The Newest Headlines Surrounding Massage Chairs and Human Touch

by Mindy Green 

Nowhere is aromatherapy more relevant than in holistic health. Natural botanical scents extracted via steam distillation or cold pressing make up the bulk of available essential oils on the market, and are easily incorporated into every aspect of integrative care.

These scented wonders provided by Mother Gaia are derived from leaves, flowers, seeds, grasses, barks, roots, rhizomes and resins – virtually every plant part.  They provide a wide palate of activity and natural fragrance to address issues of mind, body and spirit. Treating this triad is the essence of addressing the whole person for a more effective and sustained improvement in overall well-being.

Essential oils can be used effectively against bacterial, fungal or viral conditions, aching joints, digestive issues, pain, sunburn, rashes, headache, and a host of other problems. More interestingly, they also mitigate the mental and emotional issues that often accompany physical ailments such as anxiety, depression, anger or general spiritual malaise.

Many ancient systems of healing base the premise of bodily disorders as having roots in emotional issues; when ignored they may manifest into physical dis-ease to get our attention. Stress reduction is most simply and easily addressed with two modes of therapy: deep breathing and physical relaxation.

The first is best achieved with pleasant scents – the more we enjoy the aroma, the deeper we breathe, which more effectively reduces stress. The second is with the Human Touch massage chair system – you simply lie there and the chair does all the work while you receive a relaxing experience.

Three of the most widely used essential oils with a wide range of activity for balancing the subtle and physical bodies are lavender, frankincense and rose.

Lavender is the most effective first aid oil for every home-treated ailment imaginable – bites, burns, acne, wound healing, headaches, muscle pain, infections, insomnia, colds, flu, adrenal burnout, and more.  It also has substantial research on its efficacy in ameliorating anxiety, anger and depression. It is probably the most widely used essential oil in the aromatherapy material medica. Thus the motto, “When in doubt, use lavender.”

Frankincense is the quintessential meditation oil, having been used for centuries in monasteries, temples and churches to bring one closer to their personal deities. It is employed for a variety of physical and spiritual maladies. Research tells us it is an effective anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and respiratory aid. When one feels disconnected from life’s purpose, this oil can bring us back to balance on all levels. It helps center the spirit, calm the mind and slow the breath – all of which help reduce stress, our biggest obstacle to attaining health.

Rose helps one to master the ups and downs of the physical and emotional heart. It is used in numerous issues pertaining to the vascular and digestive systems. This includes the liver, which according to Chinese medicine, is the seat of anger and jealousy. Rose helps to alleviate the emotional pain of grief and envy while toning the blood system and all ailments related to the feminine psyche and physique. It is the symbol of fidelity for the physical and spiritual realms, and the mediator between the three upper (spiritual) and the three lower (physical) chakras.

These oils may be used together or as single remedies by diluting 10 total drops of the essential oil into one ounce of carrier oil such as almond or grape seed oil. Apply directly to the skin as a massage or after bath oil, or use during meditation, yoga practice or simply enjoying quiet time or the solitude of a warm tub.  Aromatherapy while immersed in a Human Touch massage chair is especially relaxing and effective.

Scented remedies derived from plants are beneficial for body and soul, and add immeasurable benefits for holistic health.  Essential oils can contribute to a sense of calm, allowing us to listen to our inner voice of wisdom; when that occurs, balance in all aspects of life is more easily achieved.  In utilizing the combination of the Human Touch massage chair and pleasant scents, stress melts easily away, helping to align the mind/body connection.

By David Marcarian, MA

When one is recovering from an accident at 152 mph (yes, in a race car…where engineering is also critical for “health,” known better as staying alive through safety equipment), making it through each day can be extremely painful. From a biomechanics standpoint, I was using perhaps one of the most expensive and popular chairs while attempting to work. I found myself with my head on the desk writhing in pain as the standard bodily position in the typical “traditional-style” executive’s chair applies force downwards on the spine, making all the issues associated with injury of the spine worsened simply due to the constant downward forces on the spine.

