Monday, December 29, 2008

Cellulite Massage 101

By Deborah G Hutton

Due to the shape of a woman's body their hips, stomachs and thighs are often susceptible to fat deposits. Some of these deposits exist just below the skin and it is this that causes the dimpling of the skin called cellulite. Because of its unsightly appearance many women are horrified about the condition and particularly would do anything to get rid of cellulite.

The appearance of cellulite can be reduced by a number of different treatments. A popular cellulite treatment is massage. By smoothing the lumpy fat deposits out and improving the blood circulation to the cellulite areas, massage can help improve the look of the skin.

Massage for cellulite can be done at home or by a therapist at a beauty spa. You or the therapist could use a machine, or you may want to opt for self-massage. Massage is effective especially when combined with other known treatments such as cream, laser or body wraps. When done at home it is a cost effective alternative which can produce excellent results when conducted properly.

As with any other type of massage, it is best to use massage oil when doing cellulite self-massage. There are a particular set of oils which are thought to help the fat loss process and aid cellulite removal. The best person to talk to about these products is your beauty therapist or local suppler of natural oils.

If you have cellulite on your hips or abdomen / stomach you should use two hands. You want a kneading-type motion where you lift up the skin and cellulite with one hand and then drop it into the other. Make sure you are gentle.

After you have massaged the problem areas with that type of motion switch to using circular motions. It is thought it is best to use clockwise motions only as this is the natural direction of your digestive process. It is not recommended to massage your stomach area when you are pregnant. Otherwise you may hurt the developing baby.

For the cellulite on your thighs, stroke upwards from your knee and towards your inner thigh. Next, gently stroke behind your knee and upwards towards your buttocks.

Also switch to a kneading-like motion once you have done enough of the long strokes.

A great way to increase the cellulite reduction is to use a combination of self-massage and other treatments. Some cheap methods could include drinking more water, weight loss diets, increasing your levels of exercise or using a cellulite cream. The use of a loofah sponge on the affected areas when in the bath or shower can also help out the self-massage.

Using a cellulite massage machine can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. There are home units available that mean you can self-massage in the privacy of your own home. Many beauty spa also have commercial machines that they use on their private clients. - 15343

About the Author:

What You Should Ask About Shingles Disease

By Rashel Dan

It is estimated that a million people in America get shingles every year. If you have no idea what shingles disease is, you should ask questions about it. You or a loved one could be at risk of suffering from shingles disease.

What causes shingles?

This disease is closely associated with chicken pox. This is because the virus varicella zoster which causes chicken pox is also the cause of shingles disease. In addition, a person can only suffer from shingles if he has had chicken pox in the past. This is because the chicken pox virus lies dormant after patient recuperation and can recur at some point in the person's life as shingles.

Is it the same as herpes?

The disease is also called herpes zoster sometimes. Some other skin diseases may also carry the name herpes. Shingles disease however and some other skin diseases carrying the name herpes is not the same as genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted disease.

Who is at risk of having shingles?

People who have had chicken pox is likely to get shingles as well. Most of the time though children and young adults who still have strong immune systems may still be able to avoid the illness. Those who are at high risk of developing shingles disease are those with weakened immune systems. These include the elderly and those who are extremely stressed out or fatigued. Of course, people who are severely sick with cancer, AIDS, leukemia and other illnesses also have a higher risk of developing shingles disease.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Another term used for the disease is St. Anthony's Fire because of the enduring pain that seems to come from the nerves to the muscles and tissues. Aside from the pain, one will also develop reddish blisters. Fever, chills, fatigue, headache and stomach pains also accompany shingles. Of course, the rashes or blisters may also feel a little itchy.

Are there any complications that follow shingles?

There are also instances wherein people who have experienced shingles get it again for the second time. In some cases, even if shingles does not recur, an individual may experience post herpetic neuralgia. This is an enduring and chronic pain usually among the elderly that may go on long after the shingles disease has been treated. In rare instances, shingles can cause some paralysis, encephalitis, pneumonia, blindness, ear problems and even death.

Can shingles spread?

A person with fresh or active blisters can pass the virus to people who have never had chicken pox and have not been vaccinated. It cannot however, be transmitted through casual, indirect contact. Once the blisters develop a crust, the virus can no longer be spread.

How do you avoid shingles?

Have yourself vaccinated against chicken pox. If you've already had chicken pox before, then you can delay the incidence of shingles disease by keeping your immune system strong and healthy. People with shingles should keep blisters covered to avoid transmitting the virus to others. - 15343

About the Author:

Forget Gym Membership - Try The Firm Wave

By Carol J Bartram

Working out at home for many is the only option open to them. It would be great if they could regularly visit a Gym because there they would find expert advice, equipment suitable for all levels of expertise and a multitude of great exercise classes they could take to help them in their weight loss goals.

