What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

what does acupuncture feel like? dreamclinic acupuncture bellevue redmond seattle“I’m afraid of needles.”

Fear of needles is the number one reason people don’t try acupuncture. While some really do have a phobia of needles, the vast majority of people associate needles with pain. It’s a valid association; as kids, we quickly learned that getting a shot caused pain. And we don’t like pain.

But, this association should not be carried to acupuncture. Why? Acupuncture needles are completely different from the scary needles at the doctor. They are solid needles, not hollow like hypodermic needles, and they are much thinner – about the diameter of thick human hair. They’re so thin; they even bend at the touch!

So, if acupuncture doesn’t hurt, what does it feel like? When thinking about acupuncture, it’s important to differentiate between “sensation” and “pain.” It can be uncomfortable at times, but it doesn’t hurt. You may feel a quick sensation of sharpness when the needle first goes in. This discomfort only lasts for about three seconds, and then dissipates. The feeling is similar to pinching a tiny bit of skin between your fingernails.

So, acupuncture doesn’t hurt, but you definitely feel something. This “something” can vary from person to person, but here are the five most common descriptions of how acupuncture feels:

Heavy: An acupuncture needle can feel like a weight is being placed on a certain area of your body. This feeling of heaviness can be isolated, or can expand throughout your body. This is more of a relaxing heaviness, rather than stifling or oppressive.

Tingly: Most people agree they feel a light tingling sensation that spreads to a pleasant, warm numbness across the body. This can happen when the needle is first inserted, or while you’re just resting with the needles.

Warm: Acupuncture can be very relaxing, thanks to this pleasant, warm feeling. After a minute or two after a needle is inserted, a spreading sensation of warmth surrounds the pressure point, feeling like internal heating pads.

Electric: A feeling of electricity may occur from acupuncture, ranging from a mild, electric sensation that spreads in wave-like patterns to a surprising, quick jolt, like you’re being shocked. It usually disappears very quickly. One of the most common areas that cause this “zapped” sensation is the Pericardium 6, located on the inside of the wrist.

Soreness: Some people may feel muscle soreness, like after a moderate workout, once the acupuncture needles are removed. This most commonly occurs with points in the hands and the feet, but everyone reacts differently. Most of the soreness will disappear by the time you get home, but some experience soreness for up to 24 hours.

When a person literally feels an acupuncture point working, it’s called “de qi,” and it’s a good thing. “De qi” is when the needled has accessed some energetic material needed to produce movement in the body. When the point is activated, a charge is initiated. It means the acupuncture is working.  Learn More

Learn firsthand how acupuncture feels. Book an acupuncture appointment at Dreamclinic today.

Getting the Most From Massage

Massage Client Therapist Communication Dreamclinic Redmond Dreamclinic Seattle

It is not uncommon for folks to behave in a massage clinic similarly to how they might in a doctor’s office. In a doctor’s office the doctor holds most of the authority and chooses for the patient what course of treatment should be followed.

Such folks may not think to communicate with the practitioner about what they want from the massage session. They are more likely to start the session exchanging few words and expecting the practitioner to perform some sort of predetermined routine. The problem with this approach is the individual misses out on the opportunity to get maximum benefit from the massage treatment. A more fitting relationship between the client and the practitioner is one where clients communicate freely about their preferences pertaining to the bodywork, both before and during the massage session.

Given the more interactive relationship, clients can ask the practitioner to work exactly on the body areas they want. Say you have an aching back — you can request that the practitioner spend the full massage session working on your back. Or you may experience tension headaches — you can ask for focus mostly on head and neck areas. You can request only upper body massage, or conversely ask for an overall relaxation massage with equal attention given to all body areas. As yet another example, you can even request abdominal massage. All qualified massage practitioners are trained to provide it and it can be beneficial for lower back pain and digestive problems.

As the client, you are in charge of your massage therapy sessions. These sessions should work for you. Being aware of your body, its likes and dislikes, and then communicating with your massage therapist will make a tremendous difference in the quality of the bodywork you receive.

