Want to learn more about sports massage?  Then look no further than this great site:  Sports Injury Clinic.

This article from Healthypages  says that scientists have discovered that incense has a relaxing and therapeutic effect and can ease tension and depression.  I always chuckle when something is only deemed "admissable" once it's been given the green light by a scientist.  Nevermind if it's something  the religious and spiritual community has known for centuries.

The average person eats 230 sandwiches a year. Now, if you buy your sandwich every day that mounts up to the cost of another holiday!

Making your own lunch is not only lighter on the wallet but can make you lighter too. Many shop bought sarnies are high in fat and salt. Let's face it food made in bulk on a converyor belt is never going to taste as good as one made fresh by you. Also shop chains and even sandwich shops aren't always going to use the best ingredients. Most of the time cost is the overriding factor, so battery hen eggs, intensively farmed bacon etc. will no doubt be going into your sandwich.

Take a look here to find some quick, easy sandwich recipe ideas which are specifically designed for people who exercise or lead very busy lives.

If you can't always find the time to make your own, this article also highlights "shop bought champions" from Boots, M&S, Starbuck and Pret.

Don't forget to get up and walk outside for some of your lunch hour. It clears the head, gets the circulation going and will pep you up for the rest of the afternoon.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue also called connective tissue. It aims to release the persistent patterns of tension in the body (also known as "adhesions") through slow strokes and deep finger, hand and forearm pressure on the tight areas, either going across or following the fibres of the muscles, fascia and tendons.

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It helps to break up scar tissue. Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness or discomfort during or right after the massage. It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be a bit more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a couple of days. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you!

Why get a Deep Tissue Massage?

It feels good and it is beneficial to your health. If you are stressed muscles are tense, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to possible inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue. Deep tissue massages assist muscle tissue release, get blood and oxygen circulating properly and also “liberates” the knots. Because many toxins are released, it's important to drink plenty of water after a session to help eliminate these toxins quickly from the body.

So what is the purpose of Deep Tissue Massage?

The purpose is to "unstick" the glued fibres of a muscle while releasing the built up tension, eliminate toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle itself. It is both remedial and therapeutic.

Precautions:

Always let your therapist * know if you:

- have any skin allergies or conditions
- have problems with your joints
- are, or think you could be, pregnant
- have recently undergone surgery, or are prone to or recovering from injury
- you have any other medical condition
- have a history of respiratory or heart problems

* a good massage therapist should ask you these question before embarking on any massage treatment.