True or false: Using massage therapy to treat scoliosis

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What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a curvature of the spine. The severity of scoliosis depends on the degree of the curve: mild to moderate cases report a 5 to 20-degree angle; while those higher than 30 or 35 may indicate severe cases. The curve of the spine often causes back pain, arthritis and sometimes difficulty in breathing.

There are two types of scoliosis: structural and functional. Structural scoliosis is usually present at birth and is caused by the irregular development of the spine. The latter is also known as "fixed" or "secondary" scoliosis and can be identified when bending or rotational movements improve the curve of the spine. Functional scoliosis may worsen over time, which makes it harder to treat.

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While there aren't any sure ways to cure scoliosis, there are two mainstream treatments for moderate and severe cases. The first is to wear an orthopedic brace, which does not improve or correct the curve but rather prevents it from getting any worse. The second is bone-fusion surgery, usually done for the most severe cases. The surgery is risky, but it can almost straighten up the spine.

Another option to consider for treating the effects of scoliosis is deep tissue massage. It may not straighten the spine, but it can relieve the pain and decrease the stress and tension in the problem area. It also improves blood circulation, increases flexibility, and strengthens the muscles of your back. It's not a cure, but it is an effective option for pain management and the overall reduction of scoliosis-related problems.

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Getting rid of adult acne

Acne can be a pesky problem whether you are 13 or 30. If you think your skin will naturally clear up as you age, you are mistaken. According to studies, more and more women are suffering from adult acne. The culprits? Stress, diet, and hormones. To end the battle against adult acne once and for all, here are some tips on how to achieve your perfect, acne-free skin:

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Eat healthier

A poor diet can cause troubles for your skin. Avoid sugar and highly-processed foods and instead, load up on antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect your skin by fighting cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Use the right products

When choosing your facial cleanser, look for ingredients like salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. Topical retinoids are also highly effective adult acne treatments as they not only fight acne but also aging with their collagen-building properties. Make sure, however, not to wash the face too frequently or intensely as doing so might dry the skin.

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Avoid stress

When you are stressed, your body produces a stress hormone called “cortisol,” which increases oil production. Keeping your stress levels at bay will help you prevent breakouts. Make sure you get enough sleep daily and don’t forget to exercise. Even 30 minutes of low-intensity workout every day will do wonders for your skin. Lastly, do not forget to pamper yourself. Always set aside time for leisure and relaxation so your body can properly rest and rejuvenate.

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Start from the toes: How reflexology improves health

Feet are usually the most abused part of the body. Endless walking and moving brings so much stress to tired toes and ankles. Rarely do people, however, pay attention to their tired feet. The ancient Chinese massage technique called reflexology focuses on the feet, as these are believed to be the gateway to the body’s energy channel. This energy channel called Qi is where the source of wellness flows. When its flow is blocked, the negative energies flow through the body, causing pain and discomfort.

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There is a corresponding system or body part for each point on the foot. Reflexologists use their thumb and forefinger to target good circulation for these parts through a massage. People who are uncomfortable with foot massages can instead opt for hand massages, which have almost the same points. However, reflexing the foot also gives it the necessary therapy. Therapists believe that wellness flows when the foot is relieved of the stress. A relaxed body leads to a relaxed mind. On the road to wellness, it’s best to start from the toes.

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With thousands of nerve endings, the foot whose circulation is increased indeed leads to the wellness of other body parts. The body is a whole system with interconnected functions. If one part is not well, the others are also unwell. Easing the burden on a single part paves the way for healing. With reflexology, the body’s harmony is restored, promoting relaxation and wellness.

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The benefits of using massage oil

Most massage therapies use massage oil to make the experience more enjoyable and for the individual to obtain maximum benefits based on the chosen therapy. Massage oil is used to facilitate the relaxation process and to alleviate any form of muscle tension. There are many benefits of using massage oil but the two most important are described below:

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Inflammation alleviation: Typically sweet almond or olive oil is used in massage therapies. This is because either type has been studied to relieve muscle pains, spasms, inflamed joins, or sprains caused by overexertion or inactivity. Olive oil, in particular, is ideal when applied warm. The motion of the massage, along with the nourishing benefits of massage oil, significantly reduces muscle stress and promotes relaxation. For optimum results, massage therapists recommend combining frequent therapies with yoga exercises.

Stress reduction: The oil helps increase blood circulation while keeping the skin soft and supple. The oil, combined with the circular motion of the massage therapy, is easily absorbed into the body and provides the specific nutrients needed by the body. This helps reduce stress, both physically and mentally, as many massage oil also smell good.

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Additionally, oil can soothe dry or chapped skin and is a recommended alternative for sunburns. If a person has a sunburn and wishes for a massage, he or she should immediately inform their massage therapist so that proper pressure could be applied.

