How to Give the Perfect Massage

If you aren't a licensed massage therapist but want to learn the techniques of the pros in order to give the perfect massage, here are some tips to help you get started and impress everyone with your techniques.

Instructions

How to Give the Perfect Massage

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Get started. The perfect massage will relax muscles, relieve tension, increase flexibility, provide harmony, reduce stress and discomfort and even increase body circulation. So how to accomplish this feat? Through massage. There are many types of massage therapy such as acupressure, Swedish, reflexology, thai massage and even hot stone therapy. Because it takes special certification to learn techniques for many speciality massages we will stick with the tips on how to give just a basic massage.

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Use the right tools. While not required, the perfect massage will most likely include the use of massage oil or lotions to decrease the friction created by kneading your skin. The use of oil or lotion also increased the amount of pressure you are able to provide. You can find massage oil almost anywhere and it doesn't have to be expensive to get the job done. Even a simple lotion you have at home can work. Be sure to warm the oil or lotion in your hands before applying.

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Positioning. While not necessary to remove all clothing for a massage it does make it easier to give the perfect massage. Have the person receiving the massage lie on their stomach and remove their shirt so you can access their back easily. Again, there are many types of massage and specialty massage. Most people think of their back when it comes to massage so a nice back massage can be the "perfect massage" without getting too fancy.

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Stand (or kneel if you have to, depending on location) next to the person you are massageing. Soft strokes, often called effleurage are the most common technique used to move from one area to another. As you are working in long strokes on the back and come across an area such as a knot (which is just a pocket of localized deep tissue) work in a circular motion and lightly increase pressure.

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To make a transition to another stroke after gently massaging in long strokes down the back you can glide your hands up to the area around the neck and base of the head. Use slow movements for a soothing or calming response and fast movements for a stimulating effect.

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Now expand your efforts to the neck, head, mid-back, shoulders, arms and buttocks. Work on one area of the body at a time, remembering long strokes as you transition from one area to the next. The circular kneading motion is great for really fleshy areas such as the shoulders and buttocks as you release pressure from the tight muscles.

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Remember to use your fingers and thumbs to apply pressure as needed to sensitive "knot" areas. These areas will often feel hard or tight to the touch. Don't forget to massage the arms and feet of the person as well at the end of the massage. Paying extra attention to the extremities will increase blood flow and relaxation.

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FInish off the massage with long strokes (effleurage) to again gently relax the person you are massaging and bring the massage to a close. Congratulations--you have given a perfect massage.

How to Treat Poison Oak with Herbs

Poison oak rash is caused by exposure to urushiol, a toxin found in certain plants. Although not terribly harmful condition, poison oak is can be very itchy and even painful. Treating poison oak is fairly simple and can be done using natural herbs and remedies. The following steps will help you.

Instructions

How to Treat Poison Oak with Herbs

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Eliminate fried foods and candy if you have poison oak. Fried foods and excess sugar can impede your body's natural ability to rid your blood of the poison that causes the rash. It is important to allow your body to be able to take action on its own in addition to your herbal applications.

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Soak a clean wash rag in cider vinegar. Gently rub the rag over infected area and allow to air dry. This will help to stop the itching and help neutralize the toxins in the blisters.

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Have one cup of mild jewelweed tea before eating breakfast. Jewelweed is very powerful and will help your body rid itself of the urushiol your bloodstream. Jewelweed can be hard to come by in packaged tea form, however, some health food stores do carry it and most can special order it. Because jewelweed tea acts as preventative agent for Poison Oak, it may be wise to keep it on hand for frequent use. If you cannot find pre-packaged jewelweed tea, it can be made by chopping up the leaves and steeping into a glass of hot water.

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Drink 12 oz. of Aloe Vera juice three times a day. Aloe helps sooth your tissues and keep the poison oak blisters from spreading. Aloe Vera juice can be purchased at most health food stores and in the organic sections of most supermarkets.

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Take one 125 mg (or as directed) grapefruit seed extract capsule with lunch. Grapefruit seeds have natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral qualities. They will also help ease any possible swelling and burning.

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Apply a thin coat of oatmeal paste to the rash before going to bed. This will help neutralize the blisters and ease the itching as you sleep.

Hygiene and Body Care

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Take a hot bath. Mix 3 tbs. of Epsom salt, 10 drops of peppermint oil and 2 cups of cider vinegar into your bath water. Soak for 20 minutes.

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Soak a clean wash rag with water and witch hazel gel and gently apply it to the rash. Allow to air dry. If you don't have witch hazel gel, aloe vera gel is also a soothing topical remedy. If you do not wish to purchase aloe gel and you have a sizeable aloe plant in your home, simply break off a large leaf and squeeze its juice on your wash rag.

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Apply a liberal amount of honey paste to the rash after it has dried from the aloe or witch hazel treatment and bath. Honey paste contains raw honey and ground herbs that help heal the skin. Cover the affected area after you have applied honey paste.

How to Benefit From Stone Massage Therapy

This specialty massage is increasing in popularity for treating muscle ailments, inflammation and injury. Athletes especially benefit from regular treatments because a stone massage tends to be a more intense therapy as opposed to Swedish massage. Stone massage is a soothing, relaxing form of massage that typically uses heated volcanic stones because the heat provides health benefits to tight muscles. Cold stones are typically used for serious inflammation or muscle injury. Here are some tips to help you enjoy better benefits from stone massage therapy.

Instructions

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Keep in mind that many people swear that achy muscles bounce back much more quickly from stone massage therapy as opposed to traditional or Swedish massages. The energy and flow of the heat from the volcanic stones has been proven to easy serious muscle injury and inflammation as well as provide the peace and tranquility we look for in a good massage. If you have a massage therapist you see regularly ask them if they are experienced in stone massage therapy or inquire as to a referral. Local spas will be able to refer someone experienced in the treatment and be sure to ask them how long they have been practicing.

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Understand that the best stone massages use basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. Be sure to ask for basalt stones, though they may come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

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Be sure to speak up to your massage therapist is the heat of the stones is uncomfortable or too warm or not warm enough. Be sure to discuss any ailments or injuries with your massage therapist beforehand so they are clear on how to best conduct the treatment to meet your specific health needs.

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Know that technique is very important when it comes to any massage therapy and stone massage is no exception. Make sure you are vocal if the pressure is too intense. Too much pressure can actually aggravate your injuries further and leave you worse off than when you came in.

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Relax. As your massage therapist uses traditional massage strokes while holding a stone your muscles will relax and reap the benefits. It is also traditional to leave heated stones in specific points along your back or in the palms of your hand to improve the flow of energy in your body. Sometimes the "chakras" or energy points of your body are included as well, depending on the practice of your massage therapist.

How to Treat Yeast Infections With Home Remedies

Yeast infections are never fun to endure. Yeast infections are caused by fungus found on the skin, and other parts of the body. Women are most likely to have a yeast infection in the vaginal area. Men can also get yeast infection in the genital area. The great thing is that yeast infections can easily be cured. When noticing the first signs of a yeast infection, it is good to seek the attention of a physician if you have never had a yeast infection before. A common therapy for yeast infection is through the use of yogurt because it contains good bacteria such as L. Acidophilus which helps keep the vaginal area in a balanced environment.A few of the symptoms of a yeast infection include a thick, odorless whitish vaginal discharge and uncontrollable itching and burning and a burning sensation when urinating.

Instructions

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Use yogurt. Apply the yogurt to the affected area and do this twice a day until the infection is gone.

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Ingest yogurt internally so that it can work through the body and eliminate the bad bacteria from the body.

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Use distilled vinegar, which is known for being antibacterial and anti-fungal. Fill a bathtub with warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar and soak in the vinegar solution for about 15 or 20 twenty minutes.Afterwards, bathe normally in warm water, minus the vinegar. Dry the affected area with an absorbent towel.

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Try Tree Oil Cream, which can be applied to the affected area and will relieve the yeast infection.Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure that it is used properly.

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Buy vaginal suppositories, which are available as an over-the-counter medication that comes in different dosages.

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Try garlic vaginal suppositories by peeling a clove garlic and wrapping a piece of gauze around the garlic. The thin type of gauze is best to use for this process.Fold the gauze in half to form what would look like a tampon.Insert the garlic, vaginal suppository inside the vaginal area.Remove the suppository every 3 or 5 hours and insert a new one. Repeat the process for about 3 to 5 days or until the infection is gone.

How to Use Brown Rice for Detoxification

Brown rice is rich in iodine, potassium and essential minerals. It is a wonderful food to eat to detoxify your body. Using brown to detox also increases energy, mental alertness and can also be a very effective tool to shed unwanted body weight. A basic body detox program using brown consists of a 5 -day program that is simple to complete. Here is how you can begin the detoxification process today.

Instructions

Detox with Brown Rice

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Consume a leafy green salad and one cup of herbal laxative tea at least an hour before going to bed. Do this on the evening before you begin your 5-day brown rice detoxification program. This will help rid your bowels of unwanted waste before you begin cleansing your body. It is important to start fresh. You want to be free from waste that you may be carrying.

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Squeeze 1 fresh lemon into 10 to 12 oz. of spring water with breakfast. Lemons have powerful digestive properties that will help digest your breakfast quicker. Grate 3 oz. of raw carrots, and sprinkle them over your main dish. Carrots have powerful fibrous qualities, and they are rich in beta carotene. This keeps the body stocked with vitamin A.

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Steam 1 cup of brown rice for lunch. You also want to eat 2 to 3 ounces of celery. Celery possesses powerful fibrous qualities, and it will help breakdown the starch in the rice which will ignite your metabolism. This will help your body cleanse itself properly.

