to_lower_blood_pressure/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/yellow_pea_shows_promise_to_lower_blood_pressure/#When:16:14:34Z Mom was right when she told you to eat your peas. A new study suggests that that an extract from the yellow garden pea may cut blood pressure and help kidney function. Mom was right when she told you to eat your peas. A new study suggests that that an extract from the yellow garden pea may cut blood pressure and help kidney function. A Canadian study from the University of Manitoba showed that rats fed the pea protein hydrolysate from the yellow garden pea showed a 20% drop in blood pressure. This is big news for the increasing number of people, who are suffering from hypertension due to malfunction of the kidneys, estimated to be at 13% of American adults. Not only does the study show that it helped alleviate high blood pressure in animals who are already suffering from kidney disease because of hypertension, but it will also help those with hypertension prior to kidney damage. It’s important to note however that that the research showed that the peas in their natural state could not produce the same effect as that of the purified protein, which was activated with an enzyme treatment in the lab. But the extract is a natural approach rather than a pharmacological approach to lowering blood pressure. The final product is an edible rather than a drug. Researchers at Manitoba said they are currently working on studying the effects in human volunteers and expect to show the results this fall. More information here. 2009-04-02T16:14:34+00:00 http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/massage_the_power_of_human_touch/ http://www.cureyourbody.com/site/massage_the_power_of_human_touch/#When:16:40:37Z Massage is a powerful tool. In ancient China, the blind were taught the art of massage because it was believed that their senses were more attune to the body and its rhythms. Today we use massage for relaxation and consider it a luxury.  What if we considered it a necessity?The power of the human touch is well known. From the story of twin girls who only thrived outside of the womb when placed together in an incubator (touching) to the grandmother in a nursing home who recovered from the flu better than her doctors could hope when her daughter treated her to a light massage every week. Each day almost every person experiences human touch, whether it be a hand shake or a hug. That brings me to our subject. Massage is a powerful tool. In ancient China, the blind were taught the art of massage because it was believed that their senses were more attune to the body and its rhythms. Today we use massage for relaxation and consider it a luxury.  What if we considered it a necessity? Massage can help more ailments than can be listed here. Relaxation is a large benefit. In the time of a one hour Swedish massage your high blood pressure can go down as much as 10 points. For someone with hypertension this is of great importance. Let me list just a few benefits for you. Along with lowering high blood pressure, it helps multiple skin conditions, lymph drainage, edema, physical therapy, muscle injury, lung drainage after congestion, migraines, PMS. This brief list comes from regular Swedish massage. There are 250+ modalities to choose from. Pregnancy massage helps new moms become more aware of their bodies and in turn helps them in the delivery process. Massage helps her before in keeping her muscles supple and smooth for more control, during labor for the benefits listed above, and after when she needs time to recover. For the average every day person it is important to remember that your body should not experience trauma or stress before you give it the attention it needs. Going in for a massage teaches you where your stress accumulates. You will learn from a good massage therapist how to breathe and he/she will give you advice to follow between each massage to help you gain the most benefit from each session possible to you. Trusting our bodies in the hands of a skilled therapist is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. We must first take care of ourselves before we can begin to take care of others. I encourage every reader to make an appointment or share a massage with a spouse or loved one. The benefits will be more than you can ask for.  Choose each day to be blissful and complete, a whole person well cared for by you. Article written by Punkie Spelts, a Massage Therapist in Southern California.  Her web site is PunkieSpelts.com 2009-03-31T16:40:37+00:00