Low back pain: Can massage help?

Coburg Remedial Massage Centre: Studies that show the benefits of massage for healing, to reduce pain and acute back pain.

Low back pain: Can massage help?

 Some forms of massage, for example Remedial massage, acupressure, can relieve low back pain that has lasted longer than several weeks. As well as relieving pain, massage could possibly improve mobility too, especially if accompanied by exercising or stretching.

Pain in the lower (lumbar) back is the most common form of back pain. It is sometimes called lumbago. Most of the time, low back pain improves so much on its own within a few weeks that people can return to everyday activities. But back pain can also be very disabling, and become a chronic physical and psychological burden.

Pain in any part of the back can be caused by problems affecting the bones, muscles or nerves of the spine. For example, tense muscles can irritate nerves and lead to pain which may be felt in other parts of the body, like the legs (sciatic pain). Bad posture or damage to a spinal disc can cause back pain too.

But very often the cause is not clear. This is called “non-specific back pain”. Back pain is a very individual matter and can have many causes. People can have no sign of anything wrong and still be in pain – while others can show signs of wear and tear in their back on an x-ray, and have no pain whatsoever.

Back pain is classified according to how long it lasts:

    Acute back pain – less than 6 weeks
    Sub-acute back pain – between 6 and 12 weeks
    Chronic back pain –  longer than 12 weeks

In rare cases, back pain could be a sign of more serious health problems. These may then be accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, paralysis, weakness, tingling sensations or bladder and bowel movement problems. If you have one of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor soon.
Treatment options

People often use pain-relieving tablets or are given an injection for the pain. Surgery is rarely used to treat non-specific back pain. Other options include exercises, relaxation techniques, learning about taking care of the back, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, applying heat or cold, acupuncture, liniments or medicated ointments, and movement therapies like the Alexander Technique. Some people also use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). That is a type of psychological treatment that can be used to teach people ways to cope with pain and stress.

Massage is a traditional back pain treatment. Massage therapy aims to relieve pain, relax muscles and achieve a sense of wellbeing. It is meant to reduce muscle stiffness that might be responsible for the pain, and make the muscles more flexible. There are several theories about how massage might work. One theory is that it triggers the release of pain-relieving substances, so-called endorphins, in the brain. Other theories suggest that massage therapy stimulates the nervous system in ways that relieve pain.

There are many forms of massage. Widely used forms include classic (Swedish) massage, Thai massage and acupressure. They differ in terms of the hand movements used, the parts of the body that are massaged, the amount of pressure applied, and the instruments and parts of the body that the massage therapist might use. The different massage types are also based on different theories about what causes back pain. You can read more about different forms of massage here. 
Research results: massage therapy could help relieve longer-lasting pain

Researchers from the Cochrane Collaboration – an international network of researchers – analysed trials which tested the effect of massage therapy for non-specific low back pain. They looked for trials that compared massage therapy with a dummy treatment, no treatment or a different treatment. You can read about why it is important to do trials in this way to find out whether a health care intervention works here. The researchers wanted to know how massage therapy affected pain, general wellbeing, back-specific function, quality of life and overall mobility.

The researchers found 13 trials, but they were mostly very small trials. They concluded that 5 of the trials, involving just under 670 people, could provide sound scientific results. These trials covered very different types of massage, and people had had their back pain for different lengths of time. So the trials could not provide a single strong answer to most questions.

The researchers report that the trials suggest a combination of massage and exercises is probably more effective than doing one of these things alone. The people who had massages as well as exercises and stretching, for example, were more mobile and had less pain in the short and long term.
Not yet clear which types of massage might be best

The researchers pointed out that the main goal of massage therapy can be very different. For example, some therapists are aiming to help the person (and their muscles) relax, while others are more focused on stretching or working on the body in other ways. Although the trials studied various massage techniques, there were not enough comparisons of treatments to show which forms of massage might be the most worthwhile for people with different problems.

Many of the treatments had mixtures of several elements – like massage oils, stretching, and more than one type of massage technique. The researchers concluded that acupressure (by hand or using an instrument to apply the pressure) may be particularly effective, but more research is needed to be sure.

Based on the small amount of research so far, it seems that Thai massage achieves similar results to classic massage techniques. However, foot reflexology massage does not appear to relieve back pain or improve mobility.

