Giveaways Archives - Basic Knead by Michelle Ebbin
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December 18, 2011 In Giveaways, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Reflexology, Research Studies, Touch Therapy & Sex, Uncategorized, Women

Inhaling the Holidays

The holidays are my favorite time of year. I love everything about them – the lights, decorations, parties, and most especially, the delicious smells of Christmas. The aromas of evergreen, peppermint, cinnamon, and spiced cider all remind me of Christmas as a kid when the everything was magical and wishes came true, i love to make nee things and crafts for our family, now Im on my way to buy a new staple gun which actually I saw the best electric staple guns at a website where I think is much easier so I dont have to leave my house.

It’s said that the sense of scent is the most powerful when it comes to memory. Why? Unlike the eyes, the nose doesn’t judge. It just smells. Your sense of smell can instantly transport you to another time and place, making you almost feel what you were feeling back then as the rush of emotions flood your body…

Humans can detect between 10,000 and 30,000 different odors through our sensitive nose. The nerve endings at the end of the olfactory bulb, which is situated at the back of our nose, is stimulated by our sense of smell. This in turn stimulates the part of the brain called the limbic system, which is involved in many of our emotions and motivations, including fear, anger, and emotions related to sexual behavior. Thus, our sense of smell is one of the most important senses when it comes to triggering memories.

Here’s a quick reflexology tip that can stimulate the nose’s powerful sense of smell.

The reflex area to the nose (and the sinuses as well) is located on both feet, at the tips of each of the toes and in the fleshy part behind the nail.

1. Hold one foot in one hand and, with your other hand, gently but firmly pinch the top of the big toe between your thumb and index finger. Rub the toe back and forth between your fingers for 10-15 seconds.
2. Next, move to the next toe and stimulate the tip of the toe for 10-15 seconds. Do this for every toe.
3. You can then move to another area of the foot, or repeat this technique on the other foot.

November 2, 2011 In Giveaways, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Touch Therapy & Sex, Uncategorized, Women

Foot Rub Night!

IT’S FOOT RUB NIGHT!
Today my sister told me that she was excited about the evening to come because…it’s “Foot Rub Night” in her house! Apparently, every Wednesday night, after the kids are in bed, she and her husband open a bottle of wine, turn the lights down, put some music on, and give each other foot massages on the couch. They use whatever oil or lotion they have, and they let their fingers do their magic. 20-30 minutes later, the mood in the house is 100% more peaceful and certainly more intimate.

Now, I have to admit, I was a little surprised to hear of this weekly ritual because I know how easy it is to flip on the TV and tune out after a long day. However, my sister has inspired me (the massage expert) and now I’m ready to incorporate a “Foot Rub Night” into our busy schedule. I’m putting it on the calendar so we can’t forget or blow it off. It’s a perfect way to de-stress, and I can’t believe we haven’t been doing this all along.

FOOT MASSAGE NIGHT: You don’t need any fancy techniques or even any lotion if you don’t have any. Sure, you can experiment with the reflexology tips that I write about, but all you really need are your hands and a comfortable place to lounge. Don’t wait! Why not put a Foot Massage Night on your calendar right now? And who knows where it will lead to?!

October 7, 2011 In Giveaways, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Toddler Massage, Touch Therapy & Sex, Weight Issues, Women

Massage Your Salad!

Have you ever had a salad that just blows you away? I just used my hands to make a “Massaged Kale Salad” and I’m in heaven. While I normally don’t post recipes on my blog, this one I have to share because it is absolutely delicious, super healthy, and hey, it has something to do with massage.

Kale is an amazingly nutritious leafy green vegetable. It contains high amounts of beta carotene and vitamin C. It’s also rich in minerals and high in folic acid. This ‘Superfood’ is a low in carbs and high in protein. One cup of cooked kale contains :
– 50 Calories
– 10 gm of Carbohydrates
– 3 gm of protein
– 2 to 3 gm of fiber
– 8000 IUs Vitamin A
– 150 to 200 mg of Calcium
– 30 mg of Magnesium
– 2 mg of Iron
– 300 mg of Potassium
– 125 mg of Vitamin C
– Less than 50 mg of Sodium
– 40 mcg of Folic acid

The high calcium and magnesium content of kale helps in building bones and is great for preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin A and C are antioxidants that protect against many degenerative diseases. The high potassium and low sodium content of Kale makes it an alkaline food and helps those who suffer from acidity and other digestive disorders. Potassium also reduces blood pressure and helps in fighting heart disease. Being a cruciferous vegetable, Kale contains sulfur compounds which help in fighting cancer.
Now, onto my new favorite salad…

Michelle’s Massaged Kale Salad

1 bunch curly kale
½ cup cooked quinoa
½ cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 carrots, peeled & grated
1 avocado, cubed
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2-4 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbs. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. sea salt
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Rinse kale and tear the leaves from the stem. Rip them into smaller pieces. Place in a big bowl with the quinoa, onion, carrot, and avocado.

In a separate small bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, and sea salt.

