Okay - here goes. Bear with me because this is A LOT of information. Most of it will not be understood by some. It still confuses me sometimes. Hopefully, once I get into school and have some real education, I'll understand it all better. What I am including here is from the Holistic Health Report that my massage therapist prepared for me.

Alternative approaches involve ittle or no risk and can be considered as the best and safest way for treating hormonal imbalance.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture/pressure, Herbs
• Relaxation therapies - Meditation, Massage
• Hypnosis
• Reiki
• Ayurveda (Massage, Yoga, Herbs, Diet)

Herbal remedies and Acupuncture established themsleves as the best treatments. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment involving the insertion of very fine sterile needles into the body at specific points according to a mapping of 'energy pathways'. It's an excellent treatment, but complicated to follow. A successful acupuncture treatment involves time, money and finding the right practitioner. Therefore, most women are looking for less complicated ways of alternative treatment and think herbal remedies are a safe and effective solutiohn. Acupressure is also a viable alternative.

Ayurvedic Massage, part of the traditional medicine of India, also works to balance the body's subtle energy systems, and , is thought to directly affect the endocrine system, making it an outstanding choice for hormone balancing.

There are basically two types of herbs for treating unbalanced hormonal levels: phytoestrogen and non-estrogenic herbs. The phytoestrogen herbs (ie Black Cohosh, Dong Quai) contain estrogenic components produced by plants. Though, these herbs are good for treating low hormones levels, because the replace some of the missing estrogen hormones, they aren't the best solution for treating hormonal imbalance. As a result of adding hormones from outside, your body will become less responsive to produce estrogen on its own. This causes a further decrease of body-own hormone levels.

Unlike phytoestrogen herbs, non-estrogenic herbs, as its name suggests, don't contain any estrogen. These herbs nourish your hormonal glands into producting more efficiently your own natural hormones. This ultimately ends up in balancing not only estrogen, but also progesterone and testosterone. In other words, non-estrogenic herbs stimulate your own hormone production by inducing the optimal functioning of the pituitary and endocrine glands. Due to this, non-estrogenic herbs, like Macafem, can be considered as the safest way to treat hormonal imbalance naturally.

A combination of approaches is a good route to take. Lifestyle changes combined with alternative medicine will probably take care of the hormonal imbalance in a more efficiently way. Nonetheless, there will always be some women who need or want to go through the third level of approach (drugs, invasive procedures). Side effects are inevitable, but sometimes these are worth it if considered the relief this approach provides.

Alternative Therapies Defined

Meditation
Vipassana Meditation (or Mindfulness in Breathing meditation) is the most traditional form of Meditation and was first practiced in India, some believe over 5000 years ago.

Vipassana Meditation is a true meditation in that there are measurable physiological and phychological changes that occur within the human body - reduced heart rate, reduced respiration, decreased stress related hormones, increased endorphin levels, increased focus and concentration, decreased brainwave activity. Meditation, done for an extended time, brings about peaceful mindfulness.

Yoga
Yoga is a form of Tantra and began life as part of Ayurveda. Tantra means to use the body as a tool to discover enlightenment. Ayurveda is the Traditional Health care of the Indian people and has roots in Vedic Philosophy.

Ayurveda believes that the body is a microcosm of th euniversal macrocosm. Everything in nature resides within our own being. Our bodies are comprised of 5 elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Eater, Spirit) called the Tattva. We have polarities within ourselves, also found throughout nature.

Yoga is a means by which we can bring balance to our being by manipulating the energies of the body through physical repositioning called Asanas. It also utilizes specific breathing and meditative techniques.

The most 'energetic' of the yogas is called Kundalini Yoga and works to raise the energy of the body through the chakra system in order to bring balance to the body and reach the state called 'Yogi' - or transcended awareness.

Ayurvedic Massage
There are many forms of Ayurvedic Massage, using a variety of techniques and offered for a variety of reasons. They are all considered Tantric practices in that the massage, done on the physical self, benefits the mental/emotional and spiritual selves as well. Ayurvedic massage can play a key role in emotional release.

In Ayurvedic Massage, the client is interviewed in order to determine what Dosha (or Body Type) they are (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Based on this assessment, certain massage oils, herbs and massage techniques are used, custom tailored to decrease overstimulated Doshas and increase under stimulated ones. (Take the test and find out your Dosha: Dosha Quiz - Ayurveda Mind and Body Types )

Chakra Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic Massage. Chakras are thought to be energetic reservoirs located from the base of the tail bone to the top of the skull. The Chakras coincide with the endocrine system, controlling the regulation of hormones.

The Chakras are described in the tantric texts the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Panaka, in which they are described as emanations of consciousness from Brahman, an energy emanating from the spiritual which gradually turns concrete, creating these distinct levels of chakras, and which eventually finds its rest in the Muladhara Chakra. They are therefore part of an emanationist theory, like that of the kabbalah in the west, lataif-e-sitta in Sufism or neo-platonism. The energy that was unleashed in creation, called the Kundalini, lies coiled and sleeping at the base of the spine. It is the purpose of the tantric or kundalini forms of yoga to arouse this energy and cause it to rise back up through the increasingly subtler chakras, until union with God is achieved in the Sahasrara chakra a the crown of the head.

