Los Angeles message Therapy Summary
Massage therapy has gained a lot of ground as a complement to conventional medicine. Research studies conducted in the past decade have shown that massage has medically beneficial effects – such as lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen absorption – in addition to its ability to relax both the mind and tense muscle tissue.
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue to prevent or reduce pain and stress, and to promote health and well-being. The success of massage therapy has spawned many methods, systems and types (e.g., Swedish, shiatsu, trigger point therapies).
All massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue – kneading, pressing or stroking – by a practitioner licensed from an accredited school. Associated with relieving stress and anxiety, massage has been used to supplement the treatment or management of soft-tissue injuries, physiological and emotional disorders, and pain.
People with pre-existing conditions or diseases should consult their physician before undergoing massage therapy. Massage may not be appropriate for certain conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain skin conditions.
Los Angeles About massage therapy
Massage therapy has existed as a healing discipline for thousands of years. Although it is often associated with Eastern culture, massage therapy was practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
However, the father of modern Western massage therapy was a Swede named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). Ling developed a system that integrated massage and active and passive exercises. His system spread quickly from Sweden and is today known as Swedish massage. Swedish massage remains the most common type of massage performed around the world.
Massage is often referred to as a type of complementary medicine. This means it is used in conjunction with (and not as an alternative to) conventional medicine. For instance, a physician may recommend massage therapy following an operation or along with prescribed medication.
Los Angeles Benefits of massage therapy
Generally, massage therapy improves circulation of blood and lymph. By improving the circulation of blood, a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients are distributed throughout the body. Increasing the flow of lymph helps to remove more waste and toxins.
The direct action of massage – the kneading, rubbing and so forth – mechanically helps these substances to circulate. Massage can stimulate nerves and normalize muscle contraction, which also helps improve circulation.
This can have positive effects on a large number of conditions, injuries and illnesses, including:
Allergies
Acute and chronic pain
Anxiety, stress and depression
Asthma and some upper respiratory diseases (e.g., bronchitis)
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Circulatory disorders
Osteoarthritis
Digestive disorders (e.g., constipation and diarrhea)
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Myofascial pain
Sinusitis
Sports-related injuries (e.g., pulled muscles, sprained ligaments)
The University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute has conducted more than 100 studies on the effects of massage therapy and found significant benefits in many areas. For instance, massage therapy appears to help preterm infants to grow, decrease levels of glucose in people with diabetes, increase pulmonary function in asthma patients, improve immune functions for people with HIV and for cancer patients, alleviate depressive symptoms, reduce pain and stress hormones, and boost mental alertness and performance.
Other studies also appear to support the notion that massage therapy promotes good health. Researchers recently found evidence that massage therapy can reduce pain and improve function of knees affected by osteoarthritis.
Another study found that massage of infants 6 months old and younger facilitates sleep and reduces stress and crying episodes.
Although generally safe, massage therapy is not a cure-all, and qualified, licensed professionals do not claim it to be. In some cases, massage should not be performed, or performed only with caution. Generally, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should talk with your physician before undergoing massage therapy.
>In general, massage should not be performed if you have:
Some forms of cancer
Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
Blood clots
Bleeding disorders
Cardiac conditions, such as hypertension
Certain skin conditions, including contagious conditions
Unhealed fractures
Open wounds
Burns
Infection
Significantly impaired sensation (check with your healthcare provider
Los Angeles Types and differences of massage therapy
Many different types of massage systems have appeared. Some practitioners may apply the elements of several styles. Some styles of massage use light pressure, and some use deep pressure. Some styles utilize skin oils or lotions, while some do not. Be sure to talk with your massage therapist before your appointment to make certain you know what to expect. Also, check to make sure your massage therapist is well-trained and is licensed in the state in which he/she practices. Although the various techniques of massage are almost too numerous to count, a few of the more common massage systems include:
Swedish massage. The most commonly used form of massage therapy. Strokes, kneading and friction are applied to the superficial layers of muscles and combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Friction is the deepest stroke in the repertoire of Swedish massage. In this technique, deep, specific strokes cause underlying tissues to rub against one another, increasing blood flow and circulation.
Deep-tissue massage. Focuses on deeper muscle layers, using slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release tension.
Trigger-point therapy. Concentrates on trigger points – tender or irritated areas on muscle – to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. Also called neuromuscular therapy or myotherapy, it is similar to acupressure.
Shiatsu. A Japanese/Chinese system in which pressure is applied to special points on the body. It is similar, but not identical, to acupressure, which uses finger-pressure techniques on specific areas on the body.
Reflexology. Focuses on the feet or feet and hands to affect other parts of the body. Points on the feet and hands are believed to be connected to certain organs and tissues; massaging these points affects the corresponding body part.
Chair massage. Performed with the person seated in a special chair with cushions supporting the front of the body and face. It is also called corporate or on-site massage because it was originally developed for the workplace, with sessions lasting no more than 30 minutes.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Los Angeles Massage
Stretching is fundamental to good health. It lengthens muscles, improves flexibility and joint range of motion, gets blood flowing, and prepares joints for work. Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue to prevent or reduce pain and stress. Research conducted in the past decade has shown that massage has medically beneficial effects.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Shopping los angeles
With the one of the largest ports in the world in nearby Long Beach providing the goods and a multiethnic mix that is unmatched by any city in the country serving as its clientele, Los Angeles is bursting with a diverse array of shopping areas that deserve mention. The following ten areas are the most visible and general in their goods and services. There are numerous shopping areas in the Los Angeles area that are distinctly ethnic and that also shouldn't be missed, such as Little India, Chinatown, Olviera Street, and Japantown, to name a few. --Reviews by Alex Demyanenko
Los Angeles Rodeo Drive The Golden Triangle
Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east, Los Angeles CA
The so-called Golden Triangle holds more wealth and fine stores than most small countries. At its center is the renowned Rodeo Drive. It is the street on which Julia Roberts had her shopping spree in Pretty Woman. It is the street that sports designer stores such as Tiiffany's, Cartier, Chanel, Bally, Gucci and other well-heeled notables. This is also the street that few people who don't spend their life in front of the camera can afford. On nearby Wilshire Blvd., there is the Regent Beverly Wilshire (seen in Beverly Hills Cop), Niketown, Barneys, and, yes, the Winona Saks Fifth Avenue. And throughout the Triangle, you will see a curious collection of nouveau riche types sauntering about that will make you feel like you're watching an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous: The Reality Show.
Los Angeles Robertson
This small street could be seen as a diorama for hip Los Angeles. Featuring the exclusiveness of Beverly Hills and the cutting-edge cool of Melrose, this small stretch is where Hollywood hipsters with real money shop. There are Curve's modern edgy outfits, high-end Maxfield's discount outlet, Maxfield Blue, an Industry MAC store, and a shimmering Georgio Armani Home store. Slip into some Hogan shoes, or grab a gift at Kitson's, which has items for everyone from 6 months to 60. This is also the place to spot celebrities, usually noshing at the Ivy, one of the best restaurants in the city, or the Newsroom Café across the street in a building housing New Line Pictures and a great kids bookstore named Storyopolis.
Los Angeles Melrose Avenue
This is the tale of two streets. Since the early '80s, the stretch of Melrose between Fairfax and La Brea avenues has defined hip shopping in Los Angeles. The storefronts alone are works of pop art, and the approximately dozen blocks are still packed with hipsters trying to score the latest cool attire. Check out Red Balls, Slow, and Von Dutch for great clothing. Aardvark's and Wasteland specialize in secondhand items. On west side of Fairfax Avenue, Melrose has emerged as a high-end paradise. Lower-key stores such as miu miu, the legendary Fred Segal's, Costume National, and Forinara all have made it a deserving alternative to the Robertson Boulevard experience. Everything from lingerie at Agent Provocateur to great home accessories at designer Jonathan Adler's store round out this definitive L.A. shopping experience.
LOs Angeles Beverly
A quieter, more sophisticated cousin to its northern neighbor Melrose, this sleepy street features an eclectic array of stores. There is Beige, one of the best boutiques in the city, the men's store K. Bond, and Naked, which features exclusive selections from European designers. The latter is like the boulevard on which it sits: cool and laidback, and there is no pressure to buy. Erewhon is an upscale health food store whose deli has great food served by extremely rude food jockeys. That's what happens when you're a frustrated actor. And from the "Only in L.A." file, at Fifi and Romeo you can buy matching sweaters for you and your dog.
Los Angeles Third Street
This street has grown to become a great shopping walk. There are a slew of fantastic antique stores, wonderful boutiques such as Aero & Co and Polka Dots & Moonbeams, and specialty stores such as Zipper's modern home accessories and unique gifts. Grab a healthy bite at Real Food Daily, some diner fare at the tiny Who's on Third, or some succulent tapas at the Spanish eatery Cava. Further east down the street is the new upscale restaurant A.O.C., owned by the chefs behind the acclaimed Lucques and Border Grill. And if the trip down this quaint street isn't enough, score a guidebook to virtually anywhere else in the world at the small-but-packed Travel Bookstore.
Los Angeles Montana Avenue
This street tucked away in Santa Monica caters to mostly the "Industry" types who flock to this sunny oasis of stores sequestered in a secluded upscale neighborhood. Cafes and quiet boutiques provide a backdrop, as the upscale clientele lazily stroll down the street, many walking pooches or window-shopping. The gem in this street's string of stores is Pearl, owned by Jack's daughter Jennifer Nicholson. Check out her own cool line of clothes as well as accessories from the hottest new designers.
Los Angeles La Brea
This boulevard is seen by most as a major north-south tributary and by others as a east-west dividing line between the west side of L.A. and the rest of the city. So it is easy to overlook the many fine establishments. If you want to uncover that rare piece of hardware for your house (Liz's hardware), a great skirt or jeans at L.A.'s best vintage store (Jet Rag), some simply great duds (American Rag), an obscure foreign film (Rocket Video), or the best hot dog in the city (Pink's), you can find it here. You can even do lunch at a flower shop (Rita Flora) or find amazing Peking Duck (Lucky Duck).
Los Angeles Downtown Santee Alley
The fashion district of L.A conjures images of sweatshops, but in reality there is a fascinating collision of cultures that makes this area a great microcosm of Los Angeles in all its shine and grime. Called a bargain hunters paradise, Santee Alley features lots of knockoffs of designer shoes and clothing at really low prices. A great time to go is the first Friday of every month, when the California Mart has sample sales. And the wares aren't limited to clothing. You can find everything from reams of fabric to Powerpuff Girl piñatas.
Los Angeles Sunset Plaza
Eurotrash, tourists, and celebrities populate this chi-chi stretch of Sunset Blvd that is dotted with outdoor cafes and boutiques. The Coffee Bean here is like a clubÑpickup your coffee and your next date. But if you are not one of the beautiful people (or at least rich), you will be left holding a lukewarm latte and a broken heart. Many of the top boutiques, such as Madison and Anna Sui, can be found here, as well as new kids on the block, like O, which features Ann Cherico's stunning accessories. Or just grab a seat at one of the many European cafes of the Chinese fast food Chin Chin and let your eyes focus on all the beautiful people. Tip: Nearby at the hip Standard hotel, you can get low-cost, cuttingÐedge salon services.
Los Angeles Westwood Village
Los Angeles Rodeo Drive The Golden Triangle
Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east, Los Angeles CA
The so-called Golden Triangle holds more wealth and fine stores than most small countries. At its center is the renowned Rodeo Drive. It is the street on which Julia Roberts had her shopping spree in Pretty Woman. It is the street that sports designer stores such as Tiiffany's, Cartier, Chanel, Bally, Gucci and other well-heeled notables. This is also the street that few people who don't spend their life in front of the camera can afford. On nearby Wilshire Blvd., there is the Regent Beverly Wilshire (seen in Beverly Hills Cop), Niketown, Barneys, and, yes, the Winona Saks Fifth Avenue. And throughout the Triangle, you will see a curious collection of nouveau riche types sauntering about that will make you feel like you're watching an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous: The Reality Show.
Los Angeles Robertson
This small street could be seen as a diorama for hip Los Angeles. Featuring the exclusiveness of Beverly Hills and the cutting-edge cool of Melrose, this small stretch is where Hollywood hipsters with real money shop. There are Curve's modern edgy outfits, high-end Maxfield's discount outlet, Maxfield Blue, an Industry MAC store, and a shimmering Georgio Armani Home store. Slip into some Hogan shoes, or grab a gift at Kitson's, which has items for everyone from 6 months to 60. This is also the place to spot celebrities, usually noshing at the Ivy, one of the best restaurants in the city, or the Newsroom Café across the street in a building housing New Line Pictures and a great kids bookstore named Storyopolis.
Los Angeles Melrose Avenue
This is the tale of two streets. Since the early '80s, the stretch of Melrose between Fairfax and La Brea avenues has defined hip shopping in Los Angeles. The storefronts alone are works of pop art, and the approximately dozen blocks are still packed with hipsters trying to score the latest cool attire. Check out Red Balls, Slow, and Von Dutch for great clothing. Aardvark's and Wasteland specialize in secondhand items. On west side of Fairfax Avenue, Melrose has emerged as a high-end paradise. Lower-key stores such as miu miu, the legendary Fred Segal's, Costume National, and Forinara all have made it a deserving alternative to the Robertson Boulevard experience. Everything from lingerie at Agent Provocateur to great home accessories at designer Jonathan Adler's store round out this definitive L.A. shopping experience.
LOs Angeles Beverly
A quieter, more sophisticated cousin to its northern neighbor Melrose, this sleepy street features an eclectic array of stores. There is Beige, one of the best boutiques in the city, the men's store K. Bond, and Naked, which features exclusive selections from European designers. The latter is like the boulevard on which it sits: cool and laidback, and there is no pressure to buy. Erewhon is an upscale health food store whose deli has great food served by extremely rude food jockeys. That's what happens when you're a frustrated actor. And from the "Only in L.A." file, at Fifi and Romeo you can buy matching sweaters for you and your dog.
Los Angeles Third Street
This street has grown to become a great shopping walk. There are a slew of fantastic antique stores, wonderful boutiques such as Aero & Co and Polka Dots & Moonbeams, and specialty stores such as Zipper's modern home accessories and unique gifts. Grab a healthy bite at Real Food Daily, some diner fare at the tiny Who's on Third, or some succulent tapas at the Spanish eatery Cava. Further east down the street is the new upscale restaurant A.O.C., owned by the chefs behind the acclaimed Lucques and Border Grill. And if the trip down this quaint street isn't enough, score a guidebook to virtually anywhere else in the world at the small-but-packed Travel Bookstore.
Los Angeles Montana Avenue
This street tucked away in Santa Monica caters to mostly the "Industry" types who flock to this sunny oasis of stores sequestered in a secluded upscale neighborhood. Cafes and quiet boutiques provide a backdrop, as the upscale clientele lazily stroll down the street, many walking pooches or window-shopping. The gem in this street's string of stores is Pearl, owned by Jack's daughter Jennifer Nicholson. Check out her own cool line of clothes as well as accessories from the hottest new designers.
Los Angeles La Brea
This boulevard is seen by most as a major north-south tributary and by others as a east-west dividing line between the west side of L.A. and the rest of the city. So it is easy to overlook the many fine establishments. If you want to uncover that rare piece of hardware for your house (Liz's hardware), a great skirt or jeans at L.A.'s best vintage store (Jet Rag), some simply great duds (American Rag), an obscure foreign film (Rocket Video), or the best hot dog in the city (Pink's), you can find it here. You can even do lunch at a flower shop (Rita Flora) or find amazing Peking Duck (Lucky Duck).
Los Angeles Downtown Santee Alley
The fashion district of L.A conjures images of sweatshops, but in reality there is a fascinating collision of cultures that makes this area a great microcosm of Los Angeles in all its shine and grime. Called a bargain hunters paradise, Santee Alley features lots of knockoffs of designer shoes and clothing at really low prices. A great time to go is the first Friday of every month, when the California Mart has sample sales. And the wares aren't limited to clothing. You can find everything from reams of fabric to Powerpuff Girl piñatas.
Los Angeles Sunset Plaza
Eurotrash, tourists, and celebrities populate this chi-chi stretch of Sunset Blvd that is dotted with outdoor cafes and boutiques. The Coffee Bean here is like a clubÑpickup your coffee and your next date. But if you are not one of the beautiful people (or at least rich), you will be left holding a lukewarm latte and a broken heart. Many of the top boutiques, such as Madison and Anna Sui, can be found here, as well as new kids on the block, like O, which features Ann Cherico's stunning accessories. Or just grab a seat at one of the many European cafes of the Chinese fast food Chin Chin and let your eyes focus on all the beautiful people. Tip: Nearby at the hip Standard hotel, you can get low-cost, cuttingÐedge salon services.
Los Angeles Westwood Village
Concerts of Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some of the world's greatest locations to enjoy the hottest tours and the top acts: The Staples Center, Great Western Forum, Gibson Amphitheatre, Kodak and new Nokia Theatre host traditional arena rock tours. Also the infamous Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre host concerts under the stars and offer incomparable, uniquely LA eclectic experiences.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Los Angeles need Ervin Santana
The Angels are starting to get a little upset with Ervin Santana. A pitcher with his type of arm should be dominating at the major league level. But, ability doesn’t always turn into results in the majors. Santana has now pitched in 84 games (82 starts) in his major league career and he is 35-30 with a 4.84 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Santana needs to throw more first pitch strikes as he makes big mistakes when he falls behind in the count often grooving pitches right down the middle that result in dingers for the opposition. Santana has allowed 64 homers in only 487.2 innings in his career to date and that will need to change if he ever wants to be a consistent winner at the major league level.
Los Angeles Win Tickets to the Hold Steady at the Fonda, Nov. 7th
don't have the adequate words to express how much I love the Hold Steady.
When I first heard them, and Craig Finn's vocals, I didn't like them. This guy can't sing, I thought. What the hell is this? And then the piano yoked me in, and the violins and textured guitars that swell under the choruses or bell out into lush, epic finales (ref. "Killer Parties") , and...the words. Those words! They're koans, they're the pure beauty of simple, straightforward poetry. Henry Miller, Hemingway...Finn. As Emily Dickinson said, "For writers, a success prescription / fewer words, more description."
And so I will do that here: keep it short & sweet. We have a couple pairs of tickets to give away. Email me telling me what your favorite song of theirs is, and why, and the first responders will get a plus-one to the show. Oh, and Art Brut opens for them as well. w00t!
The contest runs until Sunday. I'll then pick two winners.
When I first heard them, and Craig Finn's vocals, I didn't like them. This guy can't sing, I thought. What the hell is this? And then the piano yoked me in, and the violins and textured guitars that swell under the choruses or bell out into lush, epic finales (ref. "Killer Parties") , and...the words. Those words! They're koans, they're the pure beauty of simple, straightforward poetry. Henry Miller, Hemingway...Finn. As Emily Dickinson said, "For writers, a success prescription / fewer words, more description."
And so I will do that here: keep it short & sweet. We have a couple pairs of tickets to give away. Email me telling me what your favorite song of theirs is, and why, and the first responders will get a plus-one to the show. Oh, and Art Brut opens for them as well. w00t!
The contest runs until Sunday. I'll then pick two winners.
Los Angeles The Scoops Scoop: Last Minute Weekend Edition
No matter how busy I am with my other writing gigs, my day job, moving, and blogging, I'll always have time to stop and get some Scoops ice cream. Eager to get a sneak peek at some of Tai's always-exciting weekend flavors, I pedaled down to HelMel for a taste.
This weekend's flavors are all about combining the sweet and the salty, making for some particularly exotic combinations.
Get the rest of the Scoop after the jump:
This weekend's flavors are all about combining the sweet and the salty, making for some particularly exotic combinations.
Get the rest of the Scoop after the jump:
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