by Premyth Institute of Health Information

Since massage is known to reduce stress and enhance the state of relaxation, a very common misunderstanding is that this is all a massage therapist can do. In fact, massage is often used in health facilities such as rehabilitation clinics, and it is becoming more prevalent in treatment for numerous conditions, from carpal tunnel to sciatica.

Another common myth is that massage can spread cancer within a client’s body. Since massage helps increase circulation, and cancer cells move with this circulation, it is quite easy to see how this theory came about. However, exercising has the same effect, and cancer patients are encouraged to exercise. That said, the therapist should still take certain precautions, such as avoiding areas that have been treated with radiation and tumour sites. With a knowledgeable therapist, massage can be very beneficial to those living with cancer.

Some people think they should only visit a therapist if they feel that something is wrong, such as pain, stiffness or tension. In truth, massage is considered beneficial for everyone. It’s a preventative measure that can help maintain healthy joints and tissue, allowing for more flexibility and mobility.

One thing to know about massage therapy (a reason that some people tend to shy away from massage) is that it doesn’t always provide immediate relief. Some people seem to think a single treatment would be all they need to be “fixed” – and if they can’t be fixed after one visit, they can’t be fixed at all. But it takes time to correct years of pain, and sometimes multiple visits are required.

Pregnancy and massage are two terms that should go hand in hand. Yet there remains a preconceived notion that pregnant women cannot receive massage therapy. This is false. If anything, massage therapy helps pregnant women even more than it helps non-pregnant women. Massage can decrease stress and tension, induce relaxation, and enhance the client’s well being. If this is the case for the mother, imagine the benefits for the child. Introducing healthy touch at a significantly young age can have so many positive outcomes and improve neonatal health and development. Babies thrive on their mothers; if mommy is happy, baby is happy.

“Masseuse” is a term often confused with “massage therapist,” but there is a significant difference. “Masseuse” is an old term describing a body worker who does not have the same education or credentials as a massage therapist.

Arthur Karp, M.Ed;CCC

“Autumn asks that we prepare for the future and we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go - to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness.” B.W, Overstreet

The question everyone is asking by now is “where did our summer go”? Just as our seasons change so do we witness natural transitions throughout our lives. There are definite beginnings and distinct endings, where a discontinuing or a giving up something of the past takes place. It all starts with an identifiable life change. Some examples may be painful and tragic such as an unexpected major illness, job loss, a disabling accident, a relationship break-up, death of a close family member or friend. In other more joyful instances we may be speaking of tackling a new job, relocating to a new city, determining a suitable direction to take in retirement, our wedding day, birth of a child, setting out on a vacation destination. Some events are planned and anticipated, but can be just as life-altering as the unexpected whether they be positive or negative.

There is a distinct vulnerability and fragility to change which means letting go of the familiar, thus forcing us to adjust to new ways of living, at least temporarily. How will we abandon the warmth of a pleasant late summer breeze along with considerable daylight when we engage joyfully in a flurry of outdoor activity. The changing autumn landscape seen on the trees prior to the leaves being blown to the ground is something to behold. We know there is cooler weather to come with longer and darker days just around the corner.

What does successfully moving through a life transition usually mean?

1) Encounter a range of negative emotions – shock, anger, anxiety, confusion, self- doubt, leaving us quite unprepared as we are thrown into a personal crisis.

2) An acknowledgment of needing to let go of the past and slowly adapting to and eventually accepting the change.

3) Feeling hopeful and an elevated even optimistic view of the future.

4) The process of moving through a transition is not in an order or in predictable stages.

Transitions are a natural and inevitable part of life. Will we adequately adapt to this disruption which is called change? A significant loss makes us fearful and anxious. Our lives are disrupted and we will never be quite the same again. What can be said of the positive element of change? We may take an opportunity to learn more about our strengths and what we truly want from our life. A test for our inner coping resources, whereby, gaining a sense of renewal, along with an entirely new equilibrium as we pause for reflection. “We come to beginnings only at the end.” William Bridges.

As endings are so difficult and sometimes confusing for most of us, we may try to find a new relationship before ending the old one. This may preclude accomplishing the self-examining work of a healthy transition which can lead to a true self-renewal. It may be preferable to spend some time alone, think about what the past relationship meant and what was wrong, thus gaining insight into what you want at this “book marked” stage of life.

Author and expert on managing transitions, William Bridges, faced his own personal crisis when he lost his wife to breast cancer. He was forced to embark on a most difficult transition himself. Following a spiritual pilgrimage through Wales he came away with a new found depth of experience. Bridge claims “change may come at any time, but transition comes along when one chapter of your life is over and another is waiting in the wings to make its entrance.” Naturally it is difficult to imagine a new chapter launching you into personal growth when still battling the early stages of grief.

Some suggested ways of coping include:

Take one step at a time in spite of all the confusion and chaos making you uncomfortable. It will pass and in return will come clarity.

Allow for enough time to reorient our inner feelings to the new reality being faced. A wonderful life opportunity may only be found upon deep reflection. Write about your own feelings in a journal or talk with a trusted friend or family member.

Keep some things consistent while ensuring much of your daily routine.

Do something for yourself allowing you find comfortable and pleasure. Include for some exercise in your routine and a healthy diet.

Be prepared for the truth which emerges as you travel this life journey.

Arthur Karp, M.Ed;CCC
Author & Clinical Counsellor and certified Career Coach

By Arthur Karp, M.Ed, Certified Counsellor & Author

We begin to feel the chill of a fast approaching winter. Signs of panic and dread engulf us knowing there is a considerable stretch yet to endure. Do we choose to crawl into our little hole to hibernate or instead examine our attitude. We know to expect fewer hours of daylight which only adds to our woes. However, this may also be viewed as a time for deeper reflection as we progress toward spring with renewed optimism. Ancient Chinese medicine tells us just how perfectly natural it is for our energy to go down and inward at this time of year. The challenge of handling the additional stress of the holidays is ever present at this time. Our immune system may become compromised as we are more vulnerable to the common cold and flu bug swirling around us.

So now what is it we know will benefit us? It may involve taking time for quiet reflection and awareness leading us to cope with stress in healthier ways. Pursuing a delicate balance in spite of considerable confusion or stress happening. If only slowing down long enough to know we are becoming unhealthy and need to adjust to the ever increasing demands placed on us.

It comes back to carefully monitoring ourselves and paying close attention to those daily mood swings. Are we doing everything possible to bring energy and vitality to ourselves? Is our diet adequate? Are we making time for a preferred hobby or form of exercise be it a daily walk, trip to the gym, skating at a local outdoor rink or along the beautiful canal, snowshoeing/cross-country skiing among nature. Introducing yourself to something like yoga can prove beneficial to your physical posture and mental wellbeing. How about curling up with a favourite book, or researching a recipe on the internet. It may be getting in quality social time with a close friend or family member.

When was the last time you found yourself enjoying a good belly laugh? Renewing our sense of humour does wonders for strengthening our immune system especially when needing an emotional boost. Something like when our cars stall due to the cold and we bring out the booster cables to give the engine a little juice.

Life will continue to challenge us but we must find more healthful ways to cope with our stress. We turn toward winter for engaging the reflective energy necessary and beneficial to our lives as we begin the slow but steady progression toward spring. Let us use the natural inward focusing side of winter for gaining balance and renewed health. The result could well be a feeling of being rejuvenated.

Arthur Karp, M.Ed;CCC is an Author & Counsellor/Psychotherapist with the Vitallife Centre