The verdict is in - facial rejuvenation with acupuncture really works!!! After some uncertainity of how effective the well publicized "acupuncture facelift" was, I witnessed first-hand what I now call miraculous results from the very first treatment!
In January of this year I took a continuing education 16 hour weekend workshop in where I became certified in acupuncture facial rejuvenation, open only to licensed acupuncturists. My interest in the treatment stemmed from the tremendous growth in cosmetic procedures ranging from botox and laser treatments to surgeries lasting as long as a work day within the last five years alone. I wanted to provide a safe, affordable and relatively pain free alternative to all the botox and some of the nipping and tucking that's going on. Acupuncture can lift saggy jowls, clear up dark and puffy eye circles, eliminate fine lines, help diminish deep lines, tighten up pores and more.
It is common to look like you've been on vacation after the first session but by the 7th there is a marked improvement - you will look up to ten years younger and everyone will notice! 10 to 15 sessions are suggested for best results and each session lasts any where between 60 - 90 minutes. Acupuncture points on the body and in the ear are first needled to help support the facial treatment and points on the head and face are chosen according to what you want tucked, lifted and smoothed out.
Visit the website for an acupuncture facelift consultation in Brooklyn Heights with Regine Rousseau
at www.zensoulspa.com
Monday, April 2, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
10 Things You Can Do NOW to Stop Neck Pain!
Do you get headaches, shoulder pain, or neck pain at work? If you do, here’s a short checklist that might help you uncover some of the causes.
1. Have you had your eyes checked lately?
If your eyesight is not 100% you may be straining not only your eyes, but your neck and shoulders. Problems are not always obvious, so make an appointment for a thorough eye examination.
2. Do you slouch?
When you slouch, your head tilts back to see your work properly. This shortens your neck muscles, wears down the joints in your neck and may even compress the nerves that go to your arms.
3. Do you have adequate support for your arms and wrists?
Armrests will take the stress off your shoulder muscles which normally carry the weight of your shoulder girdle and arms. Also consider using a wrist support.
4. Do you hold the phone between your ear and shoulder?
One client who spent a whole day on the phone developed a trigger point in his neck that sent pain into his chest. He thought he was having a heart attack! If you spend a lot of time on the telephone, invest in a headset.
5. Is your work in front of you?
If you spend most of your day looking at a computer screen, make sure it’s in front of you and not positioned to the side so that you have to turn your head to see it.
6. Do you use a document holder?
Document holders keep your papers next to your computer screen so that you don’t have to twist your neck around trying to look at printed material that’s lying flat on the desk.
7. Do you take frequent breaks?
Take frequent short breaks. It’s the best thing you can do to prevent your muscles from tightening up.
8. Do you carry a heavy briefcase or purse?
Change sides frequently. Better yet, center the weight over both shoulders by using a knapsack.
9. Is it time for a stress check?
If you feel stressed often, you may need to take a serious look at your lifestyle and explore ideas for reducing your stress level.
10. Do you breathe?
If you don’t breathe properly your shoulders and neck muscles will tense up. Make a point to take deep breaths at various times during your workday - expanding your belly to full capacity upon the inhale rather than raising your shoulders and breathing into your chest alone.
If you have specific health concerns consult your medical doctor. The information contained on this site is educational only and is not intended to replace the advice of your personal health care providers.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com
1. Have you had your eyes checked lately?
If your eyesight is not 100% you may be straining not only your eyes, but your neck and shoulders. Problems are not always obvious, so make an appointment for a thorough eye examination.
2. Do you slouch?
When you slouch, your head tilts back to see your work properly. This shortens your neck muscles, wears down the joints in your neck and may even compress the nerves that go to your arms.
3. Do you have adequate support for your arms and wrists?
Armrests will take the stress off your shoulder muscles which normally carry the weight of your shoulder girdle and arms. Also consider using a wrist support.
4. Do you hold the phone between your ear and shoulder?
One client who spent a whole day on the phone developed a trigger point in his neck that sent pain into his chest. He thought he was having a heart attack! If you spend a lot of time on the telephone, invest in a headset.
