Stress-Relief Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Basic Knead by Michelle Ebbin

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August 11, 2010 In Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Uncategorized, Women

No More Back Pain!

“My back is killing me!” This is something I hear all the time. Back pain is one of the most common complaints of people all over the world. It affects about seventy-five percent of the population at some time during their adult lives, so chances are you will already have experienced, or are likely to experience, back pain severe enough to make you reduce or even stop normal activity for a while.

Most people don’t realize the importance of the spine in the well-being of their entire body until something happens and they feel a pinch between their shoulders or a spasm in their lower back. Most back pain is caused from strain in the muscles that support the spine. However, pain in the back is not just a physical problem. It is also a manifestation of anxiety and pressure. Emotional distress often surfaces in the body as chronic back pain. More specifically, emotional stress from relationships often manifests as pain in the middle back, which is directly opposite the Heart chakra.

Sudden, severe pain in the back, often the lower back, is one of the most common, painful, and disabling conditions human beings can suffer. It can occur as a result of lifting a heavy object, tripping or falling, or can be due to viral illness or emotional trauma. The pain may be felt immediately or may develop slowly, getting worse and worse each day. For the most part, the majority of acute back pain is caused by intense muscle spasms. As any woman who has gone through labor will tell you, spasms of the back muscles can be extremely painful and often unbearable. When back spasms, which are caused by a nervous reflex in the spinal cord, are so strong and persistent that they lead to inflammation, a vicious cycle is created that causes even more spasms and inflammation. Worse still, chronic back pain can lead to other problems, including neck and shoulder pain and migraine headaches.

The good news is that reflexology can provide relief, sometimes instantly, from acute and chronic back pain. I have worked with many clients who complained about back pain for years. After just a few reflexology sessions, they could not believe the improvement and relief they felt. Most people who complain of back pain find that the inner soles of their feet are extremely sensitive and tender to the touch. I recommend getting a tennis ball and rolling the arch of both feet on it, from the heel of the foot all the way to the toes and back. The pressure of the tennis ball affects the reflex area to the spine just as well as your fingers can affect it. By leaning some of your body weight onto the ball with your foot on top, you can control the pressure and allow the ball to sink in deeply. I find this to be a very relaxing yet invigorating way to start the day.

For the spine reflex point, work your thumbs up and down the inner soles of your feet, concentrating on the area of your back that needs it the most. For lower back pain, spend more time on the area along the inner sole between the heel and the middle of the foot. For middle back pain, work your thumbs along the middle section of the inner edge. For upper back problems, including neck pain, work the area along the inner edge of the foot from middle of the foot to the base of the big toe. To stimulate the entire back, begin at the heel and thumb-walk up the inner edge of the foot all the way to the base of the big toe. Do this several times, spending extra time on any area that feels tender or “grainy.”

Next, work on the reflex area neck region to relieve pressure and discomfort. This is located at the base of the big toe on both feet. This will also help your entire back, since seven of the spine’s thirty-three vertebrae are located here! Similarly, work the shoulder area, located on the outer edge of both feet from just below your pinky toe to the middle of the foot, to alleviate the discomfort and de-stress the entire upper body.

If you stimulate these areas regularly, you can relieve and even prevent back pain from ruining your day!

July 29, 2010 In Baby Massage, Health & Well-Being, Massage, Massage Lotion & OIl, Men, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Toddler Massage, Touch Therapy & Sex, Uncategorized, Weight Issues, Women

Silky Skin Tip: The Best Moisturizer & Massage Oil

People often ask me what I recommend to use for massage and for daily after-shower moisturizing. While I have to admit I am a sucker for delicious-smelling, rich creamy lotions in beautiful packaging, when it comes time to slather something on own skin, I always reach for one thing, Sesame Oil, and I’ll tell you why.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It breathes and absorbs, so whatever you put on it is ingested into the bloodstream to become raw material for tissue building. After learning this, I started thinking of body products as food for my skin and just as I feed my body, I want to feed my skin with healthy moisturizing natural products as amazon eye masks for baby.

More importantly, in 2004, research from the Marin County Cancer Project concerning harmful chemicals in everyday personal care products confirmed my belief that using all-natural products on the body is the only way to go.

