Thursday, February 12, 2015

Acupuncture in Korea

Acupuncture in Korea
Okay. I started this review blog for two reasons.  First to be able  to put my product reviews out in one place for people to get open and honest reviews of products.  The second reason was to be able to help others out when living and traveling overseas.  Well this post is for the latter.

As soon as I moved to Korea I wanted to try out traditional Oriental medicine.  I had heard how inexpensive it is over here and that it is used regularly to help all sorts of aches, pains, and medical problems. I had researched and have found that  modern Western medical studies have found that there are benefits to traditional Oriental medicine.  Notably in the area of back pain, migraines, and sinus issues.  There is a whole host of treatments that the doctors perform from acupuncture to herbs.  As I hold my stress and tension in my shoulders and upper back and I teach high schoolers English I understandably quickly had big knots in my shoulders.  I asked around if anyone had ever been to a traditional doctor and no one(foreigners) that I spoke with had been but everyone seemed interested.  I looked up reviews, how to find a place, and the procedure and there is not a lot of information out there.  A couple blog posts but that's it.  So here is mine.

A friend had noticed a shop that does traditional medicine in Munson and I finally just wandered in one afternoon.  So just look for a sign that says Traditional Oriental Medicine or Traditional Korean Medicine.   Usually there is a round sign in green that says that.   Every city, town, and village has at least a couple if you look around.   My Korean is non-existent, please keep that in mind.  I just kinda walked into this office above a Baskin Robbins and took off my shoes and shuffled to the reception desk.  The lady asked something in Korean.  Most likely 'Do you speak Korean?' I shook my head and she sighed.....   I motioned to my shoulders and she asked 'pain?'  yes, I replied.  The Doctor came into the lobby and asked what my problem (in slow English) was and I again pointed to my shoulder and said 'pain.' They asked for my ID card and I handed over my ARC(Alien Registration Card) or my Insurance card.  They took my information and ushered me into another room.

Acupuncture in Korea
There were several beds all curtained off in a room and I was shown to one.  As it was warmish I was wearing something with a wide neck so the doctor was able to just move my shirt to show my upper back.  He pressed around and found the goose egg-sized knots on my shoulders.  Then he proceeded to pop I'm guessing a dozen or so tiny needles in my upper back and shoulders and the base of my neck.  It did not hurt.  I could feel the pressure when he put them in my back but it was such a quick movement that I did not feel anything and certainly did not feel anything right after.  He moved a heat lamp above my back and closed the curtain.  okay.




An alarm went off in the distance after maybe 5-15 minutes and a nurse came over and quickly pulled the needles out and into a metal basin.  Again I did not feel any pain.

She then proceeded to drag over a machine and hook it up to me.  The machine can only be described in the following manner: Imagine an electric eel and an octopus have a baby.  But that baby is a machine.... Thats what this thing is.  Eight or more slightly damp electric suction thingies are put on my back with a light suction that grips onto my back.  Okay.  Then the nurse starts to play with the switches and the suctions thingies come Alive!!! She adjusts some stuff and asks 'Okay?' I respond 'ok?'  and she leaves and the machine goes through this series of electric pulsing zapping cycles for another 10 maybe minutes.  It is by far the weirdest sensation I have ever had.  Not painful, though I found out later that some nurses really crank up the voltage and I have had to call to get it turned down a bit.







acupuncture in Korea

Another alarm went off in the distance and the nurse returned.  She pulled the suctions off me and then wheeled over another cart.  I'm face down so I am just taking whatever the series is.








Korean acupuncture and cupping
Next up....Cupping.

 I have a lot of hair that I really like so when I heard a lighter snap on around my hair I was obviously a bit twitchy.  Well the lighter is for the inside of the cups to create a vacuum when applied to the skin.  I quickly got about 8(?) placed on my shoulder and upper back and was left again curtain closed.  This does not really allow you to move as you have parts of your skin being sucked into the cups to draw out impurities I think.  Really not sure here but without a strong grasp of the Korean language I just had to go with it.





