February 2008 E-newsletter         Healthy Hearts, Massage & Nutrition

Valentine's Day Ideas
*Gift Certificates
*Couples Massages
Swedish       Deep Tissue
Hot Stone Massage     Peppermint Seaweed Wrap
Treat yourself and your special someone to a relaxing, therapeutic massage!

Purchase Gift Certificates Online:
www.healingartsmassagetherapy.com

Dear friends,
Although it's cold outside, we do know spring is just around the corner. This is a good time to rest and rejuvenate, so we will be in better shape to more fully enjoy the warmer days ahead. We hope this information will stimulate some new ideas, and provide some comfort.
Staff at Healing Arts

As February is National Heart Month, let us focus on our cardiovascular health. Because the heart is a muscle, a balanced cardiovascular exercise program is of utmost importance – find something you enjoy doing, and have fun with your exercise! Besides strengthening your heart, exercise will increase your circulation to those cold fingers and toes!

Massage is also very beneficial to the heart and circulatory system. Eighty percent of disease is stress-related, and massage reduces stress (Sandra McLanahan, M.D.). Studies from the Touch Research Institute have shown that stress hormones consistently fall after massage, no matter what the age of the client.

Besides reducing the stress response, massage can improve circulation, and stimulate the elimination of metabolic toxins that build up in body tissues (Tired of Being Tired, Dr. Michael A. Schmidt). Scientists are now finding that massage can reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, dampen harmful stress hormones and raise mood-elevating brain chemicals such as serotonin (“The Magic of Touch”, Newsweek).

The best foods for the heart are organic, natural foods that are low in saturated animal fats and high in Omega 3 fish oils and Omega 6 vegetable oils -- the good fats. The mediterranean diet is heart-healthy as it promotes mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, followed by whole grains and lean meats.

Additionally, nutritional supplements have been used with amazing results. B vitamins (folic acid, B6 and B12) can help maintain homocysteine levels in the blood, preventing toxicity to blood vessels. Hawthorn berries are full of flavonoids, which help support blood flow and circulation in the heart arteries. And red grape extract, which contains resveratrol, helps maintain blood vessel tone. Additional heart nutrients include CO-Q10, Flax Seed, Oral Chelation, and Vitamin E.

For more information, tune in to the free February Focus Call:
Wednesday, 2/20 @ 9pm Speaker: Faith Luce, CMHP 800-432-6383, PIN8626#

Cleansing and Detoxifying our Bodies for Better Health and Weight Loss
I'm sure we've all accumulated a few more pounds over the holidays than we'd like – what better way to trim the fat than to do a body cleanse! Cleansing provides a natural, healthy way for your body to get rid of things that it has been storing that can be harmful to you. It's a fresh start. And there's no time like the new year to get a fresh start on life!
I invite you to try a safe, natural cleansing product from Nature's Sunshine, and see and feel the difference it can make in your health. For more information, call Celeste @ 734-207-0557 or go to:
https://www.naturessunshine.com/contentserver/GetMiscFile.axd?id=jan2008.pdf (PDF)

Learn the Latest Science-backed Information on Preserving Youthfulness and Increasing Energy.
Feel better, look younger, live longer – isn't that what we really desire? The ability to feel and look your best with each passing year is a goal we all share. Discover the true keys to enjoying a long life full of great health and vitality. Nature's Sunshine presents the “Young at ay Age Seminar” in Ann Arbor March 8th, Saturday 9am – 3pm at the Holiday Inn. To register, or for more information, call 1-800-223-8225, or visit http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/opportunity/education.aspx