In massage therapy, acupressure can be useful in treating the symptoms of thyroid disease. Acupressure is a form of massage that targets specific channels in the body.
Many people are affected with thyroid disease all over the world. For most, the condition is treatable and manageable with a combination of prescription medicine and health and lifestyle changes. However, you can also take a holistic approach to treating the disease. This article will discuss how massage therapy can be helpful to someone with a thyroid condition.
Proven Results: In massage therapy, acupressure can be useful in treating the symptoms of thyroid disease. Acupressure is a form of massage that targets specific channels in the body. A study was conducted in Russia in 2011 that tested the effectiveness of acupressure as well as reflexology and the Gua Sha technique in the reduction of symptoms brought on by thyroid conditions. All of these forms of Chinese medicine proved to be successful.
Massage therapy can be particularly effective for those suffering with hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. This increase in circulation is vital to all endocrine organs, including the thyroid.
Aids Circulation: Massage therapy can be particularly effective for those suffering from hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. This increase in circulation is vital to all endocrine organs, including the thyroid.
Reduced Inflammation: Massage therapy can also reduce inflammation in the body, which can benefit those suffering from a thyroid condition. Research conducted at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA and McMaster University in Ontario, Canada proved that the anti-inflammatory effects of Western medicine can be just as successfully produced through massage. Inflammation can be a cause of concern for many suffering with hypothyroidism.
The benefits of massage therapy in the reduction of stress are well known. This can be beneficial to those with hypothyroidism as it can decrease cortisol and other stress hormones in the body. This, in turn, can help patients maintain a healthy weight.
Reduces Stress: The benefits of massage therapy in the reduction of stress are well known. This can be beneficial to those with hypothyroidism as it can decrease cortisol and other stress hormones in the body. This, in turn, can help patients maintain a healthy weight.
Combats Fatigue: Those suffering with thyroid conditions often experience fatigue and weakness. Swedish massage that incorporates a deep kneading of the muscles called Petrissage Stokes will enhance the strength and stamina of the muscle tissue, aiding the body in fighting fatigue.
If you are a massage therapist, working with a patient on their thyroid issues, it is important to stay up to date on whatever medications they are using (the most common of these will be Levothyroxine). Look for signs of side effects from the drugs including a headache, chest pain, change in menses, fainting, tremors, and hives to name a few. Also, look for signs of overdosing on medications including changes in pulse, confusion, headaches, aphasia, and apraxia. It is important to keep the patient’s medical history in mind and make sure there are no complications while they are under your care.
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