6 Health Food Blogs for Almost Any Diet

At Dreamclinic, in addition to being your trusted source for massage and Acupuncture in Greater Seattle, we also like to share with you information on living a healthy and fit lifestyle. Whether you’re a teenager or a retiree, man or woman, one fact remains the same: you need quality insight that will help you make your health decisions. At the same time, we know you also want to keep up with the latest in trends and research from the medical industry. This is true whether we’re talking about finding a trusted massage therapist, a new exercise for your active schedule, or even, like today, discovering health food blogs.

Now, more than ever, it seems like there are some great resources on the Internet that let you tap into an entire health community. Of course, our health professionals here at Dreamclinic are happy to share all of this essential advice and the reliable online resources we recommend. After you’ve gotten an invigorating massage at our clinic, you also want to maintain a healthy diet as well. So, from vegetarians to food connoisseurs, this is your list of must-read health food blogs to check out when you’re dining in.

My New Roots

This health food blog is jam-packed with some seriously good recipes. It also helps that the blogger is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. That means you’re not just getting another recipe or food idea. In fact, you’re getting meals founded on good eating. While this blog isn’t solely vegetarian, there’s a focus on staying plant based most the time.

Naturally Ella

Speaking of vegetarian eating, here is a blog that hits that spot. If you’re into the veggie lifestyle, you’re going to love this one. It has information on how to best stock your pantry, an area to explore ingredients, and so much more. The recipes? Absolutely tasty with a focus on flavorful and fit.

Skinnytaste

This one is as straightforward as it gets: regular meal ideas that are low fat and healthy, but also friendly for the family. In addition to good tasting meals, you’ll also discover that the blog is centered around seasonal eating and best of all, portion control, but with big flavor.

Nutrition Stripped

Run by a Dietitian Nutritionist, this health food blog definitely has a good diet in mind. With articles on subjects like eating well while traveling and practical workout tips, it has a little bit of everything you’ll need.

Nutrition Unplugged

And when it comes to getting into nutrition, it doesn’t get any better than this health food blog. If you’re in search of a source that really dives into the world of food science, this might be right up your alley. A little more in depth, but very interesting, it’s one you can get lost at very easily.

Nom Nom Paleo

Let’s finish this list off with a fun one that takes its inspiration from a popular diet right now: the paleo diet. This health food blog has some really creative ways to enjoy this lifestyle, even as you stay fit in the process. The blog is an excellent resource, but also a lot of fun.

Once you’ve chosen one of these health food blogs or even a few of them, check out the health-minded services we provide at Dreamclinic. They go perfect with any diet!

 

Depression and Diet: Could What You Eat be a Big Factor?

For decades, researchers have been trying to pin down the exact causes and factors involved in Depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States, over 350 million people worldwide are battling this health issue in their personal lives. Over the years, countless studies have attempted to address the effectiveness of treatment, while others focused on the possible biological basis. Because Depression can be such a serious challenge for those who have it, any new research that can shed light on it is welcome news to both the health community and the general public. And just this year, researchers have uncovered a significant connection between Depression and diet that could rock the healthcare world.

How One Study is Changing How We View Depression and Diet

Experts at Deakin University in Australia have published new results in the medical journal BMC Medicine that are sure to change many people’s lives. In essence, the scientific study has shown that there may be a strong association between Depression and diet that researchers may have been overlooking. During the study, patients with Depression were given guidance on how to better choose their regular diet and with a foundation of healthier choices. The results? Patients that more closely followed the dietary recommendations showed dramatic impact on their symptoms.

Comparing This News to the Classic View of Depression

Through history, the views on Depression have shifted and changed with time. Not until the early 1900s did professionals formulate that it could be a result of something other than a patient’s external situation. As the decades went on, researchers used various methods, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to antidepressant medication, to help patients manage their symptoms in everyday life. Still, because diet was less of a focus, it’s unclear if those methods were having their maximum effect.

Why this Study is so Important Today

While some meta-study data indicated that there might be a link between Depression and diet, this study is the first of its kind. In reality, it represents a major breakthrough in how we understand Depression. Because it was also a rigorous scientific study, it has the backing of the scientific community and offers a good first indication of where new methods of treatment might come from. This very well could mean a healthier and happier life for anyone who is or has been suffering from Depression at any point in their life.

