By Pam Hauser, RN, LMBT

In November, Stephanie Stanton and I went to Charlotte and took a course on Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) that was presented by the Upledger Institute. Founded in 1985 by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, the Upledger Institute, in my experience, upholds the highest standards for their instructors and assistants, and I have been attending continuing education courses for over 30 years. Attendees come from all health professions to include massage therapy, doctors, nurses, physical therapist, speech pathologists, and chiropractors, to name some. Both Stephanie and I have attended their courses before and I always find the information to be timely and the skills applicable to my practice. This particular course was developed by Dr Bruno Chikly, a graduate of St Antoine Hospital in France. His studies in traditional medicine, osteopathy and lymphology, all impacted his creation of Lymph Drainage Therapy. In 1994, he earned the prestigious “Medal of the Medical Faculty of Paris VI” for his exhaustive research on the lymphatic system and lymph drainage technique.

First, I’d like to tell you a little bit about the lymphatic system before I talk about the practice of LDT.

History of Lymph

Historically speaking, the presence of milky fluid has been known about since ancient times. Hippocrates (460-377BC, Greece) spoke of “white blood”, and listed the “lymphatic temperament” as part of his 4 temperaments, but there was no real understanding of lymph. Olof Rudbeck (1630-1708, Uppsala, Sweden) discovered that it was a complete system, with all lymphatic fluid flowing to join the venous circulation at the base of the neck.

We now know that the lymphatic system is a circulatory system, parallel to the one that carries our blood throughout our body. Everywhere that there is blood supply, there is also lymph. This system is composed of lymph vessels which carry lymphatic fluid, as well as lymph nodes. Unlike the circulatory system, it does not have a pump (the heart), but is a slow rhythm, low pressure, low velocity system. The lymphatic system depends on our movement to stimulate its flow. The lymph fluid compares to blood, but without red blood cells and platelets, and along with blood, is formed in the bone marrow. It is usually a clear, transparent or yellowish fluid, and is mostly composed of water (96%).

What does our lymphatic system do for us?

What does our lymphatic system do for us, anyway? If we did not have a functioning lymphatic system, we would most likely die within 24-48 hours. One of its biggest functions is to remove excess fluid and proteins from around our cells. A large portion of protein escapes from the blood circulation and is transported in the lymphatic vessels. If this protein were not recovered, massive swelling, auto-intoxication and death would quickly occur. Additionally, lymphatic fluid carries components which are responsible to a large degree for our immune system. The immune system protects our bodies from substances (bacteria, viruses, antigens, etc) that it identifies as foreign or antagonistic. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is significantly compromised. This opens the way to many physical ailments and may hasten the aging process.

Every day, our bodies circulate 1.5 to 3.5 liters of lymph through the thoracic duct (which is the largest lymphatic vessel), dumping fluid directly into the venous circulation. There are two parts to the lymphatic circulation:

• The superficial lymphatic circulation which is just under the epidermis. This accounts for about 70% of all lymph flow in the limbs, and is not directly stimulated by exercise. (Lymph Drainage Therapy helps here.)
• The deep circulation of the muscles, which is stimulated by exercise.

Some of the factors related to promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid are:

• Respiration: The movements of the diaphragm during inhalation and exhalation, as well as the thoracic cage and the negative pressure in the chest have a strong influence on the flow of lymph in the thoracic duct. A “respiratory pump” exists that is influenced by the depth of inspiration and the overall breathing rate. Laughter can stimulate lymph drainage.
• Skeletal muscle contractions: Exercise promotes lymph flow.
• Peristalsis of the visceral smooth muscles: Movement of waste products through the colon promotes lymph flow while constipation slows it down.
• Contractions of adjacent arteries
• External compression: External pressure used in LDT or the pressure of water during swimming or the external counter pressure exerted by bandages, all promote lymph flow.

Some of the things that can negatively affect lymph flow are:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Lack of physical activity
• Emotional shock
• Cold temperatures
• Infections
• Substantial swelling
• Age
• Chemical
• Food allergies

What are some of the positive results that can be achieved using LDT?

