MASSAGE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS - Hometown Focus

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Are you or someone you know diabetic? This disease, besides being annoying, can be life-threatening, especially when left unattended. The good news is, with the proper use of medications, diabetes can be manageable. Having diabetes doesn’t have to bring your life to a standstill.

In the article “The Top Ways Massage Benefits the Diabetic Population,” author Jimmy Gialelis, LMT, BCTMB, goes into great length as to the whys and hows of diabetes.

So, how do you know if you have diabetes? Gialelis lists some of the signs/ symptoms: increased thirst, increased urination, foul and/or fruity breath, fatigue, weight loss due to medical condition, neuropathy—abnormal nerve pain usually found in the hands and feet, paresthesia—a sensation of pins and needles on the skin, dysfunction of the female and male erectile tissue.

If you have signs similar to these, I urge you to follow up with your doctor. He or she is best equipped to give you a correct diagnosis. The following are complications that can arise if diabetes is left untreated: heart disease, hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, blindness/ eye issues, neurological disease, amputations, dental disease, decreased immunity, immobility, depression and ketoacidosis.





Gialelis also talks about how Swedish massage can be helpful as it is known for its ability to increase circulation, something that is much needed with diabetics.

There are three main benefits of massage for diabetics: • Increased circulation of blood, which allows for improved cellular intake of glucose and enhancement of insulin utilization. • Relaxation, which will relieve the stress (physical, mental and emotional) of having chronic disease and will calm the nervous system. • Positive myofascial effects, which include increased mobility and improved tissue elasticity.

It has been found that foot massage for diabetics can increase balance and functional mobility. An overall body massage also greatly helps with circulation issues. In addition, a full massage helps with elasticity between the muscles and skin and gives greater range of motion and ease of movement to the joints.

If you have circulation issues due to diabetes, which can create lack of skin sensitivity, there are some things to consider when getting a massage. Stay away from hot stone massage and avoid having warm towels applied during the massage. Eating two – three hours before your massage is recommended. That way, there is time allowed for the insulin to do its job.

Having diabetes is certainly life-changing from how and when you eat to how you live your life in other areas. If managed right, it doesn’t have to be mean you stop living your life. To help you, consider implementing massage into your wellness program.

I have one client who has had diabetes for many years. She has been seeing me once a month for the last nine years. She tells me that massage helps her keep moving. I believe it helps her body counter the effects of diabetes on her body.

Source: www.integrativehealthcare.org/ mt/the-top-ways-massage-benefits-thediabetic population/, Jimmy Gialelis, LMT, BCTMB, “The Top Ways Massage Benefits the Diabetic Population”

Susan Santi is a certified massage therapist and owner of Ahhh Massage in Virginia, MN. Feel free to contact her with questions at 218-410-2144.

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