DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Here I am with yet another type of massage-therapy and it's benefits
So let us begin :)


What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
· Chronic pain
· Limited mobility
· Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
· Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
· Postural problems
· Osteoarthritis pain
· Fibromyalgia
· Muscle tension or spasm
According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

What can I expect during my visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Ok so now some things to be kept in mind.
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
· Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
· Immediately after surgery
· Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
· People with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
· Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
· Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
· Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

And last but not the least -

· Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
· If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.

ACUPUNCTURE : THE NEEDLE THERAPY

ACUPUNCTURE is the ancient Chinese medicinal art. Acupuncture has an important place in alternative healing even today. It is also called Oriental medicine. Acupuncture scientific name is paradigm.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE :
Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. Acupuncture is thought to restore health by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago

The proponents of acupuncture rave about the benefits and efficacy of receiving acupuncture treatment sessions. There are also many studies that have substantiated some of the positive effects of acupuncture treatments on patients.
Acupuncture involves positioning long, thin needles on various points on the body. There are different techniques to the insertion of the needles, including care for the angles at which they are inserted, different types of needles (there are nine, but most practitioners only use six types of the needles), and various ways to twirl or vibrate the needles.

The needles are placed on the body depending upon the ailment of the patient. Acupuncturists believe that the body has different energy channels that help in the efficient and proper functioning of the body. Precise placement of the needles draws energy to the needed areas and makes way for positive energy flow. This is what adherents profess gives the health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS :
Those who practice and those who receive acupuncture point to a variety of positive health benefits associated with the expert placement of the needles. When placed in the proper places, acupuncture needles are said to help cure nearly any ailment from chronic pain to diabetes to cellulite. Cancer patients report that acupuncture helps them deal with their disease by helping them achieve calm and by helping they feel more energetic after cancer treatments. Additionally, relief of the pain associated with the progression of the cancer is felt. Similar results are said to be felt by HIV/AIDS patients.

For people without specific diseases, however, there are other health benefits. Acupuncture adds energy to the day. It can also reduce anxiety and stress. People who use this treatment claim that they feel calmer, and that they feel happier. Additionally, many of them report less worry and anxiety. They feel more alert mentally and more stable emotionally.

Acupuncture is also said to help prevent diseases. Because regular treatments keep the body in proper working order, and because the positive energy is uninhibited through its channels, the body is said to be less prone to sickness.

You can maintain your health and sense of well being by choosing acupuncture. There is researched evidence of the positive effects of acupuncture on the health of patients. However, most physicians and scientists recommend the use of more traditional methods of medicine for treating illnesses.
So the next time you get a chance to enjoy Acupunture don't miss it!!!!

SUN EXPOSURE IS GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

SUNNY DAYS....

You must be thinking what am i saying, coz now-a-days every body tries there level best to save themselves from the radiation of Sun. Expert doctors warn us to avoid almost any exposure to these potentially damaging rays – the sun’s radiation is known to suppress our immune system, give us cancer, and cause us premature aging.

BUT we need these rays to lead a healthy life. Just imagine the morning when it is cloudy outside you will feel lowered motivation, sleepiness, increased appetite, weight gain, irritability, and decreased sociability. On the contrary if it is a nice sunny morning you are active, energetic and less nervous. See you can make out difference here itself.

Other than this Sun rays are the main source of Vitamin D lacking which can cause bone deformity known as rickets.One can suffer from the heart diseases, skin diseases as well as from other types of cancers due to the low level of vitamin D in the body.
Some of the common types of cancer which are caused by scarcity of vitamin D include colon cancer and prostate cancer. Vitamin D is a substance which helps in using calcium as well as it is also an essential thing for maintaining the bone health.

Additionally Sun rays does the following :-

-Lowers cholesterol

-Lowers blood pressure

-Promotes thyroid stimulation

-Regulates the immune system

-Stimulates insulin production

-Improves heart muscle contractility

-Early morning Sun rays are recommended by the doctors for people suffering from Acne,Psoriasis,Depression,Osteoporosis.