OK, so what does LDT do for us, anyway? Through the techniques we learned at this course, some of the possible positive results of LDT include the following:

• Stimulation of fluid circulation to improve edemas (swelling) of numerous origins
• Absorption of toxins and deep cleaning of the body to promote detoxification, regeneration of tissues from burns and scars (pre- and post-surgical), rejuvenation, anti-aging effects, reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia and alleviation of wrinkles
• Stimulation of the immune system for preventive health maintenance as well as relief of chronic and subacute inflammations and conditions such as sinusitis, acne ,eczema and allergies
• Absorption of fat molecules to alleviate adiposis and cellulite
• Deep relaxation and rhythmic effects to help in cases of insomnia, stress, depression, loss of vitality and loss of memory (sympatholytic effects)
• Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system to relive chronic pain
• Antispastic actions (spasm relief) for conditions such as muscle hypertonus or constipation

What is an LDT session like?

I won’t go into how LDT works because I don’t want to bore you to tears. I figure you were there already during the history of lymph! If you really want to know, please email me at pam@phoenixmassageofasheville.com and I’ll tell you personally! What I WILL tell you is what happens in a session of LDT.

• First of all, the first session is never longer than 30 minutes.
• Be sure to arrive well hydrated and eat lightly the day of the session.
• The work is done very gently, with no more pressure than the weight of a dime.
• You may remain fully clothed if only the face and neck are to be worked on.
• The work is extremely relaxing and often clients leave the session in an altered state. Please allow enough time for you to fully return to your body before getting on the road!
• Talking is discouraged during the session to allow the therapist to concentrate on feeling the direction of the flow of lymphatic fluid.
• “Healing reactions” can occur. This is a result of an immune system which is functioning at a higher level and is actually a good sign. Initially, this toxin release can look like sluggishness, muscle aches, tiredness, more frequent urination due to the fluid moved out of the tissues and into the blood circulation, sleepiness or it may even feel like a cold or a rash or a brief increase in whatever your symptoms were before the session.
• If your face will be worked on, please wear little or no makeup.
• Your session may result in your feeling very refreshed, alert and energized!

Contraindications to LDT:

Because LDT boosts the immune system and can dump up to 10 liters of fluid into the general circulation, it is not for everyone! If you have any of these conditions, please let your therapist know. Receiving LDT can aggravate these conditions, resulting in illness or even death.

• Acute infectious/inflammatory illness in development. What makes you feel badly when you have an acute infection are the death viruses/bacteria in your system. Since LDT boosts the immune system, killing off more of the offending agent, you will feel worse before you feel better! On the plus side, the duration of your illness may shorten.
  • Bacterial infections
  • Influenza
  • Fever
• Removal of any lymph nodes. Once you have had lymph nodes removed, the flow of the lymph changes. You absolutely would benefit from LDT, but you need to see a more experienced therapist than either Stephanie or I.
• Serious circulatory problems
  • Thrombosis
  • Venous obstruction
• Major cardiac problems
  • Acute angina
  • Coronary thrombosis (heart attack)
• Hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Acute anuresis (absence of urination): Because the blood volume increases after LDT, more blood circulates through the kidneys resulting in an increased urinary output.
• Active cancer
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
• Lymphedema. Again, you would absolutely benefit from LDT, but lymphedema is beyond the scope of our practice.

Relative Contraindications:

There are some relative contraindications to your receiving LDT. These are precautions. We need to know about these conditions before you receive LDT. Depending on your current condition, you may or may not be able to receive LDT from us.

o Thyroid problems

o Carotid stenosis/carotid thrombosis

o Asthma or allergies (during the acute state)

o Burns, fresh scars, skin hypersensitivity, bruises, eczema, moles, etc.

o Abdominal surgery, aortic aneurysm, abdominal radiation, tumor, bleeding or pain of undetermined origin

o Removed spleen

o Major kidney problems

o Menstruation

o Gynecological infections, cysts, IUD

o Known pregnancy

o Chronic infection/inflammation

o Medication, chemotherapy

By Grace Scarbrough, MS, LMBT

What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is an ancient form of bodywork that some surmise was developed at least 2,500 years ago. It is assumed to have originated in India and was later brought to Thailand. It is one of my absolute favorite massages to give or to receive. And, here is why: It affects one on many different levels. Thai massage has the benefits of regular Swedish massage and more. Such benefits include but are not limited to the following: increases metabolism, relaxes and refreshes muscles, aids in detoxifying the lymphatic system, helps to relieve sore or cramped muscles or muscle spasms, improves the circulation of blood and lymph, improves oxygenation and nutrition to the cells, and helps to release waste and toxins from the muscle fibers. Psychologically, it relieves fatigue, anxiety, depression, and generally provides a sense of calm to the person receiving as well as to the person giving. However, in addition to these benefits, Thai Massage also, increases joint mobility, improves flexibility, improves body symmetry, and increases and balances the flow of Chi or energy through the “sen” lines, which are, in my opinion, somewhat compatible with acupuncture meridians.

