Health and Fitness Oasis

Swedish massage refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax the muscles through the application of pressure against deeper muscles and bones. This technique was developed in the 1700 by a Swedish doctor named Per henrik Ling.

The technique of Swedish massage uses five basic strokes: sliding or gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, cross fiber and rhythmic shaking. Research shows it is helpful for individuals who have poor circulation. By flushing the tissues of the lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes building up during an injury, circulation to the area is increased without increasing the load on the heart.

Stress
Swedish massage helps stimulate the skin and nervous system and reduces both emotional and physical stress. In fact, some psychologists suggest a regular program of Swedish massage for stress management. Read the rest of this entry »

Hot baths do warrant a word of caution before we continue here.  Check the temperature carefully. While we say “hot bath” the water would feel better if it was warm to the touch but not scalding. It is hard to relax when you are sustaining third-degree burns.

Also, if you suffer from any condition where hot baths are contraindicated, don’t attempt them. This goes for pregnancy as well as if you have circulatory issues. You don’t want to faint and fall as you get out of the tub, because this can cause serious injury. Read the rest of this entry »

To help increase your immune system and decrease your stress level as well, try exercise, as movement is the key word here. Bending, stretching, reaching and walking. There’s really no need to buy any expensive equipment either, as you can implement more movement into your daily routine and reap the benefits.

If you like aerobic exercise, you should grab a partner and have a blast with one of the basic erobic videos. Or, you can simply go out for a walk and enjoy spending time together. As you may have heard, walking really is the best overall exercise you can do for your health. As long as
you have a pair of walking shoes, you’ll be fine. Read the rest of this entry »

Glutamine occurs naturally in your body. It is an amino acid which your body produces in abundance. It can be found circulating in the blood stream and it is stored in the skeletal muscles. However, if your body is not getting enough glutamine to supply the rest of your body, it will steal it from the muscles’ supply. 

We don’t want this situation because glutamine then becomes what is considered as ‘conditionally essential’. Simply stated, even though your body can make glutamine, there are times when your body’s need for glutamine is greater than its ability to produce glutamine.

During periods of stress, including extreme exercise, glutamine is literally torn away from the muscles. This weakening can cause muscle wasting while also lowering your immune function. This results in the need to replenish the depleted amounts following exercise, as well as prior to bedtime.

Read the rest of this entry »