Next Steps if You Suffer from Depression

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of Depression, you’ll want your first step to be seeking the support of a professional. Since each person’s situation is different, relying on their expertise to help you with any signs of Depression is a must from the start. In addition, you can also discuss with them some of the dietary changes suggested in the Deakin University study. These include focusing on a diet composed of:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes and nuts
  • Leaner red meats
  • Fresh fish
  • Olive oil

In addition, the research indicated that you may want to avoid some of the following if you’re considering Depression and diet:

  • Sweet snack foods
  • Fried foods
  • Refined cereals
  • Fast-food meals
  • Meat that’s been processed
  • Sugary drinks

As always, our professional staff here at Dreamclinic will continue to follow the news regarding this subject, as well as other medically-relevant news. This way, you have a trusted source for your health-related needs and updates.

 

Is the Paleo Diet Everything It’s Cracked Up to Be?

You may have noticed that every few years or so, a new diet fad pops up. Paleo diet, South Beach, detox, macrobiotics. There’s even a grapefruit diet! In some cases, these fads can be based in healthy living and even scientific research. But other times, the trend can be full of misconceptions and outdated information. And fads like those can possibly have a negative effect on your health!

But because Dreamclinic stays on top of the trends and the latest research, you have a trusted health source in us.  And for one diet, the paleo diet, that has been gaining in popularity, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Today, we’ll be seeing how this diet trend stacks up, and whether it’s healthy or harmful to your body.

What Exactly is the Paleo Diet?

This is an excellent question. It also seems that whenever a diet fad pops up, there are variations on what people say counts and doesn’t count. However, the paleo diet is fairly easy to define. At its core, the diet is about getting back to how our ancestors may have eaten long ago. This often means more fresh foods and less processed foods and no flour products.  Imagine eating only what a caveman had access to.

What Might a Typical Paleo Meal Look Like?

The best way to get a sense of how a meal might look is through well-known recipe sites. You can check out a few here and here. But examples include, roasted chicken breast, fresh fish, hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, and fresh fruit and vegetables. But instead of regular bread buns, you might try avocado buns. Or instead of turning to dairy, you’d rely on alternatives.

What About the Critics and the Gurus?

Every health movement seems to have them: the people that claim to know it all and the people who say it’s all wrong. The paleo diet has many hardcore adherents that say it helps with weight issues and allergies. But we also wanted to give you a rounded perspective on this diet trend. What are the critics saying? One common criticism is that there isn’t any single diet that our ancestors ate. After all, when you think about it, different areas of the world had access to different resources. Another criticism compares how paleo diet gurus aren’t living in caves or putting on loin cloths like our ancestors either.

But What Does the Science Say?

At Dreamclinic, we  always turn to the latest research when it comes to new trends. And for the paleo diet, studies are showing positive aspects. For example, there’s evidence that the diet promotes weight loss and helps reset metabolic issues. And this scientific study showed improved circulatory function, increased insulin sensitivity and improved blood pressure. This was true even for people who tried the diet out for a short period.

What’s the Final Verdict on the Paleo Diet?

Whether or not the positive results from this diet can be attributed to its approach is still debatable. Eating less processed foods and consuming less  sugar is normally a good health move and may account for much of the benefits.  Une thing is for certain—trying this diet is sure to change your outlook on how we eat in the 21st Century.

Ready to talk to an expert at Dreamclinic for a massage or acupuncture session that can transform your health? Get in touch with us!

Dreamclinic wins Best of Seattle 2017 from Seattle Weekly

dreamclinic massage seattleSeattle Weekly magazine announced last week that Dreamclinic Massage is its pick Best of Seattle 2017 poll for the massage category.  Dreamclinic won this recognition over all other massage businesses based on voting by Seattle Weekly’s large reader base.

“We didn’t learn about the contest and the voting until the voting was pretty much over,” says Larisa Goldin, Dreamclinic Founder & CEO, “and we are honored and humbled.”  The Best of Seattle Award from Seattle Weekly adds to the many other awards Dreamclinic has claimed over the years – from Allure Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Seattle Metropolitan, King5, Citysearch and others.

What is behind all the success is Dreamclinic’s unique way of interacting with clients.  When you go to some other spots from massage, it’s as if you have a dollar bill tattooed on your forehead.  When you come to Dreamclinic for massage or acupuncture, rather, we look at you as a new friend, someone we want to help over the long-term to live with greater health and vitality.  So we don’t push or use gimmicks to earn repeat business, we just focus on the best bodywork you can find anywhere in the country.  The true passion for bodywork and appreciation for clients, of our entire team, is what clients notice when dealing with Dreamclinic.  And they recognize at a deep level that there is something different about Dreamclinic, that our healing intention is genuine.