5. Is your work in front of you?
If you spend most of your day looking at a computer screen, make sure it’s in front of you and not positioned to the side so that you have to turn your head to see it.
6. Do you use a document holder?
Document holders keep your papers next to your computer screen so that you don’t have to twist your neck around trying to look at printed material that’s lying flat on the desk.
7. Do you take frequent breaks?
Take frequent short breaks. It’s the best thing you can do to prevent your muscles from tightening up.
8. Do you carry a heavy briefcase or purse?
Change sides frequently. Better yet, center the weight over both shoulders by using a knapsack.
9. Is it time for a stress check?
If you feel stressed often, you may need to take a serious look at your lifestyle and explore ideas for reducing your stress level.
10. Do you breathe?
If you don’t breathe properly your shoulders and neck muscles will tense up. Make a point to take deep breaths at various times during your workday - expanding your belly to full capacity upon the inhale rather than raising your shoulders and breathing into your chest alone.
If you have specific health concerns consult your medical doctor. The information contained on this site is educational only and is not intended to replace the advice of your personal health care providers.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com
Sitting On The Job
First Hand News - Sitting On The Job
As the workforce has shifted from factories to offices, the incidence of back pain has increased dramatically. Researchers blame this increase on one simple activity that we do all the time - sitting.
Our bodies were not designed to sit for long periods of time. We were made to move. Almost everyone who sits for long periods of time will develop back pain, even with the use of an ergonomic chair. It's not uncommon to develop other problems as well. Surveys of office workers indicate that about half of all employees have frequent pain or stiffness in their necks and shoulders. Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are becoming more common and about 10% of keyboard users experience wrist pain or discomfort. Who would have thought that sitting could wreak such havoc on your body?
"Surveys indicate that almost half of
all office workers have frequent
pain or stiffness in their necks
and shoulders"
Your body needs movement to operate effectively. If you have a sedentary lifestyle or sit for most of the day, your body is going to start complaining. You have to move.
When your muscles contract, you assist the flow of blood and lymph fluid through your body. The muscles act as a pump. If they don't contract regularly the blood in your extremities pools and you may get swelling of your feet and hands or those parts may just feel cold because the blood circulation is insufficient.
When you sit for long periods of time certain postural muscles, like your shoulder muscles, become overworked. These will tend to become short and tight from overuse whereas other muscles like your gluteals, abdominal and mid-back muscles, will become weak and atrophy.
==============
Micro-break
==============
Lean back in your chair and stretch your arms up and your legs out. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Then do circles with your ankles and wrists. Continue to reach up and back, close your eyes, smile, breathe in deeply and out slowly several times.
In the short time it takes to perform this micro break, you have released the lock of your visual and mental tasks, stretched away muscle tension built up in your hips, spine, and arms and refreshed your body with extra oxygen by expanding your rib cage. You also improved your posture as well as the circulation of blood through your legs and arms. All this in less than 30 seconds!
Caution: Before trying this micro-break, be sure to check your chair for stability so that you don't fall over.
======================
Help for the deskbound
======================
If you are stuck behind a desk all day, there are a number of things you can
do to keep your body healthy.
Make sure you're using the chair to support your body. For example, most people never use the backrest properly to support the low back.
As they sit down they aim their bottom at the middle of the seat. Then to reach the backrest they slouch backwards. Are you guilty of this? If you are, start aiming your sitting bones toward the back edge of the chair as you sit down.
It's very important to take frequent breaks. Consider this study: Researchers had subjects sit in chairs as they measured tension in their back muscles. After about twenty minutes of sitting, their back muscles started spontaneously tensing up even though the chairs were adjusted to completely support their backs!
Taking breaks will keep your muscles from tightening up.
Use the 20/20 rule: Take a twenty second break at least every twenty minutes. Use these "micro-breaks" to stand up, stretch out and take a couple of deep breaths.
If possible vary the tasks you do throughout the day so that you don't work at one single activity for too long. For example, if your job involves typing and filing, alternate the tasks every half-hour.
Get a regular massage to help you get rid of accumulated tension, stretched out, overworked and tight muscles and to get your circulation going.
