FOOD BANK OPEN HOUSE

FOOD BANK OPEN HOUSE

Join us for hot chocolate and treats!

When: Tuesday, December 4^th

Where: New Leaf Wellness Clinic

Why: To collect food and gift donations for families in need.

From now until December 15^th we will be collecting  food and money donations. We will also be donating 10% of all New Leaf gift card purchases to the Abbotsford Food Bank.

Let's make a difference together.

Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week

Friday marked the first day of 

Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week!

After a long week of hard work, every get home and sit back and think "Ouch! My knees hurt!" or "My wrists are very sore from working at the computer all day"?

These are common complaints addressed within our health clinic. Massage therapy, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic care are great options for the health and wellness of your bones and joints.

Strained or over used muscles may feel sore due to lactic acid buildup post exercise, inflammation  may occur from strenuous activity, poor posture, injury, or trauma to the muscles. If muscles are inflamed, or 'out of position' they may pull on a joint in a way that is not natural to optimum function.

For example, many patients who complain about upper back, shoulder and neck tension usually stems from poor posture and ergonomics in the work place. If a patient were to slouch all day for an extended amount of time, usually a 5-8 hour shift, your muscles are not going to be in a natural position.  This is when a patient will start to feel tension, the more tension the more a patient will tend to slouch or try to compensate the pain. When this happens, the patient creates a viscous pain cycle and muscles in the upper back that may cause the spine and adjacent bones and joints to compensate. Sometimes aggravating the symptoms further.

To fix this, muscles and bones will either need to be massaged or manipulated back into their natural position. Many times after a treatment patient's will feel symptomatic relief instantly or in the following day or two. However, they will come back a week later expressing the same symptoms.

This is because if the patient does not practice maintenance, preventative care and/or continues with poor posture, the symptoms will remain.  Forms of preventative care would be stretching, heat/ice therapy, strengthening exercises, and/or posture awareness.

The above criteria are just a common example of pain, discomfort, and common complaints concerning joints. Some patients will come in after having a knee surgery to help strip away scar tissues, or like such surgeries where scar tissue can build up around the bones and joints causing pain and or stiffness.

There are many types of conditions and pathologies that concern bones and joints. Some examples would be arthritis, carpel tunnel, fractures and breaks, fungus, osteoporosis, etc.

It's important to educate yourself in bone and joint health because these are the structural parts of the skeletal system. They absorb shock, bend, twist and move to keep us at an optimum health, but if our bones and joints are unhealthy, the rest of the body will be affected.

See our other blogs about common bone and joint conditions to learn more about how our clinic can help you find relief, become healthier, and move forward.

Claudette Says....

....Check out these links!

Here are some link with interesting information that may answer some of your questions regarding NIS therapy.

Treating CAUSES at CELL level… How?...

Digestion & Nutrition...Is there a link?

Insomnia - from an NIS perspective

Depression & Insomnia: Is there a connection?

Learning & Behavioural Difficulties Are your child's allergies playing a role in their learning difficulty?

Have any questions regarding what you read? Do you have questions that still were not answered?

Feel free to contact Claudette to ask her questions and how NIS therapy can help you!

Email: cvarleynis@shaw.ca

More Matters--Blueberries

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries, those small little berries pack a punch! Blueberries are part of the super fruits, and are full of micro-nutrients and antioxidants. Because blueberries can be sold in many forms, there are tons of ways to incorporate these little guys into your diet. You can find them in fresh, frozen, in jams, dried, in yogurt, smoothies, cereals, and even in baked goods. Of course, you will reap the most benefits eating them raw. Have a handful a day with breakfast or lunch for a little immune fighting benefits, anti-inflammatory products, and stress relief...not to mention, blueberries taste wonderful!

