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Emdoneni News

7 Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a treatment approach which is growing in demand and popularity. It was once considered an alternative or fringe approach, but it is now becoming much more mainstream. More importantly, now that massage therapy is considered a mainstream treatment option, many insurance companies provide coverage for treatment sessions. This form of therapy involves hands-on techniques to increase circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation throughout the entire body, as well as many other benefits. The body’s soft tissue areas include the muscles, tendons, connective tissue, etc. If someone is tense and in need of a release, or they have been injured and have extensive muscle and/or nerve tissue damage that plagues their body, massage therapy might be worth exploring. Here are some benefits of massage therapy. 1. It Is Relaxing – When the body is tense and under stress, it produces unhealthy levels of the well-known stress hormone, cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems, and headaches. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease cortisol levels in the body. This enables the body to enter a recovery mode. Moreover, this form of therapy also triggers lasting feelings of relaxation, improved mood, and reduced stress levels. 2. It Reduces Stress – Not only can massage therapy help with stress relief, but regular massage sessions over a prolonged period of time can boost energy levels, reduce pain, and stimulate individuals on physical as well as emotional levels. 3. It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure – Regular massage therapy sessions have been found to reduce blood pressure levels. In fact, some long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can reduce both systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number) blood pressure. Moreover, it can also reduce cortisol levels within the body. Furthermore, consistent massage sessions can also reduce trigger sources for anxiety, hostility, tension, and depression. In turn, lower blood pressure levels can also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and/or kidney failure, as well as many other health issues. 4. It Promotes Muscle Relaxation – The purpose of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain via eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this increased activity to the affected sites reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints, as well as increases flexibility to help reduce pain. Moreover, this form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–physically as well as emotionally. Case in point, they promote healing, pain management, and feelings of euphoria, as well as help to calm the nerves. 5. It Can Help Improve Circulation – The long-term benefits of massage therapy are not to be underestimated. Improved circulation is part of a snowball effect that occurs in the body as a result of receiving regular massage therapy on a consistent basis. This is because proper circulation brings damaged, stiff, and tense muscles the rich blood supply they need to promote healing. Moreover, massage also promotes improved circulation via the use of hands-on pressure, which moves the blood through the damaged and congested areas of the body. In turn, the release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow into tissues. Furthermore, the squeezing, twisting, and pulling action of the massage technique also removes lactic acid from the muscle tissues. As a result, this action improves the lymph fluid circulation, which carries metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles. In turn, this results in lower blood pressure levels and improved overall body function. 6. It Can Help Improve Posture – Many Americans experience back, neck, and muscle pain from a variety of sources. However, the primary cause of this pain results from poor posture. In fact, chronic back pain, which is the number one reason for missed work days and second most common cause of disability, is often the result of incorrect or poor posture while standing and/or sitting. Moreover, being overweight, poor posture, and repetitive or overuse movements can also contribute to the strain on the back and other potential problem areas. As a result, the added strain often causes spasms, pain, and tense muscles in the hips, glutes, back, neck, and legs. Massage therapy can help get the body back into proper alignment. In fact, improving one’s posture can be one of the most beneficial and relaxing aspects of massage therapy. Massage allows the body to relax and loosen the muscles made tense and sore via bad posture. In turn, this allows the body to position itself in its organic and pain-free posture. As part of a consistent massage therapy program, the body’s muscles are loosened and relaxed. Moreover, the joints have greater freedom, flexibility, range of motion, and pressure points are relieved. As a result, the body is able to position itself in an organic and healthy posture. In short, massage therapy helps to correct the positions and movements developed over time as a reaction to pain. 7. It Can Help Strengthen the Body’s Immune System – Regular massage sessions provide many benefits to the human body. It is a well-known fact that individuals who experience high levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness and injury. When stress is combined with sleep disturbances and poor nutrition, the impact is directed at the body’s immune system. Its ability to naturally protect itself against infections, pathogens, and bacteria is greatly reduced. Some might wonder how massage therapy benefits the immune system. Studies have indicated that regular massage sessions not only help reduce stress, but can also boost the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (activity level of the body’s natural “killer cells”) and enhances the body’s ability to deliver nourishment. Moreover, massage therapy can be a great addition to any exercise program. Much

