Health

Massages Can Relieve Stress

Massages Can Relieve Stress
Stress is a natural reaction to situations which our mind perceives to be dangerous or that require a level of high alert. It is a protection mechanism that is necessary at times but sometimes gets overplayed in the modern world due to excessive stress alerts. This makes it necessary to ensure we get adequate stress relief to mitigate the effects of too much stress- namely cardiac or mental health issues. Amongst these include a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, substance abuse issues, anxiety, sadness or anger, or physical changes to the body including changes in sex drive, sleep, and even body composition with increased fat being linked to high levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. It is important to manage your life and your stress so that these risks are mitigated as best as possible because no one wants to deal with these comorbidities and conditions. Thankfully, there are many different forms of stress relief out there- everything from meditation to exercising to getting massages and it […] Continue reading

Therapeutic Massage and Blood Circulation

A new study by a group at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) shows that massages can help increase blood flow and reduce muscle soreness after exercising. The study, printed in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also showed improvements in people who had not exercised in terms of blood flow. These two findings continue to support a hypothesis on the value of massages for people of all activity levels and vascular health. Advocates of massages have long touted the circulate and muscle benefits of getting massages. Many professional athletes buy into these claims and get regular massages, especially after big games or events. At the same time, no major randomized controlled trial has been conducted due to the high costs associated with that type of gold-standard study. Instead, we have a growing body of cheaper and smaller studies including this one by UIC. Over time, it is possible the evidence level builds up to really support more interventional massages as part of routine care. This new study […] Continue reading

What is Chinese Cupping?

The Olympics have now ended and another global event of fanfare and record-breaking is now in the books. While the games may have ended, one thing is still on everyone’s mind: what is cupping? The 2016 Summer Olympics made the practice famous as viewers and fans noted large circular discolorations on many of their favorite athletes’ bodies. Cupping took the Olympics by storm this year, particularly in swimming, but the practice is actually much older than these Olympics. Cupping because in 300 AD in a book by a Taoist herbalist describing a number of “prescriptions for emergencies”. It referred to the use of bamboo jars as suction devices that are placed on the skin (today’s athletes likely used small glass cups instead). A practitioner can create the suction from the cups by lighting rubbing alcohol under the cup on fire and place it against the skin (the fire burns the alcohol but the change in temperature allows for a suction effect). This does not burn the skin, but just creates […] Continue reading

The Benefits Of Aromatherapy

It’s been said for years that aromatherapy does wonders for people.  It’s still up in the air as to what clinical science says about the therapeutic benefits, but there are millions of people who swear by it. Aromatherapy is based on the notion that certain aromas and scents, when delivered in a special way, can trigger healing properties.  The claims of success are numerous and one can find aromatherapy spas and websites all over. The basics are that essential oils derived from certain plants, herbs, and such when treated with heat or just presented to the olfactory senses can produce strong healing rejuvenating results.  They’ve been used for countless centuries by cultures throughout the world.  The human sense of smell and taste can detect around 10,000 different scents and the effects on the brain are being qualified now in labs around the world.  It’s already documented that the memory centers of the brain can be triggered immensely by smell alone.  Aromatherapy then uses the limbic system,the collective name for structures […] Continue reading

Ashiatsu massage, its techniques and benefits

While the Ashiatsu massage had been confined within the countries of Hawaii, Fiji, Japan, China, Thailand, Tonga, and India for more than three thousand years, it has grown in popularity in the present times. It has become popular on a global scale. Ashiatsu had been a homely practice for long time where family members massaged each other with feet on the mat or floor. It is now being practiced on the massage tables and studios. The original style was not as structured and the family members got creative and tried new and improved methods when they offered the massage. They brought new techniques and procedures into the Ashiatsu massage. When Ashiatsu has just stepped out into the greater world, the massage therapists and practitioners seemed to have more interest in energy or Chi, rather than in comforting and easing muscle pains. According to traditional Ashiatsu,  people follow yin meridians’ flow coming from earth and yang meridians’ flow coming from heaven. The main focus is directed on the energy map of […] Continue reading

