How to Use Shiatsu for Menstrual Cramps

How to Use Shiatsu for Menstrual Cramps



Menstrual cramps are a response to a hormone that is released into the bloodstream during menstruation. Shiatsu helps to alleviate cramping and discomfort by calming the nervous system, relaxing muscle spasms in the uterus and promoting the smooth release of blood.







Things You'll Need:





Calcium Supplement




Heating Pads




Magnesium Supplement




Tennis Balls




Heating pads







Pressure Points for Menstrual Cramps




1


Press deeply into the lower abdomen four finger-widths below the belly button. Hold this point for five breaths to alleviate cramping and regulate sporadic periods.





2


Apply gentle pressure with small circular movements to the point on top of the foot where the two small bones meet between the big toe and second toe. This will relieve spasms of the uterus.





3


Cross your left ankle over your right knee and use your right thumb to find the point on the inside of your lower leg just behind the shinbone and three finger-widths above the inner anklebone. Press gently - this is often a very tender point.





4


Move up to the inner thigh area - about two inches above the knee - to relieve cramping and stagnation and to promote the smooth flow of blood.





5


Slide your finger out and away from the pronounced bump below your kneecap on the front of your knee until you are on a muscle between two bones of your lower leg. Massage and apply firm pressure to encourage softening of the muscle and to stimulate digestion, promote the release of blood, and relieve nausea.



Sacral Work and Relaxation




1


Lie on the floor with your hands in loose fists under your buttocks, your knees bent and your feet flat.





2


Use the knuckle of your middle finger to stimulate the area of your buttock just outside of the tailbone below the ridge of the hip.





3


Lower your pelvis onto your hands and allow the weight of your body to apply the pressure.





4


Slide your fists under your sacrum (tailbone) and lower your pelvis onto your knuckles. This will relieve lower back pain and the abdominal discomfort of menstruation.








Tips & Warnings










Placing your feet wider than your hips allows your knees to fall toward each other and prevents the strain of holding up your legs.








The weight and warmth of a hot water bottle provide additional comfort when placed on your lower abdomen to relieve cramping.








Tennis balls are a great tool for giving self-acupressure to your spine and sacrum. Tape two tennis balls together and place one on either side of the spine beneath your tailbone. Let the weight of your hips do the work!








Prior to using the tennis balls, consult with your physician and/or bodyworker if you have any old spinal injuries or a history of sciatica.



http://www.ehow.com/how_6610_shiatsu-menstrual-cramps.html

How to Use Shiatsu for Golfer's Elbow

How to Use Shiatsu for Golfer's Elbow



Golfer's elbow is a chronic repetitive strain injury that causes inflammation and tearing of the forearm tendons at their point of attachment on the inner elbow. Shiatsu uses finger pressure to release tension in the muscles and tendons, thereby, reducing the inflammation and swelling in the tissues and alleviating pain. Circulation and the flow of energy in the arm and hand is improved as the symptoms of golfer's elbow disappear.









1


Stimulate the point located on the backside of your upper arm one finger width above the tip of the elbow to relieve pain and stiffness in the elbow.





2


Strengthen and relax the tendons of the forearm and elbow to alleviate pain by applying firm steady pressure to the point between the 2 bones on the outer forearm, 2 finger widths above the crease of the wrist.








Tips & Warnings










Immobilize the joint with an arm strap or a forearm support band to provide stability, support, and rest for the tendons.








Anti-inflammatory medications, ie. advil, motrin or aspirin, are helpful to decrease swelling and ease the pain. Consult your physician.








Apply ice packs to your elbow for 20 minute intervals, 4 to 6 times per day, to reduce pain and inflammation.








Warm up your elbow and surrounding muscles for 5 - 10 minutes prior to activities.








Symptoms manifest as tenderness on the inner elbow with pain radiating down the forearm to the wrist. Marked weakness in the wrist is common and simple movements, such as turning your palm down or flexing your wrist, may cause pain. Consult with a physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.








Rest is one of the most important components to reduce stress on inflammed tissues. Continued stress to the joint and tendons can lead to a more serious injury.








