How to Compare Sports Massage to Other Therapeutic Massages

How to Compare Sports Massage to Other Therapeutic Massages



Most people are familiar with some form of massage, whether it be the ubiquitous Swedish form or the more exotic varieties of Thalassotherapy (using sea-derived treatments) or Shiatsu (incorporating acupressure). There are more than a dozen varieties of massage but perhaps the most common are therapeutic and
sports
. While all massage affects overall well-being, there are distinctions in the purpose of each. Here’s how to spot the difference.







Things You'll Need:





An open mind







Select the Right Massage Therapy




1


Understand that therapeutic massage is based on traditional Swedish massage techniques, consisting of petrassage, effleurage, and kneading strokes.





2


Understand that sports massage therapies can be both preventative and therapeutic.





3


Know what ails you. Choosing the correct form of massage depends on knowing your symptoms.





4


Choose therapeutic massage for help with improving lymphatic function, relieving stress and fatigue, sleep problems, and for general well-being.





5


Choose sports massage if you’re active and wish to prevent or alleviate problems such as knee pain, shin splints, tennis elbow or other sports-related maladies.








Tips & Warnings










Some forms of massage can bring feelings of discomfort. This is natural. However, extreme discomfort should be brought to your therapist’s attention.








Share specific concerns such as low back pain so the therapist can take proper precautions.








Ensure there is no deeper medical issue before obtaining a massage. Certain medical conditions such as an aneurysm could be worsened, and even fatal, if any massage is performed.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2310551_compare-sports-massage-other-therapeutic.html

How to Compare Breast Enhancers

How to Compare Breast Enhancers



Many women aren't happy with the size of their breasts. They want bigger ones. Here are some of the ways to enhance your breast size. Compare them decide which, if any, is the best for you.







Things You'll Need:





Ability to research online




A helpful doctor




An open mind!









1


Decide how big you want your breasts to be. Whe you know that, you can research the best enhancement procedure for you. It could be you can just go shopping.





2


Lifting your breasts and giving them more cup size doesn't require surgery. There are many companies that sell breast-enhancing pads for your bra. Some of these are made of a self-adhesive gel like material that sticks to your breasts. You can wear a bra over the top of the gel. You can purchase simple gel adhesives for as low as $20.00, or find higher quality stick-ons or even cloth inserts for more money.





3


Enhancing your breasts does may not have to be a surgical process. The Herbal Research Foundation clearly states that there is a lack of scientific studies about herbal enhancement, you may be able to enlarge your breast size by trying herbs. Go to your doctor and ask him about which herbs might work and what to avoid. The herbal treatments may promote the growth of your breast tissue making them larger.





4


Research breast enhancement pills or creams on your own and then show the results to your physician to get his opinion. Much like the Herbal Research Foundation has said, there have been few studies done to prove the pills work. Most claim that the pills do change your hormones, but they cannot be certain your breast size will change. See a study done at the Department of Health Care Sciences at George Washington University School of Medicine in 2003 (See resources section below). The pills and creams may enhance your breast size or may not.





5


A surgical procedure should always be your last choice. For most women, this is the option that works best. The enhancement pills and creams could take a lifetime to show any results, if they work at all. Remember that surgery can be risky. Make sure you know all of the possible dangers that accompany it before making your decision. Also be aware that there are now different kinds of implants, some safer than others. Research them all and consult your cosmetic surgeon.








Tips & Warnings










Avoid surgery if you can, remember that there is a lot a little gel pad in your bra can do for you!








Always consult your doctor before using any medications, creams or herbs.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2362320_compare-breast-enhancers.html

How to Communicate With Your Spirit Guide

How to Communicate With Your Spirit Guide



We all have spirit guides--nonphysical souls who support our growth, help us to complete our life tasks and provide the spiritual assistance we need. A spirit guide, however, will only come forth if invited. Although most of us have a main guide, others come and go depending upon our life purpose and our current circumstances. The reality of spirit entities guiding us through our lives has been a part of every major religion in the world. Embarking on a journey of communication with your spirit guides is an exciting prospect. All that is needed is an open mind and willingness to let go of any preconceived notions of what the experience will be like. As with all individuals, each and every spirit being is unique. An understanding that each and every person's communication with their guide will be unique is key to your successful contact and your developing spirit relationship.







