Head Massage Can Release Sinus Pressure, Pain
When most of us think of massage, we think of relaxing, reducing stress, or relieving neck and back pain.
Few of us think of massage when we have sinus congestion caused by allergies or headache pain. But a good head massage can relieve stuffiness, so long as it's not caused by infection, and reduce tensions in the head that can be causing headaches.
Allergic sinus congestion is caused when something in the environment triggers the release of histamines in our system. Histamines are the body's defense against allergens, which include such irritants as smoke, dust, pollen, perfumes, and pet dander, to name a few.
Sinus congestion caused by viruses, like colds or the flu, are contraindicated for massage as manipulating the tissues could spread the infection.
Headaches can be caused by sinus congestion, as well as trigger points in the muscles, bones that are misaligned (as in TMJ dysfunction), or stress.
A thorough head massage would include gentle pressure, stroking and kneading of the muscles of the head, face and neck. It would also include some craniosacral work to realign the bones of the head.
For example, the therapist might start with circular massaging of the muscles of the head, perhaps even gently tugging the hair to release the underlying fascia. Then she might use her fingertips to stroke and press on the face, paying special attention to trigger points and acupressure points along areas of tension and congestion.
From there, she might move to the neck, releasing trigger points that typically cause headaches. Then she might release the cranial bones and further open the sinuses with craniosacral therapy.
If congestion is severe, she would probably use an essential oil or oil blend like Sunbreeze to further open the sinus passages.
Finally, your therapist might use Reiki or Polarity therapy to balance the energies in the head and further relax you.
Head massages usually last about 30 minutes, which can easily fit into most schedules. They are popular in more urban areas, and a catching on nationwide as more people experience their effectiveness.
Alternately, you might choose a Sinus Massage with Lymphatic Drainage. This massage lasts about an hour and focuses on moving the lymph to release sinus blockages. It is a very focused massage, and like the any massage, it should not be performed if you have an active infection that might spread.
At Body Balance II, a 30 minute session is $35. If you think head massage might help your congestion and headaches, please call Julie at 345-0099, or Suzanne at 315-9900 to schedule an appointment.
Keeping the Bugs Away
If you love the outdoors in the early summer, you know that one thing that can ruin an otherwise perfect day is an insect attack.
The recent rains in my area have given the mosquitoes breeding grounds in any spot that can hold a thimble of water. They're everywhere, and their bites cause redness, swelling itching that can be beyond annoying. They are also known to spread West Nile virus. They can also bite your pets.
Before that, the earwigs were driving me crazy (they were hiding in my newspapers and mail and then getting inside.) I've already picked a tick off the dog and treated her so the wild rabbits' fleas don't jump off the grass onto her.
The gnats are bad, and flies are always a problem.
I've done some research and found tips that can help you conquer the bugs this summer. Here they are:
- Avoid wet, grassy areas. Insects are more plentiful here.
- Use a citrus essential oil for personal fragrance. Fragrant or scented personal products like colognes and hairsprays can attract bugs.
- If you're in one spot, burn a smudge bundle to keep bugs away. Or you can burn an incense stick or candle scented with essential oil of lemon balm, thyme, citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender.
- Use coconut soap and/or coconut oil to repel mosquitoes.
- Wear long pants, socks and light-colored, long-sleeved shirts if you're in a space where bugs like chiggers or ticks abound. Apply repellant to ankles, wrists, and neckline. Remember that chiggers can get in your clothing and especially like the tight spaces where the elastic of your underwear touches your skin.
- Buy citronella plants at your local nursery to keep mosquitoes off your patio or deck.
- Wear a hat and a bandana on your head and neck.
- Keep cool - bugs are attracted to sweat. (Look at craft and boutique stores for neck ties filled with polymer crystals that expand in water and keep you cool.)
- One of my friends swears that Bounce fabric softener sheets will keep insects away. Same is true of Avon Skin-So-Soft.
- Be cautious with insect repellents that contain DEET, which can be toxic. Instead, use essential oils like citronella, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass and lavender. (Eucalyptus and peppermint help keep your sinuses open, too.)
- Mix 10-20 drops of the single oil or a blend of the oils above with a pint of distilled water and spray the solution on yourself or on your pets. They repel fleas as well as other bugs.
- Try eating garlic as a natural bug repellant. It secretes from your pores and drives the insects away. Zinc and the B vitamins do the same thing.
Bugs don't have to destroy your summer fun. Use these tips to help make your outings more enjoyable.
Essential Oil of the Month: Tangerine
© Bogdan-gabriel Postelnicu | Dreamstime.com
The tangerine is native to China, but it arrived in Europe in the early 1800s and came to America just afterwards. The Americas are now the largest producers of tangerines.
The tangerine fruit is similar to the mandarin. Some say it is the same fruit and that the tangerine is just an American variety of mandarin. The main difference is that tangerines have no pips, and they are harvested November rather than in February. The scent is also slightly different -- tangerine is more candy-like and temperamental.
The essential oil is obtained from cold expression of the peels.
Tangerine EO has a cheerful, refreshing scent and has naturally calming effects on the spirit. It is often used to relieve insomnia, irritability, sadness, and tension. It is said to increase a person's sense of humor and general feeling of well-being.
Tangerine EO is good for a variety of physical problems, and it is especially good for ailments of the digestive, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. It assists against water retention and swelling and can help relax cramped muscles. It can heal and reduce scars and is often used for stretch marks and cellulite. Some people use it for flatulence and bowel symptoms.
The only word of caution is to use tangerine EO sparingly. It can be phototoxic, and you should not expose skin to direct sunlight after applying it. Use a carrier oil with it if your skin is sensitive.