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Emdoneni News

Understanding the Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapies

Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”   Churchill was talking about the benefits of horseback riding, but his comment goes deeper than just physical exercise. Being around animals has been shown to be good for the mind too. Involving animals in various forms of psychological therapy, including programs for substance abuse treatment, can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For those with an affinity for animals, it can make a nerve-wracking experience easier to manage, while for those who have experienced trauma or are unable to verbalize emotions, working with animals can provide a source of confidence and confidentiality. Exploring the various types of animal-assisted therapies opens new ways of helping people deal with mental health disorders that can lead to more positive outcomes and longer-term recovery. Animals in Therapy Animals are used in therapy because they can help people relax, minimize stress, and offer a sense of safety and unconditional acceptance that puts therapy patients at ease. As stated by the American Counseling Association, this can help draw withdrawn or noncommunicative patients into conversation and the therapeutic process so they can get the most out of their therapy. In substance abuse treatment, animals can help people who have trauma or stress in their backgrounds, or who are embarrassed or ashamed of their substance abuse and hesitate to talk about it. They also provide activities through which the individual can be distracted from cravings and triggers. The relief of stress and anxiety through animal-assisted therapy can help these people avoid some triggers to begin with. History of Animal-Assisted Therapy According to the journal Annals of Long-Term Care, the therapeutic potential of the relationship between animals and humans was first recognized and explored in the 1800s by Florence Nightingale, who found that pets reduced anxiety in psychiatric patients and children. As early as the 1930s, Freud was known to bring his dog to therapy sessions. However, it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that psychotherapists began more deeply exploring the ways in which the human-animal relationship could be used to benefit the therapy process. Finally, in the late 1980s, the first programs to certify animals for therapy arose. Now, animals can be found in therapeutic programs in a variety of settings, from hospitals, to treatment programs for children with psychiatric issues, to substance abuse programs, and more. Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy There are basically two ways that animals are involved in therapy, as explained by the National Association of Social Workers. Pet therapy is where volunteers take their gentle, trained pets to different settings, like hospitals or schools, to cheer up people who are dealing with difficulty, such as after surgery or during difficult treatments. This type of therapy is simple, providing the gentle joy of being around or petting a happy animal. It is not to be underestimated, however. Relieving stress can help the body produce hormones and neurotransmitters that aid in physical and emotional stability and health. Animal-assisted therapy, on the other hand, involves social workers, counselors, or other therapists who specifically involve the animal in treatment therapies. This type of work can be done with a wide range of animals, but two of the most commonly known therapies using animals involve dogs (canine-assisted therapy) and horses (equine-assisted therapy). Various Animals, Various Benefits The two most common animals used in therapy are dogs and horses. Here are just some of the ways they can help: Canine-assisted therapy Dogs are used in both pet therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Therapy Dogs United describes some of the benefits of working with dogs: Heightened problem-solving and communication skills by giving the dog commands Learning how to relate to others Improvement in depression or anxiety Greater level of interest and focus More positive attitude and motivation Equine-assisted therapy According to information from Psych Central, learning to work with in therapeutic practice can help with:   Insight into interpersonal relationships, based on how the person responds to the horse Instant, honest feedback from the animal that helps people moderate their behaviors Models for healthy relationships with others Growth of trust and ability to read nonverbal cues from others Research and Effectiveness Studies have shown varied levels of effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy. In particular, a research review from Complementary Therapies in Medicine demonstrated that while some studies are generally of low quality, these therapies can be particularly beneficial for people who like and relate to animals. This is verified by various reports, such as one from Current Pain and Headache Reports, which shows that animal-assisted therapy with cancer patients has resulted in reports of lower pain levels, verified clinically by increased levels of endorphins after the animal visit. Specifically for treatment of substance abuse, a study from the journal Anthrozoos showed that having a therapy dog involved in the sessions between a therapist and a person in treatment helped make the person in treatment feel more positive about the therapeutic alliance than if there was no dog in the session. Because positive attitudes about the treatment process can have a beneficial effect on treatment outcomes, these studies indicate that animal-assisted therapy can be effective in helping to achieve desired outcomes when they are used in the rehab process. Why People Love Animals in Therapy For people who love animals, it’s easy to see why non-human companions have become so popular in therapy. For scientists and others, however, there is still a question of whether it is worthwhile. Based on case studies and anecdotal evidence, including animals in therapy sessions is calming and soothing, and it has helped many people feel more comfortable with and involved in treatment. An example of this is an article from National Public Radio that discusses many of the reasons animals are thought to benefit human health. From increasing the hormone that produces feelings of love and bonding, oxytocin, to helping to reduce stress and blood pressure, the physical and emotional benefits of