In April 2002, Judy Shils started the Marin Cancer Project after attending a meeting where county leadership announced that breast cancer rates in Marin County, California had risen 60 percent in eight years. At the meeting, announcements were made that funds didn’t exist to do the necessary studies that would uncover the cancer’s cause. As Shils watched one of her close friends struggle to overcome breast cancer, she believed it was her responsibility to take care of the problem.

In November 2002, after mobilizing more than 2,000 volunteers, the Marin County Cancer Project surveyed 65,000 households and raised $150,000 dollars to map out the cause of cancer rates in each Marin County city and town. After two years of research, the project has published the following list of 15 chemicals found in everyday personal care products such as cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions, and shaving creams that are toxic, in order to educate the public about the possible health concerns for each.

I don’t want to scare you, but I do believe that after reading this list you will want to read the ingredients on the labels of the lotions in your bathroom and clean house. Sesame Oil, is an all-natural, light, clean, unscented moisturizer and massage oil. It is inexpensive and leaves a silky, not greasy, finish on your skin when used after a bath or shower. If you want a scent, you can always add a few drops of essential aromatherapy oil. (I like lavender and geranium.) Give Sesame Oil a try, I think you’ll like it! But first, read this list of chemicals to avoid in your personal care products (and forward this article to friends who you care about):

1. Butyl Acetate

• Function: This chemical is a solvent that prevents chipping.

• Product types: nail polishes and treatments such as strengtheners, hardeners and base coats.

• Health concerns: Continuous use of products with this chemical cause dry, cracked skin, and the vapors induce drowsiness and dizziness.

2. Butylated Hydroxytoluene

• Function: As an anti-oxidant, this product slows the amount of time it takes for products to change color.

• Product types: lip makeup, moisturizer, eye makeup, anti-aging treatment, foundation, fragrance, bar soap, shaving products, anti-perspirant/deodorant, concealer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, body wash, blush, shampoo, conditioner, acne treatment, body lotion/oil, powder, makeup remover, depilatory cream, toothpaste, styling product, exfoliator, and nail treatments.

• Health concerns: Eye and skin irritant.

3. Coal Tar

• Function: This chemical helps stop itching, controls eczema, and makes hard, scaly, rough skin soft. It is also used as a colorant in hair dyes.

• Product types: shampoos and hair dyes.

• Health concerns: International agency government research on cancer says there is enough evidence to suggest that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans. Coal tar has been banned by the European Union since 2004.

4. Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA

• Function: This chemical is used in shampoos and bath products as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics and as a foaming and cleansing agent to improve how one’s mouth feels.

• Product Types: shampoo, body wash/cleansers, bath oils, facial cleanser, liquid hand soap, bar soap, acne treatment, baby wash, shaving products, body scrubs, foot odor/cream/treatment, deodorant, moisturizer, and hair dye/spray.

• Health Concerns: This chemical may be infected with impurities connected with certain types of cancers. After absorption through the skin, it can create carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. Insufficient toxicity data is available to determine the safety of the product when inhaled.

5. Diazolidinyl Urea

• Function: This chemical releases formaldehyde and acts as a preservative.

• Product Types: moisturizer, styling products, shampoo/conditioner, hair spray/dyes, anti-aging treatment, facial cleanser, sunscreen, facial moisturizer, foundation, eye makeup, acne treatment, mascara, body wash/cleansers, deodorant, concealer, exfoliator, powder, body scrubs, bath oils/salts, eye/contact care, lip makeup, shaving products, after-sun product, douche/personal cleanser, makeup remover/depilatory cream/hair remover, liquid hand soap, nail treatments, pain relief rub/ointment, and fragrance.

• Health Concerns: It may contain carcinogenic impurities and is associated with other significant health problems.

6. Ethyl Acetate

• Function: Solvent.

• Product Types: nail polish, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume.

• Health Concerns: eye and skin irritant.

7. Formaldehyde

• Function: This chemical acts as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, and preservative.

• Product Types: deodorants, nail polish, soap, shampoo, and shaving products.

• Health Concerns: This is considered a possible human carcinogen, may trigger asthma, irritates eyes and the upper respiratory tract, can damage DNA, and is banned by the European Union.

8. Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl)

• Function: These are a large group of chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacteria, yeast, and mold formations in products such as toothpaste.

• Product Types: moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair styling gels, nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and baby lotions.

• Health Concerns: This chemical may impair fertility; alter hormone levels; increase risks for certain types of cancers; alter reproductive development, cause skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions; and some studies have found parabens in breast tumors.

