Free Glide

The principal dilemma in current management of multiple sclerosis is that while early diagnosis enables damage-sparing treatment to begin, diagnosing MS too early increases the likelihood of treating people who don’t actually have the disease. Current disease-modifying drugs are all given by injection and cost about $14,000 per year. Apart from being inconvenient and expensive, there is some risk of harm from them which, if the patient doesn’t actually have MS, occurs without any offsetting benefit.

The dilemma would not be great if multiple sclerosis was easy to diagnose, but unfortunately MS is among the most difficult diagnoses in all of medicine to make, at least while still in its early stages. Early in the course of symptoms, MS can resemble other conditions; moreover, other conditions can resemble MS.

Affecting 2.5 million people worldwide and 350,000 people in the U.S. alone, multiple sclerosis is not exactly a rare disease. It affects women at least twice as often as men and begins early in adulthood with most cases starting between the ages of 20 and 40.

MS is a so-called autoimmune disease, meaning that a person’s immune system–ordinarily useful and essential in fighting off infections–becomes overactive and attacks the individual’s own bodily tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is another example of an autoimmune disease, but in MS the immune attack is not directed against joints as it is in rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, the immune system attacks large clusters of nerve-fibers generally deep within the central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord.

These attacks can produce a wide variety of symptoms depending on what the usual function was of the nerve-fibers that are under attack. When the attacked nerve-fibers have to do with vision, the symptoms are visual, like loss of visual clarity or even doubling of vision. When the nerve-fibers are involved with the process of bodily sensation, then the symptoms can be numbness or tingling. In fact, visual or sensory symptoms are the most common initial symptoms in multiple sclerosis. But initial symptoms might instead consist of dizziness, weakness, clumsiness or difficulty with urination. The sheer diversity of early symptoms that can be due to multiple sclerosis is one of the chief difficulties in recognizing it for what it is and properly diagnosing it.

It’s useful in this regard to consider the twin issues of “false-positives” and “false-negatives.” In short, every medical test and every diagnosis is subject to these errors. False-positive means that a test or a doctor indicates that a disease is present when it is, in fact, absent. A false-negative error occurs when a test or a doctor indicates that a disease is absent when it is, in fact, present. Despite the increased confidence that expanding medical knowledge and ever-more sophisticated tests provide, false-positives and false-negatives are a fact of life and still apply to every test and every diagnosis.

In multiple sclerosis there are three cornerstones to the diagnostic process. In usual descending order of importance they are the clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Each of these is important in its own way, but one component almost never stands on its own merits, requiring one or both of the other components for corroboration.

The clinical evaluation refers to the time-honored process in which the physician elicits the history of the symptoms and performs a physical examination. The physical examination consists mainly of the neurological examination, which is a battery of mini-tests that inventories the performance of different components of the nervous system.

Even a test as high-tech and powerful as the MRI scan can lead to diagnostic errors. False-positives often occur when a patient has a scan for a totally unrelated reason–like headaches, for example–and has pockets of increased signal within the brain for which the radiologist raises the possibility of multiple sclerosis. When the abnormal scan leads to consultation with a neurologist, the neurologist often determines that multiple sclerosis is out of the question, and the areas of increased signal are either benign or due to another problem entirely. MRIs less frequently produce false-negatives for multiple sclerosis, but even so, this imaging test is believed to show just the tip of the iceberg in this disease, failing to demonstrate important changes that occur at the microscopic level.

Examining the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is another valuable tool in diagnosing MS. The CSF bathes the inside and the outside of the brain and the outside of the spinal cord, so its cellular and chemical composition often reflects what’s going on within those structures. CSF is obtained by means of lumbar puncture, also known as spinal tap, a safe procedure in which a needle is inserted through the lower back and into the CSF space. The fluid is collected as it drips out the back of the needle. In cases of active MS there are usually abnormal proteins produced by the immune system that can be detected and measured in the CSF. However, here too there are false-positives and false-negatives, so that some people with abnormal proteins don’t have MS and other people with normal proteins still do have the disease.

So the diagnostic process–including clinical evaluation, MRI scanning and CSF examination–is fraught with the possibility of error at each step of the way. Yet there is considerable incentive to make the diagnosis as early in the disease as possible (which is also when the risk of diagnostic errors is greatest) in order to initiate treatment that tames the out-of-control immune system. Sifting through the diagnostic information to make a timely and accurate diagnosis almost always requires the assistance of a neurologist, and even with the help of these specialists in disorders of the nervous system, sometimes the diagnosis gets revised as time passes and clues become more definite.

