Massage Warsaw- Massage Therapy – Warsaw Acupuncture

Tag: Self Care

  • Oops, I did it again

    So, that’s now twice that I slipped up on Saturday.  A new low.  This cleanse business is becoming more of a “cleanse with benefits” the way things are going.  Thank goodness I’m not a nutritionist, otherwise I’d have to seriously consider looking for a new line of work.  Luckily I’m just a humble RMT whose failings on the diet front have no reflection on his skills at massage.  Whew…

    Last night’s indiscretion was mostly my fault, but I think the menu was partly to blame.  How can anyone resist such a deliciously worded menu?  The menu in question belonged to “Real Thailand” on Bloor west of Spadina.  It did not disappoint.  A real Thai restaurant, owned by real  Thai people, serving real Thai dishes.  The menu went far beyond the red/green/orange curry or the chicken/beef in ginger and had my mouth watering just reading about the mussel, king fish and shrimp soup.  So, in yet another moment of weakness, I broke down and had a fantastic dinner.  Weakness can be so yummy.

  • Cleansing Can be Tough Business

    After the initial stumble (Norwegian caviar, English chocolates…. things are tough for an RMT), I was on a bit of a roll for a while.  Nothing passed through these teeth unless it was vegetarian, gluten free and non dairy.  That is until today when a client brought in, for little ‘ol me, home cooked shrimp in an onion & tomato sauce over a bed of quinoa.  Absolutely yummy.  A little bit of a guilty pleasure, but not too much as I figure that shrimp is gluten free, dairy free and such a great, light little seafood that it’s practically vegetarian as well.  I’m starting to think that the best part of the cleansing has got to be the cheating.  And can I help but cheat when the universe seems to be conspiring to keep me well fed?

    The real reason why I cleanse, though, is for the health benefits.  Right away when I start a cleanse, my digestive system kicks into high gear and feels much more at ease.  After about a week I notice an increase in my energy levels and clarity of mind.  Also, food starts to taste better as if my taste buds have heightened senses.  And, one of my favourite side effects is that by the end of 2 or 3 weeks of cleansing, I am usually about 5 or 10 pounds lighter.  Miraculously, most of the weight seems to be from the midsection, which I am perfectly OK with.

    So, I’m back on my cleanse again and it’ll be a bit tricky as this weekend is Taste of the Danforth, so basically as soon as I walk out my front door, I am greeted by ferris wheels, amusement park rides and the smell of souvlaki, lamb and gyros.  The Taste of the Danforth is a meat lover’s paradise, but definitely not a good place for me this weekend.

  • Learning to Sit: Posture & Ergonomics for Work & School

    Office Ergonomics
    Don’t just sit there…. Get to work!”  used to be a familiar sound from the boss.  These days, however, most of us do all of our work sitting down on the job.

    As you can imagine, spending 8 hours a day in one position is not the best for our bodies.  Improper sitting can subject your body to unnecessary stress that may eventually lead to pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulder or low back.  Here are some tips to reduce discomfort:

    • Don’t remain in one position for long periods. Try standing up or walking around about every 20 minutes.This routine can be incorporated into your work routine by taking phones calls, filing or reading while standing up rather than sitting. Try delivering a message to a co-worker in person rather than e-mailing or using inter-office mail.
    • Try using the hands-free option on your telephone or a headset rather than holding the phone to your ear with your shoulder as this practice over time can lead to neck and shoulder strain.
    • Listen to your body. When you feel tension or stress in certain area of your body like the neck, back and shoulders, change positions or try some gentle stretching exercises

    Position your chair at a height where:

    1. The work surface is “elbow high.”
    2. Your feet are comfortably positioned flat on the floor
    3. When working, your elbows & knees are bent at 90 degree angles

    If your chair is not adjustable, use a foot rest such as a phone book to attain this more ideal position

    Position the height of your computer screen:

    1. Sit comfortably in your newly adjusted chair
    2. Close your eyes and relax, then, slowly reopen them.
    3. Where you first gaze as you open your eyes is the place to put the center of your screen

    You can raise the height with books or a stand if needed.

  • When does stress become toxic?

    Massage for Stress

    We all need a little stress in our lives.  Some stress is necessary to give us the energy we need to deal with immediate problems, meet imminent deadlines, and face dangerous situations.  This “Good stress”, in the right quantities, can be essential for living.  But like everything else, it can be possible to have too much of a good thing.

    Too much stress can be detrimental to our health.  Here are some of the warning signs of having too much stress in our lives:

    • sleep disturbances
    • back or neck pain
    • headaches
    • stomach pain/problems
    • weight gain or loss
    • fatigue
    • high blood pressure
    • irregular heartbeat
    • shortness of breath
    • chest pain
    • cold, sweaty hands
    • eczema, psoriasis
    • jaw pain
    • frequent illness
    • nervousness, anxiety
    • depression, moodiness
    • irritability, frustration
    • memory problems
    • lack of concentration
    • trouble thinking clearly
    • feeling out of control
    • substance abuse
    • overreactions

    It is important to recognize the symptoms of stress and learn what to do about them.  If you have quite a few of the symptoms listed above, then it is definitely time to do something about it. Stress can be managed and kept at safe levels.

  • 10 Simple Ways to Manage Back Pain

    massage for back pain

    It can be confusing trying to sift through all the information out there regarding back pain.  Here are 10 simple ways to keep your back pain free and healthy

    1. Exercise regularly
    2. Follow a healthy diet
    3. Maintain good posture
    4. Stretch your spine before and after sports
    5. Don’t overload your backpack or shoulder bag
    6. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting
    7. Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder
    8. Sleep on your back or side, not on your stomach
    9. Invest in a good chair, pillow and mattress.  It’s worth it!
    10. Have regular chiropractic or massage treatments

  • How Exercising Improves Your Health

    Years ago, people who were in pain were told to rest, but now we know the exact opposite is true. When you rest, you become deconditioned — which may actually contribute to chronic pain.  Your muscles may lose strength and shrink and your body may lose stability.  As tough as it may be to start an exercise program, your body will thank you.  Here are some benefits of  exercising:

    • Help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise burns calories, which can help you drop excess pounds. This will reduce stress on your back and joints
    • Enhance your mood. Exercise improves blood and oxygen flow to your muscles and contributes to an overall sense of well-being. Looking and feeling better can improve your confidence and self-image as well.
    • Boost your energy level. Regular exercise can actually give you more energy to cope with chronic pain.
    • Improve your sleep quality. Regular exercise can lower your stress hormones, resulting in better sleep.
    • Protect your heart and blood vessels. Exercise decreases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack .
    • Help you build strength. The stronger your muscles, the more force and load you’ll take off your bones and cartilage — and the more relief you’ll feel.
    • Increase your flexibility. Joints that can move through their full range are less likely to be plagued with aches and pains.
    • Make your body release endorphins. These chemicals block pain signals from reaching your brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety and depression and stroke.