The Benefits of Massage Therapy

With modern life getting more and more hectic and subsequently stressful, massage therapy is gaining popularity as one of the ways to counter this stress.

Massage therapy has a range of both physical and emotional benefits.

The physical benefits

Massage therapy reduces muscular tension, aches and pains.

Both blood and lymphatic circulation can be improved by massage therapy. Blood circulation brings fresh blood to our cells and tissues, feeding them with nutrients and oxygen, while lymphatic circulation removes impurities and excess carbon dioxide from bodily organs. In this way the body is strengthened and the immune system is given a boost.

Our muscle fibers become twisted and knotted as a result of daily use, especially for those people in office jobs that provide limited movement or scope for stretching. Massage therapy will stretch out these tight muscles, ensuring optimum muscular function and range of movement. In addition scar tissue and muscle knots that have built up over time in the muscle fibers can be broken down, reducing pain and tension and helping to prevent injury.

Massage therapy can address tension headaches and even eye tension and strain caused by tension in the muscles in the head and spending more and more time on computers.

Massage therapy also has a range of emotional and psychological benefits. Massage therapy improves a person’s sense of general well being and promotes relaxation as it relieves stress, tension and anxiety. This results in easing insomnia and depression. The end result is that it energizes and stimulates both body and mind.

Engela

Take Care When lifting Heavy Objects

We take the lifting and carrying of objects very much for granted - until we injure our backs.

To minimize the risk of this happening, we should learn to do these movements correctly.

Lifting and carrying should be done in such a way that back strain is minimized. The back is designed for a variety of movements – but not for strenuous activity. For this reason, we should place the weight on parts of our body, which are better equipped for this – the muscles of the legs, arms, and stomach. 

When you are lifting a heavy object, you should never simply bend over and pick it up. You should always bend at the knees, until you are in a squatting position and as level as possible with the object you want to pick up. Use your arm muscles to lift the object and your leg muscles to help you straighten up again. 

Always lift objects of a weight you will capable to handle. It is always tempting to lift more weight than you’re able to handle. Test out a variety of heavy weights – and stop immediately when you begin to feel the strain in your back. 

This is especially important for people whose jobs entail lifting very heavy weights. Always observe the safety precautions that limit the weight carried at one time and the period for which this could be carried. Without doing so, the long-term carrying of heavy loads can cause severe back problems – leading to the loss of work time because of injury or recurrent pain. Later on in life, especially when you are getting old, people suffer severely with back problems and pain.

If strain does occur – and usually you will feel this in your lower back, the area of greatest sensitivity – it may be a sign of worn muscles or more serious conditions like lumbago and a slipped disc. The moment you feel any pain, you should stop immediately and lie flat on your back.  If the pain persists, see your doctor as soon as possible.

When you carry heavy objects, always hold them higher than chest level, keeping the back as straight as possible. Though it may take more time, you should carry heavy objects individually, not more than three of four together. If the load is extremely heavy and awkwardly shaped, share it with someone – or call in the professionals.  

If you have done a great deal of lifting and carrying during the day, your muscles may feel tense. To relax them, take a warm bath, then lie flat on a bed, or a hard surface, and press your spine into it. Stiffness can also be relieved by gentle massage, deep breathing and moderate bending and back arching exercises.

Workout for a double chin

Many people have a problem with loose skin and double chins, these exercises will help tone and lift the chin area and help bring back that youthful look.

• A great exercise it to sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area - and will be truly amazed at the results. Repeat 20 times.

• Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to normal and repeat 5 times.

• Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tips of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and return your tongue and head to its normal position.

• Sit upright, in a chair tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed, start a chewing motion as if you're chewing gum. You will fill the muscles working in your neck and throat area. The results are fantastic. Repeat this exercise 20 times.

• This exercise will help alleviate sagging jowls and firm and contour the sides of your face. You use this muscle to clench your teeth, close your jaws and assist when chewing your food. This wide, broad muscle consists of one deep muscle and one superficial muscle.

• Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Next move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.

• Lie on your bed, with your head hanging down over the edge. Slowly bring your head up towards your torso and keep it there for 10 counts. Relax and lower your head towards the floor again - repeat 5 times.

• Sit upright and face forward and while keeping your lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times.