Avoid Step #3 if you are pregnant!



http://www.ehow.com/how_6613_shiatsu-golfers-elbow.html

How to Look Like Mischa Barton

How to Look Like Mischa Barton



Mischa Barton is a Hollywood "it" girl when it comes to fashion choices. The statuesque
beauty
knows how to work with her classic features and turn heads on the red carpet. Look like Mischa Barton by following this guide.









1


Take good care of your skin. Mischa represents Neutrogena skin care products and uses their products for sensitive skin to prevent breakouts. Protect pale skin by regularly applying sun block when outside.




2


Focus on the quality of your makeup not quantity. Mischa rocks a natural understated look to best show off her classic facial features. Use neutral colors for checks and eyes, and soft pinks or browns to show off lips.




3


Try Mischa's face framing hairstyle. Her hair color varies between brown and blond color but the length is kept below shoulder length. Long layers frame the face with side swept bangs. Dry hair with styling mouse and blow dry to achieve the simple look, and curl with a large barrel iron to get Mischa's tumbling curls.




4


Shop Mischa's fashion styles. She tends to mix and match pieces for unique looks. Shop vintage clothing as well as designer fashions. Mischa is often spotted wearing skinny jeans, floral patterns and the layered look with leggings.




5


Look for flats. Wear lots of flat heels, even for after-five events. Vintage sneakers are a favorite as well as Ked's, which Mischa endorses.




6


Keep accessories to a minimum. Shy away from flashy jewelry and stick with simple pieces. Use designer handbags and sunglasses to compliment her style.




7


Develop healthy habits. Mischa Barton has admitted in the past that she doesn't exercise, however, she takes the time to run with her
dogs
. Watch what you eat and drink juice like Mischa to get the recommended serving of vegetables and drink plenty of water.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2257092_look-like-mischa-barton.html

How to Look Like Megan Fox

How to Look Like Megan Fox



Megan Fox is the
beauty
who stole the spotlight in "Transformers", and she shines on the red carpet. Although she prefers to dress on the casual side, she knows how to show a little skin in a killer dress. Looking like Megan Fox won't be easy, but if you pull it off, men will be drooling all over you.









Step
1



Join a gym. Megan Fox is incredibly fit and shows a lot of skin, so you'll want to be as in shape as she is. Do a combination of cardio and strength exercises and try Pilates to maintain that long, lean look.




Step
2



Tan yourself. Lay out in the sun or go to a tanning bed or fake one if you're worried about
your
skin


. Apply tanning lotion evenly all over your body or go get a Mystic Tan for a fake tan that will last for days and be perfectly even.




Step
3



Grow your hair long or get extensions. Dye it dark brown. Go to a salon and have it professionally done or do it at home. Since Megan Fox has dark brown hair, you can do it pretty simply yourself.




Step
4




Style your
hair


by parting it down the middle and blow-drying it straight with a round brush to give it volume. Curl the ends of your hair into loose waves. Throw your head back and forth a few times to give yourself a messy, "bed head" look.




Step
5



Apply a light foundation and bronzer to your face. Line your entire eye with black eyeliner and apply mascara. Use light-colored, shimmery eye shadow to bring our your blue eyes. If you don't have blue or at least green eyes, consider getting colored contacts, because Megan Fox has very blue eyes.




Step
6



Wear jeans most of the time with tight t-shirts or tank tops that show off your toned midriff. Slip on a sleeveless, low-cut, short dress in red, pink, white or black. Wear sneakers, tall boots or sandals with your jeans or very high heels with your dress. Carry a messenger bag for everyday and a small clutch with your evening dress.




Step
7



Visit a tattoo artist and get tattoos like Megan Fox. She has a tattoo of Marilyn Monroe on her arm, her boyfriend's name on her hip and a poem on her back. Use her tattoos as inspiration for your own. She wrote the poem on her back, so write your own and have it tattooed somewhere on your body.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2257090_look-like-megan-fox.html

How to Look Like Liza Minelli

How to Look Like Liza Minelli



Liza Minnelli is an icon in the entertainment business, so if you want to look like her, you'd better do it right. You can easily capture her hairstyle, makeup and clothing, but her fabulous attitude will be more elusive.









Step
1



Dye your hair black. Liza Minnelli goes to Adee Phelan, but you can make do with your own hometown salon. Buy the hair dye and
do it
yourself


at home, to go an even cheaper route.