Here are a few tasty recipes you can try now:

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

Lemon-Blueberry Yogurt Parfait

Blueberry Walnut Salad

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Blueberry Sauce

Nutrients, phytochemicals and research

Blueberries, raw

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	239 kJ (57 kcal)
Carbohydrates	14.5 g
- Dietary fiber	2.4 g
Fat	0.3 g
Protein	0.7 g
Vitamin A	54 IU
- lutein and zeaxanthin	80 μg
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.04 mg (3%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.04 mg (3%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	0.42 mg (3%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.1 mg (2%)
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg (8%)
Folate (vit. B9)	6 μg (2%)
Vitamin C	10 mg (12%)
Vitamin E	0.6 mg (4%)
Vitamin K	19 μg (18%)
Calcium	6 mg (1%)
Iron	0.3 mg (2%)
Magnesium	6 mg (2%)
Manganese	0.3 mg (14%)
Phosphorus	12 mg (2%)
Potassium	77 mg (2%)
Zinc	0.2 mg (2%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Blueberries have a diverse range of micronutrients, with moderate levels (relative to respective Dietary Reference Intakes) of the essential dietary mineralmanganese, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber (table).^[24] One serving provides a relatively low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day.

Blueberries contain anthocyanins, other pigments and various phytochemicals, which are under preliminary research for their potential role in reducing risks of diseases such as inflammation and cancer.^{[25][26][27][28][29][30][31]} Similar to red grape, blueberries may contain resveratrol.^[32]

Most studies have been conducted using the highbush cultivar of blueberries (V. corymbosum), while content of polyphenols and anthocyanins in lowbush (wild) blueberries (V. angustifolium) exceeds values found in highbush cultivars.^[33]

In preliminary research, feeding blueberries to rats reduced brain damage in experimental stroke^[34][35] and may cause increased production of vascular nitric oxide that influences blood pressure regulation.^[36] Additional research showed that blueberry consumption in rats altered glycosaminoglycans that are vascular cell components affecting control of blood pressure.^[37]

Other animal studies found blueberry consumption lowered cholesterol and total blood lipid levels, possibly affecting symptoms of heart disease.^[38]

Supplementation of diets with wild blueberry juice may affect memory and learning in older adults, while reducing blood sugar and symptoms of depression.^[39]

-Nutritional information provided by wikipedia.com

More matters--Cauliflower

CAULIFLOWER

In continuation of our More Matters Blog, we will try and educate you on some vegetables and fruits that you can incorporate into your diets! One of my favorite overlooked vegetables that are high in nutrition are cauliflower! Cauliflower comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, including: white, orange, green and purple. (Remember, more color usually means the more nutrition packed it is!) Cauliflower is a great option for those picky eaters, because it can be cooked and put into many recipes without even being noticed! It does have a bland but slight taste to broccoli. One of my favorite ways to serve it is steamed with garlic butter, or cheese sauce! MmmmMmm! For a more hidden approach, steam it and puree it into a soup base, or pasta sauce. Sick of the same old stir fried veggies, change it up with some cauliflower.

Here are some fun cauliflower recipes:

Cauliflower with Dijon Sauce

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Balsamic Cauliflower

Nutrition

Cauliflower, raw (edible parts)

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	103 kJ (25 kcal)
Carbohydrates	5 g
- Sugars	1.9 g
- Dietary fiber	2 g
Fat	0.3 g
Protein	2 g
Water	92 g
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.05 mg (4%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.06 mg (5%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	0.507 mg (3%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.667 mg (13%)
Vitamin B6	0.184 mg (14%)
Folate (vit. B9)	57 μg (14%)
Vitamin C	48 mg (58%)
Vitamin K	15.5 μg (15%)
Calcium	22 mg (2%)
Iron	0.42 mg (3%)
Magnesium	15 mg (4%)
Phosphorus	44 mg (6%)
Potassium	299 mg (6%)
Sodium	30 mg (2%)
Zinc	0.27 mg (3%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Cauliflower is low in fat, low in carbohydrates but high in dietary fiber,
folate, water, and vitamin C, possessing a high nutritional density.^{[citation needed]}

Cauliflower contains several phytochemicals, common in the cabbage family, that may be beneficial to human health.