But in practice, it just isn't that easy. Unless the gym is on your doorstep, you have to find time to get there on a regular basis, get changed, work out, shower, and get on your way again " I find that I cant do it in less than 2 hours per visit.

The Personal Trainer at the Gym will give you a whole body workout including a warm-up, cardiovascular, strength training, cool-down and stretching routine. Although essential all of this can easily take you over an hour to do. In some cases the routines are so involved it could take you over 90 minutes to complete.

Most people just don't have the time required to make effective use of their Gym membership and just get stressed out because they can't there as often as they'd like.

What's the answer. You know you can't stop exercising because that's what's helping you to lose weight but you can't find the time to go to the Gym. Your in a "Catch 22" situation.

Your salvation is Home Workout equipment like the Firm Wave Personal Gym. Unlike Treadmills which take up a lot of space and lets face it look pretty ugly the Wave takes up almost no space and can be stored under the bed. Combined with a small price tag (less than $100) makes this type of equipment highly desirable.

A good choice of Home Workout Equipment would have to be the Firms Wave. This Personal Gym will give you the best of both worlds. You can still do all your Cardiovascular (Cardio), Strength Training and Stretching on it. But you can do it at home. No need to travel to the Gym any more. Just jump on The Wave and you're rocking your way to that body you've always wished you'd had. - 15343

About the Author:

My Children's Trampoline Changed My Life

By Jane Bracken

Last year, my husband told me that he thought we should get a trampoline for our sons. I told him that I thought the boys were too young and that he must be crazy. He talked me into it, however, and now that we have it, I have to agree that he was right. The boys took to it right away.

Then, they convinced me to get on it as well. Here I was, an over 35 year old out of shape Mother, jumping on a trampoline for the first time in my life. There were times when I thought I had lost my mind completely, but seeing how much fun my sons were having jumping with me pushed all negative thoughts away. Never mind that this was supposed to be my children's trampoline- it was now a family trampoline!

We began spending more time on the former childrenas trampoline each day. Soon, I noticed that I was feeling better. My jeans began to fit better. An athlete all my life, watching my muscle tone fade slowly away with age and child bearing, the destruction of what was once strong was depressing. Watching things get back into shape though, was a rush!

Before I knew it, I was spending at least an hour on the trampoline every day and so were the boys. It was great! The physical exertion wore the boys out, and they were also getting more fit every day that went by.

The benefits for me have been tremendous. My legs, as I mentioned above, are now strong and solid again, allowing me to return to my chosen profession working with horses. My core muscles became tight, and the baby fat slowly melted away. I have more endurance for chasing my sons around the yard. My clothes all fit better in fact I had to go shopping and buy a new wardrobe!

My sister finds it hilarious that my first trampoline came along under the guise of being our children's trampoline. Since she has never seen the benefits, or experienced the pure joy of playing with kids on a trampoline, I tell her not to knock it until she tries it.

Our trampoline is still in good shape, but I have recently thought about upgrading to a bigger one. The boys are getting bigger and starting to outgrow this one, and some of the newer ones come in rectangular shapes, which have more room to learn some tricks. Sounds like a blast!

Is thirty-five too old to learn to jump on a trampoline? Heavens no! I think everyone should learn to jump, and experience the joy and health benefits first hand. It is a great stress reliever, muscle builder, and fat burner. The cardio-vascular benefits are amazing as well. My entire family would encourage anyone to go and get a trampoline! - 15343

About the Author:

How to Have Whiter Teeth

By Gray Rollins

Dentistry and its related technology are now formulating new products for teeth whitening because people become more concerned and conscious of their teeth nowadays. Of course, we all want to smile with pearly white teeth because it feels different if our teeth have no stains when we smile. The major concern is, are all these whitening strips, toothpastes, and dental treatment products effective?

Before we proceed on some tips to whitening teeth, let me just say that some stains are not external, because some stains begin from the inside the tooth itself and are related to medications like tetracycline, genetics, and other underlying diseases. In these cases, your dentist will suggest other things you can do to improve the way your teeth look.

Over years tooth whitening has become big business and dentists are definitely not the only ones cashing in. There are many types of over-the-counter products available to help whiten your smile. The primary categories for tooth whitening products include: Whitening Toothpastes, Mouthwash, Whitening Strips and Gums. These are home options that you can do to make your teeth whiter but some people would opt to go to the dental offices to whiten their teeth. The in-office teeth lightening procedure works very well. This is the fastest, but most expensive whitening option.

Pearly white teeth can add confidence and beauty whenever you show off a smile. It is natural for each of us to brush the teeth several times a day. Some of us are also using dental floss and mouthwash to keep the teeth clean and the mouth fresh all day long. However, sometimes, we tend to forget that some of the food and beverages that we eat and drink, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and other colorful foods, contain ingredients that can cause stains on teeth. These should be well taken care of after eating or drinking to prevent long term effect on the whiteness of the teeth.

