Tag: Decades

Thai Massage Therapy at a Closer Look

Massage is said to be therapeutic. It is the science of healing that involves the human touch, so to speak. For several decades now, people have been making use of this option to treat their physical and emotional dilemmas. A lot of them even attest to how beneficial the massage has been to them. Although on the contrary there are likewise a bunch of individuals who believe and emphatically stress out its danger on those who suffer from serious medical issues, no one is able to deny how relaxing the technique can be. One of the most popular types is the Thai massage therapy.

A Bit of a Background
Thai massage is one of the types that has been practiced for a long time. Its existence can be traced to more than a thousand years now. The therapy itself forms part of the well-known area of Thai medicine. It comprises of manipulation, medicinal treatment, ritual, and diet. It is rooted from the belief that each and every disease is caused by a particular imbalance in the energy system within the body. It is geared at the promotion of balance which hence aids in the complete healing and rejuvenation of an individual.

The Techniques Unraveled
To be able to do the overall process of Thai massage, several techniques need to be applied. The pressure involved is actually gentler as compared to the rest of the types of massage therapy. It works well like the Shiatsu. In this kind of therapy, the pressure is applied on the energy channels and they are being treated using two directions.

One more technique is known as blood stopping. It is done by means of applying the pressure on the arteries in the leg or arm for about a minute. The theory that works behind is that of the importance of cutting out the principal source of the circulation that will lead to a heightened pressure. This will then lead to the slowing down of the heart muscle contractions that will eventually tone down the pressure. As the pressure applied on the artery has been let go, a supply of blood goes into the area so that brings the organ to a more relaxed state. This technique is not recommended for use on someone who has diabetes and other heart related issues.

Passive refers to the kind of stretching employed on the patient but he doesn’t move. Only the therapist does. The stretching is done in several stages and at a slow pace. Other techniques involved are hatha yoga and postures.

The Involvement of Reflexology
Reflexology or that which is otherwise known as foot massage is also a part of Thai massage. Reflexology is based on the belief that the points contained on the feet are useful enough to cure the body because every point is somehow related to a specific organ. When the energies are enhanced, the person will be able to establish a deeper connection to the Earth.

Thai massage therapy employs techniques that are to be performed for a longer duration of time. It can usually last up to three hours. It is important to engage a licensed therapist to ensure that everything is done properly. However, you should consult your doctor prior to taking any of these techniques to further avoid the dangers to your health.

Tanning Bed Safety-No Rules Of Any Kind Of Tanning

No matter how much information we see about the possible dangers of too much time in the sun, there are those people who love the way they look with a tan. Some of them will even use artificial light during the off season to keep that golden glow all year long. At the minimum, follow some simple tanning bed safety guidelines if you are going to go to a tanning parlor.

We have known for many years that too much exposure to the sun can have a long term detrimental effect on our overall health and the health of our skin. While the damage may not show up for decades we can develop skin cancer and premature aging to name just two.

In order to decrease these risks in the future use these tanning bed safety rules (as well as any rules that the individual tanning parlor may have in place):

1. Limit the amount of time you spend in a bed when you are first starting out. A good salon will make it part of their policy to limit how much time you can spend when you first start out.

They will force you to increase your time incrementally over a few weeks. It may be frustrating to be able to go for only two or three minutes at a time when first starting but it is the safest way to go.

While all exposure to UV rays can be damaging to your skin, and could lead to future skin cancer, the more often you burn your skin the more likely you are for long term damage.

Avoiding getting burned is one of the best ways to make the whole process “safer”.

2. Make sure you use the eye protection provided (or bring your own). Also, keep your eyes closed. The eye protection is only your first line of defense, your eye lids are your second line of defense. Use both.

Your skin is not the only thing that is vulnerable to too many UV rays. Your eyes are too. If you don’t protect them you may find that skin cancer is the least of your concerns.

3. Allow a minimum of 24 hours between tanning sessions. Again, a well run tanning parlor will make that part of their rules and won’t let you tan more frequently.

This may seem unnecessary but your skin can actually keep tanning for a long time even after you are out of the sun. Until you know how much exposure you really got and how your skin will react you need to allow yourself plenty of time in between visits.

4. Wear sunscreen even in the tanning booth. I know this may seem counter intuitive, but you can still get a tan even while wearing sunscreen, you are just cutting down the amount of these harmful rays that are making it through to your skin and thus minimizing the damage.

5. Make sure the beds are kept clean and sanitary. You don’t want to get more than a tan when you visit your local tanning parlor.

Tanning bed safety guidelines like these are the best way to keep yourself as safe as possible when doing something that isn’t that safe. Don’t compound your risk, follow these rules.

How To Age Gracefully-Getting Older Is A Fact Of Life

How To Age Gracefully-Getting Older Is A Fact Of Life

Getting older is a fact of life. From the time you are born, you are getting older, and there’s nothing you can do about, at least not when it comes to your chronological age. You can, however, do a lot to slow down the aging process, but at the same time, you will be much more content when you discover how to age gracefully.

An endless series of plastic surgeries is not what aging gracefully is all about. Perhaps you are familiar with a few actors and actresses who have had so much plastic surgery that they now look awful. Despite their best attempts to look younger, they still look older, but they also look worse than if they would have let themselves age the way nature had intended. Does that mean you should never get any form of plastic surgery? Not at all, but you should be very choosy about what you get done, and be sure that you don’t overdo it.

Another key aspect of aging gracefully is acting your age, or at least close to it. Few things are more unsettling than somebody trying to dress and act like they are decades younger than they really are. You may think that you are fitting in with younger people by doing this, but you will make yourself look ridiculous. Now, it’s okay to dress well, and to hang around with younger people, but don’t be phony about it; be yourself.

Your skin is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. Having younger looking skin is fair game when it comes to aging gracefully. Your skin needs to be properly moisturized for it to be healthy. You can use moisturizing creams on the outside (look for those that contain humectants) of your skin, but remember to drink plenty of water so your skin gets moisturized from the inside. Using a toner will help to tighten your skin, but avoid those which contain alcohol. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface. However, don’t exfoliate too often, and use a product that is gentle.

If you smoke, quit. Period.

How you look is only a part of aging, so don’t forget to take care of yourself spiritually as well. Frequent prayer, attending worship services, reading holy books, and meditation all help to give your life a sense of purpose. Having a sense of purpose as you get older is vital because it lets you enjoy each moment with a fuller sense of what life is all about. You are no longer fighting life, but rather embracing and enjoying it for what it is.

Yes, we are all getting older, but this isn’t a bad thing when you know how to age gracefully. Taking it all in stride and doing a few basic things is all it takes to not only look better, but to feel better too.