• Sulforaphane, a compound released when cauliflower is chopped or chewed, may protect against cancer.
• Other glucosinolates
• Carotenoids^[10]
• Indole-3-carbinol, a chemical that enhances DNA repair,^[11][12] and acts as an estrogen antagonist,^[13] slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Boiling reduces the levels of these compounds, with losses of 20–30% after five minutes, 40–50% after ten minutes, and 75% after thirty minutes.^[14] However, other preparation methods, such as steaming,microwaving, and stir frying, have no significant effect on the compounds.^[14]

A high intake of cauliflower has been associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer.^[1

- Nutrition Information provided by Wikipedia.org

It's that time again--Are your kids' backpacks ready?

Dear Parent,

All across Canada, children struggle with their overloaded backpacks on a daily basis- as they stuff the necessities of schoolwork, spots gear, food and drinks into the smallest possible space before heading off to school. New research indicates that there are long-term health risks associated with youth wearing a poorly designed or overloaded backpack or in carrying too much weight for their growing spinal columns. In fact, over 50% of Canadian youth will suffer at least one back pain episode during their school years.

A recent study at Queen’s University has found that choosing the right backpack and taking care to distribute the weight evenly can make a big difference in avoiding painful injuries. However, most parents and students are not aware of the weight they are carrying on a daily basis and the possible long-term damage-which may result in poor posture, neck, shoulder, spine, and joint injury. Not only are these injuries painful, but also they impact directly on the enjoyment of leisure and sports activities…a critical part of a young person’s life!

We have become concerned with the alarming trend in avoidable injuries to the neck, shoulders, and back. We are teaming up with parents to discuss ways to help your children carry their loads comfortably and safely. For instance, did you know that?

• Elementary students should not carry more than 10% of their body weight and secondary students should avoid weight exceeding 15% of their weight? So, if your child is 80 pounds, he should not carry more than eight pounds- or the equivalent of a pair of shoes, a snack, drink and 2-3 textbooks.

• Backpacks should be made of the lightest material possible- vinyl and canvas are much better than leather.
• The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.
• The shoulder straps should be at least 2 inches wide and should not fit too snugly around the arms, straining muscles and affecting nerves.
• A hip strap or waist belt can take as much as 50-70% of the weight off the shoulders and spine. The waist belt will equalize the strain on the bones, joints and muscles.
• Students should pack the heaviest items closest to the body so that the weight is nearest the body’s own centre of gravity.
• A backpack that is too heavy or rides too low causes one to lean forward and put extra strain on the back.
• Both straps are critical to avoiding injury- as slinging the pack on one-side causes the spine to lean, increasing the likelihood of middle and lower back problems that can worsen later in life.
• The best way to put on a pack is to place it on a desk or table at waist height and then slip it on. Avoid twisting!

We urges you to discuss backpack safety with your children and to help them learn for themselves how to avoid injury.

As healthcare specialists, we have a very special interest in ensuring that children do not hurt their backs, necks, and muscles. Doctors of Chiropractic play an important role in preventative education and early detection as well as providing chiropractic care for the treatment of backpack related injuries. If your child has back pain a chiropractor may be able to help. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat back and muscle pain. Massage therapists can also address and treat sore achy muscles due to improper backpack use.

Prevention is key to avoiding injuries. We hope that these tips will help give your children the self-confidence to “carry their load” more comfortably and safely.

Sincerely, 

New Leaf Massage & Wellness

Mark your calendar!

It's still not too late to RSVP for our Patient Appreciation BBQ, 

Saturday, September 15th from 12:00pm-3:00pm

Please let us know if you're considering to come to the BBQ so that we can prepare food and prizes for everybody!

RSVP deadline in Monday, September 10th, 2012.

If you forget to RSVP, please do give us a call and we can make sure that you are still accounted for!

We cannot wait to celebrate our appreciation with you!

-New Leaf Wellness Staff-

You may also join the celebration by joining our event on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/510141229000360/

More Matters!

FRUITS AND VEGGIES - MORE MATTERS!

What is on your grocery list today? Are you going to opt for the cookies or farm fresh cherries? September is fruit and vegetable awareness month, and more matters!

Groups like Produce for Better Health Foundation and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have come together to create an awareness for communities to understand the importance of fruit and veggies in our diets.  Many people do not consume enough, nor do they understand how our bodies crave and need the variety of fruits and vegetables.