9. Propylene Glycol

• Function: This chemical acts as a penetration enhancer and keeps products from melting in high heat or freezing when it is cold.

• Product Types: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, and mascara.

• Health Concerns: This chemical alters the structure of the skin by allowing chemicals to penetrate deep beneath it while increasing their ability to reach the blood stream. It can also be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.

10. Phthalates

• Function: These are industrial chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in cosmetics.

• Product Types: nail polish, deodorant, fragrance, hair spray, hair gel/mousse, and lotions.

• Health Concerns: Phthalates can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs and acts as a reproductive toxin in males.

11. Triethanolamine

• Function: This is used as a coating ingredient for fresh fruits and is used as a dispersing ingredient.

• Product Types: hand and body lotions, shaving products, soaps, shampoos, and bath powders.

• Health Concerns: This chemical can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds (these are compounds formed when nitrates react with anime, a natural chemical found in food and in the body) that creates one of the most potent cancer-causing agents. Based on limited data, it has been shown to cause cancer in humans.

12. Talc

• Function: Talc is designed to absorb moisture.

• Product Types: blush, powder eye shadow, perfumed powder, baby powder, deodorant, and soap.

• Health Concerns: Talc is a proven carcinogen and is linked to ovarian cancer. The chemical has particles similar to asbestos and data suggests that it can cause lung tumors.

13. Toluene

• Function: This is used as a solvent that improves adhesion and gloss.

• Product Types: nail polish and hair dyes.

• Health Concerns: This product is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin that reduces the chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy while decreasing fertility. Although there is limited data, it may also cause cancer. It also contains possible gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, and blood toxins. It is also harmful for inhalation and for the respiratory tract.

14. Petrolatum

• Function: This is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on skin, making lipstick shine and creams smoother and skin softer.

• Product Types: Almost every personal care product, especially creams, lotions, wax depilatories, eyebrow pencils, eye shadow, liquid powder, and lipstick.

• Health Concerns: This chemical may contain harmful impurities that may break down into chemicals linked to cancer. It also may cause allergic reactions and other significant health problems. It is banned by the European Union.

15. Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate

• Function: Acts as a penetration enhancer.

• Product Types: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash, face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara, shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover, perfume, cologne.

Health Concerns: This chemical alters the structure of the skin and allows chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amount of chemicals reaching the blood stream.

July 22, 2010 In Health & Well-Being, Massage, Men, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Weight Issues, Women

Reflexology Tips for Weight Loss/Gain

Whether you want to lose weight or gain weight, a key element in both processes is your metabolism. You’ve probably heard it many times, but do you really know what it is? Metabolism is the body’s process of converting food into energy (movement and heat). It takes place in your muscles and organs, as the result of what we commonly refer to as “burning calories”.

Metabolism is essentially the speed at which your body’s motor is running. To lose weight, you must try a In home personal training to increase your metabolism, exercise and diet. To gain weight, (which is usually not what most people want to do!), you must slow your metabolism through changes in diet and sometimes medications.

The good news is that Reflexology, the ancient practice of stimulating the feet to reduce stress and improve your overall health and wellbeing, can help you whether you’re trying to lose or gain a few pounds. It does so by regulating your metabolism and helping control your appetite.

Reflexology is an easy-to-use, natural, holistic therapy that can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime. More than just a fabulous foot massage, it’s been used for centuries to stimulate organs, restore the body’s natural equilibrium and jump start it’s own healing ability.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to using Reflexology to aid you in your weight loss or gain, you can get very helpful tips from www.resultswithlucy.com. Use the image from Michelle Ebbin’s Reflexology Sox to locate the specific areas on your feet.

For those hoping to lose weight, you should stimulate the thyroid area to boost your metabolism. Also stimulate the pineal gland (located near the reflex area to the brain) to suppress an overactive appetite, the kidneys for proper elimination, and the liver, the colon, and the small intestine for detoxifying.

For those wishing to gain weight try taking a supplement from https://www.probolan50ervaring.com/ also focus on the brain reflex point, the solar plexus (to better regulate all organ functions), the stomach to encourage a healthy appetite, and the thyroid to regulate metabolism so your body slows the rate at which it burns calories.

