Staycation in Hamacaland

Let’s face it; we all need the rejuvenation of a vacation periodically to clear our minds and hearts of the mundane rituals of daily life.  Frequently this involves advanced preparation, bookings, and flight arrangements.  These arrangements often become inflexible and frequently must be made months or weeks in advance.  Recently my sister and her family made plans to visit Florida for a vacation in the Keys starting on June 1^st, followed by a leisurely tour through the state ending with us in Lake Wales.  If you follow these things, you realize that my sister and Tropical Storm Andrea arrived at about the same time.  This led to a lovely week or so of relentless rain here in the sunshine state.  So much for the beach vacation!

Sometimes you do have to get away to get away, but perhaps once in a while an impromptu get away to your own back yard is all that you need.  It’s cheaper, less risky, and frequently more relaxing.  The requirement of course is a hammock for each member of the vacation entourage.  For perfect comfort, choose a Mayan hammock.  For a splash of stylish beauty, a Brazilian hammock can take your breath away.  Or for the ultimate in luxury, try a Nicaraguan Wedding Hammock.

Whatever your choice, Seaside Hammocks does it all!

Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock

Hammocks have been in existence for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Initially, hammocks were used by natives of South and Central America for sleeping, but were later adapted by sailors due to their small size and comfort. In the recent past, the initial use of hammocks as beds has been re-invented in North America and elsewhere as more and more individuals are trading in their beds for hammocks. This can be attributed to the numerous benefits that sleeping in hammocks has when compared to sleeping in a normal bed. To further illustrate these benefits, the following is an overview of some of the benefits associated with sleeping in a hammock

Faster Sleep
Sleeping in a hammock has a natural rhythm to it, which is usually brought about by the gentle swinging motion of the hammock. As such, individuals sleeping in hammocks tend to fall asleep much faster as compared to individuals sleeping on a normal bed.

Deeper Sleep
The use of a hammock as a bed has the capacity to bring about deeper sleep. When sleeping in a hammock, an individual not only falls asleep much faster, but is less susceptible to tossing and turning throughout the night. This ultimately results in a calm, relaxed deep sleep. Research has also shown that the gentle rocking of a hammock helps to improve circulation and to synchronize brain activity and through this, an individual gets better rest.


Comfort
Hammocks offer unrivaled comfort when compared to beds. When lying on a hammock, your body weight is evenly distributed, and as such, there are no discomforting pressure points along your body. For that reason hammocks are considered by many to be more comfortable than beds. As a rule, you should acquire a hammock of the correct size and set it up at the right hanging angle so as to experience maximum comfort.

No Bed Making
Making up a bed in the morning can be quite unsettling; more so when one has overslept and woken up late. Instead of shifting through a heap of sheets and covers as when making the bed, with the hammock, all you have to do when you wake up is to fold your blanket and put it at an appropriate place. For standalone hammocks, unhooking the hammock material and folding it up takes around 30 seconds.


Freedom from Bed Bugs and Dust Mites
You might not know this but a normal bed has approximately 6 million dust mites. Dust mites are minute creatures that feed on dead human skin shed off by the abrasive action of sheets on the human body. These skin cells normally accumulate on the mattress, and as such, explain the huge number of dust mites. By using a hammock, high hygiene standards are maintained since a simple shake or overturning of the hammock gets rid of dead human skin, discouraging the breeding of dust mites. Good air circulation and hygienic condition associated with hammocks also discourages the breeding of bedbugs.

Health Benefits
The use of hammocks as beds also has health benefits. For instance, hammocks aid in spinal decompression, since lying on a hammock does not subject the spinal discs to any stress. This can help alleviate back pain, stenosis and other afflictions of the spine.  It is not a cure for these problems, but it relieves the stress.