Step
2




Style your
hair


. Minnelli's black helmet of hair made popular by Cabaret was nicknamed "the urchin." Have your hairstylist cut your hair very short so it lays flat on the head, with a lot of layers to give it texture. Use product to make the layers stick out a bit and give it that Liza Minnelli look.




Step
3



Apply your makeup. Liza Minnelli was famous for her long, thick eyelashes, so line your eyes with black or charcoal eyeliner and put on heavy mascara. Apply concealer and a light blush. Finish the look by lining your lips and putting on the same shade lipstick.




Step
4



Slip on a gorgeous dress. Liza's not afraid of color, so don't hesitate to slip on a sparkly red gown. Wear a sleeveless dress if you're going for Liza's younger look, or a more modest dress with sleeves or a jacket for her older look.




Step
5



Go casual with a simple pants suit. Liza Minnelli would never been seen in public in jeans and a t-shirt, even when she's at her most casual. Buy a couple of pants suits in a variety of colors. Wear a simple camisole under the fitted jacket and tailor the pants so they fit you perfectly.




Step
6



Accessorize. Wear lots of diamonds, or if you can't afford diamonds, cubic zarconia is your new best friend. Wrap a scarf around your neck that matches your outfit and carry a small handbag, like a clutch.




Step
7



Slip on a pair of low heels, like kitten heels with a peep toe. Wear black, brown or match the shoes to your dress.







Tips & Warnings









If you want to be really extravagant, buy some fake black eyelashes to apply before your evening out as Liza.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2257088_look-like-liza-minelli.html

How to Look Like Lindsay Lohan

How to Look Like Lindsay Lohan



Lindsay Lohan has grown up before our very eyes, and she's become something of a fashion icon. She's not afraid to take risks and carries her own sense of style very far. To rock this look, you'll not only need to be fashion-forward, but a bit fearless, as well.









Step
1



Shop at some of Lindsay Lohan's favorite Beverly Hills stores, like Barney's or Rumor. She's not particular to any one designer, so you can feel free to buy a variety of different things since she's not afraid to wear anything. Look for cheaper knock-offs if you can't afford Jimmy Choo shoes or a Valentino dress. Bluefly is a good place online to shop for cheap, designer fashion if you don't live in Beverly Hills.




Step
2



Slip on some leggings. When Lindsay Lohan is spotted by the paparazzi, she's almost always wearing a pair of stretch leggings. She loves them so much, she's even creating her own line. Buy them plentifully and in lots of colors, although Lindsay favors black.




Step
3



Pair your leggings with some tall boots or ballet flats and a long, loose button-down shirt or sweater in black, gray or white. If you're feeling adventurous, throw on a brightly-colored Marc Jacobs, Versace or Chanel dress over your leggings and finish the outfit with some Jimmy Choo heels in any color.




Step
4



Dye your hair blond or red. Lindsay Lohan is known to sport both, so pick whichever looks better with your
skin
tone


. Only the best stylists touch Lindsay Lohan's hair, but for a more affordable option, you can dye your hair yourself at home. Try some extensions if your hair isn't as long as Lindsay's, whose hair goes halfway down her back at its longest.




Step
5




Style your
hair


. Lindsay usually wears her hair down, with soft, feminine waves. Part your hair very far over on one side with your bangs hanging over your forehead. Pull all your hair, except your bangs, back in a barrette or ponytail for a more casual look. She's also been known to wear it super straight, so invest in a flat iron to achieve this look.




Step
6



Copy Lindsay Lohan's make up, starting with a light foundation. Apply powder that matches your foundation and put light pink blush on the apples of your cheeks. Use a sheer eye shadow and brown or black eyeliner and mascara. Instead of lipstick, use a pink or berry lip gloss.




Step
7



Accessorize with a big bag by Balenciaga or Louis Vuitton, silver, jangly bracelets, and big, hoop earrings. Buy large, hobo bags in bright colors or with a simple pattern at department stores if you can't afford the designer bags. A clutch goes well with Lindsay's look if you're planning a night out.







Tips & Warnings









Buy a pair of black sunglasses by Chanel or Christian Dior. The bigger they are, the better.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2257087_look-like-lindsay-lohan.html

How to Look Like Lara Croft From the Angel of Darkness

How to Look Like Lara Croft From the Angel of Darkness



The fictional, action-loving archaeologist known as Lara Croft has made a huge impact on the gaming world, and even holds a Guinness World record for "most successful human video game heroine." Wherever her adventures may lead her, Lara Croft has a trademark outfit and look for any occasion.









