Articles
August 23rd, 2011 by Austin Lund in Main Articles, Yoga
Yoga relaxes. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic system, identified with the fight/flight response, and the parasympathetic, which is identified with the Relaxation Response. Yoga’s deep breathing, movements that release muscle tension and focus on being present in your body initiates a process that turns off fight/flight and turns on the Relaxation Response. The heartbeat slows, respiration decreases, blood pressure decreases.
But the process isn’t automatic. We want to better ourselves, but also to do better than others; we force ourselves into the gym-rat race. “Genuine yoga is a balance of trying and relaxing,” says Dr. Timothy McCall, “but a lot of gym yoga is about who can do difficult contortions to display to everyone else in the class.” At Body Techniques, you can discover your practice outside the gym-rat race. Yoga is not a struggle but surrender.
According to Alameda locals who have sought yoga classes across the Bay Area, “the best yoga class” they’ve found is at Body Techniques. As usual, Body Techniques has vetted and hired the best practitioners to help you get the most benefit at an affordable price.
FIRST CLASS IS FREE. Promo Code, “freeyoga”
Book Your Class Online
July 24th, 2011 by Austin Lund in events, Main Articles, Yoga
Madonnna did it on Oprah. Jennifer Lopez did it de-stressing during the apparent end of her marriage to Marc Anthony. Naomi Watts did it to get her body back after having two kids. Even Jessica Beil and Eva Langoria are doing it. Do you yoga?
BodyTechniques is now offering yoga! The benefits are endless! Yoga increases lung capacity, while all that deep breathing you’re doing decreases stress and detoxifies the body. The stretching increases flexibility—even if you can’t touch your toes when you start. In one study, yoga participants increased flexibility by 30% in just two weeks.
On a lighter side, mind and body are much more closely connected than most of us seem to realize. A calm mind is quite often the first indicator to a healthy body, most especially digestive and heart function. Yoga has been clinically proven to decrease stress and increase happy-causing endorphin production.
Of course, with BodyTechniques you get exceptional service at an affordable price. Check out classes before work, lunchtime and evening. You’ll be in great company.
Start off with 1 FREE CLASS on us.
Visit our online schedule of classes, pick your favorite and sign-up for FREE using promo code “freeyoga”
1320 Harbor Bay Pkwy, Ste. 104, Alameda • bodytechniques.com • 510- 864-9339
July 12th, 2011 by devteam in Uncategorized
Scientists are just beginning to quantify the benefits of acupuncture and massage as a combined treatment. Those of us who have experienced the deep relief and relaxation already know—it’s great! Continue reading “Acupuncture plus Massage = Relief” »
June 28th, 2011 by Austin Lund in acupuncture, health education, Main Articles, massage
In these uncertain times, controlling stress may seem like an impossible chore, if not an unaffordable luxury. But controlling your stress levels may be one of the single most long-term, cost efficient measures you can do for yourself.
Stress is not the productive work tool we think it is. It is actually a destructive silent killer at the root of the American health crisis. Stress is a major factor in immune suppression, leading to major and minor illness likes cold, migraines, flu and debilitating diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, fibromyalgia and many others. The cost in over-the-counter medicines, missed work, and medical bills can be devastating. In fact, medical bills are the leading cause cited for filing bankruptcy. Are you ready to protect your health investments?
We’ve created a list of clinically proven stress relief techniques. De-stressing can be as easy as it is relaxing. With BodyTechniques, you get the value of luxury in an affordable package that won’t stress your wallet. Find the less stress technique that’s right for you. You’re worth it.
Muscle Tension Caused by Stress? Work it out with Deep-tissue massage. By working through each layer of muscle, deep-tissue massage releases tension down to the core. Deep-tissue massage can be intense, but devotees swear by the relief it brings.
Over-worked? Take a break with a Swedish massage. Soothing strokes, gentle kneading and long relaxing strokes are the basis of Swedish massage. It’s ideal for someone who wants a relaxing massage rather than deep-tissue kneading.
Feeling Drained? Get a full system restart with acupuncture. Acupuncture works with your energetic system to strengthen the whole body. Clinically proven to decrease stress, and positively affect stress-related illnesses like IBS and migraines.
June 14th, 2011 by Austin Lund in Main Articles, massage
“A weekly massage may seem an indulgence,
but new research suggests it can have major health benefits.”
Anne Underwood, NEWSWEEK Magazine, April 6.
Massage is not just for the occasional spa get-away anymore. Medical research is now finding massage can reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, dampen harmful stress hormones and raise mood-elevating brain chemicals like seratonin and oxytocin. Regular massage can offer relief from the effects of carpel tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries, as well as speed recovery for athletes (both professional and weekend warriors).
