Clip 08/25/2021 --- Hidden Gems: Meet Angelica Chapman of Love Life And Angelica

Hidden Gems: Meet Angelica Chapman of Love Life and Angelica
 Local Stories, Voyage Raleigh

 https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-angelica-chapman-of-love-life-and-angelica/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Chapman.

Hi Angelica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was always creative as a kid, wondering how something could be done better, and coming up with creative solutions to everyday problems.

Entrepreneurial spirit now refers to these qualities.

I went through my professional career for 21 years contributing to a great deal of success while keeping my desire for entrepreneurship.

I started my own business in 2019, and since then I have raised public awareness of High Blood Pressure and the impact it has on our community.

I got the idea for my business after I developed a distinctive rash that resembled a bull’s-eye symbol after going to a North Carolina beach with my family. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Lyme Disease.

The twist of this story is that the medical professionals were more concerned about my multiple blood pressure readings that day. This wasn’t the first time my blood pressure raised concerns. In my 20s, I nearly died from high blood pressure.

Could you believe I spent three days in the ICU in my 20s… all because of high blood pressure? Here are some interesting facts. People generally experience High Blood Pressure after age 45. That‘s the average, but according to WebMD, Black people are more likely to develop it younger than other groups.

To put that into perspective, both of those events horrified me. Also, 472,000 people die yearly from high blood pressure, yet most people remain unaware of it. This made me become interested in raising awareness because being unaware is dangerous. I thought people should be aware.

Ultimately, my goal is to improve the health of 472,000 people in my community who are at risk of high blood pressure and to decrease deaths due to heart disease. Steps should be taken to combat this problem that is affecting our entire community.

It gives me great joy that I am able to fight against a problem that is plaguing our community.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest obstacle… Well, I would say food and facing the fact that I have high blood pressure. You see so many people on Instagram working out and eating healthy meals. All these good changes in life seem so easy to look at but, it’s hard to keep up.

Lifestyle changes transform your body to be nicer, your health to be better, and your mind to be sharper. But of course, that’s not just a snap of the finger. It takes discipline, patience, and time.

There is a price to pay to reap the benefits. And if you want the best for your body, you have to sacrifice certain foods. Especially when you’re a diabetic or at risk of high blood pressure. You have to be extra careful with what you put in your body.

The challenge of juggling a lifestyle change and building my business simultaneously meant I had to examine myself many times in order to confront negative thoughts that appeared at the most unfavorable times. I was able to overcome major obstacles on my way to where I am today by using a combination of focus, commitment, and sheer will.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Love Life And Angelica?
Our brand, Love Life And Angelica do more than share nutrition facts. It educates, informs, and empowers people about High Blood Pressure as well as time-saving ways to stay healthy. Through collaboration efforts, we engage a community of people from all over the world to share experiences, showcase other small businesses through collaborative activities, and provide ideas for healthy ways to spend time with family and friends.

The brand Love Life And Angelica has developed a wellness shop dedicated to a healthy lifestyle to creating a better future. The collection curated by the brand offers products for men and women to take better care of themselves.

What are your plans for the future?
Continuing to build my business and collaborating with other small businesses is very important to me. I look forward to experiencing and enjoying the creative journey.

VISIT OUR SITE

PRODUCT: Acupressure Mat - What is, How-To, and Review Page

Product Review: Small Acupressure Mat 

Written by: Angelica Chapman

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Published on: August 21, 2021

Looking to become more relaxed? This Small Acupressure Mat is one trick to finding a simple solution. This product review explains how to get the most out of its features.

What is an Acupressure Mat?

Acupressure mats function by stimulating specific points of the body to reduce stress, discomfort, and increase blood flow throughout your body. 

Acupressure Background

Acupressure mats are made up of several hundred plastic points, which apply pressure to several acupressure points in the back (or a specific target area). The same is true for acupressure pillows, which can be used on the neck, head, hands, or feet. 

Acupressure mats, also known as Shakti mats, are relatively new inventions inspired by ancient healing modalities. While acupressure has existed for thousands of years, this at-home version became popular in early 2000.

"Unlike acupuncture that uses selective and targeted points to treat pain and diseases, acupressure mats apply pressure on a large surface area," explains licensed acupuncturist Snow Xia. "[The mats] have a general effect of releasing myofascial and muscular tension and increasing blood circulation."

Features

• For foot pain: The way Xia prefers to use the mat is by standing on it barefoot (or in socks if that's too uncomfortable). "There are over 7,000 nerve endings in each foot, and from a reflexology point of view, various zones reflect various organs. So by stimulating our feet, we are improving circulation in those organs and stimulating the nervous system."

• For lower back tension: Holding your knees close to your chest and rocking your hips left and right will stimulate the acupressure points on your lower back. 

• For headaches: According to Xia, there is an important acupuncture point for headaches located on the nape of the neck (GB20). Placing an acupressure pillow here would relieve headaches or you can roll your acupressure mat into a pillow shape. 

• For leg blood circulation: As most of us sit all day, we don't get the circulation our legs deserve. The Small Acupressure Mat compensates for this by laying on your mat while it is slightly elevated in order to sink into the spikes. It will initially feel like there's a tingling sensation, but as the blood and lymph circulation increase, your tight muscles will begin to loosen. Leg acupressure is a great way to activate the nervous system before a workout because it increases blood and lymph circulation. 

