“When the moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius…”
So goes the song in the musical “Hair”.
Tomorrow (14 Feb 09), the Moon is in the 'seventh house' and Jupiter aligns with Mars!
Just a bit of hippie, new age nonsense? Or should it be taken seriously as a visionary prophecy? Let’s take a look at the significance of astrology in events of spiritual importance.
Western astrological thought indicates that we have just gone out of the Piscean Age and entered the Aquarian Age. Each Cosmic Age lasts about 2,000 years and has its own atmosphere and world view due to the influence of the prevailing zodiac sign on all of the planets during their transit, as well as their configurations and the relationships between them.
Dan Costian (PhD), author of “Bible Enlightened”, relates how in each Cosmic Age a new avatar or incarnation of the Divine took birth on the earth in human form in order to reveal another aspect of spirituality to human beings. In the Age of Gemini (c6000 – c4000BC) this divine incarnation was Rama, in the Age of Taurus (c4000 – c2000BC) it was Krishna, and in the Age of Aries (c2000 – 1BC) it was Abraham, Moses, Zarathustra, Confucius, Lao-Tse and Socrates. In essence, the planets ‘set the scene’ by providing the atmosphere or mood of the time to harmonise with and to reflect the message of the incarnation of the divine of that Age.
The Age of Pisces extended from about 1AD to about the year 2000. The avatar or incarnation of the divine in this Age was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The early Christians used the symbol of the fish, the sign of Pisces, in order to recognise each other. The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem had been foretold by the prophets and was heralded by a star in the East, which guided the Three Wise Men to the baby in the stable.
So what can we expect the Age of Aquarius to be like? Eccentricity, originality, independent thought, love of innovation and contempt for tradition are all strong traits of Aquarius so we can expect that there will be a shake up of the old order and a questioning of all ideas about society, religion and relationships. This will lead to a search for new ways of being. Under the influence of Aquarius people will not accept what others tell them and like to learn through their own experimentation and experience.
Aquarius encourages the progress of humanitarian and social causes so the Aquarian Age is one where pure love and altruism prevail. People work selflessly for the good of the whole, without exploiting or manipulating others.
Unity and integration are themes of the Aquarian Age. We can look forward to a truly multicultural world where individual differences are valued and respected while at the same time we are able to work co-operatively for the good of everyone. The sign opposite Aquarius is Leo which has an ennobling and enriching influence
Originality and innovation are qualities of Aquarius so we can expect inventiveness and creativity in all spheres of life.
The truth is another important aspect of Aquarius. All falseness and corruption should disappear. The appearance or exterior will be less important while the essence will be of utmost importance.
We can look forward to an end to ‘blind faith’ in religion and to a time when the mystical knowledge that has been hidden and kept secret will be revealed.
And on 16 September 1983 in the USA Shri Mataji said:
“Now very interesting it is to see that this Kundalini is the one which is called as the Kumbha – in Sanskrit language, means the Aquarius. We call it Aquarius, as one of the signs, and is the same as Kumbha in Sanskrit language. So it is the Age of Aquarius, is the Age of the Kundalini. Secondly is the Age of the Kundalini which will nourish, which is the Mother within you, which will rise, will give you the completeness of it, and which will connect you with your Spirit which ultimately gives you the enlightenment by which you become collectively conscious.”
Returning to the song ‘Age of Aquarius’
“Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind’s true liberation
Aquarius
Aquarius”
It would seem that these lyrics written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni in 1967 for ‘Hair’ were in fact prophetic and have proved to be good predictors of what was, and is still, to come.
Resource: originally posted by Kay Alford from Lyneham (Canberra) on 14/05/2008 at
http://www.theword.ezyzine.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=4444
Friday, February 13, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Is It Safe To Order From Overseas Pharmacies?
A growing number of consumers are engaging in the potentially risky practice of purchasing medications and supplements from unregulated websites that ship from foreign countries.
The (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions about this practice, especially about ordering prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Many drugs that are available from overseas pharmacies should be monitored by a health professional for effectiveness and for potential adverse events, FDA officials have said.
