The US Open of Surfing is upon us once again. Living in Orange County has many perks, not only do many pro surfers live in the area but the annual US Open is held at the Huntington Beach pier every year. If you want to see some amazing talent in not only surfing but skateboarding, art, BMX and music then you need to stop by downtown Huntington between July 31-August 8, 2010.

As a massage studio in Fountain Valley (neighboring city to Huntington Beach) we have the pleasure of staking claim of the lead massage therapist to the pro surfers at the US Open. One of our own, HERNANE MAYANG, has been the lead therapist at the US Open for the past 4 years! Hernane is one of the best! Being constantly booked with regulars and at times hard to get in with is just proof that he is a devoted, nurturing, educated therapist. Needless to say we are very proud to have him on our staff here at Elements.

For more information on this event go to the event website:
www.usopenofsurfing.com

KC's Rad Recipes

HUMMUS RECIPE

Here is a Hummus Recipe I was able to get from a wonderful little Mediterranean Restaurant that I ate at in Shanghai, China of all places! It is very simple and delicious. I add a little extra garlic ;)

Try it with Veggies or Pita Chips.

1 - 16oz Can of Garbanzo Beans (drained)
2Tbs Tahini Sauce
1Tbs Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Clove Garlic
1/4 Cup Cold Water
4Tbs Olive Oil

Place garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, salt, garlic and water in blender and puree until smooth.

Mix 2 table spoons olive oil by hand and place in serving dish.

Pour the remaining olive oil on top, garnish with snipped parsley and a pinch of ground cayenne.

Serve with pita bread, pita chips or vegetables. Enjoy!

Bob Intro YT.mov

This is Bob, he is the Chief Growth Officer for Elements Therapeutic Massage. The Big T Network is a Channel they have created to keep everyone updated in what Elements is doing. This video explains what Elements is all about.

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the belief that specific points of the feet are closely related to other body parts. It is also known as “Zone Therapy” because each zone on the foot correlates with a specific part, gland and organ. A reflexologist will massage the feet in a way that helps restore balance and maintain equilibrium. Today, reflexology is used as a therapeutic treatment for a full range of conditions, including back pain, sports injuries, migraines, and arthritis. Stress and tension release is the most common condition that people today treat with Reflexology.

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines reflexology as:

"A natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands and ears and their referral areas within zone related areas, which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes without the use of tools, crèmes or lotions, the feet being the primary area of application, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and helps promote the natural function of the related areas of the body."

Pain in the Neck

Do you suffer from neck pain? If you do, you’re not alone. Nearly 75 percent of American adults will suffer from neck pain at some point in their lives. And, looking at our anatomy, it’s no wonder so many of us do. Though having your head perched on top of your spine gives you a great view of your environment, the set-up is rather like propping a bowling ball atop a tower of blocks. The price? Our necks are prone to injury of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. But by paying attention to our posture, doing regular stretching and strengthening exercises, and getting regular massage, we can help keep our necks pain-free.

Exercises for the Neck

Neck pain is often caused by weak muscles in the front and tight, overactive muscles in the back of the neck. Doing daily strengthening and stretching exercises can be helpful in preventing neck pain.

Try the following exercises:

Lie flat on your back. Tuck your chin to chest and raise your head no more than an inch off the floor or bed. Hold this position until your muscles are tired (they may shake). Do this exercise three times, once or twice per day.

In a standing or sitting position, with your neck erect and tall, keep your chin level and jut your head forward. Then, drop your chin to your neck. Place your hands on the back of your head to gently encourage a stretch of the muscles at the back of the neck. Hold this position for several seconds. Do this exercise three to fives times, as much as once an hour, every day.

Looking straight ahead, tilt your head to one shoulder. With the same-side hand, gently pull your head toward your shoulder. Hold the stretch for several seconds. Repeat on the opposite side. Do this exercise three to five times on each side, as often as once an hour, every day.

Concerts in the Park

CONCERTS IN THE PARK
at Fountain Valley Sports Park
Starts on July 1, 2010 at 6:00PM
Ends on July 1, 2010 at 8:00PM
Opening concert on July 1 with the first band OPEN WIDE!

Don't forget to bring your picnic blankets and chairs to each event! There will be picnic style games for the kids and food items available at each concert.

This is a great event to break up the week and join family & friends for a FREE night out.

Open Wide is a classic rock band composed of practicing dentists from Orange County.

The band has been performing since 1998, and consists of almost all dentists. The band performs classic rock and roll from the fifties through the nineties, including selections from The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Jefferson Airplane, Brian Setzer, The Doobie Brothers, The Doors, and many, many more.

This is a great band for dancing and for all ages.

Check out our other concerts and events coming up this summer at www.fountainvalley.org.

Kitten Performing Shiatsu Massage

This adorable kitten gives another kitten a deep massage. We just couldn't help ourselves and had to re-post, so precious.