Maybe longer massages could be of benefit to the client and even the therapist who gets the opportunity to work more on those areas that need it. So many clients come out of the therapy room saying how quickly the time went, how they could have done with more time.

There is evidence to suggest that more time does provide more health benefits. This extra time can feel so much more luxurious, truly losing track of time and certainly not feeling rushed in way. Many clients start to totally unwind in the last 15 minutes or so of an hour’s massage, by which time you wish the massage could continue abit longer.

Of course having an hours massage is absolutely wonderful, strangely what ever the extra time beyond an hour seems so much more. The extra time also gives the therapist more time to work on the tense areas. Also areas like the feet, scalp or hands get more attention than is normally possible with an hour massage.

So how long is enough? Having a two hour massage is too long in general (a two hour treatment would be better split into a massage and facial). We would suggest if you want a longer massage then the ideal time would be no more than 85 minutes, then more time is spent on the feet (very relaxing and therapeutic), hands, scalp etc.

If you decide to take a longer treatment, give yourself two hours – after your treatment take 30 minutes to relax in our tranquility room and have a complementary cup of tea.

Long term benefits of massage

There is some confusion about the true origin of this powerful therapy, sufficient to say that it has stood the test of time and has helped thousands of people to better health.

The dictionary definition of a “Reflex” is “an involuntary or instinctive movement in response to a stimulus” or in the sense of reflection or mirror image.

The reflexes on our feet and hands act as mirror images of the body.

Zone Therapy was used as far back as AD1500. The American president, James Abram Garfield was said to apply pressure to his feet to relieve pain.

During the 16th Century a number of books were published on Zone Therapy, one was written by Dr Adamus and Dr A’tatis and another by Dr Ball in Leipzig.

The re-discovery of some form of systemized foot treatment is accredited to Dr William Fitzgerald who called it Zone Therapy and drew it to the attention of the medical world between 1915 and 1917. It was in 1915 that an article entitled “To stop that toothache, squeeze your toe” was published in “Everybody’s Magazine”, written by Edwin Bowers, which first brought Dr Fitzgerald’s work on Zone Therapy before the public.

In 1917, Dr Fitzgerald wrote “Zone Therapy or Relieving Pain in the Home”. Two years later, they enlarged this book and published it under a second title “Zone Therapy or Curing Pain and Disease”.

Dr William Fitzgerald (1872 – 1942) received his medical degree from the University of Vermont in 1895. He practiced in Boston City Hospital for two and a half years before going to London. He spent two years at the Central London Nose and Throat hospital before taking up a position in Vienna as Assistant to Professors Politzer and Chiari, who were highly respected doctors.

Dr Ada Politzer (1835 – 1920) of the University of Vienna, was a well-known author of many medical books and made clinical contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear. Dr Otto Chiari, again an established authority, wrote several books on diseases and surgery of the larynx and trachea.

Dr Fitzgerald never published the original sources for his own therapy, but it is likely that he was influenced during this time in Vienna, by the work of Dr d’Arsonval. In “Zone Therapy is Scientific” by Dr W D Chesney, it is stated that in Germany, Dr d’Arsonval was using physiotherapy and getting relief following the use of reflex knowledge which, in effect, was what was later termed Zone Therapy by Drs Fitzgerald and Bowers.

When Dr Fitzgerald returned to the United States, he became head of the Nose and Throat Department at St Francis Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut. Around 1909, Dr Fitzgerald discovered, or re-discovered Zone Therapy. Almost ten years later, he wrote his book, about how he had stumbled upon the concept of Zone Therapy:

“Six years ago I accidentally discovered that pressure with a cotton tipped probe on the muco-cutinous margin (where the skin joins the mucous membrane) of the nose gave an anaesthetic result as though a cocaine solution had been applied. I further found that there were many spots in the nose, mouth, throat and on both surfaces of the tongue, which, when pressed firmly, deadened definite areas of sensation. Also, that pressure exerted over any bony eminence of the hands, feet or over the joints, produces the same characteristic results in pain relief. I found also that when pain was relieved, the condition that produced the pain was most generally relieved. This led to my ‘mapping out’ these various areas and their associated connections and also to noting the conditions influenced through them. This science I have named “Zone Therapy”.

It is worth noting that the Chinese had, in acupuncture, divided the body into longitudinal meridians by approximately 2,500 B.C.

From 1915 and into the early 1930’s, the subject of zone therapy was controversial, although it met with a certain amount of success with osteopaths and dentists.

One physician who did believe in Fitzgerald’s work was Dr Joe Shelby Riley of Washington. He and his wife, Elizabeth, credit Dr Fitzgerald as one who, in modern times, brought this science (ie. Zone therapy) to the notice of the public.

