Month: June 2024

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Harnessing the Power of Touch: The Many Benefits of Massage 

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Massage is often viewed as a self-indulgent luxury, but it has also proven to be an effective tool in fighting physiological stress. Practitioners claim that it reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and it increases the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Massage 

There are several plausible mechanisms that explain how massage works to alleviate pain. One theory is that it interrupts pain signals by stimulating large-diameter nerve fibers.

As we all know, good circulation is key to our overall health. It brings oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells, flushes out metabolic waste, and supports our organs’ vital functions.

Many massage techniques are designed to aid circulation. The mechanical pressure of massage increases the elasticity of muscles, which then improves the flow of blood through the tissue. This improved flow of oxygen and nutrients reduces muscle soreness, decreases toxins, and accelerates healing after workouts. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Chicago confirmed that massage can significantly enhance blood flow following exercise.

In addition to delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, increased circulation also helps to clear away waste products of protein breakdown and promotes proper cell function and structure. It’s not just the heart that benefits from good circulation; so do our bones, joints, and ligaments. Proper circulation also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, control high blood pressure, and keep our lymphatic system healthy.

A common question people have is whether or not massage can help with claudication, which is caused by muscle tissue compressing the vessels. Although this is not something that massage can fix (it would require the removal of the muscle tissue), it’s important to note that it’s a condition caused by muscular tension rather than physical arterial impingement, so there could be some benefit from massage if the tension is the cause.

The effleurage and cross fiber friction massage techniques both stimulate the vasodilation of the vessels, which then gives the blood more room to circulate. This is especially helpful for leg massage, where blood can pool and cause swelling. The heating of the skin and muscles by the massage also helps to warm up the blood, which makes it more receptive to being moved through the tissues.

Another technique that can improve circulation is the use of vigorous tapotement moves, such as cupping, hacking, and beating. These stimulating movements encourage the lungs to inhale and exhale more deeply, which then opens up the airways, helping those with breathing problems. In addition to boosting circulation, this type of massage can also trigger the release of the feel-good hormone endorphins, which can improve our mood and relieve stress, as well as lower our heart rate.

Reduced Cellulite

Cellulite, or the dimpled appearance of the skin on the thighs and buttocks, is a common problem that can affect people of all shapes and sizes. It is more prevalent in women because of differences in their connective tissue. While many treatments are available to reduce cellulite, they can be expensive and invasive. Massage is an inexpensive option that may help improve the appearance of the skin and make it less noticeable.

There are a number of claims about how massage can reduce cellulite. Some suggest that it works by smashing or dispersing fat cells or re-arranging the connective tissues. However, most scientists agree that the main way that massage helps is by improving circulation. This increases the amount of fat that is able to be re-absorbed by the body.

A massage also encourages the lymphatic system to drain away toxins and other waste materials that can contribute to the formation of cellulite. This can be especially beneficial for those who are overweight or who have a tendency to store fat in the thigh area. Massage can also be a great option for those who do not want to undergo an invasive treatment such as laser or needles.

In one study, a massage device that stimulates the fascia was found to significantly decrease the volume of cellulite on the iliotibial region of the thigh after a 12-week treatment period. This reduction was confirmed by visual grading of the skin and macrophotographs. The massage also led to an increase in metabolism in this area of the body.

It is important to note that the improvement in the appearance of the skin that resulted from the use of this massage device was not permanent. After the massage device was stopped, the volume of cellulite regressed to its pre-massage level. While the results of this study indicate that massage can play a role in cellulite reduction, further research is needed to determine exactly how this happens and what the best treatment methods are for achieving lasting results.

While many individuals can benefit from an anti-cellulite massage, it is important to understand that it is not a cure. It can only temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and make it look less dimpled. If you are interested in reducing the appearance of your cellulite, consider combining massage with other treatment options such as weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet.

Improved Skin Appearance

A facial massage enhances skin tone, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and gives you a healthy glow. Massage also helps you recover from pregnancy and weight loss by aiding skin regeneration. Massage increases blood flow to the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removing waste products – all good for your overall health and the appearance of your complexion.

