Herbal Legacy Newsletter August 15, 2007

Published: Wed, 08/15/07

Herbal Legacy
 
 
 
 
Sponsored by The School of Natural Healing & Christopher Publications
 

Dear ,
 
Today our article is from Sarah M Greer, the Licensed Massage Therapist located in Christopher's Herb Shop.  Her article is about the benefits of massage therapy.  Sarah will be contributing to our newsletter about 4 times a year.  We look forward to more contributions from her.
 
The recipe for the week is called Easy (or Apple) Breakfast.  It is a great recipe - be sure to try it right away!
 
Enjoy the newsletter, .
 
ARTICLE: Benefits of Massage Therapy
 
RECIPE: Easy Breakfast (Apple Breakfast)
 

 
ARTICLE: Benefits of Massage Therapy
 

BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

By Sarah M Greer, Licensed Massage Therapist

 
Massage Therapy is a crucial tool in today's health field. Many people see massage as just a pampering, relaxing treat, but there are some very important health benefits that will come along with a regular massage.
 
As a licensed massage therapist many people ask me how often they should get massages.  I recommend getting a massage once a week, especially if the person has some chronic issues to work with.  However, if an individual cannot afford to get massage therapy done weekly then I strongly suggest having a 90-minute session at least twice a month.
 
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is improved circulation. A milky white fluid called lymph carries impurities and waste fluids away from your tissues.  Lymph does not circulate as blood does; its movement depends largely on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions.  Most inactive people fail to stimulate lymph circulation.  On the other hand, the increased waste produced by vigorous activity can outstrip the stimulation caused by that activity.  Massage can help dramatically in either case.  The average healthy person moves about 1 liter of lymph a day.  With just one hour of massage a person moves a whole liter of lymph!

 

In order for the whole body to be healthy, the cells need to be healthy.  The individual cells of the body are dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids supply nutrients and oxygen and carry away waste and toxins.  It is easy to see why good circulation is so important and why massage can be so beneficial for the entire body due to its effect on circulation alone.

 
Here are some additional benefits of massage therapy:
 
*Increased energy and alertness
 
*Relieves muscle aches and pains
 
*Clients receiving massage therapy report a variety of sensations, emotions, feelings, and mental perceptions that are subjective, difficult to measure and unique to every individual
 
*Loosens scar tissue.  Massage can prevent scarring to some degree by not allowing stagnation of tissue edema following injury
 
*Massage can stimulate release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, into the brain and nervous system
 
*Better sleep and deep relaxation. With the relief of tension and stress the client can cope better and cut off chronic tension patterns
 
*Relieve mental and physical fatigue
 
*Strengthens the immune system and promotes disease prevention
 
*Provides healthier, better-nourished skin by removing dry or dead skin and allowing new tissue to form
 
Sarah M Greer is a Licensed Massage Therapist with an office located inside Christopher's Herb Shop in Springville, Utah.  She offers massage therapy and teaches yoga and health classes.  Visit Sarah's website at http://www.massageyogahealth.com.
 

RECIPE: Easy Breakfast (Apple Breakfast)

From the Light and Natural CookBook

Ingredients:

*1 Large unpeeled apple - Diced
*3/4 Cup rolled oats
*1/4 Cup maple syrup
*1/2 Cup chopped walnuts
*1 Cup soy yogurt
*2 TBSP wheat germ
*Ground cinnamon (optional)
*Ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions:

Stir the apples, oats, maple syrup and walnuts into the yogurt.  Sprinkle with wheat germ.  Top with cinnamon and nutmeg if desired.  Garnish with fresh fruit. 

Serves 2
 

 
Herbal Legacy
http://www.herballegacy.com
 
This newsletter is sponsored by:
The School of Natural Healing http://www.snh.cc
Christopher Publications: http://www.christopherpublications.com