AIDS and HIV
Weakening of the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to illness.
Increase immune response and circulation
Decrease stress and sense of isolation
Alzheimer's Disease
Loss of short-term memory and confusion between long-term memory and the present.
Increase exposure to nurturing touch
Arthritis
Pain in the joints.
Osteoarthritis - caused by wear and tear on the joints
Decrease painIncrease circulation, lubrication, and range of motion of the joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis - an auto-immune inflammation
Decrease pain and flare-ups (frequency and intensity)Asthma
Difficulty breathing due to inflammation and contraction of the bronchioles in the lungs.
Decrease stress and muscle tension of the chest
Cancer
Abnormal growths in the body, including the blood.
Decrease stress and sense of isolation
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pain and numbness in the hands and forearms caused by either compression of the carpal tunnel in the wrists or compression of the brachial (arm) nerve due to tight neck muscles.
Decrease pain and numbness
NOTE: Carpal tunnel syndrome, even with surgery, will develop in both wrists. Since carpal tunnel can be caused by tight muscles in the neck, you may choose to try a treatment of massage therapy along with self-care techniques before having surgery. However, if the carpal tunnel is compressed, then surgery will be necessary to correct the problem.