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What is the Thyroid and what function does it perform?
The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped hormonal gland in the throat that releases a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the blood stream. This gland is vital as it plays a major role in many bodily functions such as the metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, growth and development.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when you are diagnosed with an under active thyroid. It means that the thyroid gland produces less hormones than what the body requires. This can result in certain biological processes in the body to slow down which could lead to weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and memory problems like brain fog.
What is Hashimoto’s disease?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune disease and the leading cause of hypothyroidism, in which damage to the thyroid gland occurs due to the infiltration of lymphocytes. It is characterized by increased levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. Basically the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. It is not known exactly why the immune system identifies the thyroid gland as a threat.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Many people with Hashimoto’s disease have no symptoms at first. As the disease progresses, you may have one or more of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- trouble tolerating cold
- joint and muscle pain
- constipation
- dry skin or dry, thinning hair
- heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
- slowed heart rate
How do we treat Hypothyroidism?
Treatment for hypothyroidism usually involves taking a synthetic version, in the form of a daily tablet. Medication should be taken on an empty stomach as some foods can affect how well your body absorbs the medication. These foods include grapefruit, espresso coffee, soy and multivitamins that contain iron or calcium.
Therefore, wait at least 30 min – 60 min before having your first cup of coffee, tea, breakfast bowl or other mediations or supplements. Make sure to read the leaflet of your medication and to consult with your general practitioner to find out more on the specific requirements of using your thyroid medication.
Along with medication, one can help manage Hashimoto’s with dietary and lifestyle interventions. We all eat out of habit, meaning most of us eat without even thinking about it. Our eating habits, lifestyles and environment have a significant effect on our bodies and even more so when we have Hashimoto’s.
What dietary changes can we make to help manage Hashimoto’s?
- Focus on a healthy gut macrobiota – The intestines contain the largest amount of tissue and cells of the immune system that are in close contact with the intestinal microbiota.
Our microbiome is generally fairly stable, although it adapts constantly to eating habits and changes during illness. In people diagnosed with Hashimoto, microbiota dysbiosis is observed, which stimulates autoimmune processes. Microbiota dysbiosis means there is an imbalance in the bacteria volume and diversity. There can be more bacterial overgrowth and non benefiting bacteria available in the gut.
Improvement of intestinal microbiota is necessary to reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes in the body stimulating autoimmune processes.
To help improve the bacterial balance in your gut:
- Have the right amounts of vegetables and fruit per day – try to have at least 30 portions of fruit and vegetable per week.
- Limit your intake of saturated fats (palm oil, coconut oil, visible fat on meat, the skin of the chicken meat, lard, coffee creamers, full cream dairy products) and focus rather on having more polyunsaturated fats. (Sunflower, corn, soybean, and flaxseed oils, walnuts, flax seeds, fish and canola oil)
- Limit highly processed foods and opt for whole grains that contain more fibre. Limit foods including sweets, chilled beverages and other sources of sucrose or simple sugars.
- Include more whole grains – Your fibre intake should be close to 25g of fibre per day or more. Soluble fibre supports intestinal microbiota and can improve defecation and bowel function, which is a common problem in hypothyroidism. Therefore, have beans and legumes at least 3 times per week and 5 fruits and vegetables at least every day. Plant-based food, such as cocoa, fruit and vegetables, as well as whole-grain cereal products, are good sources of fibre.
- Focus on having more omega-3 rich foods or opt for a supplement. Food rich in omega-3 include olive oil, avocado oil, avocado, rapeseed oil, walnut oil or walnuts, oily fish and seafood
2. Play the elimination game – make sure to discuss this with your health care provider.
Eliminate lactose – Lactose intolerance is diagnosed in 75.9 % of the patients with Hashimoto’s. Lactose is a milk sugar the body needs to break down using lactase enzymes. If you have a lactose intolerance it means you are not producing enough lactase enzymes to break down the milk sugars (lactose) and this leads ot other clinical signs and symptoms and contributes to gut dysbiosis. Lactose may also reduce the bioavailability of your thyroid medications and enforces the use of higher doses.
Eliminate gluten – The reasons for this are seen in the occurring cross-reactions between gliadin and thyroid antigens. specific food products, by activating the immune system, can lead to exacerbation of the disease or its initiation because in people with positive antibodies to food antigens more than twice as often the positive antibody result against the tissues of their own body is observed. The use of a gluten-free diet should be supported by a dietician in order to avoid potential nutritional deficiencies found in the areas of iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, selenium, vitamin D, B12 and folate, magnesium.