There are several different types of internet pharmacy portals, and some of them do follow safe medication practices. In the best-case scenario, a valid, legal prescription from a licensed prescriber is transmitted to the internet pharmacy, which then fills the prescription and mails it to the patient.
In countries that do require valid prescriptions, physicians may approve the orders without knowing anything about you (the patient). In this case, you don't know anything about the physician's qualifications either.
In contrast, legitimate prescriptions may be transmitted to pharmacies overseas yet may be filled with counterfeit, expired drugs, illegally diverted, or adulterated drugs. Even worse, you can order prescription medications online without first acquiring a legitimate prescription, as this gives access to potentially toxic or addictive medications without the oversight of a healthcare provider.
The dangers of bypassing a licensed prescriber and obtaining medications overseas are myriad. Perhaps the most troubling is the lack of a valid prescription, because you may be self-diagnosing and self-treating. Purchased medications may be addictive, be potentially toxic, or require special monitoring. There is often no assurance that the dosage is correct, nor is there screening for drug-drug or drug-disease interactions.
Additionally, some overseas internet sites sell drugs that have not (for very good reasons) been locally approved. Other concerns about drugs obtained overseas include inadequate or inaccurate labeling, inappropriate packaging and questionable storage and handling.
Online pharmacies are subject only to the laws and regulations of the countries where they are based. For example, in Canada and Australia, a valid prescription must be supplied before the medication is dispensed. However, in Mexico, many prescription drugs are sold over the counter and can be ordered over the Internet without a prescription.
So - Stay safe: consult your health professional and buy local.
Resource: Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Posted on 1/2/09 on
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585137?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
The (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions about this practice, especially about ordering prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Many drugs that are available from overseas pharmacies should be monitored by a health professional for effectiveness and for potential adverse events, FDA officials have said.
There are several different types of internet pharmacy portals, and some of them do follow safe medication practices. In the best-case scenario, a valid, legal prescription from a licensed prescriber is transmitted to the internet pharmacy, which then fills the prescription and mails it to the patient.
In countries that do require valid prescriptions, physicians may approve the orders without knowing anything about you (the patient). In this case, you don't know anything about the physician's qualifications either.
In contrast, legitimate prescriptions may be transmitted to pharmacies overseas yet may be filled with counterfeit, expired drugs, illegally diverted, or adulterated drugs. Even worse, you can order prescription medications online without first acquiring a legitimate prescription, as this gives access to potentially toxic or addictive medications without the oversight of a healthcare provider.
The dangers of bypassing a licensed prescriber and obtaining medications overseas are myriad. Perhaps the most troubling is the lack of a valid prescription, because you may be self-diagnosing and self-treating. Purchased medications may be addictive, be potentially toxic, or require special monitoring. There is often no assurance that the dosage is correct, nor is there screening for drug-drug or drug-disease interactions.
Additionally, some overseas internet sites sell drugs that have not (for very good reasons) been locally approved. Other concerns about drugs obtained overseas include inadequate or inaccurate labeling, inappropriate packaging and questionable storage and handling.
Online pharmacies are subject only to the laws and regulations of the countries where they are based. For example, in Canada and Australia, a valid prescription must be supplied before the medication is dispensed. However, in Mexico, many prescription drugs are sold over the counter and can be ordered over the Internet without a prescription.
So - Stay safe: consult your health professional and buy local.
Resource: Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Posted on 1/2/09 on
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585137?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
Seven Habits (to Break) of Highly Effective People
During these tough financial times, many people feel they have to push themselves to unhealthy levels in order to succeed. But high-pressure jobs and long hours take a real toll on their immediate and future health. Whether running for president, moving up the corporate ladder, or juggling the family's activities, success may come at a hefty cost.
The 7 worst habits of these workaholics include:
Forgeting to relax: Some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated; too much stress, however, will take its toll on your body.
Eating on the go: Beware of frozen meals, fast and processed foods that can be high in sodium, calories, and fat. The digestive system also works better when you are relaxed - so take 20 minutes, away from work/phone to enjoy a meal.
Putting off sleep for work: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, poor judgment, and obesity.
Not making time for exercise: Humans were not designed to sit at desks for 8+ hours a day. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk for nearly every major disease and to help fight anxiety and depression.
