Massage Therapy Student Resources

I have been teaching the Massage Therapy program at Stark State College in Canton, Ohio since 1999.  As a resource for students, I recorded many of the techniques and routines taught in the course.  I've found that my patients, colleagues and people from around the world have subscribed to my YouTube Channel to learn from this free resource.

I invite you to take advantage of these videos, wether you are a non-professional looking for a way to treat shoulder pain, a massage therapy student wanting to review, or a professional exploring other perspectives on techniques.

I hope my teaching provides useful information for you, whatever your needs.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/mvahila

Enjoy!

New Office Location

I've recently moved the acupuncture office to the Total Health and Wellness building at 2401 & 2403 Whipple Ave. NW in Canton. 

My office is in the lower level of 2403 Whipple.  It's one building with 2 addresses; one for the upper and one for the lower part.

The team at Total Health and Wellness have a strong belief in a holistic approach.  They offer counseling services, yoga, art therapy, massage and now my services of acupuncture, Reiki and massage therapy.

I'm glad to be a part of this group of professionals as we expand the vision of the center.  

Akron-Canton Hot List: Thanks for Voting Us #1

I'd like to thank everyone who voted for us as the best acupuncture practice in Akron-Canton according to the Hot List.  Click here to see the award.

I was surprised by the award because we didn't ask anyone to vote for us.  The fact that people voted without any encouragement from us is appreciated.

We'll continue to do everything we can to help our patients and to be deserving of this award.

Thank you.

Acupuncture Presentation at Merging Hearts

Acupuncture in the 21st Century

January 11, 2015 @ 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - 

$5.00
Educational Event | with Michael Vahila, LAC, LMT

Learn about the history and philosophy of acupuncture. We’ll look at how it works, how it is being used in modern times and how it can help you.

ANCIENT MEETS MODERN

In all health care systems there must be a way to evaluate the current state of health. Traditionally, acupuncture uses tongue and pulse to help determine the state of the patient. Over 70 years ago, Dr. Nakatani developed a system that graphically shows how the energy flows in the body.The Acugraph Meridain Imaging System takes advantage of the computer to quickly and graphically show the results. We’ll take a look at the energy of volunteers from the audience.

East Meets West

People in America are still in the process of integrating the “wisdom of the East” into our culture. Western medicine has made great advances in reliving suffering but still comes up short for many people. Come learn about a time tested, natural option for pain, chronic conditions and difficult to treat issues.

Michael Vahila, LAC, LMT

Michael is a National Board Certified Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist.  In addition to his private practice, he has been teaching massage therapy at Stark State College for over 15 years. On Sunday, January 11, he’ll be sharing the benefits of acupuncture from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Merging Hearts.

For more information contact:  Michael Vahila, LAC, LMT, 330-477-0777

Details

Date:

January 11, 2015

Time:

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Cost:

$5.00

Event Category:

Healing

Event Tags:

acupuncture, group, massage

Venue

Merging Hearts Holistic Center

3751 Burrshire Drive NW, Canton, OH44709 United States

+ Google Map

Phone:

330.451.6214

Website:

http://merginghearts.orgMerging Hearts Holistic Center is a non-profit educational and cultural community offering opportunities to nurture the mind, heal the body and awaken the spirit.

Merging Hearts Holistic Center a non-profit 501-C3. A free-will donation of $5 is suggested for most events & classes at the center. All donations are tax deductible.

Auriculotherapy

The good folks at Miridia Technology do excellent client education.  Here is a reprint from their Auriculotherapy series.

What is Auriculotherapy?

Auriculotherapy gets its name from the "Auricle" which is the anatomic name for the external ear.

Auriculotherapy techniques use special locations, or points, on the skin of the ear to diagnose and treat pain and medical conditions of the body. This method is used world wide by tens of thousands of practitioners to bring effective relief for a wide variety of conditions, including pain, dysfunction, injuries, addictions, and internal disorders.

Depending on the country and practitioner, Auriculotherapy is sometimes also referred to as Auricular Medicine, or Auricular Acupuncture.  Whether used in conjunction with another treatment or by itself, auriculotherapy is often effective when other treatments have failed, or in conjunction with other treatment types. Best of all, auriculotherapy is safe, non-invasive and has no side effects.

Where did it come from?