The people in the trials did not have any serious adverse effects. Some reported having pain during or shortly after treatment. And some had an allergic reaction to a massage oil and got a rash.

It is not known in what way the massage therapists’ training and experience affects the success of treatment or how long (or how often) the massage sessions should ideally be. The most suitable form of massage for an individual will depend on many factors, including their symptoms, general physical condition and personal preferences. Author: German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG)
References

    IQWiG health information is based on research in the international literature. We identify the most scientifically reliable knowledge currently available, particularly so-called “systematic reviews”. These summarise and analyse the results of scientific research on the benefits and harms of treatments and other health care interventions. This helps medical professionals and people who are affected by the medical condition to weigh up the pros and cons. You can read more about systematic reviews and why these can provide the most trustworthy evidence about the state of knowledge here. The authors of the major systematic reviews on which our information is based are always approached to help us ensure the medical and scientific accuracy of our products.
    Furlan AD, Imamura M, Dryden T, Irvin E. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. [Cochrane summary] [PubMed]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0005109/

Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people

Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: a meta-analysis

Coburg massage centre Victoria: Theses  studies help show how massage can have psychological benefits

Review published: 2010.

Bibliographic details: Hou WH, Chiang PT, Hsu TY, Chiu SY, Yen YC.

Treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people: a meta-

analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2010; 71 (7) : 894-901.

[PubMed]
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate the treatment effects of massage therapy in depressed people by incorporating data from recent studies.

DATA SOURCES: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of massage therapy in depressed people was conducted using published studies from PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL electronic database from inception until July 2008. The terms used for the search were derived from medical subheading term (MeSH) massage combined with MeSH depression. Hand searching was also checked for bibliographies of relevant articles. Retrieval articles were constrained to RCTs/clinical trials and human subjects. No language restrictions were imposed.STUDY SELECTION: We included 17 studies containing 786 persons from 246 retrieved references. Trials with other intervention, combined therapy, and massage on infants or pregnant women were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently performed initial screen and assessed quality indicators by Jadad scale. Data were extracted on publication year, participant characteristics, and outcomes by another single reviewer.

DATA SYNTHESIS: All trials showed positive effect of massage therapy on depressed people. Seventeen RCTs were of moderate quality, with a mean quality score of 6.4 (SD = 0.85). The pooled standardized mean difference in fixed- and random-effects models were 0.76 (95% CI, 0.61

-0.91) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.52-0.93), respectively.
Both indicated significant effectiveness in the treatment group compared with the control group. The variance between these studies revealed possible heterogeneity (tau(2) = 0.06, Cochran chi-squared(16) = 25.77, P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy is significantly associated with alleviated depressive symptoms. However, standardized protocols of massage therapy, various depression rating scales, and target populations in further studies are suggested.

(c) Copyright 2010 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.
Logo of Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK)

CRD has determined that this article meets the DARE scientific quality

criteria for a systematic review.
Copyright © 2012 University of York.
 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0029454/

The True Benefits of Massage Therapy

The True Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy

By Editors at The Massage Source

Have you ever thought what a treat and luxury it would be to get a massage? You’re not alone. Only 18% of Americans had a massage last year. That means 1 in 5 people had one massage all year. Most people understand that massage therapy has proven health benefits, so why aren’t we taking advantage of this pleasurable and beneficial form of therapy?

Massage can save you money.

Times have been admittedly tough and, historically, when the economy is down, we give up our luxury items first. If you consider massage therapy a luxury, then it’s something you’re probably avoiding, no matter how much you wish you could have one. Well, think again. Massage therapy has benefits that could actually save you money in the long run by helping you avoid chiropractors, medical visits, medications, and even mental health therapy.

Massage can improve your outlook on life.

With a down economy and the daily pressures we experience, stress, anxiety and depression have adversely affected many of us. We can do many things to combat these negative feelings, invest in expensive counseling, or we can turn to massage therapy. Through a massage, we can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, which will raise our moods and, at the same time, help lower our blood pressure. Massage is also known to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, both of which reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Massage can reduce your pain.