Working when sick: Three common-sense reasons to stay home -
i) avoid spreading the infection,
ii) you'll be less productive, and
iii) you need rest to get better.
Drinking (too much): Moderate alcohol consumption has some proven health benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease, and some forms of cancer. Aim for four alcohol-free days a week - and don't binge on the others!
Skipping medical checkups: Depending on age, family history and lifestyle, a comprehensive medical checkup and special screenings is recommended every 1 to 5 years. It will only take between 15-60 minutes of your time - how much is your life worth?
Eventually, something's going to give: If you are burning the candle at both ends, the candle will melt in the middle and the flame burn out faster! Work at maintaining a healthy balance of work, rest and play and you will be happier and healthier overall.
Resource: Dr George Griffing, Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University and Editor in Chief of Internal Medicine for eMedicine. Posted 16/1/09 at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586037?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
The 7 worst habits of these workaholics include:
Forgeting to relax: Some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated; too much stress, however, will take its toll on your body.
Eating on the go: Beware of frozen meals, fast and processed foods that can be high in sodium, calories, and fat. The digestive system also works better when you are relaxed - so take 20 minutes, away from work/phone to enjoy a meal.
Putting off sleep for work: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, poor judgment, and obesity.
Not making time for exercise: Humans were not designed to sit at desks for 8+ hours a day. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk for nearly every major disease and to help fight anxiety and depression.
Working when sick: Three common-sense reasons to stay home -
i) avoid spreading the infection,
ii) you'll be less productive, and
iii) you need rest to get better.
Drinking (too much): Moderate alcohol consumption has some proven health benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease, and some forms of cancer. Aim for four alcohol-free days a week - and don't binge on the others!
Skipping medical checkups: Depending on age, family history and lifestyle, a comprehensive medical checkup and special screenings is recommended every 1 to 5 years. It will only take between 15-60 minutes of your time - how much is your life worth?
Eventually, something's going to give: If you are burning the candle at both ends, the candle will melt in the middle and the flame burn out faster! Work at maintaining a healthy balance of work, rest and play and you will be happier and healthier overall.
Resource: Dr George Griffing, Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University and Editor in Chief of Internal Medicine for eMedicine. Posted 16/1/09 at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586037?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Anticancer Diet Helpers
Here’s a summary* of recommended foods that may help you prevent various cancers:
Green Tea – not the rubbish additives in commercial drinks, the real thing properly steeped.
Rich in polyphenols which reduce the growth of new vessels needed for tumour growth and metastases. Green Tea is also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifer as it activates liver enzymes that eliminate toxins from the body.
Cruciform Vegetables – eat your greens!
Cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy, chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc contain sulforaphan and indo-3-carbinols: powerful anticancer molecules that can prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumours.
Onions (including garlic, leeks, shallots, chives)
The sulphur compounds of this family reduce the carcinogenic effects created in over-grilled meat and during tobacco combustion and promote cancer cell death.
Get colour – carrots, sweet potatoe (yam), squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beetroot … in fact any of the bright-coloured fruits and vege (orange, red, yellow, green) all contain Vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells. Tomatoes get a special mention as the levels of lycopene in tomatoes lead to longer survival from prostate cancer in men who consumed tomatoes at least twice a week.
Soy (including tofu, tempeh, miso, mung beans and bean sprouts) block the stimulation of cancer cells by sex hormones and also block angiogenesis. Asian women who have eaten soy since adolescence have significantly fewer breast cancer cases.
Mushrooms
Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabello and oyster and thistle oyster mushrooms all contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which stimulate immune cell reproduction and activity.
Herbs and spices
Tumeric the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified to-date, also helps stimulate the death of cancer cells. Ginger Root helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels (see Green Tea). A ginger infusion can also alleviate nausea from chemotherapy of radiotherapy (not to mention travel sickness). Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote cancer cell death and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighbouring tissue.
Fatty Fish: the omega-3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation and in cell cultures have reduced cancer cell growth. They also act to reduce the spread of tumours in the form of metastases. A significant intake of Vitamin D reduces the risk of cancers considerably. Fatty fish types include (fresh, not smoked) salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel and cod liver oil.