Auriculotherapy has been used as a form of health care for thousands of years all over the world. Ancient records from China, Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia all indicate treatments applied to the ear for a variety of problems. In fact, the world-wide custom of wearing decorative ear rings may have originated as an early form of auricular health care.

Modern auriculotherapy got its start in the early 1950's when a French neurologist named Dr. Paul Nogier observed the occurrence of scars on the ears of patients who were successfully treated by French lay practitioners for back pain. He investigated these ear scars and found this type of treatment had a very high success rate.

Dr. Nogier then spent his career researching and developing the map of reflex points on the ear, based upon the concept of an Inverted Fetus arrangement. He eventually discovered over 200 auricular points and their corresponding effects.

Today Auriculotherapy research continues, with major advancements in the study and placement of ear reflex points, as well as scientific documentation of this technique's effectiveness. Auriculotherapy is now accepted worldwide as a valuable and effective procedure for many conditions.

Facts about Auriculotherapy

As research has uncovered more information about this amazing therapy, certain interesting facts have emerged. Let's look at a few examples:

Stimulation of certain points on the ear changes the cardiac pulse within a few seconds.
Auriculotherapy tends to not only eliminate pain, but also stimulate healing of the affected body part.
It is possible to locate problems in the body with up to 75% accuracy, merely by examining the ear.
Experienced practitioners report an 86% success rate using auriculotherapy to help patients quit smoking.
Auriculotherapy treatment for drug addiction provides a substantially lower relapse rate than non-auricular addiction treatments.

Auriculotherapy is a natural complement to many types of healthcare, including acupuncture, chiropractic, western medicine, naturopathy, physical therapy and even psychotherapy. Auriculotherapy is often helpful for many health conditions, both physical and mental and nearly any body part can be treated from the ear.

Some of the most successful uses of Auriculotherapy include the areas of addiction, pain management, musculoskeletal injuries, mental health, and internal disorders, though it has been successfully applied to nearly any problem imaginable. Published protocols are available for several hundred specific problems.

What should I expect?

Your auriculotherapy treatment will begin with your practitioner's examination of one or both of your ears. Examination techniques include probing for tender areas or testing with an electronic device. Specific charts of common points related to your condition will likely also be consulted and compared with your exam findings.
When your practitioner has identified the reflex points applicable to your condition, treatment will begin.

Possible treatment techniques, include acupressure, acupuncture with tiny needles, laser stimulation, electrical stimulation, colored light therapy, or even heat therapy. Most types of treatment are relatively comfortable and brief. If your practitioner opts to use acupuncture needles, they will be small, sterile, and usually painless.
Regardless of the treatment technique used, auriculotherapy is extremely safe and natural. The only known side effects of auriculotherapy are all positive and include enhanced mood, better sleep, and even decreases in non-related symptoms.

Auriculotherapy treatment often takes effect within a few seconds or minutes, and may be effective for days, weeks, or even longer. Some conditions may respond to only one treatment, while others may require multiple treatments. Your practitioner will give you a better idea of how many treatments are expected for your particular condition.

Your practitioner may also attach temporary beads or tacks to your ear to provide continued stimulation over the course of several days. If so, you'll be given specific instructions about how to use these items and when to remove them.

How can I get more information?

Call Vahila Acupuncture and Massage Therapy at 330-477-0777

Chronic Pain and Aging

A good part of my acupuncture practice is patients over 60.  (I'm almost 60 myself!)  They often present with many complex conditions in addition to their pain. 

Diabetes, cancer, and other conditions are present and yet they need additional support for their pain.  Often I'm asked if there is evidence that acupuncture will help them.  Here is a study from PubMed to address that question.

J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2014 Nov 5. [Epub ahead of print]

Effective chronic low back pain and knee pain treatment with acupuncture in geriatric patients.

Cevik C1, An I L A2, Işeri SO3.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The most common disease of the older age group in Turkey is degenerative articular disease and pain associated with the disease. Analgesics and physical therapy are preferred treatment for geriatric chronic pain but suffering from multiple medical and nutritional problems in old ages can limit treatment options with analgesics due to an increased risk of adverse effects and drug interactions.

OBJECTIVES:

We aim to show the effect of acupuncture on back-pain and knee-pain treatment of elderly people.

