Aromatherapy has long since been used as a method of healing various ailments that plague the human body. For thousands of years, healers have tapped into the healing properties of aromatherapy. Although, its roots are are hard to trace, scientists and doctors have found that aromatherapy can be dated back at least 4000 years. The Egyptians were one of the first to use botanics in many different ways. The Egyptians used spices and herbs in soothing massages. These spices and herbs were also commonly used as medication, within their cosmetics and even in embalming.

Many centuries later, Hippocrates was the first to bring aromatherapy into the forefront as a high profile procedure. 2000 years earlier, the physician’s creed was written attesting to the benefits of aromatherapy as both a physical and emotional healer. Within the 10th century, the Arabs used aromatherapy by extracting the oils from plants through the process of distillation. There are many other cultures throughout history that used the curative powers of plants in potions, aromas and even jewelry. By extracting herbs and plants, it can be used for emotional and physical ailments in therapy. Aromatherapy is able to treat and cure ailments such as headaches, asthma, arthritis, acne, dry skin and herpes.

In the 1900s, both France and England attempted to reintroduce the healing properties of aromatherapy to the populace by garnering positive reviews from the traditional medical community. France has since been successful in reinstating ancient remedies into modern applications. French doctors are known to prescribe aromatherapy to special patients. French pharmacies stock and sell a lot of oils and crushed herbs. Insurance companies are also willing to pay for medical treatments which involve ancient healing remedies such as aromatherapy.

Nowadays, aromatherapy is a relatively popular method of healing. However, the use of prescription pills is more greatly seen. There are still some persons who believe in the healing powers of aromatherapy. These herbs and plants help stimulate and relax the body. The distillation of these plants and herbs help to promote a healthy body and mind. Physical and emotional ailments have long since been treated by the effects of massage using oils and aromas. Scientists have been using aromatherapy to study its uses in the medical field.

History shows how aromatherapy has positively affected the minds and bodies of people afflicted with several different ailments. Aromatherapy consists of essential and pure oils which are obtained from various plants and herbs. They are either cold-preserved or distilled from their fruit, flowers, bark or roots and used in aromatherapy sessions. The French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was the first to grow an interest in and discover the many uses of aromas. He began distilling plants and fruits and testing how they stimulated the mind. Aromatherapy is still used today by many doctors and therapists as an alternative to traditional medicine.

I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper hot stone massage kit.

Cross country skiing lacks the speed of downhill skiing but makes up for itself with its wealth of aerobic benefits. Cross country skiers use muscles in their shoulders, chest, back, buttocks, legs, and abdomen and for those just starting out, all of these muscles will definitely be sore the day after the first excursion out on cross country skis. Cross country skiers can burn as many as 900 calories in just one hour, which is due to the complete workout given by the kick and glide technique and poling motion required for skiing.

While downhill skiing is exciting and fast, cross country skiing is a lot safer and less expensive. It is relatively low impact and leaves the skier with control of speed and direction. Cross country skiing equipment is not as expensive than other types of skiing.

You don’t need to be trained, but here are some good advice and tips to follow. Beginners should resist the urge to treat the skis like snowshoes and instead glide with the skis across the snow with the body at a 45 to 65 degree angle to the ground. Once this movement is mastered, the entire body should work together in a rhythm of kicks, long glides, and poling motions that continually propel the body forward.

For those who have downhill skied prior to cross country skiing, be aware that cross country skis are longer than downhill ones, and are more narrow with less weight to them. Cross country skiing also burns more calories than downhill skiing, so it’s important to dress appropriately. Generally experienced cross country skiers dress in layers so they can easily take off a layer if they get too warm.

To prepare the body for cross country skiing season, it’s best to combine activities that strengthen the total body. Exercises like rowing and swimming work best for an upper body workout, while walking and cycling provide a good lower body workout. Preparing the body before winter arrives ensures that the body stays injury free and muscles are prepared for the workout.

Cross country skiing is a great way to work the total body while also allowing the skier to enjoy being outdoors during a season that generally keeps people stuck inside and waiting for spring. It is very beneficial to those who do it regularly. Not only that, but cross country skiing is a very relaxing and calming activity. While it can be made social and done with friends, it’s also safe enough to do solo during the winter months and allow you to see your surroundings in a different way. For those who can’t afford equipment, don’t forget you can generally rent these pieces to cut down on the initial costs of this great winter activity.