Pain is something too many of us have accepted and learned to live with and work around. That is just plain sad and unnecessary. In many ways, massage therapy can reduce or eliminate pain. You see, our bodies react to pain by constricting muscles around injury areas. This tension is meant to decrease the injury to the area by protecting it, but it actually increases pain and inflammation. And it can become chronic. Massage can release this tension and allow better blood flow, so that areas of pain have a better chance of healing. In addition, massage therapy can increase range of motion and flexibility, which leads to better healing ability and relief from pain.

Massage can relieve your migraines.

Pain relief through massage is not limited to injuries to the body. Massage therapy has been proven to provide natural relief from migraine headaches. Regular massages for periods as short as 30 minutes reduce both the number of migraines a person experiences and the severity of migraine episodes. Massage therapy also decreases the stress, anxiety, and anger that accompany migraines.

Massage can help you sleep better and boost your immune system.

Lack of sleep or inability to fall to sleep is a major complaint for many people. Massage therapy can re-teach our bodies to naturally fall asleep by activating the delta waves that lead to deep sleep. In addition, massage therapy can help us avoid sickness by boosting our immune systems. This is not just by reducing stress; massage actually increases our white blood cells, which act as our little warriors to fight against disease and illness.

Massage can make you beautiful.

With the increase in blood flow that massage therapy provides, our hair and complexion become more radiant, and our skin plumped. Massage also boosts our lymphatic activity, which flushes toxins and allows nutrients to be better absorbed – leading to a healthier, more radiant, overall appearance.

Massage can tame your hormones.

Massage therapy has been proven to reduce or eliminate symptoms of PMS, such as bloating and severe mood swings. Massage therapy is also noted to reduce the severity of the symptoms of menopause.

The truth is: Massage therapy is not just a rich man’s luxury. It’s an investment in your health and well-being. Give yourself permission to enjoy massage therapy on a regular basis. You’ll enjoy not just the experience of the moment, but also the added health benefits that make you feel better, both mentally and physically.




http://www.themassagesource.com/articles/2013/02/the-true-benefits-of-massage-therapy/

Fibromyalgia Relief Aided by Releasing Fear

Fibromyalgia Relief Aided by Releasing Fear

By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Affecting an estimated 10 million Americans, fibromyalgia is increasingly being diagnosed in those with a chronic pain disorder. Although fibromyalgia is admittedly a complex, physiological syndrome, there may also be an emotional component that keeps victims locked in a cycle of pain. Remedial Massage therapists who recognize when fibromyalgia clients fall into a harmful ‘fear avoidance’ pattern can better assist affected individuals in breaking the never-ending cycle of pain perpetuating fear, and vice versa.

About Fibromyalgia

Also referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis and fibrositis, fibromyalgia is a chronic arthritis-related syndrome primarily characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Technically, two criteria must be met to qualify for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia:

Duration and all four quadrants – A history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body (above the waist on both sides and below the waist on both sides of the body) for three months or more.
Positive tender points – Pain elicited with pressure at 11 of 18 tender point sites.

Although these criteria may appear to be straight forward, there are many complicating factors involved with fibromyalgia. A handful of those factors include:

According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, it takes an average of five years to get an accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia can be a primary syndrome or it can be secondary to another autoimmune or rheumatic disease.
Severe fatigue or a sleep disorder affects an estimated 90 percent of those with fibromyalgia.
There is no blood test or X-ray that can detect fibromyalgia – and it manifests differently in each individual.
Often times, a psychological component accompanies the physical aspect of pain in clients with fibromyalgia.

What Is Fear Avoidance?

As described by Nicole Nelson in the February 2013 issue of Massage Today, fear avoidance is a psychological model that accounts for why certain clients may make the leap from acute to chronic pain. Fear avoidance suggests that it is overly fearful individuals who wind up suffering with chronic pain, to the degree that they avoid seemingly benign movement patterns so as to protect themselves from further pain.

Developing fear avoidance after enduring significant physical pain is a logical emotional response. According to John Fry, PhD, a psychologist in Newport Beach, CA and board member of the National Fibromyalgia Association, “Nobody likes pain. You know how bad it’s been in the past, you know how it’s weighed you down, how you ended up in bed. You become fearful of moving around.

You fear what it’s going to be like if it is an episode coming on.”

Study after study has repeatedly proven that exercise can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. However, patients fearful of their pain are frequently reluctant to work out or even move around much at all, knowing that such activity could reignite their pain. The body then loses its conditioning, which results in greater pain. Thus, the patient gets stuck in a cycle of being afraid of aggravating his or her pain, which causes more pain due to inactivity – which just serves to justify the fear of pain.

Helping Affected Clients

First and foremost, compassion for those stuck in the fear-pain cycle is paramount. Because the path to fibromyalgia diagnosis often spans many years of suffering, those affected are likely to have been told their pain is all in their head. All too often, this patronizing cliché is spouted by practitioners who can’t explain the source of a patient’s pain.

Suffering from fear avoidance does not mean that a person’s pain is psychological. Instead, fear avoidance causes a de-conditioning of the body’s muscles, soft tissues and joints. The resultant inactivity is a physiological primer to musculoskeletal pain aggravation. Thankfully, helping ease clients’ fear of being active contributes to a reduction in their pain…as long as the therapist maintains respect and compassion for the client.

Here are some suggestions for helping fibromyalgia patients accept their pain (instead of fearing it):

Explain that some treatments may cause some pain in the short-term, but will lead to long-term pain relief.
Because there is no actual tissue damage with fibromyalgia, gentle, progressive exercise will not cause harm.
Give your client access to studies showing that regular exercise/movement is the most effective means for relieving fibromyalgia-related pain.
Work together on diaphragmatic breathing. Poor breathing practices can aggravate pain and contribute to fear.
Acknowledge the fear that clients will feel discomfort when increasing their levels of activity, especially if they have been sedentary. However, insist on a graded, appropriate exercise plan for eventual pain relief.
For those who remain stuck in fear avoidance, refer them to a cognitive behavioral therapist so that the client can confront their fears rather than be ruled by them.

Fibromyalgia is a complex, potentially agonizing pain syndrome. While the last thing someone with fibromyalgia needs is the additional musculoskeletal burden of being sedentary, the cycle initiated by fear avoidance can easily fuel a chronic pain cycle. Massage therapists with such clients can play an instrumental role in breaking this cycle – facilitating their freedom from fear and pain.

 Fibromyalgia Relief Aided by Releasing Fear
Posted on February 6, 2013 Massage Professionals
Fibromyalgia and Fear

http://www.themassagesource.com/articles/2013/02/fibromyalgia-relief-aided-by-releasing-fear/

Massage as Effective Medicine

Massage as Effective Medicine

Most people would agree massage is relaxing, feels good, and can alleviate stress, a stiff neck or that nagging low-back pain. What most people don't realize is how massage can be a crucial part of an overall health-and-wellness regimen to help treat everything from neuromuscular disease to chronic insomnia.
Massage saves money

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on evaluating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been doing studies for years on the efficacy of massage and its value in treating chronic ailments and conditions. It has found massage is, in many cases, more cost-effective than traditional remedies like surgery and medication.

For example, low-back pain, a common ailment, is typically treated by surgery and medication. Aside from the necessary recovery and pain involved with surgery and the possible side effects of medication, traditional medical treatment for lower-back pain is expensive. On average, it costs about $10,000 to treat back pain with surgery and drugs.

And guess what? The NCCAM study found spinal manipulation and massage were more effective in treating low-back pain than surgery and drugs. An effective course of massage therapy for the relief of back pain of 20 to 30 sessions costs a maximum of $3,000, and is significantly less invasive than surgery or other medical intervention.

Ease stress, heal the body

Relaxation is more than just a day at the spa; it's a serious component of preventive medicine. Americans are more stressed out than ever. This stress doesn't just make you irritable; it can also foster more chronic diseases like depression, autoimmune disorders, heart disease and even cancer. Prolonged, harmful periods of stress can cause physical harm, including headaches, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety and a suppressed immune system.

Cortisol, a hormone produced when the body is stressed, can kill cells needed for proper immune function. For example, people under stress are more vulnerable to the virus that causes the common cold. Of course, there are many ways people handle stress, but some of the most common—drinking alcohol, smoking and overeating—cause their own health issues, including obesity, alcoholism and lung disease.