Lastly, be sure to exercise regularly. It is vitally important that you balance
your inactivity with activity. Try some form of gentle aerobics like running
or biking or strengthen, increase flexibilty and breathe deeper with yoga.
Go to www.zensoulspa.com for more information.
As the workforce has shifted from factories to offices, the incidence of back pain has increased dramatically. Researchers blame this increase on one simple activity that we do all the time - sitting.
Our bodies were not designed to sit for long periods of time. We were made to move. Almost everyone who sits for long periods of time will develop back pain, even with the use of an ergonomic chair. It's not uncommon to develop other problems as well. Surveys of office workers indicate that about half of all employees have frequent pain or stiffness in their necks and shoulders. Repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are becoming more common and about 10% of keyboard users experience wrist pain or discomfort. Who would have thought that sitting could wreak such havoc on your body?
"Surveys indicate that almost half of
all office workers have frequent
pain or stiffness in their necks
and shoulders"
Your body needs movement to operate effectively. If you have a sedentary lifestyle or sit for most of the day, your body is going to start complaining. You have to move.
When your muscles contract, you assist the flow of blood and lymph fluid through your body. The muscles act as a pump. If they don't contract regularly the blood in your extremities pools and you may get swelling of your feet and hands or those parts may just feel cold because the blood circulation is insufficient.
When you sit for long periods of time certain postural muscles, like your shoulder muscles, become overworked. These will tend to become short and tight from overuse whereas other muscles like your gluteals, abdominal and mid-back muscles, will become weak and atrophy.
==============
Micro-break
==============
Lean back in your chair and stretch your arms up and your legs out. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Then do circles with your ankles and wrists. Continue to reach up and back, close your eyes, smile, breathe in deeply and out slowly several times.
In the short time it takes to perform this micro break, you have released the lock of your visual and mental tasks, stretched away muscle tension built up in your hips, spine, and arms and refreshed your body with extra oxygen by expanding your rib cage. You also improved your posture as well as the circulation of blood through your legs and arms. All this in less than 30 seconds!
Caution: Before trying this micro-break, be sure to check your chair for stability so that you don't fall over.
======================
Help for the deskbound
======================
If you are stuck behind a desk all day, there are a number of things you can
do to keep your body healthy.
Make sure you're using the chair to support your body. For example, most people never use the backrest properly to support the low back.
As they sit down they aim their bottom at the middle of the seat. Then to reach the backrest they slouch backwards. Are you guilty of this? If you are, start aiming your sitting bones toward the back edge of the chair as you sit down.
It's very important to take frequent breaks. Consider this study: Researchers had subjects sit in chairs as they measured tension in their back muscles. After about twenty minutes of sitting, their back muscles started spontaneously tensing up even though the chairs were adjusted to completely support their backs!
Taking breaks will keep your muscles from tightening up.
Use the 20/20 rule: Take a twenty second break at least every twenty minutes. Use these "micro-breaks" to stand up, stretch out and take a couple of deep breaths.
If possible vary the tasks you do throughout the day so that you don't work at one single activity for too long. For example, if your job involves typing and filing, alternate the tasks every half-hour.
Get a regular massage to help you get rid of accumulated tension, stretched out, overworked and tight muscles and to get your circulation going.
Lastly, be sure to exercise regularly. It is vitally important that you balance
your inactivity with activity. Try some form of gentle aerobics like running
or biking or strengthen, increase flexibilty and breathe deeper with yoga.
Go to www.zensoulspa.com for more information.
Friday, March 9, 2007
The Decision to Cleanse and Renew
I decided to do the very much publicized "Master Cleanse" some time ago but my body and mind were not willing to commit. This was sometime in the winter when it was cold and dry and really the last thing my body needed was to be sucking down gallons of a lemonade-only diet! In the winter, our bodies crave warmth and comfort. We find it in soups and in rich, hearty meals with plenty of carbs. I remember many of my spa colleagues struggling to get down their cold leafy salads during this time. Now that spring is near, our bodies crave what's cool and refreshing but as I said in the previous post "Spring Forward into Your Healing", we must first clear the winter clutter.
