By: Erin Ziprick, RMT

Have you ever wondered why most massage therapist recommend using Epsom Salts after an intense workout or after a massage treatment? How can salts be related to decreasing muscle tension and removing toxins from body? They are just salts, it’s no big deal, right?

Epsom salts are actually not a salt but a compound of magnesium and sulfate. They are found originally at a spring in Surrey, England and have been commonly used as a natural remedy in households all over the world for hundreds of years. Not only do the salts have health benefits but as well as beauty, gardening and house hold uses.

The salts are primarily comprised of magnesium and sulfate and they both play a major role in the way our bodies function. “Magnesium is important in that it helps keep enzyme activity regular in your body and helps your bodily functions run smoothly.” It regulates over 325 enzymes in the body but as well as reduces inflammation, improves muscle and nerve function, and prevents hardening of arteries and blood clots.

“Sulfate also plays an important role in the way in which your body works. It has a role in formation of brain tissue and joint proteins, and it can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract.” Sulfate also helps improve absorption of nutrients, flush out toxins, and help eases migraines.

The health benefits of using Epsom Salts is to:
* Relax the nervous system, relieve stress
* Cure skin problems
* Sooth back pain and aching limbs
* Ease muscle strain
* Heal cuts
* Treat any cold and congestion
* Draw toxins out from the body.

One of the most common ways to absorb all the amazing benefits of Epsom Salts is through a bath. The skin is the biggest organ in the body and is very porous which easily allows absorption into the body. Try drawing an epsom salt bath after your next massage to relax your muscles further!

Steps on an Epsom Salt bath:
1. Fill your bath tub up with warm water
2. Put in 1-2 cups of Epsom Salts in the water and mix together. Make sure that the salt is dissolved before getting in.
3. Soak in the water for 15-20 minutes.
4. After the bath, take a quick shower to wash off any access salt on your skin.

ITS VERY IMPORTANT!! To keep hydrated before, during, and after the bath. Remember that this bath is detoxifying to your system and to get ample results, you must drink lots of water. Enjoy!

References
http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/epsom-salt-baths.htm

By: Erin Ziprick, RMT

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to travel down to Mexico to participate in a massage course. Not only did I get to enjoy the sandy beaches and beautiful oceans for two weeks, I was also in the presence of amazing Massage Therapists who inspire me with new treatment techniques.
The instructor truly has a unique approach to massage therapy as it was he who introduced me to Visceral Manipulation. For those of you who aren't familiar with Visceral Manipulation,  I will do my best to explain more about it.

Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a manual therapy that focuses on internal organs (visceral), their environment and potential influences on structural dysfunctions. It evaluates and treats motions in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. With applying a gentle manipulation and specific hand placement of manual forces, it helps to encourage normal movement of the connective tissue and viscera. (Barral, J)

Visceral Manipulation was developed from a French osteopath and Physical Therapist named Jean-Pierre Barral in 1971. VM was introduced to the United States back in 1985 and since then he has trained a team of International Teachers who continue to teach around the world. Jean-Pierre is continuing research and development in this area as well as maintaining a full-time practice. (Barral, J)

Areas of the body affected from dysfunction of the viscera:

* Musculoskeletal System
* Vascular System
* Nervous System
* Urogential System
* Respiratory System
* Digestive System
* Lymphatic System

How can Visceral Manipulation help you?

If you are unsure if Visceral Manipulation is right for you, feel free to contact the clinic for more information regarding the treatment. The following are common scenarios where VM can help you;* Motor Vehicle Accident related injuries (ie. Whiplash, seat belt injuries)

* Digestive Disorders (ie. Bloating, constipation, nausea, GERD)
* Women and Men’s Health Issues
* Musculoskeletal Disorders (ie. Headaches/Migraines, chronic spinal dysfunction)
* Pain related to post-operative scar tissue
* Poor posture
* Sport Injuries

Using the technique correctly can help relieve pain, decrease dysfunction and improve functioning of the entire body.

What to expect with treatment:

A VM treatment would be incorporated into your regular massage treatment. Depending on the area of concern, there would be undraping of the abdomen with a towel to cover your chest. Usually the treatments are over skin or sheets but the comfort of the client comes first and can always be adapted to client’s comfort level. Communication is key between the therapist and client. The movements are gentle and subtle so having that open communication and trust is important.

Who can practice VM in your community?

A wide variety of health care practitioners can perform VM including osteopathic, chiropractics, physicians, naturopathic doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists and other licensed body workers.

In the 4 years that I have been practicing Visceral Manipulation, I have seen changes in people who would normally not see any differences. For example, a few years back, a middle aged women with chronic lower back pain came into my office. She was frustrated with the constant pain of moving around and everyday life. During the massage she revealed to me that she had a medical history of 3 C-sections. I then left 15-20 minutes before the end of her massage to do some direct treatment to her surgical scars and abdomen. Believe it or not, but she felt immediate change and releases that all referred into her lower back. It was a humbling experience that I was able to give her that relief. Depending on the situation and medical history, everyone may experience different side effects and benefits. The results do vary but this was one women’s perspective and I was happy to be able to help her the best I could.

If you were still unsure that this form of therapy or you or had more questions, please feel free to book an appointment and we can do an assessment or send me an email.

References
http://www.barralinstitute.com/about/vm.php
Barral, Jean-Pierre, Pierre Mercier. Visceral Manipulation. Eastland Press, 2005. Print

We’re in the thick of it! Summer that is. Bring on the cottage getaways, camping trips, beautiful beach days and righteous road trips. Regardless if you’ve been planning your trip for months or if you’re fun in the sun is spontaneous; know that keeping your healthy habits on track is really – quite – simple.

Easy meal prep for travel means stocking your fridge and pantry with smart snacks. So that even if you’re strapped for time, you’ll be reaching for healthy options effortlessly – allowing you to focus on other things, like catching up on your reading. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered for that too. Now that’s some serious summer snack lovin’.

No Prep Snack List
No time? No problem. This list is for you:

- Ryvita crackers with almond butter & jam
- Apple/pear and almond butter
- Olives
- Celery and nut butter
- Hummus and veggie sticks
- Mary’s crackers
- Tuna (Raincoast is a reputable brand)
- Lean turkey slices, 100% grass fed beef/turkey jerky
- Individual Greek yogurt containers
- Seaweed snacks
- 1 scoop protein powder & 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ avocado sprinkled with hemp hearts, salt & pepper

Minimal Prep Snack List
A little planning goes a long way. Pre-make these snacks to take with you:
- Homemade trail mix – try: almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, dried tart cherries, golden berries, cacao nibs
- Air popped popcorn (with coconut oil & sea salt)
- Bean salad: 1 can mixed beans, ½ red onion chopped, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, salt & pepper
- Goat cottage cheese with tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, and celery
- Hard boiled eggs
- Crunchy chickpeas (2 cups of cooked chickpeas tossed in hot sauce, lime juice and sea salt. Baked at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until crunchy)

“In a pinch” Snack List
Fresh is best, but just in case…
Best Bars
The Simply Bar
Elevate Me Bar
Lara bar
Rebar
Greens +
Bottled green/fruit juice

Claire LeGresley, RHN

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