Step
1



Wear your hair in a long, dark braid or plait. Release a few wispy strands from the front to frame your forehead. If you don't have hair that's naturally dark or long, add a clip-on/tie-in
hair
extension


.




Step
2



Keep

makeup


minimal and add a few smudges of dark makeup on your cheekbones to simulate tomb dust.




Step
3



Show your midriff. Lara shows-off her toned, tomb-raiding tummy with dark t-shirts and tank tops that stop just short of her navel.




Step
4



Rock a pair of fingerless gloves. If you don't have a pair, just cut the fingers off some old or inexpensive black gloves.




Step
5



Liberate your legs in short-shorts, and keep them armed with a gun holster.




Step
6



Top off your outfit with dark-colored boots and a bit of white sock peeking out from the top.




Step
7



Strike a pose. Lara Croft is typically pictured with her arms slightly behind her hips; with both hands clasped around a gun; or with a gun in each hand.







Tips & Warnings









There's no need to splurge when it comes to this outfit as long as you pick the right stores. Scope out the drug store or dollar store instead of a salon for a hair extension, and check out the toy section of stores instead of purchasing an actual holster.








If you do have an actual gun as an accessory, don't keep it loaded--for obvious reasons.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2270280_look-like-lara-croft-from.html

How to Look Like Lady Sovereign

How to Look Like Lady Sovereign



Lady Sovereign, the infamous English rapper, takes a masculine look and makes it look feminine. She's tiny, but tough, and still manages to look beautiful without trying very hard. Pulling off her look will be simple if you follow just a few simple steps.









Step
1



Grow your hair long or get extensions. Lady Sovereign has hair halfway down her back. Dye your hair dark brown and get it cut into long layers.




Step
2



Braid tiny braids above your right temple, all the way to the ends of your hair. Pull all of your hair, including the braids, back into a side ponytail and secure it with a simple hair band.




Step
3



Buy an Adidas track suit, one size too big. Lady Sovereign favors bright colors, so buy one in bright orange, red or yellow. Get an Adidas lanyard and wear it around your neck.




Step
4



Wear jeans, not too tight, and a t-shirt with a funky design on it. Put a brightly colored polo shirt under your t-shirt for another look. Buy a simple chain, thread it through some keys and hang them around your neck. Throw a red, green or orange hoodie or track jacket on over everything.




Step
5



Slip on some sneakers. Buy big basketball shoes and leave them unlaced and sticking out from the hem of your pant legs. Get dark-colored shoes, like black or navy blue.




Step
6



Accessorize with a gold ring with real or fake diamonds around the edges on the middle finger of your right hand. Lady Sovereign doesn't really wear any other jewelry, just the ring.




Step
7



Put on a bit of makeup, although Lady Sovereign doesn't wear much. Heavily line your eyes with blue, charcoal or black eyeliner and smudge it a big so it looks messy. Wear bronze eyeshadow and keep your eyebrows thick, but groomed. Finish your makeup look with some berry or pink lip gloss.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2257086_look-like-lady-sovereign.html

How to Look Like Kristin Cavallari

How to Look Like Kristin Cavallari



Kristin Cavallari first exploded onto the small screen when she was a co-star in the MTV reality show "Laguna Beach: The Real OC." Kristin has been a style icon for young women ever since her "Laguna" days. Kristin Cavallari has a look that can be easily duplicated by young women everywhere. Kristin has a beach-girl style and a laid back attitude to go with it.









Step
1



Dye your hair a golden blond hue. Justin Anderson from the Neil George salon in Beverly Hills says he adds, "three shades of blond, ranging from a warm golden highlight throughout the back and a buttery blond shade through the top, and finally framing her face with bold baby blond highlight." To look like Kristin, have hair heavily layered and create bangs that are about chin length. Use a larger barrel
curling
iron


and large hot rollers to create sexy waves. Try to find a high-end salon in your area to have this look duplicated.




