What Is a Hot Stone Massage and Why You Will Love It

massage-389727_1280-7-13-15Hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy that involves the use of warmed stones placed on the client’s body. Before the session begins, the massage therapist first sanitizes the stones and then heats them to approximately 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper temperature is critical in delivering a comfortable yet beneficial hot stone massage. If the stones are too cold, the practice won’t have the same beneficial effect. If the stones are too hot, however, it can cause discomfort for the client. continue reading »

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Warning: These Foods May Elevate Your Stress Levels

soda-686984_1280Caffeine

There’s no better way to start the morning than with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The pleasing aroma, delectable flavor, and kick of caffeine will instantly wake you up. If this is part of your normal morning routine, however, you should limit yourself to just 1-2 cups of coffee, as too much caffeine can lead to higher levels of stress. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that speeds up the heart and elevates the blood pressure, both of which can lead to stress.

Other foods and beverages that contain caffeine include sodas, chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and even chewing gum. continue reading »

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The Surprising Benefits of Using a Foam Roller

foam-rollerFoam rollers have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Featuring a simple log-shaped piece of foam, they offer a wide range of benefits from soothing muscle pains to preventing injury. Of course, these are just a few of the many reasons why you should use a foam roller.

One of the great things about foam rollers is the countless number of ways that you can use them. One of the easiest techniques is by getting in the “crab crawl” position with the foam roller placed under one of your legs. As you glide back and forth, the roller will massage the calf muscle. continue reading »

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Go Green and Better Your Health With a Compost Bin

compost-419261_1280The most obvious benefit of composting is the ability to create your own ready-to-use soil. While you may already have plenty of soil around your garden, chances are it’s not nearly as nutritious as compost. You have to remember that compost is made from leftover organic material, such as vegetables and fruit peelings; therefore, it contains beneficial microorganisms that promote healthy plant growth. You can use this to your advantage by filling your garden with rich, healthy compost material. continue reading »

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Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint Pain With Massage

hand-351277_1280Do you suffer from the chronic inflammatory joint disorder known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have the disease (source). While it’s more common in adults over the age of 35, both men and women of all ages can develop RA.

To better understand RA, you must first take a step back to view how the body responds to foreign invaders. When bacteria, mold or other invaders attempt to enter and attack the body, the immune system responds with its own attack. With RA, however, the immune system views the soft tissue surrounding the joints as foreign invaders; thus, creating a wide range of unpleasant symptoms. continue reading »

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