By Larisa Goldin, MBA, LMP

Massage for Whiplash is the most effective treatment

What really happens to your muscles during a car accident and why is massage for Whiplash so beneficial?

therapeutic massage

Whiplash is an injury to the spine and surrounding muscles caused by the abrupt jerking motion – backward, forward, or sideways – that happens as a result of the sudden impact experienced during a car accident. The muscles and spine are ‘caught off guard’ and thus unprepared for the sudden involuntary acceleration and this results in partial tearing of the the muscle tissue.

Tenderness or pain in the neck, head and upper back areas almost always follow. Lower back pain can also accompany whiplash. You may feel only slight immediate pain or discomfort following your accident, but it is common for serious tension and stiffness to set in up to two weeks later.

Whiplash causes micro-tearing of muscle and other supportive tissues requiring repair and protection by scar tissue. You may only start to experience pain once the muscle has begun to heal and scar tissue starts to form. Scar tissue lays down in haphazard formations similar to fiberglass and may cause the underlying bone, tissue and muscle fibers to get “stuck” together. You experience this as a pulling or tightness that results in a loss of flexibility or range of motion.

Massage is the most effective treatment for breaking up and realigning scar tissue and increasing mobility associated with Whiplash. The massage therapist uses a method called cross-fiber friction that works counter to the direction of the muscle to loosen adhesions and decrease scar tissue buildup. In addition, the therapist may use other strokes and stretches in areas adjoining the primary area of injury to reduce muscle tension and restore full range of motion.

A typical treatment is once a week for 8-12 sessions and should provide near 100% recovery. While physical therapy and yoga are other alternatives, these are usually not as directly effective at massage which works directly on adhesions.

What is most important to realize is that without any treatment, the muscle aches and knots experienced after an accident will go on for years. You may never be quite pain-free, and these knots and kinks set in and become part of your lifestyle. The good news, however, for those who have had accidents years ago and never got treatment is that cross-fiber friction massage is very effective even after many years.

So, in a nutshell, if you have been in an accident and now experience muscle tension or pain in your in neck, shoulders or lower back, you are likely experiencing the effects of whiplash. You do not have to feel this way forever! Massage for Whiplash is the best way to restore your muscles to full function and health.

Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage

What is the scoop with Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage?  If you are new to massage you may not know which is the most appropriate for you.  Swedish Massage is notoriously chosen for an overall relaxation massage.  Deep Tissue is often chosen for specific sore and achy muscles. Although different in focus, Swedish and Deep Tissue massage compliment each other extremely well. Most practitioners use a combination of the two to promote general well-being and help their clients overcome dysfunctional muscle patterns.

Swedish massage

The primary focus of Swedish massage is to increase circulation and promote general relaxation. Swedish massage addresses the entire body. The muscles are first calmed and warmed as oil or lotion is applied. The muscles are then kneaded and stretched with a lifting/kneading stroke and then smoothed, lengthened, and drained of excess fluid with long, firm strokes. Vibration or percussion may also be used to stimulate or release muscles. The limbs may be moved or shaken. The process is repeated on each area of the body for an overall calming and rejuvenating effect.

The health benefits of regular full-body Swedish massage are enormous. Increased circulation, lowered blood pressure, improved immune function and reversal of the effects of stress are the benefits of Swedish massage. People who receive regular full-body Swedish massage find that they feel healthier, more energetic, less stressed, and are less susceptible to illness.

Deep Tissue massage

deep tissue massage seattl

The primary focus of Deep Tissue massage is to address specific tight muscles and to correct postural distortion caused by these tight muscles. While many believe that Deep Tissue massage simply means heavy pressure, this is a misconception. A practitioner may use very deep pressure without really addressing postural distortions. Conversely, a skilled practitioner may sometimes use fairly light pressure in a precise manner to facilitate deep muscle release.

The primary stroke of Deep Tissue massage is linear friction – a sustained linear stroke along the fiber direction of a specific muscle. This stroke activates the stretch receptors of the muscle, giving it a signal to release. A Deep Tissue massage may also use static pressure in one spot to release muscles. When skillfully applied to a group of muscles, Deep Tissue massage can “teach” the body to overcome dysfunctional muscle patterns and adopt a more balanced and healthier posture.

Deep Tissue massage also has wonderful health benefits. The release of habitually tight muscles relieves chronic pain and speeds the healing of injuries. Balanced posture improves organ function and athletic performance as well as addressing chronic pain. Relieving the stress and energy drain of chronically tight muscles improves general health as well.