Berries – you name them, they’re all great: raspberries, blueberries, cranberries. They contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols and stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Better still, freezing does not damage the anticancer molecules in these berries, so when out of season locally you can enjoy frozen stock.
Citrus Fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids and also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. Organic tangerine skin has even been shown to penetrate brain cancer cells!
A great routine is to have 1 glass of warm water with the juice of ½ a lemon first thing every morning (before breakfast, shower etc), as the lemon juice will stimulate liver enzymes and give them a kick-start for the day.
Pomegranate Juice properties have already been confirmed as excellent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It also has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer with daily consumption slowing the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%. A recent study has also linked this wonder juice to a reduction in LDL cholesterol.
My absolute favourite refresher is 1/3 pomegranate juice with 2/3 soda water.
And now the ones you really want to hear about …
Red Wine contains many polyphenols that are extracted by fermentation and the methods used for preserving wine protect the resveratrolis (a type of polyphenol) from oxidation. This makes their concentration much greater in red wine than in grapes or grape juice or white wine. Of course alcohol abuse has many other side-effects, so limited consumption is recommended.
Dark Chocolate: more than 70% cocoa chocolate contains antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and polyphenols that slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. A single square of very dark chocolate contains twice as many of these wonder molecules as a glass of red wine and as many as a properly steeped cup of green tea. Consumption of up to 20gr per day of chocolate is acceptable calorie-wise.
So there you have it – confirmation that a well balanced diet of fresh foods is not only good for you but can be tasty too. Enjoy!
Resource: Article published in Australian Natural Health (Vol 8, Number 6, Dec-Jan 2009) based on the book 'Anticancer: A New Way of Life' by Dr David Servan-Schriber
Green Tea – not the rubbish additives in commercial drinks, the real thing properly steeped.
Rich in polyphenols which reduce the growth of new vessels needed for tumour growth and metastases. Green Tea is also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifer as it activates liver enzymes that eliminate toxins from the body.
Cruciform Vegetables – eat your greens!
Cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy, chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc contain sulforaphan and indo-3-carbinols: powerful anticancer molecules that can prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumours.
Onions (including garlic, leeks, shallots, chives)
The sulphur compounds of this family reduce the carcinogenic effects created in over-grilled meat and during tobacco combustion and promote cancer cell death.
Get colour – carrots, sweet potatoe (yam), squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beetroot … in fact any of the bright-coloured fruits and vege (orange, red, yellow, green) all contain Vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells. Tomatoes get a special mention as the levels of lycopene in tomatoes lead to longer survival from prostate cancer in men who consumed tomatoes at least twice a week.
Soy (including tofu, tempeh, miso, mung beans and bean sprouts) block the stimulation of cancer cells by sex hormones and also block angiogenesis. Asian women who have eaten soy since adolescence have significantly fewer breast cancer cases.
Mushrooms
Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabello and oyster and thistle oyster mushrooms all contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which stimulate immune cell reproduction and activity.
Herbs and spices
Tumeric the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified to-date, also helps stimulate the death of cancer cells. Ginger Root helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels (see Green Tea). A ginger infusion can also alleviate nausea from chemotherapy of radiotherapy (not to mention travel sickness). Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote cancer cell death and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighbouring tissue.
Fatty Fish: the omega-3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation and in cell cultures have reduced cancer cell growth. They also act to reduce the spread of tumours in the form of metastases. A significant intake of Vitamin D reduces the risk of cancers considerably. Fatty fish types include (fresh, not smoked) salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel and cod liver oil.
Berries – you name them, they’re all great: raspberries, blueberries, cranberries. They contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols and stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Better still, freezing does not damage the anticancer molecules in these berries, so when out of season locally you can enjoy frozen stock.
Citrus Fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids and also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. Organic tangerine skin has even been shown to penetrate brain cancer cells!
A great routine is to have 1 glass of warm water with the juice of ½ a lemon first thing every morning (before breakfast, shower etc), as the lemon juice will stimulate liver enzymes and give them a kick-start for the day.
Pomegranate Juice properties have already been confirmed as excellent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It also has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer with daily consumption slowing the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%. A recent study has also linked this wonder juice to a reduction in LDL cholesterol.
