Yoga is so good for you!

A few months ago,  I suffered a pinched nerve caused from my deep scalene muscles putting pressure on a nerve.  I realized in my work, I am constantly looking down, sometimes for hours straight with no break.  Putting constant pressure on my neck muscles strained & pinched them.  Many of my clients suggested chiropractic work and assured me it would help. 

I tried massage, chiropractic work, and even acupuncture.  Nothing fully resolved the issue.  I had a difficult time performing massage and periodically had to take time off to lessen the pain.  This continued for nearly three months.

One of my new therapists practices Bikram yoga regularly and invited me to try one day.  I struggled with the heat and the odor in the room because at that time the room was carpeted (they have since replaced the carpet with cork flooring).  I stuck with it as I immediately felt and recognized the benefit.  After just three Bikram sessions, my pinched nerve completely healed and by continuing yoga regularly, I have not suffered another issue despite working more the last two months.

In addition to my alleviated pinched nerve, my entire body feels more flexible and strong.  I am still enjoying Bikram three to five days a week and am excited to try other modalities of yoga in the future.

I encourage everyone to try some form of yoga to increase their flexibility, strength and vitality.  For more information on yoga, click here.

Stress is a Killer

Often, I hear clients expressing how much stress they have. Stress can affect your day to day activities and lifestyle, and may even be putting you at risk.

The chemical reactions in our body caused by stress are very similar to the flight or fight responses that are engrained in us to protect us from danger.  When an animal or a human becomes stressed, chemicals such as adrenaline are released into the body to give us immediate energy to escape from the threat.  When a danger finally passes or the perceived threat is over, your brain initiates a reverse course of action that releases different biochemicals throughout your body.  Attempting to bring you back into harmony, your brain seeks metabolic equilibrium.  This is the state when the tranquilizing and the stimulating chemical forces in your body are in balance.  If either one of the chemicals dominate, the body is left in a state of stress and imbalance.

For more information about stress and ways to avoid it, click here.

Information about stress and your DNA (VIDEO):

Coconut is Amazing!

Last year, I started using extra virgin, organic coconut oil for all of my regular massages.  It is a little more expensive but so much better for the skin.  Also, it is a better heat conductor than most of the sports massage oils so it feels warmer and more smooth during the massage.  I did some research and learned that coconut is also a natural exfoliant and can be used for many common skin problems such as blemishes, rosacea, eczema and as a basic moisturizer for everyday use. 

Since coconut is a Super Food, I often use it to cook in place of butter or oil.  Here are some great everyday uses for coconut…

Enjoy!

Hair Conditioning & Shine - Gently massage a moderate amount of oil into your scalp and hair and leave in overnight.  Rinse out in the morning.  You will notice your hair softer and shinier after just one application.

Blemishes, Rosacea, Eczema or Sunburn - Apply a few drops to affected area before bed.  Should be noticeably clearer and soothed in the morning

Natural Exfoliant - Using coconut on your entire body once a week is a great exfoliant without drying out your skin.  Just apply in upward, circular motions.  After the entire body is coated, rinse.

Substitute for Butter or Oil - Use whenever a recipe calls for butter or oil… stir fry, toast, popcorn (client gave me that one!!), cookies and more.

I love natural remedies and products since i know they really are the best for my body.  Since extra virgin coconut oil is a “food,”  i feel really good about using it inside and out! 

For more coconut recipes and cures, visit this link.

Drink Water!

Many of my clients have expressed they are not drinking enough plain water throughout the day.  Since it’s very important for recovery to drink water before and after serious body work, I usually urge my clients to drink at least one glass before they leave. 

In the past, my clients would drink a few sips to appease me and leave the rest.  Lately, I have been adding oranges and cucumbers to my water and chilling it.  Since doing this, clients are not just finishing their water but asking for second and third glasses!  Many of my clients are also preparing their water at home like this because it tastes so much better.

How to make it:

2 slices of orange and a few slices of peeled cucumber for a pitcher of water and then just chill it for at least a half hour.  You can refill the pitcher a time or two using the same fruit within a day. 

Enjoy!

More Water Info…

Be Happy!

Laughter releases endorphins in the body and helps boost your immune system.

More Happy Info…