METHODS:

The study includes 34 patients, 24 female and 8 male. The mean age was 69.0417 ± 8.95 years for females and 73.12 ± 8.95.24 years for males. Every two days for a total of 10 sessions acupuncture treatment to Yintang, Ht 7 (Shenmen), LI 4 (Hegu), Ki 3 (Taixi) and Ki 6 were found to significantly reduce pain scores of patients.

RESULTS:

Mean back pain scores (8.8696 ± 1.546) and mean knee pain scores (9.1304 ± 1.4239) of patients were reduced significantly to 2.1739 ± 1.466 and 1.455 ± 0.7; p< 0.001 respectively after the acupuncture treatment.

CONCLUSION:

These are important results as they give rationale to use acupuncture treatment widely in chronic low back pain and knee pain in the geriatric group of patients to reduce the side effects of polypharmacy in elderly.

Headaches: Acupuncture With Meds

Results of a published British study show that acupuncture combined with drugs works better than conventional medical treatment alone to treat chronic headaches, many of which are migraines. 

Researchers tested 401 patients who reported having headaches several days every week. 

They found that those who received the combination of acupuncture plus drugs reported fewer and less-intense headaches than those who were given drug treatment only. Those who participated in the acupuncture group had up to 12 treatments over three months.

At the end of the study, researchers noted that the patients who had acupuncture claimed 22 fewer days of headaches per year, used 15-percent less medication, made 25-percent fewer visits to their doctors, and lost fewer work days than the other group.

Results of the research were published in the March 15, 2004, online issue of the British Medical Journal. 

We use a multi-faceted approach to headaches using acupuncture, massage therapy and patient education.  For evaluation and treatment call 330-477-0777.

Aromatherapy for Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are on of the most common ailments.  They are not caused by a deficiency of aspirin or Tylenol.  There are many causes, but muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and sub-occipital muscles, are often aggravating factors.

Massage therapy can be very helpful.  Also, self massage with some essential oils can be soothing. 

• Fill a small glass, 1oz. jar or bottle approximately 2/3 full with Almond Oil or other carrier oil.

Add:
• 6 drops Lavender Oil
• 6 drops Clary Sage Oil
• Cover and shake. Check the fragrance of the oil.

To use: Apply to temples and areas of pain and tension. Massage lightly. 

Other aromatherapy oils for headaches:

• Peppermint
• Jasmine
• Eucalyptus

• Melissa

• Rosemary 


Feel free to use any other oils you find helpful.  If headaches are persistent, consider seeing a professional massage therapist or acupuncturist for more specific suggestions and treatments for your headaches.  Trigger points often cause headaches and a professional can treat them effectively.

Foods to Soothe Cold and Flu

It's that time of year and many people come down with the annual cold or flu.  In the spirit of "let food be your medicine" here are 3 delicious recipes  that will soothe your symptoms.  Of course, see your doctor if symptoms are severe.

Let's start with a variation on an old standby; chicken soup.  While it would be great to make it from scratch, when you are feeling under the weather, it may be easier to start with a can of organic chicken soup or broth.

Souped up Chicken Soup to Help Boost the Immune System

• 1 can organic chicken soup

• 3 slices of Astragalus.  If you can't find the raw herb you may be able to find Astragalus tea in a health food store.  Brew a strong cup of the tea and add it to the soup.

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• a few shiitake mushrooms 

• 1 tsp. chopped ginger or a 1/2 tsp. of dried ginger powder
• 1 to 4 cloves of garlic
• simmer 30 minutes until the mushrooms are done

Dry Cough Pear and Almond Soup

• 5 ripe pears
  
• 2 quarts of water
  
• honey
  
• fresh mint leaves
  
• 4 handfulls of almonds (chopped)
  

Cut pears in half and remove stems and seeds. Chop into small pieces. Combine pears, almonds and water in medium sized saucepan. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add honey and mint to taste. Drink one to two cups daily to enhance the Lung function and prevent dry coughs. 

Cold Relief Soup

• 2 cloves of garlic
  
• 1 chopped scallion
  
• 1 Tbsp. miso paste
  
• 4 cups of water
  
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
  Add all ingredients, bring to boil, simmer for 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup every hour. You will begin to sweat.
  
  Bon appetite'
  
  
  Sources: Chinese Home Remedies. Wang, L., New Page Books, 2005. Secrets of Healing. Ni, Dr. M., Avery Press, 2008.
  

