Researchers have proven that having a good old laugh, doesn’t just improve you mood, but improves your pain thresh hold too.

Having a laugh can help people feel less pain because it causes the body to release chemicals that act as a natural painkiller.

Researchers found this by testing how much pain volunteers could withstand. Researchers at Oxford University found that volunteers who had recently experienced genuine laughing fits were able to withstand up to 10 per cent more pain than those who hadn’t laughed recently.

The scientists indicated that they type of laugh also effected the results. Professor Robin Dunbar (who led the research team) believes that uncontrollable laughter releases endorphins into the body which then generate mild euphoria which results in a reduction in pain.

Dunbar explains: ‘It’s the emptying of the lungs that causes this effect; it’s exactly what happens when we say ‘I laughed until it hurt’. It seems to be extremely painful and it’s that pain that produces the endorphin effect.’

Professor Dunbar’s theory also suggests that as well as reducing pain, endorphins make people more likely to developing bonds. ‘The next stage will be to see whether laughing really allows groups to bond together and work as a group better.’

If this turns out to be the case, it could explain why the first humans were able to create bonds and create the first initial tribes.

If you suffer from premature ejaculation, you know it’s no laughing matter. It can cause problems not just for men but also their partners.

Premature ejaculation or as its also known, early ejaculation, rapid ejaculation or ejaculation praecox, is a condition that impacts many people’s lives and isn’t just about feeling like you want to last longer from time to time. Experts define premature ejaculation by 3 main aspects:

1. Time between first penetration to ejaculation being about 1 minute or less.

2. Feeling unable to control ejaculation.

3. Unhappiness or difficulties caused by premature ejaculation.

If you suffer from premature ejaculation there are some things that can help you, such as Priligy, which is a new oral medication that is a safe and effective treatment for premature ejaculation in adults. If you take Priligy 1-3 hours before sex, you should experience an increased staying power as well as improved control of the anticipated ejaculation.

There are other things to consider when looking to treat premature ejaculation, one of the main things to do is talk through you problems with either your doctor or counsel as sometimes changes in behaviour can also have a slight affect.

Some people enjoy an action packed holiday full of excitement and adventure and some people like a relaxing lounging around holiday. If you prefer the latter you could find yourself fully enjoying a spa and health holiday, whether in this country or abroad choosing a hotel with good spa amenities can leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.

Some more basic spas in hotels offer massages, saunas and some beauty treatments however larger more specialise places can offer a whole range of treatments, like specialised massages, body scrubs alternative treatments and healthy eating options for your stay, plus many more.

It is though that traditional Thai massage found at a Thai massage London spa originated from India before it made its way into Thailand where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually became influenced by traditional Chinese medicine and for centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks as one component of Thai medicine. What is clear though is that the treatment at the Thai massage London spa will be more energizing and rigorous than the more classic forms of massage and there are many Thai London massage centres where you can relieve those stresses of work and travel through the capital. Often referred to as Thai yoga massage, this is because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches; for many, Thai massage is just like doing yoga without any work!

Before you decide upon a Thai massage London spa you should be aware that Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor and no oil is applied, so you are fully dressed. An example of how long you would be at your Thai massage London spa would be around 60 minutes to two hours, but you can be absolutely assured that it will relax you, reduce stress, improve your circulation, increase your energy, improve your range of motion, all in all you will feel a whole lot better after you have been to your Thai London massage spa.

Designed specifically for people who involved in physical activities, not just professionally but also those who enjoy sport as a hobby a sports massage focuses on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. Most forms of massage are specifically designed to treat different ailments like a Thai massage London therapist uses pressure points and movements of key muscles to align the body and an aromatherapy massage therapist uses essential oils to relax and reduce stress. The same is with a sports massage therapist, they use a combination of techniques that help loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

If you take part in physical activities a massage is an integral part of your fitness because it helps you get into good shape faster, and with less stiffness and soreness, recover faster from heavy workouts, and relieves conditions which may cause injury or if you have an injury it can also help you recover quicker. Different athletes use different muscles depending on what sports they partake in, a sports massage therapist is familiar with each muscle, the muscle groups and how they are affected by the specific movements and stresses of each sport. They use different forms of massage starting with the most common a Swedish massage as well as a Thai massage London and a deep tissue massage. They also use more type specific massages such as compression massage, cross-fibre massage, trigger point/tender point massage and lymphatic massage.

If you enjoy sport but feel the pain afterwards you should think about adding a sports massage to your training programme, you will soon notice the difference in your performance and state of your body after, as well as the physiological benefits of massage.

Many people are quick to self asses and brand themselves as depressed when they are feeling low or a bit down, however those feelings which are short lived do not mean you are clinically classed as suffering from depression. When these symptoms go on for a longer period of time then you are more likely to be classed as clinically depressed and if you feel suicidal or have had thoughts then urgent medical treatment should be sought.

Depression is increasingly common, anything of significance can trigger periods of depression or anxiety, for example work stress, financial problems or family turmoil are some of the main contributors to depression.

When suffering from depression curing it by popping a pill does not always mean that that you will be cured, some people can be on medication for their whole lives to keep it at bay, however some research shows that alternative treatments can prove to effective in treating depression and anxiety as well as forms of medication. Looking into the ways you can alleviate the feelings brought on by depression and anxiety can often be as effective as taking medication prescribed by doctors.