Massage oils are considered an essential part of the therapy. This is why many centers focus on acquiring only the best grade of oils available. Patients could ask for a specific type of oil according to their preference.

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Ancient therapeutic methods for modern muscles

Though these days it is all about living in a modern, electronic, and fast-paced world, when it comes to our therapies, many people still like to depend on centuries-old techniques in relaxing tight muscles and soothing tired bodies. Probably because when it comes to techniques for comfort and relief, many still think "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Here are some of the more famous of these ancient therapeutic methods.

1) Hot stone massage: This technique was supposedly first used more than 2,000 years ago in China, but other sources say that placing heated stones, typically basalt, on the body to relax muscles was an ancient Native American practice.

Hot stone massage, also sometimes referred to as river rock massage or LaStone therapy, the latter after Mary Nelson who popularized the massage method in the modern world) offers benefits such as soothing painful conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, relieving tension, and lubricating joints for mobility.

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2) Cupping therapy: This treatment, which traces its roots to several places, namely ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, has two main methods: dry cupping and wet cupping. Both types have therapists apply suction cups to the skin thus allowing the blood to flow and heal the body.

With the dry version, the cups only suction to mobilize the blood's flow while wet cupping practitioners will first suction the skin the make small incisions to draw out blood to clean the body of toxins. This is generally recommended to those suffering from anemia, arthritis, and migraines, among other conditions.

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3) Ayurvedic therapy: This comes by way of centuries-old Indian medical traditions. This holistic wellness philosophy believes that health is hinged on a balance between the mind, body, and soul. Thus, in practice, Ayurvedic therapy involves a nutritious diet, exercise, oiled massages, and even music.

Adherents believe that Ayurvedic therapy can purge the body of toxins, revitalize the body, restore balance, improve immunity, offer stress relief and rejuvenate a person.

These therapeutic traditions may be old, and it may be tempting to think them antiquated or obsolete. Still, even modern healthcare professionals see the merit in the continued practice of these therapeutic arts for improving peoples' well-being. No doubt, hot stone massage, Ayurvedic therapy, and cupping therapy aren't going to disappear anytime soon.

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Bodybuilders improve results with regular deep tissue massages

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Serious weightlifters understand the importance of deep tissue massage in their training programs. It is untrue that bodybuilding only involves strenuous activity. Medical research has shown that the recovery process in a weightlifter’s program is just as important as the exercise. There are many options for soft-tissue treatment, but massage therapy is the most favored method. These procedures are used to speed up the recovery of torn muscles and ligaments following heavy single workouts, high-intensity cycles, or competitions.

Remember that bodybuilding or any form of exercise is inherently the damaging of muscles, with the body renewing itself so that when faced with the same stimuli (e.g. the same weight or form of exertion), the person will not experience pain or fall short of the challenge. This is why many exercise programs are particular about resting in between intense workouts. The body must be allowed to heal. Deep tissue massages hasten this process. It also plays a significant role in the prevention of injury – particularly those that might arise from overuse or overload. Massages increase the health of body’s internal tissues by improving the circulation of nutrients and blood while simultaneously flushing out toxins. Deep tissue massages also help release tension and pressure buildup in the muscles, which allow the muscles to stretch lengthwise and sideways for a more natural flow of circulation.

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The frequency of massages should be dependent on how often the bodybuilder exercises, but typically should be done one every two weeks at the very least. This, of course, varies per individual and should be discussed with a personal trainer or medical professional for better and more optimized results.

Massage therapies extend to more than just recreational purposes. There are medical benefits that can be found as well. Find out more by following this Massage Envy Twitter account.

Herbs for the skin: Nature’s best herbal remedies

Herbs are good for almost everything—including your skin. Many herbal plants contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutrients that make the skin look smooth, fresh, and glowing.

The following is list of some of nature’s best herbal remedies for maintaining a healthy skin:

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Chamomile. According to Jessica Wu, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California medical school, chamomile contains natural anti-inflammatory substances that help reduce redness, itchiness, and swelling.

Oats. Studies show that oats can be used externally to help clear up and relieve the pain and itching of skin conditions like dryness and eczema. One effective way to reap its medical benefits is by taking an oatmeal bath for 15 to 20 minutes to calm itchy skin.

Cinnamon. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and other substances that fight skin damage. Keri Glassman, nutritionist and author of “The O2 Diet,” suggests that the herb has more antioxidant value than half a cup of blueberries.

Burdock. Eat them raw can help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The plant contains anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal some of the worst chronic skin diseases.

Calendula. Often used for hair rinses, this herb can also serve as an alternative medicine for curing irritations such as rashes, insect bites, and sunburns.

Since skin conditions vary from person to person, it is best for you to consult your dermatologist before trying out any of these herbs.

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