Now, here’s the fun part: With both hands firmly massage all the ingredients together. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Massage the avocado into the kale so that it smooshes and there are no more chunks. Do this for about one minute so that all the leaves are covered with the dressing. This massage, together with the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, helps to tenderize the kale.

Finally, add the tomatoes, gently toss the salad, and put it into the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. I like to make this salad the day before I plan to eat it and let all the juices sink in. Remember, the longer it stays in the fridge, the better it gets!

Just before serving, give it a hearty round of freshly ground pepper and taste to see if it needs more salt.
You can beef up this recipe with more grated carrot, avocado and additional quinoa if you like. ENJOY!

December 30, 2010 In Giveaways, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Touch Therapy & Sex, Uncategorized, Women

New Year’s Hangover Help

It’s New Year’s Eve! In preparation of a BIG night ahead, read on for a few quick, easy reflexology techniques for hangover help.

Rather than just lying in bed waiting for the alcohol to seep out of your body so you can feel better, be proactive and take control of your hangover. Try reflexology on the reflex areas of the body that need the most help, namely the liver, kidneys, stomach, brain and solar plexus.

Start with your liver point in order to help push out the remaining alcohol in your body. This is located on the outer edge of the right foot, starting from about the middle of the foot. This area is approximated the size of a quarter. Press here for 10 seconds, release and repeat again.
Next, move to the kidneys, which coordinate with the liver in the elimination process, and drink lots of water! This reflex area is located on both feet, in the middle of the foot moving towards the heel. Press for 10 seconds, release & repeat.

To get rid of a headache, press the fleshy part of both big toes, just behind the nail. You can apply firm pressure here. Some people even use clothespins on their big toes to prevent and relieve headaches.
If you’re experiencing nausea, stimulate the stomach point, located on the inner edge of both feet about midway between the heel and toes. Finally, stimulate the solar plexus region, located in the middle of both feet, if you find your entire sense of center has been disrupted by the hangover.

**In addition to these techniques for hangover help, I personally recommend an icy Coke and a large order of McDonald’s fries. Good luck! And pass this on to friends in need…

November 2, 2010 In Baby Massage, Giveaways, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Uncategorized, Women

Rub-a-Dub with BABY MASSAGE

Read about the fantastic benefits of baby massage and our Baby Massage Onesie…http://fitbottomedbabies.com/2010/10/rub-a-dub/

Massage is a lovely way for you to express your love and care for your baby. Massage can soothe your baby and help her to sleep, try also using a baby lovie from https://makaboo.com/Gifts/angel-dear-lovie/ for your baby.

Massage has many added benefits for your baby, including improving weight gain, aiding digestion, improving circulation, and easing teething pain. Massage is a great way for you and your partner to bond with your baby, and you may find it relaxing, too!
What is baby massage?
Baby massage is gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body with your hands. You can use oils or a moisturiser to help your hands to glide smoothly over your baby’s skin. As part of your massage routine, you can gently manipulate your baby’s ankles, wrists and fingers. You can talk softly, hum or sing to your baby while you are massaging, which may make it more reassuring for your baby.

The soothing strokes of your hands stimulate the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin in you, your baby and even your partner, if he’s watching. Oxytocin is the hormone that gives you that warm, loving feeling when you hold your baby close or breastfeed her.
What are the benefits of baby massage?
There are lots of ways baby massage can benefit not just your baby, but you and your partner as well. Massage may help your baby to:
develop mentally, socially and physically
stay relaxed and not get upset
cry and fuss less
sleep better

One study found that massage in the early days could help newborns to recover from jaundice more quickly.

You may find that giving your baby a massage lifts your mood and helps you to feel more empowered as a parent. The time you set aside for a massage can be your special time together. As you massage your baby, it comes naturally to chat to her and have plenty of eye contact with her.

This is one reason why massage can help mums with postnatal depression, or who are at risk of depression, to interact with their babies. Find out about the other benefits of baby massage for mums with depression and their babies.

Baby massage can be great for dads, too. Some dads may miss out on a lot of the hands-on care of their babies, especially if they are at work and their baby is breastfed.

A regular massage with dad can become a routine, perhaps at bedtime, that helps to bring your baby and partner closer together. It can also help your partner if he is feeling stressed.

Massage may be particularly good for premature babies in special care, resulting in:
Improved weight gain, particularly if oils are used. Massage stimulates a key nerve, called the vagus nerve, which connects the brain with important parts of the body, including the stomach. Stimulating this nerve can improve digestion and bowel movement, helping your baby to gain weight.
A more stable heart rate. Massage improves the parts of the nervous system that regulate our organs. So massage can help to keep your premature baby’s heart rate steady.
Calmer response to stress and pain.
More stable brain activity. Premature babies who are massaged tend to have brain activity that develops at a normal level. Premature babies who are not massaged have shown a decrease in brain activity development.
These benefits may contribute to the finding that massaged premature babies tend to be well enough to go home with their families sooner than babies who aren’t massaged.