It is important to consume fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals that are vital to your health. The nutrients found in fruits and vegetables help maintain your energy levels, metabolism rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and your immune system. The benefits are substantial! The more color that you incorporate into your diet, the more benefits you will reap. You should fill at least half of your plate with vegetables and or fruit during each meal. Add a fruit salad and some grilled vegetables, or spice it up with some stir fried veggies! There are some wonderful fruit desserts out there too!

Here in Abbotsford, there are endless produce stores and local farms that you can purchase your produce from. To name a few: Nature's Pickin's, Thumper's Patch, Lepps Farm Market, etc. etc. There are numerous family run farms in the area. Abbotsford Farmer's Market also hosts 2 events a week (Saturdays: 9am-1pm year round in downtown Abbotsford at George Fergusson & Montrose, and Wednesdays: 4pm-7pm at Thunderbird Civic Plaza---Which is just across from our location! at Trethewey & Simon) where local farmers and bakeries come together to sell their goods. If you are interested in the Farmer's market, view their website here: http://www.abbotsfordfarmandcountrymarket.com/index.htm

Not only will you help support local farmers, but you can help keep your body healthy!

What benefits do fruits and vegetables offer?

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risks for diseases and sickness. They may also help you to overcome ailments and heal more quickly! Fruits and vegetable contains nutrients like calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Most of which are needed for healthy cell functions. 

Vegetables and fruits may also contain phyto-chemicals. Phytochemicals are also known as: antioxidants, flavanoids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, etc. They are vital in helping your body eliminate free radicals (that increase stress), and maintaining high energy levels. Click here to learn more about phytochemicals and what produce to choose when searching to boost your phytochemical levels: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/what-are-phytochemicals.

What about those picky eaters you say?

Discover new ways to serve fruits and vegetables to those picky eaters. If you have the time and would like to incorporate more nutrients into your diet like kerotine, which helps your nails and hair grow healthily and strong, you need to eat vegetables like broccoli and asparagus. Sear asparagus into a yummy stir fry or grill it on the BBQ and serve with lemon and unsalted butter. Your kids won't eat broccoli or cauliflower? Steam them, and then puree it into a soup base, or spaghetti sauce. They won't even taste the difference!

The more matters website has a topic that helps you to get your children involved in choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables. Some other helpful tips are to pre-wash and cut your produce. Place the prepared produce in a bowl with ice in the fridge to keep them fresh! This will help you to choose sliced apples or fresh berries rather than potato chips or other unhealthy options.

Always pack some fresh produce, or 100% juice, dried canned or even frozen fruits or veggies when you're on the go. This way you have access to a quick and delicious snack to help with those sudden urges to eat.

Check out the website: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ to learn more about the importance and benefits of more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Find fun recipes, shopping help, and many many more topics!

Stay tuned for more ideas and ways to add fruits and vegetables into your daily diet...because more matters!

Health Benefits of Laughing

BENEFITS OF LAUGHING

Why did the chicken cross the road? 
To help you gain the health benefits of laughing!  

Laughter is good for the soul, it releases those feel good endorphins. Not only is it enjoyable to have a good laugh, but it reaps amazing benefits for your body, mentally, emotionally, and physically. This is no joke!

Listed below are some reasons why it is good to laugh, and the benefits you will endure after a comical situation.

LAUGHTER CAN:

DECREASE STRESS: As a broad statement, stress can cause numerous health problems ranging from anxiety, nervous breakdown, depression, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc. Laughing can help alleviate stress, which then decreases your chances of developing potential health problems.

BETTER CONCENTRATION: Laughing can help you concentrate, think more clear, become more creative and definitely make you more attentive to details. Got a big speech coming up?Just turn on a comedy show or movie and enjoy! Afterwards, prepare your speech. You will be able to recollect things that you studied more easily and correctly, with less stress!

INCREASE MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH: Laughing contributes towards your mental and emotional health. Laughter has been proved to keep your mind and emotions healthy, and makes you a better person to be around. It helps you become more confident, much more positive, assertive and easily adaptive to deal with difficult situations and changes in life.

