Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Benefits of Meditation

I recently read a small article in the Science section of the New York Times (november 24, 2009.) A study, presented at a meeting of the
American Heart Association, that people with coronary artery disease can benefit from doing regular meditation. In this case the type of meditation was transcendental mediation. The findings of the study showed those in the meditation group tended to “remain disease-free longer and also reduced systolic blood pressure” than those in the group that did not meditate.

Dr. Robert Schneider, who presented the findings and is the director of the Institue for Natural Medicine and Prevention, suggested that”the stress reduction produced by the meditation could cause chaanges in the brain that cut stress hormones like cortisol and dampen the inflammatory processes associated with atherosclerosis.”

My personal experience is simple meditation is easy to learn and do and does help with stress reduction. Give it a good try.

Looking for gifts this holiday season. Branford Massage is offering significant savings on massage gift certificates. Until 12-24-09 there is a 10% savings on all gift certificates or purchase a package of three sessions and receive a fourth session (same length) free. Call 203-483-1978 or order online.

Until next time stay relaxed and Happy Holidays! David Engler Branford Massage Therapy www.backrubs.com

Greetings and Happy summer. I hope you are enjoying the summer

and staying relaxed and healthy. Here in Southern Connecticut we

have been having a cool and wet summer. The temps are finally

rising.

In my massage practice I see many people that experience some

pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back.  Skilled

massage is very helpful keeping  backs looser, more flexible with

less pain and discomfort. I often show my clients an easy stretch that they

can do at home or just about anywhere that will help keep their

neck and back feeling good.

I learned this easy stretch while taking a course from George P.

Kousaleos, of the CORE Institute. George is a very fine teacher.

The stretch goes like this:

1. Stand with you legs shoulder width apart, hands towards

the floor.

2. Gently press arms and hands down towards the floor.

3. Raise your sternum up towards the ceiling.

4. Slowly  bring you chin toward you chest, gently stretching

your neck.

5. Breath naturally and hold position for 15 seconds then

release.

6. Repeat twice more.

7. Try this stretch 2 0r 3 times a day.

This is a nice gentle stretch but if you experience pain or discomfort stop.

This should give you a nice stretch from your neck to your low back.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a professional

massage please call me at 203-483-1978 to set up an appoinment.

Until next time enjoy the summer, stay healthy and stress free!

David Engler

Branford Massage Therapy

www.backrubs.com

first time client special -  click here

Stress, we hear about it all the time.

More importantly we feel the effects of stress all too often. Insomnia, back pain, stomach aches, headaches are just a few of the effects of too much stress. Stress can also play a significant role in our long term health. Much of my massage practice is for people looking to fight stress in their lives’. Usually these clients see me for deep relaxation or for relief from pain and muscle tightness.

Fortunately there are many easy things you can do to become more relaxed and fight stress.

• Of course get regular massages.
• Slow deep breathing, from the belly. A few minutes several times a day will help to lower you stress level.
• I tell all my stressed out massage clients to do regular exercise.
• Slow simple stretching.
• Reducecaffeine consumption.
• Take a hot bath and add several drops of essential oils like lavender for relaxation.

These are just a few suggestions on ways to combat stress. More ideas in the future.

Branford Massage is now offering 20 Minute Bodywork Shots. 20 minutes of pure relaxation for only $25.00 or a pack of 5 sessions for $100. Come in a and give it a try to see how relaxed you can be.

Same day appointments are often available.

Until next time stay relaxed and healthy.

David Engler
Branford Massage Therapy 203.483.1978 www.backrubs.com

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Greeting and happy Spring. I plan to use this blog to communicate about my massage practice, to offer practical health information that folks will find useful, helpful products and other interesting information and ideas that might not be related to massage or health.

I hope you enjoy. Check out my home page at www.backrubs.com

David