Help for the insomniac

Why do we get sleepy at night time? It is because our bodies produce a sleep hormone called Melatonin. Melatonin is  made naturally by your body’s pineal gland – a pea-sized gland located just above the middle of the brain. During the day the pineal is inactive. When the sun goes down and darkness occurs, …

Boost your mood with aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils through baths, spa treatments, facials or massage. Essential oils are distilled from plants — such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint — which give the oils their fragrances and therapeutic qualities. Research on the sense of smell has shown that scent is perceived by the part of the brain …

Massage relaxes, promotes healing

Revered through the ages Throughout human history, massage was used for everything from stiff, painful muscles to chronic disease. In China, medical texts refer to it as early as 3000 B.C. Today massage therapy is being used by a wide range of people as a pain reliever, antidote to stress, and enhancer of athletic performance. …

Increase trust and closeness

If you haven’t yet learned how to give your sweetie a therapeutic massage, February is the perfect time. Receiving massage from your partner can yield all the benefits you expect like reduced stress, decreased achiness and improved sleep. But it can also do wonders for your relationship. It’s a way to get away from interruptions, have a chance to listen …

Taking charge

Many people feel victimized by stress. But relaxation can reverse the ill effects of stress by helping you learn to respond differently. The key is to practice relaxing regularly. If you take time during your workday for a 15-minute massage, a lunchtime yoga class, or simply breathing slowly and deeply for several minutes, you’ll let go of stress buildup and start to relax. …

Relaxation impacts heart health

February is heart month A range of techniques including massage, relaxing music, guided relaxation and yoga have shown promising results in lowering blood pressure and heart rate — factors that have a positive effect on heart health. Recent research indicates that relaxation techniques can reduce strain on the heart. One study from Duke University followed …