Massage for Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis are two degenerative diseases that come with age. As such, they do not have any known cure. Aging is a natural process that cannot be reversed and there will be degenerative consequences. The main problem, where these become known as diseases is that they create a lot of pain and discomfort in the patient.

Certain experiments have shown that a person can live a painless, healthy life even with Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis if the muscles of the body are healthy enough. If you look at a car, it has shock-absorbers which not only protect the people inside it from jerks but even the car from damage if it goes on bumpy roads. Similarly, muscles act as the shock-absorbers of the body. If they are healthy and elastic, any jerks and shocks generated by any activity we do are absorbed by the muscles. But if the muscles are too tight, they can damage easily, while if they are too weak, the bones underneath them are more prone to damage.

This is why those who work out too much or participate in sports without enough warm-up and stretches have very tight muscles which are prone to injuries. And this is also why older people who have weak or under-exercised muscles, tend to easily fracture their bones with a fall. The central point here is muscle health.

The best way to keep the muscles strong and elastic is through Massage and Yoga Asanas. Yoga Asanas ensure that all the muscles of the body, external as well as internal, are used and kept healthy, like a well used and well oiled machine. Massage ensures that stressed and contracted muscles are relaxed through specific manipulating techniques and they get enough fresh blood supply to keep them healthy. Mental relaxation, which is a result of massage, help in improving body functions, including digestion and absorption of important nutrients like calcium.

Massage also helps in draining out toxins from the muscles and the body in general, which helps in better functioning of the body and has also anti-aging in property. Geriatric Massage is very important for the physical and mental health of senior citizens. However, it is important to note that degenerative diseases are a long-term process. They can start at a younger age and only show themselves through symptoms when we get older and when the condition worsens. And so, if we start taking measures at a younger age, it helps to slow down the degenerative processes and thus can even help in preventing these diseases to a certain extent.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

Reflexology and Reiki for PCOS

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Symdrome (PCOS/ PCOD) is not clearly known, although it is linked to hormonal imbalance. In PCOS, the ovaries contain multiple cysts which produce excess masculine hormone. This results in many symptoms like excess hair on the body, irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, overweight, Diabetes and Hypertension.

The condition as well as its medical treatment is emotionally harrowing for the patient as they have to undergo many hormonal treatments to conceive or even to reduce their symptoms. Alternative Healing Therapies like Foot Reflexology and Reiki help complement the treatments, help reduce side effects of medication as well as in some cases (based on claims of patients and practitioners) even help in curing the disease.

Reflexology for PCOS

Traditional Foot Reflexology involves stimulating areas on the feet that correspond to specific organ systems of the body. It is believed that all diseases are caused by an imbalance in energy flow of the body which is also affected by accumulation of toxins. This imbalance can be due to many reasons but one major reason is stress.

Many ladies who have received reflexology therapy around the world have claimed that Reflexology has helped them overcome the symptoms of PCOS and even helped them conceive. Reflexology focusing on the Endocrine System, helps regulate hormone levels in the body.

In fact, a pilot study conducted in Denmark by The Triangle Fertility Clinic and Forenede DanskeZoneterapeuter shows that Reflexology showed significant effect on:

•     Regulating the menstrual cycle.
•     Reducing the number of follicles in the Ovaries.

Irregular menstrual cycle and increased follicles in Ovaries are two out of three major symptoms of PCOS.

A well known Reflexologist in Devon, Jane Holt, has many clients who claim that Reflexology has helped them conceive.

Although the effects of Reflexology on PCOS and hormone balance in the body still requires further scientific and medical study, many people who have undergone the treatment claim effectiveness of the therapy. As is the case with most alternative / complementary therapies, it is always difficult to tell whether it was only the therapy or a combination of medicine, therapy and other lifestyle factors that helps cure a particular disease.

However, since Reflexology is a completely non-invasive therapy, it is worth trying the treatment on a regular basis.

Reiki for PCOS

Reiki has proven to be very effective for swellings, pain and emotional turmoil. It helps heal a person on all levels- physical, emotional and spiritual. It consists of positive healing energy of the universe passing from the therapist via the hands to the patient. Reiki is generally given on the Chakras of the body but is also given on a specific affected area.

Women suffering from PCOS undergo hormone therapy and many other invasive medical therapies that can be prove to be emotionally taxing. Medical practitioners do not have the time to counsel each patient for what they go through emotionally. This is where Reiki comes in. Through personal experience we have found that in any disease, Reiki provides a certain will power, strength and faith that are required to face the situation. The relaxation resulting from Reiki is “Out of this world,” in the words of many of our clients. Those who are anxious, stressed and undergoing rigorous medical treatment have trouble sleeping and Reiki helps in enhancing sleep and mind and body relaxation.

