I hope you’re enjoying the start of the school holidays. I have a feeling that there are a few stressed teachers who are well and truly ready for a break. We had lots of calls yesterday from people wanting to book massages. If you are a teacher then it might be a good idea to really make the most of these holidays to pamper yourself. Saying that reminds me of a cartoon that popped up on my Facebook page that made me laugh. The first frame was a woman waking up in the morning saying “SOMEBODY PAMPER ME!” The second frame was the same woman looking very dejected saying “Oh I forgot.. I’m a strong independent woman. Sh*t!!
Well just so you know, strong independent women deserve to be pampered. In fact the best way to stay strong and independent is to take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it. Pampering should be part of every strong, independent woman’s schedule. Men too for that matter. Having a massage is actually part of your homework when you do our Stress to Serenity Course. (See the right hand column for details of this fabulous 8 week course which is starting soon.)
We are definitely pampering Leah (my youngest daughter and Clinic Manager) this week. Leah and her gorgeous fiancé Andrew are getting married on Saturday so she’s booked in for a massage and some other nurturing treatments before the wedding. We’ve also asked for help from the Weather Angels to make sure we have a fine day. It should be gorgeous.
This week I was chatting to Julie van Nispen, one of our Massage Therapist, about her favourite style of massage. Julie has developed a technique called Energy Flow Massage. It’s a 90 minute treatment that includes a full body aromatherapy massage plus energy healing. Julie has trained with a healer in Bali and her work has become almost Shamanic in nature and beautifully healing. After my recent trip to Bali where I was ridiculously pampered, we’re thinking of adding another 30 minutes to Julie’s Balinese Energy Flow Massage with a foot bath and scrub, a mini-facial and finishing with a Balinese style ginger honey tea. Sounds pretty delicious hey? Julie can only take 3 clients a week on a Saturday so be quick to call us if you’re tempted.
Actually we are becoming very multicultural with our massage treatments. Kesang Wangmo was born in Tibet and grew up with massage as part of her culture. For her it’s simply a normal part of life and an accepted way to maintain health. A Tibetan Peace Massage includes using the gorgeous sounds of Tibetan Singing Bowls to clear your energy field, reflexology and trigger point therapy to activate the meridians and Reiki to take your into deep relaxation. We also have Shiatsu (Japanese), LomiLomi (Hawaiian) coming soon, Indian Head Massage, Cupping (Chinese) and Swedish Massage. Quite an itinerary, hey? Of course you can always have a regular relaxation or remedial massage.
Today I actually want to talk to you about Aromatherapy which originated in Ancient Egypt and spread to Israel, Greece and Rome and eventually to the rest of the world. Essential oils were used in Biblical times and thousands of years before the birth of Jesus. A few years ago I visited the ruins of the ancient city of Knossos on the Island of Crete. Knossos was an incredibly evolved civilisation and the city was built around 1900BC. It still houses the remains of storage urns that held essentials oils. These oils were incredibly precious not because of the beautiful smells but because of the medicinal properties of these oils. Aromatherapy is in fact a form of herbal medicine. These oils can work on many levels both physically and emotionally. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if conventional medicine soon begins to turn to essential oils to treat infections as our antibiotics continue to lose the battle against the superbugs they’ve created.
A recent article from Natural Therapies for All talks about the latest research regarding using essential oils to treat anxiety and depression. Here’s what they say:
“ How do essential oils help alleviate anxiety?
The use of essential oils in treating stress and anxiety issues has long been practised. And even science can prove it. Many studies have shown that certain essential oils can actually soothe stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of calmness.
Essential oils are used for different purposes. Some are used for physical healing (such as in treating inflammation and alleviating pain). Others are used for their emotional value (enhancing feelings of relaxation).
If you’re curious about how certain essential oils can free you from anxiety, here are some interesting facts to know.
Through Inhalation
You’ve probably experienced it many times. Aromatic smell gives you instant feelings of relief. Inhalation is the most basic form of aromatherapy. All you have to do is to take a deep breath and allow the aroma to do magic on your well-being. Take 2-3 drops of essential oil (like lavender) and rub them in your hands. Cup them in your nose and breathe a couple of times.
Through Massage
Yes, massage is really healing and relaxing. Add essential oils and you will feel even more relaxed and rejuvenated. There are essential oil blends available in the market for massage, but you can always make your own for a personal touch.
Through Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy for stress, anxiety and even depression. It is defined as the art and science of utilising naturally extracted aromatic essence. And no, you don’t need to go to the spa to reap the amazing benefits of aromatherapy. Simply add 5 to 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to your bath.
Diffusion
This is a great and lovely way to enjoy essential oils all throughout the day, whenever you need it. Before you start working, simply add a few drops of essential oil in your diffuser to stay calm and less stressed throughout the day. (You can buy our Diffusers Online HERE )
Best Essential Oils for Anxiety
Lavender
Perhaps the most popular essential oil, lavender is best for relaxation. Many studies have shown that essential oils are great for relieving stress, depression and anxiety. For instance, a 2007 study by Japanese researchers revealed that lavender essential oil helps reduce serum cortisol – the stress hormone which negatively affects the cardiovascular system and how the body responds to stress.
Sweet Orange
Who wouldn’t feel refreshed with the scent of oranges? According to a study by Mie University School of Medicine, depression patients who received citrus aromatherapy treatments required smaller doses of antidepressant medications after.
Bergamot
In 2011, researchers from China found that weekly inhalation of bergamot oil resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure and heart rate. Bergamot oil resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, which leads to lower levels of anxiety.
Clary Sage
In 2010, Korean researchers found that clary sage essential oil has antidepressant-like effects useful after highly stressful situations. They found that clary sage may even be more powerful than lavender for anxiety treatment in women.” by Lisa Franchi www.naturaltherapyforall.com
Have a great week and remember you don’t have to travel the world to find deep relaxation, inner peace, healing and a beautiful range of essential oils….. it’s right here at Tunstall Square. 🙂
Have a gorgeous week,
Warm Regards,
Alison Burton
Simply Natural Therapies
41 Tunstall Square
East Doncaster
VIC 3109
03 9842 7033
info@simplynaturaltherapies.com.au
www.simplynaturaltherapies.com.au