July 19, 2010 In Massage, Men, Reflexology, Stress-Relief, Women

A Natural Way to Stress Relief – Soothing Your Solar Plexus

In this day and age, who isn’t anxious once in a while? It’s a chaotic world, and it is often hard to let go of the day’s problems and really relax. Unfortunately this is very damaging to our entire system. Most doctors agree that over seventy-five percent of our health problems today can be linked to stress and tension. When we fail to manage stress, our body’s defense mechanism begins to break down, making us more susceptible to illness and disease. Physicians often point to anxiety and stress as the main source of many sexual problems, as well a whole slew of associated discomforts (like headaches, high blood pressure, depression, and ulcers).

In addition to deep breathing and turning to meditation as a way of relieving anxiety, reflexology is extremely effective for calming and balancing the nervous system. It can help you let go of tension and soothe your mind. Reflexology is a drug-free coping mechanism for stress and a way to get in touch with what’s happening on the inside.

For a quick route to stress relief, stimulate the reflex area to the SOLAR PLEXUS, which is considered the “nerve switchboard of the body.”

The reflex area to the solar plexus is located on both feet, in the center of the foot just beneath the diaphragm line. This is a great starting point to relax yourself or your partner. Press the solar plexus point for twenty to thirty seconds to balance your nervous system and begin the process of reestablishing inner calm. Repeat this several times on each foot.

What is it? The SOLAR PLEXUS is a network of nerves, located behind the stomach and in front of the diaphragm, which sends energy impulses to the upper middle part of the abdomen. Its purpose is to help balance the sympathetic nervous system, regulate the functions of the organs, and restore calm. The solar plexus has been called the abdominal brain because it influences the nerves in the abdomen. It’s often affected by stress, anger, and depression.

How can reflexology help?

Stimulating the reflex to the solar plexus can relax the entire body and bring overall stress relief. It also promotes better, deeper breathing, and relieves the discomfort of allergies, asthma, and even acne.

Located in the center of the body, the solar plexus reflex point is also the center of the third chakra, the Solar Plexus chakra, which relates to your personal power. This chakra is where the personality is formed. Stimulate this area to better express your individuality and strength.

July 14, 2010 In Massage, Men, Reflexology, Research Studies, Stress-Relief, Women

Headache Help with Reflexology and Kratom

Every year, more than 10 million people visit a doctor or an Emergency Room because of headache. Here’s a way for you to naturally relieve and even prevent headaches before they are a stop in your tracks and you could start with kratom.

How to Get Rid of Headaches:

Brain: The main reflexology area for headaches is the reflexology area to the brain, located on the big toe of both feet, in the fleshy part behind the toe nail. To relieve headaches, pinch both big toes with your thumb and index finger for ten seconds. Release and then press again for 10 seconds. Some people like to use clothespins and clip them to their toes for extra pressure. You can also make small circles with your thumb in the flesh of the big toe. Pressing here will release congested energy, ease your aching head, and send healing energy throughout your entire body.

Neck: I also suggest stimulating the reflexology area to the neck, which is located at the base of the big toe on both feet. Make small circles here with your thumbs. Many people get headaches due to neck tension so by increasing circulation to the neck, you can effectively relieve a headache.

Eyes: Many people get headaches due to eye strain so I suggest stimulating the reflex area to the eye, located on both feet at the base of the second and third toes. Press here for ten seconds, release, and then make small circles with your thumbs.

Solar Plexus: I also suggest stimulating the Solar Plexus, located on both feet, in the middle of the foot. The Solar Plexus is the nerve center of the body so pressing here can relax the entire body and restore a sense of calm and wholeness.

Another thing that can help is take kratom. Kratom a natural product that has been proven to help with different things, from a headache up to a stomachache or even anxiety. I’ve been taking kratom for a few months now and I haven’t have any common pain like those I mentioned before. Kratom is the best product when it comes to price and quality, and you can check it yourself at https://Kratommasters.com/.

July 13, 2010 In Massage, Pregnancy, Stress-Relief, Women

Healthy Pregnancy Massage Tips

July 13, 2010 In Massage, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Stress-Relief, Women

Anti-Swelling Help for Moms-to-Be

July 9, 2010 In Massage, Men, Reflexology, Stress-Relief, Touch Therapy & Sex, Women

Reflexology Tips for a Better Sex Life

As a reflexology and massage expert, people often ask me if there are “sex points” on their feet that can be stimulated to turn on their partner (or themselves). The answer is YES! One of the most important aspects of reflexology is that it provides you with an awareness of your body’s organs, muscles, structures, and systems. More than just a fabulous foot massage, it’s been used for centuries to stimulate organs, restore the body’s natural equilibrium and jump start it’s own healing ability. Reflexology is an easy-to-use, natural therapy that can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime…and it can give your sex life the boost it needs.

