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Massagers
What
Most households already have these simple devices. Vibration massagers vary in size
and power and attachments. They are even built into chairs and beds because their therapeutic value is well accepted and sought after. The problem is that people don’t know how or where to use them to get joint relief.
Their primary action is to induce relaxation in tight muscles. Relaxed muscles release acid lymph, which reduces soreness, and allow blood in and out which reduces muscle fatigue. This also allows the muscle to relax and lengthen so less tension is placed across the joints which creates ‘arthritis’.
How
To use a massager, palpate for the tenderness and just place the massager on the area with slight pressure and keep it there for about 30 seconds. For large areas of tension, move the massager around the tense area searching for tender spots. If the area itches, this means that lymph has been released and the itching is usually short-lived. Applying too much pressure with the massager will dampen the vibration. This is best applied for a few minutes several times a day as opposed to one marathon torturous session.
Where
A common location of tensed muscles is on top of the shoulders near the neck (upper trapezius). Tension here will lead to head congestions including ear problems, sinus problems and most commonly, sore throats. Relaxing the muscles in the upper shoulder and neck allow the lymph in the head to drain. Placing the massager lightly on the tensed areas (found by palpation) and turning the head left and right will bring relief. This should be done several times a day. And if you wake up with a stiff neck, this procedure is the remedy.
A common joint troubled by tensed muscles is the hip. The location of the tension is the sides of the thighs– along the outside side-seams of the
pants. When this muscle tenses (facia lata, or the ‘IT band’) the hip and knee become sore from being pulled out of their normal operating position. Palpate for soreness and then apply massager gently to the area as described above under ‘How’.
Carpal tunnel and other kinds of wrist pain arise from tension in the muscles just above and below the elbow. These can be found by palpation and daily application of the massager will bring relief.
In general, if any joint is hurting, go to the area between the joint and the torso and palpate the muscles until the ‘guitar string’ is found. You have found the culprit causing the joint inflammation. Prove to yourself that after relaxing that tension in
that muscle, the joint pain calms down.
Since many carry stress in the gut (e.g. “my stomach is in knots“) a gentle application of the vibration massager on the soft tissue of the abdomen can bring relief to digestive related issues including constipation.
The massager pictured above is an impact-type massager – easily found locally. Also available are rotational massagers sometimes used by massage therapists. These are very useful for alleviating large areas of lymphatic stagnation. These are used in the same way, namely, holding the massage pad in position until the area itches.
Consider this…..
I have learned more from very sick people than I have from double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over studies. My sick clients taught me how to get them well - things that even my teachers didn't know. I have such smart clients.** Important Warning **
Nothing on this site is FDA approved. Nothing I write here is intended to be medical advice. Follow my recommendations at your own risk. Results may vary, and blah, blah, blah. So if the required warnings have not scared you away, then you have a chance. I'm reporting here what kinds of approaches actually helped very sick people get well, AND the kinds of things that actually made them sick (and it usually isn't lack of exercise, weight, menopause or smoking - it is the underlying cause of all those things.)
** Important Posts **
- ► I Went to the Doctor and the Doctor Said…
- ► THE Technical Info on the Herbs
- ► Uh oh, what was I supposed to do when I think I’m getting sick?
- ► Fatigue: The Mother of All Disease
- ► Uh oh, my kid is sick again
- ► Childhood Disorders (ADHD, Behavior Disorders, etc.)
- ► Too Busy to do Healthy
- ► Of Drugs, OTCs and Black Electrical Tape
- ► Pat’s book – Spiritual Disciplines for Physical and Emotional Healing
In case you were wondering..
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, b=bedtime. Make sure to read What to Expect on an Herbal Program (in the Herb menu) before beginning. Dosages given are about what my clients benefit from. You may be different. Begin slowly and see how each recommendation benefits you.** Join the Discussion **
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