Posted July 15, 2008
Soothing bath...After a heavy physical activity, either work or sports related, a good way to let the body unwind is a relaxing bath with epson salts. I've found approximately 2 (two) cups is great. And this can also be done after a massage to only give greater benefits to that massage. Done with a half-hour in this relaxing water, just can't say enough about the results
Posted Oct. 3, 2007
Get that knot out of your neck...
There's no one around to help you get the knot out of your neck. You've been sitting at the computer for entirely too long. What are you to do?
Keep a small towel in the office for just this occasion. Wet the towel and microwave for 1 ½ minutes on high. Reach in very carefully to see if it's hot enough. Wrap the towel around your neck and sit back for a minute. Once comfortably sitting, begin to stretch your neck by lowering your head for 10 seconds in each of these positions: forward, left, and right. Remove the towel, take the palms of both hands and rub in a circular motion on both sides of the neck for 30 seconds.
Do you clench your jaw to deal with stress?
If your teeth are touching when you're not actually chewing, the answer is "yes." This is one habit that's really worth trying to break, as it can lead to headaches, dental problems, and even TMJ.
Massage therapy can help you reduce both specific muscle tension and overall stress, but here's an easy way to help yourself to relax those jaw muscles:
Get a clean cork from a wine bottle. Put it between your front teeth sideways and leave it there as you cook dinner, watch TV, or read. If your jaw is really tight, you may need to slice the cork in half (vertically) at first. You shouldn't feel that your jaw is being stretched open, just that you are creating a little distance between your top and bottom teeth and giving your jaw muscles a rest.
Try it at first for five minutes, then see if you can work up to more. Over time, you'll become much more aware of clenching your jaw muscles and you'll know how it feels not to do it. Marya Danihel, Cambridge, MA
