October/November 2005 Inside Outside Wellness Center & Medical Spa Newsletter

in this issue

This Month's SuperSlow® Stars: Bill & Mary Lee Thorsby

 

This months SuperSlow® Stars are Bill & Mary Lee Thorsby. 

Bill and Mary Lee Thorsby are perfect examples of successful aging!  Bill, Age 79 and Mary Lee, age 77 have achieved remarkable reversals of several of the well accepted consequences of aging. In a short 4-5 month period they have both lost fat and gained muscle! Prior to starting their SuperSlow®/Zone Program they were in a catabolic (breaking down) state and now are anabolic (building up)!  When I was reviewing Mary Lee's Body Composition changes with her and told her she had put on 2.2 lbs of muscle she replied "Only 2lbs?, sounding very disappointed.  I asked her, "Mrs. Thorsby, how many other 77 year old women in San Antonio have put on 2.2 lbs of muscle in the last four months? My guess is that you are the only one!" I think this sounded pretty fascinating to her!

 

In Bill and Mary Lee's own words:

"The Challenge That Brought Joy To Aging

Looking Younger--Feeling Great--Let Aging Continue!

 

“Aging for two on the threshold of octogenarians took on a new dimension when we were introduced to Inside Outside.  After decades of intense jogging, walking, frequent trips to the gym and crash dieting, we realized that if enjoyment can accompany aging then we were definitely not on track.  Our efforts were meaningful and our attitudes positive, but results were not encouraging.  The routine and repetitive comfort level zones we were in were inhibiting increases in body mass or improving body strength.  We needed more.

 

Thanks to Ralph Bender and Liz Fritz whom we frequently encountered at the Concord, we learned about Inside Outside and their SuperSlow®/Zone Program.  The first gap it filled was: we could do it together.  The training, screening and oversight by Dr. Christian and his very capable staff brought immediate results.  We experienced weight loss and increase in our body strength as well as a step-up in our energy levels, fewer aches and pains.  Our kids raved that we looked younger and we must continue with the program.  The expert nutrition advice and the fine coaching on the modern machines have produced weekly challenges to improve.

 

This challenge has added to the joy of our routine visits and definitely has brought enhancement to our "second half of life."  We have a heartfelt appreciation toward Dr. Christian and his staff who have made Inside Outside a welcomed success.

 

We feel blessed that our normal aging process has been reversed and growing old is now the joy of meeting the challenges of Inside Outside!”

 

 Here are some graphs which demonstrate their remarkable progress. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill and Mary Lee, we are proud of you!!

 

Congratulations on being selected our SuperSlow® Stars of the Month and earning 4 more SuperSlow® Sessions each!

 

Dr. Christian's Update on The 6 Components of Optimal Health and Aging 

 

"5th Component: Hormone Optimization"

 "Part 6: Progesterone

One of the best accepted factors which affect the aging process is the gradual decline in our hormone producing system of the body.  Hormones, as Dr. Sears, states are our “Internal Internet”.  It is the way our body communicates with itself.  The way the brain tells most of our cells to act and behave.  Unfortunately as we age, some hormones (the “bad ones”) Insulin, Cortisol and the bad Eicosanoids (Remember my Seminar?) go UP. And, what most consider beneficial hormones go DOWN or become ineffective due to the fact that our cell membranes and cells become less sensitive to their effects.  NOT FAIR! 

The goal of the Zone is to lower the bad hormones and make the good hormones more effective.  My association as a Physician Partner with Cenegenics in Las Vegas, the largest Age Management Clinic in the world, has taught me that in many cases it is safe and justifiable to gently replace some of the important hormones that get lower as we age.  Hormones such as Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, DHEA, Thyroid and Growth Hormone are the main ones which we focus on trying to optimize. 

 

Science Magazine in 1997 had an article entitled “The Endocrinology of Aging”.  As the graphs below from the article demonstrate, there is a clear decline in many hormones as we age, leading to many so called “Pauses”.  I don’t know about you but I’m not really ready for any “Pausing” if I can help it.

 

Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, essential for a variety of vital functions. In women, progesterone balances the estrogen hormones, and is produced mainly by the ovaries when ovulation occurs and helps to maintain the uterine lining until one of two things happen, pregnancy or no pregnancy.  If Pregnancy occurs, then the placenta takes over and produces progesterone throughout the pregnancy. Progesterone is the precursor for both estrogen and testosterone, as well as all other natural steroid hormones. Also in the non pregnant or postmenopausal state, for Optimal Health, there needs to be a balance between Estrogen and progesterone.
 

