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IN THIS ISSUE |
Dear e-touch reader,Cozying up with a cup a hot tea can warm you up on a cold winter day. But did you know it may also prevent heart disease and cancer? And speaking of hearts, Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. For many finding the perfect gift for that someone special can be a stressful experience. This month in e-touch, learn how drinking the right kind of tea can keep you healthy, how to take the stress out of gift giving, what research is revealing about massage, and more! Enjoy the issue! If you no longer wish to receive e-touch, please follow this link to unsubscribe. Stay Healthy with Green & White Tea
Researchers think the reason why they are less prone to these diseases may be the high amounts of green tea people drink. The average Asian drinks 1.2 liters of green tea daily. Green tea has antioxidant properties. Yale researchers specifically noted the protective effects of the polyphenolic EGCG. Bauer Sumpio, MD, Professor and Chief of Vascular Surgery in the Yale Department of Surgery said reports show that EGCG prevents growth of certain tumors. Tea, according to studies, also may protect skin and eyes and alleviate arthritis. Because of its antioxidant properties, green tea and white teas can help fortify us against the cold and flu season. Types of green tea include jasmine (scented with fragrant flower petals) and gun powder (a blend of tea rolled into pellets). White teas are the most expensive―generally picked at early mornings in the spring. They are the least processed type of tea and are said to have the greatest antioxidant properties. Both green and white tea have some caffeine. For more information about tea, visit:
EnjoyingTea.com
Source:
Massage Therapy Journal (mtj), Fall 2006. Research Shows Benefits of Massage After SurgeryResults from a new study shows massage improves pain and anxiety in patients who have undergone survey. Many patients who experience pain after surgery do not always get relief from traditional methods like prescription pain medication. This study was conducted to see if massage therapy could be an effective treatment in decreasing pain intensity, pain unpleasantness and anxiety associated with patients recovering from surgery. Study Method The study published in the December 2007 issue of the American Medical Association's Archives of Surgery involved 605 veterans who underwent major thoracic or abdominal surgery at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Indianapolis, Indiana. Patients were divided up into three groups. Group one received routine care including pain medication, group two received a visit from a massage therapist with no massage and group three received a massage from a massage therapist every day for up to five days after surgery. Results The patients who received massage therapy had less pain and anxiety than the groups who did not receive massage. The massage group also experienced lessened pain and anxiety at a faster rate during the first four days after surgery, compared to the other two groups. Good News for Surgery Patients This helps confirm massage therapy as an effective and safe method in the relief of pain and anxiety in patients after surgery. With over 44 million Americans undergoing survey annually, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, massage may be a key to a faster, less painful recovery.
Take the Stress Out of Gift Giving – Give the Gift of MassagePicking out the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or birthday can be a stressful experience no matter who the gift is for. Is it the correct size? Is it the right color? It's enough to make even the seasoned shopper nervous. But there is a way to avoid all the worry and anxiety – consider giving the gift of massage. A gift certificate for massage gives a friend or loved one the chance to escape the stress of daily life, while also enhancing their overall health. Several studies have shown that massage can help relieve stress, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, and boost the function of the body's immune system. Massage therapy is available at more locations than ever and purchasing a gift certificate for a massage has never been easier. Massage therapy is available at spas, fitness centers, massage therapists' offices, or even in your own home. Whether your gift recipient has never received a massage or frequently enjoys massage, you can be sure you're giving them more than just a gift – you're giving them the gift of health and well-being. A professional massage therapist can work with you to choose the perfect massage gift to fit the needs of that someone special. And while you're at it, why not make an appointment for yourself? AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist® national locator service offers a free searchable database of professional massage therapists across the country. It allows you to search for a massage therapist by city, state, zip code or type of massage. You can also search by calling toll-free at 1-888-THE-AMTA. Did You Know?Questions to Ask When Choosing a Massage Therapist As more people turn to massage, it's important to know what questions to ask when choosing a massage therapist. As with any health provider, it's important to find someone who is trained and qualified to practice. AMTA has some tips on what you should ask before scheduling your next massage.
Currently there are 38 states and Washington DC that regulate massage therapy. In states that do not regulate massage therapy, it is left up to city or local municipalities. It's important to make sure your massage therapist is practicing legally.
AMTA recommends a massage therapist have a minimum of 500 hours of in-class massage therapy training.
To become nationally certified, a massage therapist must demonstrate mastery of core skills and knowledge, pass an NCBTMB standardized exam, uphold the organization's standards of practice and code of ethics and take part in continued education. The AMTA requires its professional members to graduate from a minimum 500 in-class-hour massage therapy training program or pass the National Certification Examination in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, or possess a current AMTA-accepted license to practice, and earn continuing education credit and uphold AMTA's Code of Ethics. Trained massage therapists are happy to share their credentials with clients. It's essential that you trust the person who will be touching you. You should feel confident and comfortable with your massage therapist. It's always a good idea to ask a few questions before your choose the massage therapist who is right for you. Click 'n' PickHave you ever purchased a massage gift certificate? Let us know by taking this issue's survey. See the results in the next issue of e-touch! Here are the results of the Fall 2007 survey! Total responses: 56 Where did you have your last massage? Legal NoticeArticles submitted by individual authors are copyrighted by those authors and reprinted with their permission. Views expressed in these articles are not necessarily the views of the American Massage Therapy Association®, and should in no way be construed as an endorsement. They are for informational purposes only. AMTA MissionTo serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy. |
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Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine
recently reviewed more than 100 studies on the health benefits of green tea.
They were searching for an answer to what they called ”Asian Paradox”— the rationale
behind why there is a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Asia where people smoke heavily.