Regular face massages help to relax the muscles and reduce expression lines caused by stress, giving you a more youthful and rested appearance. A facial massage also encourages the production of natural endorphins which are known to improve mood and relieve tension headaches.

The friction and motion of massage help to dislodge and expel dead skin cells, thereby improving skin texture. This process of desquamation also tightens pores and eliminates impurities and toxins. The skin is also better able to absorb moisturisers and other skincare products which will give you a healthy glow.

A light facial massage also stimulates collagen production, a protein which is key to skin elasticity and firmness. This contributes to a smoother complexion over time, as it helps your skin look and feel more elastic. Facial massages can also help prevent sagging of the skin by toning the muscles and lifting the cheeks.

Although there are many benefits of adding facial massage to your beauty routine, it’s important not to have unrealistic expectations. Face massage cannot change the structure of your bones or replace lost volume (e.g., puffy eyes or sagging skin). Likewise, too much pressure and aggressive massage techniques can actually damage the sensitive tissue. With this in mind, it’s best to have a professional perform the massage or use a tool designed specifically for the face, such as a jade or rose quartz gua sha tool.

Reduced Stress

Stress is a part of life, but chronic or excessive stress can cause a number of health problems. Studies have shown that massage reduces the levels of cortisol, our primary stress hormone and increases serotonin and dopamine, boosting your mood and leaving you feeling relaxed.

When we are stressed our body produces the steroid adrenaline which triggers the sympathetic nervous system to increase our heart rate, raise blood pressure and mobilise glucose stores. Massage has a calming effect on the body and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the amount of sweat produced.

The sedative effect of massage also helps improve sleep, allowing our bodies to recuperate and repair. In addition, when muscles are tense and tight they prevent our organs from functioning properly. Massage helps to release these tensions, which can help with digestion, absorption and elimination of waste products from the body.

It can be difficult to measure the impact of massage on our stress levels, as it varies from person to person and the experience of a good massage is very personal. However, studies have found that a 10 minute resting massage can significantly decrease both psychological and physiological stress markers, such as cortisol and blood pressure.

During a massage the nerves and sensory receptors in our skin are stimulated triggering the production of endorphins which are our body’s natural pain killers and feel good chemicals, boosting our mood and reducing stress levels. The touch of massage also interferes with pain signals so that the brain doesn’t receive them, causing a reduction in feelings of pain and stress.

Many of the techniques used in a therapeutic massage, such as kneading, hacking, beating and pounding (all parts of vigorous tapotement) can have an additional positive effect on the respiratory system by helping to loosen phlegm and clear the airways. This is particularly useful for people who suffer from asthma or bronchitis. In fact, adding therapeutic massage to your routine can help you live a healthier and more vital life into the future by relieving symptoms of chronic and acute stress, so book in for a treatment now.

Plumbing

What Plumbing Is and What Isn’t

Richie Gibbons

Plumbing Express, Inc. is a system of pipes that conveys water, waste products, and gas throughout a building. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain these systems to ensure safe, clean water supply and effective drainage.

Plumbing

A water heater is an appliance that keeps hot water ready at all times. It is located in your basement, garage or utility closet and stores a large tank of between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water that is heated by gas or an electric heating element. These units provide hot water for sinks, showers, washing machines and dishwashers throughout your home.

During heavy use, your water heater is constantly working to keep the water in your storage tank at optimum temperature. This can wear on the unit and, in some cases, cause it to run out of hot water too quickly.

To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you choose a unit with a 12-year warranty that is rated for heavy use. It also helps to look for a model with brass drain valves, which are more durable than plastic, and glass-lined tanks that reduce corrosion.

If you are having trouble with your hot water heater, there are several things that can happen, but the most common is sediment buildup, a faulty thermostat or a broken dip tube. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, contact us to have one of our professional plumbers come out and take a look.

