I looked up at the clock and realized there only were 20 minutes until it was time to leave for an appointment with my massage therapist, Anna.
Thinking about everything on my plate — all the drafts I needed to craft for a work campaign, essays to write for two websites, a weekly phone call to chat with my parents, and everything related to living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and being the primary caregiver for a spouse who also has MS — I sighed to my loving wife, Jennifer.
“Not that I don’t enjoy getting a massage,” I said, “but I can’t help but think how much easier it would be to get all this done if I didn’t have to take the time for an appointment with Anna.”
Jennifer looked at me and, in a matter-of-fact type of tone, reminded me of why it was so important for me to go.
“Just think how much easier it will be to get it all done because you made the time for your appointment,” she said.
Why, yes, Jennifer, you are absolutely right. This is exactly what I need for my health and, consequently, hers, too.

The benefits of massage therapy for those with MS — and for caregiversI regularly deal with MS-induced numbness in my arms, hands, and feet. I also have tightened back and shoulder muscles from lifting Jennifer for each of her transfers, as well as from sitting at a desk for my full-time job as a creative writer.
Jennifer first sold me on the benefits of massage therapy. Visits with Anna have demonstrated that it’s is a necessity, not a luxury, when it comes to both living with MS and being an MS caregiver.
There are so many benefits to getting a massage beyond it feeling incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating for my muscles and joints. For real. It’s truly a key component of self-care. I had a conversation with Anna about this, and she offered some expert insight.
“Massage therapy helps manage anxiety and stress and lowers inflammation,” said Anna.
One small 2016 studyTrusted Source identified massage therapy as a safe and beneficial way to help improve MS symptoms like fatigue and pain, which can then help boost quality of life.
Another small 2014 studyTrusted Source found massage therapy to be a safe, noninvasive supplemental treatment that can help people with MS manage the stress of their condition and its symptoms.
“If some people still think it’s a luxury, I’m OK with that,” said Anna. “But I know people come to me for relief. They walk away with less pain and more flexibility, and in better spirits. I’ve seen these results, and that’s why I continue to work as a massage therapist.”

Overcoming the guilt of taking time for massage — and reaping the benefitsI’m not going to lie, it took me some time to not feel like I was being selfish with my time and unnecessarily pampering myself with a massage. I even abbreviated it as “MSG” in case co-workers saw the appointment on my appointment calendar. But once I saw the real health benefits, I now proudly mark it down as a “Massage.”
And why shouldn’t I?
I often have told Anna that if she spent the entire hour focused on my forearms and hands, I wouldn’t complain. It’s as though the massage calms my numbness, reminds my hands they’re still there, and restores them to take on more typing tasks.
In addition to MS, I also deal with plantar fasciitis in my feet. This causes me to walk more slowly and gingerly than normal because my arches feel as though they’re bruised. That is until Anna works on them for a few minutes. Then I’m walking more comfortably for the next several weeks.
This is why I think it’s so incredibly beneficial to find a massage therapist you like and continue to solely see that particular therapist. This helps you feel more comfortable with each other. It also creates an ongoing relationship where the massage therapist can sense when things feel as they should or if they’re a little off.
For example, at my last appointment, Anna noticed my left shoulder was tighter than normal, but the spasticity in my hands seemed more relaxed.

Finding the right type of massage for MSThe company where Anna works states on its website that she specializes in everything from deep tissue to Swedish massage as well as trigger point therapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy. I asked her which one she would recommend for someone with MS.
“I recommend starting out with a Swedish-style massage, which involves long, soothing, rhythmic strokes to help elongate and relax the muscles, relieving tension. Starting out with lighter pressure might also be a good idea, as deep tissue may affect each client with MS differently,” she said. “Overall, I try to promote relaxation for my client where they can leave feeling healthier, with less tension and pain in their muscles and body.”
This is why every time Jennifer comments on how tight her shoulders feel, I subtly encourage her by saying, “Yeah, her name is Anna. She’ll take care of you if you just call and make an appointment.”
Anna quickly confirmed that Jennifer — and other people who use wheelchairs — can fully experience the benefits of massage therapy.
“I have worked on patients in wheelchairs, and you can get to those trouble areas no problem,” said Anna. “They still benefit from the massage while staying comfortable in their chair in the privacy of the massage room.”
If you use a wheelchair and are concerned about falls and how to safely get a massage, know that it can be done. Search for a massage therapist who is prepared to take safety precautions.
As I look at Jennifer, I remind her in a matter-of-fact tone why it is so important for her to see a massage therapist. I then look down at my calendar and remember it’s time to book another appointment with Anna for this MS necessity myself.