Korean Acupuncture and Cupping



A third alarm went off in the distance.  Time is now something I have no grasp of but the nurse came by and pried off the cups and slapped a herbal pack/bandage on my shoulders and I think said to keep it there for a period of time.  The purple circles from the cupping lasts 2-3 days and does not hurt but is a bit weird and people will ask when they see it.  This Cupping Set is the closest thing I have found for at home use.








She took away my pillow and had me lay out flat and she then came over with what seems like an industrial car buffer and proceed to bear down with all her weight at she rubbed it all over my back, arms, and legs.  It hurt and tickled.  A Lot!

Acupuncture in Korea Buffer/Massager weapon
Then it was time to leave and I was told the bill was 7,500 won($7.10)  Sure.  I was motioned to come back in two days.  After the initial visit the cost has been 5,500 won($5.10) each time.  Total time was about 45-50 minutes.

The doctor poked my shoulders the second time checking my stress knots.  They seemed the same.  Had the same full procedure and returned 2 days later.  He poked my knots again and Oh My Gosh!  They were like half the size.  After 3-4 more sessions The big goose egg knots had become tiny robins egg knots.  Then after a few more sessions they were gone!!!  He told me that I was finished so now I return every couple of months for twice a week sessions.  I am not sure which part does the trick but I really enjoy it.

Wet cupping.  Just say no!
I have gone to other Traditional doctors and they do about the same procedure.  Some give you a heat pad to prepare you.  One did wet cupping and I did not know he was going to do that.  Not happy and would not let him do that again.  wet cupping is when they prick your skin and then use a different smaller vacuum cup to draw out blood.  Yuck   no thank you.  I would not like to have my treatment with a side of Hep C.  Nope nope nope.  Do Not look up YouTube videos.  I have not seen them but I can imagine they are not pretty.  I have also had acupuncture on the back of my legs to help relax the muscles.  I think it worked okay but generally do not get that done.

Well I hope that people who were like me and wanting to get more information on traditional oriental medicine in Korea have been helped by this walk through.  I say just wander in and see how they an help you feel better.  I highly recommend trying it out a couple times.









Well thanks for reading and have a great day.



Monday, February 9, 2015

DynaPro Exercise Ball Review & Giveaway

This is a Guest Post Review written by Everything Home Life
DynaPro Exercise Ball Review FB Image DISCLAIMER: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. As I'm entering my third trimester of my pregnancy journey, I can't stress enough how important it is to stay healthy and to be physically active. This pregnancy, I've struggled since my first trimester with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Most have never heard of this and some may experience it late in their third trimester. I've been going through extensive physical therapy as well as chiropractic treatment since I was 7 weeks pregnant to strengthen my core and pelvic muscles. Among the many exercises I do daily, having an exercise ball has helped a lot. In this review, I will outline the following points:
  • Choosing the right exercise ball and alternative uses
  • Product overview of the DynaPro Direct Exercise Ball
  • Advantages, disadvantages & my personal experience with this product
The right size exercise ball depends on your height. The shorter you are, the smaller the ball diameter size. Generally an exercise ball is the right fit for you if you can sit on the ball with your feet flat on the ground and have your pelvis, shoulders, and ears in a vertical line (not leaning in any direction). There are so many exercises and benefits to using an exercise ball while pregnant. These are fantastic for strengthening your core and pelvic muscles to get you ready for labor and delivery. Not only are these exercise balls great for prenatal daily use, but they're also used in yoga, pilates, and home gyms as well as an aid in pregnancy labor and delivery. DynaPro Direct Exercise Ball Product Overview
  • Made from durable, professional grade PVC Construction
  • Anti-Burst Capacity of up to 2000 lbs
  • Beginner to Expert skill levels
  • Perfect for Physical Therapy, Yoga, Pilates & more
  • Comes in two attractive colors: Pink & Silver
  • Comes with pump and two plugs
Exercise Ball Inflation Image Advantages, Disadvantages & my personal experience with DynaPro Exercise Ball When I got my DynaPro exercise ball I was initially disappointed with the packaging. The package itself was beat up and the contents were falling out. Obviously not the greatest first impression. However, once I put together everything and pumped up the exercise ball, I was very pleased. DynaPro Exercise Ball Packaging Image I love the way this ball feels grippy as its made with a durable, professional grade PVC so I'm not afraid of it slipping from underneath me whether I'm on hardwood flooring or carpet. I liked the fact that this ball came with its own pump and an extra plug making it convenient for me as I did not have a pump and would have to go purchase one. This exercise ball comes in one size, which means it was a little big for me as I'm barely 5'2. Although this didn't stop me from being able to do all the exercises I needed, plus my husband could use it as well. This product comes with instructions on how to blow up the ball with the given pump but there are no other instructions or other information about this particular exercise ball. Overall, I had a great experience with the DynaPro exercise ball and would recommend it to anyone looking for a durable, professional, multi-use exercise ball.

Now for the Giveaway!!

DynaPro Giveaway FB Image
ONE lucky winner will receive a DynaPro Direct Exercise Ball
Open to U.S only
Must be 18+ to Enter
Giveaway will end on 2/17 12:00AM EST and Winner will be notified via e-mail
Disclaimer: This giveaway is not endorsed, affiliated or associated with any social media networks. Winner will be randomly selected by Giveaway Tool Winner Selection. Winner's name, email address & shipping information will be sent to sponsor for prize fulfillment. Sponsor is solely responsible for shipment of the prize. Everything Home Life and any other blogs promoting this giveaway is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
If you have any questions concerning this giveaway, please contact Everything Home Life directly @ EverythingHomeLife (at) gmail (dot) com.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

VooDoo Metallic Tattoos and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Enter now to win a set of VooDoo Temporary Tattoos and a $5 Amazon Giftcard!  The perfect summer metallic temporary tattoos around.  Give a set as a gift or share with friends!  See my review HERE
VooDoo Metallic Temporary Tattoos
VooDoo Metallic Tattoos Giveaway!








I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am providing the $5 giftcode for my readers as a small thank you for reading my reviews.  

Friday, February 6, 2015

Gold and Silver Flash Tattoos by Voodoo Tattoo Review & GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure Notice: I received this product for free in exchange for my personal and honest review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Enter HERE to WIN your own set of Metallic Tattoos and a $5 Amazon Giftcode!
VOODOO TATTOO
As soon as I saw these temporary tattoos I was just angry that they have not been around for years!  These are so darn awesome.  They just scream boho beach vacation.  I think that they will look great on sunkissed skin.  The metallic look and size of these tattoos are perfect for showing a hint of edge while still being fun and a bit dressed up.   I received this sheet of gold/silver/black temporary tattoos and my first thought was that I wanted more.  VooDoo Tattoos have several styles to choose from or you can get a set of 5. I do wish that you received 2 sheets of the tattoos so you could share and  renew a favorite one that was wearing off.  A 5 pack would be perfect for a group of friends to play with and share for a day or night out.  I received the Petra design pack to try.  I would love to try out the Athena designs next as they have a more Mediterranean feel to them.  


#VooDooTattoo
The tattoos apply very easily and stay on for a couple days.  There is a bit of a relearning curve for applying temporary tattoos when you have not done one in a while.  I suggest you try out your first one with your least favorite design just so you don't accidentally mess up the one you want to go out with.   Because they have the metallic shine to them as they wear off they still give off that hint of sparkle that catches the eyes.   So they are really perfect for the beach or a music festival where you want to wear something fun and unique but will not be harmed or stolen like jewelry can.