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Eat 3 oz. of raw, peeled carrots with 1/4 cup of steamed brown rice between lunch and dinner. This snack is important because it will keep your metabolism going. Be sure to drink 1 bottle of spring water with this snack. It is important to keep enough water in your system when you use brown rice to flush your system.

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Eat 1/2 cup of brown rice with 3 oz. of steamed broccoli for dinner. Broccoli is high in potassium and calcium, and it is powerful in keeping the blood healthy. This promotes solid heart and lung function, and that is necessary to cleanse your body. It also works to break down the brown rice.

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Eat 1/4 cup of brown rice and one carrot before going to bed. Have one sliced kiwi for dessert afterwards. Kiwis have powerful digestive enzymes that will help break down the properties in the rice.

Body Care and Exercise

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Begin each day by doing 15 minutes of aerobic exercise. This can include a brisk walk, riding on a stationary bike or jogging. Starchy carbohydrates work best in cleansing the body when the metabolism is sped up.

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Spend 20 minutes in a sauna each day of your 5-day brown rice cleanse. Take hot bath if a sauna is not in your reach. It is important to let the rice work. Allow yourself to excessively perspire.

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Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day while on your brown rice cleansing program. It is important to keep your body hydrated as it works to flush your system.

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Stretch your muscles and your joints before rising in the morning. Do the same before going to bed at night. Stretching will spark your metabolism so your body is able to properly burn the brown rice you are eating.

How to Deal With Head Lice in Dreadlocks

Head lice is an unpleasant problem in any kind of hair, but to have head lice with dreadlocks takes the misery to a whole new level. The chemical treatments simply are not as effective. Furthermore, the dreadlocks soak up and retain the poisonous chemicals, making the use of those harsh substances more dangerous. Fortunately, for those with dreadlocks, there is a better way to deal with the problem of head lice. It will require a significant investment of time, but that is a small price to pay to avoid having to shave your head and lose your dreads.

Instructions

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Lay in a good supply of the items you'll need to complete the lice killing and removal process. For a person with shoulder length dreadlocks, three pounds of petroleum jelly, one gallon of vinegar, a large bottle of dish detergent and a large roll of plastic wrap should do the trick. Those with longer or shorter dreads can adjust the amount to their specific needs. It is very important not to skimp on either the petroleum jelly or the vinegar. It's better to have too much than too little.

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Apply a liberal amount of petroleum jelly to dreads and scalp. Make sure each dread, each hair and every bit of scalp is covered with a thick coating of the petroleum jelly. For mid-length dreads, about eight ounces will provide the right degree of coverage. This does a few things. First, it coats the live bugs, slowing them down dramatically and making it easy to catch and remove them. Those that are not caught and killed by hand will suffocate. Second, it coats the eggs and prevents those from getting oxygen as well, which should prevent the vast majority from hatching.

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After coating hair and scalp well and removing any visible lice, wrap hair and scalp in plastic wrap to prevent the petroleum jelly from staining clothing, furniture, and other items. Under ideal circumstances, the petroleum jelly should be left on for 24 hours. If that is not possible due to a work or school schedule, try to get at least 12 hours in.

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Remove plastic from head and use dish detergent to wash petroleum jelly out of hair. Regular shampoo will not work. It will require three to five applications of dish detergent to remove petroleum jelly.

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After washing out the petroleum jelly, soak dreads and scalp with vinegar. The vinegar helps to break down the lice eggs and the substances that allow the eggs to stick to the hair shafts. Wrap hair in plastic wrap again. Leave vinegar in hair for at least 12 hours.

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Wash vinegar out of hair and carefully look for lice eggs, removing any that can be seen. Let hair rest for the remainder of the day.

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Repeat the process--one day of petroleum jelly, one day of vinegar and one day of rest. That will bring you through the first week. At this point, all lice should be dead. However, if you missed a couple of the tiny eggs, seven to 10 days after the sighting of the initial lice, the eggs could hatch, starting your troubles all over again. Therefore, you will have to repeat this cycle two or three more times so that you disrupt the life cycle of the lice and ensure that they are indeed dead and gone.

How to Take a Caffeine Nap

A caffeine nap is a great way to rejuvenate and wake up a tired body. By combining two methods known to help alleviate fatigue, you'll get double the results. The caffeine helps eliminate adenosine, which can make you feel sleepy. When combined with a nap, scientists have found it is one of the best methods of helping people stay awake.

Instructions

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Drink a cup of coffee or other drink high in caffeine. Regular coffee has approximately 60 to 130 mg of caffeine. Colas will not typically work for this as they have only 25 to 35 mg of caffeine. Many energy drinks, however, will work.

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Set a timer or alarm for 15 minutes.

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Take a 15 minute nap. You must take the nap immediately after drinking the caffeine.

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Wake up and go about your day. By the time you wake up, the caffeine will have kicked in. Do not sleep longer than 15 minutes or you'll sleep through the benefit of the caffeine and risk entering your sleep cycle.