I’m going to share 2 videos with you today that covers working out the transverse abdomonis. The reason being is that many athletic people neglect this muscle and rob themselves of performance and the average person’s is underdeveloped do to inactivity.
[Read more…]The Benefits of Massage for Physical Fitness
With more and more of people focusing on becoming more physically active during the summer, I feel this is a good time to talk about the benefits of massage after physical activity. During physical activity multiple systems of our body are being used like the: circulatory, respiratory, muscular, endocrine and nervous systems and they all receive benefits from massage.
Constricted muscles act like dams, blocking fluids from flowing freely throughout the body. Muscles need a steady flow of blood to get adequate oxygen and nutrients for energy necessary for muscular contraction and relaxation. The waste products of muscular metabolism are released into the venous blood supply to be transported out of the muscle and processed for removal from the body. When this process is disrupted the muscles become toxic from lack of nutrients and build-up of waste products and they can no longer perform their job effectively. Muscles that are chronically contracted disrupt the symmetry of balanced forces acting on the skeleton. When this happens our bones get out of position, causing postural imbalances that result in structural stress. This stress causes pain, loss of range of motion in a joint and loss of performance during physical activities.
We can counter those problems with regular massage and here’s how. First off, massage moves fluid through the body by manually flushing tense muscles of trapped blood and toxic waste. Secondly, massage can relieve the tension in muscle and get rid of trigger points that are causing pain. Thirdly, massage helps activate the lymphatic system alloying all of the toxic fluids that were building up to be released from the body. Lastly, massage calms the sympathetic nervous system (Fight or Flight) so the parasympathetic nervous system (Rest and Digest) can take over the bodily functions. With these benefit’s you can become physically active and stay that way for year’s to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say.
Sean M. Devine, LMT
Reference- The Balanced Body, A Guide to Deep Tissue and Neuromuscular Therapy, 3rd Edition by Donald W. Scheumann
MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFITS
Written by Jessica Kittle, massage practitioner
At this time of year (father’s day), we think about the health of men. Below are just a few benefits of getting a massage if your male (or female)
Massage Therapy Benefits For Dad (and everyone)
According to AMTA(American Massage Therapy Association), Massage Therapy provides proven health and mood benefits, reducing depression and stress. Below are just a few ailments Massage Therapy can help with improving dad’s health.
Dad Sleeping Better:
A good night’s sleep is vital for maintaining overall health. [Read more…]
Cupping Therapy: History and Usage
By Liz Kelchak, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
History:
Cupping therapy was introduced over 3000 years ago. According to The A
cademy of Classical Oriental Sciences- acos.com; there is a saying in China: “Acupuncture and cupping, more than half of the ills cured.” Zhao Xue Ming, a doctor practicing more than 200 years ago, compiled a book entitled Ben Cong Gang Mu She Yi, in which he describes in detail the history and origin of different kinds of cupping and cup shapes, functions and applications.
Forward Head Posture
By Logan Klahn LMT, BCTMB
As technology advances and we spend more time locked into devices and screens, it’s important to step back and remember what we’re doing to our bodies. Whether you’re reading this on a computer or mobile devi [Read more…]
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
By: Kelly Kirles, L.Ac.
While many people have heard that acupuncture can help a woman achieve pregnancy they may not be aware that receiving acupuncture during pregnancy has many benefits!
Acupuncture relieves stress
Stress during pregnancy has been strongly linked to preterm delivery. Many mothers are very anxious about the health of their baby in the womb and are unable to relax. When they are in a state of constant stress the body pumps out the hormones adrenaline and cortisol, our “fight or flight hormones.” These hormones can weaken immunity, disrupt sleep, cause digestive issues and even cause the heart to beat excessively. Stress can also lead to gestational diabetes.