3. Include specific micronutrients from food:
- Vitamin D: fatty fish, fish oil, sun-dried mushrooms, chicken eggs
- B group vitamins: meat, fish, chicken eggs, wholegrain, cereal products
- Vitamin A: kale, carrot, pumpkin, liver, spinach, egg yolk, butter, dried apricot
- Vitamin C: green leafy vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, black currant, kiwi, strawberry, orange, mango, lemon, melon, kale, spinach, tomatoes, peppers (especially red peppers); vegetables and fruit are basically the main sources
- Vitamin E: avocado, fish oil, whole-grain cereal products, vegetable oils
- Magnesium: cocoa and bitter chocolate, pumpkin seeds, avocado, nuts, whole grain cereal products, some fatty fish (salmon) and green vegetables, yogurt, kefir
- Zinc: cocoa and bitter chocolate, meat, kefir, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, nuts, spinach, mushrooms, whole-grain cereals
- Iron: meat, animal offal, cocoa and bitter chocolate, spinach, sardines, seafood, pumpkin seeds
- Iodine: iodized salt, fish (cod, tuna) and seafood as well as seaweed, iodized milk and dairy products, if elimination is not required, chicken eggs, plum, especially dried plums, maize
- Selenium: Brazilian walnut, fish (sardines, halibut, salmon, tuna), meat, spinach, liver.
4. Follow the basics:
- Eat regular meals of 4-5 times per day
- Include a good sources of protein – lean meat, chiken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and legumes.
- Implement a calorie restriction for the day, but adjust it to your individual needs.
- Implement a good sleep routine.
- Avoid environmental toxins (blue light, smoking, pollution, chemicals)
- Drink water that has been filtrated and purified.
- Practice good stress management.
What is the take-home message on Hypothyroidism?
If you are diagnosed with hashimoto’s, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a healthy life and not have a healthy body. Changes do not happen rapidly, but if you are focused and determined daily to start eating and living well to help manage your thyroid function, half the battle has been won.
Include real, fresh whole foods and be mindful of your food type and portion intake as this can help you feel better and manage your thyroid function in the long run.
For more information and contact details for Tanya Alberts,
please contact info@thegoddessfactor.co.za or phone or WhatsApp us @ 063 292 8968The post Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is Moringa? Deep green in colour and with an earthy aroma, Moringa leaves are known around the world as a nutritional and therapeutic powerhouse. It is the most nutrient dense plant on the planet and therefore Moringa Oleifera is the ultimate superfood. Packed with over 36 anti-inflammatory compounds, 46 kinds of antioxidants, more than […]
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What is Electro Muscle Stimulation? EMS is a form of medical treatment used in physical therapy and rehabilitation, but also very much in Aesthetic treatments for Facial De-aging & Body Sculpting. It is an electrical device that delivers electrical impulses to the body. These electrical signals trigger repeated contractions or tightening of the muscles. EMS […]
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What is Self-care? For many people, when they hear the word “self-care” they think it has to be something extravagant and needs to be done for a long period of time. However, the term self-care is simply the act of giving attention to our own physical and psychological health. This is so that you can […]
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Our focus here is on Men’s health. We are highlighting the importance of healthier living for men and how it can improve their quality of life as well as their families’. Many of us currently live fast-paced lives. This includes fast meals that mostly contain loads of sugar, salt and/or fat and are not always […]
The post The 3 Male Detox Keys to kick start your Health & Vitality first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is Oxidative stress? Oxidative stress is when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species – free radicals – and antioxidant defences. Basically, there are too many “bad influences” from our environment attacking the body and not enough soldiers protecting the body. The free radicals or the “bad influences” attacking the […]
The post The relationship between Oxidative stress and Body weight first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is Presso-therapy? Presso-therapy is an appearance enhancing therapy for body sculpting, centimetre loss and cellulite reduction. It redefines your legs, stomach & arms. This device also aids in weight-loss when used in conjunction with a healthy low carb diet and exercise at least twice per week. Presso-Therapy as a multi-functional device This therapy detoxifies […]
The post Presso-therapy Lymphatic Drainage first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is skin inflammation? Inflammation is an immune reaction where cytokines (a number of substances that are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells), white blood cells and lymphocytes respond to a foreign invader. There are also release hormones like Tumour Necrosis Factors, Interleukin Hormones and C-reactive […]
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What is Microbiome? Microbiome is terminology many people talk about, but do not always fully understand, especially how it impacts skin health. Basically, the microbiome is a combination of various microorganisms such as bacteria, bacteriophage, fungi, protozoa and viruses that live inside the human body. The human microbiome is made up of 100 trillion microbes […]
The post Microbiome & Skin Health first appeared on Goddess Factor.