In view of the above stated factors, the use of hammocks as beds is highly recommended

Medical uses and benefits of hammocks:

1. Promotes faster sleep: Studies have evidenced that people fall asleep faster in a hammock. They are reminiscent of a womb, providing natural rhythm for a sound and relaxed sleep.
2. Reduces pressure points: Sleeping in the hammock provides a zero-pressure point environment. There is absolutely no tossing and turning, and, hence, a comfortable sleep is ensured. Relieving pressure from key energy areas stimulates good blood circulation also.
3. Reduces stress: Mental stress is potentially harmful and deadly. It is clearly evident that hammocks are instrumental in relieving stress. There is nothing more calming to the senses than the swinging and rocking motion of the hammock which stimulates the cerebral cortex and increases the person's ability to think and focus. It also improves concentration and cognitive skills.
4. Improves physical health: When you lie down in a hammock the spinal vertebrae are aligned from “head to tail bone.” This rejuvenates your body and transforms you into a state of meditation which in turn improves your overall health.
5. Relieves back and neck pain: Lying in the hammock relieves some of the pressure off your muscles. As the hammock adjusts to the contours of your body it assures good support and eliminates pressure points. It promotes relaxation of the muscles and permits more consistent flow of blood. You wake up invigorated and energized to face the challenges of the day.
6. Improves brain activity: Lying and relaxing in the hammock is believed to improve brain activity. A hammock is used to treat autism, a disorder in children characterized by impaired communication. Many health practitioners are recommending the use of hammocks to help alleviate this problem.
7. Good for meditation: Yoga practitioners have found hammocks to be effective for meditation as the hammock relaxes and soothes the muscles. At home you can even practice yoga or meditation in a hammock. It relieves your pressure points and relaxes your entire body and mind.
8. Relieves pre-natal pain: Pregnant mothers have successfully implemented the use of hammocks to get relief from pre-natal pain as it fosters a relaxed, sound sleep.
9. Treatment of colic and reflux: Hammock has been touted to relive colic and reflux. The rhythmic swinging motion of the hammock eases tension and relaxes muscles. It provides a better sleeping position for an uncomfortable baby.
10. Relieves head and chest congestion: The slightly elevated position of the hammock is believed to alleviate tightness of chest and head. This ensures a more comfortable and relaxed sleeping atmosphere.

Conclusion:

With so many amazing health benefits, a hammock is a must-have in every home. Buy a hammock today at Seaside Hammocks and enjoy the incredible benefits that go with it. Hammocks are a great way to relax.

Hammock Artisans of Ceará

Ceará  is located in the northeastern part of Brazil, famous for its beautiful coastline, deserted beaches, and warm climate. It is one of the largest Brazilian States by population and by area. It is also one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil. The state capital is the city of Fortaleza.

Long before the Portuguese landed on their shores in the 15th century, Brazilians used hammocks not only for sleeping, but also for the transportation of goods. Fruits, vegetables, and even the occasional chicken can be bagged up in a hammock and carried where necessary.  Today hammocks and cotton goods represent a significant portion of the area’s exports.

The people of northeastern Brazil still prefer to sleep in hammocks, whereas throughout the rest of the country they serve a primarily decorative function that also offers enviable relaxation. Because they are designed for sleeping, special care is taken to produce the highest quality possible. Typically the hammock's main body is woven on a loom, which may be a traditional hand loom, or the more modern mechanical loom. Some may use pedal looms known as mucamba.  However loomed, by hand or mechanically, the final product is a cross woven textile product similar to canvas.  The textile can be of varying degrees of thickness, coarseness or finesse, but the softness inherent in cotton gives a comfortable sleeping platform.

After the hammock bed is woven the work is generally given to the women of the area to complete.  Edges are sewn by hand.  Beautiful crochet borders are created by hand and added.  And the support harness completes the assignment. The women frequently work from home while caring for the children and household.  Many of the women teach their hammock making techniques to their daughters and granddaughters, thus ensuring the hammock-making tradition is kept alive. This tradition is not always easy to keep alive because of competition with the artifacts of modern life and living.

So long as a market for hammocks and hammock exporting continues, there is strong financial incentive for the younger generation to keep up the good work.  To see the best of this good work visit Brazilian Hammocks at Seaside Hammocks.

