This section is dedicated to the types of holistic therapies that have been known to help alleviate pain with varying degrees of success. Below, there are many common-knowledge therapies, as well as some of lesser-known therapies for your consideration. Medical and FDA Disclaimers Below.
“When suffering knocks at your door and you say there is no seat for him, he tells you not to worry because he has brought his own stool.” -Chinua Achebe
Types of Therapies, Massages, and Relaxation Techniques :
(in no paticular order)
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Reflexology Massage
Pressure Point Massage
Sauna, Steam Sauna and Ozone Sauna
Ozone Therapy
Hot Stone
Hypnosis
Chiropractic Care
Acupuncture Therapy
Moxibustion
Raindrop Messenger
Cupping
Meditation
Chakra Massage
Reiki
Swedish Massage:
Full body relaxation massage technique. Known to be good for relaxation, tension, circulation, oxygenation, and decreasing muscle toxins.
You undress to your comfort level and cover up with a blanket. You remain covered the entire time. (Mostly that means bottom underwear or completely unclothed. But, do whatever makes you comfortable. Note from author: I like to wear socks, my feet get chilling in the winter.)
Suggestion for those that are new to massage: the people at your local massage parlor want you to have a good experience. Please talk to them about what type of massage experience you would like; are you there for relaxation only? do you have a lot of problem areas? or just a few? would you like a light, medium, or deep pressure massage? You may want to start with a “relaxation massage” and see how you like it.
Massage Envy definition of Swedish massage:
http://www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/swedish.aspx
Deep Tissue Massage:
A massage technique that is similar to the Swedish Massage but more pressure is used to release the tension of chronic muscle pain.
Massage Envy’s information on Deep Tissue Massage:
http://www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/deep-tissue.aspx
Reflexology Massage:
A massage of the feet, hands, or ears. It is believed that specific points on these areas correspond to different body organs and systems, and that pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and person’s general health.
More information about Reflexology:
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology
Wikipedia, Reflexology:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology
Pressure Point Massage:
Sometimes called Trigger Point Massage. It is believed that cycled pressure on certain pressure points (or little spots) within the muscle fibers can relieve pain throughout an area. Can be used for relaxation or pain management.
Massage Envy’s information on Pressure Point Massage:
http://www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/trigger-point-therapy.aspx
Steam Sauna and Ozone Sauna:
Steam Sauna, opens up the pours and detoxes the body, relaxes the body, and oxygenates.
Ozone Sauna, added to the steam sauna to add extra purification. Good for circulation and pain.
More on Steam and Ozone Saunas:
http://www.oxygenhealingtherapies.com/ozone_sauna_therapy.htm
Youtube Video showing how to set up your Ozone Sauna:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjRjrUTxegA
Ozone Therapy:
It’s the healing power of oxygenation on many bodily ailments, conditions and diseases. Uses; anti-inflammation, healing, disinfecting, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal. How it’s used? You name it! It’s injected, irrigated, infused, breathed in, used in a sauna, applied topically… so on. How do you get it done? On your computer, search your area for places that do it. Research it more! Lots of stories with different prices and insurance culpability. We suggest you research your options and then check with your physician.
Really NICE blog on all the different types of Ozone therapy:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/ozone-therapy-powerful-medicine
Hot Stone Massage:
“The heat from the stones helps your muscles relax, allowing the massage therapist to manipulate your deep tissues more effectively. Overly tense muscles can hinder the massage procedure, so if your muscles are extremely tight or stiff, the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in releasing tension and easing sore muscles.” – http://www.livestrong.com/article/116678-benefits-hot-stone-massage/
Hypnosis:
“a state that resembles sleep but in which you can hear and respond to questions or suggestions.” – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis
More information on Hypnosis for Pain:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/basics/why-its-done/prc-20019177
Chiropractic Care:
“a method of treating people who are sick or in pain by pushing and moving bones in the spine and joints.” – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiropractic
More information on Chripractic Care:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2706
Acupuncture Therapy:
“a method of relieving pain or curing illness by placing needles into a person’s skin at particular points on the body.” – http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture
More information on acupuncture:
http://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/article.htm
Moxibustion:
A therapy, often used during acupuncture treatments, that involves burning moxa (mugwort) made from dried Artimesia vulgaris to facilitate healing, and stimulate the flow of Qi.
During acupuncture:
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/moxibustion.php
Raindrop Messenger aroma therapy technique:
It is a collection of essential oils used on the spine. It is said to draw out impurities. (It is said that Lyme patients have a tendency to SEE the technique working. The spine area will redden.)David Stewart, Overcoming Disease with EssentialOils
Raindrop Messanger Website:
http://www.raindroptraining.com/messenger/v10n3.html
Cupping:
For Energy flow, pain, blood flow, and sore muscles. Cupping is a therapy where heated cups are suctioned onto certain points of the body for energy flow.
For more information:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupping_therapy
“What are the purple dots on Michail Phelps?” Rio 2016 Olympics:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2016/08/08/what-are-the-purple-dots-on-michael-phelps-cupping-has-an-olympic-moment/?_r=0&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Meditation:
defined my Merriam-Webster as:
” 1. to engage in contemplation or reflection.
2. to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness “- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meditate
Tips to try:
- You will need an area of quiet will you will not be disturbed for a while.
- Go to YouTube.com and look for Guided Meditation.
- Then, when you do not need the guided version anymore, try YouTube again for beach sounds or other types of white or pink noise.
- Consider a white noise machine.
- Consider downloading music or white sounds onto your device especially for your meditation time.
- There are apps available for your mobile device that will help you remember to meditate daily.
- Consider meditating outside.
- Consider buying a guided video. Sometimes you can find them at the big name stores, Walmart, Targert and the like.
Amazon Guided Meditation Videos:
https://www.amazon.com/meditation+videos
Chakra Massage:
Much like a Swedish Massage, the Chakra massage is a total body massage. While the seven major Chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown) are said to inhabit specific body locations, the chakra alignment massage IS a full body massage. The focus of the massage is to find your connections to earth’s energies. It is believed a chakra massage puts you in-tune with your energy and well being.
Description of what a Charkra Massage entails:
http://www.zen-studios.com/archives/705
For more information on your Chakras, and for more information on the scents and stones associated with the Charkra Massage go to Pain – Products
Reiki:
Very Simple put; Reiki is a spiritual healing technique where a Reiki healer puts their hands on or above you to harness the energy of the Chakras. Consider this; Rieki technique may be used when massages and/or other touching techniques are ill-advised. Perhaps useful for the most painful conditions.
Wonderful Website to learn more about Reiki:
http://www.reiki.nu/treatment/treatment.html
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Medical and FDA Disclaimers:
Medical Disclaimer:
Common Sense dictates that the following is now added: Please note that recommended reading and its practicum, product information, physical therapies, and any and all advice presented in this collection is intended for the convenience of the reader. For advice on medical issues you should always consult your local medical practitioner.
FDA Disclaimer:
The products and their practicum shown on this website or discussed in our communications have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified physician.
What therapies are missing here?