A healthy gut leads to a healthy you… All diseases start in the gut – Hippocrates Heal your digestive system to restore your body and renew your mind – Dr Don Colbert MD – Healthy Gut Zone What is your gut? Your gut is an organ that is involved with digestion and absorption. To help […]
The post A healthy gut by Tanya Alberts first appeared on Goddess Factor.
Cooltech® Fat Freeze targets stubborn fat pockets or bulky areas that are hard to reduce even with rigid exercise.
The post What is Cooltech® Fat Freeze? first appeared on Goddess Factor.
German Technology Fractional Skin Rejuvenation What is Mezotix™? Next-level Fractional Skin Rejuvenation, neither laser nor RF, just Pure Heat Safely & Quickly treats delicate facial skin, hands & body Employs a sterile Titanium tip Superior Microneedling without the needles Works on a Software programme Radiation free Why Mezotix™? Non-surgical quick rejuvenation treatment Very safe Visible […]
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FACE & BODY SKIN HEALING & REJUVENATION The Goddess Factor® Advanced Aesthetics Clinic What is Microneedling? Microneedling also known as Mesotherapy or Fractional Collagen Induction Therapy is a highly effective treatment for skin rejuvenation, scar reduction & de-aging. It accelerates skin regeneration to stimulate your skin’s natural ability to heal itself and produce collagen & […]
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Access your bliss zone! The happiest, healthiest version of YOU! What is a Health Coach? In a nutshell, a Health Coach can be seen as a behaviour change specialist who helps you find the motivation and commitment to make long lasting lifestyle and behaviour changes in support of your health goals. When do I […]
The post Health Coaching first appeared on Goddess Factor.
Wrinkles – how do they form and how can they be erased? Safyre Radio Frequency Facials – results you can see!
The post Safyre Skin Tightening first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is reflexology? Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory’s that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers […]
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Microdermabrasion is a tried and tested non-chemical, non-invasive procedure to slough off dead skin cells. It works at cellular level to encourage radiant-looking skin and reduced pore size. It leaves you looking younger than ever before, because dull skin caused by old skin cells is very aging. It is a simple and effective treatment to […]
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Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
Hawaiian lomi lomi massage is one part of traditional Native Hawaiian medicine and was only passed down in families until the early 1970s, when a few Hawaiian teachers began teaching this massage therapy technique to non-Hawaiians. The popularity of this technique spread quickly, and it’s now widely available.
Auntie Margaret Machado, who taught until her death in 2009, and many practitioners do the massage in her tradition. However, a number of variations are available
This massage incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means love, unification, and breath, and promotes personal harmony. Even in modern practice, lomi lomi therapists are taught to focus on the massage with love and intention. Auntie Margaret Machado is often quoted as having said that the difference between Swedish massage and lomi lomi is “loving touch.”
Often, more of your body is uncovered during this massage than during a typical Swedish or deep tissue massage. That’s because therapists rarely massage one body part at a time. Instead, they move in long flowing motions that, for example, may start at the top of your shoulder and go all the way to your foot. Some therapists use massage sheets in the usual way, just uncovering larger areas of your body at once. The more traditional practice is that the therapist uses no sheets, covering your genital area and breasts with small towels.
Lomi lomi is best known for long, flowing, dance-like strokes, often using the forearms and generous amounts of oil. But, because there are so many styles, the specifics of a massage can vary. Gentle stretches and joint rotations are common in this massage, as is the massage therapist massaging two parts of your body at same time, for example, using one hand or forearm on your shoulder while simultaneously massaging a hip with the other hand or forearm.
Both massaging two areas at the same time and the long flowing strokes are believed to promote harmony and balance in your body. Traditional lomi lomi always includes abdominal massage because Hawaiian tradition considers the colon part of a person’s soul or heart.
Swedish massage
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
What’s the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage? Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both popular types of massage therapy. While there are some similarities, they are different from each other. The differences are:
- the pressure
- technique
- intended use
- areas of focus
Here’s more information about the key differences between these two massage styles, along with tips on choosing the right therapist for you.