The physiotherapist working with Dr Riley at St Petersburg, was Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974). Eunice Ingham extended the work of Dr Fitzgerald and painstakingly mapped the feet with all the corresponding organs and glands of the body. She was a real pioneer who was determined to help people to help themselves, if their doctor was not using reflexology. In the early years, she worked with doctors to prove her findings and to demonstrate to them that reflexology was a useful diagnostic tool.

She lectured at a medical clinic headed by Dr Charles Epstein in May 1939. In his report, he acknowledged that reflexology worked. However, while they knew it worked, doctors were not interested in using it, because reflexology was too time consuming and they could not make as much money.

Eunice Ingham is still known as the pioneer of modern reflexology and she authored two well-known books “Stories the Feet Can Tell” and “Stories the Feet Have Told”. They have since been combined into one volume. In addition to her writing and lecturing, she, along with her nephew, Dwight Byers, founded the International Institute so that her work could be continued in perpetuity.

Dwight Byers is the current President of the Institute. He worked for many years with his Aunt and is equally keen that her work and that developed by the Institute more recently, should be passed on for the benefit of many people.

Throughout her forty years of experience treating many thousands of people, Eunice Ingham devised a system of techniques which enable the practitioner to contact the reflexes in the most effective and economic way. This system is known as the “Original Ingham Method” and though this method has been refined still further through research by Dwight Byers and staff at the Institute, her legacy is still thoroughly entwined in the practical techniques that we teach.

The years of World War II interrupted Eunice Ingham’s traveling for a time, but in 1947 she was joined on her lecture tour by her nephew. Each of Eunice Ingham’s seminars was unique. Her method of instruction was to demonstrate and lecture as she worked on the health problems of those who attended. Over the years, Dwight Byers has contributed to his aunt’s work by organising the seminars into training workshops. These have been further developed to produce the Diploma course that we teach in the UK.

Eunice Ingham died in 1974, having devoted forty years of her life to reflexology. Today, her legacy continues and she would be proud to see how reflexology has been developed into a profession. So those of us associated with the International Institute of Reflexology are indeed fortunate that we have the opportunity to get so close to the originator of the techniques.

It is easy to be confused about the many different schools and methods of reflexology. It is worth remembering that the International Institute of Reflexology is the only organisation legally entitled to teach the Original Ingham Method®. It forms the foundation of the entire therapy.

Reflexology can benefit people of all ages and, depending on the length of time a condition has been present, can improve or eliminate many ailments during a course of four to six weekly treatments.

Reflexology Courses here at the Haven

Reflexology is certainly not new. The art of Reflexology can be traced back to 2330 B.C. in ancient Egypt and also in India and China. Reflexology as we know it today is attributed to the work of Eunice Ingham, an American Therapist.

Eunice mapped out reflex points on the feet and hands that correspond to all of the organs, glands and parts of the body. Her original work is taught exclusively by the school that she founded, The International Institute of Reflexology.

Reflexology Today:

Reflexology is a complementary therapy widely accepted in the UK and recognised by the NHS, many GP’s and hospices. By applying pressure to the reflex points on the hands and/or feet, the blood circulation is improved, the body relaxes and organs and glands become balanced. Doctors agree that over 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. Reflexology is fantastic for relaxing and clearing these blockages.

Reflexology is not a beauty therapy or a foot massage; it is a clinical treatment with proven results. It is totally safe for people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, for pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy.

A typical foot reflexology treatment lasts 45-50 minutes and it is generally recommended that a course of 4-6 weekly treatments is considered, however the frequency of treatments is up to you, and may vary depending on your state of health and long term objectives.

Whilst reflexology works very well alongside conventional medicine, it should never be used in place of seeking professional medical advice.

The International Institute of Reflexology® does not purport to teach medical practice in any form. Reflexology is a unique modality in the health field. Its purpose is not to treat or diagnose for any specific medical disorder, but to promote better health and well being in the same way as an exercise or diet program.

More on reflexology

Reflexology courses Here at the Haven

An article from the Complimentary Medical Association

Buteyko is a series of breathing techniques that claims to help treat asthma and other conditions.

This document provides general information of what to expect when you visit a therapist, and a general theory behind how their discipline works. It must be noted, however, that every therapist works in an individual way, and may subscribe to slightly different theories on how their discipline works. It is always advised that you ask to see relevant qualifications and discuss the treatment offered to you by the practitioner if you are in any doubt whatsoever.

Buteyko works according to the principal that certain conditions are caused, or at the very least, aggravated by over-breathing. By this, practitioners mean breathing heavily and rapidly through the mouth when there is no need to do so. Over-breathing is like overeating – it is not good for us.

