What Massage Treats

Massage & Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world’s population, an estimated 200-400 million people worldwide, with higher numbers among women than men. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal/bowel troubles.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when eleven out of eighteen specific points on the body are tender to pressure.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a combination of sleep disturbances, hormonal and neuroendocrine imbalances, and emotional status. Some of the common complaints associated with fibromyalgia include:

• Sleep disorders
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Tender points

The identifying signs and symptoms include:

• Widespread pain that shifts locations.
• Feeling muscle stiffness especially in the morning.
• Poor stamina.
• Hypersensitivity and low pain tolerance.

Are you seeking symptom relief?

Massage may be just what you need to help to reduce pain levels, anxiety, and possible feelings of depression. Some types of massage may be more beneficial than others. However, a gentle approach should be used within the client’s tolerance due to sensitivity levels to pain.

What types of massage are beneficial?

Massage can empower clients to feel like they are participating in their own healing process. Some types of massage that may be beneficial in treating fibromyalgia include:

• Gentle Swedish massage for relaxation and to reduce perception of pain if only temporarily.
• Shiatsu using light pressure may have a calming effect and promote better sleep.
• Trigger point therapy – use lighter pressure and shorter intervals
• Here are some precautions to be aware of when working with clients who suffer from fibromyalgia:
• Never use ice or cold or contrast therapy on clients with fibromyalgia (cold may exacerbate symptoms)
• Take care not to over treat; people suffering with fibromyalgia are extremely hypersensitive.

What can you do?

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, it is important to understand that although the symptoms may be debilitating, this is not a life-threatening disease nor is it a progressive disease. There are some things that you can do to reduce the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing:

• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
• Get plenty of sleep
• Get regular exercise.
• Stretch
• Try to reduce emotional stress in your life as much as possible
• And of course, find a massage therapist who can tailor massage sessions to fit your individual needs.

References

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2006/01/nine_massage_te.html

Massage and Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by diabetes. It’s an increasingly common condition—one that approximately
1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this year alone. While it is generally a long-term condition, diabetes can be managed through self-care, nutrition, and medication.

Understanding a complex condition

The body gets its energy from food through the process of digestion. Food is broken down into glucose (or sugar), which passes into the bloodstream. Then the glucose is moved into muscle, fat, and liver cells by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. However, if you have diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to it properly, and this leads to high levels of sugar in the blood. Uncontrolled blood-sugar levels can cause serious complications if left untreated, including blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type I diabetes


Usually diagnosed during childhood, type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.

Symptoms usually come on suddenly and treatment includes daily injections of insulin.

Type II diabetes

This type accounts for 90 – 95% of all diabetes cases and is usually diagnosed during adulthood. Major risk factors include family history, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol and being overweight and sedentary.

Since symptoms may be mild, many people don’t know they have diabetes, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially after age 45. Testing can also detect pre-diabetes, where blood sugar is high, but not yet at diabetic levels. With early detection and treatment it is far easier to stop the disease from progressing, control your symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatments often include regular blood sugar monitoring and medications to control blood sugar, as well as diet and exercise.

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing infections
• Impotence in men

Is massage ok for someone with Diabetes? Yes and no.

No. Circulatory massage is not recommended for those who have advanced diabetes, kidney failure, and atherosclerosis. In this case, energy techniques are more appropriate.

Yes. Massage is acceptable, if the client has healthy, responsive tissue and circulation and the client is managing blood glucose levels properly.

It is important to note that massage can lower blood glucose levels. A client with diabetes may want to check their blood sugar levels before and after a massage session to avoid any possible complications such as hypoglycemia.

It is important to note that some people with diabetes may have issues with neuropathy and lack of sensation in parts of the extremities. They may have slow-healing wounds or ulcers in these extremities that they may not even be aware of due to the lack of sensation.

Circulatory massage moves blood and lymph fluids through the body and may put an increased demand on the kidneys. To avoid complications, light to medium pressure should be used on clients with diabetes.

As with most illnesses, living with diabetes presents challenges that can create additional stress in the lives of those living with diabetes. A gentle massage can help to stimulate the parasympathetic response, our body’s natural relaxation mechanism.

Regular massage for an individual suffering from diabetes may help to manage stress. Massage also assists the body to naturally remove toxins from the tissues and to balance hormone production. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises teaches the body to respond to stress in a more appropriate and balanced way, thus reducing feelings of being overwhelmed.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know has diabetes and is managing their illness appropriately, recommend massage to promote relaxation and balance within the body in a natural and healthy way.

