Showing posts with label stress-relief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stress-relief. Show all posts

Monday, January 26, 2015

Scalp & Head Massage

We all know that headaches can occur when neck and head muscles become tense, or strained, by overuse. Extended computer time, stress, depression, head injuries, anxiety, even temperature change can make the muscles contract causing pain, poor concentration, even blurred vision, and hearing problems.


Benefits of Scalp/Head Massage   
Massaging the scalp/head, causes increased blood flow to the muscles. The softer, relaxed muscles release their hold on the nerves, and a warm calm is sent through the whole body, relieving stress and tension. Some people who receive this Massage on a regular basis, even experience relief from insomnia, and other sleep disorders.


Many also believe that regular scalp/head Massage (with or without oils), can increase hair growth. Aside from that, it can help to ground us, so we feel more connected to ourselves, thus being more productive during our daily tasks, and staying fresher for our evening family, friend & and exercise activities. 
*A bonus to the upper extremity flow of blood, is a glow to the face, seeming to relax lines, leading to a more youthful, friendly appearance. 
"This innovative scalp/head Massager, is a stainless steel conduit of healing energy...read about it here

Although it's always preferable to have someone give you your Massage, the scalp is a place you can easily "get to" yourself, especially with the help of your own personal scalp/head massager. It increases circulation, provides deep relaxation, and is small enough to take anywhere. And, to "top" it all off.. it feels AMAZING! 



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Calm yourself with Aromatherapy


Fortunately, we have become more accepting of the reality of the emotional and physical unbalances we can experience due to everyday life challenges, (positive & negative). Research is ongoing, in the quest for finding cures, band aids, 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 Wormwood, tell how Aromatherapy uses combinations of, or single, fragranced essential oils, to help to balance our emotional & physical selves, and, promote feelings of good health and 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 squeezing, and kneading techniques. 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. These oils in particular, 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.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Do you Need a Massage?

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.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

5 Second Stress Test - Body Temperature & Stress


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.