The work we do at Dreamclinic and helping thousands of Seattle folks each month is in itself deeply rewarding.  The awards, like the Seattle Weekly’s Best of Seattle for 2017.. well they are icing on the cake!

There is still time to get your Celebration of Health package.

How to save 20% on your appointments.

massage health

You are busy but you stay active, you eat right and…you get massage on a regular basis!  And your whole being thanks you for the diligence with which you take care of yourself.  At Dreamclinic we have created an annual summer promotion just for you.
This is the time of year when Dreamclinic offers its popular Celebration of Health package, offering our absolutely best value on bodywork. The Celebration of Health massage package gives you 6 hours of free massage when you purchase 24 hours of massage. Hours never expire and are fully transferrable to friends and family.

The Celebration of Health offer is available for a limited time each year.  It takes place August 1st – September 30th.

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What does regular massage do for you? It lets you manage stress, stay flexible and keep your muscles free of knots and aches so you show up fully energized and at your best at work, at home, and at play.  The Celebration of Health package allows you to share the ‘massage habit’ with family, friends or with your team.

“Love the service and therapists here. I always feel refreshed, relaxed and 1000x better after a treatment… I have for the last 4 years purchased the Celebration of Health package so that I can get the most bang for the buck since I go to Dreamclinic at least once a month.” 
 
– 5 Star Customer Yelp Review by P.L.

Celebration of Health Package (30 massage hours) – $2208
$73.60 per one hour of massage
Savings of over $550
Limited time: August 1st – September 30th.

Our guarantee: Your hours never expire. This is our best discount available.

Stop in at one of our 4 locations or call 206-267-0863 to purchase a Celebration of Health package today.

Give your body the gift of health! Don’t lose the opportunity to lock in our biggest savings of the year.

Save 20% with the Celebration of Health Package here.

How Stress Damages Your Body and What You Can Do About It

Between the challenges of careers, the obligations to family, and all the other priorities that we have to take care of throughout our week, there’s your body and your mind. We’re not just talking about those regular ups and downs, where you might have a few obstacles to overcome. When it comes to stress, we mean those tests and trials that leave you feeling beaten down, worried, or even overwhelmed. You might also find yourself feeling exhausted or weakened because of stress.

Who wants to be left feeling like that? Yet, there’s even more to it than simply how you feel. Stress can wreak havoc on your both and your mind, not to mention your well-being. While stress might be a fact of life, today, we’re going to see exactly how stress damages your body and a few tips on how to better manage it before it gets out-of-control. As a result, you’ll be able to live a happier, more productive life that centers around building your health.

What Causes Stress?

The answer to this question will be different for every single person. In the case of stress, there can be a wide range of factors that contribute to it in any one person’s life. Still, there are some common and more general causes that can contribute to stress during your week. Maybe you’re going through a major change in your life or having difficulties with someone you know. You could also be experiencing financial hardship or maybe you’re just juggling a lot of tasks every month. In addition to understanding how stress damages your body, it’s important to identify the cause of your individual stress.

How can Stress Damage My Body and My Mind?

First, stress kicks your body into high gear, preparing it for a struggle. This means that your immune system gets an initial boost, your body is put on alert, and your body releases a slew of chemicals into your blood stream. These include cortisol and adrenaline. Adrenaline is probably a no-brainer for many of you, so let’s skip to the other one. Cortisol has a variety of effects on your body. On the one hand, if left unchecked, it can lead to immune system suppression, memory fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and many others. This is because, in essence, your body (and your mind) are being prepared for a serious showdown. Over time, however, the consequences can be severe, even possibly fatal.

What are Some of the Symptoms of Stress?

On our path to health and wellness, we’ll need to learn the signs of stress on our bodies. This way, we can take action to mitigate the cause, but also manage the emotions. Here are just a few of the symptoms associated with stress:

  • Difficulty remembering important items
  • Obsessive worry that can’t be dismissed
  • Nausea and fatigue
  • Faster breathing and a quicker heart rate
  • Feelings of having a cold, as well as general aches
  • An inability to eat properly
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Headaches or migraines

How Can I Better Handle Stress in My Life?

Even though you can’t completely remove the challenges we face in everyday life, there’s good news. You can always better manage your stress or even eliminate it. Now, don’t expect all your stress to disappear all at once forever. For many of us, it’s a journey of constant improvement toward a better quality of life. Here’s some ideas to get you started:

  • Focus on having a positive attitude
  • Make time to relax during your week
  • Get a full night’s sleep and eat right
  • Meet with friends and family regularly
  • Keep a weekly exercise schedule

Of course, if you’re in need of some immediate relief from stress or merely want to reset and relax, our massage clinics in Seattle can help. Our staff in Redmond, Roosevelt, and Queen Anne are always ready to put you in the direction of a healthy lifestyle. Give us a call and ask how a massage can aid in helping you overcome your stress!

