Massage guns have been super popular over the past few years. You’ve probably seen them on social media or at the gym. But do they actually work, or are they just another fitness trend? Let’s find out. Credit: Envato Elements/ dariavoronchuk1   What Is a Massage Gun? A massage gun (also called a percussion massager or percussive therapy device) is a handheld device designed to deliver rapid, targeted pulses of pressure deep into your muscle tissue. These pulses mimic deep-tissue massage by applying targeted pressure and vibration. They usually come with different speed settings and interchangeable heads (round heads for large muscles, flat heads for dense muscle areas, bullet heads for pinpoint trigger points, and forked heads for areas like the spine or Achilles tendon) to reach various parts of your body. Some models even offer heat settings or built-in timers. They're cordless, portable, and rechargeable. What Do Massage Guns...

If you’ve been searching for a natural way to relax your muscles, reduce stress, and ease body aches, Thai herbal ball massage might be just what you need. It’s a traditional healing practice from Thailand that’s been used for centuries.    Credit: Envato Elements/ microgen   The History of Thai Herbal Ball Massage Thai herbal ball massage has been part of Thai healing practices for over 400 years. It’s believed to have originated during the Ayutthaya period in Thailand (1350–1767), when herbal medicine and massage were core parts of traditional Thai healthcare. This massage method was commonly used in rural villages by healers and midwives. The herbal compress was applied to relieve muscle pain, inflammation, and stress. It became especially popular among soldiers returning from battle and farmers dealing with muscle fatigue. Much of this practice draws from Thai traditional medicine, which blends influences from Indian Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and...

Nuru massage is a type of body-to-body massage that originated in Japan. It involves the use of a special, thick gel to allow for smooth and slippery movement. It’s known to improve relaxation and physical connection. Here are more details about this type of massage. What Does “Nuru” Mean? The word “Nuru” comes from the Japanese language and means “slippery.” The name reflects the defining feature of this massage which is the use of an ultra-slippery gel made from Nori seaweed. The gel allows the masseuse and the recipient to glide smoothly over each other. It might have an erotic element, but the main purpose is to provide a complete sensory experience and relaxation.  Credit: Envato Elements/ micens   How Is a Nuru Massage Performed? The session usually takes place in a warm, dimly lit room. A special waterproof mat is placed on the floor or a bed to prevent...

Did you know that about 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives? That’s a lot of discomfort that could be avoided with better body posture. If you’ve been slouching, a yoga strap might just be something that can help with proper alignment. Here's how to use one. What's a Yoga Strap?   Credit: Envato Elements/ olakrivokoneva Yoga straps are popular yoga props. They're long, flexible bands, made of cotton, nylon, or similar material. They come in lengths ranging from 6 to 10 feet. An 8-foot strap is a good standard for most people. They help you reach further and hold poses more effectively. Both advanced yogis and beginners can use them to improve their flexibility, strength, and posture. Yoga straps typically can be of different types. The most common ones are: D-ring straps: These are loop-like straps that have metal D-rings at one end. This...