Redlands' natural solution to pain relief - Redlands Daily Facts

Redlands' natural solution to pain relief
Megan McClain, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/27/2009 07:11:44 PM PST
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REDLANDS - Massage therapy and reflexology have become popular ways to alleviate stress and address physical health problems. They offer a holistic option to treat physical problems working with a physicians' care or as an alternative to traditional medicines.
Mimi Barre, owner of International Day Spa in Redlands, said that the goal of reflexology and massage therapy is to allow the body to heal itself, instead of just treating the pain with painkillers.

Massage therapy is said to give health benefits, including alleviation of stress and helping recover from an injury or other physical condition.

"Massage is effective because it helps break down the muscle spasms that can cause pain," said Dr. Mamdooh Gayid, internal medicine physician at the Beaver Medical Clinic in Highland. Physical therapists at Beaver Medical Group use massage therapy as part of their treatments.

"It is especially beneficial for people with low back pain," Gayid said. "I hurt my back and the physical therapists used massage as part of the treatment. It did help me and patients I have sent to Beaver's physical rehabilitation department reduce the pain."

In a 2008 American Massage Therapy Association consumer survey, those polled said they were more stressed in 2008 than they had been in the past. Thirty-nine percent of those polled said stress was the main reason.

According to the survey, 57 percent had been encouraged to use massage therapy by their physicians when they brought it up at appointments. Massage therapists also believe relaxing muscles improves circulation.

Barre said that many massage therapists believe crystals of waste product exist in the body and are picked up by lymphatic system and taken from the body. Some believe the crystals are caused by stress and bad diet.

She said when she gives massage therapy, she feels she can transfer healing energy into another person.

"Sometimes, putting hands on a person can heal in a way we don't know," Barre said.

Reflexology implements the use of pressure points in the foot, hand, and ears, which are used to treat parts of the body.

Barre said areas of the foot in the theory of reflexology are divided much the same as a body, with the foot split in half along the arch, much like a belt.

She said that big toes are a pressure point for headaches, and other toes are sinuses.

"We walk on our face," she said.

She also said that rubbing alongside the foot from big toe to heel is the pressure point for the spine.

Ken Sapir, owner of Shangri-La Reflexology in Redlands, said that reflexology was invented 6,000 years ago in China. Sapir, a former chiropractor who used reflexology techniques as part of his practice, said that reflexology provides many benefits, including improving sleep, alleviating stress and lessening hand and foot numbness.

"The main benefit of reflexology is it increases blood circulation," he said.

"It lowers high blood pressure, too."

For some practitioners, reflexology is way to utilize energy channels in the body.

Barre said reflexology also can clear blocked energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, energy flows through the body through invisible lines called "meridians", from the top of the head to the hands and feet.

"That's why, when you think, you scratch your head," said Barre, adding that the action brings more energy to the body.

Barre said reflexology techniques can be used at home.

"If you press the web between this finger and your thumb it can help a headache," said Barre, pinching the web of skin between the first finger and thumb. "You can also massage your big toe."

"You can rub your thumbs together," she said, holding her hands like fists and rubbing her thumbs and the fleshy pad of hand beneath together, "and give yourself a massage."

Peggy Power, who has been with Barre for 14 years, is a registered nurse who was trained at John Hopkins University.

"She thinks massaging the feet is so beneficial she never misses it," said Barre, saying that Power massages clients' feet even when it is not part of the treatment.

"I believe in reflexology," Barre said, "even though I can't prove it scientifically."

"People are more ready to accept this now than when I first started studying," said Barre, who was a student in the 1950s. "Now the pendulum has swung, and they are embracing alternative medicine."

"We have a lot of professionals from the medical field come in," Sapir said. He said some doctors and nurses come from Loma Linda for treatment.

"We are thrilled they are accepting us," he said.