 

 

The Differences Between a Spa Massage and a Medical Massage

You may have found yourself wondering how a massage differs when administered at a spa versus in a clinical setting. After all, they both involve someone applying pressure to your body, right? Well, although they do share that similarity, there are many important distinctions between the two. It’s also essential to understand those differences for your own health and wellbeing.

As you might have guessed, the key differences are mostly in the purpose of the massage, but also the reasons that a person might be seeking one type of massage over the other. The end goal of the massages might differ greatly as well. As your resource for all things massage in, our staff at Dreamclinic is ready to provide knowledge and understanding when it comes to this commonly asked question of spa massage vs. clinical massage.

Understanding Patient and Client Relationships

This is a good place to start for the differences between a spa massage and a medical massage. Because a clinical massage is focused on relieving a medical need, it differs in how the interaction will proceed. For example, for a medical massage, your physician might have referred you and may even have certain requests for your treatment. In addition, your insurance company is likely covering part of your visits, expecting the visits to aid in resolving a specific aliment or condition. In contrast, spa massage is frequently expected to be a relaxing overall experience with the goal of destressing or relaxation

Targeting Your Needs with Differing Techniques

While a spa massage might feel similar to clinical in some ways, because the purposes of these two massage types differ, the types of techniques used will also differ. During a spa visit, you typically enjoy a regular, Swedish Massage that’s more basic and centers on your relaxation. However, during a medical massage, a professional may use a broader set of modalities, such as Trigger Point Therapy or Myofascial Release, to offer to aid in muscle health recovery.

Expertly Addressing Your Specific Circumstances

On the topic of techniques, another factor where the two types of massage differ is how your session is planned based on your individual needs. Consider how a longtime runner might seek out a medical massage to deal with a difficult injury during their year. At the same time, someone who’s been in a car accident may have completely different needs due to whiplash. Because of these differences, one of our massage therapists in Seattle or the surrounding area will approach your visits with your specific needs in mind. Although a typical spa therapist has been trained in the art of massage, our treatment massage experts receive additional training and experience that allows them to provide advanced care for your health.

Wrapping Up Your Therapy for Healthy Results

Finally, you will also find a difference in the suggested frequency of your massage visits. Because there is a targeted plan during your medical massage treatment, you’ll have a goal that’s based around a health outcome and includes a series of timed visits versus a sporadic spa visit. A medical massage factors into a larger plan to improve specific medical challenges you may be facing. Because tangible results are what is expected with medical massage, Dreamclinic has composed a team of elite massage professionals,skilled in the necessary aspects of medical massage.

Are you in need of a medical massage, but aren’t sure where to turn yet? Dreamclinic has several locations for medical massage in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Give us a call!

How Can Sports Massage Benefit You as a Runner?

In the past, we’ve discussed the role that Sports Massage can play in the routine of every athlete, from the novice to the professional. Whether it’s enhancing muscle elasticity for greater performance or helping to heal injuries through techniques like cold therapy, Sports Massage is a core component for many people living an active lifestyle. We’ve also taken a look at how Sports Massage can give golfers an edge during their games. For those of you who love to hit the green, you’ll find your swing can be signifincantly improved with regular Sports Massage.

But what about you runners out there, how can sports massage factor into your performance? That’s a great question! Because every sport is different, you’re likely searching for answers that pertain to your experience as a runner.  The professionals here at our Dreamclinic massage clinics in Seattle have quite a bit of experience working with runners and can provide helpful guidance.

Dealing with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

As anyone who’s ever run their first 5k or marathon knows, the days that follow can be as intense as the race itself. Your legs can feel cramped and for some, you might feel like you can’t even walk. This level of soreness may even be experienced by more seasoned runners who are training for peak performance. Because Sports Massage is so effective at decreasing the duration and severity of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (or DOMS), it makes for a beneficil sel-care practice to implement after a particularly challenging run.  But the real story for this benefit is that you feel better, not only physically but also psychologically. For runners who are just starting out, massage can help you get back out on the track with a healthy mindset.