Our licensed professional plumbers have the expertise and training to diagnose your problem and repair it right away, saving you time and money. They are fully insured, bonded and certified to perform work on all your plumbing needs.

Besides being an essential part of your home, your water heater is also a major safety concern because it contains hot and dangerous water. The best way to avoid a disaster is to install a sturdy heat-resistant drain pan underneath your water heater in indoor environments. This will help to protect your floor and any nearby individuals from the consequences of a water heater leak or pressure valve runoff. For outdoor environments, a rainwater catchment system is recommended to divert the excess hot water from your tank. This system can help to lower your energy costs and conserve water. Our trained professionals can handle both indoor and outdoor installations.

Tank-Type Heater

If you live in a typical American home, your water heater is likely a conventional tank-type model. These conventional units feature a large, insulated tank that is designed to hold 30 to 80 gallons of hot water until you need it.

A dip tube is located near the bottom of the tank and helps to send cold water to the burner that heats it inside the tank. Once the hot water reaches the dip tube, it is sent back to you from a hot water outlet located at the top of the tank.

Gas water heaters utilize a gas burner to heat the water, and they can be equipped with an electric heating element for added energy efficiency. A flue is positioned at the center of the unit to vent combustion gases out of the tank.

These tanks are a great option for homes with limited space, but they require regular maintenance to ensure the unit works properly. Minerals and sediment build up on the heating elements, which can decrease thermal transfer and lead to poor performance. Over time, these sediments can also cause the heater to rust and leak.

Another concern with traditional tanks is the fact that they continuously heat and store hot water, even when you are not using it. This process results in significant amounts of wasted water and energy. In addition, even today’s highly-insulated tank models are susceptible to heat loss via radiation and a process known as standby loss.

The average lifespan of a traditional tank is less than 12 years, which is an unnecessarily short amount of time to wait for hot water. While you may think that investing in a new unit is expensive, it’s actually much more cost-effective to choose a high-efficiency model that can help to cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Another excellent option is a tankless water heater, which is ideal for homes with no need to keep a large supply of hot water on hand. These units work on demand, meaning that they only heat water when you need it. They do so by funneling cold water to a gas burner or heating element that quickly and efficiently delivers it to you for your use.

Water Filter

Water filters remove impurities that may affect the taste or appearance of the water, or that may pose health risks. They range from simple mechanical filters to complex filtration systems. The most common types of filters include pitchers, end-of-tap or faucet-mounted filters and plumbed-in or under-sink filtration systems. It is important to know what contaminants you want to remove from your water before purchasing a filter or treatment system. The best way to do this is by checking if the product is certified by NSF International, an independent public health organization that sets standards for filtration products.

When shopping for a water filter, look for one with a micron rating that indicates the size of the pores that allow the water to pass through. This helps you find a filter that can effectively remove certain contaminants like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. A 5-micron filter or lower is adequate for removing most of these contaminants.

The first step in a filtration system is often a sediment prefilter, which acts like a sieve to remove larger particles of sand, silt, clay and debris from the water. This helps reduce turbidity, which is the cloudiness caused by these particles in the water. It also extends the life of the more expensive, finishing filters by preventing premature clogging.

Some filters use carbon adsorption, which binds to contaminants and removes them from the water. These are usually available in the form of granulated or powdered carbon. They are effective in reducing chlorine, chlorine byproducts and dissolved volatile organic compounds that can cause unpleasant tastes and odors.

Many filtration systems also incorporate reverse osmosis, which uses pressure and a series of membranes to separate water molecules. This can reduce or eliminate a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, cysts and parasites such as protozoa, which are responsible for diseases such as malaria and dysentery. Many manufacturers offer complete whole-house filtration systems that combine these different technologies into a single unit. These are ideal for removing chlorine, rust and other contaminates from water that comes into the home, as well as for reducing chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.

Water Softener

Water softeners use basic chemistry to remove the minerals that make up hard water, typically calcium and magnesium. Those minerals cause spots on glassware, build up in hot-water-using appliances like coffee and washing machines and can even clog pipes over time. Softened water reduces these issues and improves the overall quality of your home’s water supply.