If estrogen levels get too high, progesterone can no longer keep the dynamic balance. This is exactly what happens in some American women who live a portion of their adult lives with pathologically high levels of estrogen. The main reasons for the high imbalances are:
 

  • overrefined diet

  • no exercise

  • external toxic sources of estrogen : xenoestrogens, Chemicals, pesticides that have estrogen like effects.

  • The aging process

 

Dr. John Lee, a proponent of progesterone replacement and other proponents of natural progesterone products is that the problems at menopause are not caused by lack of estrogen, but by lack of progesterone. Remember that estrogen production drops 40% at menopause. Well, progesterone drops to near 0%. This is really Estrogen dominant!   What’s more, in our culture, even women in their childbearing years tend to be estrogen dominant for a number of reasons. Many American women are, in other words, deficient in the progesterone hormone. For many years women were given a combination of estrogen (Premarin, Estrogens from Horse Urine) and Progesterone (Synthetic Progestin) called PremPro after menopause. The Progesterone was added to lower the incidence of uterine cancer.  The Women's Health Initiative found that the combination of these two non-natural hormones caused an increased occurrence of breast cancer and heart disease and many women stopped their postmenopausal therapy.

 

 The following are health conditions which appear to improve with normalizing Progesterone levels to prevent Estrogen Dominance.

  • Relief from PMS and menopause symptoms

  • A normalized menstrual cycle, including relieving menstrual-related allergies

  • Relief from breast pain and tenderness

There is also research and medical theory indicating the appropriate balance of progesterone:

  • Reduces the risk of breast cancer and breast cysts

  • Protects the uterus from estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia (an overgrowth or thickening of the uterus lining)

  • Reduces the risk of osteoporosis

  • Helps to manage affective disorders such as depression

  • The hormone progesterone can help prevent premature births in a large number of high-risk pregnancies

Progesterone, which plays a crucial role in brain function, is often called the "feel good hormone" because of its mood-enhancing and antidepressant effects. Patients who complain about anxiety and irritability often notice that a corrected balance of progesterone vastly reduces or eliminates these feelings.

 

At Inside Outside, we follow the Hormone evaluations and Protocols established by Cenegenics Medical  Institute of Las Vegas .  For post menopausal women with deficient hormone levels, we would prescribe a combination of an Tri Estrogen Cream (Estriol 80%, Estrone 10%, and Estradiol 10%) and Bio Identical micronized Prometrium, 50-100mg/day Orally, as the Progesterone. We do not think Progesterone Creams have any advantage in postmenopausal women and since Progesterone can accumulate in fat tissue, elevated levels can occur with the transdermal route.  Some Pre Menopausal women may benefit form a small dose of  a Progesterone Cream from day 12 of the cycle until 3-5 days before the start of the next cycle.

• Do not take the Prometrium brand of progesterone if you are allergic or sensitive to peanuts. Prometrium capsules contain peanut oil and should never be used by individuals with a peanut allergy.
• Do not take progesterone without first talking to your doctor if you have
       · a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder,
       · breast cancer,
       · cancer of a genital organ,
       · liver disease, or
       · undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
       · epilepsy or a seizure disorder,
       · migraines,
       · asthma,
       · kidney disease,
       · heart disease,
       · diabetes, or
       · a history of depression.

 

The only FDA approved oral
micronized progesterone
Solvay Pharmaceuticals - PROMETRIUM®

 

 

 

book_premenop03r_150.gif

Life Extension magazine article about Progesterone, The Overlooked Female Hormone. June 2003.  Review of the benefits of this hormone.

 

Progesterone: the forgotten hormone in men?
Oettel M, Aging Male. 2004 Sep;7(3):236-57.

 

The roles of estrogen and progesterone in regulating carbohydrate and fat utilization at rest and during exercise.
D'Eon T J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2002 Apr;11(3):225-37.

 

Anyone interested in this therapy should make an appointment with Dr. Christian to discuss their individual situation.  Dr. Christian is a physician partner with Cenegenics of Las Vegas and uses their laboratory profiles and hormone protocols. 

 See “The Works” Evaluation.

Next Month: Optimal Health Component #5 Hormone Optimization Part 7: Estrogen!

Your partner in health,

Dr. Christian  Contact Dr. Christian

 

 
Back to the Basics: Minerals Part 7  "Chromium"

 

 

We are continuing a series talking about those nutrients which are Essential to Life. A “Back to the Basics Series”. Basic questions we need to answer are: Why is this molecule or element Essential, What Purpose does it Serve, In What Form is it Best Consumed and How Much do we need. This month we continue our series on the Minerals that are essential to life and good health.  Part 7 "Chromium Anyone?"