About Swedish massage Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered massage techniques. It’s sometimes called a classic massage. The technique aims to promote relaxation by releasing muscle tension.
Swedish massage is gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation and tension relief.
Swedish massage may loosen up tight muscles caused by daily activities such as sitting at the computer or exercising. It can be very helpful for people who hold a lot of tension in their:
- lower back
- shoulders
- neck
What happens during a Swedish massage? During a Swedish massage, therapists use:
- kneading
- long strokes
- deep circular movements
- passive joint movements
These techniques are meant to: * relax you * stimulate nerve endings * increase blood flow and lymph drainage
A traditional Swedish massage involves the whole body. You will begin on either your back or your stomach and flip over at the halfway point.
If you have an area of particular concern, such as a tight neck, you can ask your therapist to spend more time in this area. Depending on your preferences, you can ask your massage therapist to use light, medium, or firm pressure.
During most full-body massages, the expectation is you’ll be undressed. Your massage therapist will ask you to undress for your massage while they wait outside. It’s up to you whether or not to keep your underwear on.
Your massage therapist will drape a sheet over your body. They will pull back and adjust it as they work their way around. You will be covered most of the time.
Your massage therapist will use an oil or lotion to allow for smooth and long stokes. They may also ask if you have a preferred aromatherapy scent.
About deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but it goes farther and is intended for a different purpose.
Deep tissue massage is best suited for:
- athletes
- runners
- people with injuries
It can also work for people with chronic pain conditions such as:
- fibromyalgia
- lower back pain
Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your:
- muscles
- tendons
- fascia, or dense connective tissue
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there’s far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.
In order to reach the deep muscle tissue, a therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, applying more and more pressure and employing special techniques with the fingers, fists, and maybe even elbows to reach and stretch that deep tissue.
This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.
What happens during a deep tissue massage? Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focused only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach and under a sheet. It’s up to you to determine your level of undress.
Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas.
In addition to their palms, finger tips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure.
It’s important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage. Feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage.
Some massage therapists find pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.
You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with:
- ice
- heat
- stretching
- Find the right massage therapist. Look for a therapist who specifically identifies the massage type you’re interested in as part of their practice and background. If necessary, look for someone trained to treat a particular condition, such as sports injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or pregnancy. Also check if the therapist is licensed or certified according to state requirements.
- Talk to your therapist about any injuries. Be clear about the extent of your injuries, how long they have been healing, and what your current pain level is.
- Talk about your comfort levels. Tell the massage therapist which areas you do not want them to touch. For example, some people are uncomfortable with their buttocks being massaged.
- Talk about your goals and expectations. Do you just want to relax? Are you trying to recover from an injury?
- Discuss pressure. Talk to your therapist about what level of pressure is best for you.
- Be open. Let your therapist know if you have privacy concerns or areas that you don’t want touched.
- Warm up. If possible, warm up your muscles by taking a warm shower, soaking in a hot tub, or spending a few minutes in a sauna.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before your massage.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils).
During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to be involved in emotion.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage Each essential oil used in aromatherapy is said to have different properties. For example, some calm and make you feel relaxed while others energize.
Purported properties of widely used essential oils: * Calming: Chamomile, lavender, and geranium oil * Decongesting: Eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oil * Energizing: Rosemary oil * Uplifting: Ylang-ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli oil
Since aromatherapy massage techniques are often the same as those used in Swedish massage, people often get it for sore back, neck, and/or shoulder muscles or to ease stress.
Use of therapeutic essential oils in massage is being explored for the following conditions: * Anxiety * Dementia symptoms * Depression * Insomnia * Menstrual pain * Supportive care for people with conditions such as cancer
Research on Aromatherapy Massage Aromatherapy massage appears to reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps, a 2015 study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests. Participants did a self-massage with rose essential oil, an unscented almond oil, or no oil on the first day of menstruation for two menstrual cycles.
By the second cycle, aromatherapy massage reduced the severity of pain compared to massage therapy with almond oil or no oil.1
Massage with aromatherapy may also ease menopausal symptoms. In a 2012 study published in Menopause, researchers compared 30-minute aromatherapy massage (twice a week for 4 weeks) to massage with plain oil or no treatment and found that both massage and aromatherapy massage were effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. Aromatherapy massage was the most effective.2
Other research suggests that aromatherapy massage may not relieve symptoms in people with cancer.