Dan and his wife Jennifer Digmann are active in the MS community as public speakers, writers, and advocates. They contribute regularly to their award-winning blog, and are authors of “Despite MS, to Spite MS,” a collection of personal stories about their life together with multiple sclerosis. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the ongoing research around COVID-19 patients and massage therapy.We’ll also share valuable resources to support your own professional learning and decision-making processes. And finally, we will present two ongoing research projects that explore how the pandemic has affected, on the one hand, massage therapists in their personal and professional lives and, on the other hand, massage therapy clients and their interest in seeking treatment during times of social distancing.
Massage for COVID-19 Patients?As the COVID-19 pandemic holds the world in its grip, many questions are on the table that have not yet been answered. We are confronted with much uncertainty; and it is often difficult to know which data, claims and guidelines are based on trustworthy scientific resources and what is unfounded speculation or even misinformation.
The swirling mixture of facts and fiction spread by different sources requires us to be diligent in our discernment of the information we receive so we can make appropriate therapeutic and clinical decisions for our clients and for our own best practices as we navigate these extraordinary times.
We will start out by summarizing some of the symptoms of COVID-19 based on a report from the Harvard School of Medicine. Then, we will review three protocols for systematic review that have been proposed to analyze existing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of massage therapy for different client populations and how massage therapy may help alleviate specific COVID-related symptoms.
How COVID-19 Presents (So Far)What we know with certainty is that COVID-19 presents itself in a variety of rather perplexing ways, affecting different people and populations via entirely different means. According to the Harvard Medical School,1 symptoms observed in people infected with the COVID-19 virus range from such common flu-like symptoms as fever, body aches, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headaches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, to more severe symptoms such as high fever, severe cough and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.
In addition, COVID-19 can cause a range of such neurological symptoms as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, confusion, dizziness, brain fog, delirium, seizures and even strokes. Some COVID-19 patients can also experience such gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort. Symptoms can appear to be mild for some time and then worsen rapidly; and these symptoms can also appear in any type of combination, such as, some people only experience neurological or GI symptoms without showing any type of respiratory symptoms.
There is some indication that the immune system of a person infected with COVID-19 can overreact and release too many immune messengers, called cytokines, into the bloodstream, which causes the body to attack its own tissues, potentially causing long-lasting harm. These “cytokine storms” trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response that could damage organs in the body and result in blood clot formations.
The topic of blood clots is especially important for us, as massage therapists; and it is advised to educate yourself on this matter as new research and updated information become available. Ruth Werner has written an excellent article on the topic of COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy.2
As the number of COVID-19 cases increases around the world, more patients are recovering from this disease, often dealing with many persistent symptoms and potentially long-lasting effects on their bodies that are not yet fully understood. Many convalescent patients are being treated within a traditional medical framework of care, and they are also seeking complementary therapies, including massage therapy.
What, however, do we know about the effects of massage therapy on recovering COVID-19 patients? To answer some of the questions, three research studies have been proposed to explore how massage therapy can support recovering COVID-19 patients from different populations presenting with a variety of specific symptoms.
The Effect of Massage on Quality of LifeThe first article by Wu L. et al., “The effect of massage on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19: A systematic review protocol,”3 presents a study conducted as a systematic research protocol.
For this project, all published randomized controlled trials (in English and Chinese languages) related to the topic of the effects of massage on COVID-19 patients available in a chosen number of databases will be analyzed according to primary and secondary outcome criteria.
The primary outcome is defined as the influence of massage on the quality of life of convalescent patients, and the secondary outcomes are defined as accompanying symptoms, average hospitalization time, clinical curative effect, and negative COVID-19 results rate on two consecutive occasions. The authors aim to provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in the field of alternative health care.
Tuina Massage to Address Diarrhea in COVID-19 PatientsThe second research article by Zhou Ke-Lin et al., “Tuina (massage) therapy for diarrhea in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,”4  proposes a systematic review of the existing evidence of the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for diarrhea symptoms in coronavirus patients.
The chosen outcomes that this database research and analysis will focus on are defined as the improvement of diarrhea symptoms and adverse effects. The study aims to explore how Tuina—as one of the most widely used alternative medicine interventions worldwide—can affect the digestive system and help alleviate aversive diarrhea symptoms caused by COVID-19.
Pediatric Massage to Restore Lung Function from COVID-19In the third research article, the authors, Zhou Ke-Lin et al., propose yet another protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis; in this case, focused on the pediatric population and pulmonary symptoms caused by COVID-19. The authors state that there is an urgent need for alternative medicine treatments to help relieve symptoms related to COVID-19 in children during self-quarantine, supporting their chances of survival and recovery from the virus.
In their article, “Pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,”5 Zhou and his co-authors propose a systematic review of a number of electronic databases, including Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI and CINAHl to evaluate the role of pediatric massage therapy on the effectiveness and safety in pulmonary function of COVID-19 convalescent children based on the outcomes improvement of pulmonary function and adverse effects.
Health Care Practitioner-Related ResearchAs therapists navigating this pandemic, it is part of our responsibility to look at research data and discern what we need to know in order to practice safely. In addition to the scientific and medical side of COVID-19, there are also the human, emotional and personal sides.
How are you as a practitioner and health care provider doing personally? How are you dealing with the restrictions, limitations, uncertainties and heartbreak? Do you have a support network that helps you cope with the situation?
You may be interested to learn that there is a research study currently going on that strives to understand and document the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for health care professionals. Ann Blair Kennedy, PhD, assistant professor at USC Greenville, South Carolina, and Smith Heavner-Sullivan, RN, from Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, have created Project COPE: Share Your Story. Originally starting out as an observation study of COVID-19-induced burnout and the impact of the pandemic on nurses and doctors in the ER, the project has now been expanded to include such other groups of health care professionals as massage therapists.
In a Research Perch interview with Doug Nelson, president of the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF),6 Kennedy and Heavner-Sullivan discuss the different experiences of health care workers whose services are deemed essential versus non-essential and how being allowed to work or not work during the shutdown affects their moral distress. Participants in this study are invited to fill out weekly surveys as well as upload video logs to document their personal experiences.
This combination of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data during an ongoing crisis is a unique opportunity since most studies exploring the effects of disasters on health care workers have been conducted after the events took place. Participation in this research study is still possible. If you would like to contribute your unique experience as a health care professional during the pandemic, please visit the website to learn more.
How Do Massage Clients Navigate Emotions During the Pandemic?To bring our exploration of research related to COVID-19 and massage therapy full circle, it is important to also include the experiences of massage therapy clients. How are they feeling about massage during times where social distancing is recommended? Do they continue to seek treatments, perhaps look for complementary treatments for the first time, or are they staying away from massage therapy altogether? How do their decisions affect their health and well-being, emotional state and mood?
In another episode of Research Perch,7 Nelson interviews Niki Munk, PhD, LMT, associate professor at Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, Indianapolis, Indiana, and her student, Mica Rosenow, about their currently ongoing study, “Assessing Affective Measures in the 2020 Pandemic.” This research project focuses on exploring affective characteristics (mood) in massage therapy clients and how they navigate and manage their emotions during the time of the pandemic.
Munk and Rosenow encourage massage therapists to invite their clients to participate in this survey-based study to share their individual experiences. The more data that can be collected, the more valuable insights for our work as massage therapists can be gained so that we ultimately can better understand the people we are treating and help them reach their personal goals more efficiently. Please visit massagetherapyfoundation.org/iu-study-2020-pandemic-survey to learn more about this ongoing research study.
Let’s Learn and Grow TogetherCOVID-19, with its many expressions and often perplexing presentations, has certainly turned our world upside down. In addition to the hardships and heartbreaks we have experienced, this pandemic has also opened the doors to new insights and learning opportunities that are explored by the many research projects currently underway.
If you are interested in getting involved in research and helping our professional field grow during this time of crisis, we invite you to visit the website of the Massage Therapy Foundation, listen to the Research Perch podcasts, and participate in the two above-noted research studies.
Another great resource to receive information about COVID-19 is the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, an open-access, peer-reviewed publication housed on massagetherapyfoundation.org that features articles presenting research on COVID-19 and related symptoms. The Massage Therapy Foundation offers many valuable resources to help practitioners support their clients and also guide educators on how to teach students about how to put that research into practice. Take advantage of the wealth of support and information available to you through these extraordinary resources.
We sincerely hope that there is a silver lining for you in these challenging times as we learn and grow together, discern facts from fiction, and collect valuable data through evidence-based research so we can make confident decisions for our best practices and the well-being of ourselves and our clients.
About the author
Andrea Winzer, M.Sc., LMT, BCTMB, holds a master’s degree in ecology and is a board certified massage and bodywork therapist. She practices CranioSacral Therapy and offers a variety of holistic treatment modalities with a focus on the integration of body-mind-spirit, release of physical and emotional trauma from the body, and supporting mental health therapies through trauma-sensitive bodywork. She wrote this article on behalf of the Massage Therapy Foundation.

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BY Jimmy Gialelis, L.M.T., B.C.T.M.B.