(C) 2005 by Gary Cordingley

Gary Cordingley, MD, PhD, is a clinical neurologist, teacher and researcher who works in Athens, Ohio. For more health-related articles see his website at: www.cordingleyneurology.com

Understanding what holistic medicine is:

Holistic Medicine is a wellness-based approach to medicine. It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being.

How it works

Within the wellness model, health care practitioners examine a patient’s body, mind, and spirit. When assessing the body, practitioners review a patient’s nutritional status, exercise level, and environmental exposures (to such substances as radiation, plastics, chemicals, pollution, and tobacco).

When assessing the mind, health care practitioners discuss the mind-body connection. For example, the well-established “fight or flight” response shows the interconnectivity between the mind and body. Other research has shown the healthful benefits to the body when relaxation techniques are employed and the power of positive thinking. Holistic medicine practitioners also look at nutritional aspects that help keep the mind functioning at optimal capacity, the emotional support system that patients have in place, and the types of intellectual stimulation that keep the mind well primed.

Holistic medicine practitioners also assess the spiritual aspects of an individual. A spiritual connection, in whatever form, has been shown to improve health. The practitioners also discuss the importance of forgiveness and in “plugging in” (a patient’s own discovery and connection with their place in the “bigger picture” and how personal decisions affect this “bigger picture”).

A wellness plan for you

Holistic medicine practitioners offer the following “wellness prescription” tips for improving your mind, body, and spirit:

Avoid animal fats and trans fats (partially hydrogenated vegetable oils)

Emphasize omega-3 fatty acids (fish, seeds [especially flaxseed], and nuts

Eat more fruits and vegetables (8 to 10 servings per day)

Consume whole grains

Avoid white flour, sugar, and processed foods

Consider green tea instead of coffee

For more information, visit: http://www.AlternativeMedicineInfoCenter.com

Best Pill for E.D

Cialis is an oral medication prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. The blue diamond shaped prescription tablet, helps improve erections.

Preserving an erection is just as important as getting one. Cialis is known to help with both, thus leading to a more satisfying sexual experience with your partner.

It is best to understand that with the use of Viagra, you do not get an instant erection. In order to get an erection and for the Cialis to work, you must be aroused. After taking Viagra, the results can be seen in about 30 minutes to 1 hour as it works differently in individuals. For some men, it works in as little as 14 minutes. Normally the lasting period for Cialis is 4 hours.

After sexual intercourse, your erection will go away. In the case that your erection lasts for 4 hours or longer, you must consult a doctor immediately as this may harm your penis. In order to get quick results, it is advisable to take Cialis on an empty stomach or after eating a low-fat meal. If taken with a high-fat meal, there may be a delay in absorption of Tadalafil and the peak effect might be reduced slightly as the plasma concentration will be lowered.

Like with all medication, Cialis works the first or second time for most men. But for some men this might not be the case. So if Cialis does not work for you, don’t give up on it. Try taking it again. Keep in mind that Cialis can be taken as often as once a day, every day. If you still do not get results, talk to your doctor. Often a dose adjustment can make all the difference.

The exercise bike has long been the type of exercising that people just love to do. Why? It is relatively easy to do and it allows people to exercise at virtually any time, in a number of different ways. It is through these bikes that people can tone muscle or lose weight. They can find an excellent amount of help through these bikes as well. If you are one of the many that love to work hard and want an exercise bike that will work for you, then this may just be the right option to think about. But, wait; did we mention the various types of exercise bikes on the market?

Just Look At The Options!

The exercise bike has really come a long way from the days of a stationary bike that you can ride. They used to be quite similar to those bikes that are rode out of doors, but now they have become complex machines. Now, although you can choose any of the exercise bike options that you find, it is important to realize that the true benefit to the bike comes only from getting on it and getting in that workout. In other words, you need to invest the time in the bike to gain anything from those features.

Some of the features that you will find on exercise bikes are those that will enhance your performance. One of the major problems or differences between the stationary bike and those that are real bikes is that you don’t get the up and down of hills that help to intensify a workout. But, this is possible and does happen when you use an exercise bike that you can tighten and release the tension off of. Also, some exercise bikes can be inclined at different levels to simulate the effects of bike riding.

Exercise bikes can also monitor your performance better. Yes, they can tell you how well you are doing. Many exercise bikes are equipped with mileage counters. Some have calorie burner counters as well. Still others will track your speed. On top of these elements, you will find heart rate monitor bikes that will actually track and monitor your heart’s beat throughout the course. Want to analyze this data? Some exercise bikes will allow you to download the information to your computer or will allow you to track and use it right on the bike.

