RelaxFacts

Don't be Sad

2012-02-11T07:12:00.001-08:00

Seasonal Affective Disorder "SAD", has many symptoms, and gets worse in the winter months when we have less exposure to sunlight.

Simply, the production of the hormone melatonin (which is higher in the evening, to induce sleep, and lower in the morning when the light comes in), responds to the amount of light you receive through your eyes.
With the decrease of light in the winter, your body maintains a higher level of melatonin throughout the day, which is why many of us feel tired and get moody during winter days, our bodies think we should be sleeping!
Some of us are affected more than others. Ways you can help yourself through this period is to make sure you drink plenty of water, exercise, watch your diet. Add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, researched to naturally help alleviate depression.

Get out into the natural light as much as possible. On a sunny day, walk, take in the fresh air, and, leave your sunglasses off to get as much light through as possible.

Serotonin is another hormone produced by the body. Widely known as the feel-good hormone, or the body's self made tranquilizer. The more you can produce, the more you can relieve your symptoms of SAD.
Medical research has shown a rise in serotonin levels (by testing saliva) in individuals after Massage, therefore, lowering stress, and leaving you with that feel-good feeling!

Along with diet and exercise, relaxation, and rejuvenation are key to getting your body, mind and soul out of the SADness doldrums of the Winter months.

Yes, there IS such a thing as an 'emergency' Massage!

2011-07-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here is another brief story to add to my long list of rewarding experiences during my career as a Massage Therapist.

I received a call this morning from a client... "Hello, Shelly? As you remember me telling you, this is a very important day for me. I woke up this morning... and I CAN'T MOVE MY NECK!!"
Remembering the importance of this day for her, I wasn't too surprised to hear her news.

She only had time for a short visit. We talked, did some Reflexology, concentrated on upper body and neck work, with some serious deep breathing on her part. Working together, we got the job done, and, happily, she got through her day with flying colours.

My artform... the magic of Massage.

After Your Massage.. how do you feel now?

2011-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

It's a fact that regular Massage offers many health benefits. Here's a little refresher for those who may be new to this health-enhancing service.

Massage can:

help the body to rid itself of some excess toxins by increasing circulation
help the body to assimilate nutrients, and, nourish skin by increased blood flow
keep joints more limber, and, reduce pain by nourishing and keeping muscles 'warmer and looser'
rekindle the 'mind-body' connection by enjoying relaxing/therapeutic touch

After Massage:

We need or want Massage for different reasons. And, we don't always have a Massage for the same reason every visit. Sometimes we are more tired, injured, not feeling great, hung over, or extremely sad or happy. Due to these normal emotional and physical fluctuations, your Practitioner should be open, and, intuitive enough to 'read' you, and, to listen to your needs, every time.

This being the case, you won't always feel the same after every Massage, and, you have to be aware and intuitive as well, and learn to tune into your body's needs, after your Massage. Some people are going back to work, others, are finished for the day, and are on their way home, or, to other activities.

Some post Massage tips are pretty straight across the board for all, such as:

drink water
make sure you are "back to yourself' - not too tired or, pleasantly out-of-it" to drive/work
take advantage of the good feeling, and, pace yourself for the rest of your day

Our hope is that you feel relaxed, pain free, and experience a good night sleep after your Massage. But sometimes, an emotional or physical release can work on you for a couple of days.

Communication and trust is the key to getting the most out of your Massage. Be sure you leave your sessions feeling positive and secure, so that... you can't wait for the next one!

Reflexology for your Good Health

2011-04-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

With over 7,000 nerves in our feet, it's no wonder those who love having their feet rubbed, can't contain their "ooos and ahhs" during a session by friend, or professional, alike.
Foot Reflexology is a seemingly subtle approach to total body health. By working the feet, our bodies tap into our natural healing abilities, which in turn, help to build a strong and vibrant constitution, and, it feels great!

The foot is a map of the body, and an experienced Reflexologist will follow the proper path in the session, and read the signs that show areas that may need a little more.
It is believed that, in Reflexology, reflex points in the feet, correspond to all parts of the body. These include, muscles, glands, and, organs. So, our whole bodies react to the "work" the Practitioner does while treating.

Although it is not to be used to replace medical treatment or diagnosis, Reflexology has been known to ease the discomfort for those with conditions such as:

headaches
respiratory conditions
muscle tension
stress
difficulty sleeping

Just touching the feet can create a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the whole body. It is, however, important to note, that, for those with certain medical conditions, requiring medication, it's always a good idea to get the approval of your primary care giver before going to a session.