​ If you count children and adolescents among your massage therapy clients, you may have encountered scoliosis in teens.Understanding what this condition is and how it affects the body is critical to adjusting your massage sessions to give these clients maximum benefits.
What Is Scoliosis?Scoliosis represents a deviation in the vertebral column in either a lateral or spiraling manner in an otherwise healthy individual. Torsion and shearing forces are present within the spinal column tissues, and a clear deformation of the spinal column is witnessed along the sagittal plane.
According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, scoliosis affects “about three percent of children under the age of 16 [and] scoliosis is the most common spine condition in young people.” Clear Scoliosis Institute, which has a chiropractic treatment focus, notes that in 2015, approximately 29,000 scoliosis surgeries were performed on adolescent clients. Spinal deformities in children and adolescents account for the largest share, 48 percent, of musculoskeletal deformities seen by health professionals.
By definition, the cause of scoliosis in teens is most commonly idiopathic, without a known cause, in approximately 70 percent of cases. Less common causes include congenital (15 percent); neuromuscular in origin, such as in spina bifida or cerebral palsy (10 percent); and most rarely, mesenchymal disorders such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (less than 5 percent).
According in a 2011 study by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, annually there are approximately 442,900 office visits, 133,300 hospital visits and 17,500 emergency room visits involving children with scoliosis. These numbers remain consistent as these children age into their teenage years.
According to studies published by Scoliosis Journal, 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. adult population, or 7 to 9 million adults, suffers spinal curvature of greater than 10 degrees. Curvatures of greater than 20 degrees are witnessed in 0.3 to 0.5 percent of this population, whereas curvatures greater than 40 degrees are witnessed in less than 0.1 percent.
Girls are at greater risk than boys of developing this condition, especially in later childhood, 8 to 12 years of age. The average age of curve acceleration is 11.7 years, according to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Symptoms of Scoliosis in TeensThe classic signs and symptoms of scoliosis in teens include:
• Hypertonicity of musculature                             
• Asymmetrical back muscles                               
• Lateral tilting of hips                                          
• Unequal leg lengths                                            
• Abnormal gait     
• Deviations of rib cage
• Slower nerve functionality
• Decreased lung capacity
• Increased pressure upon heart
• Weakness in extremities
Risk factors to consider include gender; females have a higher risk of progression than males. Others are curve severity—S-shaped curves tend to worsen more than C-shaped curves—and the location of the curve, as curves in the thoracic region worsen more than curves in the cervical or lumbar regions.
Bone maturity is also a factor: The risk of progression decreases dramatically if the bones have already stopped growing. Braces have the most effect in children with this condition whose bones are still growing.
In the scoliosis patient, neurological exams typically test for muscle weakness, numbness or paresthesia, and abnormal reflexes.
Traditional X-rays can confirm the diagnosis and severity of scoliosis in teens. To reveal an underlying condition or cause, such as a tumor, additional testing includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed imaging of bones and soft tissues; computerized tomography (CT) scans that produce multi-directional images of body regions; and bone scans, which involve injecting a radioactive material into the body to better identify injured bones.
Bracing as a Treatment for Scoliosis in TeensA doctor will recommend braces for children whose bones are growing at a significant enough rate to exacerbate their scoliosis condition. Typical signs of development indicating to doctors that braces may be removed include: two years after girls begin to menstruate; when boys begin to shave daily; or when there is no further change in a child’s height.
Two brace types exist. A low profile brace is made of modern plastic that contours to the body shape. This type of brace is almost invisible under clothing, as it fits under the arms and around the torso. (This does not aid in cervical scoliosis.)
The Milwaukee brace is a full-body torso brace with a neck ring with rests for the chin and back of the head. Since this type of brace is more cumbersome, it is used as a last-resort measure.
Puberty and ScoliosisA unique circumstance affects scoliosis in teens: puberty. The physical changes, coupled with attitudes, perspectives, judgments and personal feelings, impact the mental and emotional bodies of teenagers. As the teenage body develops, social perceptions shape the teen’s self-perception, and this perception impacts all aspects of a teenager’s health.
As boys develop into men, physical features such as the emergence of body hair, tonicity and size of muscles, height, weight and reproductive organ development are factors that weigh heavily upon a young man’s mind.
As girls develop into women, physical features such as gluteal appearance, breast development, height, weight, facial features, body shape proportions and body hair will likewise weigh heavily upon a young woman’s mind.
In either case, self-perception of physical changes is a major factor in how comfortable a teen becomes with his or her body and whether teens choose to receive massage therapy.
Think back to when you were you a teenager. Was there a time you felt self-conscious about your body? Did you compare your physical development with that of others? Were you teased by anyone, either peers or adults? Even an innocuous comment can burn a mental imprint that remains into adulthood.
Right now, hold compassionate space for yourself if recalling those years has brought upon an emotion. The teenage client also needs this compassionate space held with mindful intent.
Sadly, scoliosis patients have been shown to be more than 40 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts, as well as greater worry and concern about peer relations, according to a 1997 study published in the journal Spine. They also have more negative self-worth perception (Enferm, 2014) and more psychological problems affecting their quality of life (CJSS, 2009).
Coping with Scoliosis in TeensConventional scoliosis treatment methods used by allopathic practitioners include:
Surgery. Severe scoliosis worsens with time. Doctors may recommend surgery to insert rods into the back, perform spinal fusions to slow progression of the condition or perform thoracoplasty to remove excessive rib bone. Rods are typically not utilized unless the client’s condition is rapidly progressing.
Complications of surgery include excessive scar tissue, limited range of motion, bleeding, infection, pain and neuropathy.
Physical Therapy. Generally, physical therapy treatments are designed to strengthen musculature of an afflicted region. In the case of scoliosis, a patient will visit a physical therapist’s office several times weekly to perform regimented exercises designed to restore strength to the spinal column. Over time, a gradual strengthening of either side of the spinal musculature is said to correct spinal curvatures incrementally and restore functionality of limbs lost to weakened spinal muscles.
Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (SIR). This approach employs a regimented exercise program designed to correct behavioral patterns along with physiological factors. There are three treatment dimensions to SIR: aiding sensory nerve functionality; kinesthetic exercises to strengthen certain muscles; and individualized exercises to restore torso balance and mobility.
Daily tasks of the patient are assessed and altered to promote greater fluidity of motion. Inpatient care is also provided for patients experiencing cardio-pulmonary dysfunction due to deviated rib cages.
Schroth Method. This method is a physiological treatment system involving isometric exercises to either strengthen or lengthen asymmetrical muscles of the body. The main goal of this system is to halt progression of spinal abnormalities and, in best-case scenarios, reverse spinal curves.
Think of this method as assisted yoga, as the scoliosis patient is guided into positions that either strengthen or stretch targeted muscles.
Issues for the Massage TherapistThe most fundamental question massage therapists should ask: Is the client’s scoliosis case functional or structural?
If spinal curves improve with torso movements, the client has functional scoliosis, which can be alleviated over time. Massage therapies designed to realign spinal structures may be employed.
If no improvement is witnessed with torso movement, the client has structural scoliosis, which necessitates more allopathic approaches to correct spinal dysfunction. Then the primary focus of massage therapy becomes aiding allopathic means and providing pain relief.
Also, consider the “tight vs. taut” muscle interplay. This has worked well in my practice. Tight musculature is functionally too strong, locking tissue in contracted positions. Taut musculature is functionally too weak, presenting an elongated appearance with ropey tissue feel. Stimulating the taut spinal column portion while conversely sedating the tight spinal column portion yields a balancing of the paraspinal muscles, pulling the vertebral column bones out of alignment.
Techniques to TryThe Ste-Justine AIS Scoliosis Cohort Study of 1994 indicated pain levels in children with scoliosis were higher than in the average child population. Compassionate touch via massage can provide these children, later to become adolescents, a means of learning how to cope with chronic pain in a holistic way.
Abdominal (core) massage. Releasing the tight musculature associated with the diaphragm and oblique muscles as well as lateral fascial bands will ease tension of the back musculature, allowing the back to soften, preventing pull upon the spinal column bones.
Decompressing joints via work on soft tissues. Creating space within joints, especially along the spinal column, shoulder and hip joints,with the use of passive range-of-motion exercises and stretching applied to soft tissues, can create needed space within the vertebral column to decompress joints and take pressure off spastic muscles along the spine.
Hydrotherapy. Utilizing hydrotherapy, such as thermotherapy and cryotherapy, may greatly alleviate pain associated with scoliosis in teens. Thermotherapy, or heat-based treatments, will encourage blood flow to an injury site, reducing pain, decreasing joint stiffness and relieving muscle spasms. Cryotherapy, or cold-based treatments, will discourage blood flow to an injury site, reducing swelling, diminishing nerve irritation and limiting the inflammatory response.
Your Healthy Touch Can HelpScoliosis patient Chelsey Godel is one individual who has used complementary therapies, including massage, for relief.
“I was first diagnosed when I was 12, in junior high school, when the nurses did scoliosis check-ups,” said Godel of Phoenix, Arizona. “I didn’t use any treatments until I went to massage school around age 19 and realized there was something I could do.
“When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t educated enough to know I should have worked at correcting my alignment before I was an adult and the scoliosis was progressing,” she added. “Massage, chiropractic and yoga have helped, but I find that massage and yoga and stretching seem to have [longer-lasting] effects.”
In this time of increased technology, it is easy for a teenager to escape the physical world, remaining welded in a virtual world. The psychological ramifications of never receiving loving physical touch can be life-altering and detrimental.
Common mantras of massage therapists such as “heal the planet one body at a time,” “touching one’s mind, body and soul,” and “loving touch to unite the body and spirit” are especially true for the teenage client—particularly a person living with scoliosis, who can greatly benefit from the nurturance and pain relief provided by massage.
About the author
Jimmy Gialelis, LMT, BCTMB, is owner of Advanced Massage Arts & Education in Tempe, Arizona. He is a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork-approved provider of continuing education, and teaches “Professional Ethics for LMTs” and many other CE classes. He is a regular contributor to MASSAGE Magazine; his articles include “These 5 Keys Will Unlock the Door to Massage Session Re-Bookings.”

Getting a massage during your workday enhances your well-being and job performance.
If you’re like many employees working from home, you might ask your spouse, partner or another family member for a massage while you’re working. But if you’ve never had a professional massage, it’s not the same. In most cases when we tell licensed massage therapists where the discomfort resides, they can recommend the appropriate type of massage and find the tender spots in your body right away.
While massage therapy was once controversial, science-backed studies have shown it has benefits for employees to offset job stress. Job stress can result in low morale, increased anxiety and depression, as well as other health-related concerns—especially with the mental health consequences of the pandemic. These negative consequences can lead to absenteeism and impaired work engagement and productivity. The relief from a licensed massage therapist soothes aches and pains and calms the mind and body before, during or after a hectic work schedule and has shown to assuage the negative consequences of job stress.
Work-Site Massage Therapy
Workplace massage could be an antidote during the pandemic to offset social isolation, Zoom fatigue, increased levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and burnout. Only a handful of studies have systematically examined the effectiveness of massage therapy at work, but the ones that have show promising results. Several older studies show work site massage therapy reduces blood pressure, urinary and salivary cortisol levels, work stress and raises employee productivity and job satisfaction.

Although there are many types of massage, chair massage—a fully clothed massage performed in a chair especially designed for massage—is the most common type in the workplace or other public settings. A study conducted at the Touch Research Institute in Miami, Florida, found that work site chair massage helped reduce anxiety. The study showed an improvement in brain performance and found that 15 minutes of chair massage was more effective than a 15-minute break to reduce anxiety. Employees receiving chair massage also had an increase in speed and accuracy in completing math equations. The brain’s ability to function more effectively combined with a decrease in anxiety and increase in feelings of contentment and well-being can result in improved job performance.
Massage at work also can help improve general feelings of contentment and health. A study on work-site acupressure and seated massage improved overall feelings of well-being among workers. Employees receiving the massage reported feeling an increase in general well-being, less depression and anxiety symptoms, an increased ability to control their emotions and fewer sleep disturbances. Overall, the study found that employees receiving massage maintained their job satisfaction whereas those not receiving massage had a decrease in job satisfaction.
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If getting a professional massage isn’t in the cards for you, there are a number of massage techniques from Northwestern Health Sciences University that you can try on yourself at your desk to remove the stress of the workday:

• Head: Using your fingertips, gently massage the area around your temples, forehead and ears. Press your thumbs lightly into the area at the base of your skull.
• Scalp: Place your thumbs behind your ears while spreading your fingers on top of your head. Move your scalp back and forth slightly by making circles with your fingertips for 15 to 20 seconds.
• Eyes: Close your eyes and place your ring fingers directly under your eyebrows near the bridge of your nose. Slowly increase the pressure for five or 10 seconds, then gently release. Repeat two or three times.
• Sinuses: Place your fingertips at the bridge of your nose. Slowly slide your fingers down your nose and across the top of your cheekbones to the outside of your eyes.
• Neck: Using both of your thumbs, find the indentation where your neck meets your shoulders. Gently press your thumbs into the indentation and rub slowly.
• Shoulders: Reach one arm across the front of your body to your opposite shoulder. Using a circular motion, press firmly on the muscle above your shoulder blade and lean your head back. Repeat on the other side.

What Companies Can Do
The first solution for many employees suffering from depression is often medication or psychotherapy in which they consult with a trained mental health professional to talk. While these are valid options, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, the effect of massage therapy on anxiety and depression is virtually the same as those routinely found in the research studies of psychotherapy for people with the same conditions. Studies show that regular massages can improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, leading to improved mood, better sleep and more energy.
People are beginning to understand a combination of treatment options can be beneficial to employee mental health, and massage therapy is showing great promise in alleviating depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. It can be an important part of an integrative approach to health and wellness. And 88% of people surveyed endorse the benefits of massage therapy for relieving pain to managing cancer symptoms and reducing depression. Some large companies such as Boeing and Google offer massage to their employees as part of their wellness programs. And whether employees work remotely or toil at the office, seated massage can be a great option for reducing stress and anxiety, according to research. To date, the science on work site massage supports the practice of more companies offering workplace-based massage as part of a comprehensive stress reduction and wellness health strategy.

Published By Cannabis Herald

Even as the knowledge of marijuana’s medicinal value is spreading across the world, more and more states in the US are legalizing its use. And with that, a product called CBD oil is also gaining popularity as a therapeutic drug to naturally cure health issues like anxiety, insomnia, and even cancer.
So, before we explain the benefits of CBD oil in detail, let’s first understand what CBD really is.
Even as the knowledge of marijuana’s medicinal value is spreading across the world, more and more states in the US are legalizing its use. And with that, a product called CBD oil is also gaining popularity as a therapeutic drug to naturally cure health issues like anxiety, insomnia, and even cancer.
So, before we explain the benefits of CBD oil in detail, let’s first understand what CBD really is.
What is CBD Oil?CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the 104 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, which belongs to the Cannabis sativa species. CBD is a non-intoxicating component of the plant and is believed to have many therapeutic effects on the human body and mind.
Since CBD is a non-psychoactive component, CBD oil does not cause a “high” or the euphoric sensation that is generally associated with cannabis or marijuana. CBD oil has no or negligible traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol – another compound found in the plant), which is indeed a psychoactive cannabinoid and is responsible for the famous marijuana high.
Cannabidiol is extracted from cannabis or hemp (plants, both belonging to the Cannabis Sativa family) and diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil to create CBD oil. Due to controversies surrounding the cannabis plant, industrial-grade CBD is extracted from hemp (another plant that falls under the Cannabis Sativa species), as it has less than 0.3% THC.
Manufacturers sell CBD oils in different forms – tincture, concentrate, soft gel capsules, topical solution, under-the-tongue sprays, wax, edibles, skin creams, and patch. The CBD concentration in each of these products may vary.
Although several studies have exhibited CBD oil’s benefits on patients suffering from epilepsy, anxiety issues, heart problems, Schizophrenia, inflammation, chronic pain, and addiction, research is still on and scientists aren’t entirely certain of CBD oil’s exact level of efficiency in treating these ailments.
CBD Oil Benefits:

Cannabidiol has been proven to be a good remedy for many health conditions. Before we discuss the benefits of CBD oil on the human body and mind in more detail, we must add that the use of CBD oil in any form is quite safe as it does not lead to dependence or tolerance towards the drug. So, it is an excellent choice for those trying to kick addictions or stay away from addictive drugs. So far, CBD oil has been reported to help in:
1. Relief from Chronic Pain & InflammationPeople suffering from chronic pain resulting from fibromyalgia have experienced relief after using CBD oil. Using CBD oil has also been found to offer common pain relief and prevent the degeneration of the nervous system.
In Canada, it has been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and cancer pain. According to the authors of a study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD significantly reduced chronic inflammation and pain in some mice and rats. The researchers suggested that CBD can provide a new treatment for chronic pain.
Chronic inflammation, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, leads to many non-infectious diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and even autoimmune disease. Research shows that CBD can treat pain and in turn help alleviate these diseases.
2. Calms EpilepsyCBD has been proven to have anti-seizure properties that can successfully treat children with drug-resistant types of neurological disorders like epilepsy.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, CBD showed a decrease in the frequency of seizures by 23 percentage points over those taking a placebo.
In fact, in June 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisors approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two rare and severe forms of epilepsy in patients of the ages of 2 years and older. These two forms of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome (DS) – generally don’t respond to anti-seizure medications.
Epidiolex happens to be the first FDA-approved drug that contains a purified form of a drug derived from marijuana. This drug reduces seizures and sometimes stops them altogether. Remarkable visual proof of its effects on children suffering from “childhood epilepsy” is available on the internet for people to view.
On June 25, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, on behalf of the FDA, stated: “Today, the FDA approved a purified form of the drug cannabidiol (CBD)…The new product was approved to treat seizures associated with two rare, severe forms of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older.”
Research has also suggested that CBD can help treat complications arising from epilepsy, like neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric diseases.
3. Anxiety & DepressionAccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression affects 6% and anxiety affects 18% of the population in the US each year. Their research shows that CBD oil can help with both problems.
While doctors generally advise people suffering from chronic anxiety to avoid cannabis, since even traces of THC can trigger or increase anxiety and paranoia, authors of a review published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015 derived that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, can actually help reduce anxiety in people with certain anxiety-related behavioral disorders, such as:-

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• General anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance-abuse disorders

However, these conclusions were derived through experimental research, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies, and no human-based research is available at this point.
CBD has been seen to also reduce stress and discomfort associated with public speaking.
With regard to depression, CBD has been seen to reduce depression by enhancing both serotonergic and glutamate cortical signaling (both of which are lacking in people suffering from depression).
4. Reduce Oxidative StressOxidative stress is a condition when the body has too many free radicals and antioxidants aren’t able to neutralize all of them. This is a comparatively recent problem these days, owing to the rising toxicity in our environment.
Two separate studies have shown that CBD oil has antioxidant and neuroprotective qualities that help in reducing neurological damage caused by free radicals.
5. Aid Treatment of Heart AilmentsHeart disease is also a growing problem across the world. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A healthy diet and lifestyle is a top priority for such people, but CBD oil can also help.
In a small study published in JCI Insight in 2017, researchers observed that CBD can help prevent blood-pressure fluctuations due to stress. In this study, nine healthy male volunteers were given a single dose of either CBD or placebo. Those treated with CBD had lower blood pressure, compared to those given a placebo, both before and after experiencing a stressful event.
According to researchers, cannabidiol helps by:

• Reducing artery blockage
• Reducing stress-induced cardiovascular response
• Reducing blood pressure
• Reducing cholesterol level

CBD oil helps prevent oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are often precursors to heart diseases.
6. Fights Multi-Drug Resistant BacteriaAccording to many experts, cannabinoids (including CBD) have an unusual ability to destroy bacteria (especially drug-resistant strains). While more research is still needed to understand how and why it works, according to a 2011 study, CBD can slow down the progression of tuberculosis in rats. Researchers concluded that CBD likely does this by inhibiting T-cell proliferation, rather than possessing antibacterial properties.
Whatever may be the mechanism for destroying bacteria, CBD certainly seems to be a potent weapon against the newly emerging antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”.
7. Treat Type 1 DiabetesWe have already discussed how CBD oil helps combat inflammation. The same is true for when the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells, causing Type 1 Diabetes.
Research published in 2016 by Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, a peer-reviewed international scientific journal, found that CBD may ease this inflammation in the pancreas.
Similarly, a paper presented the same year in Lisbon, Portugal, suggested that CBD can reduce inflammation and protect against or even delay the development of Type 1 Diabetes.
8. Help with treating SchizophreniaSchizophrenia is a serious and complicated mental illness that is typically managed through therapy and pharmaceutical drugs (that often have severe side effects). Whereas, many people have found CBD oil helpful in reducing hallucinations, minus the side effects.
According to the March 2015 review of research, CBD is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for psychosis. But more research is needed to bring CBD into clinical practice.
You must remember that THC, a psychoactive compound found in marijuana, can, in fact, increase psychosis among the affected individuals, while CBD only helps reduce it and may even counteract psychosis brought on by marijuana abuse.
Yet another study, published in Current Pharmaceutical Design, another peer-reviewed medical journal that covers issues related to pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, found that CBD has effects similar to those of certain antipsychotic drugs and that this compound is much safer and a more effective option for people with schizophrenia.
9. Treat skin conditionsSeveral studies have shown that CBD oil has a high potential for treating skin conditions, like eczema, by encouraging abnormal cell death.
It also helps regulate the skin’s oil production, thus reducing acne. A 2014 study reported by the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a biomedical journal published by the American Society for Clinical Investigation, found that CBD helps to lower the production of sebum, partly because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory property. Owing to these reasons, CBD could well become the future treatment for acne vulgaris, the most common form of acne.
It will be interesting to note that cannabidiol also contains certain nutrients like vitamin E that help nourish and protect the skin.
10. Fight addictionCBD oil may help people with addiction overcome their withdrawal symptoms, suggested a review published in the journal Substance Abuse in 2015. In their report, they analyzed 14 previously published studies in which scientists determined that CBD may have a therapeutic effect on people with opioid, cocaine, and/or psycho-stimulant addiction.
They also found that CBD may help treat those with cannabis and tobacco addiction. Researchers have found evidence of CBD blocking or sometimes reducing THC’s effect on the mind.
Our study, published in Addictive Behaviors, found that smokers, who used inhalers containing CBD, smoked fewer cigarettes than usual. They also did not suffer from any withdrawal symptoms like cravings for nicotine.
A similar review, published in Neurotherapeutics, noted that CBD reduces symptoms associated with substance abuse, such as anxiety, mood-related symptoms, pain, and insomnia.
More research is necessary, but these findings definitely point to the possibility of CBD helping prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms.
11. Fight certain types of CancerFor people fighting cancer, CBD may provide them with a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief.
Although more research needs to be done on CBD’s role in treating cancer, whatever data is currently available looks promising.
According to the American Cancer Society, CBD oil can slow down the growth and spread of certain types of cancer (in animals), given that this psychoactive compound efficiently fights oxidative stress and inflammation.
According to a review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD can significantly help prevent the spread of cancer. The researchers noted that the compound tends to suppress the growth of cancer cells and promote their destruction.
12. Alzheimer’s DiseaseCBD can prevent the development of social recognition deficit among patients, suggested research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. This means that CBD could help people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s retain their ability to recognize faces they know, and in turn slow the progression of the disease.
Is CBD Oil Useful for Everyone? Who can benefit from it?As per a recent report by the World Health Organization, CBD products are usually safe for everyone. However, if you are pregnant, it may have a negative impact on your body and that of your unborn child. Besides, if you are currently on any medication, you must consult a doctor before you use CBD oil. This is to ensure that there are no negative fall-outs from mixing the two.
CBD oils have been seen to have positive effects on both humans and animals.
On humans, they can help improve or treat a wide range of health issues, from everyday ailments to some chronic conditions. CBD’s health benefits include:

• Acne
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation
• Insomnia
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Loss of appetite and body weight
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Heart ailments
• Some forms of cancer

It has also been found that CBD helps some animals overcome similar health issues, owing to the fact that all mammals have an endocannabinoid system.
Particularly for cats and dogs that we humans prefer to keep as pets, CBD oil may help with:

• Excessive barking or crying
• Pets getting along with other pets
• Alleviating Pain
• Relaxing pets before a trip to the vet or long travel
• Lack of appetite
• Separation anxiety

With pets, it is difficult to gauge the exact dosage. But a dose of 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight is a good place to start. You increase the dose to up to 5 mg for the same bodyweight if need be. A higher dose may be necessary in certain cases. However, it is best to consult a vet before increasing the dosage. Repeat the dose 3-4 times a day for a better impact.
How does CBD oil Work?To take effect, cannabinoids like CBD attach to certain receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system(ECS), which is a complex biological system responsible for regulating certain specific aspects of bodily functions, like memory, sleep, and mood, as well as metabolic processes like energy balance.
CBD oils are also believed to improve several other kinds of health conditions. According to recent research, all these health issues are caused by the deregulation of the ECS.
Interestingly, the endocannabinoid system, something most people wouldn’t have heard about until recently, was discovered through various research and studies on the effects of cannabis on the body and was hence named after the plant itself.
The ECS made up of endocannabinoids and their receptors are spread across the entire body, from the brain and other organs to glands and immune cells. This system throws up a varied kind of reactions in different parts of the body. However, it is all about homeostasis or internal balance. The receptors in the brain control coordination and movement, pain, emotions, and mood, thinking, appetite, and memories, among other functions, while those found in the immune system affect pain and inflammation.
The exhilarated feeling of euphoria after a long run or after intercourse is caused by endocannabinoids that get stimulated by these natural acts to make you feel “high” – an elated feeling with hardly any or no pain.
CBD and THC act as external stimulants that have similar effects on this very powerful body system, causing different kinds of reactions on different parts of the body.
How long does it take for CBD to take effect?Most people use CBD oil by ingesting it with the help of a dripper. Given that its use is comparatively new, its exact dosage isn’t established yet. Hence, an exact time frame for its effect to kick in is also difficult to determine. It has been seen that different people react to CBD at different rates and in different ways.
Although more extensive research is needed in this area, no case of CBD overdose has been reported so far. Also, there are very few, if any, side effects, making overdosing almost impossible.
Most companies will provide you with an estimated dosage on the instruction label/manual. If you are taking it as a preventive supplement or a cure, stick to those instructions.
Some may see a noticeable change within seconds, while others may not notice anything for weeks. If you are taking it for inflammation or pain, for instance, and you don’t see improvement for weeks, you may want to increase the dosage, but of course in consultation with a doctor.
It is believed that a small dose of CBD 3-4 times a day has more therapeutic benefits than one large dose.
However, one must remember that CBD oil, though quite safe on its own, may react with other medications, particularly steroids and opioids. So, always consult a doctor before trying such alternative methods of treatment.
CBD Oil Side Effects:Incidentally, no cases of toxicity or overdose from the use of hemp-based (industrial-grade hemp) CBD oil have been reported so far. In fact, this particular extract of marijuana or hemp has been found to be quite safe for use by almost everyone.
Doses of up to 1500 mg of CBD have been seen to be easily tolerated by human test subjects. CBD hardly has any negative impact on humans, may occur only in very rare cases, and that too in a mild way.
1) Dryness of MouthThis is a common phenomenon among people who use CBD or any other cannabinoids – in both cases of consuming or smoking.
A phenomenon, which feels like your mouth is stuffed with cotton balls, can be easily overcome by drinking a lot of water or other hydrating fluids before, during, or after consumption of CBD.
The reason for this is that when a person consumes or smokes any cannabinoid, the endocannabinoid system, which has its receptors present in the salivary glands, inhibits the secretion of the glands.
Recent studies (1) have discovered that the submandibular gland that produces over 60% of the saliva has cannabinoid receptors. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid that causes dryness of the mouth, interacts with these receptors and inhibits saliva production by blocking the signals from the nervous system to produce saliva.
2. DrowsinessCBD oil typically does not induce any feelings of drowsiness. However, CBD’s effect on humans differs from person to person.In most cases, CBD has a wake-inducing effect, making a person more alert and energetic, while in others it can produce just the opposite reaction. In very high doses, the latter category of people has reported feeling drowsy after consuming CBD.
If you belong to this category of people, it is best for you to NOT operate any heavy machinery or drive a vehicle, for your own safety and those around you. As another precaution for people who experience drowsiness as a result of consuming CBD oil, reducing the dosage can be a good option.
3. Dizziness or LightheadednessA pretty rare and temporary side effect, lightheadedness can be easily managed by drinking a caffeinated beverage that will help your body quickly regain its normal balance. A cup of tea or coffee can work wonders in such situations, but make sure to drink a lot of water along with it, as caffeine has a dehydrating effect on the body.
4. Drop-in Blood PressureThis is usually the reason why some people experience lightheadedness. While there is evidence of CBD oil helping people with heart diseases and diabetes by lowering their blood pressure, this very quality of this cannabinoid can have a negative impact on people with normal blood pressure. According to some studies (2), higher doses of CBD can cause a slight drop in blood pressure.
So, people who suffer from low blood pressure or are taking medication for it should refrain from consuming CBD or CBD-based products. While it is always best to consult a doctor before considering CBD oil as an alternative treatment if faced with such a situation, drinking coffee usually helps, just like in the case of lightheadedness.
5. Diarrhea and Change in Appetite & WeightIn 2017, a clinical study of patients with epilepsy and psychotic disorders and their reaction to CBD oil as a form of treatment was published in the journal, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. In the course of their research, scientists discovered that the subjects experienced some common side effects like tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in both weight and/or appetite. (3)However, it was concluded that: “In comparison with other drugs, used for the treatment of these medical conditions, CBD has a better side effect profile.”This study, however, left room for more extensive research into the “toxicological parameters” of CBD oil, for instance, its effect on hormones.
6. Effect on Patients with Movement DisordersA few more possible dangers of CBD use do still exist, particularly among patients of some pre-existing conditions, for example, among patients of dystonic movement disorders.
In a study (4), published in the International Journal of Neuroscience in 2009, such patients when treated with oral doses of 100–600mg CBD oil per day for a period of 6 weeks, alongside standard medications, showed signs of improvement.
However, that was also accompanied by the common side effects mentioned above (low blood pressure, dryness of mouth, drowsiness, and lightheadedness), along with not-so-common psychomotor slowing (or slowing down of thought process and of physical movements). When the dose was above 300 mg/day, symptoms like an increase in hypokinesia and resting tremors were noticed, revealing one of the dangers of using CBD oil on patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
However, another study (5), published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggested that the use of CBD actually improves the quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This goes to prove that a lot of research needs to be done in this area to derive a definitive conclusion regarding the benefit and/or negative impact on patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
7. Interaction with Pharmaceutical DrugsPeople taking any pharmaceutical medication for a pre-existing ailment or condition must be particularly careful of CBD’s effects on drug metabolism within the liver. CBD has been found to impede the activity of certain enzymes found in the liver – such as the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (particularly CYP3A4) – that metabolizes pharmaceutical drugs meant for human consumption.
According to Davis’s Drug Guide, the P450 enzyme system contains more than 50 enzymes that process and eliminate toxins. (7) If taken in high doses, CBD oil can completely neutralize the P450 enzyme’s activity, as this cannabinoid requires the same enzyme to be metabolized.
Besides, certain pharmaceutical drugs also inhibit this enzyme. This means the breakdown of CBD oil may get hindered leading to an increase in its physiological activity. Moreover, there are certain pharmaceutical medications that can actually increase the level of this enzyme, resulting in a faster breakdown of CBD. Although such interferences may only be a minor and mostly a temporary issue, it is always safe to consult your doctor before using CBD oil along with pharmaceutical drugs.
8. Side Effects of FDA-Approved Drug for EpilepsyThe US Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex (a CBD-based drug) oral solution for the treatment of two types of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome – for patients aged 2 years and above. However, during the course of its clinical trials, researchers found certain adverse effects (6) of the drug:

