Origin of Valentine's Day
Each February, in countries around the world, friends exchange flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine's Day. The name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron saint. Most of us, however, do not know the true origin of St. Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know is that February is the month of romance. As we know it today, St. Valentine's Day contains elements of both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three martyred saints names Valentine or Valentineus.
One of the common legends states that Valentine was a priest who served in third century Rome. At the time, Emperor Claudius II declared that single males made superior soldiers than did those who had wives and children and he outlawed marriage for all young men in order to optimize his potential army of soldiers. Valentine immediately realized the injustice in this declaration and continued to perform marriages in secret ceremonies, which was in direct defiance of Emperor Claudius II.
Upon learning of Valentine's actions, the Emperor immediately had him put to death.
There are additional stories surrounding Valentine that suggest he was killed for attempting to assist Christians in escaping Roman prisons where they were often tortured and beaten. If one particular legend holds true, Valentine himself sent the first ever "valentine" greeting.
It is believed that Valentine fell in love with a jailer's daughter while in prison. The girl had visited Valentine in jail, during which time Valentine fell deeply in love with her. It is thought that before his death, Valentine sent her a letter that he signed "From Your Valentine".
By the time of Valentine's death and subsequent sainthood, he was one of the most popular legends in England and France during the Middle Ages.
The early pastors of Roman Christian churches used St. Valentine's Day as the day young men chose maidens from the congregation as potential brides. Since that time there have been many traditions that have become an important part of Valentine's Day. Cards, gifts, and the promise of eternal love are the most common way that we express our feelings on this very special day each year. In the United States, the first commercially printed Valentine's Day cards began appearing in the early 1800s. Since that time, Valentine's Day has become a highly profitable business in which millions of dollars are spent each year.
While we enjoy and anticipate Valentine's Day and the gifts we will give and receive, it is important to remember that this very special day originated with no gifts whatsoever, but rather an promise of eternal love and happiness that cost nothing at all.
http://www.RomanceYourHusband.com is a web site dedicated to helping married couples stay friends and to help them remember why they married each other in the first place. Our disclaimer is: If he's a jerk, this won't work. But, if he's sweet, rub his feet. Stop by for free tips and ideas to Romance Your Husband today!
Valentine's Specials
Valentine's Day is just around the corner , and Moonshadow Massage is offering fantastic coupon and certificate specials to help you reach out to your Special Someone and say, "I care about you."
You can purchase our specials by dropping by our office or calling in your order. Or you can do it all online through PayPal, whether you want to use your PayPal account or use your credit card. It is now easier than ever to purchase your gift certificates at www.moonshadowmassage.com
Please Note: Valentine's Day Special coupons must be redeemed no later than August 15, 2008.
These specials will be on sale until February 15, 2008, so act today and get them while you can. Again, they must be redeemed no later than August 15, 2008. As always, there are no limits as to how many sessions you can buy. So, stock up!
Download any of these coupons and certificates from the Web by going to: http://www.moonshadowmassage.com/mtm_giftcert_holiday_couponoffers.html
Follow the instructions on the page to download and print the files. Or, if you would like, call us and we will send a high-quality certificate for you, at no extra charge.
Remember, you can now use PayPal or credit card to order online. Just follow the instructions on the web site.
Or you can order by phone. Just call (919) 466-9494, and someone will be happy to accept your credit card information.
You can also drop by and purchase it. And while you’re here, please feel free to pick up any information that you would like to give to the recipient along with your gift.
For more information, please call (919) 466-9494.
All About Hot Stone Massage
By Selena Rymore
Nov 12, 2007
Even in these modern times, everything old is new again. Music and fashion trends of the past have reappeared. Our grandparents' recipes are enjoyed as modern “comfort foods”. The automotive industry is breathing new life into cult favorites like the VW Beetle, the Mini, and others. Even healthcare has taken pages from history, despite staggering advances in medical knowledge. Ancient techniques have been resurrected to provide relief to those suffering with pain and stress.
Heated stone massage is one technique that can be traced to the ancient native civilizations. According to experts, heated stones can be applied to the body to bring a number of health-related benefits to the receiver. Certain stones that possess the smallest amount of vibration of any facet on the planet are considered to be ideal for their soothing properties.
Heated stone massage, also known as “La Stone” massage, is widely accepted and appreciated by both healthcare and bodywork industries. Many progressive clinics, spas, fitness centers, and other healthcare establishments have incorporated massage with heated stones in their regular massage therapy regime. This “new” technique is performed and enjoyed around the world.
History of Hot Stone Massage
There is not a great deal of written history about heated stone massage, but researchers have suggested that this type of therapy originated from the ancient healing techniques of the Native Americans. There is evidence indicating that the origins can be traced back to Japanese therapeutic traditions, while others believe that was a part of the Eastern Indian philosophy.
Despite the variances in the roots of performing massage with heated stones, one undisputed fact remains; heated stone massage is considered to be one of the most effective and widely recognized forms of healing therapy.
The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Aside from the overall "feel good" benefits of heated stone massage, this type of therapy can also provide relief for many health concerns:
- Deeper relaxation
- Reduces both stress and tension
- Soothes and relieves stiff muscles
- Loosens tight joints
- Calms the nervous system
- Boosts the rate of metabolism
- Enhanced circulation
- Relieves bloating caused by PMS
- Eases chronic neck and back pain
- Frees the body's blocked energies
How to Perform Hot Stone Massage
People performing heated stone massage use stones of all shapes and sizes. Before you arrive for your massage treatment, these stones will be heated to varying temperatures ranging from 0 to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare your skin and body, you will be treated to an application of aromatherapy oils. This full-body application also helps to bring you to a relaxed state.