Water passes over the negatively charged resin beads in the softener, which are filled with sodium ions. The ions replace the positive calcium and magnesium ions in the water, making the water soft. The water-softening process is called ion exchange, and it’s the most common method of household water treatment.

When the resin bed becomes coated with hardness minerals, it must be regenerated to continue producing soft water. During regeneration, the softener flushes a solution of salt and water through the resin tank. The high levels of salt force the calcium and magnesium ions off the resin, replacing them with sodium ions. The resulting softened water is then released into the house.

While using a water softener will add some sodium to your household’s drinking water, it’s not considered a health risk by the FDA and is safe for consumption in moderation. Those who wish to avoid this added sodium can install a bypass valve and connect their water softener to a separate water dispenser or opt for a salt-free system, which uses potassium chloride instead of sodium.

While the benefits of a water softener are obvious, its operating costs can add up. Fortunately, this cost is offset by the money and energy saved over time. For example, softened water requires less energy to heat, and soaps and other cleaning products produce a larger lather with less soap than their hard-water counterparts. It also helps protect your plumbing from mineral buildup, prolonging their lifespan. Compared to the daily expenses and frustrations of dealing with hard water, the installation of a water softener is well worth the investment.

Dental Services

The Benefits of Getting Braces

Bridget Rice

Whether you have crooked teeth or gaps, braces can help. These metal devices have brackets that attach to each tooth and a wire threaded through them.

Braces

Teeth play a significant role in the digestion process by cutting and grinding food into smaller bits before it enters your stomach. Misaligned teeth can restrict this function, resulting in poor chewing and gastrointestinal discomfort. Contact Las Vegas Braces for professional help.

Many people get braces because they want a more attractive smile. While this is a common reason, it’s important to remember that the benefits of orthodontic treatment go beyond cosmetic improvements. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Additionally, braces help create a more balanced facial appearance by correcting misalignments and overcrowding.

The improved alignment of the teeth also makes it easier to brush and floss effectively, which further lowers the risk for oral health problems. For example, crooked or overcrowded teeth can trap food particles, leading to bad breath. With braces, you can eliminate these food particles and enjoy fresher, healthier breath.

Orthodontic treatment can also improve speech clarity by addressing issues like slurring. In addition, misaligned jaws can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Braces can correct these issues and ensure that the teeth come together properly when you chew, which alleviates strain on the jaw joints and reduces the risk for future complications.

Braces can also address bite issues, which can cause jaw pain and abrasions on the cheek and tongue. A proper bite can also prevent premature wear and tear on the teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss.

Better Oral Hygiene

One of the most important things to remember when wearing braces is that regular and thorough oral hygiene is essential. While this may seem like a pain at first, with time and practice it will become easier and more effective.

Crowded and misaligned teeth can trap food particles, creating bacteria-breeding areas that lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Correcting these issues through orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious health concerns in the future.

By addressing issues such as overcrowding, braces can make brushing and flossing more effective. This will help reduce plaque buildup around brackets, wires, and between teeth. It will also improve the ability to properly chew foods, reducing issues with digestion.

One of the main causes of bad breath is bacterial build-up around the gum line, wires, and brackets. This is especially true for those who frequently eat sticky or sugary foods. However, brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can remove the bacteria that cause bad breath. Flossing daily is also essential to help remove food stuck between teeth, as well as other hard-to-reach places. If necessary, a dental professional can recommend tools such as floss threaders or interdental brushes to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are properly cleaned.

In addition to bad breath, those who wear braces often suffer from halitosis due to the way their mouth smells after meals and snacks. This is usually caused by the build-up of bacteria and plaque around the braces, wires, and gum lines. However, this can be prevented by avoiding sticky and sugary foods and practicing good oral hygiene with the use of braces. Your dentist will teach you how to brush and floss effectively with braces to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are properly brushed.

