AU Blogspot

              Thanks to timtinman for permission to use this Photo.                 

Even though you massage only one body part at a time, it’s critical that you keep the body’s “wholeness” in mind.  The book explains this concept well.  For example, when someone has a headache, you know that they will benefit from a head massage.  That’s obvious.  But if you have a good understanding of the body’s wholeness, you’ll know that you need to massage the neck and shoulders as well.  As we’ve discussed in previous lessons, it’s all connected.  Everything!  I know you’ll be absolutely amazed as you begin to experience for yourself the interconnectedness of bodily regions and parts.   

You’ll probably find that the majority of the massages you give focus on relaxing the neck or back.  These are the two most common “problem areas.”  Both of these regions affect posture, which can be dramatically improved with massage.  I’m sure you know someone who spends a good part of the day sitting hunched over a computer or desk.  Prolonged sitting with a forward head position is by far the most common cause for bad posture.  Again, consider the body’s wholeness.  Work the neck and back, but don’t forget about the chest.  By loosening up the chest and the front of the shoulders, you can “open up” the upper body, bringing shoulders and neck back into proper positioning.  Stretch the neck, shoulders, and chest on a regular basis, and you will improve posture. 

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University

                Thanks to Sarah G for permission to use this Photo.

April is National Humor Month, so get your laugh on!! Although it may not be the best medicine, it does have some great benefits. Laughter improves your daily mood and makes a significant contribution to your health. It helps you keep a positive frame of mind when life’s problems come your way, it promotes physical, mental and spiritual health.

Laughter reduces stress hormones in the blood and research has shown that muscle relaxation results from a good belly laugh. Next time you have a good laugh, ask yourself, “What changes in my body do I notice?” Do you feel more relaxed and at ease?

So the next time you’re trying to hold in that boisterous, “Go ahead and let it rip!” Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

           Thanks to Monica Semergiu for permission to use this Photo.

Experience has taught me that it really doesn’t matter how rational, educated, or seemingly healthy a person is—any one of us is susceptible to “chasing dragons” in search of that instant and painless answer to our problems.  Consider the aggressive expansion of an already billion dollar weight loss industry into younger and younger market sectors for additional proof.  Not quite as sinister, but perhaps more humorous is the following weight loss video by British hypnotist, Paul McKenna.  By blindfolding his study participants as they eat, McKenna is attempting to creatively demonstrate the often argued relationship between what we see and how much we actually desire to eat.  I’m not sure that this experiment is revelatory in any sense, but there are some interesting implications to consider regarding the role of visual perception, craving, and consumption.  Check out this video and let us know what’s the strangest weight loss method you’ve ever tried…

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University

Tea and coffee are the major sources of caffeine in our diet, but there are significant amounts to be found in less likely foods such as cocoa, chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, cola, sports drinks, some desserts and ice creams. Caffeine is also important ingredient in some cold and pain relief medications. Without doubt, caffeine acts as a stimulant, which can stave off fatigue and enhance mental performance when we are feeling sluggish. It stimulates the heart, open the airways and can even aid digestion by stimulating gastric juices. However, there is another side to this most acceptable of drugs.

Stress And Stimulation

Caffeine acts like stress on the body, causing the physical symptoms of the ‘flight or fight’ response. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol which, in turn, cause the liver to break down its store of glycogen and release it as glucose into the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps deposit the blood glucose into the body cells. As calcium is needed to increase the heart rate, improve muscle contraction and thicken the blood, this mineral is mobilized from the bones. In short, the body prepares for action.

The problem is that when we drink or eat caffeine, we are rarely preparing for any physical action. We are usually sitting down, eating and drinking, or having a cup of tea, coffee or cola at our desks to keep us going. In effect, the body has responded to a false alarm but the physical results of this state of alert remain the same. If caffeine were the only stressor in our lives then perhaps it would be less of a problem. However, the combination of stressors we all live with can make caffeine detrimental to our health. (more…)

                Thanks to Valerie for permission to use this Photo. 

Massage is an age-old remedy for many types of pain, but many fibromyalgia sufferers believe it to be the best treatment for their pain. Massage warms and lengthens muscles and soft tissue, increases flexibility, and reduces stiffness, often resulting in a significant decrease in pain. This is great news for the estimated 3-6 million people in America who suffer from fibromyalgia and must learn to manage chronic pain.

Kristin McIntyre
Massage Techniques Instructor
Ashworth University 

               Thanks to Rachel Zack for permission to use this Photo.I want you to understand how truly wonderful an experience massage can be for the terminally ill.  No matter what condition the person is in, conscious or unconscious, it’s nice to think that somehow, on some level, he or she knows that you are there and are caring for them in such a gentle, loving way.  This type of massage may not seem appealing to you.  Maybe you have a hard time dealing with death.  That’s okay.  Never do anything that makes you uncomfortable.  But if someone you love is at the end of his or her life, you may be surprised by the strength you are able to find.  It is very important that you practice self-care in this situation.  If you are able to maintain your emotional well-being, this massage can be a very powerful experience for both the receiver and the giver.  This memory will be one you will cherish after your special friend is gone.  Also keep in mind that massage can be a blessing to the grieving family members of the person who has passed.  Be prepared for emotional release.  Just be loving and understanding.  That’s all you can do. Kristy CarterMassage Techniques Program InstructorAshworth University

Natural does not equal healthier, nor does it even equal, well, natural. A recent article in the New York Times skewers the marketing ploys of a variety of beauty products available at stores like Whole Foods, and reiterates that there’s no evidence that individual ingredients benefit health or beauty, or that claims of their natural or organic provenance are even necessarily true.

 
   Thanks to Rick Harris for permission to use this Photo. (more…)

A new study has found that older people with less omega-3 in their blood are more likely to suffer from dementia. The study involved about 1000 persons 65 or older randomly sampled from two Italian towns. They were given mental tests and divided into three groups: no cognitive impairment; cognitive impairment but not demented; and demented. In addition, their blood was measured. Worse mental function was more strongly associated with total omega-3 fatty acids (p = .01) than any of the other fatty acid measures.One more reason to think that consuming more omega-3 might improve your brain function.  

Dr. Seth Roberts
Author of The Shangri-La Diet
Ashworth University Contributing Blogger

*Dr. Seth Roberts is a renowned psychologist and author of the critically acclaimed book, The Shangri-La Diet.  Mr. Roberts is one of those rare types of innovative thinkers that change the way you perceive the world.  We’re honored that Seth Roberts has provided us with the opportunity to share his dynamic perspectives with the Ashworth University student community.  Seth’s dedication to scientific inquiry and experimental analysis serves as an inspiration to all those interested in the mysteries of the body and mind.  Visit Seth’s blog to learn more about Seth Roberts’ life and work.  Thanks Seth!

           Thanks to Dr. Caffeine for permission to use this Photo.

Thanks to gruntzooki for permission to use this Photo

Have you ever noticed that when your feet hurt—your whole body hurts?

There are reflex areas in the feet that correspond to all the glands, organs, and parts of the body. The science of stimulating these points in the feet to affect the body is known as Reflexology. It’s so important to keep your feet healthy, limber, and in comfortable footwear. Think of all the weight they support day after day. Problems in your feet can throw your whole body out of whack. Give yourself a foot rub, do your body good!

Discover how areas of the feet and hands are approximate to the body’s anatomy with this interactive reflexology map.

Kristy Carter
Massage Therapy Instructor
Ashworth University