As March rolled around this year I found myself feeling extra tired with muscle and joint pain along with having headaches. I felt like a walking bucket of toxins! And of course I was still struggling to lose that last ten pounds that sits right around my middle - all ten pounds of it - AArgh! I can't really blame that on the "baby" anymore because she's almost two years-old. My husband was also experiencing the same effects of too much rich and sugary foods of the past season - we knew things had to change.
We would start out with a detox cleanse. Years ago I was put on an ayurvedic detox program for three weeks to clear up my skin but my body had never looked so good! The detox diet consisted of fruits, veggies, tofu, rice and pasta (believe it or not!), beans, raw honey, vegan soups, yeast and wheat free waffles, vegan sausage, dried fruit. I COULD NOT have the following: NO bread, vinegar, yeast, animal anything (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, etc.) nuts, sugar, condiments, bananas, tomatoes in moderation. By week two all I wanted was chicken! I was in major withdrawal but I stuck to it and by the end of week three - 21 days - I was a brand new woman. Not only had my face cleared up but my body hadn't looked that good in years. My bowel movements had no smell and neither did my sweat, I had so much energy and did not need my usual 9-10 hours of sleep to feel well rested - 6-7 hours were great. Since then I've slipped back into bad eating habits but I know that there is a remedy in proper nutrition just waiting for me and all of us who seek it and I will return.
Visit our website at www.zensoulspa.com
As March rolled around this year I found myself feeling extra tired with muscle and joint pain along with having headaches. I felt like a walking bucket of toxins! And of course I was still struggling to lose that last ten pounds that sits right around my middle - all ten pounds of it - AArgh! I can't really blame that on the "baby" anymore because she's almost two years-old. My husband was also experiencing the same effects of too much rich and sugary foods of the past season - we knew things had to change.
We would start out with a detox cleanse. Years ago I was put on an ayurvedic detox program for three weeks to clear up my skin but my body had never looked so good! The detox diet consisted of fruits, veggies, tofu, rice and pasta (believe it or not!), beans, raw honey, vegan soups, yeast and wheat free waffles, vegan sausage, dried fruit. I COULD NOT have the following: NO bread, vinegar, yeast, animal anything (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, etc.) nuts, sugar, condiments, bananas, tomatoes in moderation. By week two all I wanted was chicken! I was in major withdrawal but I stuck to it and by the end of week three - 21 days - I was a brand new woman. Not only had my face cleared up but my body hadn't looked that good in years. My bowel movements had no smell and neither did my sweat, I had so much energy and did not need my usual 9-10 hours of sleep to feel well rested - 6-7 hours were great. Since then I've slipped back into bad eating habits but I know that there is a remedy in proper nutrition just waiting for me and all of us who seek it and I will return.
Visit our website at www.zensoulspa.com
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Spring Forward into Your Healing!
Spring is right around the corner and that means only one thing... Spring Cleaning! It's time to clear out the stagnation and congestion of winter's heavy foods and inactivity, and cleanse. This time of year represents all things new and reborn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring relates to the Wood element which embodies the energy of our liver and gallbladder. The liver is in charge of the smooth flow of energy ("Chi") in our bodies and for cleansing and storing the blood. But when the liver is pushed into dis-ease by accumulated toxic foods, wastes and emotions (anger is the emotion stored in the liver), the liver's function is hindered resulting in fatigue, muscle stiffness, pain/soreness, allergies, headaches, and hormonal imbalance. In chronic stages, liver dysfunction can result in depression, anemia, chronic fatigue and immune system deficiency.
Take this time to do a wonderful detox diet to start anew, feel light and refreshed and prepare your body for health and wealth in the upcoming season. Remember if we don't do it, colds, allergies, and fevers will take over as our body's way of getting rid of any debilitating wastes. Detox diets on the other hand, have been shown to improve energy, skin, and attitude. Not to mention eliminating many unexplained ailments like certain joint, nerve and muscle pain, headaches, and constipation.