Should I ask for Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage specifically?

In deciding what kind of massage to ask for, consider your goals in receiving massage. Do you have a specific complaint or painful area to address? Consider Deep Tissue therapy.  Or do you want a full-body massage to combat stress or calm your nerves? Swedish might be more appropriate. Or you may find that a blend of the two is just the perfect treatment for you.  Let your massage practitioner know your needs and goals to ensure that you get the kind of work you want. And, enjoy your massage!!

by Laura G., LMP

Understanding Different Types of Massage

Deep tissue massage, Dreamclinic Massage Seattle and RedmondThere are various types of massage and understanding the differences will assist you in choosing the most effective technique to alleviate your discomfort.  In traditional massage, various levels of pressure and movement are applied to the body’s soft tissue — skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (the membrane which surrounds the muscles). Though there are many specialized massage techniques being used today, the most widely practiced is Swedish massage, built around five basic strokes – effleurage (gliding stroke), petrissage (kneading stroke), friction (steady pressure), tapotement (drumming), and vibration or jostling.

Some types of bodywork, such as Reiki or craniosacral therapy are much more subtle and work on an energetic level. They are an alternative to the more physical Swedish massage. But many other specialized techniques are easily incorporated into a Swedish massage. Dreamclinic practitioners are cross-trained in several techniques and will use them together with Swedish during a typical treatment session to tailor make a session that maximizes your massage experience.

To assist you in choosing the type of bodywork best suited for you, the most widely practiced massage modalities are described below. (There are even more modalities such as Hellerwork, Polarity or the Feldenkrais not described here). It is not necessary, although it may be helpful, for you to intimately understand the difference between all the massage modalities. What is most important is to be aware of your own goals in getting massage. You can then interview several practitioners, asking them what approach they would use to address your specific goals. If you have a condition such as whiplash or tendonitis, ask directly if the practitioner is skilled working on this condition and how they would go about it. This is the best way to ensure you will get the right type of bodywork for you.

Swedish massage – best known and most widely practiced approach to massage. It focuses on improving blood flow to the skin and muscle and removing muscle tension. Swedish provides generalized relaxation, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and enhances one’s overall state of health.

Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy – uses slow friction and deep finger pressure on body areas suffering from chronic muscle tension or areas that ache or feel contracted. This type of massage is useful for areas of hypertension, such as a stiff neck or sore shoulders. Deep tissue work works well in combination with traditional Swedish therapy.

Myofascial Release – All muscle is covered by a thin layer of tissue (called”fascia”) that helps maintain body posture and provides support and strength for the muscles. Fascia can tighten or become stuck in places, constricting muscle and not allowing it to fully relax. With Myofascial Release, the practitioner gently stretched fascia along the direction of the muscle until
the tissue releases and is fully elongated. The result of myofascial work is postural improvements and noticeable relaxation of cramped muscle groups.

Sports massage – Sports massage, geared toward athletes and fitness enthusiasts, is more vigorous than other forms of massage. Sports massage is used to warm up muscle tissue, assist in training, prevent injury, and aid healing in case of soreness or injury. It is used both before and after exercise, as well as in the treatment of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, or tendonitis.

Reiki – Reiki is a form of energy work. It uses a series of hands-on holding positions that correspond to vital organs and nerve plexes to assist the body’s own recuperative processes and restore mental calm. Reiki is excellent for those with anxiety or mood disorders. It is also gaining favor with cancer patients. Reiki works at the deepest levels of the body and is extremely relaxing.

Reflexology – Reflexology is based on the concept that all the organs of the body are mapped to our feet (and hands). Reflexology applies finger pressure, some stretching and movement to pressure points on the feet with the goal of promoting healthy functioning of the body’s various organs.

Shiatsu – This is a Japanese form of bodywork that is rooted in the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as acupuncture. Both see the body as an interconnected web of energy pathways called meridians. Blockages to flow of energy results in imbalances: some areas have an excess of energy and others a deficiency. These blockages lead to tension, pain, and diminished health. The Shiatsu practitioner uses a combination of pressure, stretching, and holding key points to treat these blockages and restore a smooth flow of energy and balance in the body.

Lymphatic Massage – A very light, gentle, repetitive stroke is used to stimulate the activity of the lymphatic system where there is edema. Lymphatic massage is used to reduce swelling resulting from injury or post-surgery.