To build a strong foundation towards stress relief, start with your feet, and work your way up!

Laughter and Music May Lower Blood Pressure

2011-03-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Not all relaxation techniques involve actual touch. We are moved by the sounds of music, and laughter. Researchers have studied the effects these arts have on people with high blood pressure, and noted the results.

"Laughter and music not only lift the mood, they might also drop blood pressure among middle-aged adults, a new study suggests..." Laughter, Music May Lower Blood Pressure, Study Says - US News and World Report

How Your Body is Affected By Worrying. | MyHealthToday.com

2011-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

My Health Today puts it all together. "In our daily lives, we worry over many problems. Although some of the causes of our worry can be genuine, many people also have a tendency to worry over trivial things. This can be attributed to their upbringing, attitude and other social factors. Unfortunately, irrespective of the causes of worry, excessive worrying can lead to many psychological as well as physical problems...How Your Body is Affected By Worrying. | MyHealthToday.com

Do you Need a Massage?

2011-03-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am often asked "How do I know if I need a Massage?"

As part of Wikipedia's extensive information on the history and types of Massage, it is defined as" enhancing muscle function and promoting relaxation and well-being."

We all strive to lead healthy, vibrant lifestyles, with as little stress as possible. Our goals to reach for the top, often push us over the edge, causing emotional and physical tension, that can lead to muscle tightness, soreness, nervous angst, and fatigue.

Anyone shaking their head's in agreement, and saying to themselves "that's me"... needs a Massage! But, for some, everyday stress and tension, is minimal, and they have Massage because they want to. They enjoy the feeling, and the communication. Sadly, some often feel 'guilty' for going for, or wanting Massage. Don't ever let anyone tell you it's wrong to have a Massage, simply because you like it.

I encourage those who have Massage because they want to, as much as I do those because they need to!

If you've never had a Massage before, here are few tips to get you on the right track.

If you've had an injury, and are going on the advice of your health care provider, try to get referred to someone (or a clinic) that they are familiar with.
Maybe you're going because you've heard great things, and, you'd like to try it. If so, talk to friends, etc, who might see someone they are very *comfortable*, and happy with. Massage is a personal thing, and, some like to keep it that way, and not share the fact that they go, or their Therapists either! In this case, a high profile Sport's Med clinic is a good place to go into, ask questions, even talk to a Therapist before hand about your needs, and concerns. If they're not open to this... you're in the wrong place.

*Earlier I used the word, comfortable. Remember, this is your Massage, and it should be a stress free experience. Do not hesitate to get up from the table at any time, if you are not being listened to by the Therapist, or feel compromised in any way.

Dealing with Daylight Savings

2011-03-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

As spring draws closer, we sense it in the air, and get a boost of excitement, even by the few extra minutes of light at the end of our day. We're exhilarated by the thought of early morning walks, and sometimes push our mental envelope. We know, that even though we lose that precious hour we gained 4 months ago, summer is almost here.

Often we expect to be transformed into summer mode, the very next day. We are let down by that lingering winter.. and feeling of exhaustion instead of glee, that can take some time to totally shed.

Certain people may "suffer" a little more than others, including:

shift -workers, already sensitive to time disruptions in the course of their week
insomniacs - sleep deprived, or those troubled by sleeping disorders
children - who are often more sensitive to seasonal changes
seniors - can experience a sense of confusion, and miss medication

So, go with the flow, and realize you may be a little overtired. Manage your daily stress by avoiding major decision-making when you can. Allow yourself extra time to travel, eat, and, to lounge in bed (set 2 alarms for a couple of days). Don't expect too much from yourself, just because the morning light beckons. Drink more water, plan a relaxing evening, and, power nap when you can, as, "A 20-minute nap can increase alertness and motor skills".

Happy Spring!

5 Second Stress Test - Body Temperature & Stress

2011-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Did you know the temperature of our hands and feet can have big affect on our stress levels? When we are tense & anxious, we "tighten" our bodies, from the inside out. "Squeezing" our organs, and muscles, causes a restriction in blood flow to our hands and feet, thus, affecting their temperature. This tensing action also affects our breathing, movement, thinking, even swallowing can be more difficult due to upper body muscle tension.

