A recent study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that is set to be published in the journal Psychological Science sheds new light on the side effects of botox.

The study examines how our facial expressions affect how we understand things.  It proposes the simple idea that if we are smiling we will interpret stimuli in a more positive light, or if we are frowning we may interpret events more negatively.  The reaction of our facial muscles helps our brains understand the events that are unfolding and help give it an emotional significance.

In everyday life, we can see this as well.  Consider someone that is generally considered to be a “people person”. You may notice that they react with similar expressions that mimic the emotion that you are trying to convey while talking to them.  This expression of the emotional content of the message is in fact helping them to better understand you and the message you are trying to convey.  It helps them understand you and also helps you to understand how they are digesting your story.

Because Botox blocks certain facial nervous impulses and paralyzes certain facial muscles, researchers found that women that had received botox treatments had more difficulty in understanding emtional language.

The full story is available here.

These simple exercises can help you look younger. They are a completely natural way to tone and firm up the muscles that support and shape the face. When these facial muscles are well toned and firm, they lift and pull the skin tighter smoothing out wrinkles and adding body to your face. They are an excellent addition to a series of cosmetic acupuncture treatments.

The exercises are safe if performed in private. Believe me, you do not want to do this in public, on the subway or on the street. Yes, they look a bit goofy but they are all uniquely designed to strengthen certain facial muscles that are not strengthened normally. The same way that running gives you stronger, younger looking legs, or bench presses give you a stronger pectoral muscles and lift your breasts, these exercises tone and strengthen your facial muscles making you look younger.

The first set of facial exercises are designed to reduce eye wrinkles:

This set of facial exercises are designed to tone and lift cheeks:

This set of yoga facial exercises help to give you full lips:

This last set of yoga facial exercises help to firm your neck:

Out of Office

The clinic will be closed from Saturday December 31, 2011 to Wednesday February 8, 2012.  If you would like to schedule an appointment for when I return, please contact me at kenshim_rmt@yahoo.ca.  I will be checking my email periodically.

Toronto Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy or acupuncture can help relieve your chronic pain and give you a solitary moment of relaxation,  relieving the stress of working in Toronto. Registered Massage Therapy, acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture work by using the body’s own natural healing powers to turn back the clock and leave you feeling healthier and younger.

As a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), I offer a variety of techniques including Swedish Massage, Acupuncture, Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Muscle Energy Technique, Rolfing, Myofascial Release Technique, Cranio Sacral and Visceral Techniques.

Specialties:

• Severe Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Low Back Pain or Hip Pain or SI Joint Pain
• Sciatica (pain that shoots down your hip and leg)
• Headache
• Rotator Cuff Injuries & Frozen Shoulder
• Herniated Disc or Degenerative Disc Disease
• TMJ Pain or Jaw Pain
• Runners (knee, achilles, hip pain, IT Band)
• Tingling or Numbness in the Hands or Feet
• Scar tissue, Surgical Scars
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Postural Re-alignment

Massage Therapy Services:

• Relaxational Stress Relief Massage Therapy

• Deep Tissue Therapeutic Massage Therapy

• Sports Massage

• Combination Massage Therapy & Acupuncture sessions

Acupuncture Services:

• Evidence-Based Medical Acupuncture

• Cosmetic Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation

• Combination Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Sessions

Massage Therapy & Acupuncture Clinic in Central Toronto

Massage therapy or acupuncture sessions take place in a comfortable, safe environment where your health and well being is always put first. I am available at my massage therapy & acupuncture clinic conveniently located in Toronto’s friendly Greektown on the Danforth between Pape & Donlands.  There is subway access, bus access, street parking and Green P Parking, .  Also, I am a short ride from Riverdale’s Gerrard, Dundas and Queen street neighbourhoods.

Convenient Hours

I am available until 8pm most week nights. Sundays and public holidays can be requested. Click here for my hours.

Had a really stressful day in Toronto? Try an in home massage where the massage and healing is brought to the safety and comfort of your own home or hotel.

Insurance Coverage

My receipts are accepted by extended health benefits plans offered through your workplace.  Your treatment could be 100% free depending on your plan.

In the meantime, be sure to browse the Toronto Massage & Acupuncture Resource Centre located in the margin.   There are lots of videos, exercises, stretches and healthy tips for you.  Some of my newest articles and updates are listed in my blog below.

Ken Shim, HBBA, RMT, CAMA