Tropical Medicinal Plants Course Week 2

This week consisted of learning massage techniques. We learned the clinical Swedish massage, as well as the acupressure massage. Both techniques use similar methods, the difference being the acupressure solely uses pressure, and the Swedish uses pressure and strokes. Because of the strokes it is necessary to apply oils, and we made a infused coconut oil with peppermint and cinnamon, as well as raw aloe leaves.

The benefits of massage are endless, and it has been used for centuries to treat a variety of illnesses. It relaxes and detoxifies muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as stretches and adjusts the skeletal system. It relaxes and balances the nervous system, as well as regulates and balances the autonomic nervous system. Massage calms the mind, improves emotional state, regulates, calms the endocrine (glandular) system, and improves immune system response to speed healing.

The way we practiced was someone would observe, someone would receive, and someone would give the massage, while Ed would instruct. We all received about four to five hours of massage this week!

Marie practicing massage techniques on me! Taken by Alex.

Here are some key notes taken from our text book, Natural Health Care Guide for Tropical Living, by Ed Bernhardt, M.D.

Massage notes, acupressure points. Taken by Yarden.

Massage notes, acupressure points on the back. Taken by Yarden.

Circulatory System. Taken by Yarden.

Skeletal system. Taken by Yarden.

Nervous System. Taken by Yarden.