IMPROVE CORE MUSCLE STRENGTH: Laughing can keep you fit. If you thought that this was just a joke to make you laugh; think again. When you laugh you give a wonderful workout to your belly muscles. You also use up a huge muscle in your abdomen called the diaphragm. Laughing once in a blue moon is not going to give you any obvious benefit; you certainly have to engage in vigorous laughing sessions multiple times daily. But it does help!

NATURAL DETOX: Laughing is the best natural way to detox both mentally and physically. Exerting pressure on the abdominal muscles while laughing helps you in getting a free detox session done. This is because the pressure on the muscles squeezes the lymphatic vessels and thus it boosts your lymphatic circulation. Lymphatic circulation is the body’s natural method of detoxifying the intracellular wastes and toxins, and flushing them out of the body. Laughing also helps you get a mental and emotional detox. When you laugh you are literally flushing out all the toxic negative thoughts and concerns that poison your mind.

HEART HEALTH: A good laugh keeps your heart healthy. Research has proved that people who are less likely to enjoy a spontaneous laugh or even find humor in a humorous situation are more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

BEST OF ALL....Laughing is free and contagious! So spread the benefits of laughing to promote good health to others! 

Meet Claudette: NIS Demo at Mission Vitamin Store

Claudette Varley will be demonstrating NIS therapy at the Mission Vitamin Store on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 10 AM - 2 PM. 

Call 604-820-8560 to set up your free 30 minute NIS demo now! She will also be handing out 2 for 1 NIS vouchers. What a great opportunity!


Mission Vitamin Store 

33139 1st Ave, Mission, BC

V2V 1G5
Phone: 604-820-8560 

PATIENT APPRECIATION BBQ

TO OUR VALUED PATIENTS!

New Leaf Massage & Wellness would like to
invite you and your family to join our staff for a BBQ.

We will be hosting our annual Patient Appreciation BBQ on

Saturday, September 15th, 2012 from 12 PM-3 PM.

There will be fun activities, games, and prizes for the children.

For the adults, there will be a 50/50 raffle, and door prizes!

All proceeds will go to Canuck Place Children's Hospice.

Come spend some time getting to know the New Leaf Staff.

We will be serving hotdogs, burgers, snacks, and beverages.

Please RSVP if you plan on joining, so that we have a head count for food & prizes.

You can contact us by email, phone, or at your next appointment.

We will be here to answer any questions you have,

and want to remind you that we appreciate you.

Thank YOU for being a part of our clinic!

http://www.newleafwellness.net/
604-850-2511

Massage Techniques

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the assessment of the body’s soft tissues and joints, and the treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders of the soft tissues and joints.

There are many different techniques used in massage therapy. All of our therapists are Registered through the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia (CMTBC), and have met or exceeded the mandatory requirements. CMTBC is the regulatory body for registered massage therapists in the province of British Columbia.  It acts on the behalf of all British Columbians to ensure that registered massage therapists always deliver safe and effective treatments.

Here is a list that describes techniques and modalities used in our clinic, which are, but are not limited to:

Craniosacral  Therapy (CST) - (Also known as cranial sacral therapy) CST is used to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migranes, TMJD, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. CST is a non-invasive, gentle form of massage that addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum.

Muscle Energy Technique  - Muscle energy technique is used in osteopathic medicine and physical therapy to treat somatic dysfunction presenting as loss of range of motion secondary to muscular inhibition. There are several distinct techniques which may be called muscle energy techniques including reciprocal inhibition, and post-isometric relaxation.

Muscle Energy is an Active (requires patient utilization of force) Direct (engages the barrier) technique that promotes muscle relaxation by activating the golgi tendon reflex. It has also been proposed that temporary muscle fatigue blocks reflex-contraction thus allowing for an increase of range of motion to beyond the barrier.

Purpose is to gain motion that is limited by restrictions of neuromuscular structures.

Reciprocal inhibition - Reciprocal inhibition uses the body’s antagonist-inhibition reflex to induce relaxation of a “tight” muscle. For example, when the biceps (in this case the agonist) is flexed, a reflexive inhibition of the triceps (here the antagonist) is induced. Thus loss of range of motion in the triceps can be incrementally restored by flexion of the biceps.

