Massage for Stress Management

Experts estimate that over 90% of serious illness and disease (including heart attacks and cancer) are caused by stress.  We know about the detrimental effects of prolonged and heavy stress on our bodies, so how can we experience more calm instead?

One of the best ways to achieve a very deep level of complete relaxation of body and mind is to get a therapeutic massage.  Research done by Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, found significant changes in biochemistry as a result of massage therapy   Cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress, increases blood sugar levels and suppresses the immune system.  Prolonged elevated levels of cortisol is harmful to the body.  Massage therapy was shown to decrease cortisol levels by 31%.  Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being, also helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep as well as contributes to cognitive functioning such as memory and learning.  Massage therapy caused serotonin levels to increase by 28%.  Dopamine, another neurotransmitter, activates pleasure centers in the brain.  It was found to increase by 31% following massage therapy.  
[for more information please click here]

Besides eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting adequate sleep, one of the best investments you can make in maintaining a healthy body and mind is to incorporate regular therapeutic massage into your self care routine.

- Jean Riccio, BS, LMT, MFR, NMT

Click here to make an appointment with Jean to help you melt away stress!

Happy Valentine's Day! Be Good to Your HEART

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you all be extra good to your heart today:

- Give someone a hug

- Take a long walk

- Drink some beet juice

- Forgive someone who hurt you

- Tell someone you LOVE them!

We also want to take this time to thank all of our dear friends and patients who have shown us so much love these past months as we've built our clinic.  

Thank you lovely friends!

Seasonal Eating - Irresistible Recipes! (Winter)

While it feels like spring here in Florida, we still have another six weeks of winter.  Fill up on these grounding foods over the next few weeks.  Eating seasonally helps your body maximize the nutrients of the foods you digest.  Scroll down for some yummy recipes that incorporate these winter gems into your diet.  

 

                       Baked Beet Chips               Apple Cabbage Slaw w/ Crystallized Ginger

          Baked Sweet Potatoes                           Grilled Vidalia Onion Steaks

 

           Pickled Pears                       Old Fashioned Clementine Cake

We're also quite lucky down here as we can tap into some yummy spring fruits that are abundant...

(say, Strawberries!). 

Stay Healthy, Friends!

Food Chart via StylemeGreen

What is PCOS? And how did my ovary end up with a pearl necklace??

image source

Our first post is an oldie but goodie.  Hillary explains some causes and symptoms of PCOS, along with providing some natural solutions to help you.  

Please check out Hillary's post on PCOS on her blog, The Wellness Well.

Stay healthy, friends!

We're Live!

Welcome to our blog!

Art of Acupuncture is a clinic located in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida.  We have years and years of experience between our three acupuncturists, and two massage therapists.  The clinic was born in August of 2012 in a renovated bungalow.  We offer extraordinary care in peaceful environment.  

This blog is our outlet to provide resources to optimize your health.  Everything from healthy eating and living tips to information about Chi Kung (Gi Gong) and massage therapy.  

We look forward to chatting with you!