What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is damage to, or disease affecting the nerves, and this can be associated with your feet, legs, arms, hands, and back. Neuropathy is a progressive disease, it DOES get worse over time. You want to catch the disease before it goes into a non-treatable status.

Causes of Neuropathy

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Surgeries
• Autoimmune diseases
• Alcohol
• Cigarette smoking

Benefits of Holistic Massage for Neuropathy

Holistic massage can be a valuable complementary therapy for individuals suffering from neuropathy. Here’s how it can help:

1. Pain Relief: Massage therapy can help reduce pain by releasing tension in the muscles and soft tissues. This can alleviate the discomfort associated with neuropathy.
2. Improved Circulation: Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas, which can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
3. Stress Reduction: Being in pain is stressful. Massage can help you relax, reducing overall tension in your body and potentially improving your mood and mental well-being.
4. Enhanced Sensation: Massage can help improve sensation in the affected areas by stimulating the nerves and promoting better nerve function.
5. Increased Flexibility: Gentle stretching during massage can help improve your range of motion, making daily activities easier and less painful.

Techniques Used in Holistic Massage for Neuropathy

1. Swedish Massage: Gentle strokes can promote circulation and reduce anxiety, which can often contribute to nerve pain.
2. Effleurage: Light, gliding strokes that help to warm up the muscles and improve circulation.
3. Petrissage: Kneading and rolling the muscles to release tension and improve flexibility.
4. Tapotement: Rhythmic tapping or percussion movements that can stimulate the nerves and improve sensation.
5. Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and improve nerve function.

Holistic massage can be a gentle yet effective way to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with neuropathy. If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!