Improving Your Range of Motion

Many runners who are active in the running community can be incredibly passionate about their sport. In some cases, runners want to hit the track every single day. While it’s important to use rest as part of your regular schedule, the fact of the matter remains that runners are taxing the same hard working muscles over and over again throughout the week. This regular usage, especially if you have a particularly hard run, leads to increased muscle tension which then causes a more limited range of motion.  Reduced range of motion, in turn, can lead to your next run being less than optimal and thus you get caught in a negative downward cycle.   Because Sports Massage aids in restoring more limber joints, you’ll find your running sessions are greatly improved. In turn, you will experience your peak performance on those days when you really push yourself.

Battling the Runner’s Curse of Inflammation

Let’s talk about running and inflammation – Runner’s knee, Achilles Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis – to name a few conditions. If you browse a list of running injuries, you’ll immediately notice that inflammation plays a huge part in the issues that are specific to the sport of running. In fact, at Dreamclinic massage clinics in Seattle, inflammation is one of the aspects that our clients who are runners ask us about. Sports Massage is equipped to help in this area as well.  Sports Massage stimulates lymphatic flow which speeds clearing out of inflammatory debris, so this is another secret weapon of runners who have lower injury rates.

In summary, by enhancing elasticity (flexibility) and range of motion and by helping reduce inflamation, runners perform better in their sport longterm while lowering risk of injury.  If you’re a runner, we would love to talk to you more about the performance benefits of a regular Sports Massage. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

 

 

The Physiological Impact You Get from Different Massage Techniques

If there’s one big question our expert staff regularly receives here at Dreamclinic, it probably involves the clinical benefits of massage, as well as your options for treatment. When you’re seeking out a quality massage clinic, in Seattle, the surrounding area, or anywhere for that matter, your curiosity about the medical value is perfectly understandable. After all, for your body, you want to be able to gain a healthy, positive experience that carries through to the rest of your week and even on for your entire month.

Well, you’re in luck, because our professional team at Dreamclinic is always happy to go over the physiological impact that different techniques of massage can give you. Our knowledge of the latest trends in medicine runs deep, and we love being your resource as the premier massage clinic in Seattle, Redmond, Queen Anne, Roosevelt, and beyond.

So today, we’re taking a closer look at the different techniques and schools of massage. This way, when you’re ready to schedule your next appointment at our massage clinic, you’ll be able to choose the option that’s best for your health. While we offer a diverse set of services, these 5 techniques and their benefit to your body will give you a good window into the basics.

The Essential Relaxation of a Swedish Massage

As one of the most well-known forms of massage, Swedish Massage is an excellent starting place on our journey to learn about the physiological benefits of massage. With a western-style approach, this school of massage is defined by long, relaxing strokes, as well as muscle kneading and essential oils. Through it, you’ll find that your body’s cortisol levels, a hormone tied to stress, is greatly reduced, even as your immune system receives a boost to help protect against the flu or the common cold. At the same time, the essential oils provide an additional element of relaxation to an already enjoyable experience.

The Unique Rewards of a Thai Massage

Less common than the Swedish school of massage, Thai Massage still boasts some impressive physiological benefits for your health. Forgoing the essential oils, this form of massage is a bit more invigorating, as your professional masseuse uses their hands, elbows, and even their own knees and feet to give you a reinvigorating session. As your medical professional brings you through a number of yoga-type positions, you’ll find your many sen points, a center of energy, are rebalanced. This form of massage is truly spectacular for anyone suffering from chronic headaches or spasticity in the muscles. Think of this one as a way to relieve some of your stress, even as you get an energy upgrade along with increased flexibility.

A Softer Approach with Cranio-Sacral Therapy

While our other forms of manipulation are quite enjoyable themselves, Cranio-Sacral Therapy deploys a more gentle approach. Because this health approach focuses on fluid imbalances within your spine, the techniques involved are of a lighter kind than otherwise might be the case. This approach might be especially perfect for you if you suffer from migraines, jaw pain, or neck pain.

The Enhanced Aspects of Deep Muscle Therapy

Similar to Swedish Massage, Deep Muscle Therapy also utilizes longer strokes during a 30 to 60-minute session. However, with a focus on releasing any deeper and longer-lasting knots within your body’s muscles and tissues, the techniques involved in Deep Muscle Therapy have some contrasting benefits. As a more heightened experience, it may be the better choice for someone suffering from Parkinson’s Disease or Muscular Dystrophy. Still, the healthy benefits can extend to anyone interested in a form of massage that targets the deeper layers of your muscles and tendons.

Even though this is just a sample of the benefits we provide at Dreamclinic, you probably have a question or two. Of course, we’re happy to provide you with expert knowledge as we answer all your questions. Give us a call today to talk with a heath professional at one of our several locations.