Heated Stone Massage – For these treatments, the therapist uses heated basalt mineral stones and/or semi-precious stones that represent the chakras. Muscle tension is released as the smooth stones move over the muscle. Heated Stone Massage is also thought to align subtle energies within the body for greater attunement and harmony.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) – Craniosacral therapy monitors the rhythm fluid that is continuously draining and refilling around our brain and spinal cord. By monitoring the craniosacral rhythm, the therapist discovers where healing is needed and corrects the sources of pain using extremely subtle manipulative techniques. CST is an extremely gentle hands-on technique that causes deep relaxation for the client.

Rolfing – Rolfing is a system of body restructuring and movement education. It works with the deep myofascial structures of the body in order to release fascial adhesions and allowing the muscles and bones to return to balanced relationships. The focus is on alignment throughout they body – legs, torso, arms, etc… You may want to research more into Rolfing if you have serious postural deviations.

Pregnancy – Pregnancy massage is designed to decrease tension and swelling and increase circulation for both pregnant women and those who have just given birth.

What type of massage is right for you?

what type of massage is right for you? massage therapy, massage as treatment, deep tissue massage by Dreamclinic Massage Seattle and Redmond

What Type of Massage is Right For You?

Sarah wanted to treat herself after a couple of long, hard weeks at work. She booked a massage at a spa and enjoyed everything from cucumber slices to incense to fluffy, warm towels. It was the ultimate afternoon of relaxation.

Her friend, Rebecca, had also been working hard and wanted to reward herself. She had been experiencing tight neck and shoulder muscles from working too long on the computer, so she booked a massage at a massage clinic. She enjoyed a customized massage from a highly skilled therapist. It was the ultimate afternoon of relief.

Sarah and Rebecca both had massages, but their experiences were very different. Sarah had a spa massage and Rebecca chose clinical massage therapy. These two forms of massage get thrown around a lot and can cause confusion. While they are often used interchangeably, you can see that they are very different.

To help you choose the right kind of massage, we’re exploring the differences between clinical massage and spa therapy. The biggest differentiators fall into three buckets – focus, techniques, and training and credentials:

Focus

A spa practitioner’s focus during a massage revolves around relaxation and self-pampering. Techniques can include Swedish massage, aromatherapy, and hot stone. In spa massage, the environment is private with special emphasis on décor, lighting and music to set you at ease in addition to standard amenities like music and table warmers.

Clinical massage therapy may offer music and table warmers as well but does not focus solely on relaxation; rather its main focus is treating conditions and providing real health benefits. Clients visit massage therapists to alleviate chronic pain, headaches, or inflammation (or, like Rebecca, to alleviate tight muscles).

Techniques

Both spa therapists and clinical therapists can practice different types of massage, like Swedish, hot stone massage, or deep tissue massage. The biggest difference is why the therapists choose a technique.

In spa massage, the therapist is focused on ambiance and client relaxation. It’s about you feeling pampered and relaxed and leaving all your troubles behind for an hour or two.

On the other hand, clinical massage therapists have a great understanding of connective tissue and muscles, so they can provide specialized, treatment-oriented services. You explain a health concerns, like chronic pain or migraines, and the massage therapist will choose a technique that can best solve the issue. Client satisfaction is often assessed after multiple visits, to evaluate whether the health concern has been solved or has improved.

Training and Credentials

Basic massage education usually requires between 500 to 750 hours of learning and hands-on experience, and allows new therapists to get a spa massage job to gain necessary experience and improve their skills.

A typical massage graduate requires a period of professional practice and experience in the community to become fully versed to practice in a clinical setting. They also need to have an advanced understanding of pathology and kinesiology. In many clinical massage settings, therapists are expected to have completed additional professional certification or training in continuing education hours.

The bottom line: spa massage is about relaxation and pampering, while clinical massage improves quality of life by lowering treating muscle aches, and restoring flexibility.  Both types effectively treat stress.

So, did Sarah make a huge mistake by going to a spa massage? Not necessarily. You have to decide what you want from a massage. If you like the fluffy towels and cucumber slices, then a spa massage is probably right for you. But, if you want to see long-term health benefits and feel better physically, then a clinical massage is the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.