A set of exercises are taught to the patient which can be done anywhere, anytime of day. Incorrect breathing, it is claimed, is harmful to the body because it depletes the bloodstream of carbon dioxide, thus causing blood-vessel spasms and oxygen starvation. It is thought that when this happens, the body reacts in a number of ways and thus asthma attacks, headaches, rapid heart beat and a number of other medical conditions are experienced.

There are many reports claiming that asthma suffers, once they have mastered the Buteyko method, have been able to stop using their bronchodilators.

Breathing through the nose is always preferable to breathing through the mouth as the nostril hairs filter the air, and warm it before it enters the lungs. It also limits the amount of air entering the lungs.

Main uses Asthma and other medical conditions including heart disease, panic attacks, high blood pressure, panic disorders and arthritis.

Naturopathy

The Australian Natural Therapists Association Limited (ANTA) is the largest national democratic association of ‘recognised professional’ traditional medicine and natural therapy [Complementary Medicine] practitioners who work in the areas of health care and preventative medicine.

Myotherapy is a method for relieving pain based on the application of pressure at trigger points throughout the body. Trigger points are defined as hypersensitive places in the muscles that cause pain in response to undue stress. They may be triggered by occupational or other injuries as well as by disease, physical stress, and emotional stress. Trigger points rarely occur in the same place where the pain is felt. Myotherapy is founded on the notion that relief of tension in the muscle followed by revitalisation of the relieved muscle through stretching, promotes healing and reduces the disposition of the muscle and the nerve to cause further pain.

It can help people suffering from many types of head, back, and neck pain. It also relieves the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis experience reductions in swelling.

Athletes may experience enhanced performance.

By applying pressure at strategic nerve locations called trigger points, muscle spasms go away. Pain can disappear and relax the muscles associated with the specific discomfort. The therapist first locates and diffuses the trigger points of pain through applying pressure. A series of exercises to progressively stretch the muscles that have been relaxed by the pressure therapy.

The Australian Natural Therapists Association Limited (ANTA) is the largest national democratic association of ‘recognised professional’ traditional medicine and natural therapy [Complementary Medicine] practitioners who work in the areas of health care and preventative medicine.

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to wellness based on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic techniques, the body, mind and emotions are supported during the healing process.

Naturopathic principles are based on treating each person as an individual and treating the whole person, not just the affected area.

Naturopathy encompasses a variety of treatment methods including:

• Herbal Medicine to help prevent and treat various illnesses
• Dietary and Nutritional advice for restoration of balance, detoxification and prevention of disease
• Lifestyle advice to promote well-being and to reduce stress
• Hydrotherapy using the healing power of water to stimulate the immune system and the body’s natural defenses
• Flower essences to enhance the emotional aspect of healing
• The use of compresses and packs to stimulate organ function and to reduce pain
• Soft tissue manipulation to rebalance the body’s systems, to reduce pain and to enable detoxification
• Homoeopathy

Naturopathy can alleviate a wide range of conditions and is suitable for all ages.  Some of the more common conditions treated include fatigue, stress related ailments, digestive problems, PMT and general aches and pains.  However, you do not need to be unwell to benefit from naturopathy.

Naturopathic treatments boost the body’s natural healing potential, restoring harmony and preventing disease.

What is the history of naturopathy?

The modern form of naturopathy can be traced to 18th- and 19th-century natural healing systems. Such systems include hydrotherapy (water therapy), which was popular in Germany and nature cure, developed in Austria, and based on the use of food, air, light, water, and herbs to treat illness.

Benjamin Lust, a German immigrant, first introduced naturopathy to the United States in 1902 when he founded the American School of Naturopathy. The school emphasised the use of natural cures, proper bowel habits, and good hygiene as the essential tools for health. This was the first time that dietary principles, like increasing fiber intake and minimizing saturated fats, became popular.

In the mid-1920s to 1940, while allopathic medical training and pharmaceuticals and medical technologies gained notoriety, the use of naturopathic medicine declined. It was not until the 1960s that naturopathic-style holistic medicine regained popularity. Today, naturopaths are licensed primary care providers in many states offering information and advice on a variety of alternative and complementary therapies, including homeopathy, vitamin and mineral supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine, relaxation techniques, and herbal remedies.

Infrared Sauna – a better detox

The Australian Natural Therapists Association Limited (ANTA) is the largest national democratic association of ‘recognised professional’ traditional medicine and natural therapy [Complementary Medicine] practitioners who work in the areas of health care and preventative medicine.