During Chakra Abhyanga, the Chakras are balanced through the application of Dosha type oils, specific Marma stimulation and massage strokes.

Abhyanga means full body massage. It works with Indian acupressure points called Marmas and includes lymph drainage as part of its overall application to rid the body of toxins and restore balance.

Together Chakra and Abhuanga represent a full body massage that works to balance the mind, body and spirit of the recipient.

Because Ayurvedic Massage utilizes herbal infused natural oils, it could be seen as herbalism, energy work and aroma therapeutic massage all rolled into one. Because it uses natural oils, the benefits to the hair and skin can not be overstated.

Swedish Massage
The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor names Per Henrik Ling.

Purpose of Swedish Massage:
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It is also effective at breaking down adhesions within soft tissue (muscle and facia).

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish Massage can be an important addition when treating Infertility with Alternative Therapies. This is because Swedish Massage can break down Adhesions commonly found in and around the reproductive systems of the female anatomy. Studies have suggested that Swedish massage performed on the low back and pelvic region can have positive effects when working with infertility.

Meridian Therapy
An acupressurist works with the same points used in acupuncture - called acupoints - stimulating these healing sites wiht finger pressure, rather than inserting fine needles. This gently unblocks key points on the body's energy pathways to enable healing without the use of manipulation or deep pressure. Acupressure aids elimination of stress, pain and alleviation of acute and chronic conditions. By stimulating the body's natural curative abilities, acupressure also works as a powerful preventative therapy and is a safe and effective complement to conventional healing methods.

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Thanks Rac!! I've been thinking about adding massage to my list of things to try in the near future so this information is extremely helpful!

One question...I know you said in another thread that weekly would be good but at what point during your cycle should it be started? Or does it not really matter?

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Dana

Dana - You're welcome! I'm so glad some of you do have an interest in this stuff. I love it!

Start whenever! The sooner the better, actually. Don't worry about AF and massage, either. Just let the therapist know - there are some things they may not do. One of my sessions was during AF and my cramps were gone!

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Here's the blinkie I found that I told you about -- too cute, eh?

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Steph - You have become the new Blinkie Queen!

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Breathing Exercises

Basic Breath - this breathing exercise is done best lying on a firm surface; low back should be comfortable, with knees bolstered or bent up. Exaggerate movements and breaths at first to get 'the hang' of it. Breathe in through the nose as you push your belly out. Hold the breath and then breathe out of the nose as you pull the belly in. Repeat several times then ending with a gentle non-exaggerated movement. Remember to keep the back of the throat open.

Complete Breath - Sometimes known as Three Part Breathing - Lie on a firm surface, exaggerate to learn as above. Expand just the belly, push it all the way out. Continue, expanding the ribs, filling the middle chest. Continue, breathing into to pchest all the way, even raising the collar bones.

Exhale slowly, repeating several times then ending with non-exaggerated movements.

Alternative methods:
1. Breathe as above in three parts then exhale equally in three parts. first exhale from the upper chest, pauyse then ribs, then belly.
2. Breathe fully from the belly all the way to the collar bones, filling the entire lung cavity, without any pauses. Then exhale, exaggeratedly in three parts. This technique is wonderful for asthma.

Beauty Breath - Stand, feet apart. Close right nostril with the right thumb and inhale deeply threough the left nostril. Close both nostrils, bend forward with the head down. Hold the breath as long as possible without strain. Stand up slowly, still holding the breath, then release the air from the right nostril only. Do this breath only twice, alternating to the left nostril.

Simple Breath - Sit comfortably. Inhale through both nostrils as deeply as you can. Tilt the head back, then let air out through both nostrils with a sound like sighing. This breath is wonderful and beneficial for the liver and spleen.

"F" or "S" Breath - Sit comfortably. Bring the rib cage high. Breathe rapidly through the mouth, mouthing th eletter F or S. (F goes through th elips, S through closed teeth. This breath strengthens the diaphragm and prepares the lungs for th eRecharge Breath.

Recharge Breath - Sit comfortably. Inhale quickly through both nostrils, then give a powerful, sharp exhalation. Repeat this up to thirty times. The emphasis is on the exhalation - make the diaphragm do the work. This breath aids in firming the abdomen and is excellent in shortness of breath, asthma and emphysema.

Doggie Breath - Get down on hands and kenees. Stick your tongue out and bend your elbows. Then pant strongly with deep, quick, coughing breaths sounding like a dog panting. This breath strengthens your thyroid gland, eyes and lungs.

Deep breathing exercises are the most powerful and effective form of stress management.
Dean Ornish, M.D.; Clinical Professor of Medicine - University of CA; Author of "Reversing Heart Disease"


Deep breathing techniques, which increases axygen to the cell, are the most important factors in living a disease free and energetic life.
Dr. Otto Warburg, Institute of Cell Physiology; Nobel Prize Winner


The Latin word for breath is Spiritus. Allow your breath to flow through you as a sense of spirit flows through your body.
Jerry Braza, Ph.D.

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