Different Massages with Different Benefits

There is hardly any doubt about the fact that people like massage as it offers them the perfect relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages are part of different cultures and considered as universal practice.  Presently, there are several massage forms available each catering to the specific needs of people to help them relax and relieve the pain they suffer from. Here are a few of the most common massage forms that have earned huge popularity among people from all over the world: Californian – In this procedure, essential oil is first applied on the body and smooth long strokes offer the ultimate relaxation. Too much pressure is not involved and this massage is best for people who want to spend some relaxing time on their own. Esalen – Reflex points within the hand and feet are stimulated by targeting on specific points. With the assistance of this massage muscular function is increased along with flow of blood within the body. Watsu – This massage form uses warm water where the client is floated […] Continue reading

Various Types of Massage: Part II

In our last discussion, we talked regarding different massage varieties and the way they benefit the overall health of a person. Trained masseuse sessions alleviate muscle tension and assist a person to feel calm, relaxed and less stressed out. This is a great way to maintain healthy body and mind. Swedish Swedish massage is quite frequent where light strokes are applied on the muscles of the human body. Too much pressure on tissue is avoided and while it’s occurring, the recipient feels absolute comfort and relaxation. Scar tissues are broken down easily and generally help in relieving aches, pain and tension. Neuromuscular Therapy This massage focuses on relieving pain that mainly results from muscles sprains and nervous system. Posture difficulties, nerve compression and circulation concerns are treated with ease as focus lies mainly on trigger points. Deep Tissue Particular body parts affected with pain can get huge relief from this procedure. Sometimes, the recipient might experience pain while undergoing deep tissue procedure because pressure is specifically applied on affected areas […] Continue reading

Varieties of Body Massages

There are more than one hundred unique massage types available. Massages help in relaxation and reduction of stress which can only be performed by trained professionals. Here is a list of the most popular massage types: Swedish massage Therapy Among several massage types, this is most prevalent also known as massage therapy or Swedish massage. The massage therapists make use of kneading, smooth strokes and circular movements on muscle layers using massage oil or lotion. Aromatherapy Massage This is one extremely relaxing procedure where the massage therapists use essential oils from different plants that offer various advantages. These oils are balancing, stress-reducing, energizing and relaxing. It helps the person to feel absolute calmness by creating a soothing and charming atmosphere. Hot Stone Massage Smooth heated stones are kept on specific parts to warm the muscles and loosen them up. It might also happen that the person offering the massage might apply minute pressure with the stones. This is light massage and perfect for people suffering from muscle tension. Shiatsu This […] Continue reading

Massage Therapy of Different Types

Massages are preferred by many people on a daily basis but most regard it as a luxury for the rich ones. However, massage therapy has some unique health benefits perfect for treating different health related conditions. Massages of different kinds are available which can be effective in treating muscle soreness. But sometimes, choosing the right massage technique for different conditions can prove to be difficult for a person. With so many types of massages available, some people might think that a few of them are just for showing. This is not at all true as every massage comes with some unique benefits. Therapies of different types are offered by these massages. Some massages make use of long strokes whereas others make use of short strokes. There are massages that employ light touch techniques while others are based on applying extreme pressure. Continue reading

A Massage in Need is A Massage Indeed

Holidays are meant to be celebrated and not slept through. However, the reality is not as perfect as people would want it to be. Holiday relaxations become strange to body and mind as they their familiarity with fast paced daily-life continues during holidays too. The best treatment to prepare for holidays or stay fit during holidays is massage, which has multifarious benefits on humans’ bodies and minds. Physical issues trouble people the most as they become hurdles in enjoyment of free time with loved ones. It is a definite fact that anyone would be more pleased during holidays if he/she does not have to suffer from body-aches. Hence a massage is the perfect option in order to get relieved off physical pains and aches. However, massages do not only work on the body like contemporary medicines, they also release mind of the tension that it might be in. Thus, while muscles and joints remain fit for highly spirited activities, mind remains ready to enjoy them. Continue reading