By RONI CARYN RABIN

Published: September 20, 2010

Does a good massage do more than just relax your muscles? To find out, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recruited 53 healthy adults and randomly assigned 29 of them to a 45-minute session of deep-tissue Swedish massage and the other 24 to a session of light massage. All of the subjects were fitted with intravenous catheters so blood samples could be taken immediately before the massage and up to an hour afterward.

To their surprise, the researchers, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.

Volunteers who received Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood and saliva, and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. They also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Volunteers who had the light massage experienced greater increases in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment, than the Swedish massage group, and bigger decreases in adrenal corticotropin hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

The study was published online in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

The lead author, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, chairman of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, said the findings were “very, very intriguing and very, very exciting — and I’m a skeptic.”

To begin with, microdermabrasion IS used to treat superficial scarring or hyperpigmentation in the complexion.

This means that microdermabrasion removes the top layer of the skin, but it cannot offer reconstructive results for deep scarring or burns. Since it removes the top layer of skin, microdermabrasion can treat standard acne scars and hyperpigmentation from sun damage, but it will not treat skin issues deep within the epidermis that may require laser surgery or laser resurfacing.

Microdermabrasion also will NOT remove tattoos.

Even though this seems like a no-brainer, it does need to be said since many clients may have questions about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do. If a client has deep scarring or even a tattoo that they would like removed, they should be referred to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for a consultation about reconstruction for their skin issues.

The last thing to remember about microdermabrasion is that it does NOT offer miracle or instant results.

Instead, this is a useful treatment that should be administered in a series  to treat a number of their skin concerns and issues. You will see even better results if you use of microdermabrasion is coupled with the right home care products so that they can begin to transform their skin from the inside out.

It is very important to educate yourself on what microdermabrasion CAN and CANNOT do. With this you will be happier with the realistic results form microdermabrasion treatments to reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize wrinkles, smooth out the texture of their skin, and remove acne scars.

Nonetheless, there are always a few people that have questions about microdermabrasion treating severe scars, removing tattoos, or removing deep birthmarks or pigmentation. These specific cases should be referred to a professional dermatologist since they will not receive realistic results from a microdermabrasion treatment. Microdermabrasion is designed to offer professional results in resurfacing the outer layer of the skin, but for any deep or intrinsic issues within the complexion, your clients may need a consultation with a skin care specialist

Source: www.sylvancompany.com

Persimmons are also rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese.

According to Shela Gorinstein, Ph.D., a research associate with the department of medicinal chemistry in the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, eating one medium-sized persimmon (about 100 grams) a day is enough to help fight atherosclerosis.

Source: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/02/010202073923.htm

Source: pritikin.com

If you like to exercise outdoors, here are 6 tips from the exercise team at the Pritikin Longevity Center for cooling down your workout and staying safe and well.1. Drink up.

Exercising in hot weather increases our body temperature. Sure, our bodies have built-in cooling systems that help us adjust to heat. That’s why we perspire. But this natural cooling system can fail if we’re exposed to soaring temperatures for too long. The result may be heat exhaustion – that awful fatigue that makes you feel as if one more step could be your last – and even heat stroke.

If the humidity is also way up, you’re in double trouble because your sweat “sticks” to your skin; it doesn’t evaporate as readily, which can send body temperature even higher.

To keep cool, make sure first of all that you’re drinking plenty of water. Since our bodies are about 50 to 60% water, it is vital to maintain this amount. We tend to lose about 2 to 3% during typical exercise and activity, especially on hot days. Because the Pritikin Eating Plan, full of fruits and vegetables, is so rich in water, you do not need to drink water before your workout, but while you’re exercising, drink 8 to 10 ounces of water every 20 minutes. After exercise, drink more – at minimum, another 8 ounces.

“Another great way to help re-hydrate during a break in physical activity is to eat a piece of fruit, such as an apple or orange, or even carrots or celery sticks,” recommends Scott Danberg, MS, Director of Fitness at the Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa. “The fruit or veggies will also help replace valuable electrolyte loss.”

“How do I know if I’m drinking enough water?”

A good way to know that you’re hydrating properly is by checking the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow (think lemonade), you’re well hydrated. If it’s darker (heading toward the color of apple juice), drink more.

“But do be aware that some medications and supplements alter the color of urine, so this gauge, while good for many, does not work for everyone. To be safe, do drink the recommended 8 to 10 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of activity,” counsels Scott.