My absolute favourite refresher is 1/3 pomegranate juice with 2/3 soda water.
And now the ones you really want to hear about …
Red Wine contains many polyphenols that are extracted by fermentation and the methods used for preserving wine protect the resveratrolis (a type of polyphenol) from oxidation. This makes their concentration much greater in red wine than in grapes or grape juice or white wine. Of course alcohol abuse has many other side-effects, so limited consumption is recommended.
Dark Chocolate: more than 70% cocoa chocolate contains antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and polyphenols that slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. A single square of very dark chocolate contains twice as many of these wonder molecules as a glass of red wine and as many as a properly steeped cup of green tea. Consumption of up to 20gr per day of chocolate is acceptable calorie-wise.
So there you have it – confirmation that a well balanced diet of fresh foods is not only good for you but can be tasty too. Enjoy!
Resource: Article published in Australian Natural Health (Vol 8, Number 6, Dec-Jan 2009) based on the book 'Anticancer: A New Way of Life' by Dr David Servan-Schriber
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Who Says I Can't?
This is the title of a memoir written by Catherine DeVrye (Bantam, 2005) that I've just finished reading.
Whilst the first half of the book covers her growing up in Canada, adoption, death of parents and first years in Australia with many traumatic twists and turns, it's the latter parts that resonated with me.
CDV deals in common sense, helping others help themselves, whilst remaining fallible. Some comments that hit home for me:
~ from an early age we're conditioned to play safe...yet playing safe is sometimes the riskiest thing we can do.
~ what's the point of having a goal if you know you're going to make it. What's the challenge in that? (from a conversation with Sir Edmund Hillary)
~ we are all products of our past but don't need to remain slaves to it.
It's an inspirational read because it helps you realise that no-one is perfect and we must change to fit our circumstances and there's nothing wrong with that.
Further I got some lovely wisdom from good friend this week that ties in nicely. In a nutshell: every good boat master plots a course to meet needs and avoid obstacles but doesn't fault changing course if hazards or additional information presents eg the effects of weather may mean changing course is necessary.
So your course maybe a zig zag - enjoy the journey!
Best wishes to you all for a peaceful, joy-filled and healthy 2009!
Whilst the first half of the book covers her growing up in Canada, adoption, death of parents and first years in Australia with many traumatic twists and turns, it's the latter parts that resonated with me.
CDV deals in common sense, helping others help themselves, whilst remaining fallible. Some comments that hit home for me:
~ from an early age we're conditioned to play safe...yet playing safe is sometimes the riskiest thing we can do.
~ what's the point of having a goal if you know you're going to make it. What's the challenge in that? (from a conversation with Sir Edmund Hillary)
~ we are all products of our past but don't need to remain slaves to it.
It's an inspirational read because it helps you realise that no-one is perfect and we must change to fit our circumstances and there's nothing wrong with that.
Further I got some lovely wisdom from good friend this week that ties in nicely. In a nutshell: every good boat master plots a course to meet needs and avoid obstacles but doesn't fault changing course if hazards or additional information presents eg the effects of weather may mean changing course is necessary.
So your course maybe a zig zag - enjoy the journey!
Best wishes to you all for a peaceful, joy-filled and healthy 2009!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Massage in Sport
You'd think given there's such a class as Sports Massage and a Diploma of Sports Theraspies (like I hold) that it would be obviously accepted that massage helps bodies recover from sport, or whatever really.
However, here's more information, this time from a study by Ohio State University:
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps got a massage twice a day in Beijing. His teammate, Dara Torres, had two massage therapists on stand-by....and a bunch of sedated rabbits in Ohio recently had massage performed on their legs after bouts of intense exercise.
Phelps, 23, made history by winning eight gold medals. Torres, 41, became the oldest swimmer to compete in an Olympic event and win a silver medal.
As for the rabbits? They might have proved scientifically what athletes and trainers have long believed: Massage really does help with muscle recovery.
According to a recent study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers at Ohio State University found that Swedishmassage helped speed muscle recovery at the cellular level for rabbits who got mechanically intense exercise.