Massage and Depression

What is Depression?

Depression affects about 121 million people worldwide and can be debilitating for those who experience it. Prolonged feelings of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life.

At one time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. It is a healthy response to events in our lives that seem overwhelming. When we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed state and move on with our lives. When negative feelings and emotions become persistent and consistent, depression
may set in.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are different forms of depression and those who suffer from depression may respond to treatment differently based on the type of depression they are experiencing:

• Major Depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities.
• Dysthymic disorder is characterized by long-term symptoms that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal function or feeling well.
• Minor Depression symptoms for 2 weeks or more that do not meet the full criteria for major depression.
• Psychotic Depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis.
• Postpartum Depression is more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by the onset of depression over the winter months.
• Bipolar Disorder also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows.

Did you know massage therapy can help?

Many individuals who suffer from depression benefit greatly from massage therapy. Although massage therapy is not a stand-alone treatment for depression, it may complement the individual’s mental health care treatment plan. Massage therapy helps to stimulate the relaxation state, which can help to naturally regulate and balance the body and mind.

Various studies have demonstrated the benefits of massage for symptoms that are commonly observed in depressed individuals. Some of the benefits include:

• Improved quality of life
• Significant increase in quality of sleep
• Reduced pain, and
• Lower anxiety levels.

What can massage therapists do?

There are many different types of massage. Some types of massage that are beneficial for reducing symptoms associated with depression include:

• Swedish massage
• Aromatherapy
• Deep tissue massage
• Shiatsu
• Hot Stone Massage
• Chair Massage
• Reflexology

What can you do?

As massage helps the body to relax it helps the mind to relax as well. Massage encourages a balanced body-mind connection.

Here are some tips to help you or someone you know who may be experiencing depressive symptoms include:

• Surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insights. Develop a supportive group of friends, loved ones, family and co-workers who can lend an ear and listen to you.
• Breathe, go slow and think things through. Do not make too many life changes all at once. A few at a time will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Try to get at least twenty minutes of simple exercise at least three days per week, if not more. Take a daily walk, breathe deeply and let it all go.
• Remember, you are not alone. Others are having similar experiences.
• Smile.

Please consult with your care provider if you suffer from severe depression.  Massage therapy works in conjunction with your mental health therapy and should not be the sole treatment for your depression.

Resources

http://www.helpfordepression.com/article/alternative-methods/massage-therapy-depression

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-different-forms-of-depression.shtml

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21234327

Massage for Colds & Flu

What is the flu?

Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complication from a flu virus. Unfortunately most of us get the “flu” at least once in our lifetime. The associated symptoms and signs are all-too-common: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes.

What is a common cold?

Colds are much less severe than the flu, but similar to the flu. Viruses and germs cause colds. Colds cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and light headaches. Though it may make you feel lousy, getting a cold is not always a bad thing. Instead, it’s a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already compromised, a cold may further weaken your body, leaving you open to a more serious illness.

Cold & Flu: When is massage appropriate?

At the onset of a cold or the flu, the individual is in the acute phase. In the acute phase, massage is NOT indicated. However, once the fever has broken and the individual is in the subacute stage of the cold or flu, massage may help to speed recovery.

It is important to note that if the client is recovering from a cold or flu, a massage may hasten recovery by flushing toxins from the body, shortening the duration of the symptoms.

Take caution when working with someone who is recovering from the flu or a cold, they may still be actively fighting virus and that may put the massage therapist at risk.

What type of massage is beneficial?

During recovery from the common cold or flu, the following types of massage may be beneficial:

• Swedish Massage may temporarily increase symptoms in exchange for a quicker recovery time.
• Reflexology focusing on the lymphatic and circulatory systems
• Deep Tissue Massage focusing on the upper respiratory muscles and fascial structures

What can you do?

Here are some tips for staying healthy:

• Consume 8-10 glasses of filtered water daily
• Exercise regularly to support the immune system
• Eat a healthy, organic diet, including foods with beta carotene (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes)
• Limit sugar intake. Sugar taxes the immune system, especially when feeling under the weather
• Take Vitamin C and herbs to support the immune system, especially in the cold and flu season
• Get plenty of rest
• Enjoy fun and relaxing activities
• Schedule regular massage sessions to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems.