Just remember, as much as you want to have these excellent features, you have to commit to the exercise as well. That means that you have to get on the bike and get the workout done, regularly because if you don’t nothing is gained. Take some time to find just the right features and priced exercise bike for you and get to working out! If you use your exercise bike fully and regularly, then you will reap the rewards of increased health and wellness that loss of weight and increased muscle tone can do for you.

For more information on exercise bikes visit our site: www.fitnessbuff.info You’ll also find other great fitness related information and tips.

Healthy heart awareness is coming up in February. Do you really know if you have a healthy heart? How do we know? We only know after something happens. We always think it can’t happen to us.

Having a healthy body gives you a healthy heart. So here are some tips to keep your body healthy.

1. You need to take a really good vitamin. What does that mean? Expensive? No. I mean a vitamin that does dissolve in your body so your body benefits the vitamins in it. I only know of one vitamin that is fructose compounded that benefits our bodies by absorbing 95% of the vitamins, instead of just passing through our bodies.

What is fructose compounding? Fructose is a natural fruit sugar your cells crave and it is easily absorbed in the bloodstream. This process is designed to pre-bind a fructose molecule to a mineral so the mineral won’t bind with nutrients in the digestive system. The fructose compounded mineral are designed to be absorbed more easily into the bloodstream and delivered to your cells and thus to your tissues, organs and the rest of your body. Thus making you body healthy.

2. Exercise - You need to keep your body moving. We are suppose to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. The best way to monitor that is to have a walking monitor that can be clipped to your belt or pants. Then keep track of how many steps you take and then if they are aerobic. Which will get you heart pumping. When you get your heart pumping you are getting your body moving and getting your body in better shape all around.

3. Food - We need to eat more vegetables and less processed foods. We need to get back to making dinners instead of using processed foods that are easy and quick. I fall into that category. I’m in the process of retraining myself in making better choices for my family. Life is busy and it’s just easier to use pre-made meals. Tip: On Sunday make it family cooking day. Get everyone in the kitchen and make 5 dinners for the week. Put in the freeze when cooled. Then during the week pull out dinner from the freezer and leave in fridge to thaw while at work. It is something to get used to but it makes Sundays very memorable.

These are simple changes but they could save you or someone you love from something very serious. It only takes a few good changes and you can have a better healthier life.

My name is Angie Hembree and I’m with Infinite Possibilities Team. Check out my website at www.wahw.infinitepossibilitiesteam.com Learn how to receive better, safer, earth healthy products including the vitamins mentioned above while saving 30%-40% off retail.

In June 2002, I was a bridesmaid at my cousin’s wedding when I had my first panic attack (or “episode” as I called it at the time). I managed to get through the wedding without anyone knowing I was having a problem, but in two months I was going to be a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding. What if I this “episode” happened to me again at my sister’s wedding? Well, it did happen again, well before my sister’s wedding.

It started to happen during meetings at work, in the car and at restaurants. I started to stay in a lot, other than work (I seemed to be ok at work unless I was “stuck” in a meeting). I somehow made it through my sister’s wedding without a problem. I definitely had anxiety, but no panic attacks (I was also taking Meclizine at the time for dizziness, which made me drowsy, which is why I think I didn’t have a panic attack during the ceremony). After this wedding, I swore I wouldn’t be in any more bridal parties.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, my other sister goes and gets engaged! At least I had a whole year to prepare. By this time I had done some research online and realized that I was suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. I started going to a support group and found that I was not alone! In group I learned many different “tools” to help alleviate my anxiety. After a year of weekly sessions, my sister’s wedding came and went without a problem!

I was so proud of myself for all of the hard work that I did to get to this point. I “graduated” from group and have been free of panic attacks ever since. I still have some anxiety, but when this happens I break out my tools. One of the tools that works best for me is to light a scented candle and do my diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Inhaling the calming candle aromas always makes my whole body relax.

Another tool is to get involved in something that will keep my mind busy. I decided to combine these two tools. I started an online business selling relaxing scented candles…Candles that warm your heart and melt your worries away! I wanted to share this tool with others and in doing so, I also helped my own anxiety. Managing the site definitely keeps my mind busy. Although I still have some minor anxiety, my panic attacks have stopped. I know that candles are not a cure for anxiety disorders, but candles definitely helped me. I hope they can help you too! Feel free to visit my site at www.comfycandles.com.