There are mixed claims of patients in regards to Reiki. Some say it helped cure them of PCOS while others say it did not cure them but helped relax and reduce the symptoms. However, again, Reiki is not a religious practice, nor is it invasive. Even those who did not believe in it, start having some faith in the therapy after experiencing its effects first-hand.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Reflexologist, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher

Director & Trainer

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

Self Healing with Traditional Reflexology

Click on the picture below to enlarge and read.

This article appeared in July 2012 issue of 'Life Positive (English).'

Visit our website http://pristinesenses.net for more information.

How Does Exercise and Massage Boost Immunity?

The Lymphatic System is our immune system which filters out harmful substances from the blood and body. Lymph nodes are a gathering of lymph glands at certain places in the body like the neck, arm-pits, groin and other parts of the body like the lungs and stomach.

The Lymph nodes are connected by lymphatic vessels and continuous circulation of the lymph is very essential. The Lymphatic System does not have a heart to pump the fluid around. The only way the fluid circulates well throughout the body is through gravity, exercise, walking, massage and a balanced state of mind.

Long hours of sitting at work or while travelling, leads to slowing down of the lymphatic circulation and makes us feel tired and weak. In turn, we become more prone to diseases and infection.  

This is why regular morning walk for 45 minutes, yoga Asanas, massage and reflexology are so essential in improving a person’s immunity. In massage, the trained therapist gently pumps the lymphatic nodes to promote better lymph circulation. In reflexology, the points on the feet that represent the lymphatic system are stimulated by thumb walking and pivoting technique and this stimulates healthy lymph circulation. Regular therapy ensures a healthy immune system.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah
Body-Mind Therapist, Founder of Pristine Senses Academy, 
Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.
Contact: pristinesenses@gmail.com

Reflexology for Asthma

Asthma is a medical condition which is caused by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system. This narrowing is generally caused by an inflammation due to allergic reaction or infection. Asthma can be hereditary but can also depend on an individual’s constitution.

General symptoms of Asthma are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath at night or on exertion, violent coughing and tightness in the chest. In Yoga, it is said that an Asthmatic patient generally has weak exhalation. Hence they are made to do more of breathing exercises to improve their exhalation.

Asthma is a physiological condition but it can be triggered by emotional imbalance. Other triggers are allergens in food or air or certain irritants in the environment, like the presence of a pet, pollen, toxic fumes from paint on the walls, dust, unclean carpets, etc.

Is there a Cure?

It is said that Asthma has no cure. The inhalers and steroids invented by modern medicine help in opening up the air passages during an attack. But how to prevent it?

Yoga and Alternative Therapies like Reflexology help in preventing attack and maintaining good health.

Pranayamas and Kriyas taught in Yoga help to improve the breathing capacity as well as strengthen immunity. Kriyas like Jalneti especially help in preventing infection that can easily trigger attacks. Yoga also helps in keeping a balanced state of mind which, when achieved helps keep emotions in check. This helps prevent attacks due to causes like anxiety, stress and emotional distress.

Reflexology

Lung Press

Reflexology is known for its relaxing and stimulating effect. The warm-up techniques, especially the lung press, upward thumb friction on the soles of the feet as well as massaging between the metatarsals on the upper surface of the feet help to relax the patient and triggers slower, deeper respiration.

The main areas to focus on in Reflexology are the Nervous System, the Respiratory System and the Lymphatic System.

The Nervous System helps stimulate better nerve function and will keep the person calm and relaxed. The Respiratory System obviously needs to be worked on as it is the main system that gets affected. Thumb/ finger walking and pivoting can be done on the lung area on the sole as well as the upper surface of the feet, the nasal passage and sinuses are also the areas to focus on. Working on the Lymphatic System helps improve immunity and remove stress.

Reflexology is especially effective on children. They immediately begin to relax, their breathing slows down and they also fall asleep almost immediately. It has been found that Reflexology triggers overall healing, not just in the body, but also the mind and the spirit.

(Please note: For areas of each system mentioned above, you can refer to the interactive reflexology chart given at the bottom of the blog.)

Body Scrubs for Diabetic Patients

Recently we treated a 78 year old Diabetic lady who just underwent a surgery on the foot. She has been suffering from Diabetes and Neuropathy since more than four decades now.

A typical sign of diabetes patients is that their skin starts showing black spots and patches. Especially for those suffering from Neuropathy (a condition where feelings are numbed in the feet), it is difficult to keep the feet clean and maintain healthy skin. The skin needs to be kept moisturized regularly and dry, black skin needs to be exfoliated and removed regularly.

