Natural Relief for Constipation

Getting our stomach massaged is not something we usually think of when we think of massage. Even for my own style of massage, I don't usually include the stomach unless asked. There are some clients who regularly want their abs massaged and some who have asked about it yet never want their stomach touched. Despite the lack of clients who do want abdominal massage, it can have a significant affect on your body. Abdominal massage does help increase bowel movements, especially when constipated, as well as helps decrease gastrointestinal symptoms.

With all the ads for laxatives, it seems we have a problem with this not so much talked about syndrome. Yet, obviously there are many people who have constipation. Constipation usually means you've been depriving your body of essential things such as water, fiber and adequate exercise. A long-term remedy to constipation can be as simple as a daily walk and a few dietary changes. However a short term remedy could be your own hands. You can self massage your stomach for a bit of relief (as well as asking your massage therapist to include your abdominals as part of your next massage).

To massage your stomach make sure to use some type of lotion or oil. Very little is needed. Lie on your back and use your palms or fingertips. Press in lightly and stroke down the left side of your abdomen towards the feet, continue around to the right side and stroke up towards you head. Basically you will start in a large clockwise circle and continue this path into smaller and smaller circles. Do this for about five to ten minutes. If you have an ulcer, hernia, or high blood pressure it is best to not do this.

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Are you Dehydrated?

Is water really necessary? Almost everyone knows that you should drink eight glasses of water a day. Cleveland Clinic nutritionist Andrea Dunn says, "Absolutely. Almost every cell in your body needs water to function properly. Many of the patients I see don’t drink enough water. They aren't dehydrated, but they aren't drinking as much water as they should -- especially considering how much your body needs."

The human body, which is made up of between 55 and 75 percent water (lean people have more water in their bodies because muscle holds more water than fat), is in need of constant water replenishment. Consider this: Your lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day through normal breathing - even more on a cold day. If your feet sweat, there goes another cup of water. If you make half a dozen trips to the bathroom during the day, that's six cups of water. If you perspire, you expel about two cups of water (which doesn't include exercise-induced perspiration).

Ms. Dunn points out that a person would have to lose 10 percent of her body weight in fluids to be considered dehydrated, but as little as two percent can affect athletic performance, cause tiredness and dull critical thinking abilities. Adequate water consumption can help lessen the chance of kidney stones, keep joints lubricated, prevent and lessen the severity of colds and flu and help prevent constipation. "I encourage patients to drink eight to 10 cups of water each day. Those who do report that they generally feel better," notes Ms. Dunn.

For more information on Heavenly Healing Mobile Massage, please visit my website.

Water: The Elixir of Life

Water is used throughout the world for its physical and spiritual healing properties both inside and outside the body. So many of us know how good it feels to take a warm bath or hot shower after the end of a long day. Or if we've been in the heat for a long time, how wonderful that glass of water tastes. Water is used in religious ceremonies. And there are even massages that are performed in water. It is the elixir of life.

The organs associated with water are the kidneys and bladder. Yet water affects our whole body. The amount of water a person should drink varies according to size, physical activity and other factors. Not getting enough water can develop into bladder and kidney disorders, due to problems associated with dehydration. Waiting to drink until the sensation of thirst appears is not a good indication of proper hydration. Thirst is actually a symptom of mild dehydration. People who are well hydrated are rarely thirsty and have urine that is colorless or only slightly yellow.

Water can be as healing when used on the outside of the body as it is when taken internally. Water is still among the most-popular mediums for promoting overall health and healing. When used on the outside of the body, water has an analgesic effect, creating a sense of relaxation and well-being. Water temperatures higher then normal body temperature can help manipulate blood flow and shift fluids from one part of the body to another. Water in the form of ice or heat is used by every major healing modality to ease stiff, tense muscles and promote healing from all types of injuries.

There are many ways that you can increase your fluid intake. You can start by drinking water with at least least one meal per day and increase to each meal. You can add a lemon, lime, or cucumber slice to your water to give it a bit of flavor. If you carry a bottle of water with you you're more likely to drink more water and not grab a soda. Cut back or cut-out on carbonated beverages such as soda as this may cause bloating or a feeling of fullness and prevent adequate consumption of fluids. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as they can help dehydrate the body. And lastly, eat water-rich fruits and vegetables.

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