Most people are familiar with deep tissue, hot stone, and sports massage and the therapeutic effects they have on the mind and body. However, most are not aware of another type of therapeutic massage that, among many other benefits, helps release toxins from the body, strengthens the immune system, and reduces swelling:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
While working on the French Riviera treating patients with chronic colds, Dr. Emil Vodder, along with his wife Dr. Estrid Vodder, noticed these patients had swollen lymph nodes. In 1932 they began to study the lymph system and developed gentle hand movements to stimulate the flow of lymph. In 1936 they introduced this technique to the world in Paris, France. These gentle hand movements that stretch and twist the skin to move the lymph is taught in its unaltered form today and is the gold standard for Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
I practice the Vodder style method of Lymphatic Drainage as taught by Elisa DiFalco of the MLD institute International in Tampa, Florida, the original school of manual lymphatic drainage in the United States.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, relaxing therapy which, provides the following benefits:
-shorter recovery times, less pain and less scarring after surgery
-decreases local edemas and hematoma from orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and burns
-strengthens the immune system
-relieves swelling, tightness, and discomfort in those suffering from lymphedema or lipedema
-relieves retention of fluid during pregnancy and menstrual cycle
-provides relief from the symptoms of many autoimmune disorders such as MS, Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, IBS, and Type 1 Diabetes
-promotes relaxation and reduces stress caused by insomnia, anxiety, and depression
-aids in detoxification and weight loss
This is founded on the ancient Mayan technique of abdominal massage, which is an external, non-invasive manipulation that repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve, and chi. During the initial session, clients will be taught a self-care routine which can be practiced daily to enhance the benefits of this powerful therapy.
Benefits for Women
Normally the uterus leans slightly over the bladder in the center of the pelvis, about one and a half inches above the pubic bone. It is held in this position by muscles, the vaginal wall and ligaments that attach it to the back, front, and sides of the pelvis. Uterine ligaments are made to stretch to accommodate a growing fetus inside and to move freely when the bladder or bowel is full. The ligaments and muscles can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward or to either side.
A uterus in any of these positions is often referred to as being " tilted or prolapsed" that can result in many symptoms. Women are often told, "you have a tilted uterus, there is nothing that can be done, or it's normal don't worry about it ". Depending on the symptoms a woman experiences, treatment options may include the birth control pill, muscle relaxants, or surgery.
Yet women have a laundry list of physical and emotional symptoms that can be addressed and prevented with these simple, noninvasive massage techniques. When reproductive organs shift, they can constrict normal flow of blood and lymph, and disrupt nerve connections. Just a few extra ounces sitting on blood and lymph vessels can cause havoc throughout the different systems in the body. By shifting the uterus back into place, homeostasis, or the natural balance of the body, is restored in the pelvic area and the surrounding organs. Toxins are flushed and nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order. This is essential for healthy reproductive functioning, such as painless menses, healthy pregnancy, effective labor and birth.
Old adhesions from invasive treatments to the pelvic and abdominal area, including fibroid tumors, endometriosis, and cesarean delivery are diminished when addressed by uterine massage. In addition, digestion, urinary and bladder problems can be helped.
Benefits for Men
Men benefit greatly from these techniques as well. By ensuring a full blood supply to the prostate, the abdominal massage helps to prevent swelling and inflammation. Men report that they can feel a distinct difference in blood flow after a treatment. Not only does the massage relieve prostate swelling, but it helps alleviate varicose veins, premature ejaculation, some impotency problems and the need to urinate frequently.
Digestive and Emotional Benefits for Men and Women
Individuals with digestive disorders benefit greatly from the application of these techniques. Many of our common disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Indigestion, Constipation, and heartburn are treated with antacids, muscle relaxants, and a variety of other medications, and surgery.
These treatments address symptoms, not the causes. By using the Arvigo® Techniques, the upper abdomen is given a deep, thorough massage to loosen the tight muscles around the stomach and the arteries that feed the digestive and eliminative organs with their vital blood supply. The diaphragm is gently massaged allowing relaxation of tight musculature.
USUI ENERGY TREATMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF MIND AND BODY
Jikiden Reiki sessions focus on removing toxins from the body and guiding it towards wholeness. Jikiden Reiki is known for its effective treatment of acute and chronic conditions, as well as to address deep rooted beliefs, habits, traumas and addictions. Reiki does not heal, it accelerates the body's own healing process.
All forms of Usui Reiki practiced today originated in 1922 in Japan with the founder, Mikao Usui. This simple healing practice migrated to the west in the 1930’s via Mrs. Hawayo Takata, a first generation Japanese-American and Dr. Chijuro Hayashi, one of Usui Sensei's original students. Mrs. Takata, who was recognized by Hayashi Sensei as a Reiki "Master" in 1938, continued to practice and teach in Hawaii, on the U.S. mainland, and in British Columbia until her death in 1980. Within 15 years of Takata Sensei's death, Reiki had spread throughout the rest of the world via the 22 Masters she had trained. (Master is a western term, there are no Masters in Jikiden Reiki. It is most likely a poor translation of the Japanese word "Shihan", which means teacher) With this rapid growth, changes were introduced and some students began to combine Reiki with other healing practices. Terms such as chakras, aura healing, crystal healing, angel guides, etc. used by some practitioners are non-Japanese concepts and were not part of the original teachings.
Meanwhile, students of Usui Sensei and Hayashi Sensei continued to practice and teach Reiki in Japan. Western Reiki practitioners who went in search of Reiki’s traditional Japanese roots in the 1990’s met Chiyoko Yamaguchi, an elderly lady who had been practicing Reiki healing techniques since she was first trained by Hayashi Sensei in 1938. On learning how much Western Reiki had changed in its journey around the world, she and her son, Tadao Yamaguchi, decided to pass on what they had learned, coining the name "Jikiden" Reiki. The term “jikiden” is a Japanese word that denotes a traditional art form that is passed on carefully from teacher to student without alteration. Put quite simply, Jikiden Reiki does not have any non-Japanese concepts and is very respectful of the original teachings.
Rather than using fixed hand positions, Jikiden Reiki training involves learning to use the hands to sense areas in the body where there are accumulations of toxins. Placement of the hands on these areas is used to break down and eliminate these toxins more effectively. Once toxins are eliminated, the body may more easily move into a place of balance and health. Specific techniques may also be used to release and eliminate “toxic” emotions that may have a negative impact on health.