Massage and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Do you experience tingling in your hand or fingers? Pain that radiates from your wrist to your shoulder? Maybe even difficulty holding small objects? If so, you could be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), an uncomfortable and sometimes disabling condition.

CTS may be caused by swelling and fluid retention, subluxation of the carpal bones, or fibrotic buildup. CTS may also be a symptom of a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism.

CTS is diagnosed by common symptoms and two orthopedic tests known as Tinel’s test and Phalens Maneuver. Nerve conduction tests are also used to determine possible CTS. However, these tests are not conclusive. Many factors contribute to pain and nerve problems in the hand and the wrist. These factors make it difficult to pinpoint where the pain originates. It could be coming from as high up as the neck, the shoulder girdle, or even the elbow. Likewise, other types of soft tissue injuries could show up as pain in the wrist and hand.

Massage therapy can help to reduce the pain and swelling.  As long as the client is not in acute pain and can tolerate massage, massage can help to increase the flexibility of the muscles and pliability of the surrounding tissue.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that protects the median nerve, which innervates the hand, as well as tendons that control the fingers. This nerve controls sensation and muscle movements in the hand. If the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed from swelling or injury, the nerve is compressed and impinged. This can cause numbness, pain, and severe weakness in the hands.

There are several causes of CTS, but the main cause is repetitive flexion and extension of the tendons in the hands and wrists, especially when performed for long periods, leading to Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI.)

Symptoms usually start with dull wrist pain that gradually worsens. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of feeling in the fingers
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the fingers or hand
• Pain extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers
• Weakness the hands and difficulty holding objects.

CTS can occur due to repetitive motion activities such as:

• Driving
• Painting
• Playing some musical instruments
• Some racquet sports
• Assembly line work
• Writing
• Keyboarding

There are 8 tendons that also pass through the carpal tunnel. When soft tissues or these muscle tendons become swollen they may trap the median nerve.

Is Massage Appropriate for CTS?

Yes!  CTS due to edema responds well to massage that focuses  on moving the fluid and toxic build up out of the affected area. If CTS is due to fibrotic build up or a bone subluxation, massage may also help as well. However, if massage on surrounding area increases symptoms, do not work on the affected area. Here are a few massage techniques that are recommended:

• Use active movements of the wrist and hand to assist to release the area as opposed to deep tissue massage.
• Lymphatic drainage may also help to reduce the build up of fluids and reduce swelling.
• Swedish massage can help to alleviate some the symptoms as long as the massage itself does not produce the symptoms.   Your massage therapist will communicate and check in with you about pain sensations and tolerance.

What you can do?

If massage is indicated for the type of CTS you have, you would greatly benefit from regular massage sessions. In addition to regular massage therapy sessions with a therapist, you can also practice self-care techniques to enhance the positive results to work toward a pain-free life:

Actively taking part in your treatment is key. Consider these self-care techniques:

• Take plenty of breaks during the day, especially if you perform repetitive tasks.
• Try yoga to increase your flexibility and strength.
• Remember to gently stretch your hands, arms, and shoulders throughout the day.
• If you work at a computer, consult an ergonomics specialist to ensure that your workstation is set up property.

Massage and Cancer Care

A diagnosis no one wants to hear…

Cancer can leave you feeling frightened, uncertain and powerless. But if you or a loved one is facing cancer, it’s important to have hope. In many cases, cancer can be cured, especially when it’s detected early. There are more treatments available now than ever before to cure cancer or slow it from spreading, relieve its symptoms, and help you live a healthier life.

It’s also important to know how you can supplement your healthcare treatment with natural drug-free therapy such as massage therapy. According to the American Cancer Society, massage appears promising for symptom management and improving quality of life.  Massage is being recognized by a growing number of healthcare professionals as a useful addition to conventional treatment.

Research studies show massage therapy can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue. Recent studies conducted with cancer patients support the use of massage for short-term symptom relief.

Understanding treatments and their side effects

Cancer is an overall term for a group of diseases that occur when cells begin to reproduce abnormally, eventually damaging or killing healthy tissue.

Most cancers are named according to where they begin in the body, and there are more than 100 different types.

The most common are breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Your treatment plan will be based on many factors, including the type and stage (how far it has spread) of the cancer and your overall health.

While cancer treatments have proven to be effective, they do have serious side effects to take into account.

The most common treatments include:

Surgery: Performed to remove the cancer if possible. Surgery may be used alone or along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy.

Chemotherapy: The use of medications to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy generally lasts from 3 to 9 months, and can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, early menopause, and hot flashes.

Radiation Therapy: The use of high doses of radiation to destroy the cancer cells. Side effects generally include fatigue, hair loss, and skin darkening at the site of the treatment.

Biological Therapy: This treatment works by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Side effects depend on the specific type of therapy, but they can include rashes or swelling, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Human touch empowers cancer patients

Massage therapy studies conducted with breast cancer patients awaiting mastectomies showed an increased sense of body awareness, an increased connection with treatment and empowerment in their own healing process. In another study, hospitalized cancer patients reported relief from the perception of pain and anxiety.

Another research study showed a significant decrease in the intensity of pain felt by cancer patients when their treatment involved therapeutic massage sessions.

Other benefits of therapeutic massage on helping cancer patients to cope include:

• Improved quality of life
• Better sleep
• Anxiety relief
• Improved psychological well-being
• Decreased pain
• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Decreased anger and hostility
• Stronger immune system
• Increased levels of dopamine and serotonin (used by the body to regulate mood and behavior)

What types of massage are beneficial?

Massage for individuals going through treatment can be useful and beneficial. The following types of massage are indicated for cancer patients being mindful of the patient’s resilience due the intense effects of cancer treatments:

• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Lymphatic drainage
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy

What can you do?

Whether you are healthy or you have been diagnosed with cancer it is always important to follow these self-care tips:

• Eat a low-fat healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly to control weight.
• Use sunscreen.
• Stop smoking and other tobacco use.
• Take advantage of early cancer screenings.

Make massage part of your self-care regimen, schedule a massage today!

References

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/cance1/a/massage_cancer.htm

Massage and Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem—it affects 80% of all individuals at some time in their lives. In fact, it is one of the top reasons people seek medical care. Unfortunately, back pain isn’t always easy to diagnose or treat.

Back pain may occur due to:

• Injury
• Overuse
• Nerve Compression
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal Subluxation or Deformity

What causes back pain?

Improper lifting, sudden movements or traumatic injury can result in strained muscles or ligaments. Other possible causes can include arthritis, structural abnormalities of the spine or nerve compression due to bulging or ruptured disks between the vertebrae. However, less than 2% of the population has a herniated or slipped disk. Depending on the specific diagnosis, back pain is generally treated with medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic care and in some cases, surgery.

Did you know muscles are the #1 cause?

Low back pain stems from muscle, nerve, or bone problems and the number one reason for low back pain is muscle spasms. Muscle sprains and strains cannot be detected via medical technology. If untreated, back pain can become a chronic or ongoing problem. The 5 lumbar vertebrae in the low back bear the most weight and receive the most stress. With that being said, it’s not surprising that low back pain is one of the top reasons for a doctor’s visit.

Low back pain symptoms include:

• Back sprain or strain
• Muscle spasms, cramping and stiffness. Muscle spasms are the most common cause of low back pain.
• Pain in the back and sacral region and lasts 48 to 72 hours followed by days or weeks of less severe pain.
• Nerve Compression
• Leg pain – if pain extends below the knee it points to nerve compression over muscle problems.
• Nerve-related problems involving tingling and numbness in one or both legs.
• Sciatica – shock-like or burning pain down the leg caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Arthritis of the spine
• Pain in the back and hip region lasting longer than 3 to 6 months.

Recent studies show that massage therapy can help to reduce pain and improve flexibility for those with low back pain.

But what if you have pain in the upper or mid-region of the back?

Upper and mid-back pain is not as common as low back pain and neck pain, but it is a more common complaint among people who work at a computer desk all day.

Mid and upper back pain tends to show up as a dull, burning, or sometimes sharp pain. It can be in a single point or all over the back; the pain can vary or be a constant nagging ache and often worsen when you do certain activities.

Common causes of upper and middle back pain include:

• Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles or soft tissue structures.
• Nerve compression
• A vertebral fracture
• Osteoarthritis due to breakdown of cartilage
• Myofascial pain in the connective tissue of certain muscles in the spine

Sitting for long periods of time with the arms in front of you can cause the chest muscles to start to pull the shoulders forward. When the chest muscles pull the shoulders, they become overly contracted while the back muscles become tight but in an overly stretched position. This causes de-conditioning of the back muscles and they become weak developing tight spots while the chest muscle become tighter and shortened.