Dr. Timothy J. Lowenstein, tells us how we can monitor our temperature, and skillfully, even increase our hand temperature, in stressful situations, in an effort to maintain our calm. I see this as an asset, as we can then make more productive, safer decisions, in these instances. Dr. Lowenstein has written on the relation between "Stress and Body Temperature", and, even has a "5 Second Stress Test" , to monitor our own stress levels in any given situation.

This again, is another non-invasive technique for us to look at in our ever-searching quest to find....stress relief.

Can't Sleep? Just say "HU"

2011-02-11T15:42:00.000-08:00

There are many avenues of research being studied in an effort to learn ways to help us handle stress. In stead of drugs, many of us try Alternative or Complementary Medicine, which some believe take a more natural, less invasive approach.
According to Nicole Sebastian, singing the word HU (pronounced hue), "surrounds us with a positive electro-magnetic field". In her book 1-Step Solution Just Say Hu, she goes on to tell us that everything vibrates with it's own Quantum Signature, and, how important it is, and how we can, keep on a positive, neutral frequency.
Keeping positive is always a good start when it comes to dealing with our stress and anxiety, especially if we are confronted with sleepless nights.

Calm yourself with Aromatherapy

2011-02-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, we have become more accepting of the reality of emotional and physical unbalances we can experience due to everyday life challenges, (positive & negative). Research is ongoing, in the quest for finding cures, bandaids, and relief for the symptoms. Sites such as *Living With Anxiety , offer amazing support, with questions, answers and info.

Books, like The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotionby Valerie Ann Woorwood, tell how Aromatherapy uses combinations of, or single, fragranced essential oils, to promote a feeling of good health and well-being. They help to balance our emotional & physical selves, and promote an overall sense of well-being. Uses of different oils, and how to choose, and mix them, is an education all of it's own.
Massage influences our body's and minds, by adding warmth as circulation is increased with sqeezing, and kneading tecniques. Using Oils such as Master Massage Soothing Blend Aroma Therapy Oil which are pre-mixed compounds that include 100% grade French Lavender, Cedarwood, and Sweet Orange oils, adds to the relaxation process as, these oils in particlar are known for their calming and relaxing properties.

*Please read these sites for info & education. BUT, if you have been diagnosed with, or know someone) who has been with these symptoms, ALWAYS seek the advise of a health care professional before embarking on treatments of your own.

Safe, Stress-Free Snow Shovelling

2011-02-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

As a Massage Therapist, I see many back, shoulder & neck injuries in the winter from improper snow shovelling.
That can be because we use too much upper body strength, take too much snow on the shovel at once, or, shovel incorrectly.

Shovelling snow is exercise, as, when you go to the gym, run or swim. There's a routine you follow, that allows you to get the max from your work-out, with the least chance of injury, and, to protect your heart.
Consider shovelling snow a full-body work-out, with added weights to your arms. Only add as much "weight" - snow- to the shovel as you can, without tiring or straining your body, especially if you have a lot of space to cover.
Be sure to use your lower body, glute and quad muscles, to bend and lift. Try not to stoop over. Keep the shovel close to your body, as, lifting "from a distance" puts more strain & tension on muscles and joints.
If you have to throw the snow to the side, be extra careful with the amount of snow on the shovel, and, do switch up hand positions on the shovel, and, the side to which you throw the snow, to balance the work.

Here's one of the toughest. As we TRY NOT to rush our workouts, let's do the same when we shovel.
Remember, if you injure yourself shoveling, you can't workout either!

These are few safety tips and ideas. there are lots more, like, how to dress, eat.
Please contribute for the sake of our readers safety and good health.

Start this Year off on the Right Foot

2011-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

Actually, you can start off this year on two good feet, and keep them that way, if you make a commitment to take better care of them!
Winter is a great time to start, because, it's very dry, and if it's cold and we keep them very warm, often they perspire more than usual when they are inside a warm house etc. And, because of the cold, we often keep our feet covered almost all the time in the winter, so they don't get a lot of "airing out"!

Here, I often turn to Reflexology, a seemingly subtle approach to total body health. By working the feet, our bodies tap into our natural healing abilities, and, help to build a strong and vibrant constitution.

The foot is a map of the body, and an experienced Reflexologist will follow the set path to follow in the session, and read the signs that show areas that may need a little more.

Begin this year with a strong foundation, and work your way up!