One day I was at a friend’s, who had a “Perfect Chair.” What happened changed my life. I went back into that “special position” that the Perfect Chair affords, which essentially makes Newton proud: Forces are now spread evenly about the spine, and suddenly all the pressure on my already inflamed discs etc. (it is more complex than that) simply go away. I fell asleep in the chair for four hours! Literally.

From then on, my level of productivity went up significantly as I no longer had issue with pain while sitting. To perfect the “Perfect Chair,” and as a well-trained ergonomist from NASA, I knew I needed a keyboard for my computer which allowed my arms to drop and relax also (another problem while seated in a traditional executive’s chair). It is difficult to get the arms to drop while seated in traditional chairs, as most of us have to lift our shoulders to get our hands lifted up to adapt to a keyboard placed too high. Using an integrated keyboard/mouse was the next problem I solved. Logitech makes a keyboard called the “DiNovo Edge.” It works more like a keyboard on a notebook computer with a touchpad built into the keyboard. By using the Perfect Chair along with this “all-in-one” keyboard, I was able to put my computer screen high. (I went all out and mounted a 52-inch screen against the wall as high as possible.) So I could sit in the chair leaning back in the “space launch” position (or close) reducing pressure on my spine, see the monitor perfectly and place the keyboard in my lap or on the special keyboard table that works flawlessly with the Perfect Chair. The keyboard table is also ergonomically flawless. It tilts just right, places the keyboard in the perfect position due to how well designed it is with regard to adjustable position, and moves out of the way completely when I’m done using it.

I relied upon the Perfect Chair to make it through the three years it took to recover enough to function again. Oh, and to add to it? ICE is the injured spine’s best friend. The Perfect Chair comes to the rescue when it comes to the optimal use of ice for reducing inflammation. (I’m sitting with ice on my Perfect Chair’s back as I write this.)

Due to again, our good friend Newton, by placing ice down on the chair, sitting in it and then tilting it back, the pressure placed against the ice is optimal. You can modulate the effect of ice by wrapping paper towels around to get the perfect amount of “cold” to match your needs. When using a standard chair, the ice slips down off the chair, or you end up leaning backwards in a position which does nothing but make your injuries worse.

So even from the engineer’s standpoint, the Perfect Chair provides optimal holistic health. Even its engineering features have been created in a holistic fashion!

It’s easy to let our good intentions for healthy eating get out of control during the holiday season, but if you have diabetes, maintaining self-control while everyone else is indulging in candy and cookies can be even more difficult.

If you have diabetes, however, the holiday season doesn’t have to be a complete letdown. You can still enjoy all the fun, and, as long as you keep a few things in mind, managing diabetes shouldn’t set back your holiday festivities at all.

Dinner Parties and Other Food-Heavy Fun

If you have plans to hit up a holiday party, avoid the heavy caloric intake by eating a healthy snack prior to arrival in order to avoid overeating once you get there. Don’t be afraid to inquire about what will be served, and offer to bring something that fits your health needs to share with everyone. Diabetics are particularly concerned about carbohydrates, so it’s easy to overcompensate with extra protein, but too much red meat can have different unhealthy, adverse effects. Opt instead for chicken, turkey or fish.

Buffets are the life of many parties, so keep things under control with small portions, low-calorie drinks and healthy options. Avoid anything that is soaked in sauces, glazes or dressings, and keep salt-heavy items away from your plate. Casseroles and anything breaded may be especially high in calories. Though it may be tempting to taste a little bit of everything, pick just a few things that you really want to eat.

Work It Out

We can all probably do with adding a few extra workouts into our schedules over the holidays, and this is also true for diabetics. People with type 2 diabetes are often on medications that can’t be adjusted to food intake, but they need to manage the impact of food on blood sugar levels and overall weight. To avoid gaining weight during the holiday season, people with type 2 diabetes may want to work in a little extra exercise.

Keep a Routine

If you’ll be traveling, check your sugar levels often because a change in routine can throw your body off. Carry any medications (and bring extra supplies) you need with you when you travel, and make sure everything is properly labeled and in original packaging, especially if you’ll be flying. Because healthy food might not be handy when you need it, always keep plenty of snacks in pre-measured serving sizes by your side if you need something to eat in a pinch. If you’ll be changing time zones, keep this time change in mind to keep your routine consistent.