Benefits of Swedish massage
Athletes also use Swedish massage - stroking, kneading and pressing soft tissue. Thomas Best, professor of family medicine at Ohio State University and senior author of the rabbit study, said it’s too soon for clinical trials on humans. But he considers the rabbits a strong start toward confirming massage’s benefits to athletes.
Best said he hopes further research “will dictate how much massage is needed, for how long and when it should be performed after exercise.”
In the study, researchers used a mechanical device to create a motion similar to the way quadriceps in human thighs move when running downhill.
Afterward, some rabbits got Swedish massage, others did not but were rested. Scientists found that the muscles of the massaged rabbits had improved function, less swelling and fewer signs of inflammation than did muscles in non-massaged rabbits.
Those findings don’t surprise Jim Anderson, athletic trainer for the St. Louis Rams. He remembers players getting massaged 25 years ago. More than half the players get massages now, he said.
They hire their own massage therapists, who massage them the day after a game, Anderson said. Many follow up with another the day before a game to loosen their muscles, a process that also relaxes them mentally.
“The way their bodies feel after a game, if something can alleviate that pain and soreness, they look at it as something good,” Anderson said. “It gets fresh (oxygenated) blood in there, and getting fresh blood to an area helps speed recovery.”
Muscles produce lactic acid during intense workouts, said Ethel Frese, a professor of physical therapy at St. Louis University and a cardiovascular and pulmonary specialist.
The more intense the workout, the more lactic acid is produced and the greater the accumulation of lactic acid, the more fatigued - and painful - the muscle becomes.
Lactic acid will dissipate on its own (quickly), but enhancing blood circulation helps get rid of it quicker. That helps relieve muscle cramps and spasms, she said.
At Washington University, a chiropractic-massage therapist visits once a week, providing services to the all student athletes. But the time slots are limited.
Meanwhile Rick Larsen, head athletic trainer, and his team of therapists provide physical therapy, which might include massage of specific body parts, to injured athletes.
“We use it as an adjunct for other types of modalities that enhance the healing process, such as electronic muscle stimulation, heat, cold, ultrasound,” Larsen said.
Swim coach Brad Shively estimates that if Washington U. has 300 athletes, a third of them could benefit greatly from massage at any given time.
“Massage makes a great difference,” Shively said. “My swimmers use rollers on their legs and shoulders after intense workouts, and it’s manual and self-applied, but it works.”
At competitions, he said, it’s not unusual for swim teams to bring their own massage therapists.
from article published in the Daily Breeze 12/12/08
However, here's more information, this time from a study by Ohio State University:
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps got a massage twice a day in Beijing. His teammate, Dara Torres, had two massage therapists on stand-by....and a bunch of sedated rabbits in Ohio recently had massage performed on their legs after bouts of intense exercise.
Phelps, 23, made history by winning eight gold medals. Torres, 41, became the oldest swimmer to compete in an Olympic event and win a silver medal.
As for the rabbits? They might have proved scientifically what athletes and trainers have long believed: Massage really does help with muscle recovery.
According to a recent study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers at Ohio State University found that Swedishmassage helped speed muscle recovery at the cellular level for rabbits who got mechanically intense exercise.
Benefits of Swedish massage
Athletes also use Swedish massage - stroking, kneading and pressing soft tissue. Thomas Best, professor of family medicine at Ohio State University and senior author of the rabbit study, said it’s too soon for clinical trials on humans. But he considers the rabbits a strong start toward confirming massage’s benefits to athletes.
Best said he hopes further research “will dictate how much massage is needed, for how long and when it should be performed after exercise.”
In the study, researchers used a mechanical device to create a motion similar to the way quadriceps in human thighs move when running downhill.
Afterward, some rabbits got Swedish massage, others did not but were rested. Scientists found that the muscles of the massaged rabbits had improved function, less swelling and fewer signs of inflammation than did muscles in non-massaged rabbits.
Those findings don’t surprise Jim Anderson, athletic trainer for the St. Louis Rams. He remembers players getting massaged 25 years ago. More than half the players get massages now, he said.
They hire their own massage therapists, who massage them the day after a game, Anderson said. Many follow up with another the day before a game to loosen their muscles, a process that also relaxes them mentally.
