Healthcare Spotlight: Brigham and Women's Hospital

When my father needed some work on his heart recently, we did a lot of research to find the best doctor and the best hospital, a classic chore.

So many health care institutions and health care providers seem to have lost their purpose: care.  Patients are stuffed, four or more, into poorly lit rooms, wondering when they will be attended to.  Overworked doctors only briefly check in with patients and families, who are left with questions and frustration.

We were thrilled to find that Brigham and Women's Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston, has a very different philosophy and practice.  Patients and their families are its prime focus.  Rooms are private -- that is, one patient per room -- light filled, and able to accommodate a visiting family member.  Most important, however, are the people and their care of patients and families.  The receptionists in the family center keep you up to date on your loved one's status.  The medical staff is attentive and constantly informative.  In fact, I was shocked when the attending nurse called my cell phone mid-procedure to tell me how things were going with my Dad.  And the doctor called me immediately upon completing to give me a full summary.

Brigham and Women's Hospital has not forgotten that the person is at the center of health care.  In a world that is increasingly impersonal, it is heartening to know that health care is not dead.

Frankincense & Myrrh: Those Men Were Wise

If the story is true and the three wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, they were wise, indeed.  Frankincense and Myrrh are both excellent choices to bring to a baby.  They are both good for the skin (I use them both in my massage treatments), and they are anti-septic, as well.

There is preliminary indications that Frankincense may also hold a key to the cure for cancer.  The BBC recently reported on studies that show some agent in Frankincense to cause cancer cells to "close down." (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8505251.stm)  Although they are still trying to isolate which of 17 active components are having this effect, it is a sign of hope.

Myrrh has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, for circulatory problems, and for symptoms of menopause.  A recent study showed the lowering of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and raising of HDL ("good" cholesterol).  (Al-Amoudi, N. (2009). Hypocholesterolemic effect of some plants and their blend as studied on albino rats. International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health.)

And who doesn't like a little bit of gold?

Gym Spotlight: Precision Athlete

Everyone's wellness routine needs a good gym and a good coach.  If you're serious about your workout, then Precision Athlete is what you're looking for.  This is not a spa-gym.  Co-founders Antonio Cordova and Annie Vo are serious about getting you serious about your workout.  Seriously.

"We help clients improve functional strength, power, endurance–whatever the task requires. If you’re willing to experience some pain then you stand to gain something here."

And there is some pain.  But what I've learned is the old adage "no pain, no gain" is true.  Antonio and Annie are skilled at both programming your workout and at motivating you to challenge yourself.  And they make sure the pain is the right kind.

So, skip the gym with the juice bar, the lounge, the TVs to distract you, and check out Precision Athlete.  Seriously.

Tapotement Relaxing? Really?

Yes, indeed!  Okay, you've seen the movie about the sports star about to go into the final game/race/round.  He is getting a pre-event massage from a burly therapist (or the coach).  The therapist is hacking away at the star's back, rhythmically pounding, getting him ready for the big game/race/round.

Tapotement is a great technique not only for stimulating the nervous system, but also for improving circulation, loosening mucus in the lungs, and with other massage techniques breaking up fatty deposits.

And there's a twist (doesn't everything have a twist these days?): After 30-60 seconds, tapotement takes a turn and begins to calm the nervous system.  Yes, that pounding/hacking/cupping calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation.

So, the next time you're preparing your star (or being prepared yourself) for the field/ring, make it a short tapotement session.  Save the 30-minute percussion for after the trophies.

Helichrysum: Apply Neat

We generally use essential oils diluted in carrier oils for massages, for example.  I often use Frankincense, Lavender, or Peppermint, depending on the client's condition.  At 2-3% dilution, these are extremely effective in sedating, balancing, or relieving muscle pain.

This week, however, I had the opportunity to apply Helichrysum neat - that is, directly on a cut on my hand.  Just a drop on the wound resulted in very fast healing.  I was shocked at how quickly the cut resolved.  In a matter of 24 hours, the inflammation had reduced significantly, and wound was close to being completely healed.  Now, 72 hours later, I can see that after applying one drop of Helichrysum directly on the wound 1-2 times per day, this cut will be gone within the next day.

I have used Helichrysum in my skin care products, but this is the first time I've used it as an alternative in first aid for a superficial wound.  I'm very impressed.

For more, see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11902802.

News on Human Trafficking: Polaris Project & NCBTMB

I am happy to learn that the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (http://www.ncbtmb.org) has partnered with the Polaris Project (http://www.polarisproject.org) in an effort to stop human trafficking.  Apparently, there are many disreputable organizations disguising themselves as massage schools, which are, in effect, organizations of forced prostitution -- human trafficking.  By strengthening its School Compliance program, the NCBTMB is helping to crack down on those organizations trying to become recognized as legitimate schools.

This development makes me even prouder to be a member of NCBTMB.

To learn more, please go to http://www.polarisproject.org/media-center/press-releases/446-ncbtmb-compliance-program-works-to-identify-fradulent-school.

Peppermint: Not Just a Candy or Tea

I have long enjoyed a cup of peppermint tea, both for its taste and its ability to ease an upset stomach.  But peppermint is also effective for use in massage for tired and achy muscles.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) contains a large amount of menthol, a monoterpenol that is antispasmodic and carminative (makes tummy feel better).  Peppermint is also analgesic and cooling.  I recently had a massage a few days after a very intense workout, and the use of peppermint relieved the pain.  My back felt cool and much, much better.  And, as always, this essential oil smells great!

(By the way, mice hate the smell, so clean liberally with peppermint!)