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Emdoneni News

Mothers Day Special

Mothers Day is a celebration, honouring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. As Mother’s Day is slowly approaching, Emdoneni Lodge would like to run a promotion to honour the great mothers of the world. The promotion will start running from the 12th (Saturday) to the 14th (Monday) of May. The promotion will consist of the following treatments: Hydrating facial Express Manicure or Pedicure Free Full body scrub Price: R550 Please contact us directly to book: +27 (0)35 562-7000/7001 or office@emdonenilodge.com

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Emdoneni News

What is Freedom Day all about?

27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa. Today, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of our country and its people from a long period of colonialism and White minority domination (apartheid). Apartheid ‘officially’ began in South Africa in 1948, but colonialism and oppression of the African majority had plagued South Africa since 1652. After decades of resistance, a stalemate between the Liberation Movement and the Apartheid government was reached in 1988. The ANC, South African Communist Party (SACP), Pan African Congress (PAC) and other organisations were later unbanned on 2 February 1990, and a non-racial constitution was eventually agreed upon and adopted in 1993. On 27 April 1994, the nation finally cast its vote in the first democratic election in the country. The ANC was then voted into power, and Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the President of South Africa on 10 May. It is important to note however, that “freedom” should mean emancipation from poverty, unemployment, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. We are 15 years into our new democracy and many of these issues are still rife in our country. We are still a long way away from solving many of the legacies of Apartheid and now face new challenges, like the growing inequality among South Africans and political and economic instability in the region caused by a new elite who are interested in pursuing their own interests. Freedom Day therefore serves as a reminder to us that the guarantee of our freedom requires us to remain permanently vigilant against corruption and the erosion of the values of the Freedom Struggle and to build an active citizenry that will work towards wiping out the legacy of racism, inequality and the promotion of the rights embodied in our constitution.   Source: sahistory.org.za

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Area Attractions, Emdoneni News

