Boost Your Brain Power With Meditation

Your brain is like a muscle. Without exercise, it can begin to weaken — just like any muscle. Researchers from Harvard University have been studying the effects of meditation on brain erosion, with surprising results. In your early 20s, your brain begins to erode — specifically the areas that deal with decision making, attention span, and memory. The Harvard study compared the MRI scans of people who meditated daily with those of people who did not meditate at all. The long-time meditators had thicker brains in the areas that eroded in non-meditators: the areas that deal with attention, memory, and … Continue reading →

Use Acupressure to Fight Fatigue

I don’t know about you, but I tend to hit a mid-afternoon slump every day. Around two or three o’clock in the afternoon, I start to feel very tired and out of energy. If I have the time, I’ll indulge in a little nap… but I don’t have time to nap every day! If you need to fight fatigue, try acupressure! In short, acupressure uses pressure (rather than needles, like acupuncture) to release natural painkillers called endorphins. It may also help block the transmission of pain signals through your nerves. Studies from the University of Michigan are now showing that … Continue reading →

The Health Benefits of Massage

We’ve known for ages that massages feel good, and it is also a well-known fact that massage therapy can help those of us suffering from tension and stress related ailments. New studies have found though, that our babies will benefit from massages as well! Apparently massage may help small children and infants relax, sleep better and as a result cry less. Babies that are massaged regularly show lower levels of stress-related hormones in their urine compared to babies who are not massaged. This also calls up for another important consideration: infants benefit from a stable environment in which stress is … Continue reading →

Massage Precautions

If you are planning to give a massage to a friend or loved one, keep these precautions in mind: Pain is NOT gain. If someone says you are using too much pressure or kneading too hard, ease off. Give your partner the opportunity to give you feedback during the massage. Ask them: “Is this okay? Too hard? Too light?” Trust them to be honest. Keep the massage location at a comfortably warm temperature. Be sure to keep your partner covered by a sheet or towel — except for the body part you are currently working on. If your partner is … Continue reading →

Massage At Home

Want to treat a friend or loved one to a massage? If you can’t afford a professional, you can always give the massage yourself! Set up your space: Clear a space on the floor or a rectangular kitchen table. Pick a spot that is physically comfortable for the person giving the massage — the table may be great if you are tall enough, but you may need to use the floor if you are shorter. A table massage can be given standing, but a floor massage should be given kneeling. Pad your massage space with a few blankets or a … Continue reading →

How To Give A Good Massage

You don’t have to be a professional to give a friend or loved one a massage! Use different strokes: stroking using the whole hand, kneading, firm strokes with the thumb or ball of the hand, and feathery fingertip touches. Do what feels good to you; it will usually feel good to someone else, too. Don’t give a massage when you’re feeling angry or upset — your emotional state can leave your partner feeling equally distressed. Warm your hands up! Cold hands can be an unexpected or unpleasant shock to your partner. Warm up the oil or lotion. Don’t apply it … Continue reading →

The Benefits of Massage

If you think that massage is just for self-indulgent, spoiled people… think again! There are many important health benefits to massage — it can help you maintain physical and mental well-being. Massage can calm the nervous system. The rhythmic stroking of your muscles is very soothing, and helps your body relax and slow down. Considering the fast-paced way we live our lives… slowing down is a good thing. Massage can help lower your blood pressure. Massage promotes deeper breathing. Massage improves circulation, so your body delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells more efficiently. Massage stimulates your lymphatic system — your … Continue reading →

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy work. It is a Japanese technique based on the idea that life force energy (Ki) flows through our bodies. When the energy is low, we are more prone to stress and illness; when the energy is high, we are capable of being happy and healthy. The philosophy of Reiki is that it is a simple and natural method of spiritual healing that anyone can use. Anyone and everyone can learn and use Reiki, regardless of age and background. The name Reiki comes from Ki — the life force energy — and Rei — the … Continue reading →

The Philosophy of Reiki

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words — Ki, which is life force energy, and Rei, which is the wisdom of a higher power. Reiki, then, is a spiritually guided healing using life force energy. For students, Reiki is not taught in the traditional sense so much as it is shown. The student becomes attuned to a Reiki master, and learns to connect with the life force energy that flows through us all. The ability to learn and use Reiki is not limited — people of all ages and backgrounds, of all levels of intellect and spiritual development can … Continue reading →

What is Thai Yoga?

Though I’ve heard it called Thai Yoga, the type of body work I am referring to is also called Traditional Thai Massage or Thailand Medical Massage. Thai Yoga is an ancient art that combines massage, stretching, acupressure, twisting, relaxation, and meditation. It has roots in traditional Yoga and Buddhist spiritual practices. I have been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a Traditional Thai Massage, and also got the opportunity to observe some moves recently. Like the idea of qi in acupuncture and acupressure, Thai Yoga believes that the body is filled with Prana, or life energy. Prana … Continue reading →