There are numerous self-treatments for tension head­aches, but doctors may prescribe ice to reduce pain and muscular spasm, pain and/or anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, or nutritional supplements such as magne­sium and feverfew.

Stressors can be one or a combination of physiological or emotional factors including physical injury, pain, illness, pathol­ogy, environmental changes (temperatures, humidity, pollu­tion), excessive stimulation from food or medication, or changes in emotional circumstances and/or states, as well as real or perceived physical or emotional threats. The body’s response to a prolonged stressor is a mechanism Selye called the “general adaptation syndrome” (GAS). There are three phases of GAS:

Increased circulation is a key to healing. Because mas- sage techniques can mechanically enhance blood flow, they also enhance the body’s healing mechanism. The healing mechanism begins when tissues are damaged:

Cardiovascular system condi­tions can be local or systemic. All treatments other than massage are typically prescribed by healthcare professionals who can do so within their scope of practice. Again, it is not in the massage therapist’s scope of practice to diagnose or prescribe.

The normal body temperature is 98.6°F, which can vary by a couple of degrees, depending on the person and the time of day. In most adults, fever is the body’s immune system re­sponse that raises the body’s core temperature above 100°F when measuring orally, or above 101°F when measuring a rectal or ear temperature (see Fever in brief). Children have a fever when their rectal temperature is 100.4°F or higher. Usually as the result of a bacterial or viral infection, the body elevates its core temperature (brings on fever) to help destroy the invading bacteria or virus. Increased body tem­perature stimulates leukocyte production, prevents bacte­rial and viral growth by limiting the liver’s release of iron, stimulates antiviral agent (interferon) production, increases the heart rate to circulate more leukocytes, and speeds up chemical reactions and cell wall permeability. The disadvan­tage of fever is the accompanying discomfort. In the case of high fever involving temperatures over 104°F, complications may arise. Blood chemistry falls out of balance, and dehy­dration and brain damage are possible.

Treatment for sinusitis ranges from simply raising the humidity of the air and increasing water intake, to over-the­counter decongestants, to prescription-strength corticoste­roids and antibiotics.

Treatment for asthma requires patients to raise aware­ness of their condition and try to avoid the stimuli that trigger attacks. Steroids and bronchodilators are some­times prescribed to reduce inflammation and open up the bronchioles.

Spastic colon, mucus colitis, and functional bowel syndrome are other names for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (see Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Brief). Although symptoms vary with individuals, most clients with IBS will have irregu­lar bowel activity, suffering from both constipation and di­arrhea, abdominal bloating, and intestinal cramping. Stress and anxiety often cause symptoms of IBS, and sometimes diet can aggravate the condition. Massage can benefit clients

Most people with endocrine system conditions can receive massage safely and can benefit from it, but it is best to work cooperatively with the primary healthcare professional. Just as massage can increase the circulation of endocrine system secretions, it can also increase the delivery of medications clients may be taking for endocrine conditions.