Massage Envy Magazine

Pillow Talk

We all need to make the best of those precious hours we get to sleep. Making a sound choice for what we rest our heads on will help ensure we wake up refreshed. Here are some tips on how to choose the best pillow for you.

BROADEN YOUR PILLOW SELECTION

We don't sleep the same every night, so having a variety to choose from, depending on how you are feeling and in what position you're planning to sleep, will help maximize your Zzzzz-factor.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY, IF YOU CAN

Lie down in the store and ask someone to tell you if your neck and spine are in line, which is optimal.

KNOW YOUR POSITION

Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the space between the mattress and the ear; stomach sleepers need something super thin; back sleepers should look for something with enough fluff to cradle the neck.

If you are prone to allergies, put your pillows in zippered, allergen-impermeable or plastic covers and wash your bedding and uncovered pillows in hot water every week to prevent worsening of symptoms.

Massage Envy Magazine Fall 2012

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Random Acts of Kindness

Two out of every 10 people in the U.S. are heroes. Maybe not the cape-wearing kind, but a survey by Stanford University found that 20 percent of Americans had helped during a dangerous emergency, taken a stand against injustice or sacrificed for a stranger.

It turns out that altruism is as good for us as it is for the person we are helping. And we don't have to take tall-buildings-in-a-singlebound type actions to have a real effect.

Psychologists have found that compassion not only stimulates our brain's reward centers but also leads to a decrease in stress and an increase in the function of our immune systems. Happiness comes to us in many forms but is often found in everyday occurrences, such as receiving a free sample or finding a dollar on the ground.

So, spend the afternoon at a nursing home visiting a patient you don't know or pick up the tab for the family behind you at the drive-thru. You and your beneficiary will both come away smiling.

Q & Ahhh

Massage Envy experts answer your questions

Q: I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Can massage therapy help?

A: Plantar fasciitis is irritation and swelling of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. Heel pain-usually worse in the morning but often improving throughout the day-is the most common
complaint from those suffering with this condition. Other symptoms include pain after sitting or standing for prolonged periods, and pain at the beginning of any sports activity.

Because of the tightening of the tissue, massage can be very helpful. Your therapist will apply traditional Swedish and sports techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. In addition, a variety of
stretches will be beneficial. Because this condition creates pain and sensitivity in the foot, heel and calf areas, be sure to communicate your pain levels with your massage therapist during treatment. It is also a good idea to rest after receiving the massage.

-C.G. Funk, Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy

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