• Liver problems
• Symptoms related to the central nervous system like irritability and lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Infections
• Rashes and other sensitivity reactions
• Reduced urination
• Breathing problems
• Risk of worsening mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies

CBD & Drug Interaction:CBD (as discussed earlier) inhibits the breakdown of certain pharmaceutical drugs and, in some cases, vice versa. This may lead to the presence of higher levels of these drugs in your system, causing unwanted side effects, sometimes even an overdose.
It is imperative to note that CBD oil is not alone in this effect on drug metabolism. Grapefruit, watercress, St John’s Wort, and goldenseal also inhibit the activity of the cytochrome P450 or CYP450.
The drugs in question…
Any drug that requires the liver’s CYP450 enzymes to metabolize could potentially interact with CBD oil. According to the Indiana University Department of Medicine, drugs known to use the CYP450 system include (7):

• Steroids
• HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antihistamines
• Prokinetics
• HIV antivirals
• Immune modulators
• Benzodiazepines
• Antiarrhythmics
• Antibiotics
• Anesthetics
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Anti-epileptics
• Beta-blockers
• PPIs
• NSAIDs
• Angiotensin II blockers
• Oral hypoglycemic agents
• Sulfonylureas

It must be mentioned here that this list is not exhaustive and neither can it be said with absolution that all these drugs will adversely react with cannabidiol. It is best for you to consult a medical professional before supplementing your treatment with CBD oil.
There is also a group of medicines that fall under the “prodrug” category. These are medications that need to be metabolized to the therapeutic compound. That is to say, when you ingest an inactive compound, it enters your system and is then processed into an active drug.
If this processing requires CYP3A4 (part of the larger CYP450 system), then CBD can inhibit the reaction, leaving too little active drug in the body for the desired effect.
Case in point: Codeine that is metabolized into morphine.
Vyvanse and Concerta are two other pharmaceutical medications, meant for ADHD, which also fall under this category.
Safety Concerns When Using CBD OilCannabis is becoming quite popular as a safe and natural medicine, with virtually zero toxicity. Research has rated this cannabinoid as the least dangerous substance when compared to substances such as alcohol and nicotine in regards to toxicity.
But the question is: Is CBD a natural food supplement or a medicine? Most discussions relating to its legal status depend on that, since “medicinal drugs are considered unsafe until proven safe” while it is just the opposite in the case of natural supplements. (8)
Additionally, CBD oil is still unregulated, meaning its correct dosage is still unknown. However, human studies have indicated that CBD is quite very well tolerated even up to a daily dose of 1,500 mg (9).
Cannabidiol is comparatively safe when consumed in appropriate doses among adults. (10)

• CBD doses of up to 300 mg daily have been used safely for up to 6 months.
• Doses of 1200-1500 mg daily have been used safely for up to 4 weeks.
• Cannabidiol under-the-tongue sprays have been used in doses of 2.5 mg for up to 2 weeks.

In fact, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) review, “to date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD” [11].
While the pure form of CBD may be of many benefits to humankind, the main concern is the composition of the products that are being made available in the market. Here, we are talking about the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) (cases of mislabeling) and contaminants.
Mislabeling: According to the research paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017 (12), almost 70% of all CBD products sold online are mislabeled. This means that they could contain higher traces of THC (only 0.3% and lower is permitted in industrial-grade CBD or hemp oil) that could seriously harm patients with anxiety disorders and other psychotic disorders. (19)
Contaminants: Studies have revealed that cannabis plants from uncontrolled sources may be contaminated with various harmful substances [13] that could lead to severe health hazards [14].
Contaminants that are generally added by manufacturers include chemicals added intentionally to heighten its yield, weight, or potency:

• Pesticides
• Metal particles
• Synthetic cannabinoids (Fake pot) (15)

Certain other elements that may enter the plant unintentionally are:

• Heavy metals
• Molds and bacteria
• Aflatoxins

Case in point: A recent paper from the Netherlands Ministry of Environment and Health revealed that over 90 percent of the Dutch cannabis sold in coffee shops contains traces of illegal crop protection products like pesticides. (16)
Another case: Pesticides are also found in cannabis offered under state law in California [17]as well as medicinal cannabis from licensed producers in Canada [18].
The good news is that most contaminants are quite easy to detect, thanks to the existence of the many professional analytical labs that routinely screen for such contaminants in food crops, imported medicinal plants, or edible oils. The same lab methods can be applied to test for contaminants in CBD oils.
When Should You Avoid CBD Oil?While CBD oil has many therapeutic effects on the human body and mind, there are times and situations when you should avoid CBD oil consumption or use.
1). During PregnancyThere is evidence of ill-effects of marijuana products on babies, if the mother is using it during her pregnancy or while she is still breastfeeding her child (20, 21 & 22). However, there is no such evidence regarding CBD in its pure form, which has only 0.3% THC at the most. According to some researchers, since cannabinoid receptors are involved in brain development, CBD oil might disrupt fetal brain development. However, others are of the opinion that CBD may, in fact, promote healthy fetal brain development, since CBD can promote neurogenesis.
2). When Taking Antipsychotic, Antidepressant DrugsThis has been explained earlier in “What are the drugs that CBD interacts with?” and a sub-section under “Are there any side effects to using CBD oil?”
Overview: Do CBD Oil Benefits outweigh the Side Effects?In spite of its safety concerns, it is undeniable how a lot of people are increasingly choosing CBD products over pharmaceutical ones for the treatment of different ailments – both physical and mental. This is mostly due to its fewer side-effects and the next-to-nil chance of overdosing.
Taking advantage of the rise in demand, a lot of unscrupulous manufacturers and cannabis growers have come into the industry with the sole intent of making money, without paying much thought to the welfare of the people to whom they sell their products.