Do You Know Your Acupuncturist?

To most people, all acupuncturists are the same.  Most people assume that if you are allowed to do acupuncture, you have the same training as every other acupuncturist.  This is far from the reality.

A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has approximately 2,000 hours training in Acupuncture, Western Medicine and Oriental Medicine.

Licensed acupuncturists have a 3 year master’s level diploma from a school approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.   After passing an exam by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and  Oriental Medicine, they are awarded the Diplomate in Acupuncture designation.   This is the standard for licensing in most states.  

To find a National Board Certified acupuncturist in your area, go to http://www.nccaom.org.

However, medical doctors or chiropractors may also use acupuncture. But, they have only 200-300 hours of training.  They are not licensed acupuncturists.  This limited amount of training limits the types of conditions they may treat effectively. 

Licensed Acupuncturists may treat a broad range of health issues, including chronic disease, pain, internal medicine and rehabilitation based on Oriental medical theory.  They look at imbalances in the body through the holistic lens of one of the most time tested methods on Earth.  Chinese medicine is thousands of years old.  The Neijing, a foundation textbook for acupuncturists, is as old as 475 BC. 

By contrast, modern medicine is not even 200 years old.  Having said that, modern medicine has much value for our times.  It is unparalleled in treatment of acute care and serious disease.

Oriental Medicine was developed from a model of studying health and developing ways to support health and prevent disease.  Western Medicine studied disease and developed methods to treat symptoms.  Both systems have value and compliment each other.

When seeking an acupuncturist, be sure to inquire about the number of hours of training the acupuncturist has.  Also, ask how long a treatment session lasts.  When comparing value, if you only inquire about the fee you may be disappointed to find out that the $50 acupuncture session lasts 15 to 20 minutes vs. a slightly higher priced session lasts an hour and includes a more comprehensive approach.

There is no substitute for a practitioner actually spending quality, unhurried time with you.  Maybe they can legally insert a needle, but are they treating only a symptom or taking the time to educate you, understand your imbalances and plan a session accordingly?  There are plenty of MD's, DC's and L.Ac's who take time and there are some that don't.  

Get to know your acupuncturist before you decide who is the best fit for you.  Check out their website and talk with them on the phone.  Realize that even within the various levels of training, there are also many different styles of acupuncture.  One approach may be a better fit for you than another.  The only way to know is to have some treatment and pay attention to your results.

Acupuncture is gaining much attention these days for good reason; it helps people on many levels.  Enjoy your journey into a well traveled mode of health care.

Auricular Therapy

The good folks at Miridia Technology have produce a very informative video on Auricular Therapy. I've been using Auricular Therapy in my practice for over 10 years with excellent results. To learn more, click on the video. Enjoy!

Time for a Tune-up?

I often tell my patients, "Treat yourself at least as well as you treat your car." We routinely get the oil changed every 3,000 miles and get tune ups as suggested by the owners manual. Doing this keeps the car in top shape and helps avoid the unexpected break downs.

Unfortunately the human body didn't come with a maintenance schedule. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is well known that a "seasonal" tune up helps maintain optimal health. Fast forward 5,000 years and we have technology that scans the energy systems of the body just like your auto mechanic does for your car. We can then stimulate the acupuncture points that will help the body regain balance and keep you in top form.

If you have not had a Meridian Energy Assessment, the new year is the perfect time to get that information and use it to improve your health. We can also treat using non-needle methods that are effective and gentle.

Call us today at 330-477-0777 to schedule your wellness tune up. Find more info at www.cantonacupuncture.com.

And here's to a healthy and happy New Year!

Review and Renew

As the end of the year approaches and a new year dawns, it's a good time to reflect on the past year and set new goals for 2011. Many people start out with enthusiasm on weight loss goals or to quit smoking or to just get healthier.

A great way to start is to get a clear picture of where you are so your health goals can be addressed with clarity. We use the Acugraph Meridian Imaging system to clearly show where your body is in, and out, of balance. Treatment is specific and precise. We can then offer useful suggestions for self care.

As the new year approaches, consider giving yourself the gift of better health and call us at 330-477-0777. You can learn more about the Acugraph Meridian Imaging system on our website www.cantonacupuncture.com.

Many blessings for you this holiday season!