My daughter and I used our whole gamut of treatments- Body Scrubs, Body Wraps, a few Reflexology techniques, Reiki as well as massage techniques to help maintain the health of her feet. (Of course, this was done with the permission of the doctor).

The doctor visited her every alternate day for dressing her wound and had suggested scrubbing the feet (exempting the wound area) to rid her of dry skin and the danger of more infection. I must say that we saw great results with our home-made body scrub. After just the first session, the doctor exclaimed about the change in the look of the feet. They looked cleaner, whiter and healthy. Another one or two sessions and all the dry and dead skin would be completely gone.

The patient felt very good and positive on seeing such a drastic change. It gave her positivity and faith during her healing process. The scrub was warm in property and gave a soothing warm sensation to the aching and healing feet. It was a relaxing and luxurious, first-time experience for her.

I am specially sharing this experience because there is a common belief that body scrubs are only for beauty and are an unnecessary luxury. But in most cases, it helps in moisturizing the skin, keeping it healthy, removing dead skin, thereby giving a nice soft glow and helps in healing. The herbs used in the scrub help detoxify the body, increase blood circulation, in many cases help in pain relief and most importantly, make a person feel good and positive. Positive state of mind is very important for giving hope, will power and strength to a patient to cope with the long and tedious task of healing after a surgery.

As an additional remedy for any dark pigmentation on the skin, we added an application of honey and lemon after the treatment, to keep the skin moisturized and to help bleach it.

Anyone suffering from dry, dead skin and also dark patches on the skin, should give scrubs and wraps a try. Most people feel the difference from the first session itself. However, a word of caution – make sure you get the treatment from a trained therapist who knows about different kinds of skin conditions and how to treat them. Also, in cases of a diabetic patient or someone who recently has undergone surgery, one must have the permission of a medical practitioner.

Pinakin Shah

Body-Mind Therapist, Owner and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy, 

Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.

This Winter, Keep Healthy With Herbs

In the winter time, we find almost everyone around sniffing, sneezing and coughing. Changing of the seasons is the time when our immune system is trying to adjust and the body is most vulnerable to infections. 

At such a time, diet is of the utmost importance. Why resort to cough syrups and medications when Nature has given us food substances with naturally warm properties? 

Two main herbal foods which are a must-have are:

Ginger

Ginger tea is great to prevent and cure common cold. When added to your food it gives great flavour and aroma. Ginger can even be applied on the body to soothe aching joints and muscles. 

It helps fight infections, boosts immunity, is used in hot formentation in arthtitis, gout, oedema and other forms of joint and muscle pain. It provides relief from respiratory disorders like cough, cold, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis etc. A powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame oil and massaged on the joint provides relief. Dried ginger powder made into a paste with warm water can be applied on the forehead, cheek bone area and nose to help melt congested sinuses. However, it can bring out skin reactions in those with sensitive skin so use with care. 

Tusli

This is my favourite remedy. Tulsi or Holy Basil is easily grown in the garden or balcony. This holy plant is anti-asthmatic and anti-infective. It increases respiratory resistance. It helps in instant relief from cough and one can even put 3-4 Tulsi leaves in the jugs of drinking water. Tulsi juice made by pounding its leaves with a few drops of ginger and honey helps strengthen immunity.

Also, do try and spend some time sunbathing in the warm soothing rays of the morning or evening sun. 

These little things when put in practice go a long way in preserving one's health. 

Remember, Nature's wonders are always at our disposal. However, I would not recommend self-diagnosis in severe cases. Always consult a physician or medical authority in case the matter is more than just a slight cough or cold. 

Stay Healthy!

Mr. Pinakin Shah- Head, Pristine Senses Academy, 
Body-Mind Therapist and Trainer, Reiki Practitioner and  Naturopath.

Reflexology Treatment for Snoring

In one of the seminars on health that I had attended, a doctor once said that if a person snores, his/her sleep is a disturbed sleep. I had never snored in my life. However, one day I had caught a terrible cold and had an almost completely blocked nasal passage. That night I just could not breathe without the snoring noise. It was pretty embarrassing as I was travelling with colleagues and they were disturbed by the sounds.

Later when I was introduced to Reflexology, I did some more research on snoring and its causes. So here I'm sharing with you some of the ways we can tackle the problem.

If snoring is your regular problem, it won't just be uncomfortable for you, it will disturb the sleep of your spouse or sibling whom you share the room with. This later results in disturbed state of mind, irritability and lethargy during the day. So do not take snoring lightly, treat it immediately.


So what causes snoring?