For a better sex life, try touching the following areas on your partner’s body and on the corresponding reflexology areas on the feet:

Sexual Hot Spots

1. Brain: The brain is the largest sex organ in the body, so make sure to hit this hot spot. Run your fingers through your partner’s hair and massage the scalp to relax the mind and awaken the senses.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On both feet, rub the fleshy part of the big toe (behind the nail), to stimulate sensory receptors, improve circulation & even relieve/prevent headaches. It’s said that 90% if sex takes place in the mind, so get “sex on your mind.”

2. Ankles: The inside & outside of the ankles are sensitive spots with many nerve endings that correspond directly to the most important erogenous zones of the body.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: The Vagina and Penis and the Uterus and Prostate, the ultimate hot spots of the body, are located on the hollow areas just under the ankle bones on the inside of both feet. Pressing here is a direct energy channel to these responsive sexual organs. Start gently with slow thumb circles to unleash your partner’s hidden passion.

On the outside of both feet, located on the hollows just under the anklebones, are the reflex areas to the Ovaries and Testicles, sensitive areas that are vital for reproductive health. Press here to help PMS, fertility, strengthen libido and improve performance.

3. Breast/Chest: Relax your partner’s chest & stimulate the network of nerve endings in the breasts. Stimulating the nipples can significantly affect the genitals and get things going quickly. Tip: Smaller breasts are more sensitive while larger breasts can be stimulated more forcefully.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On the soles of both feet, located in the middle/upper part of the foot, lies the reflexology area that corresponds to the chest and breast. Massaging here can actually send waves of energy to the sensitive nipples and also penis and vagina as well.

4. Stomach: The stomach is one of the most sensual places to touch both men and women. The area between the pelvic bone and belly button encourages blood flow to the entire sexual region. Arouse and excite your partner by focusing here. Run your tongue from her bellybutton down to her infield. Along the way, massage her stomach and hips.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On the soles of both feet, press along the inner edge of the middle part of the foot. This can relax the stomach and improve the circulation in this area. A light touch here is very arousing.

5. The Back: Caress and gently massage your partner’s back, especially close to the spine, which is rich with nerve endings. Touching it, specifically the lower back, during intercourse will stimulate her even more.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On the soles of both feet, press along the inner edge of the feet from heel to toe. This can loosen your spine to improve circulation & blood flow to the sensitive nerves of the back. Pay special attention to the lower back, the area from the heel to the middle of the foot along the inner edge. This can awaken chakra energy and relieve/prevent backaches.

6. Ears: Your ears have as many sensitive reflexology areas as the hands and feet. Gently massaging them with your fingers and even licking or nibbling the earlobes can arouse your partner. In addition, as the mind is the largest sex organ in the body, setting the scene with music is an oft-overlooked step in getting the kitty to purr. Research shows that music can activate the same brain structures that are aroused during sex. So pay attention to the ears
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On the soles of both feet, press gently on the area at the base of the fourth and fifth toes. Press here to open passageways, stimulate the ears and hear your partner better.

7. Eyes: Delicately kiss her eyelids, forcing her to close her eyes and enjoy the sensation. Why stimulate the eyes? Because the thin skin of the eyelids is similar to that of the scrotum – both lack subcutaneous fat, pushing the nerves close to the surface. So, eyelids are as sensitive as balls, who knew?!
Corresponding Reflexology Area: On the soles of both feet, press gently on the area between the base of the second and middle toes. Stimulating here can improve eyesight.

8. Legs & Hips: Begin by gently kissing the backs of her knees, then follow by caressing and massaging the legs and hips. Every square inch of skin contains more than 1,000 nerve endings. So no inch of her should be ignored. And skin that rarely sees sun is extra-sensitive.
Corresponding Reflexology Area: Press along the outer edges of both feet, starting at the middle of the foot and moving down towards the heel. The front of the hips, inner thighs and just above the knee are sensitive erogenous areas for men and women. Massaging this area will get the blood flowing in these areas & loosen up the hips.