I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper hot stone massage kit.

There are runners who don’t stretch at all, and then there are those who do stretch, but aren’t sure when they should be stretching or what kind of stretches will benefit their bodies and performance the best. The classic stretch you often see people doing before a run or race is the lunge forward, with the bounce as they push their bodies down, or the grabbing of the leg behind their bodies, while balancing on the other leg. Neither of these stretches provides much benefit, but they tend to make runners feel like they’ve done “something” before they head out on the pavement.

If runners only stretch at one point during their run, the key time for stretching is after the run is finished. Stretching before a run, as long as it’s done well and not done with “cold muscles” is harmless, but provides little benefit. The best way to get your ‘stretch’ is to take it slowly at first, and gradually ease into running. Stretching after a run includes many benefits as well. Do some light stretching after running. It gives you a chance to strengthen some muscles important to running and prevent you from cramping up.

A run should finish like how it started. Runners often get that “race mentality” and want to push their bodies hard at the end of the run. They should be doing the opposite, and keeping the last five to ten minutes of the run easy as they gradually slow down. Once the run is finished, the muscles are better prepared for stretching.

An important stretch for the legs following a run is the “heel drop.” This stretch is key to preventing Achilles tendinitis. Doing the heel drop is easy and involves standing on a curb with the front foot, then dropping the heels. Once you have done it, count to 5 and lift them again. This should be repeated five or ten times. Another key stretch for preventing Achilles tendinitis is the “calf raise.” This also helps prevent shin splints, which are all too common for the runner. Doing this requires you to stand in one place, lift up on the heels, count to five, drop down, and then repeat several times. These stretches will help in protecting the legs from injuries.

There are even more extensive stretches that can be done, when time allows, but for a basic stretching period after a casual run, even just a few stretches can keep you injury free and running faster. One of the major causes of injury among runners comes from muscles that are either overused or not properly stretched. You can ensure this doesn’t become your fate by taking just a few minutes each time you run to devote to stretching and cooling down. You should not run if you did not stretch!

I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper hot stone massage kit.

There are runners who don’t stretch at all, and then there are those who do stretch, but aren’t sure when they should be stretching or what kind of stretches will benefit their bodies and performance the best. The classic stretch you often see people doing before a run or race is the lunge forward, with the bounce as they push their bodies down, or the grabbing of the leg behind their bodies, while balancing on the other leg. Neither of these stretches provides much benefit, but they tend to make runners feel like they’ve done “something” before they head out on the pavement.

If runners only stretch at one point during their run, the key time for stretching is after the run is finished. Stretching before a run, as long as it’s done well and not done with “cold muscles” is harmless, but provides little benefit. The best way to get your ‘stretch’ is to take it slowly at first, and gradually ease into running. Stretching after a run includes many benefits as well. Do some light stretching after running. It gives you a chance to strengthen some muscles important to running and prevent you from cramping up.

A run should finish like how it started. Runners often get that “race mentality” and want to push their bodies hard at the end of the run. They should be doing the opposite, and keeping the last five to ten minutes of the run easy as they gradually slow down. Once the run is finished, the muscles are better prepared for stretching.

An important stretch for the legs following a run is the “heel drop.” This stretch is key to preventing Achilles tendinitis. Doing the heel drop is easy and involves standing on a curb with the front foot, then dropping the heels. Once you have done it, count to 5 and lift them again. This should be repeated five or ten times. Another key stretch for preventing Achilles tendinitis is the “calf raise.” This also helps prevent shin splints, which are all too common for the runner. Doing this requires you to stand in one place, lift up on the heels, count to five, drop down, and then repeat several times. These stretches will help in protecting the legs from injuries.

There are even more extensive stretches that can be done, when time allows, but for a basic stretching period after a casual run, even just a few stretches can keep you injury free and running faster. One of the major causes of injury among runners comes from muscles that are either overused or not properly stretched. You can ensure this doesn’t become your fate by taking just a few minutes each time you run to devote to stretching and cooling down. You should not run if you did not stretch!

I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper hot stone massage kit.