Focus on the Important Stuff

Don’t mourn the fact that you can’t eat plates packed with sugar and salt. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, and though a lot of that bonding time happens over food, it’s not about the food. Take the initiative to organize your own holiday get together that focuses on something else such as reading favorite holiday books around the fireplace or going ice skating at the local park. Memories are built on special moments, not packed cookie jars.

RESOURCES

“Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” CDC.gov. (December 1, 2010) Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/DiabetesManagement/.

“Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” DiabeticCareServices.com. Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.diabeticcareservices.com/diabetes-education/diabetes-and-the-holiday.

“UI Offers Tips on Managing Diabetes During the Holidays.” UIHealthcare.com. (December 12, 2005) Retrieved November 8, 2011 from http://www.uihealthcare.com/news/news/2005/12/12overeat.html.

By Jada Fire/Jamie Tam

The Yoga practice we engage in is very stimulating and essential to our circulation and maintenance of our vibrant, optimal energy. Whether your routine is easy, beginner or advanced power flow, consistency is also key in practicing yoga. I say this because I always notice a big shift in my health and ability to flow with the day when I pull away from my practice. Even if for a week or two, I do notice the difference in my digestion and mentality when I miss out on that great opportunity to check in, center, circulate and dissolve the static energy that just builds up over time. Now with the holidays illuminating and overwhelming the spirit, it’s even more important to find that sacred time to move breathe and find the ease and restoration we need to keep our inner engine going smooth ad strong.

I also feel that yoga is an outstanding way to have a positive relationship with yourself. As we know, relationships take effort, sometimes it can feel like work to make the dynamics of any relationship positive and healthy. The best way to keep relationships fresh and fluid is to communicate. Yes, speak to you partner, spouse or child about the small things that build up into larger, heavier issues when not massaged through with simple and clear language, self expression. For instance, last night before we sleep, my husband and I lay in bed and passed our thoughts back and forth about all the things that we are bothered by one another. It was quite funny, as we approached the topic with intention to fix, heal or adjust our natural behaviors and we ended up laughing at the small pet peeves that rock the boat at bay. We mentioned silly things like not putting the clothes in the dryer after they are washed or cooking too much oatmeal in the morning, wasting food, etc. We also touched on some deeper issues as well which allowed us to take the time and brainstorm possible resolutions for our situations. So I mention this as I felt a similar parallel to the relationship we share with self. When I miss out on my yoga practice, I miss out on the chance to communicate with me. If I skip a week, then I have some catching up to do. Taking that body inventory is sometimes more time consuming when I finally get around to it than just keeping consistent and moving my body’s energy on a regular basis.

Yoga can offer you overall health benefits and improve your circulation with just an hour out of your busy week. Ideally, get into a routine each day, even if it is walking to the coffee shop, work or school every morning and focusing on the conscious breath while getting there. Movement is key and the more consistent you can be with communicating with your body through movement and breath, the more optimal energy you will create for yourself.

With so much going on through the holidays, see what you can do to be consistent with your circulation, take full responsibility for your energy. Keep this task simple and light hearted. Improving your overall health is a journey and bear in mind that the journey is the best part! Practicing yoga can be as simple as making the bed, which we try to do every morning (well at least I do). Today I ask you to find an easy and enjoyable rhythm with your approach to yoga. Less is really more- remember to recharge your batteries! Let your gift of giving this season be the gift of positive energy to the people and loved ones around you. The positive flow begins with you!

Happy Holidays and Happy 2012! Namaste ~Jada Fire

Heal & Inspire!
~Jada Fire~
www.jadafire.com
www.expressiveyogadance.com
www.barefootsanctuary.com
Direct: 702.543.1018
jada@jadafire.com

“Awakening to the God/Goddess within not only electrifies the soul – yet it gives us purpose to shine as we have been designed to”~ Jada

And it ends tonight at midnight! We’re giving away FOUR HT-1340 Foot and Calf Massagers. Enter on our Facebook page and click on the Diabetes Awareness Month Giveaway tab. Please LIKE our page as well!

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