The Power of Good Posture M
other’s warnings against slouching were correct. Recent research
proves that poor posture not only makes a bad impression, it can make us feel physically weaker. The study, published in the Journal of Experimen- tal Social Psychology, explored the relationship of posture and pain toler- ance and found that by simply adopt- ing more dominant poses, individuals can feel more powerful, in control and better able to tolerate distress. More, those studied using the most dominant posture were able to comfortably tolerate more pain than others assigned a more neutral or submissive stance. People tend to curl up into a
ball when in pain, but the Univer- sity of Southern California researchers recommend doing the opposite—try sitting or standing up straight, lifting the chin, pushing out the chest and generally expanding the body shape. They suggest that these small, yet empowering, changes in behavior can decrease sensitivity to pain. Adopting a powerful pos- ture may even affect the body’s hormone levels, boost- ing testosterone, which is associated with increased pain tolerance, and decreasing cortisol, typically released in response to stress.
THE HEAVY SECRET OF FAKE FATS F
ood containing synthetic fats—which taste like natural
fats, but with fewer calories— may sound enticing to dieters. However, fat substitutes used in low-calorie potato chips and other processed foods could instead backfire and contribute to weight gain and obesity. Findings by Purdue University scientists published online in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Behav- ioral Neuroscience, challenges marketing claims that foods
made with fat substitutes help with weight loss. Apparently, the hitch is that synthetic fats can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate food intake, leading to inefficient use of calories and weight gain.
Science Confirms Benefits of Herbal Brews E
njoy your next cup of herbal tea while toasting
to better health. U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture-funded researchers have confirmed the science-based health benefits of three of Ameri- cans’ favorite herbal teas. Chamomile tea has
long been said to soothe a troubled belly and rest- less mind. After reviewing scientific literature on the herb’s beneficial bioactivity, the study team published an article in Agricultural Research describing test-tube evidence that the beverage also offers moderate antimicro- bial and significant anti-platelet-clumping action. They found that peppermint tea also shows significant antimicrobial, plus antiviral, antioxidant and antitumor actions, and even some antiallergenic potential. After reviewing human clinical trials, the researchers further reported that drinking hibiscus tea lowered blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.
Balancing body mind spirit
§ Massage & Body Treatments § Skin Care & Waxing § Reiki
20% off your first session LifeBalance Massage & Wellness
931 Spring Creek Rd, Suite 101, Chattanooga (by Parkridge East Hospital in East Ridge)
423-894-3175 §
LifeBalanceMassage.com natural awakenings January 2012 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48