Healthy Fitness Zone

Archive for May, 2011

 “I stretch often when I feel pain in any position, why would I require a separate session? Feeling this way!!! Then I think you should read this. Stretching not only affects your muscles but also your neurological system. Stretching lengthens some muscles and relaxes some and this is sensed by your brain and it regulates heart rate and blood pressure automatically. It stimulates hormonal secretion helping insulin control, metabolic and emotion control. It is myth that a stretching session should be a part of warm up session before undertaking any sports activity as it helps to improve only blood circulation. If you are still not convinced that a dedicated session of stretching is not required, then,  look at the benefits that you can reap by a dedicated stretching session,

• Corrects posture and balance length of muscles
• Smoothen motor movement by improving flexibility and mobility
• Circulation of nutrients and water is improved to counter aging effects
• Improved flexibility and balance reduces the risk of injury
• Reduce stress and energize body, mind, and spirit

Thus, focused and correct stretching is mandatory to reap benefits, incorrect methods may lead to muscle tear and injury. Dedicated stretching session for the correct muscle after a strenuous work out or extending work position is mandatory the joy of relief would be felt throughout the body physically and mentally. So, Stretch to enjoy your day!

Most of us believe massage is a pleasurable activity but we should also understand the benefits reaped out of a good session of massage. The technique have evolved into a science and bifurcated into a variety of disciplines in the modern age. Evidence of massage has been found in artifacts and cave paintings of the ancient ages suggesting usages of it for healing and beautifying purposes. Chinese have been practicing it since 3000 BC, ancient Chinese books contains massage techniques for improvement of health and well-being. Techniques like acupressure and acupuncture are methods evolved from massage. A similar pressure technique exists in Japan and is known as tsubo and later changed into shiatsu. Ayur-veda or art of life was practiced by Hindus during 1800BC which explained how rubbing and shampooing help reducing fatigue and help well being. The massaging practice spread into the European countries. It is believed that Greeks conducted rituals, and gymnastic sporting events for physical fitness and massage was used before these events for improved performance of athletes and after events to alleviate muscle fatigue.

Swedish Remedial Gymnastics is considered to be the mother of modern massage technique. The technique used, had movements involving vibration, friction, rolling’ and slapping and are part and parcel of the present day massage techniques. Later on massage was used for treating diseases and disorders in the light of anatomy and physiology. Since then it has become an effective therapeutic treatment technique.  Germans have used it extensively during the First World War and trained a number of people and used massage as treatment, under the guidance of doctors. The use of massage as a Remedial Exercise to treat medical conditions gradually declined due to electrotherapy. Thereafter, they were no more a part of physiotherapy. It became little used as a therapeutic treatment in hospitals. Though demand for massage still exist in clinics but as a complementary medicine. So go on and book your own session of therapeutic massage for a hygienic well being.