Kimberly Fowler, the founder of Yas Yoga and Spinning Center released her new DVD named Overcoming Obstacles THE SECRET TO SUCCESS. This is a very motivational DVD where Kimberly shares her heartfelt and insightful techniques for achieving success: You can really do anything, if you set your mind to it. Her empowering mantras and never-say-die attitude keep the audience wanting more, and a follow-up Q&A session lets them personally interact.
In this DVD Overcoming Obstacles THE SECRET TO SUCCESS, Kimberly Fowler reveals her 5 key principles of overcoming obstacles:
I was watching CNN this morning and they had a feature about Yas Yoga which is getting popular in the LA area. So I got curious and did some research.
Yas Yoga was founded by Kimberly Fowler where participants practice a different style of yoga which is designed to be more athletic and geared towards people with less time to spare during their fast life.
Kimberly Fowler, who is announced as Nike's Face of Modern Yoga has been features in several magazines both sport and health. Yas Yoga is now considered to the fastest growing exercise styles by many.
Yas Yoga has a unique sequence of yoga poses that helps even folks that are not flexible. Participants usually break a sweat during yas yaga which is uncommon in regular style of yoga. Yas Yoga is practiced with no chanting and yet claims to be as beneficial to your body, mind and breathing.
One of the key benefits of yoga is its stress relieving aspects. Yas Yoga claims to have captured the same benefits with it sequence of yoga poses which can be practiced in less time.
Inada Massage Chairs are designed to give you the best massage at the comfort of your home. Inada Massage Chairs use the latest technology in the industry. It gives your a delicately balanced yet powerful massage experience with soothing air massage to breathe new life into stiff joints and muscles.
Inada Massage Chair features:
INADA's proprietary infra-red back scanning technology customizes the massage to you by comparing your body profile to 106 stored body profiles
Advanced kneading and tapping technology mimics human hands and human massage techniques like no other massage chairs in the world!
Inada Sogno is the ultimate in home massage chairs. Its brings you the latest in massage chair technology right to your home with controls at your finger tips.
Destination Spa - Guide To Help You Choose The Right One
Feb 04, 2009 by michelle
The main purpose of destination spas is to help individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle. They do this by providing healthy spa cuisine, fitness and stress reduction programs, educational lectures on health and therapeutic spa treatments. So if you are looking for a spa to lose your weight, then a destination spa is the right choice for you.
Here it is important to remember that a destination spa is quite different from a resort spa. Resort spas are more focused on providing leisure activities like golf, tennis and swimming along with spa treatments. They do offer spa cuisine; however, they are not specifically dedicated towards providing a healthy lifestyle.
Ask Yourself
Now when you are looking for a destination spa, how do you choose the right destination spa for yourself? Ask yourself the following questions while considering various spas and you will be able to zero down on the one that is right for you.
Do you have a specific health goal? For example, do you want to lose weight or do you want to just detox yourself. Or are you looking for a spa that offers yoga lessons. Or maybe you are looking for a spa just to relax and hang around with friends and indulge in outdoor activities like, hiking or bike riding.
Do you want alcoholic beverages or caffeine? Not every destination spa offers them so if you want to be served alcohol or coffee/tea, you should look for spas that offer them.
Are you looking for a spa that has a restricted calorie intake environment or do you prefer one that has all-you-can-eat policy?
Are you looking for a destination spa to deal with a medical condition?
Are you interested in educational lectures about health?
Are you looking for a big spa or a small spa with few people?
Do you want to go to a spa in a town or countryside? Find out where exactly the spa is located because pictures can often give you the wrong impression.
How long do you want to stay?
Finally, what is your budget?
Answers to these questions will help you choose the right destination spa for you. However, overall destination spas are a great place to rejuvenate and rediscover yourself. They offer great healthy food besides a great environment.
Destination Spa To Lose Weight
If you are looking for a destination spa to help you lose weight, then you should look for a spa that offers controlled and customized calorie counts. It would also help if the spa offers daily lectures to promote healthy lifestyle. The spa should also have on-staff nutritionists and exercise physiologists. And finally you should look for a spa that fits your budget.
Most destination spas promote the spirit of camaraderie. You get to be with like-minded people in a very relaxed and healthy environment. Some destinations have only a small number of guests at a time so this is an ideal setting for those who are looking for quality time. Here you can make new friends with whom you can go on a hike, nature walk or just eat together.