 

 

Minerals Pronunciation: primarystresswodott-schwar, Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. The term "mineral" encompasses not only the material's chemical composition but also the mineral structures. Minerals range in composition from pure chemical elements and simple salts to very complex silicates with thousands of known forms (organic compounds are usually excluded)The study of minerals is called mineralogy.  They are inorganic, which means they don't contain carbon.  They are similar to rocks (a rock is an aggregate of two or more minerals), but smaller and they all have funny names, and you can buy real shiny ones for $1.00 each at most souvenir stores.

 

Dietary minerals are chemical elements required by living organisms. They can be either bulk minerals (required in relatively large amounts, macro minerals, grams or milligrams per day) or trace minerals (required only in very small amounts, micro or pico grams) Appropriate intake levels of each dietary mineral must be sustained to maintain physical health. Excessive intake of a dietary mineral may either lead to illness directly or indirectly because of the competitive nature between mineral levels in the body. So be careful how many rocks you eat and keep the kids away from the lead paint on the wall. Feed them Gummi bears instead.  Sometimes minerals are added to the diet separately from food, as vitamin and mineral supplements and in dirt eating, called pica or geophagy.

 

 

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Chromium

 

 

 

 Essential  Pronunciation: ĕs`sĕn´sjal  or i-primarystresssen-chschwal a :basic and fundamental  a: being a substance that is required for normal functioning but cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be included in the diet  s :absolutely required and not to be used up or sacrificed  s :of the greatest importance  s :absolutely necessary; vitally necessary   n :anything indispensable ie don't leave home without it....More important than Gummi Bears...

Elements In Human Body % of Atoms % of Weight
Hydrogen 63% 10%
Oxygen 26% 65%
Carbon  10% 19%
Nitrogen 1.4% 3.3%
Calcium 0.31% 1.50%
Sodium 0.30% 0.20%
Phosphorus 0.22% 1.00%
Potassium  0.06% 0.40%
Sulfur 0.05% 0.30%
Chlorine 0.03% 0.20%

Why it Is essential and What does it do?:  Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined. In the mid-twentieth century, scientists put laboratory rats on a diet devoid of chromium. The unfortunate rodents quickly developed glucose intolerance, a condition that often precedes the development of type II diabetes in humans. Researchers then switched the animals’ feed to brewer’s yeast—a rich, natural source of chromium—and the rats’ health promptly returned to normal. Chromium was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called "glucose tolerance factor.

There have been several recent reviews and data from the Health Professionals Followup Study and the Heavy Metals and myocardial Infarction Study suggest a preventive and therapeutic role for Chromium for the following conditions.

 

  • Improvement in Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity in those with Type 1, Type 2 Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome.

  • Gestational Diabetes, Elevated Glucose and Insulin in pregnant females

  • Steroid Induced Diabetes, Elevated Glucose associated with Steroid use.

  • Prevention of Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Infarction

  • Weight Loss

.What form is it best consumed? Chromium is widely distributed in the food supply, but most foods provide only small amounts (less than 5 micrograms [mcg] per serving), except for broccoli!  See Recipe of Month!  Meat and whole-grain products, as well as some fruits, vegetables, and spices are relatively good sources.

Food

Chromium (mcg)

Broccoli, ½ cup

11

Grape juice, 1 cup

8

English muffin, whole wheat, 1

4

Potatoes, mashed, 1 cup

3

Garlic, dried, 1 teaspoon

3

Basil, dried, 1 tablespoon

2

Beef cubes, 3 ounces

2

Orange juice, 1 cup

2

Turkey breast, 3 ounces

2

Whole wheat bread, 2 slices

2

Red wine, 5 ounces

1-13

Apple, unpeeled, 1 medium

1

Banana, 1 medium

1

Green beans, ½ cup

1

 

Forms of Supplements:

Chromium is available as a supplement in several forms: chromium chloride, chromium nicotinate, chromium picolinate, and high-chromium yeast. They are available as stand-alone supplements or in combination products such as multivitamins.  Chromium nicotinate and chromium picolinate may be more bioavailable than chromium chloride. In much of the research on impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, chromium picolinate was the source of chromium and the form that we recommend at Inside Outside.

 

How much is needed? 

