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

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

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!

Together, acupuncture and massage offer amazing immune boosting and pain relieving benefits. The combination even healthfully impacts hormone levels in the body. People may use massage and acupuncture to manage conditions like menstrual cramps, blood pressure, insomnia, infertility and digestive problems. And since hormones also contribute to mood and behavior, the Mayo Clinic postulates that massage and acupuncture may be effective treatments for depression and anxiety. The most recent studies note the acu-massage combination assists in managing pain after cancer-related surgeries.

Science aside, BodyTechniques has always offered clients excellent treatments at the hands of certified professionals, who—in non-scientific terms—totally rock! So, here’s our stress-relieving offer, full acupuncture session followed by massage for $79 for new clients, $99 for returning clients. No stress on the wallet, the muscles or mood—scientifically speaking, of course.

2 1/2 hours of total body bliss.  Try it now.

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.

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.”

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.

For the shy: Reflexology. Feet, hand and (sometimes) ears are the only body parts touched by the massage therapist. There is no need to disrobe; yet the whole body can be influenced by the contact. Great for those suffering with: stress and stress-related conditions, headaches, arthritis, insomnia, foot pain and/or back pain.

For the tense: Deep-tissue. By working through each layer of muscle, deep-tissue massage releases tension down to the core. Deep-tissue massage can be intense (although not painful), but devotees swear by the relief it brings. Great for those suffering with: restricted range of motion chronic pain, tendon and ligament damage and, of course stress.

For the intense thinker: Cranio-Sacral. The therapy that has its roots in osteopathy is largely a relaxing head massage. By placing pressure on the bones and cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium, massage therapists can help reduce stress, improve vision, sharpen cognition, improve functioning of organs, enhance breathing, increase energy levels, and allow restful sleep.

For the workaholic: Swedish. 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.

For the athlete: Sport massage. This type of bodywork targets specific muscles and combats the lactic acid buildup that leads to soreness. This massage style is excellent for recuperation, as well as in preparation for sporting activities.

For the happy couple: Couples Massage. A relaxing retreat couples can share. Couples share a room and the experience of massage, while ach person has a massage therapist dedicated to their well-being. This is the perfect way to give some alone time to your favorite over-worked parents—some time for themselves with each other.

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.

Couples massage is great for two people to spend quality time together.  Romantic couples can launch the perfect Valentine’s evening.  Siblings, mother/daughters and best friends can  enjoy some much-needed one-on-one time.  It’s also a great way to introduce someone to their very first massage experience.

Body Techniques Couples Massage allows you to receive all the benefits of massage, including reduced stress and anxiety, and increased serotonin and oxytocin (the happy hormones)— just when you need it!

Share the love for less with Body Techniques Couples Massage special—$109 for Swedish, $129 for all other styles.  (both participants receive a full 1 hour session and who knows, there might be other goodies like chocolate…mmm.)

bodytechniques.com

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.

According to a May 2009 study, acupuncture helps relieve chronic back pain better than standard care—including medications or physical therapy. Participants received acupuncture treatments two times a week for three weeks, then once a week for four weeks. Those receiving acupuncture showed more “meaningful” improvement.

Read the full study here

Whether it’s a backpack or computer case weighing you down, don’t stay in pain. Untreated back pain can cause overcompensation of other muscles resulting in stressed hips and knees.

BodyTechniques is ready to help you and your family reduce back pain and learn new ways to carry that heavy load.

Hamid Malek-Madani is a fully licensed Acupuncturist.  His hours are Tues, Wed, Fri 11am-7pm & Sunday 10am-5pm

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 of conditions from premenstrual syndrome to high blood pressure. It also seems to help soothe pain from arthritis, burns and even surgery. Here are five surprising facts about massage from the research findings at TRI and elsewhere that you can put to use:

1. Pick Your Spot: You don’t have to massage the part of the body that hurts most. If you’re shy about letting a friend touch your aching lower back, for instance, she could help by massaging your shoulders instead. This is because massage creates chemical changes that reduce pain and stress throughout the body. One way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P that is related to pain. In a TRI study, for example, individuals with a form of muscle pain called fibromyalgia showed less substance P in their saliva (and they reported reduced pain) after a month of twice-weekly massages.

2. De-Stress, Stay Healthy. Massage may boost immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol in subjects’ saliva before and after massage sessions, and found dramatic decreases. Cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed, kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and hence the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or another illness while under stress.

3. Blood Pressure Benefits: Massage reduces hypertension, suggests a good deal of research. This may be because it stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve, one of the nerves that emerges from the brain. The vagus nerve regulates blood pressure, as well as other functions. In a 2005 study at the University of South Florida, hypertension patients who received 10 massages of 10 minutes each over three weeks showed significant improvements in blood pressure compared to a control group who simply rested in the same environment without any massage.

4. Technique Tactics: There’s little evidence to support one kind of massage over another, says Field, so don’t worry about whether your therapist is schooled in Shiatsu, Swedish or some other technique. The key is pressure firm enough to make a temporary indentation in the skin. If you try massage with a partner, use massage oil, which you can find in a health-food store or pharmacist, but test a little on your skin first to make sure you are not allergic.

5. Self Help. You can massage yourself. Although you don’t have to massage the part of the body that hurts to relieve pain, targeting that area does tend to help more. One example is massaging the arms. If you’re in danger of developing inflamed nerves in your hands or arms from repetitive movements (like typing on a keyboard, or even gripping a steering wheel for hours at a time) try massaging your arms for 15 minutes a day. Stroke from the wrist to the elbow and back down on both sides of the forehand.