Things You'll Need:





A quiet and comfortable space




A journal




A willingness to contact your spirit guide




Willingness to set aside time for spirit contact




An open-mind




Patience to build relationship with your guide







Communicating With Your Spirit Guide




1


Invite your spirit guide to come forward.





2


Continue to send out the thought that you are inviting your spirit guide into your life.





3


Close your eyes and relax by taking deep breaths.





4


Imagine yourself in a beautiful garden.





5


Make this garden as detailed and real in your mind's eye as possible.





6


Notice the colors, fragrances, sounds and sensations you experience in your garden.





7


Picture yourself sitting on a stone bench in this garden.





8


Let the stone bench beneath you makes you feel secure and connected to the earth.





9


See a path leading down from a distant mountain to your garden.





10


Visualize this path being made of any stones or colors you like.





11


While sitting on your stone chair, notice a small golden light coming toward you.





12


Notice the light transform into a large clear and bright light as it hovers on the edge of your garden.





13


Invite it to enter your garden.





14


Watch the light transform into your spirit guide.





15


Take time to look at your guide and believe that this is your guide! Don't question youself.





16


Pay attention to the sensations you feel as you gaze upon your guide. Ask yourself questions. For example--Is your guide male or female? What is your guide wearing? What color is the hair of your guide? Trust your impressions.





17


Begin to ask your guide questions. Some examples--What is it's name? What is it's purpose? Why is it around you? How can you recognize it's presence on a conscious level more easily?





18


Let yourself absorb the information the guide is giving you. Don't force answers. Don't worry if you think you are imagining the contact. Remember to trust your impressions and KNOW that you are communicating with your guide.





19


Bring the conversation with your guide to a close.





20


Thank your guide for coming to you.





21


Watch as your guide transforms back into a beautiful and soothing light. Watch this light drift away from you down your garden path.





22


Ground yourself by imagining roots growing from the bottom of your feet deep into the earth's core.





23


Write down your impressions and experiences in a journal.








Tips & Warnings










You can ask your guide for help in all matters.








Ask your guide to present dreams to you to help you find answers to your problems.








Ask your guide to give you signs that it's heard your requests.








Remember to keep your requests reasonable. The purpose of your guide is to help you fulfill your life's purpose, not to help you win a million dollars.








Although nothing in the spirit world can harm you, there is a certain responsibility in working with it.








Never become reliant on your spirit guide communication. It is not a substitute for relationships with others.








Remember that communication with the spirit realm is to be used to supplement your life, not as a crutch to fall back on.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2305147_communicate-spirit-guide.html

How to Colon Cleanse - 5 Expert Tips

How to Colon Cleanse - 5 Expert Tips



If you're considering colon cleansing for the first time, the choices can seem overwhelming. Herbal cleanses, oxygen cleanses, fiber programs, specialized diets, fasting and more are all on the colon cleansing market. No matter what kind of cleanse you end up doing, you can improve your results with the advice in these 5 tips.







Things You'll Need:





No Special Equipment Required









1


Before you cleanse, first find out how much you really need a colon cleanse. There are several factors including diet, age and overall health that determine how much you need and will benefit from a cleanse. E-mail me for a free health questionnaire that will tell you where you stand.





2


Once you know how much you need a cleanse, you can then choose the appropriate level. All types of colon cleansing can be done slowly and gently or more quickly and intensely. It's important to know which level is best for you now in order to avoid overburdening your body with toxins as the body cleanses itself.





3


Prepare well for any type of colon cleanse by changing your diet. No matter which kind of colon cleansing you choose, you can get better results by taking 3-5 days to prepare. During this time, it's best to cut out all processed foods and eat at least 50% of your diet in fresh fruits and vegetables. It's also helpful to cut out most if not all dairy products, meats and breads as they are mucous forming.





