Invest in Your Health: The Benefits of Massage

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

•Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
•Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
•Ease medication dependence.
•Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
•Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
•Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
•Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
•Increase joint flexibility.
•Lessen depression and anxiety.
•Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
•Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
•Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
•Reduce spasms and cramping.
•Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
•Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
•Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

•Decreased anxiety.
•Enhanced sleep quality.
•Greater energy.
•Improved concentration.
•Increased circulation.
•Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

•Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
•Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
•Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
•High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
•Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
•Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. Invest in your health in the new year with regular massage visits.

Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.

Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, a clinic located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Coenzyme Q10: The Wrinkle Cure

Air pollutants, toxins, cigarette smoke, cell metabolism, exposure to the sun, and other environmental factors initiate free radicals, which can cause dangerous reactions that destroy cells and damage DNA, proteins, and fats. Free radicals also interfere with collagen production and integrity, resulting in loss of elasticity and, ultimately, aging skin. Although this is a natural and unavoidable by-product of metabolism, an overabundance of free radical damage can cause premature aging and wrinkles. Fortunately, there's a nutritional way to fight the elements.

Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10 and ubiquinone, is a fat soluble, vitamin-like nutrient present in virtually all cells and considered the spark plug of the body, helping to produce and regulate energy as well as fighting free radicals as an antioxidant.

CoQ10 levels are highest during the first 20 years of life and decline with time, so much so that at age 80, CoQ10 levels may be lower than at birth. Yet the body's demand for CoQ10 increases with age. Furthermore, statin (cholesterol-lowering) medications can further deplete the body of CoQ10.

The recommended daily CoQ10 dose is 30 mg, in combination with alpha lipoic acid and vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. Foods highest in CoQ10 include sardines, beef, peanuts, spinach, and albacore tuna. However, it would take a pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two-and-a-half pounds of peanuts to provide 30 mg, and cooking foods at high temperatures degrades the enzyme. Consequently, CoQ10 supplementation is likely necessary to achieve therapeutic effects.

CoQ10 can also benefit topically as it's a small molecule that can easily penetrate the skin. When CoQ10 is combined with vitamins C and E in creams or lotions, the synergistic effect can neutralize free radicals, thus reducing wrinkles.

Supplementing with CoQ10 is not only a good antiaging strategy for the skin, it can also enhance energy, cognition, heart health, stroke prevention, and immune support. CoQ10 is often referred to as the spark of life because of its profound effects on our overall health.

For a free 32-page informative booklet on “Coenzyme Q10: Discover the Spark of Life” and to learn about how this significant nutrient helps with heart disease, cancer, and more, stop by my office or give me a call.


Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Immunity: Power Up Your Natural Defenses

How do we survive and even thrive in this world that is teeming with microorganisms? The answer, in short, is our immune system. Our immune system is composed of millions of cells circulating throughout the body. Like a finely conducted orchestra, these specialized body tissues and organs create an elaborate and complicated symphony of defense against infection and cancer. The organs and cells of the immune system are an integral part of our skin, respiratory system, and digestive system. They protest us by fighting off microscopic enemy invaders such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungus, and parasites. We also depend on the immune system to identify mutated cells and to destroy them before they can replicate into cancerous tumors. The immune system recognizes and attempts to destroy anything that is foreign to our normal cells and tissues.

The health of the immune system is greatly influenced by our daily thoughts and our daily activities. We know that sleep, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption influence our immune system. How much sleep we do or don’t get, how much exercise we do, whether we smoke and how much alcohol we drink all significantly impact immune function.

Just like any of our bodily processes, our immune system relies upon good nutrition to function at its best. Optimal digestion occurs when we chew our food thoroughly, eat in a relaxed manner, eat nutrient-rich foods that contain their own enzymes (raw foods), and avoid processed and synthetic foods that can inflame the digestive tract and do not contain sufficient immune-enhancing nutrients. Maintaining healthy digestion and eating a nutritious diet will create more vigorous immune function.

A well-functioning immune system is integral to vital health. Our immune system is complex and adaptive and acts as a solid barrier against infection and diseases such as cancer. Keeping our immune system healthy will reduce sickness, autoimmunity and cancer.

A healthy immune system requires lifestyle improvements. Obtaining adequate sleep and exercise, along with managing stress and eating well, will support strong and balanced immunity. Quitting smoking is another critical factor for robust immune function. Diet is especially important, with an emphasis on consuming falconoid (colored vegetables and fruits), good fats, organically grown foods, and minimizing sugar and alcohol. Immune function is also enhanced with dietary supplements, such as Echinacea, garlic, olive leaf, astragalus, coenzyme Q10, vitamins B and C, and zinc. Remember, however: Supplements can never replace a wholesome diet. All of these daily practices and interventions will support the intricate and dynamic immune system, our most essential life-sustaining protection.