While at the destination spa, you would enjoy the spa treatments like, massage, facials and body treatments. The spa environment and treatment will reboot your energy and you will be ready to face you hectic life once again.
Healing Techniques Using The Power Of Touch - Reiki, Carnisacral And Shiatsu Therapy
Feb 02, 2009 by michelle
There are many healing techniques using the power of touch. These healing techniques are based on the belief that human touch is a powerful healing method. Healing touch therapies like Reiki, Carniosacral Therapy and Shiatsu Therapy, have all clearly demonstrated the benefits of touch therapy.
Reiki
Reiki massage is a very effective healing method that is used to reduce stress and pain. Reiki massage combines Reiki and massage. Reiki therapy works on the universal life energy (prana) that is present in every life form. It uses light hand placements to channel the healing energies. It believes in healing through opening, clearing and re-balancing one’s energy system.
Reiki therapy leads to an improvement in internal energy flow. People suffering from stiffness, pain and arthritis benefit greatly from this therapy.
Reiki massage is first performed on client’s head and then it is continued through the seven chakras of energy in the body. For a Reiki massage you would need to wear loose clothes. A Reiki massage generally involves the following procedures –
The practitioner would first ask you whether you are ready for the massage or not.
The practitioner would then find out your problem areas.
He/she would apply massage oils to relax the muscles and skin.
You would also be given an aromatherapy massage.
The massage consists of 27 hand positions, each of which takes around five minutes.
After your first Reiki massage, you might feel guilty or sad. There is no need to worry because this is how many clients feel after their first massage. Give yourself 30 minutes to clear these feelings from your mind. From the next massage onwards you would feel relaxed and calm.
Carniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a unique touch therapy that works on the cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid moves in a tide-like manner. This therapy was developed by an osteopath named William G. Sutherland in the early 1900s. It was later improved upon and made popular by Dr. John Upledger. According to Craniosacral therapists, when the movement of cerebrospinal fluid is restricted or disrupted, various problems like insomnia, attention deficit disorders and other problems occur.
The aim of a craniosacral therapist is to bring about a change in the area of restriction so that the tide-like motion of the cerebrospinal fluid can be restored. Therapists use gentle light touch movements to remove the restrictions and bring back the rhythm and balance. This therapy is used in patients with nervous disorders, motor-coordination impairments, insomnia, and attention deficit disorders.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu Therapy is one of the well known healing techniques using the power of touch. Shiatsu therapy was developed in Japan. ‘Shiatsu’ means finger pressure. This therapy works on the meridians of the body and the Qi energy of the client. The Qi energy is the universal life energy that is present in every living being.
Shiatsu therapy involves rhythmic pressing of various acupressure points for short durations. Fingers are used to exert pressure on the acupressure points. When there is a need to exert firm pressure, the practitioner would use the thumbs.
Shiatsu touch therapy has been used to deal with arthritis, back problems, insomnia, intestinal disorders, migraine, menstrual problems, muscular tensions, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic pain.
In recent years, many medical practitioners have begun to understand the benefits associated with various massage touch therapies. You should always consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and advice if you want to take a massage therapy.
What Massage Therapy Can Do For You - Offers Significant Benefits To Clients
Jan 28, 2009 by michelle
If you want to know what massage therapy can do for you, the answer is - many things. In recent years there have been many researches that have proved the healing properties of massage therapy. Today more and more people are making massage therapy an inherent part of their overall healthcare regimen.
Reduces Stress
One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is that it helps to de-stress. We all know that stress is the root cause of many diseases - heart disease, cholesterol, blood pressure and many other diseases. It has been found that massage therapy to a great extent is able to eliminate anxiety and pressure. And this translates into health benefits which include
Less anxiety
An energetic feeling
Improvement in sleep quality
Improved concentration
Feeling less fatigue
Better circulation
According to experts, when a body is massaged, specific physiological and chemical changes take place in the body. Researchers have pointed out what massage therapy can do for you –
Arthritis sufferers who have taken massage therapy have noted fewer aches, lesser stiffness and lesser pain.
Massage therapy in asthmatic kids has led to an improvement in their pulmonary function and increase in peak air flow.
Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome have noted a decrease in water retention and cramping after massage therapy.
When massage therapy was given to infants born prematurely, there was significant improvement in their weight.
High blood pressure patients noted lower diastolic pressure and less anxiety after massage therapy.
Physical Benefits
Various types of massage therapies have been in use in various cultures for thousands of years. These ancient massage therapies point out the following benefits –
Improves circulation, which means that your tissues and organs get more oxygen and nutrients.
Improves your lymph system, which is the body’s natural defense system. In other words, it improves your body’s immunity.
Increases circulation of blood and improves lymph system translate into healthy skin.
Improves joint flexibility.
Helps relax and soften injured and overused muscles.
Releases endorphins, which are the natural painkillers in your body. Therefore, massage therapy helps relieve pain.
Relieves migraine pain.
In pregnant women massage therapy reduces depression and anxiety.
Relieves spasm and cramping.
Besides providing lot of physical benefits, massage therapy also offers mental benefits. Most clients after a massage therapy report a sense of clarity and feeling of wellness. Massage therapy helps bring about mental relaxation in a client. It helps release endorphins, which give an overall sense of wellbeing and also help alleviate pain.
Massage therapy can provide a perfect integration of mind and body. It provides emotional and spiritual balance and maybe this is what we are lacking in our hectic lifestyles. People who regularly go for massage therapy are more relaxed and at peace with themselves. And this all translates into less stress, which is the root cause of 80% of the diseases.
More and more medical practitioners are now recognizing the benefits of massage therapy. That is why massage therapy is becoming an integral part of hospital care and neonatal intensive care units. Massage therapy is also being used in post-surgery to relieve pain and assist in the recovery process.
Now I hope that your question - what massage therapy can do for you - has been answered adequately well. One last thing, those who suffer from an illness should consult their doctor before going in for massage therapy.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For An Effective Massage Therapy
Jan 26, 2009 by michelle
Are you aware of the fantastic effects of using essential oils in massage therapy? These oils can be extracted from plants, flowers, roots and herbs. Most of them have therapeutic values and can hence be used for healing in individuals. It is important to use them properly as their incorrect use can lead to skin burns.
Enhance Your Massage Therapy With Essential Oils
You can mix the essential oils with massage oils to enhance the effect of massage therapy. Depending on the oil chosen and the strokes applied, a combination of these oils can provide a powerful energizing effect on your client. The essential oils aid in relaxing and stimulating the body and thus make the massage more effective. But here is a word of caution when using essential oils for massage therapy. Always dilute them in carrier oils prior to their application on the skin. They are highly concentrated and preferably should not be applied on the skin directly as this can cause irritation.
Plants Used As Essential Oils In Massage Therapy
Lavender – It provides a calming effect. Care should be taken not to overuse it as it can act as a stimulant. Grapefruit oil – Also serves to create a calm feeling. Juniper – This extract has the capability to relax the muscles in the body. Chamomile – Although this has been traditionally used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, it can also be used for massage therapy. It has a calming effect which helps a person feel relaxed. Rosemary – This oil is a stimulant which helps in relieving pain, headache and promote better blood circulation. Peppermint – This is refreshing oil, which provides relief from pain in muscles. Many times these oils are used in combination for a greater soothing and effective experience. A combination of Chamomile, Lavender and grapefruit is effective in relieving pain and anxiety. A massage with these oils is helpful in relieving stress and tension. Similarly, a combination of Lavender, Rosemary and Juniper can be used after a sports massage for pain relief and detoxification. When you want to use massage therapy for healing injuries, you can use a combination of Peppermint, Rosemary and Geranium.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are oils that carry the essential oils. Some of them are as follows: Almond Oil – This oil is very smooth, contains vitamin D and can be easily absorbed by the skin. It is beneficial for hair and dry skin. Grape seed Oil – This is one of the least expensive oils and is good for oily skin. Apricot Kernel Oil – This oil contains Vitamin A, so it is especially beneficial for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging. Avocado Oil – It is most beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. Soya Oil – This oil is rich in Vitamin E and is easily absorbed by the skin. Sunflower Oil – Rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this oil has a slightly unpleasant smell.
One should keep in mind that the success of massage therapy depends on choosing the proper combination of essential oils based upon the requirement of the individual.
What could be a perfect gift for someone you care for? Believe it or not but there is an increasingly popular gifting trend among Americans- that of gifting massage therapy certificates! The past two decades have seen a dramatic rise in the acceptance of massage by people. With a life that is overscheduled and hectic, a gift of relaxation is indeed a really invaluable gift. No wonder such gift certificates happen to be the top choice among shoppers and gift recipients alike.