Warm or hot salt baths (dead sea or Epsom) are an amazing addition to your cleansing regimen, particularly after a stressful day. An entire 4lb container (housed in the half-gallon container) of Epsom salt or 1lb of dead sea salt poured into a hot bath will flush your muscles of metabolic wastes and help you detox through the skin. Immerse your entire body - neck included - and soak for 15-60 minutes. Baths combined with sauna and steam will provide optimal results. Remember regular massage as well, it further assists in flushing toxins, increases your alertness and mental clarity and makes you feel wonderfully renewed!
So spring forward and take the first step into your healing through detoxification. To read more about detox diets and the benefits of massage click on the links below:
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/dietarytherapy/a/Detox_Diet_Plan.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2001_May/ai_73959324
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/research.htm
Visit my website at http://www.zensoulspa.com/
*Pregnant and nursing mothers should not follow any of these suggestions and people with diabetes and high blood pressure should avoid salt baths. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet or cleansing program.
Take this time to do a wonderful detox diet to start anew, feel light and refreshed and prepare your body for health and wealth in the upcoming season. Remember if we don't do it, colds, allergies, and fevers will take over as our body's way of getting rid of any debilitating wastes. Detox diets on the other hand, have been shown to improve energy, skin, and attitude. Not to mention eliminating many unexplained ailments like certain joint, nerve and muscle pain, headaches, and constipation.
Warm or hot salt baths (dead sea or Epsom) are an amazing addition to your cleansing regimen, particularly after a stressful day. An entire 4lb container (housed in the half-gallon container) of Epsom salt or 1lb of dead sea salt poured into a hot bath will flush your muscles of metabolic wastes and help you detox through the skin. Immerse your entire body - neck included - and soak for 15-60 minutes. Baths combined with sauna and steam will provide optimal results. Remember regular massage as well, it further assists in flushing toxins, increases your alertness and mental clarity and makes you feel wonderfully renewed!
So spring forward and take the first step into your healing through detoxification. To read more about detox diets and the benefits of massage click on the links below:
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/dietarytherapy/a/Detox_Diet_Plan.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2001_May/ai_73959324
http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/research.htm
Visit my website at http://www.zensoulspa.com/
*Pregnant and nursing mothers should not follow any of these suggestions and people with diabetes and high blood pressure should avoid salt baths. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet or cleansing program.
Oprah Gets Acupuncture?!!!!
Welcome to my massage and acupuncture blog! I'm committed to bringing you the latest news and information on these healing modalities. Feel free to add your comments as you see fit.
Recently, worldwide attention and awareness was brought to acupuncture on The Oprah Winfrey Show - my absolute favorite show!
Recurring guest expert, Dr. Oz, validated the benefits of acupuncture and "alternative medicine" as a whole on a recent February show this year, stating its extremely long standing effectiveness in treating many common health conditions.
Oprah, in spite of her fear of needles, received her first acupuncture treatment from a New York Licensed Acupuncturist LIVE in front of a studio audience while a lucky audience member got treated backstage for constant "radiating shoulder pain". Oprah marveled at the painless insertion of the needles while Angela, the audience member who got treated for her shoulder pain backstage, had immediate results! She told the audience that the constant pain she was experiencing had left as a direct result of the simple acupuncture treatment she received. Check out this clip from the show to get the full story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWXPed6PMNk
Click link below for my website:
http://www.zensoulspa.com/
Recently, worldwide attention and awareness was brought to acupuncture on The Oprah Winfrey Show - my absolute favorite show!
Recurring guest expert, Dr. Oz, validated the benefits of acupuncture and "alternative medicine" as a whole on a recent February show this year, stating its extremely long standing effectiveness in treating many common health conditions.
Oprah, in spite of her fear of needles, received her first acupuncture treatment from a New York Licensed Acupuncturist LIVE in front of a studio audience while a lucky audience member got treated backstage for constant "radiating shoulder pain". Oprah marveled at the painless insertion of the needles while Angela, the audience member who got treated for her shoulder pain backstage, had immediate results! She told the audience that the constant pain she was experiencing had left as a direct result of the simple acupuncture treatment she received. Check out this clip from the show to get the full story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWXPed6PMNk
Click link below for my website:
http://www.zensoulspa.com/
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