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Originally Posted On: 6 Strategies for Overcoming Addiction (theohanahawaii.com)


Twenty-two million Americans suffer from a drug or alcohol problem, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Millions more suffer from addictions in other areas of their lives that severely impact their health and well-being.
Drug and alcohol addictions take a toll on personal lives, relationships, and society. Violence, domestic abuse, health issues, and child abuse are some of the problems that addiction fuels.
But when people decide to throw off the chains of addiction, what method should they choose? Clinicians have developed many methods for overcoming addiction. Some use cognitive behavioral therapy, while others use Matrix Models. And other approaches will put you in the great outdoors or on a zipline.
The following article will discuss six strategies for addiction treatment. These strategies are not just for drugs and alcohol, but how to overcome a food addiction or how to overcome porn addiction.
How to Select a Treatment OptionTreatment options in America no longer look like a circle of chairs in a dark church basement. And while this environment may work for many people, you need to evaluate your needs. Look at the addicted person’s personality to make sure you have the best treatment option.
Consider a clinical assessment and a substance-abuse screening to determine a baseline for the treatment needed. Look to an independent evaluator so your loved one is not funneled into a program that doesn’t suit their needs. Many health plans cover these screenings.
Also, weight the age, sex, cultural background, and mental health issues of your addicted loved one. When looking at a treatment provider, look at the different treatment options available. Also closely examine the price, the staff, and counselor qualifications.
Lastly, determine if the treatment center specializes in the addiction you are seeking help for. Many centers specialize in drug and alcohol abuse, but others may include a wide variety of ailments. Some even specialize in helping people overcome sugar addiction.
1. Overcoming Addiction by Getting CleanThe first step in the addiction process is detoxification. In this first stage of the treatment, addiction withdrawal is managed in a controlled and medically sanctioned environment. Detoxification should take place in an environment that helps soothe the body and mind.
You should not underestimate the physiological and mental effects of withdrawal. Support in this stage of therapy is key to the success of other therapeutic methods. Successful detoxification can serve as a foundation for new behaviors and coping mechanisms.
Among the serious withdrawal symptoms that addicted people could demonstrate are severe aches and pains, nausea, and vomiting. Anxiety, sweating, and insomnia are other symptoms. And many of these issues occur simultaneously, making experienced facilitators a necessity.
Medications can help treat the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, opioids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.
2. Cognitive Behavioral TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a tested and well-studied type of therapy. It has proven successful in treating not only addiction but anxiety disorders. Counselors also use CBT to treat depression, eating disorders, and marital problems.
While there are many tenets to explore when you discuss cognitive behavioral therapy, you should know a few core principles. Addiction is based on learned behaviors that are unhealthy and unhelpful. In CBT, addicted people learn new behaviors to help them achieve healthy living. Addicted people, when undergoing CBT, gain a new understanding of their motivations and behaviors.
They then use new ways to problem-solve to cope with breaking the chains of addiction and stem relapse.
One of the best benefits of this type of addiction treatment is that it helps build self-awareness. CBT also is adaptive to many innovative programs to help an addicted person manage the behaviors that underly the misuse.
3. Adventure TherapyAdventure therapy is a unique way to address addiction. Not only does it include the best aspects of traditional cognitive behavior therapy, but it opens up new activities to the addicted person.
When hiking to a waterfall or ziplining, the addicted person is introduced to new worlds of possibility. These activities foster new hobbies and ways for the addicted person to deal with stress and combat their fears.
In adventure therapy, participants learn about themselves, their limitations, and how to remain mindful.
4. 12-Step FacilitationA traditional 12-step program begins with acceptance. This approach helps the individual realize that addiction is the response to negative behaviors. Often, in 12-step facilitation, the attendee surrenders to powers higher than themselves.
Through the group, they learn that surrender doesn’t mean defeat. In this case, surrender means accepting limitations and a willingness to deal with situations as they are, not as we would like them to be.
5. Matrix ModelThe Matrix Model was developed during the 1980s at the height of the cocaine epidemic. It uses several theories, including 12-step and cognitive, to help people.
It is said to help a person with a relatively short history of addiction but is experiencing intense cravings. The people who respond best to the Matrix Model are not in denial about their addictions. Also, they have experienced a cycle of abstinence and relapse.
Many studies have shown the Matric Model effective in reducing addiction in the long-term.
6. Treatment Accompanied by MedicationWhile some may consider using medications to break a form of addiction an oxymoron, it is a well-established practice. Medications are helpful to curve cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Also, medication, along with traditional therapy methods, can help you manage many emotional issues.
Sometimes, a person may need medication to deal with depression or emotional instability. These issues are sometimes the underlying cause of the patient’s addiction.
Exercise, Yoga, and MassageWhen overcoming addiction, it is important to practice some safe ways to reduce stress. Exercise and meditation are great ways to do this.
Even 30 minutes of exercise a day has shown to have dramatic positive health effects. Also, it’s a great way to cement goals and achieve small victories.
To relax and feel better physically, also try massage and yoga. These activities can help you stay relaxed and deal with cravings. Also, yoga and massage therapy can help increase mindfulness.

BY MARY CHAPMAN
 IN HEALTH INSIGHTS.
 
Massage therapy may help ease symptoms, such as tight muscles and pain, often experienced by patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Here is some information about the complementary treatment that may be helpful to you if you have EDS.
What is EDS?EDS refers to a group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissues that provide structure to the joints, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues and organs.
Symptoms include hypermobile joints, fatigue, pain, elastic skin, increased risk of injury, dislocations, flat feet, poor posture and balance, and spinal deformities.
What is massage therapy?Massage therapy can enhance wellness or help to manage a condition. Generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine in the U.S., it’s increasingly offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 75% of respondents to a consumer survey reported that the main reason they got a massage in the last 12 months was medical or stress-related.
Massage therapy generally involves pressing, rubbing, and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and may range from light stroking to deep pressure.
There are many different massage techniques and styles, including those that are for comfort and those for specific conditions or diseases. The types include connective tissue massage, deep tissue massage, geriatric massage, massotherapy, medical massage, reflexology, neuromuscular therapy, Swedish massage, and sports massage.
How can massage therapy help me?EDS patients often experience chronic pain caused by frequent joint dislocations or other complications. While more research is necessary, studies have shown that strengthening and stability exercises improved joint stability and decreased pain in some patients, including children.
According to Ehlers-Danlos Support U.K., core EDS management techniques should include soft tissue massage. However, an individual approach to care is necessary because each patient experiences the disease differently.
Any massage therapy in EDS should be part of physiotherapy, which is highly recommended to strengthen muscles, provide joint stability, and generally help in day-to-day activities.
Who administers massage therapy?Caregivers may administer massage therapy, but a trained therapist can be more effective in pinpointing the proper areas and using the right amounts of pressure. What’s key is understanding the patient’s individual needs.
How do I find a massage therapist?Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Most states regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration, or certification requirements.
Don’t be afraid to ask a potential therapist about their qualifications and experience, and how often you would see them.
What can I expect during a session?A massage therapy session can last anywhere between 10 and 90 minutes, depending on your needs.
You will typically be on a table and covered with a sheet. It’s also possible to receive massage therapy while sitting in a chair.
The massage therapist will likely perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and determine how much pressure to apply. They will also likely ask about your symptoms and explain what kind of massage technique they will use.
What are the risks?Massage therapy with a properly trained therapist appears to have few serious risks. There have, however, been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture. Elderly people may be at greater risk of injury.
Special care is necessary for massage therapy for EDS. For example, stretching and joint movement techniques should be avoided since joints already generally surpass the normal range of motion. Some therapists recommend using a targeted approach in massage therapy to avoid aggressive maneuvers.
In general, you may feel a bit sore the day after a session, but massages shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn’t feel right or is painful, let your therapist know right away.
Despite its benefits, massage is not a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage therapy and be sure to follow any standard treatment plan you’re on.
Your symptoms may change over time so regularly see your physician to ensure you know the extent of your condition.


Last updated: Feb. 24, 2021