The Power of Flowers

A great deal of modern research has gone into the effect that color and aromas have on our moods.

Calming frazzled nerves – if thinking about tomorrow’s to do list is keeping you from winding down, try this aromatherapy trick. Add 3 -5 drops neroli essential oil to a shallow bowl filled with cut flowers. The aroma is said to ease the mind and bring on sweet slumber.

Wake up feeling great- with a bouquet of orange flowers in the bedroom, the color experts say this bright hue stimulates brain activity sending energy levels sky high.

Chicago’s Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation learned that having blooms within smelling distance increases energy levels and concentration by 17% in 60 seconds. The pleasant floral aroma boosts brain’s production of beta waves; electrical impulses that help you feel awake and alert. Also preliminary research suggests that exercising in flower scented rooms help women exercise longer and harder, burning up to 25% more calories!!

Feng shui experts explain that setting a few velvety blooms afloat in tinted water brings mellow “yin” energy to a space so you feel more grounded and well balanced.

Check inside for more recipes using essential oils, flowers and herbs to calm, relax or energize you.

Always Share the Good News First

Hearing bad news triggers an internal stress reaction that causes us to tune out other information. But hearing good news first always helps to put negative items into perspective.

 Remember to Laugh

We don’t laugh because we are happy. We are happy because we laugh.

Facial Muscle Massage

Starting in May we will offer a facial muscle massage. This is a treatment specifically to tone sagging muscles, deplete excess fluid to remove puffiness, help maintain the skin’s elasticity and to stimulate the blood and lymphatic circulations. The total effect is a rested, relaxed look and a glowing skin. Essential oils are selected for your skin type. The treatment takes 30 minutes and is great for both men and women.  The fee will be $45.00 with an introductory offer of $40.00 for your first facial in May 2006

This is a strong basic Swedish style massage, with firm, strong strokes to relax and soothe tension and includes deep work. The muscles are manipulated, stretched and loosened to release toxins and break up pain causing deposits. The circulations of blood to nourish and lymph to cleanse are improved. Muscular strain and discomfort are minimized, and mobility and flexibility can be maintained and improved.  There is an overall effect of well being and relaxation. All therapists in both offices can apply firm pressure and be effective in this style of massage. Please tell your therapist if you are uncomfortable in any way with the firmness of pressure applied.

Reflexology                                                                                  

A scientific technique of pressure based on an idea that all systems of the body have a reflex point on the foot which, when stimulated will open up energy lines and clear blockages to that system. This helps nature normalize conditions and relieves stress. Reflexology points can be stimulated during a Swedish massage session. Maria, Hazel, Stephanie & Jim give full Reflexology sessions   .

Pre natal massage                                                                                          

 Specific techniques are used to relax and reduce aches and pains of the pregnant woman with special attention to her comfort, using bolsters and pillows for support. All therapists except Tammieare trained in pregnancy massages

Aromatherapy.                                                                                                                                                     

Essential oils are specially selected for you, blended with carrier oil, and applied along the energy meridians with a soothing massage technique. The oils are reputed to have great healing powers and can help the body function in harmony and balance. This is Hazel’s specialty but the oils offered in the offices can make any massage an aromatherapy experience.  Tammie and Marisa also use essential oils as an addition to their work.                                                            

Reiki                                                                                          

An ancient oriental art of hands on healing. Reiki means ray of light, or ray of universal life force energy. Most therapists include Reiki with their work and Julie, Maria,  Raj, Marisa,  and Tammie offer an hour session of Reiki

Myofascial Release                                                                                                                                           

This is an extremely mild and gentle form of stretching and unwinding of the fascia. Fascia surrounds every tissue and organ in the body, including nerves, muscle and bones, and is interconnected. Scarring and hardening of fascia after injury, inflammation, disease and surgery etc. can put tension on nearby and faraway structures causing pain. MFR helps release these tensions often having a profound effect on all body tissues. Guy is trained to give a total MFR session and other therapists include some stretching in their work

Trigger point therapy/Myotherapy                                                                                                       

Sustained, firm pressure is applied to highly irritable points, trigger points in taut muscle bands. When points are relieved,   passive stretching is recommended to retain flexibility. This technique is included in a therapeutic session when needed.

Lymphatic Drainage

This technique helps the flow of Lymph through the body to flush out the toxins. Most massage techniques promote the flow of the lymphatic fluid by the movement of the muscles. Janet does a complete session of lymph drainage techniques.                               

Children and Massage.

Massage has been proven to assist in the well being of pre term infants, reducing their stress and shortening their stay in hospital. As children grow older, spontaneous massaging often occurs after a fall. Developing bodies can suffer discomforts, from aching feet, tired muscles, rounding of the shoulders, ‘growing’ pains and headaches. Massage can help create physical and emotional space for growth, easing the muscles and promoting circulations. Young bodies are resilient and hard wearing but often suffer minor injuries. Massage helps to provide ideal conditions for effective rest and fast repair so that these problems are not carried on into later life. Children with special needs respond well to massage. It provides them with a method of establishing contact and relieving physical and emotional imbalances.

We offer massage for children in our offices – please ask for details. Information sheet on massaging your baby is available in the office.

The Elderly and Massage

Massage is particularly valuable as a therapy for the problems associated with growing older. There may be less ability for proper warm up procedures before activities. Regular massage provides the toning and relaxing benefits to allow older adults to continue in an active life. During illness and infirmity, massage is especially supportive, relieving pressures and assisting circulation. It also helps to relieve the sense of isolation that often accompanies growing older.

Massage for Pregnancy

Massage is a great form of care through all stages of pregnancy, helping to condition the body and emotions prenatally, relieves pain during labor and helps ensure rapid postnatal recovery.

Some Ways to Use Flower Power

Floral Note cards

Press flower and glue to a plain note card.

Rosemary Remembrance Frame  

Decorate a wooden photo frame with a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Shoe Freshener

Fill two sachet bags with ½ cup lavender, 2 drops rose geranium oil and ¼ cup baking soda.

Neck Pillow.

Cut and sew two pieces of fabric 6”x2” Fill with 6 cups rice, 2 cups lavender, add 8 drops myrrh and 12 drops vanilla.  Microwave for 3minutes for wonderful neck relief.

Spearmint Cosmetic Vinegar

This can be used as a facial toner, shampoo rinse and bath additive for refreshing and calming. Leave 1 cup peppermint leaves in 4 cups apple cider vinegar for two days. Strain and add 1 cup rose water, 1 cup water and 4 drops spearmint essential oil. Mix well, store in tightly capped bottle.

Revive Potpourri

Pour ¼ cup vodka into spray bottle and spritz liberally. Stir to saturate every piece. The odorless alcohol breaks down the potpourri’s hardened surface, exposing the scented layers beneath.