What your massage therapist can do?

Your massage therapist can observe your posture and check for signs of postural distortions due to muscle tension that could be contributing to the back pain you are experiencing.

The massage therapist can work on specific muscle groups to attempt to alleviate tension in those muscles and ultimately alleviate the back pain.

What types of massage are beneficial for back pain?

Researchers are continuing to study the effectiveness and specific types of massage that specifically help with back pain. Here are a few massage techniques that can be used to help decrease back pain:

• Neuromuscular techniques – including trigger point therapy to deactivate the tight spots or adhesions that have formed in the muscle fibers and soft tissue applying careful pressure to the client’s tolerance level.
• Myofascial work –myofascial release to break up restrictions in the surrounding connective tissue.
• Active and passive stretching of the overly tight muscle groups.
• Hydrotherapy such as hot stone or contrast therapy will help to loosen overly tight muscle groups so that the therapist can work more deeply.
• Reflexology address back pain by working the spinal system points.
• (Only if inflammation is not present) Deep tissue massage can be used if tolerated by the client.
• If you experience back pain, regular therapeutic massage has demonstrated lasting benefits including:
• Improved range of motion and flexibility
• Increased blood flow and circulation
• Reduced swelling, pressure and pain

What you can do?

If the back pain is due to muscle spasms, rest is not recommended. Get moving! Do not rest in bed for a week. Studies show those who maintain normal activities had more flexibility than those who rested in bed for a week. This is because joints become stiff when you stay in the same position for too long. It is important to stay active to prevent added tension and stiffness.

In addition to seeing your massage therapist on a regular basis, here are some self-care techniques that you can use to maintain a flexible and pain-free lifestyle:

• Get regular exercise.
• Get deep and restful sleep.
• Practice deep breathing exercises or meditate.
• Stretch and move the spine frequently especially if you are sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Make time in your schedule to do things you enjoy, and have a little fun. Life is too short!

References

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/low-back-pain-symptoms

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22991113

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/upper-and-middle-back-pain-overview

http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/upper-back-pain/causes-upper-back-pain

Massage and Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. Caring for a chronic condition such as asthma can sometimes be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it can be controlled.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Some people have long periods without symptoms, while others may always experience difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks occur when something triggers the inflammation of the respiratory system. Flare-ups can be severe—sometimes even life-
threatening.

Asthma attacks are generally caused by one or more triggers, including:

• A cold, flu, bronchitis, or sinus infection
• Allergens including dust mites, tree and grass pollen, mold, and animal dander
• Irritants that include tobacco smoke, strong fragrances, and air pollution
• Certain foods and food additives
• Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Strenuous exercise
• Changes in weather
• Strong emotions such as anxiety, stress, grief and anger

Generally, the available approach of asthma treatment is to try and prevent attacks. This is usually done with regular use of anti-
inflammatory medications, inhaled steroids and leukotriene
 inhibitors. Once an asthma attack is underway, quick-acting medications like corticosteroids may be able to relieve it.

Is massage okay for someone with asthma?

Yes, massage can help an individual with asthma to relieve some of the tight muscles due to wheezing, coughing and other common symptoms.

Massage is never indicated during an attack. However, between attacks it is indicated to work on specific muscle groups which help to improve muscle function.

The following muscle are commonly overdeveloped and chronically tight in individuals who don’t breathe easily:

• Intercostals
• Scalenes
• Serratus Posterior Inferior
• Diaphragm
• SCM
• Trapezius
• Erector Spinae
• Pectoralis major and minor

What can you do?

It is important to remember that you are a key part of controlling your asthma. Here are a few ways you can take an active part in your treatment:

• Try keeping an asthma diary to track your specific asthma triggers.
• Be sure to keep all of your health care providers fully informed. This includes talking to them about any medications or herbs you may be taking, as well as any changes in your symptoms.
• Follow your practitioner’s recommendations for self-care. These might include exercises such as Qi Gong, 
yoga, dietary changes
• Practice stress-relief measures such as meditation.
• Schedule regular massage sessions to reduce stress and to work on specific muscle groups to release tight breathing muscles.
• By making positive lifestyle choices and working closely with your practitioner, you’ll truly be taking charge of your asthma—
and your life.