By Lynn Manno

http://www.comfycandles.com

Thanks for reading!

It’s New Year - so you decide its time for a New You!

Do you often feel tired and stressed out?

Has modern day city life encouraged you put on a few pounds?

Do you have trouble sleeping — even though you are exhausted?

You’re not alone. One of the most common complaints today is the feeling of fatigue and weight gain.
Our modern lifestyle, which includes pollution, high stress levels, poor diet, antibiotics, poor quality water, processed fast food, agricultural chemicals and inappropriate rest are just a few of the things that are responsible for a wide range of symptoms and illnesses that can contribute to you experiencing some of the following:

• Overweight
• Gas, bloating and indigestion
• Diarrhoea and / or constipation
• Bad breath and body odour
• Chronic fatigue
• IBS
• Skin problems such as Acne, Eczema
• High cholesterol levels
• Food cravings
• Frequent bouts of illness such as colds, flu

Dehydration decreases your ability to digest food properly.
This can lead to Gastric inflammation and if you combine this with stress then Leaky Gut Syndrome can occur. This leads to fatigue after eating your meals.

So what can you do about it?

Here are my tips to help you get you started:

1. Drink the right amount of good quality water for your bodyweight - minimum of 2 litres per day.

2. Pay off your sleep debt. Get to bed on time! We all need a minimum of 8 hours sleep every night to help promote recovery to our body’s muscular system and our hormonal system. Without this the body will not be able to regulate its metabolism correctly, which is vital for those seeking weight loss.

3. Eat right for your Metabolic Type. Eating the wrong ratios of Macronutrients (Fats, Carbohydrates and Protein) for your body type can cause weight gain, fatigue and a decrease in energy levels.

4. Eat only certified organic food - this will help remove toxins and harsh chemicals out of your system.

5. Restrict your alcohol content to less than 4 units per week. Alcohol has empty calories which the body can not use as fuel. It also elevates Insulin and Cortisol production. Both these are important hormones in the body, but if released in excess, they can cause weight gain. Alcohol also irritates the stomach lining, which can lead to digestive problems.

6. If you smoke - now is the chance to give up. Long term smoking damage apart from the risks of cancer and heart disease, have now also been shown to include skin damage. An example of this is the “crow’s feet” skin wrinkling that is so characteristic of people who have smoked for a long time. This is due to oxidative damage induced by the smoking.

7. Exercise right for your body, do some cardiovascular exercise such as walking for 30 minutes and introduce some strength training to help boost your metabolism. A good Personal Trainer can help you with this.

8. Practice energy boosting techniques such as Tai-Chi, Yoga and Qi Gong. These exercises help to cultivage “Chi” the natural energy source that is all around us. This energy often needs harvesting because we are always in “fast mode”.

For you to become truly healthy and get the results you desire, you will need to review and consider your current diet and lifestyle habits from a different viewpoint.

Act now to have a healthy active full life doing the things you want to do and to have the shape that you desire!

If weight gain, fatigue and stress are an issue for you then seek the help of a Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach. They can help you manage these symptoms using structured techniques such as proper eating, corrective exercise, stress management and lifestyle improvements.

Enjoy the New You!

Gregg Marsh is a Chek Practitioner Level I, CHEK Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Level II, Sports Massage Practitioner and a Intermediate Metabolic Typing Advisor. He is a director of Mindbodyfree - a holistic Personal Training Company based in London, England. He can be contacted by email: gregg@mindbodyfree.co.uk - web:http://www.mindbodyfree.co.uk

Eating the right foods is integral to losing fat, but many overlook the reality that what you drink plays an important role as well. We all have preferences when it comes to drinks. Some prefer alcohol, some detest water, and some believe that the only thing that keeps them going is cup after cup of coffee. However, there are consequences, both good and bad, depending on what you typically drink. Let’s start with the most important drink, water. As early as 2003, reports were beginning to surface about how water actually elevates the metabolic rate, therefore aiding in weight loss. This study conducted at Berlin’s Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center studied the caloric intake and energy expenditures of seven men and seven women who were not overweight. After the test subjects each drank a little over 2 glasses of water, their metabolic rates increased by as much as 30% for both men and women. The increases occurred within 10 minutes of ingestion and reached a maximum after about 30 to 40 minutes. Researchers found that if a person increases their water intake by 1.5 liters a day without altering anything else, they would still burn an extra 17,400 calories by the end of the year. That is unbelievable. Furthermore, it’s also well known that water is satiating in that it helps curb hunger pangs, therefore preventing you from overeating. Obviously, water is vital for survival, but now we know that it helps to burn more calories giving us another reason as to why it’s necessary for fat loss.