With regular Swedish massage, clients often leave feeling a little groggy, or spacey, or really tired and wiped out. This, I believe, is a lovely effect, if you want to totally unwind, let go of all that stresses and worries you, and then go home and enjoy a hot bath and/or a good night’s sleep. Although, this effect is possible with Thai Massage, it has often been my experience that clients leave with a new found energy and renewal in the body. They leave a session ready to participate in the rest of their day with a clearer head, and a more balanced body. In other words, it is a great way to start your day!

What to expect:

So, here’s the best way I can describe what you can expect. Thai massage, generally, but not always is conducted on a mat on the floor. The client is fully dressed wearing loose fitting, easy to stretch in clothing. Some have called this form of massage, “lazy man’s yoga.” Because, it is in some ways like having a yoga class done to you. Generally, the client begins by lying on their back; face up while the massage practitioner begins at the feet with some Thai reflexology and loosening of the foot and ankle joints, then the energy lines of the legs are stimulated through “pressure points” similar to Shiatsu. Although, the intention in Thai massage is different from Shiatsu or acupuncture. Thai Massage does not conceive of the body in terms of acupressure points, rather it perceives the body as having lines (many thousands of lines, I might add) that energy runs through. And, before any stretching occurs, those lines are opened, and balanced. This accounts for the first 10 to 20 minutes of the massage.

Next comes the really lovely part, the Thai massage stretches. Another interesting belief inherent in this type of massage is that our bones are flexible. There’s nothing in our Western medical paradigm to support this notion. However, many of the stretches in Thai massage use the middle of the bone as the fulcrum for the stretch and involve a pressure-counter pressure hold by the massage therapist. In theory, it sounds painful and just not right to our Western minds. But the experience is pure delight. In a culture where we rarely squat to do anything, we need to take classes in order to stretch, and many of us are so out of shape that getting into shape can be a struggle, this massage reminds us of how our bodies were designed to be used. The massage opens, lengthens, twists, and compresses muscles. And, at points can feel more like a dance than a massage. Our tight, computer using, rarely sitting on the floor crossed legged bodies, after the initial shock of being manipulated and moved about, are totally refreshed by being reminded of what natural feels like.

As the massage continues, it becomes obvious why it takes a blog to explain Thai massage. This form of massage is a synthesis of many different techniques. Consequently, the massage therapist has several tools in his or her box. The massage therapist could apply leaning pressure, stepping or walking on the body, reflexology, energy line work, compressing of major arteries (what is known in Thai massage as blood stopping), stretching, and yoga. And in order to apply these techniques a therapist uses much more of his or her body during the massage. They use thumbs, palms, feet, elbows, forearms, and knees. The recipient is moved through several postures, face up, or prone position, face down, or supine position, side-lying, and sitting up cross legged.

In addition to being by far one of the coolest massages ever, Thai massage is also one of four branches of traditional Thai medicine. I just love that. Can you imagine seeing your general practitioner doctor, and he or she giving you a Thai massage for what ails you? I would definitely be visiting my doctor more frequently if that were the case. The other branches of medicine are diet, spiritual ceremony, and medicines such as salves, orals, herbal compressions or vapors. There are many wonderful books dedicated to describing this beautiful massage and art form, and I encourage any one interested in learning more to read about it.

Recommended Reading:

Here are a couple of the books I own and recommend:

Thai Massage, sacred bodywork, by Ananda Apfelbaum

Thai Massage, a traditional medical technique, by Richard Gold

And, in the meantime, take the plunge, and experience a form of bodywork that is truly transformational. It’s nothing new. It’s totally old school, like 2,500 years old, old school.

To book an appointment, please call Grace at (828) 551-1644, or email her at grace@phoenixmassageofasheville.com.  Please feel free to leave your comments or questions concerning Thai Massage in this blog.

By Grace Scarbrough, MS, LMBT

Our bodies are innately intelligent. Anyone living with a healthy body or one that’s alive, for that matter, has more bodily intelligence than he or she may be aware of. There is an intelligence that beats our hearts, circulates our blood, and eliminates what is no longer needed, as well as all the myriad of functions and actions known and unknown that our wise and intelligent body coordinates in every moment.

