about massage & O2

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body.

Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues(the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone.

Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves.

Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.

Some Benefits Of Massage:
1.Relaxing.
2.Soothing.
3.Healing.
4.Reassuring.
5.Eases tension, stiffness, and pain.
6.Improves breathing.
7.Improves circulation.
8.Enhances well-being.

Researchers at the University of Leeds found that patients getting often a neck massage had a reduction on their blood pressure.-"Prof. Jim Deuchars."

The Effects Of Massage:
Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits.Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses.

Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the reciever with a feeling of replenished energy.At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

An Oxygen Rush: Good, Bad, or Indifferent
Q: Businesses called oxygen bars, which provide customers with oxygen-rich air, are cropping up on the west coast, Do these provide any health benefits?

Yes
It is well known that oxygen is a necessary nutrient for the function and health of every cell in the human body, and there is more than enough literature in favor of oxygen therapies. I have seen the practical effect of oxygen on the reversal of many diseases at my clinic, the Wilshire Medical Center.

The benefits of oxygen can range widely, and some of the most common are related to lung conditions like asthma. It has been beneficial in sinusitis, it has relieved migraine headaches, muscle stiffness and tension, and it has been important in chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions like depression. If you use oxygen for 20 minutes you will notice a change. Muscles become loosened, headaches and stress seem to disappear.There is renewed energy if you are feeling down, and a feeling of relaxation if you are feeling tense. I am confident that oxygen works.

DR. Richard De Andrea

Clinic medical director and partner in a West Hollywood, CA oxygen bar, O2