  • #voodootattoo
      








  • SHINE LIKE A GODDESS // Premium Quality Gold Foil, Silver Foil and Black Tattoos that will fool your friends into thinking you are wearing jewelry!
  • ALL GAIN, NO PAIN // They go on in a flash, and last for 3 days. Perfect tattoos for women, kids, and men!
  • PUT THEM ANYWHERE // Use as a tattoo jewelry like a choker, necklace, bracelet, on the wrist, sleeves, finger, hands, legs feet and more! These fake ink sheets are just the set you've been looking for.
  • YOU'RE COVERED // We have tattoo arrows, pendants, cross, celtic, vine, leafs, peacock, Egyptian, infinity, cute tattoos, classy tattoos, gypsy, boho, glitter, waves, triangles, indian, swallows, birds and more decals! Great alternative to henna.
  • Petra design
  • 100% SATISFACTION PROMISE // If for any reason you are not satisfied, let us know and we will get you another one shipped out free of charge!
My only issue is that for the price I wish 2 sheets of tattoos came in a package as there is not really enough for sharing or replacing.  But I still really recommend them and hope to enjoy trying more of these tattoos by VooDoo Tattoo this summer!

A giveaway is up for you to WIN a set of your own!  

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Your Weigh Adjustable Wrist Weights review

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes 


#YourWeigh
I really like these wrist weights!  They are the right size for adding a little boost to your workouts.   The weights are soft and flexible with little beady things as the filler weight and soft material on the outside.   They have a long strip of velcro so they can be adjusted for any size wrist.   I have a normal sized wrist so I had plenty of extra velcro for adjustment.  Mr Man tried them on and he had more than enough room to put these on comfortably.
At one lb. each they add just enough to your wrist to make you feel your daily workout.  As I go for my walks I am more conscious to move my arms to make my walk more impactful.  They are not so heavy that I end up putting them on my pockets half way through my run/jog/walk like I have previously with 3 lb weights.  I am surprised that even though they are light I still feel it the next day a bit.  I know that I will continue to use these weights daily throughout my New Years Resolution exercise routine! You can get these now on Amazon at the great price of   $23.99.  Not super inexpensive, but priced so you will make sure to get your money's worth.  I hope you do!  
Your Weigh Adjustable wrist weights
  • STRENGTH TRAINING - Wrist/Ankle weights aerobic workout equipment provides resistance, to promote more calorie burn during exercise resulting in accelerated weight loss and increased muscle tone.
  • TRIPLE YOUR EFFORTS - Make the most of your fitness workout routine by targeting both upper and lower body along with fat burning aerobic exercise
  • COMFORTABLE FIT - Fits up to 7 1/2" diameter wrist/ankle. Strong velcro enclosure strap surrounds a stretchable neoprene band providing a comfortable secure cushion for your wrist or ankle.
  • SAFE - 1 pound wrist/ankle weights are sufficient to enhance muscle tone and increase workout equipment results without muscle strain.
  • EASY CARE - Wipe with DAMP cloth or soft brush.
Thanks for reading my review and have a great day!  

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Coming Soon DynaPro Direct Exercise Ball Giveaway & Blog Opp!

DynaPro Exercise Ball

Sign ups End 2/8!!

This Giveaway will run between: Monday, February 9th - Monday February 16th
I'm looking for bloggers to help promote my upcoming review and giveaway of the DynaPro Direct Exercise Ball! Here is a little bit about this product:
  • Professional Grade PVC Construction
  • Anti Burst up to 2000 lbs
  • Physical Therapy, Yoga, Pilates, and many more
  • Any skill level
  As always:
  • You will get TWO FREE LINKS with announcement post
  • You may enter this giveaway
You must agree to promote this blogger opp at minimum 5 times between 2/1 and 2/8. By signing up,you also agree to:
  • Promote this blogger opp at minimum 5 times between 2/1 and 2/8.
  • promote this at least 5 times (as this is only a week-long giveaway) between 2/9 and 2/16
This is a free blogger opp with paid options. Payments will be accepted through paypal @ everythinghomelife@gmail.com. See the sign-up below for more details.