Massage is a technique where hands or massage tools are used to relieve muscle tension, pain, and stress. It's usually done by a trained massage therapist who either applies gentle or strong pressure depending on your sensitivity and pain. At home, it's usually performed with massage balls or a chair massage tool. Here’s a quick look at some popular types of massage therapy.   Swedish Massage   Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage therapy, especially for beginners. It focuses on full-body relaxation.   Swedish massage helps to: Reduces muscle tension Promotes relaxation Improves circulation Helps with mild aches and stiffness   Swedish massage therapists use five main techniques: effleurage (long strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction (deep circular movements), tapotement (tapping), and vibration. They usually use some oil or lotion to make the movements smooth and comfortable. Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes. You will be asked...

Yoga wheels were invented fairly recently, sometime in 2014 by Sri Dharma Mittra, a well-known yoga teacher, and his son, Yoga Varun. The idea behind them was to provide a tool that could help people, especially beginners, with backbends, deep stretches, and improving flexibility. Since then, yoga wheels have become popular in the yoga world everywhere, with experienced yogis using them for poses that seem impossible to the rest of us. While there are advanced poses you can try, there are also plenty of beginner-friendly options that we’ll cover in this blog. Beginner-Friendly Yoga Wheel Poses If you're new to yoga wheel and are a bit intimidated by them, here are a few yoga poses to help you out: 1) Supported Fish Pose   Credit: Envato Element/ habrovich Sit on your mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Position the wheel behind your back, between your...

A yoga belt, what you might also know as a yoga strap, is typically used in yoga practice to help you extend poses, improve flexibility, and ensure proper alignment and posture. It's typically made from cotton, nylon, or hemp and comes with a metal or plastic buckle to adjust the length. They come in 6, 8, or 10 feet, with the 8-foot strap being the most versatile. However, the choice you make will all depend on your height. Here are 12 poses that can help you get started. These poses are great for beginners, and we’ve also added tips to make them more advanced. How to Use a Yoga Strap   Credit: Envato Elements/ LightFieldStudios Here’s a simple guide to 12 yoga strap poses that you can try, even if you’re brand new to yoga: Seated Forward Fold or Seated Forward Bend Sit on the floor with your legs stretched...

Yoga wheels are becoming increasingly popular. They're used to help you stretch deeper, improve your balance, and even ease those stubborn back pains. If you're curious about how to use this yoga prop, this guide will break it down for you. What Is a Yoga Wheel and What Is It Used For?   Credit: Envato Elements/ fxquadro Yoga wheels are circular, sturdy yoga props that you can roll around and use during your yoga practice. They're usually about 12 inches in diameter and made from materials like wood or plastic with a cushioned exterior. They have a number of advantages that you can benefit from: They help to open up the chest, shoulders, hips, and back. They increase mobility in the back and hips. They're used to ease into those tough poses that would normally make you struggle. They build core strength. They strengthen the arms and shoulders. They reduce...