Dairy and Weight Loss

Another study came out in 2003 that may be difficult to imagine being true, but research has arrived at the conclusion that low-fat dairy products are a wonderful means in aiding with fat loss. According to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences Journal of Nutrition, women who consumed milk, yogurt, and cheese three to four times a day lost 70% more body fat than women who didn’t eat dairy. Supposedly, the reason is that calcium actually helps to boost the metabolic rate. Oddly enough, other foods fortified with calcium won’t have the same weight loss effect as the dairy products. Women reap the largest benefit when they consume three servings of dairy a day and 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day. So, make sure you pick up some milk, but keep it low in fat for the best results.

Drinking Alcohol

Lastly, I believe it goes without saying that alcohol needs to be used in moderation and, in my opinion, not at all if fat loss is truly your goal. First off, alcohol actually hinders the mobilization of fat and since the fat can’t be utilized to produce energy, glucose (carbohydrates) is then used to provide energy for the body. In turn, the elevated glucose levels lead to a rush of insulin to the blood in order to cart away the glucose to the brain, muscles, and elsewhere. However, insulin doesn’t know when to stop with the carting away of the glucose and ends up lowering your blood sugar in the process so that you feel sluggish and weak. Imagine yourself crashing after a sugar high. Consequently, the appetite is triggered and more, unnecessary calories are consumed. To make a long story short, alcohol completely disrupts your metabolism and can even noticeably slow it down up to nearly two days following the alcohol ingestion. Be smart about what you drink. If you choose right, you might just find a body under there that’s worth keeping forever.

Ian Robertson has interests that range anywhere between playing drums to kayaking and kickboxing. Ian is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Advanced Weight Training Specialist, as well as a Certified Nutritionist. He emphasizes functional and innovative training techniques to add variety and interest to his shockingly effective workouts.

Find out how to lose your extra weight forever when you visit the weight loss support group and phentermine discussion forum at PhenForum.com. Heck, if nothing else, subscribe to their free newsletter for some weight loss tips to help you lose weight without hurting your body like most people do!

Pleural mesothelioma patients treated with both cisplatin and raltitrexed may survive longer than patients who receive cisplatin alone, according to a recent study conducted in Europe and Canada (J Clin Oncol. 2005 Oct 1; 23(28): 6881-9). Raltitrexed (Tomudex) works by interfering with the ability of tumor cells to multiply and make deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. Cisplatin is a traditional chemotherapy drug.

Two hundred fifty pleural mesothelioma patients took part in a clinical trial to determine the safety and effectiveness of raltitrexed. One hundred twenty-four patients took cisplatin and the rest took cisplatin plus raltitrexed. Most were men with an average age of 58 who had not received other chemotherapy treatments.

The raltitrexed study was a “phase III” clinical trial, as defined by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. A phase III trial compares a new cancer treatment with a standard treatment, and requires a large number of participants. It follows a phase II clinical trial, which is concerned with the safety of a new treatment and how to administer it, and a basic phase I clinical trial, which tests the drug’s effectiveness on a small number of patients.

Survival Increased in Patients Treated with Raltitrexed
The researchers looked at survival, progression of pleural mesothelioma, safety, tumor response rates, and the patient’s quality of life. They found the following:

Forty-six percent of pleural mesothelioma patients in the cisplatin/raltitrexed group survived at least one year, compared to 40% of those in the cisplatin group.

The average survival was 11.4 months for patients in the cisplatin/raltitrexed group, but only 8.8 months for patients in the cisplatin group.

Twenty-four percent of patients treated with cisplatin/raltitrexed had a positive response against pleural mesothelioma compared to 14% of patients treated with cisplatin.

The overall quality of life was about the same in the cisplatin group as compared to the cisplatin/raltitrexed group.

A small number of patients in both the cisplatin and cisplatin/raltitrexed groups developed low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Other side effects included fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, which were more common in the combined drug group.

Raltitrexed Is Related to the Pleural Mesothelioma Drug Alimta®
Raltitrexed is in the class of chemotherapy drugs called antifolates. It blocks the production of thymidylate synthase, which in turn decreases the mesothelioma cell’s ability to make DNA, the basic genetic material involved in cell reproduction. It is registered in Europe for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

Raltitrexed is closely related to pemetrexed (Alimta®), another antifolate. Currently, pemetrexed/cisplatin is the only chemotherapy drug combination that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved to treat pleural mesothelioma.

