Massage has been used forever in ancient practices and in Ayurveda. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that they became a part of modern medicine. When scientists started studying massages, they discovered how they boost blood flow and improve lymphatic drainage, which is a key process that helps your body flush out toxins.  What Toxins Are Released After a Massage?   Credit: Envato Elements/ YuriArcursPeopleImages   When you hear about “toxins” being released during a massage, it’s not actual poison. It’s the substances that naturally build up in your body from daily activities, stress, or even diet. Here’s a closer look at what these toxins are:   Lactic Acid Lactic acid is what gives you that “burn” when exercising and can leave you feeling sore later. A massage helps break this acid down so your body can flush it out faster. Fun fact: Lactic acid isn’t always a...

Massage is a technique where hands or massage tools are used to relieve muscle tension, pain, and stress. It's usually done by a trained massage therapist who either applies gentle or strong pressure depending on your sensitivity and pain. At home, it's usually performed with massage balls or a chair massage tool. Here’s a quick look at some popular types of massage therapy.   Swedish Massage   Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage therapy, especially for beginners. It focuses on full-body relaxation.   Swedish massage helps to: Reduces muscle tension Promotes relaxation Improves circulation Helps with mild aches and stiffness   Swedish massage therapists use five main techniques: effleurage (long strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction (deep circular movements), tapotement (tapping), and vibration. They usually use some oil or lotion to make the movements smooth and comfortable. Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes. You will be asked...

Yoga wheels were invented fairly recently, sometime in 2014 by Sri Dharma Mittra, a well-known yoga teacher, and his son, Yoga Varun. The idea behind them was to provide a tool that could help people, especially beginners, with backbends, deep stretches, and improving flexibility. Since then, yoga wheels have become popular in the yoga world everywhere, with experienced yogis using them for poses that seem impossible to the rest of us. While there are advanced poses you can try, there are also plenty of beginner-friendly options that we’ll cover in this blog. Beginner-Friendly Yoga Wheel Poses If you're new to yoga wheel and are a bit intimidated by them, here are a few yoga poses to help you out: 1) Supported Fish Pose   Credit: Envato Element/ habrovich Sit on your mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Position the wheel behind your back, between your...

A yoga belt, what you might also know as a yoga strap, is typically used in yoga practice to help you extend poses, improve flexibility, and ensure proper alignment and posture. It's typically made from cotton, nylon, or hemp and comes with a metal or plastic buckle to adjust the length. They come in 6, 8, or 10 feet, with the 8-foot strap being the most versatile. However, the choice you make will all depend on your height. Here are 12 poses that can help you get started. These poses are great for beginners, and we’ve also added tips to make them more advanced. How to Use a Yoga Strap   Credit: Envato Elements/ LightFieldStudios Here’s a simple guide to 12 yoga strap poses that you can try, even if you’re brand new to yoga: Seated Forward Fold or Seated Forward Bend Sit on the floor with your legs stretched...