• For neck pain

• For sciatica pain

• For tight or stiff back muscles

• For stress and tension

• For fibromyalgia pain

• For insomnia

Best Practices For Using

How to use:

The best way to get maximum results is to use the mat daily for between 10 and 30 minutes. When you are using the mat, be sure to breathe and relax your body. In the beginning, acupressure can be uncomfortable. The spikes are sharp, and cause pain or discomfort until they begin to warm up the body.

• Position your mat: Put the mat on a surface that is comfortable for you. Beginners often spread out their mat on a bed or sofa while intermediate and experienced users place their mat on the floor. You can also sit on the mat or against it in a chair so that your butt and lower back are in direct contact with the mat. 
• Adding a layer between yourself and the spikes may help you get used to the feel of the mat. Users report that this method works best when wearing a thin shirt or cover the spikes with fabric. Some users report their best results when the mat is in contact with their bare skin. 
• It is important to lie down slowly and evenly distribute your weight on the mat to prevent injury from the points. 
• Avoid moving or fidgeting on the mat: You should reposition yourself carefully on the mat, as you may pierce or scratch your skin more easily. 
• Be consistent: It takes some time for your body to adjust to the mats, but many people find it really helps. If it appeals to you, give it time to work. 

Here are some tips for using acupressure mats in a way that's comfortable and restorative:

• It is not recommended that beginners lie on these mats with bare skin at first as their spikes can be sharp. You could find the mat to feel prickly as well, so avoid touching it as you lie down. Even though at first it feels strange, with practice you'll become accustomed to the sensation and have more wiggle room with this rule. 
• Breathe slowly while on the acupressure mat. "Taking deep breaths while on the mat can intensify the benefits of it," explains Erin Weber, P.T., DBT, a physical therapist at Flow Physiotherapy in Brooklyn. Breathing slowly also helps to relax the body and improve blood flow to the areas that are congested. 
• Start slowly. "When pairing this with diaphragmatic breathing, you might get a little lightheaded. That's when you would stop and go back to your normal respiratory rate or roll back to your side," Weber says. Start using the mat for a few minutes at a time, and as you get more comfortable, you may want to increase your time on it.
• It is not recommended to lie down on the mat for too long.  Xia cautions users not to sleep on an acupressure mat for any longer than 30 minutes since they are designed to make impressions on the skin. It might cause bruising or abrasions if used for longer periods of time. 

FAQs

• Should you buy it? 

If you suffer from painful muscle tension, soreness, lack of sleep, or stress, then yes. At just $29, it delivers incredible value. It can be uncomfortable to use, at first, but the relief I felt was worth it. 

• Who shouldn't use them? 

Weber recommends avoiding these mats if you have an open wound, as they can cause pain or infection. People with poor circulation will not benefit as much from these mats, so they should avoid them also. If you are pregnant or have any preexisting medical conditions, consult a physician before starting. 

Pros & Cons

Pros: An inexpensive way to relieve tension and self-care.

Cons: Getting on the mat can be very uncomfortable at first. 

Alternatives

Larger mats can target larger parts of your body, while acupressure pillows can touch specific parts of your head, neck, lower back, and shoulders. Metal spikes optimally release endorphins that interact with receptors to reduce pain, anxiety, and stress while simultaneously providing the feeling of calm, relaxed, and euphoric pleasure. 

Final Thoughts

Although these mats do not perform true acupuncture, there are, nonetheless, many very real theories about how and why they might help promote sleep, reduce pain, tension, and stress. 

I can't speak for every acupressure mat available, but the one we offer starts at $29 on our website and it has been one of my more valuable investments. 

As someone who uses it regularly to manage sleep, stress, and discomfort, I believe it's an effective way to relieve back pain, muscle soreness, stress, or improve sleep quality. I find that it is most effective when using it with just my naked skin against the mat, even if you can wear a shirt for a less intense experience.

Share Your Experience: What Is The First Thing You Do In The Morning?

What Is The First Thing You Do In The Morning?

Starting your day off on the right foot can set the tone for the rest of your day. Establishing a morning routine can be a powerful way to cultivate a positive mindset and increase productivity.

One simple yet effective practice you can incorporate into your morning routine is deep breathing. Taking a few moments to focus on your breath allows you to connect with yourself, calm your mind, and bring awareness to the present moment.

When you wake up in the morning, before diving into the busyness of life, take a few minutes to sit or lie down comfortably. Close your eyes and begin taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your nose. With each inhale, imagine filling yourself with energy and vitality. As you exhale, release any tension or stress that may have accumulated overnight.

This mindful act of deep breathing not only oxygenates your body but also helps clear away mental fog and promotes clarity of thought. It sets an intention for the day ahead, allowing you to approach challenges with a centered and focused mindset.

Remember, how we start our mornings has a profound impact on our overall well-being. By incorporating deep breathing into your morning routine, you are prioritizing self-care and setting yourself up for success throughout the day. So take that first conscious breath each morning and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead!