Massage For The Digestive System- November 2002

Taking Control of Your Health

The Stern Chiropractic Newsletter

Featured Topic: STRESS – MASSAGE FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Referral Corner:
The Greatest Compliment my Patients Can Give is the Referral of Their Friends and Loved Ones. Thank You For Your Trust. This month, I would like to thank the following people for their trust: Jim Brydon, Nicole Jones, Peter Panayiotou, Sue Masaracchia & Dr. David Kanarek.

Charity Corner:
During November & December, Stern Chiropractic will be collecting non-perishable food for the Vernon Township Food Pantry as well as collecting contributions for The Lake County Meals on Wheels. A matching contribution will be made by Stern Chiropractic (certain restrictions apply). Please join me in helping those needier then ourselves.

Topic of the Month : STRESS – MASSAGE FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

This month’s topic was authored by Eugene Tomceanu, Licensed massage therapist on staff at Stern Chiropractic.

About the author: Eugene has been a massage therapist since 1982, when he worked with young Romanian pre-Olympic gymnasts in Romania. Eugene utilizes techniques from Swedish, Sport, Myofascial, Therapeutic and Relaxation massage, as well as, Trigger Point Therapy and Reflexology to provide the most thorough and patient- specific care possible. Eugene is available everyday except for Thursday by appointment at Stern Chiropractic.

CHI NEI TSANG

Digesting Emotions for Better Health.

Chi Nei Tsang is a form of abdominal massage that is utilized to improve the function of the digestive organs (Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Stomach and Intestines). This massage can provide benefit to those suffering from many types of digestive diseases including Irritable Bowl Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS), Digestive Disturbance, etc … and to promote proper function of the digestive system.

It has long been a tenet of natural health practitioners that good health depends on a digestive system which works well. Research also tells us that good digestion has an emotional component and many internal disorders are exacerbated by Stress. Why is it that we pay more attention to massaging the back, neck and limbs than we do to the very core of where our emotions are processed … our Belly? Massage schools teach few techniques that work directly on the abdomen and the “center” as it is called by the holistic healers. Procedures like Chi Nei Tsang are entirely overlooked. The physical body expresses our current emotional issues via its structure, metabolism, breathing and movements so when we are experiencing stress, it shows-up as disturbances in our bodies functioning, i.e. digestive disturbance.

Chi Nei Tsang, loosely translated means “Inner Organ Chi Transformation,” helps that process occur. Chi Nei Tsang addresses the whole person at the physical, emotional and spiritual level and accesses healing through the person’s abdominal internal organs. In order to find a conduit to those emotions buried in our core, presence of mind of the person and the therapist is required. This is no “lay-back-and-enjoy-it” massage. Sessions are focused, with the person’s breath being directed to wherever the therapist’s hands move. A great deal of attention is also paid to the energy needed by the therapist to help the person feel comfortable with this type of massage and to allow them the time and space to work through these emotional issues at their own pace. Such “allowing” for healing to take place is a quality of the Taoist principles on which Chi-Nei-Tsang is based. Chi Kung and the Five-Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine are also at its roots. Chi Nei Tsang was developed by Mantak Chia who created what he termed The Healing of Tao System, of which Chi Nei Tsang is one element, the one which encompasses massage. Whatever one’s motivation, this esoteric form of abdominal massage is growing in popularity and having a profound effect on people’s health and lives. Could Chi Nei Tang someday be recommended as a standard treatment for chronic digestive complaints such as Irritable Bowel? Steve Goldschmidt, M.D., Chief of Gastroenterology at the University of Arizona Medical Center, thinks it could. He states: “Irritable Bowl Syndrome is a very difficult condition to treat with conventional medicine. I think people with this disorder would respond very well to a therapy which involves intimate touch.”

Products of the Month : Massage Therapy

Massage is a wonderful therapeutic and relaxation therapy that is good for people of all ages. Alleviation of muscle tension and stress, reduction of heart rate, lowering of blood pressure, release of endorphins, improvement of range of motion, enhancement of joint flexibility and circulation are just a few of the wonderful benefits of massage. Unlike many spas who charge extra for techniques other than Swedish massage, Stern Chiropractic charges a reasonable flat rate for any and all of the techniques necessary to best address what you want and need in a massage. In addition, massage is covered under many health insurance plans when there is medical necessity. With the holidays approaching, what better way to show your loved ones, friends, employees, bosses and/or yourself that you care, than by giving the gift of massage. Stern Chiropractic is offering ½ hour, 1 hour, 1 ½ hour and 2 hour massage gift certificates for the holiday season.

As a Special offer: During the month of November, Buy a massage gift certificate or schedule a massage and get a second one of equal or lesser value at half price.

In addition, Stern Chiropractic is now offering the most wonderful chair massage you have ever had. It is perfect for a quick relaxer at lunch time, break time or after work. This massage chair is heated and provides a vigorous neck and back massage as well as a calf and foot massage. The regular cost of the chair massage will be $1 per minute (the 15 minute programmed in massage is fabulous) but just mention this newsletter during the month of November and receive a free chair massage.

I hope this information helps you take control of your health and your life! If you have any questions, feedback or have any suggestions for future topics, please call or email me.

If you know someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, if you would like to receive this newsletter via email, or if you would prefer to no longer receive this newsletter, please let me know.

Don’t forget the importance of maintaining your health with regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.

Sincerely,

Gregg Stern, D.C., FICPA