“The way their bodies feel after a game, if something can alleviate that pain and soreness, they look at it as something good,” Anderson said. “It gets fresh (oxygenated) blood in there, and getting fresh blood to an area helps speed recovery.”
Muscles produce lactic acid during intense workouts, said Ethel Frese, a professor of physical therapy at St. Louis University and a cardiovascular and pulmonary specialist.
The more intense the workout, the more lactic acid is produced and the greater the accumulation of lactic acid, the more fatigued - and painful - the muscle becomes.
Lactic acid will dissipate on its own (quickly), but enhancing blood circulation helps get rid of it quicker. That helps relieve muscle cramps and spasms, she said.
At Washington University, a chiropractic-massage therapist visits once a week, providing services to the all student athletes. But the time slots are limited.
Meanwhile Rick Larsen, head athletic trainer, and his team of therapists provide physical therapy, which might include massage of specific body parts, to injured athletes.
“We use it as an adjunct for other types of modalities that enhance the healing process, such as electronic muscle stimulation, heat, cold, ultrasound,” Larsen said.
Swim coach Brad Shively estimates that if Washington U. has 300 athletes, a third of them could benefit greatly from massage at any given time.
“Massage makes a great difference,” Shively said. “My swimmers use rollers on their legs and shoulders after intense workouts, and it’s manual and self-applied, but it works.”
At competitions, he said, it’s not unusual for swim teams to bring their own massage therapists.
from article published in the Daily Breeze 12/12/08
Friday, December 5, 2008
Silly Season
Without wanting to sound like Scrooge and go bah-humbug, I have to say I really don't get the excesses of the 'festive' season, in fact I think most people go really silly and way over the top.
I'm all for sharing time with family and friends, but why does it have to (for Christians) culminate on 25 December ... and for other regilions whatever your peak day is: surely this should be enjoyed regularly.
So here are some antidotes:
Each person at the gathering should agree to supply one part of the meal. This has a couple of benefits -
a) Mum (or the primary cook) doesn't emotionally and financially stress out doing everything for everyone.
b) with a lil' co-ordination you can communicate the type of day you all want and preferred foods/wine etc.
Organise to do a Mystery Santa, so each adult just has to buy one present. You can even put a financial cap on it. This reduces shopping and financial stress and cuts down on the amount of unwanted crap that is purchased each day and saves earths resources for more important things. Think about sustainable giving too! some suggestions can be found here
http://eartheasy.com/give_tips_for_susgivg.htm
I do agree that Christmas is for the kids and a great way to teach children the spirit of giving is to ask them to pick 3 toys that they don't play with very much, and donate them to a charity of their choice. This works for birthdays also.
Plan some group activity for after the meal to work off the excess calories, which, despite all good intentions, you end up having. Even if it's going for a walk or playing catch - just get the body moving.
Have lots of non-alcoholic options available, especially for the drivers.
What do I think is the perfect gift? Massage of course!
I'm all for sharing time with family and friends, but why does it have to (for Christians) culminate on 25 December ... and for other regilions whatever your peak day is: surely this should be enjoyed regularly.
So here are some antidotes:
Each person at the gathering should agree to supply one part of the meal. This has a couple of benefits -
a) Mum (or the primary cook) doesn't emotionally and financially stress out doing everything for everyone.
b) with a lil' co-ordination you can communicate the type of day you all want and preferred foods/wine etc.
Organise to do a Mystery Santa, so each adult just has to buy one present. You can even put a financial cap on it. This reduces shopping and financial stress and cuts down on the amount of unwanted crap that is purchased each day and saves earths resources for more important things. Think about sustainable giving too! some suggestions can be found here
http://eartheasy.com/give_tips_for_susgivg.htm
I do agree that Christmas is for the kids and a great way to teach children the spirit of giving is to ask them to pick 3 toys that they don't play with very much, and donate them to a charity of their choice. This works for birthdays also.
Plan some group activity for after the meal to work off the excess calories, which, despite all good intentions, you end up having. Even if it's going for a walk or playing catch - just get the body moving.
Have lots of non-alcoholic options available, especially for the drivers.
What do I think is the perfect gift? Massage of course!
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