Today I went to a continuing education class at Northwest Arkansas School of Massage here in Eureka Springs.  I spent 6 hours learning techniques for working on arms and shoulders, and specific techniques for carpal tunnel syndrome.  Got some bodywork done on myself, too, which was great.  One of the coolest things was that one of our students was an 89-year-old man who had been doing massage therapy for 40 years.  Although he is pushing 90, he worked along with the rest of us.  He told us that he had seen natural healing methods work many times in his life when allopathic physicians had given up hope.  He reported using massage techniques on a client with Multiple Sclerosis.  After several months of treatment, the physicians could find no sign of disease.  He reported working with hydrotherapy on his wife when she had congestive heart failure, resulting in significant improvement in her condition.  He spoke of the naturopathic principle that nobody can “heal” you.  Only your body can heal itself.  As therapists, our only function is to provide the tools your body needs to aid it in its healing process.   I was so impressed to hear someone with so much experience speak of the successes that occur when the Universal Power and a natural healer work together. 

Got a new blog tool for Firefox this morning.  It is really neat as I can post to the blog and cut and past into it and all kinds of neat stuff.  So this is the test.

powered by performancing firefox

Naturopathy teaches that the body’s “symptoms” of illness are our friends.  They tell us what our bodies need.  When you’re so tired you can’t stand up anymore, it’s time to give your body rest.  It’s so hard for us in the “I have to succeed” world to let ourselves STOP and give our bodies, minds, and spirits a chance to rest, relax, and recover.  I’m working on living by that principle now. 

Only 49 more shopping days til Christmas. 

 Who can’t use the gift of relaxation? 

Ancient Paths has gift certificates available!  Stop by and see us and pick one up.  Your gift will be a guaranteed hit.

At Ancient Paths, I offer a 1-hour or 1-1/2 hour Swedish massage, a 1-hour Dry Massage, a (NEW!!!) 1-hour hot stone massage, as well as a raindrop treatment. You can also get a chair massage or a targeted 1/2 hour massage to address special needs. How do you choose which treatment to request?

Swedish massage is the most common form of relaxation massage. It uses methods such as kneading and friction to loosen tight muscles and enhance blood flow to the muscles. It aids in moving lymph and eliminating toxins in the body. Swedish massage is generally done with the client unclothes or minimally clothed. Clients are draped at all times, so that “private” areas are never exposed. Swedish massage is generally done using oil. It can also be done using massage lotions. Aromatherapy oils can be added for specific effects, such as relaxation or reducing inflammation.

A hot stone massage is excellent for people who love heat treatments (hot showers, saunas, hot tubs). Stones heated to approximately 120 to 140 degrees are used, along with massage oils. The stones are used with the massage strokes to get heat deep into the muscles. Light kneading of the muscles with the hands is done after the hot stone application. Hot stone massages are not recommended for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, as it can raise the blood pressure. It is an excellent alternative when you’re tired of the “same old massage.” Hot stone treatments require some preparation, so if you want one, you need to make an appointment at least 1 or 2 hours in advance.

Dry massage is a gentle, rocking massage that can be done with the client fully clothed. It uses the therapist’s knowledge of muscle origins and insertions to loosen the full length of the muscles. Many clients find dry massage extremely relaxing. Without the need to undress or use oil, it can be done on a drop-in basis, between appointments, or on your lunch hour without “messing up” your clothes or hair (too much). It is excellent for people with medical problems that might be contraindicated for Swedish or hot stone massage. Like hot stones, it can also be used if you want to try something different.

Half-hour massages are generally specific to the client and targeted to a specific problem area. For people recuperating from an injury or with a specific problem area, half hour massages can fill-in between regular relaxation massages to work a specific area.

Chair massage, like dry massage, is done with the client fully clothed. It can be used as a quick 15-minute pick-me-up or a longer relaxation massage. Although most chair massages target the neck, back, and arms, techniques can be used to address other areas of the body. Chair massages can be done for special events. We can come and set up a chair at parties, tournaments, or work areas and do short 10 to 15 minute massages.

Raindrop treatment combines a 1-hour Swedish massage with a 45-minute essential oil treatment. The treatment uses a combination of 7 oils on the feet and back to provide a feeling of well-being that can only be understood by experiencing it. The oils used have been shown through research to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities that can aid in the healing process.

Thanks to all who emailed or called and volunteered to help me with my practicum.  I will post again if I need additional volunteers, but I believe I have enough for now.  Thanks!

Martha

Hi Everyone,

 Martha is in the process of completing her Doctor of Naturopathy degree with Clayton College of Natural Health.  She has completed all of the required coursework, but needs to finish her practicum, which is basically “practice” on several clients.  This is where you come in!  Those of you who want a FREE natural health consultation can get one!  All you need to do is agree to help her with her practicum by filling out a feedback form after the session and allowing her to include your information in a paper she writes for Clayton. 

Call now for your appointment for a FREE consultation!

One of my favorite books that I use at least weekly in my own home is “Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines” by Stephen Cummings, MD and Dana Ullman, MPH.  It is chock-full of information regarding the use of homeopathic remedies for everyday ailments.  Homeopathic remedies were systematized by a German physician in the 1800’s.  Dr. Samuel Hahnemann left orthodox medicine because he felt that it was doing more harm than good.  In those days, allopathic medicine consisted of bloodletting, poisonous doses of mercury and arsenic, and other harmful practices.

 Hahnemann’s research investigated the premise that curative powers of certain plants were due to their ability to create symptoms similar to those of the diseases. Hahnemann learned that symptoms of diseases were due to the body’s adaptive response in the effort to bring the body back to homeostasis when subjected to various stresses.  He then hypothesized that therapies should stimulate the body’s defenses to aid the body in restoring itself.

 Homeopathic remedies, then, use the essence of plants that are known to cause certain symptoms in order to aid the body in healing itself from diseases or dysfunctions that have similar symptoms.  Not only physical symptoms are considered, but mental symptoms as well.  The doses used in homeopathic remedies are so small as to be imperceptible in laboratory tests, but research has shown that they work.  Homeopathic remedies have not been demonstrated to be harmful or interact with other medications.

 Remedies I keep in my “first aid kit” include Arnica Montana for bruises, strains and sprains (I have an athlete for a son), Nux Vomica for indigestion, and Rhus Tox for aches and pains.   

Thank you for stopping by our website.  We hope that you will find useful information here to make your life happier and healthier.  Feel free to call us if you want an appointment for a natural health consultation or therapeutic massage.