When Not to Give/Take Massage

Many a times our body craves a massage, especially when we are sick and the body is aching. But is that the best time to get a massage? Should a responsible therapist give a massage at that time?

Massage is a very non-invasive and safe alternative therapy. But it can be harmful in two cases:

• If done by an untrained therapist and
• If done when contraindicated.

In the first case, we can ask for the qualifications (proof of qualifications) of the therapist. Beware, due to lack of licensing and standardization of massage training in India, even good spas may not have well trained therapists, as some of our students have experienced first-hand. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to do our research well and get the therapy from them at least once.

In the second case, there are a few points to remember where massage is contraindicated:

Fever/Infection – at this time, the body needs only rest, not stimulation. There is also a danger of the infection spreading within the client and to the therapist also.

Hypertension/Cardiac conditions – Massage generally helps in calming the body and mind and reducing stress. However, vigorous, stimulating massage should be avoided by anyone who has High BP or cardiac conditions. If one is taking blood thinning medication or has recently undergone surgery, they must avoid massage unless recommended by their doctor.

Diabetes – Again here it depends on the nature of the disease. If one is suffering from diabetic neuropathy, they may not feel the pressure during massage and may ask for more, but the therapist must not relent as it could be harmful. A doctor’s permit before treatment is recommended. In case of cuts or bruises or gangrene, there is a chance of infection spreading in the client as well as the therapist.

Injury/fracture/skin conditions – Any part with injury or infection should be avoided. In such cases it is better to avoid massage until the part is healed. In case of fracture, there should be absolutely no movement in the part and massage is strictly contraindicated. Some skin conditions are harmless, such as Psoriasis, Leucoderma, etc. But others may carry infection or be painful and massage on and around the part should be avoided.

Under influence or alcohol/drugs – If a person is taking strong prescription medication, a doctor’s permit should be acquired before massage. If under influence of alcohol, massage is strictly contraindicated as the nervous system is affected.

Cancer – Light, gentle massage can be very beneficial for cancer patients. However, in some cases, there are chances of it spreading in the body with massage. It is best to have a doctor’s permit for massage therapy.

Varicose Veins/Inflammation – Massage directly over varicose veins is contraindicated as well as in case of internal or external inflammation.

If massage is done to someone with any of the above contraindications, it can have an adverse effect. This is why a good, responsible therapist take the case history of the client before giving treatment. A client should be aware of these points before trying any therapy and the therapist should help educate the client for the same.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

The Close Relation Between Stress and Diabetes

What Does Mental Stress Do to the Body?

When there is mental stress, the body perceives an unknown threat and reacts to protect itself. The body becomes stiff and tight, heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, digestion slows down and the Adrenal Glands secrete more Adrenalin (the fight and flight hormone) to combat the situation.

Effects of Stress on the Pancreas

The Endocrine System (hormonal system) is complex and all Endocrine Glands are inter-related. So, when a person is stressed, the Endocrine System gets disturbed and this causes a chain reaction in all the glands.

The Pancreas generally secretes ferments that are essential for digestion and absorption of food. It also secretes Insulin which is needed to regulate the sugar levels in the blood. In stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete these in the required amount.

Moreover, even if the Pancreas does secrete right amount of Insulin, stress also affects functioning of each cell in the body. As a result, the cells may become insensitive to the amount of Insulin in the blood, thus affecting the blood sugar levels.

Blood tests then show presence of excess sugar and the person is declared a Diabetic. It is important to note here that sometimes we may be assuming a person is Diabetic even though Insulin levels in the blood are normal. It is the cells’ insensitivity that may be causing the rise in blood sugar.

How Does this Affect Digestion?

As mentioned earlier, due to stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete right amount of ferments required by the digestive system. As a result the person belches, experiences a sour burning taste in the mouth and looks for medication and antacids for immediate relief. But pills do not help remove the root cause of the problem.

Medication

The pills taken for Diabetes artificially regulate the blood sugar levels, not giving the body a chance to correct or adapt to the situation on its own. However, after a certain stage, taking these pills and injections becomes necessary. But to avoid reaching this stage, we can try our best to control or reverse the condition through natural ways.

What is the Solution Then?

Firstly, we must understand that disease is caused by a disharmony in body, mind and spirit. We should treat ourselves on all three levels.

Especially in the starting stages, Diabetes can be reversed by lifestyle change, control in food habits and exercise.

Lifestyle & Exercise

• Incorporating some yoga exercises and relaxation techniques helps combat stress.
• Try and develop a hobby that involves physical activity. This helps quieten the mind.
• Try and avoid getting angry.
• Keep a positive attitude in everything you do.
• Morning walk of 45 minutes helps maintain health, weight and blood circulation.

Food Habits

• Eating Papaya is good for the stomach as it has enzymes that help in digestion.
• Restrict intake of Proteins and processed sugar.
• Avoid overeating and eating in between meals.
• Avoid drinking water with meals.
• Eat lots of roughage i.e. salad and raw fruits (which are low in sugar)

Alternative Therapies

Swedish Massage helps to relax the body and mind. It improves blood circulation, helping to prevent Neuropathy. It stimulates digestion and elimination, thus improving absorption of nutrition in the body and removal of toxins from the body. When emphasis is given on lymphatic drainage, massage helps in improving immunity and maintaining functions of the body.

Traditional Foot Reflexology has been found to be a great stress buster. It helps maintain blood circulation in the feet and stimulates organs for better functioning. It helps stimulate each Endocrine Gland and remove toxins.

A Diabetic patient needs to take care of his / her skin. Many a times, especially in the feet, a lot of dead skin accumulates. Body Scrubs help in removing it. Click Here to read more about it.

Body Wraps help keep the skin supple and taut and helps in breakdown of excess fat.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net