4


During your cleanse be patient and stay with it. Don't expect to undo years of poor eating habits, stress or lack of exercise with a one time cleanse. You may need to cleanse several times before you achieve all your health goals.





5


Be prepared for changes. After your colon cleanse, don't expect to want to eat the same things as you did before. Pay attention to how your body feels after you eat and allow your diet to change to foods that make you feel better.








Tips & Warnings










If you have any doubts about colon cleansing, remember these words of Dr. Norman Walker, the inventor of vegetable juicing: "To have a clean colon is the best health insurance we can have." Dr. Walker seemed to know what he was talking about - he had a healthy and productive life of over 100 years.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2269528_colon-cleanse-expert-tips.html

How to Clear Your Lungs

How to Clear Your Lungs



Feel like you need a breath of fresh air? Read on to learn how to clear your lungs.







Things You'll Need:





Lungs




Space with clean air









1


The most important step in clearing your lungs is to make sure you are in an area with clean air. This means no smoke, no dust, nothing else likely to cause the new air you receive to be tainted.





2


Slowly take a deep breath through your nose to fill your lungs, and feel them filling and stretching out.





3


Slowly exhale through your mouth until you feel you have no more breath to exhale.





4


Immediately bend at the waist and roll the top half of your body forward to compress the lungs a bit. This will allow you to continue exhaling for another few seconds.





5


Straighten up and inhale slowly, filling up your lungs with fresh, clean air.





6


Exhale slowly, and then continue breathing normally.








Tips & Warnings










Look around before inhaling; clean surroundings are essential.








Do not attempt this if you have a cold, the hiccups, or anything else that might interrupt your breathing.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2226018_clear-your-lungs.html

How to Live Better with Hashimotos Thyroiditis

How to Live Better with Hashimotos Thyroiditis



Hashimotos Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own thyroid gland. This guide is intended to help you take the first steps towards reclaiming your health. I have this disease myself and have found many helps throughout my journey. I am now sharing these with you.







Things You'll Need:





Determination




Positive attitude









1


Eliminate stimulants and chemicals from your diet.

Thyroiditis can be positively influenced by a healthy diet. Consider what you are currently eating. Keep a journal for a week and spot the culprits that might be there. Some of the more obvious ones are caffeine, sugar and preservatives. I react strongly to all three of these. It took me many years to realize what a significant burden those "foods" were to my health. The first two abuse the adrenal glands and cause all types of imbalance. Preservatives can cause further stress to the brain (especially Aspartame!). Greatly reduce or eliminate your intake of these substances. This is what I found to be the best "first step" in helping the symptoms of this disease.





2


Choose the treatment options that are best for you.

Please fully research all your options before you start any long term thyroid treatment! Consider first and foremost what your regular diet should be. Then, begin to choose the right treatment for your body. There are combinations of herbal supplements, synthetic drugs (I would strongly recommend against this choice unless you just can't get to other solutions), and natural desiccated thyroid preparations like Nature-Throid and Armour. There are other natural paths including detoxification methods. This is such an important step. I can't stress enough how bad I felt that I had missed this step 14 years ago! I just did what the doctor told me. To know more about this critical step, please see my website home page which is listed below this article.





3


Watch out for Over-the-counter medications.

Find and take the right medications and don't take the wrong ones! This is important. Just like food, ALL medications have side effects. It is very important to know what the side effects are and if they might be influencing your symptoms. For example, I used to suffer from excruciating migraine headaches. My HMO doctor (who was not interested in natural causes or treatments) suggested I take an over-the-counter medication. He said it was likely sinus related. This led me to Advil Cold and Sinus. Well, was I aware that my headaches got better because there is caffeine in them? Case and point: I found out that caffeine works to relieve caffeine headaches! Why? Because our body begins to depend on the "fix" each day when we have caffeine on a regular basis. After a few days off of caffeine, a very serious withdrawal symptom can result in the form of a headache (in addition to other symptoms that are known as "die off" symptoms). Many times it can be relieved by eating or drinking caffeine. I believe that's why I have spurts of being addicted to chocolate. The only "cure" for this cycle is to get off of these roller coasters; whether from drugs or caffeine in food. I can't go into all the chemical reactions your body can have over different drugs here, but it is important for you to be aware of each and every drug you are putting into your body. This goes a long way toward healing. Find the root problem and then work to overcome it without drugs - therefore bypassing their side effects.