So what is a solution for stress that doesn't cause problematic side effects? The answer: massage. Massage is not only effective at reducing stress, it's also free of side effects when practiced by a licensed practitioner. Let your clients know massage can literally be a lifesaver, a fantastic preventive medicine. Massage, for example, induces a relaxation response, which combats the fight-or-flight response exacerbated by stress, thus reducing blood pressure and risk of heart disease, and bolstering the immune system.

Don't get inflamed

Along with stress, tissue inflammation can contribute to or cause myriad conditions, from arthritis and Parkinson's disease to asthma, heart disease and cancer. This is yet another reason why massage is crucial. Not only can massage reduce stress; it can reduce inflammation and, therefore, pain in the body.

A study published in Science Translational Medicine in February 2012 found massage reduced the production of cytokines, a compound that plays an important role in causing inflammation. Some doctors believe anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may actually slow healing, but massage, which works differently, actually increases the activity of mitochondria and, thus, speeds cell healing as well.

What conditions does massage address?

Aside from low-back pain and stress, here are a few of the conditions massage can help to alleviate, in conjunction with appropriate tradition medical care and in consultation with a physician if necessary:

    Asthma. This is a serious, chronic condition that causes the airways of the lungs to constrict, hampering breathing. severe asthma attacks can cause death. The disorder often starts in childhood. Luckily, massage can help. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics shows massage on children with asthma reduced levels of cortisol and improved respiratory control and blood oxygenation.
    Fibromyalgia. This is one of the most baffling chronic ailments. It's characterized by pain and sensitivity in the joints and muscles. Other common side effects of fibromyalgia include nausea, depression, fatigue and insomnia. Fibromyalgia patients typically experience flare-ups, periods during which symptoms increase in severity.

Fibromyalgia makes massage a bit complicated. People with fibromyalgia go through periods when their condition is especially active. When the condition is especially intense, it can be painful to have the muscles massaged. However, since every person is different, this state isn't the case for every person afflicted by fibromyalgia, and some fibromyalgia patients are greatly helped by deep-tissue massage during flare-ups.

Because there are few conventional medical treatments for fibromyalgia, CAM treatments are commonly used to manage the condition. According to the NCCAM, about 90 percent of people with fibromyalgia use CAM, with massage being the most popular treatment.

    Migraine. Migraines are caused by swollen blood vessels in the temples and base of the neck. These engorged blood vessels cause headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. This condition is distressingly common. According to a study by the American Massage Therapy Association in 2006, up to 45 million Americans suffer from migraines.

One of the best ways to increase blood circulation is, of course, massage.

Even better, there is a type of massage specifically designed to relieve headaches and migraines: craniosacral massage. Craniosacral massage is focused around the movement of the craniosacral fluid that cradles the brain and skull. A 2008 pilot study indicated massage was effective at relieving tension headaches, particularly craniosacral therapy.

    Osteoarthritis. This is a fairly common joint condition caused by the breakdown of cartilage. It can be caused by aging or injury. Symptoms typically appear after the age of 50. Some symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints.

While common remedies for osteoarthritis include steroid injections, surgery and medication, a NIH study showed treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee with acupuncture was effective at alleviating pain and improving joint function. A study by the Yale Prevention Research Center also showed Swedish massage eased pain and improved mobility in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

    IBS and Crohn's disease. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and its more serious cousin, Crohn's disease, are disorders characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the intestines. IBS and Crohn's disease can lead to bloating, cramps and loss of appetite. Many people with Crohn's disease have said massage is helpful with alleviating their condition. This claim is borne out by recent studies that emphasize how massage is able to reduce inflammation and stress in the body, both of which exacerbate conditions like IBS and Crohn's disease.

Save time, pain and money Book a Remedial Massage Today!


http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=13594&catid=335&title=massage-as-effective-medicine-making-the-case-to-clients

Massage therapy, healing touch are good medicine for the treatment and prevention of chronic disease

 Massage therapy, healing touch are good medicine for the treatment and prevention of chronic disease.

As more and more people are discovering, massage therapy and healing touch therapies are proving to be extremely good medicine for treating those with chronic diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, depression, and even circulatory disorders. There are several good reasons for this, such as the fact that massage therapy helps move lymph fluid around the body and oxygenate organs and tissues. Plus, there's probably something healthy going on in the fact that human touch is taking place. However, there is a widespread belief, especially among the leaders in Western medicine, that massage therapy can't possibly be considered a medical treatment. Most insurance companies still refuse to pay for massage therapies, and few doctors prescribe it, although the number of doctors recommending it has been increasing over the last few years.

