The word "yoga" means "union". Yoga exercises are based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses, or "asanas", yoga creates harmony. Yoga is not, however, magic.
Yogis (masters of yoga) do not have the ability to vanish into thin air or levitate off the ground. But they have been known to perform extraordinary feats more than once, such as holding their breath for hours on end, or slowing down their heartbeat in order to imitate conditions of death.
Yoga practice consists of 5 key elements: proper breathing, exercise, relaxation, diet, positive thinking, and meditation. The yoga exercises -- or asanas -- are designed to ease tense muscles, tone up the internal organs, and improve the flexibility of the body's joints and ligaments.
Reflexology is a natural approach to rebalancing the body and
encouraging its internal healing processes. It is a complementary
therapy and is frequently used in conjunction with other modalities. It
should not be used as a replacement for seeking medical attention for
acute or serious illnesses.
The term “reflexology” arises from the stimulation of reflex points
on the hands, feet and ears. The body’s natural flow of energy, known
as “Qi” becomes blocked due to stressors or imbalances, and by
relieving that blockage through stimulation of the nerves, freeing the points of reflexology can restore the unimpeded flow of energy through the organs and systems of the body.
The stimulation of the nerves, accomplished by the placement of
pressure on certain points, sends signals through the body that can
increase circulation, release endorphins or other chemicals, and
balance the nervous system. This opens up the energy flow in the body.
Pressure is applied by manipulating parts of the extremities through
massage, squeezing, or pushing. There are also special techniques for
the use of thumb, fingers or hands.
It may only have exploded in recent years but the practice of massage therapy dates back to the time of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. And that is about 4000 years ago. In a clear reference to massaging, Hippocrates wrote in one of his medical notes that physicians must know the practice of ‘rubbing.’
Now, massage therapy cannot just be called as ‘rubbing.’ With most of the young Hollywood getting a massage or two every week, it has become the toast of the social set. Its popularity can be seen with the way a lot of massage therapy clinics have opened shops in the last few years with many more planning to in the next couple of months. Currently there are about 100,000 massage therapists in the country and the numbers are increasing two-fold.
Massage therapy in the scientific terms is the process of putting pressure on muscular structure and soft tissues in the body for relaxation. Pressure in this instance can mean a lot of things, from holding and pressing to kneading and rocking. Massages are primarily done with the hands although some massage therapists also use other parts of their bodies like the forearms, elbows and the feet.
Its popularity is actually not surprising especially with this stressful world. Many people are turning to massage therapy for relaxation and regeneration. And unlike other de-stressors, massage therapy is scientifically based and its advantages are all research proven. Besides its physical pain relief benefits, it also known to improve the overall wellbeing of the mind and the spirit.
Below are some of the benefits that massage therapy gives us.
1. Relaxation
This is the number one reason why people coming back to the clinics. After a week of stress in the office or at home, people especially women, just want to relax. Massages are great for the skin as it stimulates the release of toxins and hormones. In fact, some studies have even shown massages as being able to lower the possibility of wrinkles production.
2. Relieves pain
Another benefit of massage therapy is the fact that it can loosen those tight muscles especially if you frequently have cramps on your legs. Going to the clinics can also relieve you of your tired and aching muscles. This is especially useful with people who are into sports or those who live the active lifestyle.
3. Makes you a better athlete
People who are into sports can also benefit much from massage therapy. If you feel that your muscles have become tight and rickety, massages can improve on your flexibility and also increase your range of motion. If you get massages all the time, you will notice that you can now do movements that were painful to do before. Massages also improve the body’s resistance. It lowers the blood pressure, heart rate and even helps in recoveries from injuries and sprains. It also strengthens the immune system.
4. Improve mental faculties
Massages are also great ways to improve your mental performance. It can actually reduce mental stress, allowing you to work better and think clearer. It is also known to relieve headaches. Massage therapy also allows you to concentrate better on the task at hand. After a massage, you will basically have a clean slate in your mind that is equivalent to the restful therapy that sleep gives.
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