Don’t drink too much

Be careful not to drink too much water, called overhydration. It can lead to a problem called hyponatremia (low blood sodium). The Pritikin Eating Plan provides enough sodium for active individuals and also provides at least half of the water needed. Bottom line: Drink during and after exercise and other physical activities. At other times of the day, drink when thirsty.

Steer clear of sports drinks. They’re loaded with calories.

Sports drinks are not worth the caloric weight. The Pritikin Eating Plan maintains high carbohydrate stores (glycogen). There is no need for additional supplementation.

Sport drinks should only be considered if you’re of ideal body weight and exercising for long durations at high intensities. Even then, it’s a good idea to dilute sport drinks to avoid excessive calorie consumption.

“Eating fruits and vegetables during exercise provides ample electrolytes for the body, even further decreasing the need for high-calorie sport drinks,” assures Scott.

2. Ease up.

If you’re used to working out in cooler climates, take it easy at first. Just accept the fact that you can’t do what you normally do. (This writer personally learned the hard way.) Though I normally breeze through a four-mile run at home on the beach in West Los Angeles, I barely made it through a half-mile stroll in the 103-degree heat of New York City’s Central Park last month. What a shock to realize how much – and how quickly! – the heat and humidity wore me down.

If you normally run, jog or walk. If you’re a brisk walker, slow it down. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually increase the pace and length of your workout. If you have a medical condition and/or take prescription medications, do ask your physician if you need to take any additional precautions.

3. Avoid the hottest part of the day.

Rise early to catch the cool of the morning, or go out at sunset or later. In the heat of midday, take cover under shade. Jump in a pool. Sign up for an aqua-aerobics class.

4. Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.

Dark colors absorb the heat, which can make you feel as if you’re wrapped in a warm blanket. Heavyweight, tight-fitting clothing will also heat you up. Keep it loose. Keep it light. More air will be able to circulate over your skin, keeping you cool.

5. Eat snacks to maintain energy.

But pick juicy snacks like fruit. The last thing you need in scorching heat are dry snacks like crackers, popcorn, or energy bars that require your body to add water. Plus, dry snacks are often dense with calories, which means they can easily foil weight-loss goals, summer or winter.

6. Know when to say, “I’m going inside.”

Okay, okay, it kills you not to finish your four-mile workout. May we be so blunt as to suggest that it may kill you if you try. Paid heed to the heat. Listen to your body. If you’re feeling any of the following, find air-conditioned comfort fast.

• Weakness
• Light-headedness
• Dizziness
• Paling of the skin
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat

“Remember that even a 20-minute workout has positive health effects. It’s the number of days you exercise that matters most. Frequency of days far outweighs the amount of time of any given exercise session,” says Scott.

Finally, “if it’s just too hot, stay indoors and do your resistance training!”

VelaShape treatments have: dual applicators to treat multiple areas of the body such as the abdoment, buttocks, thighs and arms.  Treatments will result in an average circumferential reduction of 0.5 to 3 inches.

Most patients find VelaShape comfortable – like a warm deep tissue massage.  The treatment is disigned to accommodate each client’s sensitivity and comfort level.  It is normatl to experience a warm sensation for a few hours after treatment and one’s skin may appear red for several hours.

Following a complete treatment regimen, it is recommended that one gets maintenance treatments periodically.  Like all non-surgical or surgical techniques, results will last longer if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

VelaShape is the first ever FDA cleared device for circumferential reduction and the first class II cleared device for the indication of cellulite.  The deliver of elõs into fatty tissue and stubborn cellulite areas will help to treat problem areas so you can VelaShape your body into shape.

Note: FDA cleared for temporatry reduction of thighs circumferences and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite.  Elõs (electrol-optical synergy) is a proprietary technology of Syneron Medical.

Centuries ago, a dynamic bodywork therapy based on yoga and Ayurveda was born in the temples of Thailand. In this unique healing system of Thai Yoga Massage – also called Nuad Boran and widely known as traditional Thai massage – the practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures while palming and thumbing along the body’s energy(“Sen”) lines and pressures points. Together these actions result in a comprehensive full body treatment that relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and balances the body energetically.

Thai Yoga Massage is performed on a mat on the floor; both client and practitioner are dressed in comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. No oils or creams are used.

Thai Yoga Massage is available at Spa Savanna since 2007. Visit our site for news about Thai Yoga Days coming in September 2010.