Dietary chromium supplements are inexpensive and the limited safety data suggest that chromium is safe even at high doses.  However, there have been reports of isolated adverse reactions to doses of Chromium consisting of Liver damage and Kidney failure.  Patients with kidney or liver disease should not take doses of Chromium picolinate greater than 400ugm per day.  The Institute of Medicine has an AI (Adequate Intake) recommendation of 20-25ugm/day for Women and 30-35ugm for Men.

 

Inside Outside Recommendation

Chromium supplementation at levels of 1000mcg per day is an attractive option for management of diabetes and for control of insulin and glucose concentrations of persons  with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition the data from the Health Professionals Followup Study and the Heavy Metals and myocardial Infarction Study suggest a preventive role for Cardiovascular disease.  For preventive purposes and for possible assistance with weight loss we would recommend 400-500mcg Chromium Picolinate per day.  The LEF Mix MultiVitamin and Mineral product contains 500mcg.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 671 Life Extension Chromium Ultra.  500mcg Capsules  See Dawn to Order!

 

 

 

 

  

Role of chromium in human health and in diabetes.  
Cefalu WT, Hu FB. Diabetes Care. 2004 Nov;27(11):2741-51.

Lower toenail chromium in men with diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared with healthy men.  Health Professionals Follow-Up Study
Rajpathak S, Diabetes Care. 2004 Sep;27(9):2211-6.

Low toenail chromium concentration and increased risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction.
Guallar E, Am J Epidemiol. 2005 Jul 15;162(2):157-64. Epub 2005 Jun 22.

EURAMIC-Heavy Metals and Myocardial Infraction Study Group.

  

 

LEF Magazine Artlcle "Chromium: An Essential to Health" August 2004

 

 

 

Chromium, Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center

 

 

USDA Logo

NUTRIENT DATA LABORATORY

Search the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

 The Institute of Medicine in their Dietary Reference Intake Book and tables

Next month Magnesium!

METALS IN NUTRITION

Dawn Blem

Certified Nutritional Consultant  

Contact Dawn Blem

 

 

Marketing Update:  Seminars,  KSAT 12 Coverage of SuperSlow Stars!

 

Dr. Christian was asked by Cat Pollock, 2nd Year Medical Student and VP of the UTSA Chapter of the American Medical Student Association to be the speaker on 5 Oct 05 at their monthly meeting.  His topic was "The 6 Components of Optimal Health and Aging" with emphasis on the Zone Nutrition Program & SuperSlow® Strength Training.

 

 

 

Dr. Christian spoke to employees of the Bexar County Courthouse on 13 Oct 05 as part of their ongoing wellness program for their employees.  His topic was "The 6 Components of Optimal Health and Aging" with emphasis on the Zone Nutrition Program and SuperSlow® Strength Training.

 

 

 

Dr. Christian and Dawn Blem were guests at the 19 Oct 05 Tapatio Springs Ladies Luncheon held at the Tapatio Springs Resort Conference Center.  Dr. Christian and Dawn are shown with Lois Aronson and Gail Broadhead, both faithful SuperSlow Members! The organization of Ladies is dedicated to supporting many Charitable and Non-Profit Organizations in the Boerne/Tapatio Springs area. Dr. Christian spoke to the ladies about "The 6 Components of Optimal Health and Aging" with emphasis on the Zone Nutrition Program and SuperSlow Strength Training.

 

 

Our SuperSlow Stars of the month, Bill and Mary Lee Thorsby will be featured in an upcoming segment on KSAT 12 TV about fighting Diabetes.  Nancy Gonzalez, KSAT Anchor and Rey Elizardo, CameraMan filmed the segment on 16 Oct 05 at the SuperSlow Gym.  The segment will run sometime in November and we will send out a special email to let everyone know the date and time.

 

Checkout Nancy Gonzalez Bio at KSAT 12!
  
                    From Dr. Sears' Monthly Newsletter

The OmegaZone E-Magazine

 

 