A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2016, analysed previously published studies and concluded that “this review demonstrated no differences in effects of massage on depression, mood disturbance, psychological distress, nausea, fatigue, physical symptom distress, or quality of life when compared with no massage.”3
When comparing aromatherapy massage with no massage, they found that “there was some indication of benefit in the aromatherapy-massage group but this benefit is unlikely to translate into clinical benefit.”3
What to Expect During an Aromatherapy Massage Although you can find aromatherapy massage at almost every massage clinic or spa, the style of treatment, degree of customization, and the quality of essential oils vary widely.
Many massage therapists have one or more premixed blends and will select the blend based on your health concerns. A massage for relaxation and stress relief would likely include lavender essential oil, while an uplifting massage may include rosemary essential oil. Your therapist may involve you in the selection process by asking you to smell various blends.
Some massage therapists may add essential oils to massage oil immediately before each massage based on your unique condition or health goals.
The quality of the essential oils varies widely. Essential oils are different from oils made with synthetic scents that don’t have therapeutic effects. Massage therapists who are highly knowledgeable about aromatherapy tend to use quality essential oils in their massage oils.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is based on the Ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years.
How does it work? Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage to release stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body’s energies.
What does it involve? The client remains fully clothed and sits in a massage chair for the treatment. At the beginning of the treatment, the patient’s mind is usually very active – many thoughts cluttering their mind. As the treatment progresses their breathing slows, the mind quietens and, by the end of the session, they are filled with an overall sense of peace.
The therapist uses a range of different movements including kneading, stroking and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas. In addition, the therapist will also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face. The session will usually last from thirty to forty-five minutes, and most therapists like their clients to sit quietly for ten or twenty minutes once the massage has been completed.
What is it good for? Indian head massage may help increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, may improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow, can free knots of muscular tension, may relax connective tissue, and may aid in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products.
Possible benefits of Indian head massage include: relieves stress, tension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis.
Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate.
What are the side effects and when should it be avoided? Following a treatment some clients experience tiredness, light headedness, or aching muscles. All of these side effects usually last for no more than a few hours, after which clients generally experience increased energy and alertness.
Precautions
Please ensure that you do not eat a heavy meal directly before your treatment and always make sure that you avoid alcohol for at least five hours before the treatment. Indian head massage should be avoided if you have had recent surgery, or a head or neck injury; a history of thrombosis or embolism; spondylitis or spondylosis.
As with any treatment it is important to tell your therapist in advance if you:
• are, or think you might be, pregnant
• have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
• have recently had an injury or operation
• are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
• have any broken skin or sores on your scalp as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Your lymphatic system helps eliminate your body’s waste. A healthy, active lymphatic system uses the natural movements of smooth muscle tissue to do this.
However, surgery, medical conditions, or other damage can cause fluids to build up in your lymph system and your lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphedema.
If you’ve ever had a surgery on or involving your lymph nodes, your doctor may have suggested lymphatic drainage massage performed by a certified massage or physical therapist. However,
Lymphatic massage is not recommended for people with the following conditions: * congestive heart failure * history of blood clots or stroke * current infection * liver problems * kidney problems
Lymphedema Procedures that affect or remove your lymph nodes can cause lymphedema as a side effect.
Lymphedema will only occur in the area near a surgical site.
For example, if you have lymph nodes removed as a part of cancer surgery to your left breast, only your left arm, not your right, might be affected with lymphedema.
Lymphedema can also occur as a result of an injury or medical conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or blood clots in the body.
To move waste fluids away from the damaged area, lymphatic massage, which uses a gentle pressure, can help. It’s one technique used to reduce lymphedema.
Raakhee Patel, PT, DPT, CLT, is a physical therapist and certified lymphedema specialist who trains people to perform their own lymphatic massage after surgery.
“We don’t talk enough about lymphedema,” says Patel. Fluid build-up is uncomfortable and causes pain and heaviness in the affected area. And, according to Patel, “Stage 3 lymphedema can be devastating,” causing significant depression and lack of mobility that could complicate healing.
When performing a lymphatic massage, it’s important that the massage include more than just the affected area. The entire lymphatic system of the body, except the head, right side of the chest, and right arm, drains near the left shoulder. So, a massage should include all areas to drain properly.
