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The Christmas Season is a very stressful time for many people. One effective, stress management technique is professional massage therapy. I am posting, with permission, the following article about massage thereapy by Dr. Richard Brown. Be sure to take some time to visit Dr. Brown’s website. (Links posted at end of article.)

Article by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

Stress results in tense neck and shoulder muscles, leading to stiffness, headaches and more stress. Massage helps to relax the mind, body and spirit, providing time and space for self, and a feeling of peace, calm and well-being. It allows the nervous system to normalize itself, and may reduce many stress-related conditions, such as palpitations and raised blood pressure.

Prolonged periods of stress can subconsciously affect many systems of the body. Stress has been shown to aggravate, or even cause, such conditions as heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, memory loss and decreased immune dysfunction. Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. Massage boosts the body’s immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues.

With a therapeutic massage, stress can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, will increase energy and improve life outlook. When sustained stress is experienced daily, the brain responds in a manner known as “fight or flight”. This signals the sympathetic nervous system, which is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. Muscles tighten in our neck, shoulders and back, blood vessels constrict, eyes dilate, large amounts of energy are expended as the adrenal glands excrete hormones.

Massage breaks this tension by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s way of conserving and restoring energy). Stretching and kneading releases tight muscles and natural endorphins. This results in decreased pain, decreased heart rate and a sense of calm. Massage, when combined with traditional medical treatments, can reduce stress and promote healing in people with certain health conditions.

Massage and bodywork techniques are therapeutic in addressing chronic muscle and soft tissue strain patterns created by stress and aligns the muscles and soft tissues of the body by using a combination of specialized and advanced massage techniques. Some techniques may include: Functional muscle assessment (visual, kinesthetic, palpation), myofascial release, neuromuscular, deep tissue massage techniques, structural balancing (positioning and mobilizing), and external hot/cold applications.

For more information contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.

Note: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. It can be used as long as credit is attributed to the author by including the following section :

Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com

Facial toning by exercising the facial muscles is a non-cosmetic, non invasive method of improving your facial contour. Facial exercises help reduce wrinkles and sagging in the face by increasing muscle tone. Facial toning can also help improve your appearance by helping to reduce weight gain on the face that results in facial distortion.

To exercise your face muscles, simply perform a repetition of voluntary contractions of your facial muscles. Use a mirror to make sure you are exercising every muscle in your face. Squeeze, hold and release face muscles by making faces at yourself. Stretch your neck, squeeze and hold, then release. Perform several repetitions every day and you should notice some improvement within two weeks.

It is worth noting, however, that although theoretically possible, the effectiveness of facial toning techniques are difficult to evaluate and prove scientifically. Resistance cannot be added, so the muscles will not grow or gain much strength.

But you certainly should have some fun doing these exercises, and even if your wrinkles refuse to be defeated you will have had the satisfaction of trying. Taking care of yourself, even in small ways, is a good way to enhance your well being.

Cosmetics sales reach into the billions of dollars in any given year. People are willing to pay a lot of money to make the most of their appearance.

But beauty is only skin deep, and no amount of goop applied to your exterior can take the place of enhancing from within, the natural beauty you were born with.

Everyone is beautiful in their own way. You might not look like the currently popular fashion diva or runway glamour queen, but you certainly are beautiful. You are beautiful even if you have some blemishes, less than perfect features or disfiguring wounds, injuries or birthmarks, etc.

How do I know? I know, because with all my heart, I know that “God Don’t Make No Junk!” Everyone and everything is beautiful in their own way.

Now, I’m not against purchasing cosmetics and smearing concoctions on my face, in my hair and whatever else part of my anatomy I can reach to plaster stuff on, but I’ll share a little secret with you if you promise not to tell anyone.

Real beauty starts on the inside and works its way out!

The other secret that I want to share with you, is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Like it says on the top of this website. And that is a universal, undeniable truth!

So how to you begin enhancing your natural beauty?

Here are 10 tips to point you in the right direction.

1. Get plenty of rest.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Eat a balanced diet.

4. Take breaks to boost yur energy. Mediate, relax or take a short walk to unwind and reduce stress. Your face will thank you by relaxing its tense muscles!

5. Keep your skin and hair clean and full of moisture.

6. Use sun protection. (Unless, of course, you like the baked potato look!)

7. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

8. Drink plenty of water.

9. Treat yourself to a monthly spa or total body treatment that you can do yourself, at home.

10. Whenever possible, create and use your own, natural beauty products.

If you set some time aside every day to practice these principles you will soon find that you are creating a new outlook about both your self and your daily beauty routine.

Relax, have some fun, and enjoy taking care of yourself!