See what we’re talking about for yourself! Book a massage at Dreamclinic today.

 

Picture: http://www.swedish.org/getmedia/edfaa9f4-7d41-4512-a378-f086fe54ebc8/integ_massage_380.aspx

 

5 Things You Need to Know about Acupuncture

acupuncture schoolAcupuncture has moved into the mainstream, so much so that most insurance companies now cover acupuncture services. Its benefits are extolled regularly in the media, and ongoing research is being performed to validate its effectiveness. But what is acupuncture and how does it work?Here are 5 important things you need to know about acupuncture.

1. Acupuncturists are highly-trained and licensed healthcare professionals.

Acupuncture school is lengthy and demanding. Over three to four years, students must complete 1200 hours of classroom instruction and 500 hours of supervised clinic practice, then pass a national exam and a background check before applying for a state license to practice. This rigorous process protects the public health and ensures that only highly trained and experienced acupuncturists are practicing legally.

2. Acupuncture is an integral part of Chinese Medicine.

Chinese Medicine is made up of four major components – “acupuncture, herbology, bodywork, and health benefitting exercises. It is a blend of medicine [whose elements came from:] India…with Buddhism, the Middle East via the Silk Route, and Daoism, China’s own philosophy of harmony and balance.”1

In Washington State, acupuncturists are classified as “East Asian Medicine Practitioners.” A qualified acupuncturist will do a thorough intake and, using the tools of Chinese Medicine, design a customized treatment plan for each patient. This may include acupuncture needles and one or more of the following: breathing and relaxation techniques, bodywork and massage, cupping, hot/cold therapy or Qigong, plus dietary advice and Chinese herbs to support the patient’s healing. Communication between practitioner and patient is essential to achieve the desired results from each course of treatment.

3. How does Acupuncture work?

Chinese Medicine theorizes that a person’s life force energy, qi, flows everywhere within the body. The body remains healthy and in balance when qi flows freely. Pain, illness or dysfunction indicates a blockage in the flow of qi. Since over 2000 acupuncture points are located directly along the meridian pathways, insertion of acupuncture needles clears interruptions in the flow of qi and moves the body closer to its natural state of balance.

4. These are not your mother’s needles.

Often when people hear about acupuncture, they envision the use of large syringes or hypodermic needles that were encountered in childhood. Rest assured, there’s no need to run in the other direction. The sterile needles used in acupuncture are actually very thin. When inserted into an acupuncture point, the therapeutic sensation a patient feels may range from no sensation at all to a localized or traveling achiness. The FDA, who regulates the use of acupuncture needles, rates them as “safe and effective.”

5. Acupuncture has medical benefits.

Although scientific research has its limitations when assessing body-based health care modalities such as chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, the research conducted to date overwhelmingly affirms the medical effectiveness of acupuncture. Research has validated the use of acupuncture for treating headaches and migraines, relieving depression, and reducing chronic pain.  For more information on acupuncture research, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, http://nccam.nih.gov/.

Now that you know a little more about acupuncture, give it a try and see for yourself how effective it can be.

This is an original article from Dreamclinic, Inc. Dreamclinic is a Health and Wellness company committed to sharing information about commonly experienced health conditions and how they may be impacted through the use of bodywork and other natural approaches. Dreamclinic offers massage, acupuncture, and Reiki sessions at its Roosevelt and Queen Anne clinics, as well as onsite massage at workplaces around Puget Sound. Contact us to learn more about how Dreamclinic can help you, your family or your workplace experience greater health.
Resources:
1. http://www.traditionalstudies.org/what-is-chinese-medicine/ 


Additional resources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/alternative/acupuncture.htm

USA Today Proclaims Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage is not just for pampering anymore. Research continues to prove massage’s efficacy at addressing a variety of health-related conditions.  USA Today’s USA Weekend Health Smart column recently featured an article proclaiming the medical benefits of massage. In fact, a survey indicates that more people today seek out massage for medical purposes than for relaxation.

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Based on scientific evidence, massage therapy has been shown to:

  •  decrease blood pressure
  •  lower anxiety levels
  •  relieve chronic low back pain
  •  decrease levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, by as much as 50%
  •  elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, therefore reducing depression
  •  boost immunity, by increasing levels of killer T-cells in the body.

To learn more, read the full column here or watch the video below.