Clearing and reabsorption
Patel teaches two stages of lymphatic massage: clearing and reabsorption. The purpose of clearing is to create a vacuum with gentle pressure so that the area is prepared to bring in more fluid, creating a flushing effect.
Clearing involves:
- supraclavicular lymph area: located directly under the collarbone
- axillary lymph area: located under the arms
- inside of the elbows
Clearing motions can be repeated as many as 10 times a day. Patel advises, “Always massage both sides of your body, not just the side with the lymphedema.”
A guide to clearing
There are three stages to clearing. Be sure to clear the supraclavicular area, axillary area, and inner-elbow area, in that order.
To clear the supraclavicular area:
- Begin by lying on a comfortable, flat surface.
- Cross your arms on your chest, with your hands resting just below the collarbones.
- Then lift your elbows slowly. The muscle action is as much pressure required to prepare the area to flush lymphatic fluid.
Next, clear the axillary area:
- Lay one hand above your head.
- Use your other hand to gently scoop the underarm area from top to bottom. The only pressure required is gentle enough to move the surface of the skin.
Finally, clear the area inside the elbows:
- Lay your arm straight at your side.
- Use the fingers of your opposite hand to gently pull the skin inside the elbow an inch at a time.
The post Massages first appeared on Goddess Factor.
What is Dermaplaning, also known as Microblading? Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin ( Stratum Corneum ). The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles, surface blemishes and “peach fluff” know as Vellus hair, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth.
Is it a safe procedure? Yes, it is! We double cleanse the skin, use a new surgical blade and gloves for each client insuring no harm or cross-infection.
Who is qualified to do this procedure? Only a qualified Dermatologist and Somatologist may perform this treatment on clients.
Is it suitable for all skin types? Yes, it is suitable for all skin types even for skins with conditions such as sun-damage, dry skin, fine lines and post pascal scaring.
Why do I need Dermaplaning? Your skin is exposed daily to harsh environmental toxins, irritants, and sun damage. This can cause the top layer of your skin to appear dull, and it can make you look aged. Dermaplaning clears away those damaged skin cells so newer skin cells are what you see when you look in the mirror.
Explain the procedure? First, you will lay down on a sanitized, disposable clothed bed in a private floor heat room
Your Therapist will then double cleanse and tone the skin before starting the procedure, this is to clean out all dirt and bacteria that might have been on the surface of the skin and to disinfect it.
Your Therapist will then apply gloves onto her sanitized hands, show you a newly open sculpting blade and begin to manually Dermaplan/sculpt over the skin in a 45-degree angle.
After the treatment is completed, your Therapist will soothe your skin with Rose water, balance your Ph with a spritzer, apply suited mask for client’s skin and moisturise the skin. We will also apply SPF to protect your skin after the treatment is completed.
Is it painful? No, not at all. During a Dermaplaning procedure, you should not feel any pain. You may feel a tingling sensation during the treatment due to the Therapist is working directly onto the skin.
Is there any downtime? One amazing fact about Dermaplaning is that it has no down time. In other words, can visit us during a lunch break have your treatment done and go on with your day as usual.
How often should one have a Dermaplaning session? While your Therapist will help you determine how often you should undergo treatment, you should at least wait three or four weeks in between sessions. Dermaplaning is a deep exfoliation, removing two or three weeks’ worth of dead skin. Give your skin time to resurface in between treatments.
How will my skin look and feel after the procedure? Skin will immediately have a natural glow with visible results. Skin will be smooth and look rejuvenated. Eyebrows would have been shaped and no peach fuzz on the upper lip, which means no need for waxing! Skin will be slightly sensitive due to the treatment; this will only be for a few hours before the skin normalises. Some experience a “sun burnt “feeling the next day or tight sensation.
What skin protocol must I follow after the treatment? The client will need to make sure that they cleanse and moisturise well, as we had work on the barrier layer (protective layer) of the skin. One will need to avoid direct sun exposure in the week after your appointment, as sun damage, such as a sunburn, could compromise your skin and make the treatment painful. This can also create pigmentation and damage melanocytes in the skin if not looked after.
What skincare products should I use to maintain the result of Dermaplaning? Maintenance would be a good cleanser/wash depending on client’s skin. A moisturiser with good active and nourishing ingredients. Most important a good sun protector factor, best would be a SPF25 and above for a full coverage. If one does not have any of these products or needs products that would suit your skin condition, ask your Therapist for advice.
For more information or bookings call or Whatsapp us on 062 292 8968.
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