An Enthusiastic Mayan Hammock User

Tom,

If you want to use a review for your site about my hammock and hammock stand, here ya go:

"I ordered the Cotton King Size Hammock in the Mayan Hammock section. I also got the Vario Hammock Stand. The Hammock is HUGE in width and couldn't be more comfortable! I'm using the hammock as a replacement for a bed, as I have back and neck issues and have been told Mayan hammocks conform to your body and that would be best for me. After some research, Seaside Hammocks seemed the best choice. Before sleeping in a hammock, It would take me hours to fall asleep, I would toss and turn all night, and in the morning I would ALWAYS have to crack my back and neck. Since I've been sleeping on a Mayan Hammock, I fall asleep within 15 minutes, I wake up in the exact position I fell asleep in and never felt discomfort during the night, and haven't felt the need to crack my back or neck in the mornings. Even my 2 Chihuahuas love it! They can't wait for me to get in the hammock, so I can lift them in, they literally start wagging and getting all excited. Now for the individual review:

Cotton King Size Mayan Hammock: With plenty of support (max. cap. 625 lbs. according the the website) I don't feel uneasy getting in (weighing 200lbs myself). I'm a klutz, and haven't fallen out yet, not even come close, so that's saying something! Brightly colored and unique(you can choose your own colors though, so if you want softer, look at the color chart)! Tightly woven, so none of that classic hammock markings due to loose weaving. Also, no falling through because of loose weaving. Although either way is like sleeping on a cloud, I've found (at least for myself) I like sleeping on it sideways. It seems to conform to my body more that way. I don't even need a pillow when I lay sideways, which is a HUGE deal for me! Because I live in Florida (where the hammocks ship from), my hammock came in 2 days! The customer service was quick with response and very helpful. No complaints here!

Vario Stand: Perfect size for my hammock, not even on the longest adjustment! It only came with foreign instructions, so that was a pill, but the stand was so easy I was able to just look at the parts and know how to put it together, and I'm not good at that sort of thing AT ALL. No tools required (besides the ones provided). Took me 30 minutes to assemble, but I was also watching TV so, I would stop here and there to watch something. Most likely would've been a good 15 minutes less time. The stand is in a metallic silver color and would suite any color scheme in your home, or on your deck. Because it was shipping from another state, it took a few more days, but it still only took 6 days (would've taken less but the weekend fell between the order and delivery date). The only complaint I have is I had to stare at my awesome hammock for 4 days before I could sleep in it! Which is obviously no one's fault and got to me as fast as humanly possible without adjusting shipping methods.

All in all my vote is 5 stars! I would recommend this hammock, stand, and site to anyone! Thanks Tom!

-Ashlie
Tampa Bay Florida"
Visit Seaside Hammocks

The Tommy Hamaca Continues

Four years ago we were excited to introduce some remarkable new products. Heading the list is the Tommy Hamaca OSO Mayan Hammock. These hammocks continue the long Mayan tradition of unsurpassed comfort, while adding a tremendous degree of durability. By using cotton cording of the same gauge but seven times the bursting strength of the classic Mayan hammock cord we have built a hammock that resists snags and breaking to a remarkable extent. This mercerized cording is more brilliantly colored--dyed all the way through to resist fading. The weave on these hammocks is tighter than that of the classic Mayan, but not quite so tight as the Crochet. We have also given this hammock true Nylon suspension, which does not degrade under UV radiation the way the more commonly used polypropylene can. All in all we feel that this hammock offers true value; and it is available only at Seaside Hammocks. For a fuller explanation of this hammock please visit the Tommy Hamaca Cotton hammock page.

From Bolivia with Love

Since the Mayan calendar famously discontinues this year, 2012, I thought it prudent to venture farther afield for this year's new offerings, and, wow, did we get lucky! Deep in the eastern Bolivian jungle, past piranha invested rivers, traveling along donkey trails to the village of Salvatierra, located between somewhere and nowhere, two intrepid Peace Corps volunteers fell in love with the people and crafts of the indigenous people. The result of this labor of love was the introduction to the outside world of hand crafted hammocks, woven from the fiber up by women of the village, in what is a long tradition of weaving excellence. These Guarayos Hammocks , which we have the privilege of offering you are absolutely incredible in detail, quality, and overall beauty. Visit www.seasidehammocks.com