The word massage is most likely to have emerged from the Greek word ‘Massein’, meaning ‘to knead’ or the Arabic word ‘mas’h’ meaning ‘to press softly’. Massage is the oldest form of physical medicine known to man and can be traced back to the early Chinese medical manuscripts around 400BC. Massage was advocated by Hippocrates who was born in the fifth century and was known as ‘the father of medicine’. It was widely used and written of in Roman times with history recording how Julius Ceaesar received massage to relieve neuralgia!

Very little was recorded about massage in Europe between the Roman times and the early Middle Ages, but by the sixteenth century medicine slowly started to re-learn what had been lost. Between 1776 and 1839, a Swedish professor, Peter Ling, created a scientific system of therapeutic massage known as Swedish massage and established a teaching institute in Stockholm.

Today, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing forces in the field of health care.

How does it work?

Massage is simply the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body – the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A massage therapist’s hands are his most important tool through which he not only treats the patient but also detects physical and emotional problems. The massage therapist palpates the patient’s body to determine the condition of the tissues and the likely source of any pain, and thus the correct form of remedial treatment.

Massage works through the various body systems in one of two ways, a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement, thereby cleansing them of acids and deposits. This mechanical action breaks up fibrous tissue and loosens stiff joints.

A reflex is created when treatment of one part of the body affects another part of the body, much like pressing a light switch on a wall to turn on a light in the centre of the room. Just like this electric connection, so too are different parts of the body connected to each other not just by flesh and bone but by nerve pathways, or flows of energy known as ‘meridians’. So, by using reflex action, some therapists will treat a patient’s stomach complaint by massaging the arms, and will alleviate pain in the legs by massaging the lower back.

What is Myotherapy?

Reflexology courses here at the Haven

Long term benefits of massage

Sports Massage is the Management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments and tendons.

The techniques used by sports massage practitioners have been developed to ensure effective and efficient results are gained from each massage given. The reported benefits of Sports Massage include:

• Improve circulation & lymphatic flow
• Assist in the removal of metabolic waste
• Sedate or stimulate nerve endings
• Increase or decrease muscle tone
• Increase or decrease muscle length
• Remodel scar tissue when required
• Assist in mental preparation for sporting participation

To benefit from a sports massage you do not need to be a sports performer. There are many practitioners that work with a great range of clients. The benefits above can also help relieve many day to day problems that everyone experiences. By ensuring you use an SMA accredited practitioner, you ensure that you will be receiving an individually tailored, high quality massage. Depending on the type and timing of activity these benefits can be achieved for anyone.

If you are a sports performer, of any level, a sports specific massage can be beneficial at various stages of participation. For example:

• The conditioning / training phase
• Pre competition
• Inter competition
• Post competition
• Post travel
• Injury prevention
• Injury recovery

Regardless of your experiences in sport or exercise whether you exercise socially or compete to an international level – sports massage may have something to offer you.

Members of the Sports Massage Association will be able to identify anyone for whom sports massage would be ill-advised or detrimental to their short or long-term, well being. They will assess each individual and provide the appropriate massage techniques, and advise on alternative action if required.

Long term benefits of massage

Times have changed, health spa vacations are for both men and women and some places also cater for children. They are no longer for the elite, health spas are now every affordable. With the growing demand, more people are taking this kind of vacation and there are more places to choose from than ever before. A growing number of health spas also offer treatments beyond the normal relaxation or de-stress in one place. The Haven is offering much more in the way of health programs aimed at helping people overcome and/or manage many chronic diseases.

So why would you consider coming to our health spa in Panama

1)      It is time to do something different for your next vacation – think outside the box go somewhere different.

2)      This might be our first opportunity, now the kids are older to have a vacation without them.  Do something totally for yourselves.

3)      Is your lifestyle in a rut? This is your opportunity to learn how to change some aspects.

4)      If you are stressed this type of vacation will suit you and help you truly unwind

5)      Learn how to exercise

6)      If you have a health problem, are in constant pain, our experienced health practitioners will be able to advise and treat you.

International team from Britain and Australia.

A body scrub is essentially an exfoliant, its purpose is to remove the dull dead layer of the skin. Scrubs help to increase the circulation and leave the newer layer of skin hydrated, smooth, soft and glowing. You do have to be careful if you have sensitive skin and certainly this not for you if you have red skin from sunbathing or any eczema or rashes.

A body scrub is a good treatment to have if you are about to have false tan applied. We do not recommend them and do not offer a tanning service at our health spa.

Our body scrub contains sea salt, natural glycerine (excellent for hydrating the skin and leaving feeling it very smooth) plus essential oils of lavender or lemongrass.

Body scrubs are simply to do at home in the shower.

Aromatherapy – simple explanation