For a free 32-page booklet on your immune system, how it works, and supplement strategies to power up your defenses, stop by my office or give me a call.


Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

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The Art of Aromatherapy: Essential Oils Provide Healing and Balance

Aromatic essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, wood and roots have long been a source of healing since ancient times, aiding in relaxation, circulation and wound healing. However, the use of these medicinal oils declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. In 1928, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse revived the use of essential oils and developed the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from botanicals to balance and harmonize the health of body, mind and spirit. Gattefosse coined the practice and named it “aromatherapy“.

Interest in the therapeutic effects of essential oils continues to grow. Essential oils are being pumped into offices, stores, and even some hospitals to make the atmosphere more relaxing. Large corporations are turning to fragrance to keep their workers alert, and more content, on the job. Inhaling certain essential oils has even been shown to lower blood pressure.

Because aromatherapy's affect on emotional health, many massage therapists and bodywork practitioners incorporate this noninvasive treatment into their practices. Dispensers or diffusers filled with aromatic essences may be used to scent the massage room, and specific essential oils are used on the client's skin during the massage. Because each oil has unique characteristics and benefits, the choice of oil or oils can be customized to the client's needs and emotional state. Whether inhaled or applied topically, aromatherapy requires an understanding of how each essential oil interacts with the body, as well as the mind.

Many pure essential oils need to be diluted, as they can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. To guarantee safe and correct usage, consult a trained herbalist or practitioner.

The emotions listed below can be gently eased by one or a combination of the following essential oils:

Anxiety: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, Roman chamomile, rose, sandalwood.

Fatigue, Burnout: basil, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood.

Stress: bergamot, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang.

Anger: jasmine, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, Roman chamomile, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang.

The beauty of aromatherapy is that you can take advantage of both its physical and emotional applications in the same treatment. For example, you can blend a combination of essential oils that will not only stop indigestion but also calm you down and reduce the nervous condition that led to the indigestion, and you can design an aromatherapy body lotion that will not only improve your complexion but also relieve depression.

I invite you to explore the healing power of essential oils. I am a Certified Aromatherapist and can provide you with advice on pragmatic fixes for everyday challenges. Stop by my office today or go online to my website for more information.

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner, licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Aromatherapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

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Fibromyalgia Demystified: Massage Therapy Brings Relief

Fibromyalgia, which literally means "connective tissue muscle pain," causes severe tenderness in multiple points throughout the body as well as persistent fatigue, morning stiffness, and non-refreshing sleep. Fibromyalgia is found in about 2 percent of the adult population, and women are five to seven times more likely to have it than men.

Theories about the cause of fibromyalgia include thyroid imbalance, sleep disorders, genetic predisposition, allergies, trauma--especially whiplash injuries--and possibly even viruses. Many who have fibromyalgia syndrome have other conditions as well, including chronic fatigue, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chemical sensitivities, intolerance to exercise, restless legs syndrome, extreme sensitivity to cold, and seasonal affective disorder.

Jay Goldstein, MD, a leading researcher and clinician, identified three common factors in people who are susceptible to fibromyalgia. It's helpful to consider these factors when planning a treatment approach:

1. Biochemical factors, such as hormonal disturbances, allergies, frequent colds and viruses, and nutritional deficiencies.
2. Biomechanical factors, such as congenital deformities (one leg longer than the other or scoliosis, curvature of the spine) or functional conditions (poor posture, overuse syndromes, or poor breathing patterns).
3. Psychosocial factors, like depression, anxiety, or difficulty coping with stress.

Fibromyalgia is best treated using a multidisciplinary approach, and massage can be a key part of healing, recovery, and management. More common types of massage for fibromyalgia include Swedish and Lymphatic, which are more gentle approaches to massage therapy. Other, more intense, methods include Rolfing and Trigger-Point Therapy.

Sensitivity to touch varies greatly for fibromyalgia patients. Some people prefer very deep work, while others are sensitive to the lightest pressure. It's important that you establish good communications with your massage therapist so you can explain what feels comfortable to you and what doesn't.

When you're in an acute flare-up, limit your bodywork to more gentle techniques. When you're feeling better, deeper work intended to eliminate trigger points or work on posture may be more appropriate. Partner with your therapist to find the best approach.

You may be sore after a session. A moderate level of soreness can be expected, but should only last about forty-eight hours as your body adapts to the changes. If it lasts longer or is more severe, bodywork may be too aggressive or the session may be too long. Start out slowly, learn what works best for you, and let your therapist increase the time or intensity as you progress.

Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue condition, and bodyworkers are experts at working with soft tissues. By including massage in your care, you can expect to manage and improve your fibromyalgia.

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns her own wellness practice, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her and her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Managing Arthritis: Exercise and Massage Keep Joint Pain at Bay

The word arthritis strikes fear in the hearts of older adults. It often signifies aging, pain, inactivity, and disability. Data from 2005 released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicated that one in five American adults received a doctor diagnosis of some form of arthritis. Arthritis is recognized as a leading cause of disability in the United States.

Understanding Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis--osteoarthritis, or also known as degenerative arthritis--affects more than twenty million Americans. Osteoarthritis (literally meaning "bone-joint inflammation") is the most common type of arthritis and it occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. It typically affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Key contributors to osteoarthritis are injury to a joint, wear and tear that comes with aging, and being overweight because it puts extra pressure on the joints. More than half of people over sixty-five have some evidence of osteoarthritis on X-rays, although it doesn't always manifest as symptoms.

Do you know what arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer’s, bowel disorders, and even obesity have in common? Inflammation. The body’s inflammatory response is a primary component of arthritis and most chronic diseases. Acute, chronic internal inflammation can be linked to a wide range of health conditions and overall poor health. If you’re looking for a natural herbal supplement to alleviate arthritis and other conditions linked to inflammation, there is amazing research available on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin, the active compound found in the spice turmeric.

Many problems also arise from a sedentary lifestyle. Joints lose flexibility and muscles lose strength, feeding the cycle of pain, inactivity, and more pain.

Exercise Offers Sweet Relief
Vigorous walking, swimming, and bicycling boosts the release of powerful endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. When done four to five days a week, these aerobic activities improve general cardiovascular health and aid in weight management (obesity is the single biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis).

Strengthening and stretching exercises targeted at maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength--especially for at-risk joints--slow the progression of degenerative arthritis. Yoga classes and moderate weight lifting programs are excellent ways to improve strength and flexibility. Massage therapy can also provide relief.

If arthritis is slowing you down, get serious with your exercise plan. Consult your physician, work with a professional trainer, physical therapist, yoga instructor, or massage therapist, and start a gentle, progressive exercise program. Your joints will reward you for it, and you'll free yourself from arthritic pain.

For a free 32-page booklet on inflammation and the healing power of curcumin, stop by my office or give me a call.

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns her own wellness practice, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between 7-11 and Round Table Pizza, near the Post Office. More information about her and her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Sound Healing Therapy For Improved Health

Sound Healing is a relatively new discipline in the healing world, yet transformation through sound has been part of human life from the beginning. Nature sounds, song, voice, chants, pounding two rocks together, hitting a hollow log with a stick are all ways in which our ancestors used sound to create ceremony and transformation. In modern society, music as a part of ceremony is commonplace. For example, religious services, presidential inaugurations, sporting events, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies all incorporate music as part of their event to either bring spectators into the feel of the moment or to reflect on and absorb what they just saw or heard.

According to sound healer Kenny Parker in Austin, Texas “Sound is primal. Quantum physics and science are only now discovering what the mystics and ancient cultures knew long ago: the matrix for the Universe is a seamless super-conscious energy field, composed of light, sound and celestial harmonics. Plato called this sound "the Music of the Spheres." Eastern cultures refer to it as the "Divine Melody" or "Sacred Sound." In Christian teachings, it is called ‘the Word.’”

Research has shown that when we are deprived of certain light frequencies we can become sick. One of the most fascinating scientific facts to emerge recently is that sound behaves in a similar fashion to light. In other words, sound and light act like vitamins and minerals in our body. Most people are deficient in certain tones and this is traced when the human voice is recorded and monitored. We need a certain balance of sound frequencies, which may vary from one individual to another, in order to maintain our bodies in a healthy state.

Sound healers use a variety of instruments to bring a state of resonance to the client. Instruments include the voice, tuning forks, rattles, Tibetan and crystal bowls, drums, flutes, didgeridoos, harps, piano and gongs. As a sound healer dis-ease is seen as lack of balance and harmony. Paul Hubbert says “certain tones represent perfect health or balance. When our body is in dis-ease, we are literally out of tune, or vibrating off key. Disharmony can manifest mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

I use tuning forks in my wellness practice along with chakra balancing music which resonates on and over certain parts of the body that are out of tune. An assessment before and after the session validates the improvement made and leaves my clients with never a doubt that the sound healing session was a success. Sound healing is a powerful and enjoyable tool for bringing harmony to all aspects of health-spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.


Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza. More information about her and her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.