DIABETES AND BODYWORK

Massage is very therapeutic everyone, but for those with chronic
pain and illnesses, such as diabetes, it is even more so. There are
over 16 million people in the United States with this disease, and
it has become epidemic in our Native American population. Fifteen percent of indigenous peoples have been diagnosed and the
numbers are increasing. One tribe in Arizona has a 50 percent
incidence in people between the ages of 30 and 64. Also, many
with various types of diabetes go undiagnosed for years or perhaps not at all due to the sometimes slow onset.

Diabetes is a disease of impaired carbohydrate metabolism which
is caused by either the inadequate production (type 1) or utilization
of (type 2) the hormone insulin. Insulin is the substance needed to
convert food into energy by facilitating the transfer of glucose (the
sugar in our bloodstream) into the body’s cells. About 10 to 15%
of diabetics are type 1, which usually begins in childhood or young adulthood. Type 2 usually manifest in the middle to older
aged population and accounts for more than 85% of this population.

Often, depression and chronic stress contribute to the development of diabetes partly because the stress raises blood sugar, and the disease itself is very destructive, and this in turn is depressing. Many times, when people are stressed and depressed they will attempt to feel better by self-medicating with sugars, carbohydrates or alcohol. These are not only addictive but will raise the blood glucose levels which in turn puts the diabetic at more risk. And when our brains aren’t receiving the correct mix of fuel from our nutrition, our mental health will suffer.

The results of various types of body and energywork are extremely
beneficial for the diabetic client. Studies have shown that a 45 to 50 minute massage can lower a diabetics blood sugar on average 20 to 40 points, so that needs to be taken into consideration. Having some fruit juice on hand in case it drops too much is a good idea. Massage is wonderful for increasing circulation which in turn encourages efficient transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This will improve the cells ability to use the insulin. Also, many new diabetics experience a thickening in their fascia and muscle tissue which can make waste and toxin removal at a cellular level decrease. A session focusing on
increasing circulation and lymphatic function will help to improve this. And, considering physical and psychological stress of living with a debilitating disease, the need to monitor and self-medicate through the day and the physical damage and burden, the benefits of relaxation cannot be underestimated.

Alex & Kathleen have been in practice for 7 years in Arcata at
309 F Street. Call 707 825 7655 for information or an appointment
or visit: http://essentialmassage.blogspot.com