Benefits Of Gifting Massage Therapy Certificates
In recent times, it has been observed that consumers of luxury goods are spending less on jewelry and more on spa services and massage therapy. A massage therapy is still a costly affair with therapists charging anything from $50 to $80 for an hour session. But more and more people are now becoming aware of its health benefits. So by gifting massage therapy certificates, you are not only presenting the recipients with the luxury of a massage therapy but are also contributing towards their health in a positive way. Also, a massage therapy gift certificate can improve health awareness among your friends and other people.
The most common reason why people buy massage therapy certificate gifts is because they feel that the recipient needs some relaxation from the daily stress and anxieties. There are others who purchase them in order to introduce their friends to the benefits of massage therapy. A massage certificate can be gifted on any occasion. These also serve as ideal employee gifts. You can also avail discounts on massage gift certificates, especially when purchased in bulk.
How To Avail Massage Therapy Gift Certificates
It is very easy to purchase these massage certificates and it is even more wonderful to gift them. Imagine the joy on your friend’s face when you give him a gift of relaxation! The first step in buying a gift certificate is to ask the therapist if you can select an amount rather than a service type. The advantage of this option is that when your recipient schedules an appointment with the therapist, the person does not end up getting a service that is not the best for him/her. If the therapist offers only by service, then find out if you can upgrade the certificate or use a combination of services.
A Few Tips And Warnings
There are a number of people to whom you can gift these massage certificates. These include your mom, dad, children, neighbors, teachers, friends, co-workers, employees, bosses, spouse or anyone whom you feel like gifting these to. Find out if the therapist can mail the certificate directly to the recipient as this might fetch you some discount as well. Online gift certificate purchasing is also available as last minute gifting options as well as to make shopping easier.
When you purchase a gift certificate, make sure that the therapist has indicated on the gift certificate that the gratuity has been paid. This way the recipient will be aware that the payment for the therapy has already been made. After all, a true gift is one which does not cost the recipient anything, yet benefits him/her!
There are various types of massage therapies that use different techniques for healing purposes. However, we can still find one thing that is common in most massage therapies. Yes, I am talking about massage oils. Different kinds of oils are used in Aromatherapy, Reiki, Swedish Massage Therapy and Hot Stone Massage. There are also many creams and lotions that are commonly used by massage therapists.
Besides organic and essential oils, some massage therapies use uncommon products. For example in case of Hot Stone Therapy, stones are used for healing and massaging purposes.
Massage Therapy Oils
Sweet almond oil is commonly used for massages by therapists. Almond oil is full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that our body needs. An almond oil massage nourishes our skin and gives it a beautiful glow.
Apricot kernel oil is also very popular among massage therapists. It also contains many nutrients, hence is very good for skin. It is mainly used for facial massages. Since it is expensive oil, it is generally used on small areas of the body.
Calendula oil is mainly used due to its healing properties. It has many anti-inflammatory and hormonal properties. Therapists use it to lessen the appearance of varicose veins, scars and wounds.
Avocado pear oil is primarily used due to its rich Vitamin D content. The oil penetrates deep into the skin and helps relieve dry and sensitive skin. Avocado oil is usually used as an addition to a massage oil mixture/blend. Avocado oil forms 10% percent of this mixture or blend.
Primrose oil is used to make various massage oil blends. It helps relieve premenstrual symptoms, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. It is also very good for the skin.
Creams And Lotions
Various creams and lotions are used by massage therapists to provide vitamins and nutrients to body. They also help relax the muscles and joints. Massage creams and lotions come in all shapes and sizes. Some are scented, while others are unscented. You can find a huge range of lotions and creams made out of organic ingredients as well.
Biotone Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion is a very good fragrance free hypoallergenic massage gel. It is a very light and non greasy massaging lotion. Another great massage lotion available in the market is the Biotone Deep Tissue Massage Lotion. It is very effective in healing deep tissues, stiff joints and spasms.
Stones
As mentioned above, you can find massage therapies that use unique products like in the case of Hot Stone therapy. This unique therapy uses stones from the river beds. These smooth river rocks are first heated to a comfortable temperature. Then they are placed at the various energy points on the body. The rocks heat up the muscles and then the therapist proceeds to massage the heated muscles. The massage is done using various oils and stones.
According to Hot Stone therapists, the heated rocks draw out the pain and discomfort from the muscles, thereby relaxing them. Well, clients surely feel good after a good Hot Stone massage.
These are some of the common and not so common products used in various massage therapies. I think it is always great to know the products that are being used in your massage therapy. This way you will know the benefits that you would derive from a massage therapy.