Animals to see in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is a scenic reserve and offers good wildlife viewing. All of the Big Five are present, but only white rhino and buffalo are regularly seen. Big cats are hit-and-miss, and elephant migrate around the park. Black rhino tends to keep to the thickets, but might be spotted at a waterhole or crossing the road. Giraffe and Burchell’s zebra are some of the more common species found throughout the park. Elephant Weighing up to 6000 kg (6.6 tons) and measuring up to 3.3 m (10 ft.) at the shoulder, the African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal. It is characterized by its highly dexterous trunk, long curved tusks, and massive ears. They are very common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Giraffe Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their legs alone are taller than many humans—about 6 feet. They can run as fast as 35 miles an hour over short distances, or cruise at 10 mph over longer distances. A giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground. They are very common in the Hluhlwe Game Reserve. Hippo The name Hippopotamus comes from the Ancient Greek ‘river horse’. Hippos bask on the shoreline and secrete an oily red substance, which gave rise to the myth that they sweat blood. … An adult Hippo needs to resurface every 3 – 5mins to breathe. … They are only territorial while in the water. They are very common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Buffalo The African buffalo or Cape buffalo is a large African bovine. The African buffalo is one of the most successful grazers in Africa. It lives in swamps and floodplains, as well as mopane grasslands and forests of the major mountains of Africa. The African buffalo has a broad chest, large limbs and a large head. The adult buffalo’s horns are its characteristic feature; they have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield referred to as a “boss”. The sparse covering of hair over the body typically ranges from brownish to black in color. Average lifespan of the African buffalo is about 20 years in the wild. They are very common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve Zebra Zebra are part of the equidae family along with horse and donkeys. Every zebra has a unique pattern of black and white stripes. There are a number of different theories which attempt to explain zebra’s unique stripes with most relating to camouflage. Wild zebras live in Africa. Common plain zebras have tails around half a metre in length (18 inches). Zebra crossings (pedestrian crossings) are named after the black and white stripes of zebras. Zebras run from side to side to being chased by a predator. Zebras have excellent eyesight and hearing. Zebras stand up while sleeping. Zebras eat mostly grass. The ears of a zebra show its moodT They are very  common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Wildebeest Wildebeest live in large herds, composed of animals of both sex and their offspring. Life in herd provides protection against predators. Main predators of wildebeest are lions, hyenas, cheetahs and African wild dogs. During mating season, breeding groups composed of around 150 animals will be created. They are very common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. White Rhino   These massive animals can measure up to 4 metres long and weigh up to 2.3 tonnes, making them one of the largest land mammals in the world, only behind the three species of elephants. Despite their name, white rhinos aren’t actually white, but grey.  They get their name from the Afrikaans word for wide, which describes their mouth which is designed to graze on grass. They have two horns, with the front horn the longest, growing up to 1.5 metres long.  The males are very aggressive and territorial, and use their horns to warn other males away.  The males also mark their territories with large piles of dung called middens. These guys are the most social of all rhino species.  A group of rhinos is called a crash and they can live in groups of up to 14, mostly made up of females and their young. White rhinoceroses are the most common species of rhino in the world, but this wasn’t always the case.  They were almost hunted to extinction and in 1895 there were only about 50 left.  Thankfully, they have recovered and there are now about 17,500 in the wild today.  They are mostly found in South Africa, but have also been reintroduced to Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe and have been introduced to Zambia, Uganda and Kenya.  Sadly, like other rhinos, they are still poached for their horns, which means that they are still under threat. They are very common in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Black Rhino The black rhino is the rarer and smaller of Africa’s two rhino species. We distinguish it from the larger white rhino by its shape, diet and temperament. It is no more ‘black’, however, than its relative is white. Both species acquire their colour from the mud in which they wallow, so vary from brown to grey. 5 Fascinating Facts About the Black Rhino We also know this species as the ‘hook-lipped rhino’ from the prehensile upper lip with which it grips the woody plant stems on which it feeds. The white rhino, by contrast, has a square mouth, which it uses for grazing. Scientists have identified eight distinct regional subspecies of black rhino. Three are now extinct and only three – the eastern, south-central and south-western – still have viable populations. Africa’s black rhino population plummeted from hundreds of thousands in 1900 to fewer than 2,500 by 2000. Uncontrolled hunting was to blame – at first for trophies, and then to supply the lucrative market for its horn. This occurred mostly in China and the Middle East. Today, some 4,300 remain and the species is classed as Critically Endangered. The black rhino has the highest known combat death rate for any mammal. Some 50% of males meet their end fighting. Black rhinos may look cumbersome, but they can run at up to 56kph, turn on the spot, and wield their horn with such dexterity that they can strike a tennis ball thrown towards them. They are rarely seen in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Lion 1. Lions usually live in groups of 10 or 15 animals called prides. 2. An adult male’s

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