-Sun rays are preventive measures for Heart diseases.diabetes (type-1),Multiple Sclerosis,Cancers of various types.

Nicely summarized, sunshine is health and happiness.

YOUR FEET...

FOOT CARE..

The most neglected part of the body is the poor feet. With each step you take your body lands with one to one and half times of your weight.Just imagine the amount of steps taken by us in a whole day..Poor little feet..
We should have some mercy and atleast now start paying the required attention to it.

• The first and foremost step towards foot care is to wash your feet in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap. Don't soak your feet, as this can dry your skin.
• While your feet are still wet, use a pumice stone to keep calluses under control.
• Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
• Thoroughly check your feet and between your toes to make sure there are no cuts, cracks, ingrown toenails, blisters, etc. Use a hand mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask someone else to check them for you.
• Clean cuts or scratches with mild soap and water, and cover with a dry dressing suitable for sensitive skin.
• Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Don't cut the nails too short.
• Apply an unperfumed lotion to your heels and soles. Wipe off excess lotion that is not absorbed. Don't put lotion between your toes, as the excessive moisture can promote infection.
• Wear fresh clean socks and well-fitting shoes every day. Whenever possible, wear white socks – if you have a cut or sore, the drainage will be easy to see.

The Organs of your body have their sensory touches at the bottom of your foot, if you massage these points you will find relief from aches and pains.

So now I guess you have ample of reasons to take care of your feet.

Time visit the doctor :-

If you have the following problems immediately contact your doc.

1. If you have any swelling, warmth, redness or pain in your legs or feet, see your doctor right away.
2. If you have any corns (thick or hard skin on toes), calluses (thick skin on bottom of feet), in-grown toenails, warts or slivers, have them treated by your doctor or a foot care specialist (such as a podiatrist, chiropodist or experienced foot care nurse). Do not try to treat them yourself.

Don't forget to have your bare feet checked by your doctor at least once a year. In addition, ask your doctor to screen you for neuropathy and loss of circulation at least once a year.

GLOWING SKIN

SKIN CARE

Do you remember when you were a child and your skin had that natural glow? Even as a teenager, skipping the pimple phase, you had beautiful skin. Then when you turned older you looked in the mirror one day and asked yourself, what happened to my glowing skin?
What happened to that glowing skin is it's not naturally glowing anymore: it needs your help. You are at the age where you have to make some type of effort to get and keep that glow. If we were smart, we would start taking care of our skin much sooner, but most of us don't. We wait until we wake up one day and realize we don't look like that child or teenager anymore.
The most famous remedy for glowing skin is "water". It is boon to mankind from Mother nature.Water has detoxifying properties which helps the cleaning of the skin. So drink as much water as you can...

Some more ways by which you can achieve the glowing skin :-

• Mix oats with honey, yogurt and ground almonds. Apply this in your face, leave it for five minutes and wash with lukewarm water
• Cucumber is a natural cleanser. Mix cucumber juice with milk and use it instead of a cleanser
• Mix half-a-cup honey to your bath water for soft and smooth skin
• Carrot juice applied daily fades blemishes.
• Apply honey on your face and neck for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water. Your skin will glow and become soft and smooth.
• Mash a banana with milk and apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it with cold water to get a skin that will glow

Some important things to remember -

1. After every shower apply moisturiser, else your skin will become dry and this gives an open invitation to wrinkles.
2. However tired you are do not forget to remove your make-up before going to bed.
3. Apply an eye-gel every night.
4. Try to get a sound sleep , else your stress can harm your skin.

On the whole have a good diet full of fruits , vegetables, green leafy ones, fruit and vegetable juices with very less sugar or without sugar use jaggery instead..use less oil , cut down coffee , tea,choclates ,chips , soda keep lots of gap eating them drink milk , buttermilk, curds , lots of water ... keep the mind cool do yoga , pranayama, and stretching exercises with walk or jog on alternate days .. sweat it out... and have a good sleep... and have a good routine...