"For years the medical establishment has been telling Americans that fighting heart disease means a war against cholesterol. Slowly but surely, like the powerful Wizard of Oz façade, the cholesterol story has been slowly eroding. Now the scientific data is shifting more to inflammation as the underlying cause of heart disease. Of course, this makes common sense since the number-one drug to prevent a heart attack is an aspirin. Although aspirin has no effect on cholesterol levels, it has a dramatic effect on reducing inflammation. Recent articles in the New England Journal of Medicine have again confirmed the importance of inflammation on heart disease. A crude indictor of inflammation, C-reactive protein, appears to be more powerful than bad cholesterol levels in predicting future heart attacks.
   But what if there was an even more powerful predictor of inflammation that could predict heart attacks? As I describe in my newest book, “The Anti-Inflammation Zone,” such a blood marker exists. It is the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This marker of inflammation precedes C-reactive protein by years. You could take drugs, such as statins, on a lifetime basis to reduce C-reactive protein.    Of course, there are some side effects, such as memory loss, muscle weakness, neuropathy, and liver damage. But statins don’t reduce the AA/EPA ratio – they actually increase it. On the other hand, taking high-dose fish oil reduces the AA/EPA ratio, and the only known side-effect is to make you smarter. The amount of fish oil you need to reduce inflammation depends on how well you control insulin in your diet. The more you control insulin by following the Zone Diet, the less fish oil you need. On the other hand, the less you control insulin, the more fish oil you need. The choice is yours. Whatever approach (drugs or diet) you choose, just keep in mind that controlling inflammation is a much wiser medical approach to reducing heart attacks than controlling cholesterol."

 

Let us know if you want the AA/EPA test.  The Cost is $300 and includes a consult with Dr. Christian to discuss the results.  We also talk about the AA/EPA test in detail in our Omega Zone Seminar.

 

Visit Dr. Sears Web Site.. Join the Forums and Sign up for his Newsletter.

 

 
 

Dana Marks New Wellness Center Manager and Personal Trainer

Her Vision for Inside Outside! 

 

GUNG-HO! Extremely enthusiastic and dedicated. [Earlier Gung Ho, motto of certain U.S. Marine forces in Asia during World War II, from Chinese (Mandarin) gōnghé, to work together (short for gōngyèhézuòshè, Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society) : gōng, work + hé, together.]

  

  When I met Dr. C many years ago, I remember thinking, ‘WOW, this Dr. is as GUNG-HO about the ZONE, and helping others as I am!  It is exciting and rare, to find another person that shares a VISION, fueled by PASSION, of the same kind.  It was equally exciting to find a physician that was dedicated to educating people about how nutrition and the choices we make on a daily basis reap positive outcomes in our lives.

 

I also remember thinking…

 

Dr. C is to San Antonio what Ken Cooper is to Dallas…

Way ahead of his time,Willing to change, and be changed, and Willing to do whatever he needs to do to get the good message/education out to the masses!

 

On the planet, we are the only species that can CHOOSE to change…all species change, but none have the ability to CHOOSE CHANGE.  With that being said, we are also the most resistant to CHANGE!  Change can happen at any place in an organization -- no matter how much or how little control or influence you perceive you have over your environment or those around you.   The most profound change in organizations happens when those at the top or in the key leadership positions take responsibility for making change happen –  because 70% of corporate culture (how people behave and do things) is shaped by its leadership.

 

Personal transformation precedes organizational transformation and while many people want change, it takes courage to take responsibility for change – whether that is personal change within yourself, change within a team or change within an organization. 

 

I am looking forward to being a part of, and watching the CHANGE that Inside/Outside is going through….and the transformation process that we will all be a part of as our new year, 2006 is right around the corner.

 

I can tell you that we here as a staff at Inside Outside WANT MORE!  And by wanting more, that means CHANGE!!!….GUNG-HO!!  INSIDE OUTSIDE SPA!

 

Picture this with me, will you?….

 

You have an appointment at the Super Slow gym for your weekly workout…

Following your workout, you have a Spa Treatment ….maybe a men’s facial, massage, or perhaps a pedicure???

As you walk through the doors an array of pleasant aromas fill your senses…

the smell of fresh brewed coffee from the Inside Outside Juice Bar….

‘Spa’ aromas of eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary coming from the Massage/Facial/Pedicure rooms fill the air…

Good smelling ZONE PERFECT food that is being cooked at the Inside Outside Grill…

Surrounded by fresh plants, running water fountains, fish tanks with colorful fish, and a serene atmosphere that invites you to come in, work out, and relax…

 

and of course. BE TRANSFORMED…INSIDE & OUT….

 

That is where we want to work and SERVE YOU! 

 

NOW CAN I HEAR US ALL SAY????

 

GUNG HO INSIDE OUTSIDE SPA!!!!  GUNG HO DR. CHRISTIAN!!  

 

About Dana Marks!!

Dana comes to us with a wide range of experience in health and fitness and the corporate word.