• As my experience proves, snoring occurs due to blockage of the nasal passage which can occur due to  cold/ infection.
• When sleeping, the throat muscles relax, narrowing the air passage, resulting in snoring.
• Faulty sleeping positions.
• Excessive smoking and alcohol intake.
• Accumulation of fat around the throat or obesity.
• Throat weakness or disposition of the jaw.

Treatment:

Reflexology on the respiratory areas of the foot helps cure snoring. This is because reflexology on respiratory region results in deeper, more relaxed and slower breathing, which prevents forceful intake of breath through the throat. 

Also, in case of cough or cold, reflexology helps in releasing the mucus and removal of toxins. Curing the infection can open up the nasal passage.

The areas shown in the picture are the ones to work on:

Note: The corresponding area on the upper surface of the foot should also be worked on.

Other Necessary Lifestyle Modifications:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Avoid sleeping on your back.
• Avoid breathing through the mouth.
• Reduce excess body weight.
• Practice Pranayamas regularly- Ujjayi Pranayama, Brahmari Pranayama, Yogendra Pranayama 1-9.
• Practice Asanas that involve chest expansion and also Simhasana  which is extremely good for the throat and voice.  
• Keep your nasal passage clean through Kriyas like Jalaneti and Jihvamulashodhanam.
• It has been found that Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has also been very effective in curing snoring.

Caution: Reflexology Treatment should be done by a trained Reflexologist.

All Yogic practices must be done under the guidance of a trained yoga therapist. 

Sleep Well !!

Reiki Healing

About Reiki

Dr. Mikao Usui

Reiki is fast becoming a popular healing therapy. As awareness of alternative therapies increases, people are resorting to this amazing energy healing technique.

Reiki, in Japanese means Universal Life-force Energy. Some form or other of energy healing has been practiced since ancient times. There are many stories of healing powers of Saints and Yogis. There are also stories of Jesus Christ healing people, in the Bible. However, one can say that this secret to healing was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan.

Passed on from person to person, this knowledge and ability to heal has been spread to many practitioners today over the world.

How Does Reiki Work?

There is a very powerful, positive healing energy in the Universe. An attuned practitioner of Reiki becomes a channel for this energy to flow through them, to the patient/ client via their hands.

This energy is sent to every Chakra (Energy Centre) of the body. It is said that most diseases and imbalances in the body are due to blockages in the energy flow of the body.

This is also explained in Yoga when talking about Pranayama. In Yoga, Prana is the bio-energy that is responsible for functioning of the body. Through Pranayama, this energy is channelled correctly and harnessed, and that leads to longer lifespan and good physical and mental health.

In the same way, Reiki is that positive life-force energy that flows into the body, healing you, removing your toxins and opening up the channels.

Jesus Christ Healing the sick

Reiki Treatment Procedure

Many people find the concept of Reiki strange and unbelievable, but after a therapy session, I have found many people raise their eyebrows incredulously and claiming that, “It really worked!” To those who doubt Reiki, I’d just say, try not to judge something without knowing about/ trying it properly.

A typical therapy session would involve clearing negative energies from the room first. Then the client lies on the back, relaxed, with eyes closed. The therapist starts from the head, spends some time on each chakra and moves down to the feet. Then the same is done with the client lying face down. It is possible that the client may fall asleep during the session, which is quite common and it does not affect the healing.  

Reiki can be used for local healing eg. small cuts and wounds, and can even be sent over a distance eg. the practitioner from his/ her own home can send it to the client who is at his/ her home.

Benefits of Reiki

Reiki is a very safe technique. It has been found to help cure almost all problems under the sun, including physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. There is still a lot to discover when it comes to the potential of Reiki in healing. It has been found useful in curing sleeplessness, breathing problems, stress, pain, swellings, emotional and past issues, etc. to name just a few. Of course, a note of caution, it does not mean that you do not take medical treatments if your body requires it.

It has almost no side effects. However, some people experience a little increase of pain/ problem before they are healed. This is because Reiki leads to removal of toxins in the natural way. So, the body tries to remove through the usual methods – urine, cold, cough, faeces, sweat and even some emotional release like crying. These all differ from person to person and don’t necessarily occur.

After Reiki

During Reiki, one generally feels warm in the part being healed. In my experience, there have been many people who feel vibrations, waves, tingling sensation and even cold. Some even claim to have seen some visions. They feel relaxed and positive after the session and sometimes in just the first session or after regular healing sessions, see a marked improvement in their condition.

So if you’re looking for a natural way of healing, do try Reiki. You may be surprised, like many others before you.

Stay Well !!

-          ­Ankita Shah

Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher,

Reflexologist, Massage Therapist.

Article in Life Positive Magazine, July 2011

Learn Alternative Therapies for hobby or profession !!

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