February 2008  Newsletter

Enjoy the 29 days of February.  Yes...it's a leap year.


"Just one more hour and I'll take a break."

"Just one more report and I'll take a break."

Sound Familiar?

    Microsoft Syndrome?

Do you sit in front of a computer all day? Stand up and take a break! 

The posture most of us assume after sitting in front of a computer...or driving for extended periods, is that of a rounded back, rounded shoulders and head forward.

Over the short term, this can be a real pain in the upper thoracic and cervical areas (your neck and shoulders).  Over the long term, this posture can be debilitating.  Headaches, neck problems, shoulder problems, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands, are but a few of the potential outcomes.

So get up out of that chair and stretch out!  Next month, we'll introduce some great (simple) stretches that you can do anywhere. 

Cold and Flu Season Hits with a Vengeance.
In case you haven't noticed...we are in the midst of horrible cold and flu season.  These little bugs have a little longer shelf life than we've seen in quite a while.  This of course means that people remain infectious longer, increasing the number of people they come in contact with.

There are some steps you can take to boost your immune system.  This might not prevent you from contracting the virus but it can sure minimize your symptoms and help you get over it much quicker.

- Get plenty of sleep.
- Drink plenty of pure water.
- Keep soft drinks and alcohol to an absolute minimum.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Increase your intake of Vitamin C
- At first signs of nasal congestion, use a nasal rinse.
 

Pure Essential Oils...The Power to Heal.
Frankincense - an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia carteri tree.  Considered a precious holy oil, it's been used since Biblical times.

Frankincense has many skin-healing properties and can support the respiratory system when used topically.  Aroma therapists and massage therapists often use it to deepen breathing and promote relaxation.

If you're interested in the use of pure essential oils, please contact me.  I have several outstanding reference books on the subject and can also direct you to the best line of oils on the market.
 

The Lost Art of Breathing.
Are you a shallow breather?
  Shallow breathing gives you 'sticky lungs' - lungs that can't give your muscles and brain the amount of air you need for a healthy lifestyle. To relax. To think clearly. To feel good.  Shallow breathing also contributes to tight muscles in the upper chest and neck.

Follow these simple steps a few times a day and you WILL notice improvement in both your physical and mental well being:

1 - Inhale slowly into the lower lungs.  Expand the sides, back, and front of the lower ribs.

2 - Once lower lungs are filled, inhale more air into the upper chest.

3 - Exhale air from upper chest very slowly.  Keep lower lungs full.

4 - Contract abdominal muscles to push all air out.  Exhale remaining air.  Relax and repeat two more times.

Desert Oasis Therapeutic Massage   -   Curtis Reznicek, LMT  - 
579 W. Wickenburg Way, Suite #5  - (928) 684-2539

www.DesertOasisMassage.com