Post-Isometric relaxation - Immediately after isometric contraction, the neuro-muscular apparatus becomes briefly refractory, or unable to respond to further excitation. Thus, stretching a muscle immediately following its isometric contraction may incrementally restore range of motion.

Pre- and Post-Natal Care - See our blogs about massage, acupuncture and chiropractic care in regards to pregnancies. 

• Are you pregnant or trying to conceive?
• Pregnancy and Massage Therapy Q & A
• Acupuncture and Fertility
• Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

Temple Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) - TMJD and other TMJ associated pain can be addressed by massage therapy, especially relaxation, trigger point therapy and focused work on the muscles of the mastication. Hydrotherapy (heat applied to the affected muscles, and cold gel packs if inflammation is present) is often used in treatment plans for TMJD.

Myofascial Trigger Point Release - A trigger point is a way to describe muscles that are tight or taut and are typically painful. The massage therapist may treat using a variety of techniques such as skin rolling, repetitive muscle stripping, ischemic compression, percussion and stretch, and post-isometric relaxation, etc. to the trigger points, and muscles related to the affected trigger point location.

Soft Tissue Release - Soft tissue release is a dynamic, highly effective technique that has an immediate and powerful effect on muscle and connective tissue. It is a combination of techniques such as myofascial release, therapuetic massage and active assisted stretching. The technique involves

Soft Tissue Release (STR) is a dynamic, highly effective technique that has an immediate and powerful effect on muscle and connective tissue. STR is a combination of Myofascial Release, Therapeutic Massage, and Active Assisted Stretching. The technique involves applying precise pressure during a specific stretch performed in multiple planes of movement. The goal is to appeal to the autonomic nervous system in a way that leads to spontaneous release of the injured muscle, thus regaining the original resting length of that muscle. The result: fast and permanent reorganization of scar tissue, the targeted muscle(s) return to the proper resting length, muscle imbalances are corrected, associated pain is decreased or eliminated altogether, and muscle performance is improved. Results are often obtained quickly and permanently. These techniques can be applied to soft tissue injuries in both acute and chronic situations. 

Active Release Techniques (ART)

ART is a patented, soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved with ART. Visit this website to learn more about ART: 

http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

Deep Tissue - The purpose of a deep tissue massage is to relieve sever tension in the muscles and the connective tissue of fascia, and focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. This type of massage is often recommended for those who experience frequent and consistent pain, those who endure a heavy physical exertion (such an hard labourers, and athletes) and patients who have sustained a physical injury. Some patients just prefer a 'deeper' or heavy pressure massage.

Swedish Massage - The term "Swedish massage" is a variety of massage techniques used to relax muscles and increase oxygen flow in the blood to release toxins from the muscles such as lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic waste. Swedish massage relaxes muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and by rubbing in long gliding strokes in the direction of the blood returning to the heart.  There are 6 main components to Swedish massage:

1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs, and/or fingertips.
2. Petrissage:  Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs, and/or fingers.
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs, and/or fingers.
4. Vibration:  Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body.
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping.
6. Passive and Active movements: Bending and stretching.

Cryotherapy - Cryotherapy comes from the greek word cryo-meaning cold, and therapy- meaning cure.  In massage therapy, cryotherapy is applied by using ice and/or cold gel packs to a local or general area to decrease inflammation, pain and spasms, and to promote vasoconstriction.

Neuromuscular Therapy - From Wikipedia:

"Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a form of soft tissue manual therapy. It is distinguished from other types of massage in that a quasi-static pressure is applied to the skin with the aim of stimulating specific areas of skeletal muscle. Often these areas of muscle are myofascial trigger points. NMT is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system (brain, spinal column and nerves) with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. NMT is based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system maintains homeostatic balance.

The application of NMT is dependent on several key factors:

• The location of myofascial trigger points
• Force has to be applied perpendicular to the skin surface if muscle is to be stimulated.^[1]"

You can also view our website for other definitions of terms used in our clinic and on our website:

http://www.newleafwellness.net/services/definitions/