Now, the American Diabetes Association is recommending regular massage (2x per week) for patients with diabetes. Clinical research has found regular massage can assist diabetics not only in the absorption of insulin and reduction of stress (which helps balance glucose levels) but also provide relief of some symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy.
Regular massage is not an indulgence in today’s frantic paced, hyper-connectivity, to-go lifestyle. It is the necessary prescription to prevent burn-out—in body and mind. And now it’s affordable!
Body Techniques membership program offers unlimited reduced rate massage with an affordable $20 per month membership fee. A 1 hour massage is then unlimited at $39. Now that is affordable care.
As Tiffany Field, founder of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine, recommends, “put massage in the same category with proper diet and exercise—as something that helps maintain overall health.”
June 4th, 2011 by Austin Lund in Main Articles, massage
Ready to get rubbed down like Buddha? Thai massage has been reported to relax, relieve stress and tension, improve circulation, increase flexibility and center the mind and body. Perhaps that is why ancient texts report Buddha as having used this particular massage style to keep himself stretched and flexible after a day under the Bodi tree.
Incorporating acupressure, Hatha yoga and reflexology, Thai Massage—still practiced by Tibetan Monks today—not only rubs you the right way, but stretches your body into yoga positions, offering improvement in range of motion while releasing the kinks, aches and pains. Unlike traditional massage, you remain fully dressed and so should wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing for your session. Thai massage does not rely on a massage table, instead a padded mat is used on the floor, so full stretching and flexing are available.
Body Techniques now has a Thai massage specialist in residence, Pom, a native of Thailand. Pom specializes in Thai Massage for healing, and emphasizes breathing techniques for total peace of mind and true relaxation. Pom graduated from Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Thailand where he has lived most of his life. Not only is his work authentic, but he brings a deep connection to eastern spirituality for a complete healing experience. He has excellent technical abilities utilizing his hands, knees, elbows, and feet.
Pom added to his repertoire by learning the Western-style massage, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Kinesiology and Body Techniques at the National Holistic Institute (NHI) in Emeryville. He received a degree as Massage Therapist and Health Educator, graduating with Letters of Excellence for both the Eastern and Western modalities. He is currently studying Human Anatomy and Physiology at the College of Alameda to sharpen his therapeutic knowledge.
Release the pressures of the world, like Buddha. Schedule a Thai Massage session with Pom today. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you.
AVAILABILITY: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays.
April 6th, 2011 by Austin Lund in Main Articles, massage
There are dozens of styles of massage—From Swedish to Thai. How do you know what style best suits your personality and physical needs? Follow our guide for a better sense of the techniques that best fit you. Continue reading “What Type of Massage Are You: Bodywork for Every Personality.” »
January 29th, 2011 by Austin Lund in Main Articles, massage
Say “I Love You” or “You’re my BFF” in an unexpected way. Surprise someone with a Valentine’s Day Couples Massage at Body Techniques.
Body Techniques Couples Massage is a world of respite, where you and your partner can share the experience of deep relaxation. The two of you bask in a warm, dim room with soothing music, comfortably positioned on your individual massage tables. One therapist will rub and knead your tensions away, while another works on your partner. You can chat, meditate or just listen to each other’s “Oh, that’s good” and other satisfied comments. Continue reading “A Very Thoughtful (and relaxing) Valentine” »
November 6th, 2010 by Austin Lund in Main Articles
Big bags can create chronic back pain and unwanted physical stress to the body.
A child’s backpack is more than 10-20% of their body weight. When carried on one shoulder can be a source of chronic shoulder, neck and back pain. Complaints of back pain, walking bent over sideways to adjust for heavy load, and/or complaints of numbness and tingling in arms or hands, can be signs of trauma. This is equally true for us adults who haul a heavy briefcase, purse, gym bag or backpack around for work or even play. Continue reading “Back to School Back Ache” »
June 21st, 2010 by Austin Lund in health education, massage
from Newsweek report Sept 2008
We know a massage feels good, but it can have a host of therapeutic advantages, too.
The newest cure-all may be an ancient one: simple touch. The Chinese have been using massage for all kinds of medical conditions for centuries. Now, Western research is confirming that massage isn’t just for muscle pain. One of the most surprising findings: massage may help premature babies gain weight. When Tiffany Field, a professor of pediatrics, became a new mother, she massaged her premature infant daughter and was so impressed with the results she later founded the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Massage, it turns out, may boost immunity and help people with a range Continue reading “Five Surprising Benefits of Massage” »
Yoga relaxes. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic system, identified with the fight/flight response, and the parasympathetic, which is identified with the Relaxation Response. Yoga’s deep breathing, movements that release muscle tension and focus on being present in your body initiates a process that turns off fight/flight and turns on the Relaxation Response. The heartbeat slows, respiration decreases, blood pressure decreases.
