Category: Health Tips 2

  • Arm Massage Techniques and Procedure: Benefits of Hand And Arm Massage

    Those involved in jobs that call for excessive use of the arms, hands, and wrists; there will be undue stress, pain and tension in them. An arm and hand massage helps alleviate this discomfort easily.

    Hand And Arm Massage Procedure And Techniques

    • Lie on the back; and place 1 pillow below the knees, and a 2nd pillow under the head.
    • Pour oil on the hands and spread evenly over the fingers and palms. Rub the oil up the wrist towards the forearm, up to the top of the shoulder and nape of the neck. Go over the entire procedure for 5 times.
    • Use an overlapping motion to massage the wrists, forearm and shoulders. Then, repeat on the under-side of the arm.
    • Bend the arm at the elbow and move the fingers down to the elbow in a fluid motion.
    • Repeat 5 times.
    • Using the thumbs, massage the arm from the elbow to the under arm, using your thumbs. With each repetition, gradually increase the pressure.

    Hand and Arm Massage Benefits

    • A massage relieves stress, pain and discomfort in the arms, hands, and wrists. A massage also resolves issues related to arthritis and poor blood circulation. The massage peps up blood circulation and rapidly eases sprains and strains.
    • An arms and hand massage gives you a relaxing and soothing experience, especially, if you are looking for instant solutions.
    • More importantly, with this massage technique you can decrease pressure and tension knots in the neck, scalp and chest, due to circulatory / nervous disorders.
  • Metallic Taste in Mouth during Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment at Home

    A metallic taste in mouth early pregnancy is a condition commonly called as dysgeusia. It is a symptom of early pregnancy wherein the sense of taste of pregnant women alters into something very sour and stinky.

    Reasons for Metallic Taste in Mouth during Early Pregnancy

    Let us trace the causes of metallic taste in mouth and its other related signs:

    • The increase of estrogen level during pregnancy
    • The problem is also linked to the absorption of many prenatal vitamins such as iron and potassium
    • Having heartburn or acid reflux
    • Poor oral hygiene
    • Dental problems

    What to Do for Metallic Taste in Mouth Early Pregnancy

    The home remedies and treatment for enumerated here can help in solving this problem.

    • Take foods that stimulate saliva production like citrus juices, lemonade, and those foods marinated with vinegar to wash away the metallic taste.
    • Brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth can relieve yourself of the metallic taste.
    • You can also rinse your mouth with water mixed with mild salt or a baking soda solution.
    • The use of mouthwash and good toothpaste can also help.
    • Avoid using wares made of metals and avoid bitter-tasting foods.
    • Temporary relief from metallic taste can be attained by eating foods high in protein and foods slightly flavored with spices and seasonings.
    • Serving the foods cold can lessen any unpleasant odor or taste.
    • Gum or breath mints might help you treat the persisting metallic taste.
    • Consult your doctor.
  • Upper Back Muscle Spasms: Causes And Treatment For Back Muscle Pain

    A muscle spasm of the back is a painful, involuntary and sudden contraction of the muscles. The muscles of the back are very prone to spasms primarily as they are weight bearing muscles. The back muscle spasms may lead to mild to severe back pain. Estimates have suggested that back pain due to muscle spasms is one of the most common cause for loss of workdays across the globe.

    What Causes Upper Back Muscle Pain?

    Common causes for muscle spasms of the back are:

    • Muscle pull among athletes and sports persons, is a fairly common cause of back pain.
    • Trauma to the muscles especially associated with a fall is a common cause.
    • Wrong body posture especially among computer users is considered to be a common factor.
    • Excessive strain on the back muscles (either due to heavy strain / rigorous exercises).
    • Nerve damage caused primarily due to nerve root compression or spondylosis can also contribute to muscle spasms.
    • Vitamin and mineral deficiency can also contribute to back muscle spasms.
    • Osteoporosis especially among the elderly can lead to back pain.
    • Arthritis and gout can also contribute to back pain and muscle spasms.

    Treatment For Upper Back Muscle Spasms

    Here are some simple treatment regimens that can help in the management of back pain associated with muscle spasms,

    • Applying ice to the affected area helps ease the pain and inflammation speedily.
    • Occasionally, a hot bag is applied to increase blood circulation of blood in the area, which helps loosen the muscles. Experts recommend alternate hot and cold therapy.
    • Traction helps unload the spine.
    • Visit a physiotherapist to relieve the pain and stress in the muscles.
    • Certain exercises and stretches for the back are decidedly effective. They allay pain and discomfort in the strained muscles, reduce the spasm and alleviate swelling.
    • Massage is greatly advocated to loosen taut muscles. Oils such as: mustard oil, sesame seed oil, and olive oil work wonders. Massaging with essential oils like lavender oil and clove oil can also help relieve muscle spasms.
    • Acupressure is another effective therapy that quickly relieves back spasms. Acupressure helps in the normal flow of the blood.
    • Nutritional deficiencies including calcium and magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle spasms. Include natural food sources like dairy products, dry fruits and nuts and fresh fruits like apple, bananas, etc in your diet. Alternatively include Vitamin and Mineral supplements in your diet.
    • Homeopathic remedies like Bryonia Alba and Rhus Tox play a vital role in management of lower back pain and improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
    • Maintaining a healthy posture. Ensure that your spine is erect while working on for long hours on the computer. Use a strong and hard mattress for sleeping.
    • A warm up exercise is always beneficial, as it improves circulation across the body and prevents a strain on the muscles. Try to warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes before engaging in a activity involving physical exertion.