|
If you once thought of holistic approaches to health (such as massage) as something out of a hippie’s playbook, it’s time to study how things have changed, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of their recent articles cites how “integrative medicine has become an increasingly popular way to enhance treatment for health concerns”, crediting two forms of integrative medicine ─ acupuncture and massage ─ as having already helped a wealth of patients.
In a review of several case studies, Mayo Clinic researchers examined the potential role of integrative medicine as therapeutic and diagnostic benefits when combined with a patient’s treatment plan. “A massage therapist's ability to have hands-on contact with a patient and potential for seeing patients for multiple sessions not only can relieve symptoms, but also aid diagnostic detection.” It goes on to cite a case study where researchers observed a patient who underwent a partial small bowel resection being followed up with massage for persistent pain. The therapist was able to detect tenderness upon palpating an area and alerted the patient’s care team. Subsequently, the team found an intestinal leak and infection in the abdominal cavity.
The article went on to quote Brent Bauer, M.D., director of research for Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine Program. “We have done over two dozen studies on massage and acupuncture showing the benefits that both treatments have on patients. Skilled practitioners of integrative medicine are able to be a member of the care team and contribute their expertise, while also delivering care directly to patients.
As these case studies demonstrate, bringing massage into the clinical setting can have benefits that extend beyond therapeutic wellness, bringing another level of healing and a second set of eyes to a patient’s overall treatment plan. As Dr. Bauer notes, “That is the definition of integrative medicine in a nutshell – combining the best of both worlds to optimize health and healing for our patients”.
For more information on how to make massage a part of your lifestyle and overall wellness plan, contact me at Kevin@HealingSensation.com or at 916.837.6582 for a consultation.
Source: Newswise.com
|