health briefs
Launch a New Career in Healing Massage Massage is a wonderful tool for relaxation, but too often we think of it as a luxury. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine knows that massage can improve many health issues, from injury rehabilitation to oncology and cancer treatments, and be a powerful form of healing. Furthermore, according to a recent U.S. Department of Labor study, employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Massage is the ultimate mindmeets-body treatment. A good massage offers both mental and physical benefits. Massage also improves blood circulation, which can help dramatically improve sports injury recovery time by increasing the flexibility of the injured limb. This is just one reason why massage is great for athletes—consistently relieving muscle tension with massage can help them prepare for strenuous workouts and keep muscles limber so tearing is avoided. When circulation is improved, the nervous system also benefits. Massage can help lower blood pressure, heart rate and even enhance skin tone and relieve migraines. By stimulating the lymphatic system, massage also supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms. There is even a form of massage specifically developed for patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatments, called lymphatic drainage. The mental and emotional tie-in to this host of physical benefits is that patients come away from a massage feeling rejuvenated and de-stressed. Oncology patients show less pain, fear, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy, according to a study by the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Massage can strengthen the immune system, which is paramount in a cancer patient’s recovery, because many cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy weaken the immune system. The American Hospital Association found that in 1998, only 7.7 percent of hospitals offered integrative therapies such as massage. By 2017, that number increased to more than 50 percent. Massage therapists can make a difference in a patient’s recovery from a variety of health issues that are traditionally treated at a hospital, from surgery (massage reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling), injury rehabilitation and cancer therapies such as chemotherapy (massage can alleviate side effects of oncology therapies). The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine is located at 65 E. Wacker Pl., 21st Fl., Chicago. For more information, call 855-906-4707, email Admissions-Chi@ PacificCollege.edu or visit PacificCollege.edu. See ad on page 23.
How to Relieve CHANGE YOUR MIN Stress Naturally
CHANGE YOUR HEA
Stress, especially chronic stress, can negatively impact ourCHANGE health and YOUR lead LIFE to heart disease, As your to crea obesity, diabetes gradua and even canbetter h cer. More than 75 One co percent of doctor 312-2 heidism visits are related to Integra conditions caused HeidiHeidi L. Smith, Certified Integrative Smith by stress, and being Certified Corporate Wellness Specia exposed to stress over a long period of time can lead to life-threatening conditions. Here are a few ways to relieve stress. Exercise: Exercise, particularly yoga, can have calming effects on the entire body, help to improve sleep and help to manage blood sugar, metabolism and mood. Mindfulness/Meditation: As little as 10 to 15 minutes a day will give our mind time to relax and release worry and anxiety. It is also a great opportunity to be appreciative for the good things we can focus on. Eat a Healthy Diet: Eat clean, whole foods that are nutrient-dense and avoid processed and sugary foods, too much caffeine and alcohol. Practice Self-Care: Very often, we stress because we are taking care of everyone else but ourselves. Make room for “me” time by focusing on yourself. Take a hot bath, get a facial or take a long walk in nature, even for just a few minutes a day. Heidi Smith is a certified integrative health coach and corporate wellness specialist at Integrative Wellness Studio. For more information, call 312-259-7585. See ad on page 23.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~Winston Churchill 18
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