 

She is owner of Positive Solutions which offers medical billing services and health benefits for small businesses. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She is Founder of a New Fitness program called, ‘YOKA’…the Christian Alternative to yoga.   She has produced a DVD, a line of lotions and candles, fitness accessories, and is writing a book.  Currently she teaches classes in San Antonio and in New Braunfels and the DVD is in the hands of a publisher

 

She was Vice President of Sales at The SCOOTER Store  in New Braunfels, TX

 

Prior to the Scooter Store she was Director of Fitness Services at the McKenna Sports Fitness & Rehabilitation Center in New Braunfels.

 

In addition she has been the owner of Hands Down, a full service salon and a Jazzercise Franchise.

She holds certifications from the Cooper Aerobics Center and their Physical Fitness Specialist Certification, is ZONE Certified and a Member of the National Speakers Association

 

She has been married for 21 years to the love of her life, Kevin and has 2 great kids, Kate, age 17, and Tye, age 15

 

Her Favorite things are…

Being home with my Family, with TONS of teenagers hanging out at our place!

 (Love to embarrass them and give them a really hard time!)

Singing in the Praise and Worship Band at Journey Fellowship (cell church for Oak Hills Church)

Decorating my home

Photography

Reading

Working Out

Drinking a good cup of Coffee with a blanket and a cat!

 

Dana Marks, Wellness Center Manager

Contact Dana Marks

 

Misty Bashara Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist

 

 

Misty Bashara is well known in San Antonio for her contributions to physical fitness and health.  She has personally trained many and is owner of  San Antonio Professional Fitness.

 

Misty Bashara CFT, AMTA, NCBTMB is the owner of Professional Fitness by Misty in San Antonio, Texas. Misty has over 25 years experience in the Fitness Industry and has been a Fitness Trainer for 21 of those years. Misty holds certifications as an Advanced Fitness Specialist as well as the Elite Certification from the Cooper Clinic Center for Aerobic Research. In addition, Misty has been a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist for almost 18 years. She holds the prestigious gold standard for bodyworkers, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage Therapy and Bodywork (NCBTMB) credential. She is also certified through the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and the Texas Department of Health. Misty received her Yoga Teacher Training through the Living Yoga Program qualifying as a Yoga Alliance Yoga Instructor. Misty has the knowledge and experience to tweak anyone's fitness program giving them an edge in the hurried world in which we live. Misty is a Master Trainer who works with individuals who are CEO's, individuals in management, housewives, secretaries, overweight, underweight, and unfit; anyone who is
interested in improving their overall fitness and health. Misty is currently helping top notch professionals from San Antonio Corporations such as SBC, H.E.B., and others to maintain their edge.

 

Benefits of Massage  Check Out our New Massage Menu...     

 

The benefits of massage are Occur Via Several Mechanisms:

 

Biomechanical Mechanisms:  Massage can produce mechanical pressure, which is expected to increase muscle compliance resulting in increased range of joint motion, decreased passive stiffness and decreased active stiffness .  Mechanical pressure might help to increase blood flow by increasing the arteriolar pressure, as well as increasing muscle temperature from rubbing and thus reducing  the severity of muscle soreness.

 

Neurological Mechanisms: Mechanical pressure on the muscle is expected to increase or decrease neural excitability and muscle spasms as measured by the Hoffman reflex. The Hoffman reflex is brought about by stimulating a nerve, particularly the tibial nerve, with an electric shock and is essentially measuring deep tendon reflexes and the level of spasm a muscle has.

 

Physiological Mechanisms: Changes in parasympathetic activity (as measured by reduced heart rate and  blood pressure and improved heart rate variability) and dangerous hormonal levels (as measured by Cortisol levels) following massage.  The immune system may be improved by increasing  White Blood Cells and Natural Killer Cells.

 

Psychological Mechanisms: A reduction in anxiety and an improvement in mood state also cause relaxation after massage.

 

MASSAGE THERAPY GROWS IN POPULARITY  Fact Sheet

 

2005 Massage Therapy Consumer Fact Sheet .pdf file

 

Contraindications of Massage

Seek medical advice before having a massage if you suffer from phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, severe acute back pain, or fever.

 

Swellings, fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged. Lumps and swellings should be checked by your doctor.

 

Massage of the abdomen, legs, and feet should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy.

 

Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cultural and philosophical aspects of pressure, massage, and touch healing as alternative therapies.
Oumeish OY Skinmed. 2005 Mar-Apr;4(2):93-100.

 

The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention.     Related Articles, Links
Weerapong P, Sports Med. 2005;35(3):235-56.

 

Misty Bashara, Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist

 Contact Misty Bashara

 

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