I believe that massage therapy is shunned by the medical community primarily because it is considered an unsophisticated treatment -- you don't need a medical degree to give someone an effective massage. There's not a lot of equipment involved in massage therapy, it doesn't have a lot of cool technology, and it doesn't require years of training. And thus, it is looked upon as something that is below Western medicine, both by doctors and by many patients.

But all of this is a distortion -- something doesn't have to be complicated or cool to be effective as a healing treatment. Massage therapy gets to the fundamentals -- that is, the power of human touch, and the spiritual healing potential of one person's hands touching another person's body along with positive healing intent. These are timeless principles of healing that don't require technology to be effective.

Given that massage therapy and therapeutic touch are so effective in helping patients heal themselves, I find it astounding to observe the lack of physical contact between doctors and their patients in clinics and hospitals across the country. Doctors almost seem scared to touch their patients, and in fact, many doctors don't want to be touched, either. This lack of touch keeps everything at a "safe distance" - it makes their interactions non-personal and sterile. It also allows the doctor to keep patients at a distance, where they can perceive them as patients with patient IDs rather than human beings with souls and spirits and emotions. It is this distance -- this chasm between doctors and patients -- that contributes to the lack of effectiveness in modern medicine.

True healers are willing to get involved with their patients in terms of understanding them, seeing the world from their perspective, and even touching them in a healing way with positive intent. That's why our modern physicians are outstanding technicians, but terrible healers. Personally, I would much rather see a massage therapist than a physician, unless I were suffering from sort of radical, acute injury such as an accident in which case, of course, Western doctors and surgeons are the very best in the world. But when it comes to treating chronic disease and maintaining a high degree of health on a regular basis, massage therapy and healing touch offer an outstanding system of healing that I highly recommend.

http://www.naturalnews.com/001531_massage_therapy_therapeutic_touch.html#ixzz2K7M4hbKf

Awakening the Body with Massage

Awakening the body with Massage

Kundalini Yoga Lecture - Yogi Bhajan Part 5

Awakening the Body with Massage

Clearing Tears and Sorrows

The body can hold old traumas. So some massage techniques are to release those old patterns. The patterns are held in place by a distribution of energy in the meridians and muscles. That pattern recreates the emotion repeatedly. It is not like a quantity of emotion is stored. So you can clear a little emotion or huge amounts quickly if you simply break the old pattern and initial a new one.

This quick massage helps the student release old sorrows, tears and grief form past relationships. By keeping the old patterns of thoughts and feelings they might seem to resist their own healing efforts. This opens the heart center to a feeling of newness and fresh possibilities.

It should be done smoothly switching quickly form one set of points to the next.

1. Student lies on the back. Bend one knee up with the foot on the ground near the buttock. The healer presses the area just inside the hip joint that is raised up a bit (called the ASIS). It should feel sore to the student. At the same time use the other hand to press the main point just below the ankle bone on the inside of the foot. Rub that point with your thumb, strongly. (Kidney 3 meridian point). 15-30 seconds on one side, then switch to the other for the same time.

2. Standing at the feet of the student, their legs relaxed down, massage the points just up, anterior, to the ankle bone on the outside of the foot (Gall Bladder 40 meridian point).Rotate both at the same time with moderate pressure. ½ minute.

3. Grab both feet in front of the ankle bones, thumbs on the inside, fingers on the outside of the foot. Move the hands up and down in a squeezing motion to massage the points (Gall Bladder 40 and Spleen 5 meridian points in that area). Massage strongly for 15- 3o seconds.

4. Use the knuckle of your index finger to press the point between the big toe and the second toe, on top of the foot, about an inch back from the crack between the toes (Liver 3 meridian point). Massage each foot one at a time for 15-20 seconds each. It is often sore be careful to adjust the pressure level.

5. Grasp both feet , one hand apiece. Reach around the toes and top of the foot. Alternately squeeze one foot as you lift it upward a bit. Then do the other foot. It should feel like a steady, rhythmical milking motion. Continue ½ to 3 minutes. This finishes the release and brings a new foundation to the feelings.