4


Exercise does more than we think.

Yes, it is important but I believe the importance comes in many forms. It is a great stress reliever! Something about exercise just cleans out the negative thoughts in the brain. It has been so exciting to see the difference after I exercise. It just feels like someone just took a weight off of me. Oh, of course I must bring up the "weight" thing. Here's one big problem with this disease. Our metabolism is seriously compromised when there is a sluggish thyroid. If you combine exercise with the right diet and right treatment, well, you've got a chance. But that combination is still not fully researched. What we do know is that a whole body approach has the most benefit. So find a fun exercise. Please don't make yourself do something you hate to do. Choose a variety to alternate during the week to combat repetition injuries and to keep you from becoming bored.





5


Finally, take control of your health.

Educate yourself about Hashimotos Thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune disease. It has cycles. It fluctuates depending on things like life crisis, stress, seasons (especially the cold seasons when your body temperature naturally goes down), diet, attitude, etc. What I find the most confusing about this disease is the large amount of triggers it has. Consider a yearly calendar specifically noting times during the year that your symptoms flare up. This might go a long way in trouble-shooting triggers that you may be able to avoid in the future. A forum dedicated to thyroid disease is an excellent place to get support. Consider joining one, or better yet, visit my website forum linked below so we can walk through this disease together.








Tips & Warnings










Make sure your doctor is open to other types of treatments for this disease. Sometimes it takes several attempts to find the right treatment for your body.








Consider finding a natural doctor who can give you more options if you are not feeling well under the care of a traditional one.








None of the information on this how-to article is intended to take the place of being under the care of a qualified medical doctor. Please make sure you find a caring doctor to treat you for all your health concerns.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2080117_live-better-hashimotos-thyroiditis.html

How to Live a Macrobiotic Lifestyle

How to Live a Macrobiotic Lifestyle



Based on living in reference to the polar principles, those living a macrobiotic lifestyle hope to reach harmony, balance and happiness. A variety of aspects go into the lifestyle including social relationships, preparation of foods and physical activity. Boasting claims of curing illnesses and diseases, it is a lifestyle that with a little adaptation is easy to follow.









1


Maintain a proper diet. Pay attention to your hunger levels. Don't eat if you're not hungry. Chew each bite properly. It has been determined that chewing your food 50 times for each bite increases effectiveness of digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Relax when you eat, but maintain good posture. Before you eat, be thankful for your food. Regular meals two to three times a day are appropriate, as long as the proportions are right. Do not leave the table full; it is best to be comfortably satisfied. Drink water, but not excessively. Drink when thirsty.





2


Keep your skin healthy. Shower and bathe, but do not partake in long showers or baths which can cause mineral dificiencyes in your body. Scrubbing the body in its entirety with a warm, wet to damp rag will increase circulation. Do this each morning and night. When using cosmetics, select those made from non-toxic and natural ingredients. Do not use products that are perfumed with unnatural chemicals. Brush your teeth with natural products.





3


Keep close to nature. Spending time outdoors and in the sunlight will help. Take a walk outside. Exercise outside. Good exercises include garden work, yoga,
martial arts
, walking or dance. Do not wear rings, bracelets, necklaces or earrings made of metals. Wear cotton clothing, especially up next to the skin. Bring plants indoors to keep in better touch with the outdoors. Open your windows regularly to exchange the stale indoor air with the outdoor air.





4


Do not use ovens and ranges or other electric cooking appliances. Wood or gas stoves are better. Don't use aluminum pots and pans. Instead, use cast iron, stainless steel or earthenware. Protect yourself from electromagnetic rays when working on your computer. Use television and computers sparingly.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2077979_live-macrobiotic-lifestyle.html