Cupping Therapy

Massage therapy is the best alternative for medicine. Massage therapy dates back to thousands of years from ancient writing in China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece and Rome. In 1850’s two Americans who studied in Sweden introduced massage therapy to the United States, where it became popular due to its variety of health purposes.

Massage therapy is good for people wanting to relieve pain, reduce stress, increase relaxation, rehabilitate sports injuries, address anxiety and depression as well as aid in general wellness.

There are many different examples of massage therapy. The one I’m going to talk to you about is cupping. Cupping is a healing method that was first used in China, Africa, India, Arabia, and Central Europe.

Cupping is used to drain excess fluids and toxins. It brings circulation and blood flow to muscles and tissues. Cupping is an incredible medicine alternative for carpal tunnel syndrome for that reason alone.

The cupping procedure:  Depending on the massage therapist, a gentle message is given to the patent before the cupping procedure to find the knots. The glasses are applied to the skin to create a suction of the underlying skin and soft tissue. The glasses are placed on deep knots.

The technique can be done dry or wet. Wet cupping consists of making additional steps by making tiny cuts in the skin that bleed.  For more information see: http://www.eorthopod.com/content/exploring-the-use-of-cupping-therapy-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrome

People who undergo cupping tend to get bruise spotting on their back as it’s creates blood flow to the knot. It looks worse than it actually is. Bruising levels vary between people as some might have a stronger blood flow. Cupping lasts longer than a regular massage because it digs into the deep tissue with much larger results than deep tissue massage.

Although cupping isn’t for everyone, ask your doctor is this is a good option for you.

Benefits of Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for appreciating all you have with family and friends over a meal. Most people buy Turkey for Thanksgiving, however some buy other meats. Regardless of what meat you buy, friends and family are gathered for the same common meaning: giving thanks.

Yesterday, I took part in eating a beautiful bird, Turkey! We learned the best way to make a moist bird is to keep it in your fridge (never freeze) or like us, buy it on Wednesday.

A lot of people don’t realize the great benefits that Turkey has on them. Turkey contains:

• Amino Acid

• Protein: 32 grams protein in every 4 ounces (1/2 cup)

• Selenium: healthy function of thyroid and immune system

• Vitamin B: 36% daily allowance of vitamin B3, 27% daily allowance B6 which helps blood sugar levels

• Less Saturated Fat: Less than 12% recommended daily allowance of saturated fat per 4-ounce serving

• Turkey does all this plus aids in cancer prevention.

-> So when you decide what leftovers you want to indulge on, don’t pick pie, pick the Turkey.

 

"Diet Soda"

As a marketing major I have seen many different ways companies market products and services, using keywords that make you want to try something. Such as "diet." What do you think when you see this word? Diet? We think we are consuming something better for our bodies but really, it's not as good as we think.

According to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, drinking a single can of diet soda each day can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Not only that, diet soda can cause kidney problems. An 11-year long study at Harvard Medical School studied more than 3,000 women finding that diet soda is allocated with an increased risk of kidney decline.

Diet soda also messes up with your metabolism. A study at the University of Minnesoda saw that just one diet soda a day is linked to a 34% higher risk of metabolic syndrom. This includes belly fat and high cholestrol.

Who would think that diet soda can cause obesity? The University of Texas Health Science Center study found that the more diet soda you drink, the greater risk of becoming over weight. The artifical sweeterners can disrupt the body's natural ability to regularte calorie intake.


If you want to learn more about the side effects go to: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/diet-soda-bad-you

Slouching

Do you have bad posture where you slouch forward because it's the most comfortable? I sure do.

There are many different exercises us “slouchers” can do to strengthen our back and bring our shoulders forward.


1. Band Pull Apart: strengthen the muscles that lie between your shoulder blades. These muscles are responsible for pulling your shoulders back and holding good posture. Grab a resistance band and raise your arms in front of you with your arms extended and your elbows slightly bent. Pull your arms outward and stretch the band across your chest. Slowly return to the starting point and repeat. This exercise performed using a chest expander device or a resistance band. Perform three to five sets of 12 to 20 repetitions spread throughout your day.

2. Doorway Chest Stretch: A slouch can be result in tight chest muscles, which pulls your shoulders forward. To stretch your chest muscles, stand in a doorway with your forearms resting on the vertical door frame and your elbows level with your shoulders. Stand in a split stance, and push your chest forward and between your arms. Relax as much as you can, and hold this position for 30-60 seconds. Perform this stretch three to five times a day, especially after long periods of sitting.

3. Cobra Stretch: Tight hip flexors and abdominal muscles can pull you forward into a slouched position. The cobra stretch, found in both yoga and pilates, stretching all the muscles on the front of the body will help alleviate a slouch. Lie on your front with your forehead resting on the floor your hands beneath your shoulders and your legs extended. Raise your head and gently extend your arms to lift your upper body off the floor, keep your hips pressed down. Extend your arms as far as feels comfortable, and gently lift your chin up to the ceiling. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds and then relax.

4. Ski Divers: The ski diver strengthens all your back muscles. Stronger back muscles are less prone to the adverse effects of gravity and therefore to slouching. Lie on your front with your forehead resting on the floor and your hands by your side. Rotate your hands outward and squeeze your shoulders back. Contract your butt, press you feet into the floor and lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and slowly relax. Perform two to four repetitions.

Reference: www.livestrong.com

 

These exercises really work!

Slacking

This past week has been a roller coaster. Not only did I have a lot of projects, homework, and quizzes, but I've been on the search for a job as I'll be graduating in December. Of course, I want to do something that I love. I have always been interested in fitness and nutrition. I'm enjoy giving back to the community as well. I have so many interests and being a marketing major I can go in any direction I want.

On top of looking for a job and homework, I haven't been working out. I didn't work out for 5 days! That's not like me! I needed a little break as I found I wasn't giving 110% in my workout. Everyday that passed I felt worse and worse. I was extremely tired, very hungry and wanted to watch TV all day.

Luckily, I've had the motivation to get back into it. The biggest thing I learned was to never push yourself over the edge of hating something. I learned I can't go without working out more than a week but when needed, I should take a break.