May 3rd, 2014 • Posted by Texas Ayurvedic Wellness Center and Holistic Spa • Permalink
An estimated 50 million Americans deal with some sort of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition, which causes inflammation and pain in joints, is predominately found in older generations but some children experience arthritis as well.
There are a wide variety of treatments, which include medications, physical therapy and surgery. While many people seek traditional treatments, there is growing research that shows the benefits of massage. More and more arthritis sufferers are realizing that a targeted massage can offer lasting relief. Many people combine traditional treatments like medications with massage for maximum benefits.
A recent study conducted at Yale Prevention Research Center showed massage improved flexibility, decreased pain and improved range of motion in the majority of arthritis patients that committed to 16 weeks of regular massages.
You’ll want to talk with our massage therapist about your arthritis, including your pain level and the areas of discomfort. You’ll need to tell them if he or she is applying too much pressure. To get the most out of a massage, you’ll need to be upfront and honest about what you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Our massage therapist will understand your needs and adjust the techniques to fit your body.
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April 18th, 2014 • Posted by Texas Ayurvedic Wellness Center and Holistic Spa • Permalink
From ancient Egypt to modern day
China, massage therapy has a rich history of offering healing benefits and
making a person feel pampered. It is hard to ascertain exactly how far back massage as a healing therapy
dates, because it seems to have been in existence before written records came
into being.
The Tomb of the Physician in Saqqara, Egypt dates back to about 2330 BC. Among
the drawings in this tomb are images of men having work done on their hands and
feet, which could presumably be a form of massage or reflexology. Most scholars
agree that massage as a healing art dates back to ancient times and runs
through cultures across the globe.
According to The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from around the
World by Robert Noah Calvert, Chinese texts dating back to 2700 BC have been
discovered that extol the health benefits of massage. Massage is mentioned in
the Bible in reference to using olive oil and myrrh for daily massage, it was
used by Roman physicians in 150 BC to treat injury and disease, and in medieval
times European doctors taught about the health benefits of massage.
Make no mistake that while massage has been seen as physically beneficial for
thousands of years, it has also been used by the wealthy and famous as a way to
relax and feel pampered. In ancient Rome, private physicians, such as Galen,
visited the homes of emperors and the wealthy and performed massages as a
luxury and for the health benefits. While massage fell out of popularity for a
while, it never completely disappeared from mankind's history.
The tradition that the Romans started--bathing and then massage-saw resurgence
in the United States the mid-1800s to early 1900s, when many of the wealthiest
families from around the world visited mineral springs and enjoyed the health
benefits of bathing in minerals combined with the luxury of a therapeutic
massage to follow. This is sometimes called the Golden Age of massage.
Massage fell out of favor again for a number of years in the middle part of the
20th century, but was still used at spas and to treat World War II patients who
had suffered nerve injury. Although the practice seemed to lay somewhat
dormant, it was during this time that massage practitioners experimented with
different types of massage and created a few new twists on old rituals.
Today, massage is enjoyed by people from all walks of life for a variety of
reasons. Athletes turn to massage to ease sore muscles and injuries. If the
1800s and early 1900s were the Golden Age of massage, then we have moved into a
new, colorful age that offers a kaleidoscope of massage styles and purposes for
the art. Athletes like Lebron James have their own personal massage therapists,
movie stars get massages before red carpet events, and ordinary people get
massages help promote physical well-being, calm their emotions and improve the
quality of their lives.
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March 18th, 2014 • Posted by Texas Ayurvedic Wellness Center and Holistic Spa • Permalink
As spring begins to blossom there is a sense of renewal and
rebirth. It is the perfect time for a fresh start at boosting your health and
energy for the warmer months. Many of us come out of the cold months having
indulged in the comfort foods of the season, and we need to get back in shape and
revitalize. There are certain foods that can help with the cleansing process
and we would like to share the top five with you:
Lemon
If there is a vitamin essential to detoxing it is vitamin C,
and lemons have an abundance of this.
Vitamin C has the magical ability of turning toxins into water-soluble
molecules that can be easily flushed out of the body. Vitamin C will also boost your immune system and
protect you from toxins.
Ginger
Ginger improves digestion and reduces feelings of
nausea. It relieves the uncomfortable
feelings of bloating and gas. Ginger is
also high in antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system.
Garlic
Garlic contains three magical properties: it is antiviral, antibacterial and a natural
antibiotic. This plant also promotes the
production of white blood cells which help fight against toxins. Garlic has also been known for its heart
benefits.
Artichoke
Add steamed globe artichoke leaves to your meal if you have
overindulged in fatty foods and alcohol.
They help regulate your body and get you back on track. Artichokes
contain antioxidants and plenty of fiber. They not only can help digestion, but
also improve the liver function -- the body's main toxin fighting organ.
Beets
This root vegetable has recently been termed a superfood due
to its many health benefits. Beets are
packed with nutrients including magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, making them
great for skin, hair, and cholesterol levels. Beets also support liver
detoxification.
Feeling healthy takes place on the inside, and these five foods will give you exactly the boost your body needs to re-energize and rejuvenate as the seasons change.
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