Our bodies are mostly water.

I’ve heard estimates that we are between 60% to 80% water. Quantum physics tells us that we are more space than actual matter. Then, take into account that Dr. Emoto’s work with water. When kind and loving words were marked on bottles of water and then the water was frozen, the result was beautiful crystals. When harsh, negative, or severe words were placed on the bottles, the result was malformed and misshaped crystals. Between the space which is energy and the water which responds to love is the equation, E=MC2. The equal sign or the transformer between the matter and energy is love. It makes sense that loving thoughts towards our bodies would have a profound health impact. Have you considered what you tell yourself about your body? Have you tried a new thought?

Our bodies are constantly changing.

You make a new liver every 6 weeks, a new skin once a month, a new stomach every five days. We literally are not the same person we were a week ago, a day ago, a moment ago. You won’t be the same person by the time your finished reading this sentence. So, why do physical aliments “seem” to persist? My belief is that there is a physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual inertia. Inertia is a term from physics stating that once a body or object is in motion in a particular direction, it will stay in motion in that direction, until acted upon by a stronger force. Armed with this information, I’ve taken a guerilla approach to health. We must address all areas and consciously create a force of health on all levels—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

The following are some suggestions for each dimension of health.

The physical level:

Receive regular bodywork or massage therapy.

Attend the fitness class of your desire

Have sex

Go for a walk

In short, move, flex, stretch, and have your body touched in a loving way

The mental level:

Tell your body positive and powerful thoughts, such as…

“I am new and whole”

“Every organ, action, and function of my body operates in divine harmony”

“I breathe easily”

“My back is strong and feels great”

The emotional level:

Touch your body in the most loving way you know.

Touch, talk, look at, and gaze at your body with the eyes of a lover.

Allow yourself to fully fall in love with your physical self.

Hold your body and talk to your body as if it’s your most precious possession. Those who have experienced severe dis-ease or near death, know deeply that in truth it is your most precious possession.

The spiritual level:

Know that you absolutely choose your body, no ifs, ands, or buts.

You choose the size, shape, gender, ethnicity, talents, and strengths. And, if you don’t like your choice you are free to choose again. This is the level on which the mystics operate, where miracles are birthed, where we each are magicians beyond compare. You can command that your body align with a cosmic blueprint of perfect health.

You can through meditation or inner exercises watch as your body dissolves into everything and reappears anew.

And, from this level of and from this space of faith, you may command your health, you may command a frequency of health, a vitality that no drug or pharmaceutical could ever offer.

The good news to the saying, “Healer heal thyself,” is that you can. All the power of the universe is within your magical body. Spend some time with your body. Name it. Love it. Lastly, our bodies are as much a mystery as time and space. A mystery that I believe operates in and out of love. Here’s to your mystical, magical, beautiful, loving body!

by Grace Scarbrough, MS, LMBT

The Benefits of Massage: Is Bodywork Right For Me?

Massage provides relief to people of all ages—from infants to seniors—and from all walks of life—the weekend or competitive athlete to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive.

Treating the Body

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression, to name just a few. Here’s why:

Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
• Reducing spasms and cramping.
• Increasing joint flexibility.
• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.
• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
• Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays
  

Contraindications

It’s important to note that there are some conditions where massage is not recommended. For example, massage is contraindicated in people with:

• Certain forms of cancer
• Phlebitis
• Some cardiac problems
• Some skin conditions
• Infectious diseases

Your practitioner should ask you about your specific health conditions and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are a good idea. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services.

Treating the Spirit

Massage also provides another therapeutic component largely absent in today’s world: tactile stimulation, or, more simply, touch. In 1986, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami published groundbreaking research on the effects of massage on premature babies. The preterm babies who received massage therapy showed 47% greater weight gain and six-day shorter hospital stays than the infants who were not receiving massage. But is this study evidence of what loving touch can do spiritually, or rather what massage can do on a physiological level? Regardless, babies are not the only benefactors.

Many adults have reported cathartic experiences on the massage table. As a therapist carefully unwinds a client’s stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding the taut, pent-up emotions that one doesn’t always have time to process in the middle of the day. And the feeling of being touched in a safe, caring, compassionate manner can be a very powerful experience, reminding the client that she or he is not alone in the world.

As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it’s beneficial to body and soul.