The authors of the raltitrexed study concluded that combining cisplatin with an antifolate such as raltitrexed or pemetrexed is more helpful in treating pleural mesothelioma than using cisplatin alone. They also felt that cisplatin plus raltitrexed did not have a harmful effect on the patient’s quality of life.

More information: http://www.mesothelioma-info-asbestos.com/

My first shiatsu massage

I opened my eyes suddenly. He was smiling at me. Then I realised I must have fallen asleep. It was a strange feeling. Energised, refreshed and relaxed, all at the same time. And it was so enjoyable. If that is a full body shaitsu massage, I want another.

Shiatsu massage is done fully clothed, but nothing restrictive must be worn, I was told. I lay on a futon on the floor. He started by placing his hands on my stomach and closed his eyes, just sensing my energy. Then he started to work his way around my body using all sorts of massage techniques combined with stretching and pulling of my arms and legs.

But the best bit was when he worked around my head and neck. That felt so good. And when he moved down my spine with his hands chopping and kneading. My whole body tingled and I felt a rush of energy. I think it was about then that I must have drifted off to sleep.

What is a full body massage?

The session starts with some questions. General health, problems, pain, tension spots and any existing medical conditions. This builds a case history. If you have a number of regular treatments your case history is kept current with the results of each session.

Lying on your back, the giver kneels down beside you and places a hand on your abdomen. This is a ‘hara’ diagnosis. The Japanese word ‘hara’ means your centre and it reveals much about your energy system to a sensitive shaitsu practitioner. The shiatsu massage technique involves stimulating or relaxing the acupuncture points or meridians of your body.

The word ’shiatsu’ means ‘finger pressure’. The purpose of these massage techniques is to release and balance the flow of ‘ki’ or energy, at points where it has become blocked or overstimulated.

A full body session will include work on your abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, head, neck, legs, feet and back. You get your arms and legs pushed and pulled. You are kneaded and chopped with hands and static finger pressure is applied at specific points on your body.

Why do you feel both energised and relaxed?

Your body has a network of energy channels or ‘meridians’ in which your ‘ki’ flows. This unseen network follows similar pathways to the nervous system and provides a constant supply of life-giving energy.

And just like a busy freeway, blockages in the flow can occur. But unlike a freeway these constrictions often do not clear naturally, causing local pain, tension, irritation or even illness. And because the meridians connect all the organs together, it can cause problems in other parts of your body too.

Shiatsu clears these blockages, freeing your energy, so you feel energised. Clearing blocked energy releases tension. The massaging techniques and the power of ‘human touch’ has a tremendous relaxing effect on your whole body. This is why you can fall asleep. Releasing all your tension you instantly relax into much deeper levels of mind which border on sleep.

Where does this form of massage originate from?

Shiatsu massage started in the 6th Century in Japan. The modern-day founder of shiatsu as a therapy is Tokujiro Namikoshi and the Institute for Shiatsu therapy which he opened in 1925 on the Island of Hokkaido. After 20,000 graduates, shiatsu is widely practiced in Japan. It is also practiced in China but is called acupressure.

The study of shaitsu involves a lot more than just finger pressure and massage techniques. Students study anatomy, physiology, the meridians and energy ‘circuits’ of the body, pressure points, case studies and ‘hara’ diagnosis.

They must have many hours of practice on volunteers and they must be fit and strong. A practitioner must be comfortable sitting, kneeling and squatting on the floor. Something we are not use to doing in the west.

Why shiatsu is the ultimate stress relief

We all lead busy lives balancing work, homes, relationships and many other triggers for stress and tension. These triggers build slowly but surely, especially if your life is ‘full-on’ with little rest and relaxation. You will notice the signs: inability to relax, irritability or you may suffer from insomnia. These are just a few of the symptoms.

This stress causes body and muscle tension and many inbalances in the way your body works. In turn, the vital energy that flows around your body becomes constricted and blocked causing pain and discomfort. We all know the therapeutic value of massage for releasing tension but Shiatsu combines tension release with energy unblocking, all in one session.

A Shiatsu massage melts away all your accumulated stress and tension and gives you an energy boost all at the same time. There are not many therapies that can do this and be so enjoyable too.

Terry Dunn writes regular articles on how to use alternative therapies to improve your health. From aromatherapy to yoga, discover what it’s like, how it works and how you can benefit. To read more articles, visit his website, http://www.holistichealthtalk.com