The healing practice of Thai herbal ball massage therapy dates back nearly 5,000 years, to an era when the knowledge of plants, including their effects through ingestion or application on the body, were painstakingly researched and then passed down from one generation to the next. This herbal therapy was designed to relieve pain and inflammation. A selection of therapeutic herbs, including prai, ginger, turmeric and lemongrass, are wrapped in a muslin compress, steamed and then applied to the body in gentle pressing, circular and rolling movements.

A study led by Frank Lin, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, suggests that hearing loss may also be a risk factor for a huge public health problem: falls. The study found that people with a mild hearing loss, were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. Every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.4 fold. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, visit your local hearing specialist today.

Spring is all about nourishing and supporting the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is associated with liver and gallbladder, which not only store and purify the blood but also govern muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments.
Supportive Tips:
Topical castor oil packs (from January edition) – for circulation and lymphatic support.
Eat more – beets, garlic/onions/leeks/shallots, broccoli/cauliflower/Brussel sprouts/cabbage, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, apple, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar
Try yoga, pilates, tai qi or meditation. Combining breath work with movement will improve oxygenation, help to release unwanted emotions, and improve blood flow to nourish the tendons, muscles and joints.

RAPID NeuroFascial Reset is a new soft tissue, movement-based therapeutic technique that addresses the central nervous system’s role in alleviating tension and restrictions within muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Every session is a combination of examination and treatment. The RAPID provider uses his/her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Hypersensitive areas are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements, providing almost instant relief from many conditions/health issues like headaches/migraines, shoulder pain, sciatica, back pain, plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Get back to your active self!

It is known that mental exercise can make your brain work better and lower your risk of mental decline as you age. Play games you are not already familiar with that involve strategy, like chess or bridge, and word games like Scrabble. Try crosswords, word puzzles, or number puzzles such as Sudoku. Read newspapers and books that challenge you. You can learn new things like recipes, driving routes, or a musical instrument. Take a course in an unfamiliar subject. The more interested and engaged your brain is, the more you’ll enjoy the great benefits of brain health. At Luther Riverside Terrace, we offer many options for physical and mental opportunities, come and check us out.

Embracing the Second Half of Life
Remember to Live discusses the importance of living your life now, and “remembering to live” by keeping your priorities clearly before you and using your time, talent, energy, and material resources accordingly. When we face the fact that life is not limitless, it clarifies our vision and intention. We stop putting things off for “someday.” None of us can escape life experiences like aging, illness, loss, or death. Do we deal with those reminders with fear and trepidation or with a desire to learn the lessons they have to teach and to continue growing through our encounters with them?