Step
2



Do makeup to look like Kristin's famous look in a Bebe modeling shoot. Justin Anderson applied a black eyeliner to line her eyes. Justin used Bobbi Brown, but a more economical choice would be Wet 'N Wild. Kristin also wore a shimmering eye shadow. Try to duplicate Kristin's look with a light brown eye shadow. Complete the beach-babe look by applying foundation, mascara and a natural lip gloss.




Step
3



Dress like Kristin Cavallari by wearing her favorite designers. Some of Kristin's favorites are Oliver Peoples, Asha Couture Swim and Joe's Jeans. Kristin is also a huge fan of bling, so she often wears White Trash Charms and Danielle Stevens Jewelry.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2257085_look-like-kristin-cavallari.html

How to Look Like Kimora Lee Simmons

How to Look Like Kimora Lee Simmons



Kimora Lee Simmons was a muse for clothing designer Kurt Lagerfeld, so why wouldn't anyone want to look like her. The 6-foot
beauty
has her own fashion line and sense of style. If you can copy her clothes, makeup and hair, maybe one day you can copy her success.









Step
1



Dye your hair completely black. Grow it long, about halfway down your back, or go to a salon and get extensions. Cut your hair in long layers and part it down one side with long bangs hanging over your forehead.




Step
2




Style your
hair


. Use a curling iron to make big, loose curls in your hair, or make your hair super straight and glossy with a flat iron and some shine serum.




Step
3



Do your makeup. Apply bronzer, a hint of blush and some super shiny lipgloss. Line your eyes with heavy black eyeliner and apply a couple coats of mascara. Use a shimmery nude or bronze color for your eyeshadow.




Step
4



Whiten your teeth. Use white strips you can buy at the store or have it professionally done at the dentist's office. Go tanning to give your skin a warm glow and make your white teeth stand out even more.




Step
5



Wear clothing from Kimora Lee Simmons' fashion line, Baby Phat. Slip on some hip-hugging jeans with one of her signature Baby Phat tees. Wear high heels with everything, and put on a fitted, black or white jacket over your outfit.




Step
6



Slide into a Chanel dress for more upscale, red carpet events. Go for something super slinky and form-fitting, in red, yellow or black. Find one that's sleeveless and wear a pashmina over it. Wear stiletto heels to make yourself even taller.




Step
7



Accessorize with a giant hobo bag with more casual outfits, or a tiny clutch with fancier outfits. Wear big diamonds in all your jewelry, even if they're fake. Pull your long hair up with colored barrettes and wear giant, dark sunglasses--the bigger the better.







Tips & Warnings









Wear fake eyelashes instead of just mascara for a fun look for a night out on the town.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2257084_look-like-kimora-lee-simmons.html

How to Look Like Jessica Alba While Pregnant

How to Look Like Jessica Alba While Pregnant



Consistently voted one of the sexiest women in the world and one of the best dressed, Jessica Alba is best known for her roles on television and in movies. Many people wondered how she'd adapt her red carpet style to her
pregnancy
. Alba responded by going for glamor on the red carpet and low-key sex appeal throughout the day.









Step
1



Mix casual pieces with more formal pieces to create a unique look. During her pregnancy Alba loved wearing long dresses with comfortable shirts thrown over top as a jacket.




Step
2



Accessorize with comfortable flip-flops and oversized sunglasses. Jessica used the summer classic footwear to keep her feet comfortable and then topped off her look with designer shades.




Step
3



Pick empire waists whenever possible. Alba wore empire waist dresses not only on the red carpet and for the Oscars but also picked them for daytime attire. The cut emphasizes your baby bump while making the rest of your body look slimmer.




Step
4



Choose halter neck dresses during your pregnancy for a completely different look just like Alba did. It draws attention to your upper body--your great-looking arms and chest--instead of drawing attention onto your bigger lower half.




Step
5



Toss on a scarf when you need to accessorize your outfit at the last minute. In the early stages of her pregnancy Alba hid her bump by strategically draping the scarf around her waist and later used scarves to emphasize the bump.




Step
6



Opt for clothing in bright colors and jewel-toned hues. Whether on the red carpet or shopping for the baby, Alba picked brighter tones rather than dark colors.




Step
7



Look for clothing with a V-neck and other styles that show off your chest. During her pregnancy Jessica Alba often wore low-cut tops to draw attention to her bust.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2292870_look-like-jessica-alba-pregnant.html