BellaSugar

Smooch, Snuggle, and Squeeze: Health Benefits of Being Affectionate

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:39:08 PST

It's human nature to want to be close to the people we care about, but for the people we really love - well, it's hard to keep our hands off them! Valentine's Day is almost here, so keep reading to find out how all those extra hugs and kisses can benefit your health.

How to Give a Head and Neck Massage For Valentine’s Day

BellaTV — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:15:26 PST

This Valentine's Day, why not give your sweetie a head and neck massage? It's easy to do, doesn't cost a thing, and is way more bliss-inducing than a box of Russell Stover candies. Watch as stylist Laura Kingston of Barnets in San Francisco shows you how to give a salon-style massage. (Just be sure to make sure you get a reciprocal rubdown, too!)

Heavenly Massage Technique to Try on Your Valentine - or Yourself!

Zelana Montminy — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:33:21 PST

Not sure how to express your love this year come Feb. 14? We say go for an experiential, hands-on gift and give your valentine the ultimate tension-relieving neck rub this year. Watch this video to learn the pin and stretch method to lengthen overworked muscles in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. This quick and easy massage is perfect for after a hard workout, a long day at the office, or to simply unwind and get in the mood.

Stop Stressing: 3 Fast Ways to Chill Out

Real Beauty — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:49:57 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

If your schedule has been anything like ours, you're on accelerated deadlines at work so you can take that much-needed vacation. Before you go into panic mode and binge eat on sugar cookies or french fries, take a short moment to physically help yourself relax. Corporate employee-turned-masseur Leonardo Ranieri devotes his career to providing body rubs in the office place with his company Massage At Work. (Note: We've tried a massage with him, and it's absolutely mind-numbing.) But if you can't make it to the spa, try targeting the three pressure points below.

Workout Essentials That Aren't Just For Yogis

Heather Dale — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:26:02 PDT

The first time you walked into a yoga studio you probably saw a wall of blocks like the ones above, and a few of these foam cylindrical tubes lying around too. I'll admit it, at first I didn't quite know what purpose either of these items served. But after taking a few classes that incorporated both blocks and rollers, I was instantly hooked! What's great about both yoga blocks ($15) and foam rollers ($20) is the fact that they are not only for Pilates and yoga classes (although they are superb with both), but they can help you in your everyday workout routines as well. Keep reading to find out why.

A Thai Massage Will Move You, Literally

Heather Dale — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:00:27 PDT

There's nothing worse than paying an arm and a leg for a massage and you leave feeling the exact same way as when you arrived - tight, stiff, and stressed. That's why I'm a big fan of Thai massages because I feel amazing after every session and the positive effects last for days, if not weeks. For those who are new to Thai massage, Thai massage is basically an assisted relaxing yoga session where a masseuse manipulates your body and applies gentle pressure to your muscles. Thai massages usually take place on a big cozy floor mat and you are required to wear loose pants and a t-shirt so your body can easily move around (some places provide the clothing, so just check before you go). Each session usually lasts around one to two hours and just like yoga, your breathing is very important since it will aid you through each pose.

Keep reading to learn more about Thai massages and why they are so good for you.

How to Make Your Valentine Happy For $10

Annie Tomlin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:24:00 PST

Got a sweetheart? Got 10 bucks? Then you can have an incredibly easy (but memorable) Valentine's Day gift. Lush just launched this Hottie massage bar ($9), and it's pretty much a foolproof present. The nubby bar is made with cocoa butter and shea butter, so it melts upon contact with skin; vanilla, black pepper, and ginger add a slightly warm and very pleasing scent. Package it with the promise of a massage, and you're golden.

You can MacGyver a massage setup on your bed fairly easily. First, place a towel on a bed to protect sheets from the oils within the bar. Seriously, do this or you'll wind up with stained sheets. To make things more comfortable, use pillows to support your sweetheart's head so his or her face isn't smushed. (This video explains how to do it.)

Since you're probably not a massage therapist, don't worry too much about using the perfect technique. It's more about giving your own energy and touch. Generally, you can't go wrong with a little shoulder kneading and large, sweeping circular motions on the back. Don't forget to give the arms a rubdown, too. If your valentine returns the favor with a reciprocal massage, you just might have a keeper.

2 Scents (and 1 Massage Technique) Your Guy Will Love

Jaime Richards — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:15:00 PST

Back in the day I worked in a salon, and I noticed a few techniques, services, and scents the guys seemed to gravitate toward. Stacey Parks, the spa director of Spa Claremont in Berkeley, CA, confirmed what I believed to be true. Generally speaking, when it comes to spa treatments, whether it be at home or at the spa, guys tend to like everything with a little extra spice. So to add some excitement to your man's Valentine's Day, just keep reading.

Can Pressing on Your Eyebrows Cure Stomach Problems?

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:00:00 PST

Facial reflexology has been around for quite some time, but lately it's been receiving a great deal of attention as a pain and symptom management therapy. Apparently, people with the gastrointestinal disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find it especially beneficial. However, it's not clear whether this is the case because the massage that accompanies the pressure point touching is an excellent stress reliever, or because of some other as-yet-undetermined cause. Would you consider trying facial reflexology to manage a medical condition, or would you rather take a pill?

Tour of Beauty: Reliquary Spa in Las Vegas

Annie Tomlin — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:00:07 PDT

I hadn't been to a Hard Rock anything since I was a kid. But the sleek, all-suite tower of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas is a far cry from the burgers-and-guitars brand that once existed. Inside, the gorgeous Reliquary Spa is proof that Sin City can be as relaxing as it is stimulating. I was invited there for a complimentary treatment and was stunned by the luxurious space that awaited. Here's my report.