Most people cannot avoid stress however you can do things to relieve it by using relaxation techniques and relaxation practices, which used as often as you can manage will reduce your everyday stress levels and boost your feelings, from basic breathing exercises to massage therapy. To get the most out of your relaxation you need to try and put time aside each day for some basic relaxation exercises and try and do these when you are not feeling tired and sleepy as it will not have as much effect as if you were awake and alert.

Below are some basic relaxation methods and other practices that will help alleviate your stress.
Deep breathing – For a simple yet powerful, relaxation technique focus on full, cleansing breaths and deep breathing you will find that deep breathing provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is a main component to relaxation and is used in many practices and combined with other relaxation methods for full relaxation. To get the most out of deep breathing you need to take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, to inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel.

Progressive muscle relaxation – This is a great way to completely relax your body and involves a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body you can get audio instructions from many progressive muscle practitioners for this relaxation treatment to follow. They normally start at the feet and work their way up to the face.

Massage Therapy – This treatment is not necessarily an everyday treatment as not everyone has daily access to a personal masseuse however it’s a great treat once a month or when you are feeling particularly stressed.  Getting a massage will provide deep relaxation and as your muscles relax so will your mind. There are many types of massage but the most common is a Swedish massage which is a soothing technique specifically designed to relax and energize.

Getting a bit bored with the usual spa treatments you receive? Have a look below for some more unusual treatments available around the world.

Brewery spa – There are a number of brewery spas in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, in these you can have a good soak in a small swimming pool filled with beer, it seems that the vitamins and yeast in beer are quite cleansing for the skin, as well as indulging in the twenty minute dip in dark beer which is mixed with carbonated mineral water, yeast, hops and aromatic herbs, afterwards you can enjoy some relaxation time or an optional massage or treatment involving hot stones or being packed in hot grains.

Snake massage – Not for those who suffer from ophiophobia (fear of snakes) with this treatment you have various non-venomous snakes like California king, Florida king, milk and corn varieties slithering and sliding over your body to sooth aching muscles and joints. You can experience one of these treatments in Talmei Elazar which is in North Israel.

Geisha facial – You can now have a facial treatment that gives you the complexion of a geisha, the facial which uses the geisha skin care routine is available in New York and uses the secret ingredient geishas use, nightingale excrement (i.e. bird droppings). During the treatment you have a facemask made from the excrement which has been dried and sterilized, called uguisu no fun which exfoliates, nourishes and brightens the skin.

Cactus massage – This may sound like a very painful treatment however it’s not as prickly as you may think. This massage does involve Nopal paddles however they are spike free, they are used to massage in a mixture of prickly pear cactus, pulque (an alcoholic beverage similar to tequila but made from agave) and tuna (the cactus blossom, not the fish). These ingredients are known for their healing properties, removing toxins as well as moisturising the skin.

An extravagant facial – For those with an expensive and luxurious taste why not try a caviar facial or full body caviar treatment. You are covered in green gunk that contains sevruga fish eggs) extracts and “spirulina algae”, hence the colour. Another wallet busting treatment is a 24K Gold facial which involves covering your face with gold leaf or gold dust ala Cleopatra. The gold is thought to remove blemishes and purify the skin, and it apparently has anti-aging properties.

caviar

Picture courtsey of star5112

It is easy to make yourself feel good about your body, about yourself and the world around you. Women who take care of themselves have an inner glow that shows on their faces and in the way they carry themselves. A day spa treatment is about providing the time, space and expertise for women to renew that glow; this can apply whether you are coming in for a full day of treatments or just to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Thai day spa London with a close friend.

Drawing on ancient rituals with modern day touches, the unique Thai spa treatment creates luxurious treatments that recharge your body’s essential energies and envelop you in a world of new discovery. You will find that your muscles are eased, minds are restored and you are left feeling completely at ease. At the same time you can, if you wish, catch up with friends or indulge in some precious ‘me’ time. A day spa in London is the perfect retreat from the stresses of a busy London life.

Inspired by ancient traditions and philosophies and combined with modern day touches, the spa treatment provide a unique pampering and relaxation experience, allowing you to unwind, escape and fully rejuvenate. The trained therapists will work with you helping you leave the cares and worries of the day behind. Having skin treatment is certain to give you a lift and you will come away, not just with an inner glow, but boosting the skin’s own natural.

Thai massage is believed to have been developed more than 2,500 years ago in India. It then made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually became influenced by traditional Chinese medicine and for centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks as one component of Thai medicine.

Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than the more classic forms of massage and there are many Thai massage in London where you can relieve those stresses of work and travel through the capital. Often referred to as Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches; for many, Thai massage is just like doing yoga without any work!

There are some things that you should know when you contact your Thai massage spa. For example, Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor and no oil is applied, so you are fully dressed. You are usually asked to bring or wear comfortable clothing to the massage. Whilst Thai massage can take differing times, depending what you are advised or decide upon, for a typical Thai massage, this is 60 minutes to two hours long and you can be sure that it will relax you, reduce stress, improve your circulation, increase your energy, improve your range of motion, all in all you will feel a whole lot better after you have been to your Thai massage spa.