Increased Self-Esteem

Children and teens often feel insecure when wearing braces. They worry that their peers will notice their appearance and teasing or bullying could follow. However, as their teeth straighten, these concerns diminish. The straighter smile also gives them a sense of accomplishment that can boost self-esteem.

In addition, children who wear braces can develop a strong sense of responsibility in caring for their dental health because of the daily oral hygiene routine required with braces. This instills a lifelong commitment to good oral health that will benefit their health for years to come.

Braces also correct malocclusions, which can cause discomfort when eating or speaking. The crookedness or extra space between teeth can lead to bacterial build-up and make it difficult to clean the gums effectively. With orthodontic treatment, the overlapping and crooked teeth are removed to create a more even bite, eliminating these issues and improving oral health.

Additionally, malocclusion can interfere with chewing, causing problems with digestion. When a person can’t properly chew, large chunks of food enter the stomach, resulting in intestinal distress and bloating. The proper alignment created by braces can make it easier to chew, aiding the digestive process.

Overall, a straighter smile can improve the quality of life for people of all ages. While some may experience initial dips in confidence due to diet restrictions and discomfort from appointments, it’s important to remember that these challenges are temporary. Instead of focusing on these factors, patients should focus on the incredible end result that will be achieved with their orthodontic treatment – a straight, healthy smile. To help boost your confidence, surround yourself with friends and family who support you throughout the journey of getting braces. You can also connect with others who have undergone similar orthodontic treatments to provide reassurance and guidance.

Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay

The most obvious reason to get braces is to straighten crooked teeth and improve the alignment of your jaw. However, the treatment can also be beneficial for your oral health by reducing your risk of tooth decay.

Teeth can develop cavities when bacteria attack the hard, outer tooth enamel and break it down. If the damage isn’t repaired, the softer dentin underneath can be exposed and damaged by bacteria. This can lead to holes, or cavities, in the teeth which can be painful if left untreated.

In the early stages of tooth decay (demineralisation) the weakened enamel may appear chalky or white and is often accompanied by gum inflammation or sensitivity. Frequent brushing with a fluoride containing toothpaste and routine dental visits help to remineralise the enamel making it more resistant to acid attacks which can cause tooth decay.

Once the demineralised enamel breaks down, the bacteria move deeper into the tooth until they reach the inner pulp material which contains nerves and blood vessels. This can cause pain and an infection in the tooth called a cavity or abscess. If a cavity isn’t treated it can spread to the bone surrounding the tooth and even affect neighbouring teeth resulting in the loss of teeth.

Aside from improving your appearance and promoting better oral hygiene, getting braces can reduce the risk of developing tooth decay because it can make your teeth more durable. The newer types of braces apply a constant pressure to the teeth which can make them more resistant to damage. They can also be made from materials that allow them to reflect more light so they are less likely to stain.

Reduced Risk of Bone Loss

One of the most important benefits that braces provide is a reduced risk of bone loss. This is because misaligned teeth can cause the gum tissues and bones to erode, especially when bacteria are left to sit in the mouth for long periods of time. Braces can fix this by preventing the teeth from overlapping and by providing better support for the jawbone. This also alleviates pressure on the gums and bones so they can naturally rebuild in their new positions.

This also helps reduce the risk of falls, which often result in fractured bones in older adults. Studies show that people with lower bone mass are at greater risk of falling, which can cause serious injuries like fractures and even death.

Another problem that many people have with crooked or overcrowded teeth is bad breath. This is because food particles get trapped between the teeth and are not cleaned properly with toothbrushes or floss. Braces help remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, which makes for healthier and fresher breath.

Misaligned teeth can also impact the way you pronounce words, and this is a problem that braces can address. They can shift the positioning of teeth that are affecting your ability to pronounce certain words distinctly, and they can close off spaces that could cause whistling. They can also help prevent word slurring by ensuring that your tongue is able to move freely within the mouth. This will give you clearer and more professional-sounding speech. They can also help you chew your food better, which helps your stomach digest it faster. This can reduce stomach issues like bloating, gas and discomfort.