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| Biofreeze is a pain relieving gel from 'G. R. Lane Health Products Ltd'. It is a topical gel meaning that it is applied directly onto the area and it is largely used for treating pain relating to sports injuries, sore muscles, arthritis and joint pain, backache, sprains, twisted ankles, bruises and stiffness. It contains a herb called 'llex paraguariensis' which is extracted from a holly shrub found in South America. Here it has been traditionally used by the Paraguay Indians in order to enhance their own medicines. It also has a cooling effect on the area it is applied onto which can help to create a sensation somewhat akin to having an ice pack on the area. Benefits of Biofreeze There are several benefits to using Biofreeze. Of course it is first and foremost an effective painkiller and this means that it can be used to help overcome pain from injury or illness which means it is important for comfort. For non-athletes this is a useful product to have around the house to help treat twisted and sprained ankles etc that come about just from regular day-to-day living. At the same time though for athletes it is very beneficial in that it allows them to continue to train or to exert themselves and to participate in sports. It is also very useful for those who suffer from arthritis and this can provide temporary relief which may allow for them to do things they couldn't otherwise. For instance a pianist with arthritis in their fingers might find that it helps them to be able to play the piano. There are several benefits to using Biofreeze over other types of medication. The first is the fact that it is applied topically which makes it more suited to treating very localised injuries and pains. This also means that unlike medication it can be taken easily with no need for water, and will not interfere with things you eat or drink (for example you can still drink alcohol which is not advisable when taking Paracetamol). It is also helpful in that it acts almost immediately providing immediate relief rather than working after a long delay. Some people may also find it useful for more casual use. In some cases it can be used to help relax muscles during a massage for instance (it also has a light smell – rather than overpowering like many such creams – which can add to the experience of a massage), or it might be useful after exerting yourself after a jog or lots of stretching. Types Biofreeze comes in several different variations which mostly focus on the way it is applied. Most will come in a bottle of gel that can be squeezed out of the end of a tube and then rubbed into the area. This allows the user to choose how much of the gel to use on the area. Other variations on the packaging are sprays which allow Biofreeze to be sprayed lightly on an area, wipes which are similar to wet-wipes and a roll-on stick that lasts longer and may be more convenient for carrying and applying for sportsmen and women. Tip Some find that the cooling effect of Biofreeze is more noticeable after first 'heating up' the area. Thus for an enhanced effect it can be useful to try showering under hot or warm water on the affected area, drying, and then applying the Biofreeze. This makes its effects more noticeable and may also help to relax the muscles around the region. | |
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Learn more about Biofreeze which we now sell at our FV studio
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Keep Warm this Winter Season with Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Hot Stone Massage
What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide Updated October 03, 2011
(Website source: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/hot_stone.htm)
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on.
Nelson conducts workshops to train other massage therapists in LaStone. While LaStone continues to be popular, massage therapists and spas have also developed their own versions of the hot stone massage using heated, smooth rocks.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.
The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.
The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.
The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.
Why Do People Get Hot Stone Massage?
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
How Do the Hot Stones Feel?
The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat.
The stones are heated in an electrical heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control.
The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.
Cool marble stones are occasionally used during a treatment, particularly if there is inflammation.
What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back.
After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin.
The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.
You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.
A typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes long and ranges between $50 and $190.
Precautions
Massage is not recommended for certain people:- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.