The massage therapist applies traditional Swedish strokes while holding a heated stone. As each stone cools, it is replaced with a new heated stone. Some stones are left in place on certain parts of the body, usually along the spine. You may have heated stones placed on your hands or between your toes to enhance your body's natural flow of energy. Cold stones may also be used, depending upon your particular condition.
There are certain physiological changes that may take place during the heated stone massage procedure. You and your massage therapist may notice fluctuations in your body temperature, breathing and heart rate. These will all drop and rise at certain points during the heated stone massage procedure. These changes are normal, so don't be concerned. The very process of massaging with heated stones is used to indicate these types of changes. The therapist may use this information to determine the flow of the blood, as well as the exchange of blood and oxygen in your body. The end result is an overall sense of health and well being.
You may have heard of this "new" health procedure, but massage with heated stones is certainly no fad. People have been using this type of therapy to calm, soothe and pamper the body for centuries. It's an ancient treatment, but it will certainly make you feel like new again.
Author's Bio
Article kindly provided by http://bestdailyarticles.com Contributor Selena Rymore is a columnist for a variety of popular web sites, on healthy lifestyle and beauty product themes.
© Copyright 2004 by BodyworkBiz
Self-Massage for the Neck
Temporarily relieve tension build-up in your neck, try the following procedure to massage your neck and loosen tight muscles.
1. Reach around and grasp the base of your neck, squeezing it with your hand. Move up your neck to your hairline, squeezing and releasing as you go. Repeat as many times as the strength in your arms and hands will comfortably allow.
2. In this move, stretch ONLY to a comfortable stretch. Use one hand to help stretch your neck forward slowly as you exhale. Inhale and return to start. Then exhale as you again help yourself stretch your neck to the right and then the left. If you have pain with this move, discuss it with your physician before you repeat it.
3. Place the palms of your hands on the sides of your head and the pads of your thumbs just above your ears. Apply slow, even pressure with your thumbs, tracing along your natural hairline until the thumbs meet in the back center part of your head. Move your thumbs up slightly, feeling for the ridge in the back of your head. Using slow, comfortable pressure, make little circles with your thumbs back to your original hand position, as you follow the ridge and hairline.
4. Repeat this procedure two more times.
For extra relief, try any or all of these while standing under a warm shower.
You can find this tip, complete with graphics, as well as other healthy tips by going to the Educational Resources pull-down menu on any Moonshadow web page, or by selecting one of the following educational topics:
February Is National Black History Month
Settling the West and Working As Cowboys
During National Black History Month, we think of African-Americans who were scientists, inventors, doctors, and political leaders.
But one group and its history has been neglected: the facts and legends of black cowboys who helped drive great herds of cattle to market. They helped to settle the West.
By the start of the Civil War in 1861, Texas had more than 4 million head of cattle. When the war ended, ranching with its dependence on cowboys became the main industry. Up to one-quarter of all cowboys were black.
Because cowboys depended on each other, there was little discrimination. The demands of the trail included dangerous snakes and wolves, treacherous rivers and mountains, and the threat of attack from Native Americans.
One african-american cowboy, Nate Love (known as Deadwood Dick), summed up the cowboy trail code. "There, a man's work was to be done, and a man's life to be lived, and when death was to be met, he met it like a man."
Historians say while the trail was treacherous, life in cattle market towns like Dodge City was worse. Thieves, rustlers, and gunslingers were everywhere, but almost none were black.
By 1890, railroads rendered long drives unnecessary. Some cowboys then worked as broncobusters. Others, like Bill Picket, put their skills to use in rodeos and vaudeville.
As the West opened up, one-sixth or more of those moving there were black or mixed-race people. They helped to settle the country.
Their story is an exciting part of American history.
Staying Well
Cleaner towels
Ever noticed that your bathroom towel has a musty smell? Steve Boorstein, host of the Web site clothingdoctor.com, says it's from mildew spores developing there. His recommendations:
- Wash towels often. Traces of dirt and perspiration help mildew spoors grow
- Don't crowd them in the washer. Towels need plenty of room to agitate
Use the hottest washer cycle
- Add a booster such as 20 Mule Team Borax to boost the cleaning power
- Move towels from the washer to the dryer immediately
- Add bleach to a load of whites to kill germs and mildew in the washer
Avoiding sleep apnea
Doctors reporting in Duke Medicine have found that simple lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of sleep apnea. The goals are to help you breath normally while you sleep and to ease snoring. They recommend weight loss, sleeping on your side to keep your throat open, and avoiding alcohol, smoking (and medicines that make you drowsy) in order to keep your throat open. If that doesn't work, a mask can be prescribed that gives continuous airway pressure to keep the throat open.
Pap test could be replaced
The Pap test has reduced U.S. cervical cancer deaths in women by 70 percent
over the last six decades. A new test could be even better. It detects the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. It screens for 13 cancer-causing HPV types. HPV infection usually clears on its own, but women who are persistently infected with it are at risk for cervical cancer. Though the new test detects 94 percent of pre-cancers as opposed to 53 percent detected by the Pap smear, the American Cancer Society recommends that both tests be taken annually by women over age 29.
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