There are many user-friendly and accessible ways of getting the teeth whiter. Different brands and products are available in any drugstores in town. Dentist can also do the bleaching process for just a few minutes in their offices or they can give you whitening or bleaching solutions for the teeth. Some people prefer to do the process by themselves using the best teeth whitening products at home.

Some solutions have side effects on gums; irritation and burns may occur, especially if your gums are sensitive or if you are allergic to some ingredients of the solution. To prevent any major problem regarding the procedure, let the dentist know if you are allergic to some chemical-based solutions or if you have undergone dental operation before so he would know what solution to use and what procedure to do to improve the condition of your teeth.

The consultation will help the dentist to inspect your gums and verify the right whitening solution suitable for your gums. In case your gums react to the solution due to allergy to one of its ingredients, stop using the solution or the product and see the dentist immediately to know what medication is needed.

Whichever way you choose to have whiter teeth, you deserve to have it. Now that teeth whiteners are already available in the market, go ahead, flash your beautiful smile with your pearly white teeth. - 15343

About the Author:

The benefits of green tea's antioxidant

By Collin James

By now you've heard about the green tea's antioxidant abilities, and how the quality of this antioxidant helps fight against dangerous diseases like cancer and heart disease. But what is an antioxidant? And why would anything that's anti-oxygen be good for you or for your bodies health?

Antioxidants don't work against oxygen. They fight against a chemical reaction called oxidation, this is the same process that turns bananas black and rusts metal. Oxidation is the interaction between oxygen molecules and the substances they come in contact with. When that substance happens to be living tissue, damage and disease can occur.

Free Radicals with in your body are highly unstable molecules that travel around your body causing nothing but major problems. Free radicals are generated by exposure to UV rays, toxins,smoking and other sources. The major source of the free radicals is from the oxygen molecule its self.

Oxygen usually travels through your body paired up with another oxygen molecule. In some cases this pairing splits into two individual oxygen molecules called singlet oxygen. When this occurs, electrons fall in short demand as there are now to many oxygen molecules. This destabilizes the molecule and in a way, throwing it off balance. In the attempt to try and fix itself it races through the body trying to find an other electron.

The single molecule does not just sit around waiting for another electron to become available, what this little bugger does is it goes around and find ones to steal. So what happens to the molecule that just had it's electron stolen, well, it goes and steals it's own from another molecule. This process of stealing back and forth causes damage to the cells and it often though to be a leading contributor to cancer, heart disease and aging.

Now, this is where having antioxidants come into play. What antioxidants do is donate an electron to the lonely free radicals so they no longer have to steel electrons to feel balanced. Your body does produce antioxidants on its own, but not early enough to aid all the free radicals. That's where green tea can help you a lot,

Among others, these include beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, the mineral selenium, and various phytochemicals such as lycopene and quercetin. But the catechins, especially EGCg, are among the most powerful and effective antioxidants of all. - 15343

About the Author:

Panic & Anxiety Attack Facts Reveled

By Rick McNew

Panic & anxiety attacks affects about 2.4 million adult Americans. The attacks most often begin during late adolescence and early adulthood. Attacks are twice as common in women as in men.

*Symptoms of the attacks can be:

*Labored breathing.

*Increased heart rate & pains in the chest.

*A great feeling of fear.

*A chocking or smothering feeling.

*Dizziness or feeling faint.

*Shaking or trembling all over.

*Sweating more than usual.

*Stomachache or feeling like you could vomit.

*Fingers and toes that are tingling or feel numb.

*Chills or feeling hot.

*A fear of death and loss of control.

Although the exact cause of the attacks is unknown they are known to run in families. The attacks can be passed on by either one of the parents. Stress can bring on an event.

Psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications like Paxil and Zoloft are often prescribed. Xanax or Klonopin are used also. Drugs for an irregular heart beat can be prescribed which are called beta blockers.

There have been some resent breakthroughs in the all natural drug free treatment areas. Sadly some people will respond will to treatment only to experience panic or anxiety attacks later in life. With the right treatment about 90% of people that get treatment find relief. For some reason many people never seek treatment.

To reduce stress and help with the symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack you can cut back on your intake of caffeine which is in chocolate, cola, coffee, & tea. Be sure to seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor before going on any over- the counter drugs or any herbal remedies because they can have chemicals in them that can heighten panic or anxiety attack symptoms.

I would like to suggest that anyone that is having attacks get some kind of help because they affect ones daily life and the overall quality of your life in a tremendous way.

I speak from personal experience because I have been married for 25 years and my wife has struggled with the attacks most of her life. She has recently found relief with the all natural non-drug treatment that has been developed over a 10 year period that is now available. The all natural treatment has helped thousands of people to finally be back in full control and be able to stop the attacks cold. - 15343

About the Author: