Castor Oil Packs

What is Castor Oil?  Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communes.)

What is a Castor Oil Pack?  A castor oil pack involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin. It's used by some alternative practitioners to enhance circulation and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin.

How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?  Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.

A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:

The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.

Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.

The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.

The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.

Safety  Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.

Materials

Undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
Castor oil
Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
Hot water bottle
Container with lid
Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Method

1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.

2. Place the pack over the affected body part.

3. Cover with plastic.

4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.

5. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.

6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.


Edgar Cayce frequently suggested castor oil packs for a wide variety of conditions.  You can learn more about him at http://www.edgarcayce.org.

Bach Flower Essences

What are They?  Developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the early 1930's, these homeopathic remedies gently balance emotions that can give rise to physical and mental symptoms. Go to bachflower.com for more information.

My experience with them is that they can help take the edge off strong emotions or stress. 

How to Use: Put 2 to 4 drops in a glass of water and sip throughout the day or take directly under the tongue.

Choosing the Essence: Read through the brief descriptions and check the ones that apply to you. You may use up to 6 at a time. Choose only the ones that seem most relevant for you at the time. There are many books on the subject that provide more information on these remedies.

Agrimony One who wears a cheerful, carefree mask to conceal troubles, rarely imposing their problems on others. Finds arguments distressing. May turns to alcohol, drugs, food or work to escape pain.

Aspen When vague fears suddenly and unexpectedly arise for no apparent reason. For apprehension. 

Beech If the habits, idiosyncrasies, or differences of others are annoying. If critical of others and unable to see past their faults. For intolerance.

Centaury For difficulty' saying no. If you often deny yourself for the sake of others. Always tries to please others. Easily exploited.

Cerato For lack of confidence in making decisions. If you turn to others for input and are often misguided.

Cherry Plum For the fear of impulsively doing something known to be wrong. Feeling out of control. For some compulsions and obsessions.

Chestnut Bud For one who repeatedly makes the same mistakes, and never learns from the past. If you repeat destructive patterns of behavior and/or relationships.

Chicory If you need to be over-involved in the lives of others, constantly wanting loved ones nearby. Possessive.

Clematis For one who withdraws into a fantasy world to escape present unhappiness. Feeling dreamy, drowsy and preoccupied. Enjoys sleep.

Crab Apple For poor self-image. If ashamed of physical condition and/or appearance. For feelings of shame and uncleanness. For cleansing.

Elm If feeling overwhelmed and burdened by responsibilities. If feeling down because a task seems too difficult and not within anyone's power to complete.

Gentian If easily discouraged by small problems that cause you to hesitate, doubt yourself and feel depressed. If you tend to make "mountains out of molehills." Pessimist.

Gorse When feeling hopeless and in despair. Giving up - believing nothing can be done.

Heather Need to constantly talk about oneself with anyone who will listen. Often unhappy when alone for any period of time. Uninterested in what others have to say.

Holly For hatred, jealousy, or envy that stems from a strong need and desire for more love. Suffering within - often with no real cause for this unhappiness.

Honeysuckle For one who dwells too much on past happiness, lost loved ones or ambitions that never came to pass and never expects to be happy again.

Hornbeam If one doubts that they have the strength, mentally or physically, to carry on normal daily activities, yet they always manage to get things done. For fatigue and tiredness often due to boredom.

Impatiens For quick decision makers impatient and irritable when dealing with those slower than themselves. Prefer working alone at their own pace.

Larch If you lack confidence in yourself or your abilities. For feelings that you cannot do as well as others. If expectations of failure leads to insufficient attempts to succeed.

Mimulus When fearful of something found in everyday life. For example, fear of the dark, public speaking, heights, growing old and being alone, etc. Phobias.

Mustard For feelings of gloom or despair that come and go with no known reason. Feeling overshadowed by a dark cloud.

Oak For "fighters" who never give up despite illness or hardship. Even in the face of a lost cause. Strong "plodders" whom others depend on.

Olive For feelings of mental and physical exhaustion, as a result of suffering under adverse conditions such as an illness or ordeal. Everything seems an effort. Vitality is drained. Nothing brings enjoyment.

Pine For feelings of guilt. For those who blame themselves for the mistakes of others. If never content with one's efforts or the results. Often perfectionists.

Red Chestnut Excessive worry about the well being of others. Constantly anticipating the worst will happen to them.

Rock Rose When feeling very frightened or terrified. Effective in the event of an accident, emergency, or sudden illness.

Rock Water For those who are too hard on themselves. Following a way of life or religion strictly, denying oneself life's pleasures to set an example for others.

Scleranthus If making up your mind is difficult and you are unable to decide between two things. For mood swings. For the feeling of being "out of balance."

Star of Bethlehem For the trauma experienced during or after receiving serious or sad news, loss of a loved one, or fright following an accident. For refusing to be consoled. For traumas of the past. Grief.

Sweet Chestnut If you feel like you've reached the limits of your endurance. Great mental despair when anguish seems to be unbearable.

Vervain If you feel a burning need to convince and convert others to your ideas. When over enthusiasm sabotages efforts, hindering rather than helping.

Vine For the confident, capable, self-assured that are often thought to be demanding and domineering. Born leaders.

Walnut Useful for those experiencing periods of transition and adjustments to new beginnings. Assists in adapting to new environments and situations such as divorce, new job, or move. Can protect you from other peoples' negativity, peer pressure or the strong influence of another.

Water Violet For those who are independent, capable, and self-reliant. Loners, who often appear aloof. Others find them remote, unapproachable and difficult to befriend.

White Chestnut If experiencing unwanted recurring thoughts and mental arguments that play continuously in your mind like a broken record and often causes sleeplessness.

Wild Oat For those feeling frustrated because of the feeling that they need to do something with their lives but they have no certain direction. "Lost souls" who have yet to find their niche in life.

Wild Rose If resigned to drift through life, making no effort to improve your situation or find joy. "Stuck in a rut". Quietly accepting what life has in store.

Willow For those suffering from adversity or misfortune which is felt to be unjust. Resentful, self-pitying and often bitter.

Rescue Remedy A combination of 5 of the essences: Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, cherry Plum, Rock Rose and Clematis. It is useful for general stress, emergencies and first aid. Also available in topical
cream, lozenges and a spray bottle.

Disclaimer: The above information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for conventional medical advice or treatment. Consult your doctor.

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.
  

Stark State College: 15 Year Anniversary of Massage Therapy Program

2014 marks the 15th anniversary of the Massage Therapy program at Stark State College. I am honored that I was asked to develop and teach the program 15 years ago by program coordinator, Ed Denning. Many fine therapists have graduated from these classes.

Since that time, several new instructors have joined the program as it has grown.  I appreciate the contribution of all the faculty and staff in creating an excellent learning environment for our future health care providers.

If you're a graduate of the program, thanks for choosing Stark State. If you're a resident of Stark County, come experience a relaxing massage from our current class of new therapists in the student clinic.

I look forward to another 15 years!

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 and Addiction

Due to popular demand, the following is a reprint of a post I made 3 years ago.

The use of auricular therapy for treating drug withdrawal began in Hong Kong in 1972. Dr. Wen, a neurosurgeon, made a discovery “by accident”. He was doing surgery and administering auricular acupuncture anesthesia to a patient that happened to be a heroin addict in the midst of withdrawal symptoms. The patient had relief of his withdrawal symptoms following the procedure. Further studies were done to confirm that specific points on the ear could reduce cravings for opiates.

Research shows that acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. This would explain why treatments stimulating acupuncture points of the ear would reduce cravings. If the body is producing opiates, patients don’t need to seek them from the outside.

In 1973, Dr. Michael Smith was working out of the Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, operating a standard drug detox program. Seeking to improve results, he experimented with different auricular treatments. His research with auricular treatment greatly enhanced patient results. Due to the success of adding auricular treatment to the existing program, he founded the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA). NADA teaches a 5 point protocol to specialists in the detox profession.

Other examples of the success of auricular therapy include Hooper Memorial Detox Center in Portland, Oregon. In 1987, they implemented auricular acupuncture in their 5 day alcohol detox program. Clients using the auricular therapy were 6 times less likely to return in 6 months than clients who did not have auricular therapy. Overall completion rate also increased from 60% to 92% with the addition of auricular therapy. (Lane, 1988)

On the other side of the country, a clinical program for substance abuse sponsored by the Jersey City Dept. of Health reported the following results using auricular therapy: 84% improvement in mood, 81% improvement in withdrawal symptoms, 93% reduction in cravings and 70% improvement in overall wellness.

So how can massage therapists and others use this information to help their patients? Remember: acupressure is another way to stimulate acupuncture points. Acupressure can be applied with the fingers by compressing the point between two fingers and kneading, or with a 1 mm tip probe for precise point massage. Massage for 10 to 30 seconds with firm, but tolerable, pressure. Also, acupressure pellets can be placed in the ear for continued stimulation and pressed by the patient for self-treatment. Pellets should be removed by the patient in 3 to 5 days.

By the way, don’t feel that you’re doing second rate treatment by using acupressure pellets instead of needles. Pellets are the most common form of auricular treatment in China.

Is this in a massage therapists scope of practice? Yes. As an acupuncturist and LMT, I see many people who still feel the need for more support than they get from their other treatments. Adding this protocol to your massage sessions could provide another dimension of relief for those dealing with addictions, whether it’s alcohol, cigarettes, food or drugs. Also, as massage therapists, we are not treating the addiction. We’re treating the patient to help relieve the stress and physical discomfort associated with the addiction.

Obviously, massage is one of the best treatments for stress reduction and to help people feel more grounded in their bodies. Adding this reflex treatment of the ear simply takes advantage of information gleaned from other sources and allows a massage therapist to enhance their results.

This auricular stimulation is intended to enhance, not replace, conventional medical treatment for addictions. The NADA protocol was added to existing programs that included, 12-step meetings, individual counseling, appropriate medications, etc.

The points Dr. Smith found most useful for substance abuse were: Shen Men, Kidney, Liver, Lung and Sympathetic Nerve. These points can be easily found on ear models labeled for auricular therapy. They help calm the mind while supporting the detoxification of the body.

While there are other protocols more specific to smoking, food, and other addictions, the NADA protocol is a good general treatment if a therapist has limited training in auricular therapy.

You can easily integrate this into your general massage sessions when massaging the ear. If you choose to do point massage and acupressure pellets, it’s wise to spend some time educating your patient regarding the more specific nature of this technique.