Month: January 2018

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3 Sensual Essential Oils for Makin’ Whoopee this Valentine’s Day

Have you noticed that people either love Valentine’s Day or they hate it? There is an awful lot of hype, particularly in new relationships, about flowers, chocolates, dinner reservations, expensive gifts, and grand gestures. It can be a fun and magical day for lovebirds.

Maybe you aren’t into the big, extravagant celebration, but would like to do something a little more memorable than your average Wednesday night. Let’s face it, if you have been in a committed relationship for any length of time, your expectation of something as gloriously romantic as one of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect songs wanes. Notice, the word ‘wanes’. That doesn’t mean you can’t write your own magical night with the right ingredients.

Here are three sensual essential oils for Makin’ Whoopee this Valentine’s Day, along with suggestions on how to use them.

Ylang, Ylang Oil
Ylang, ylang has a light floral aroma that is calming and helps the body to relax. This essential oil is wonderful for helping to relieve feelings of nervousness and anxiety, which proves helpful when one worries about the endless chocolatey treats that have been consumed since Thanksgiving. Ylang, Ylang is known to be an aphrodisiac, as well as being associated with feelings of joy and playfulness. Also helpful for recreational activities.  

Neroli Oil
What is particularly interesting about Neroli Oil is that it helps promote feelings of arousal especially for those who have been experiencing a loss of sexual desire. It’s gentle aroma releases tension and is a mood enhancer.  

Rose Oil
Rose oil is the most feminine of our essential oils. It is said to release feelings of love, compassion, and devotion. When you think of valentine’s day, the image of red roses is sure to pop into your mind, along with Cupid. When he pulled back that arrow to hit his target, his aim was to release the body’s chemicals, boosting the libido. Take a cue from him.

Your Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be another boring Wednesday night. Spice it up by experimenting with the flirtatious influence of aromatherapy. Find an oil or a blend that is pleasing to your partner. Add it to a diffuser or drop it into a warm bath. Make your own spray bottles and spritz your sheets.

To create your own intimate massage session, use essential oils to trigger your limbic system through your sense of smell. Add your favorite essential oil or blend to a base oil and take turns gently massaging each other. peaceful ambiance by lighting candles and creating a playlist you both with enjoy.

For more suggestions on which essential oils to use for a romantic night, contact us.

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Massage Therapy vs. Massage Parlors: How to Stay Safe

When setting out to write this post, I didn’t find a lot of information on the topic I’d like to share. I saw several articles and videos suggesting ways for a therapist to stay protected from clients (particularly at out-call locations), but not many on how a client can protect themselves. I suspect that is largely due to fear. Fear that potential clients will no longer seek peace, serenity, and refuge in massage, but rather by exposing this topic, they will replace those feelings with doubt and fear of foul play.

Friends, when I took on this blog, I told you I was excited to share my thoughts and insights on massage, essential oils, and other healthful living tips to help you live out your best life. Staying safe during a massage is an area that needs a voice rather than silence.

Massage therapy is a practiced skill learned through formal education and a reputable therapist is instated by a licensing board. Massage parlors offer different services, often illegally, including sex acts by people who are not properly trained.

Whether you are looking for a local massage therapist or considering a massage while on vacation, when considering a massage it is important to know who it putting their hands on you before you accept a massage from them. Here are a couple of suggestions before you hop on the massage table.

1. Do Your Homework
When in doubt, do a little research on the establishment and person who will be performing your massage. Make sure it is a reputable place by looking at their website, reading reviews and testimonials, and asking others who they recommend. Also, look for a displayed license that acknowledges their credibility.

2. Know the Nudity Policy
Many reputable places will clearly define their guidelines on nudity. For example, this is mine:
The most effective massage is done on a completely naked subject so that all affected muscle areas can be worked on. Please do not worry; even if you are shy, you will be modestly covered by an oversized sheet at all times, with only the part of the body being massaged being exposed. If you still feel uncomfortable, you may leave your underwear on, but please be aware that will result in certain muscle areas remaining unmassaged.

At the end of the day, your massage therapist wants you to have the best experience possible. In order to do that, you must be comfortable and know that you are in a safe environment.

Finally, I leave you with one last thought and there is no exception here. If you are uncomfortable in any way, by their physical touch or something they said to you, speak up! If the person performing the massage is applying too much pressure or hurting you in any way tell them. There are clear lines for a therapist that should not be crossed.

Massage is a wonderful ingredient for maintaining a healthful, balanced life. Benefits are linked to controlling or fighting chronic health issues like anxiety, depression, cancer, and physical pain. It is the secret weapon your body needs whether it is meant to relax you through an aromatherapy massage, rid your body of toxins through a cupping massage, or work tense muscles through a deep tissue massage. Find someone you can trust and allow them to help you experience a healthy massage.

If you have more questions about how to identify a credible massage therapist or how to stay safe during a massage, please contact us for help.

 

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3 Reasons You Must Try Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile is an incredible essential oil with a variety of benefits. It has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, helping to improve one’s outlook, relieving digestive problems and treating skin conditions. If you haven’t tried it yet, here are three reasons you need to try Roman Chamomile ASAP.

1. Experience the Therapeutic Calming Effect
Roman Chamomile is known for its power to calm not only skin irritations but also the mind and the body. It helps to reduce the feelings of annoyance, discouragement, depression, and hopelessness for starters. Parents also love dropping a little in a diffuser as their babies rest for the night because it gently and safely promotes relaxation.

2. Raise Your Mental Clarity
It’s said that Roman Chamomile was used to help Roman soldiers mentally prepare for battle, giving them courage. Like the ancient Romans, people use this essential oil to propel them forward. It is widely used to help aid in your feelings of purpose while boosting your energy.

3. Overcome the Winter Blues
The winter months can bring with them a bit of gloom. We often can’t open our windows to smell the freshly cut grass or the glorious aroma of spring flowers. Frankly, in the mid-Atlantic, the winter blues can set in and make for a lousy day. If you find yourself feeling down, I encourage you to try Roman Chamomile because it’s uplifting properties are known to help you focus on what is meaningful in your life while replacing feelings of gloom with a sense of safety, happiness, and fulfillment.

To learn more about the uses of Roman Chamomile, contact us today!

 

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What’s Your Focus?

I’ve noticed many of my friends choosing an annual focus word which helps them manifest positive outcomes in their lives. I decided I would choose one this year, too.

So I pondered over individual words. Believe. Light. Hope. Joy. Love. They’re all powerful words, but none of the words felt quite right for me.

Then I saw a quote by Pema Chodron, which read, “Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” Inner peace, I thought. That feels ‘right.’

And so I choose the phrase Inner Peace for my 2018 focus. Here’s what inner peace means to me:

  • Avoiding the evening news
  • Being kind myself and other people
  • Choosing love over judgment
  • Focusing on peace of mind, serenity, and joy despite stressors
  • Speaking my truth
  • Surrendering to the present moment

Inner peace is something I can control and I believe my inner world will dramatically impact positively my outer one.

What’s your word for 2018 and how will you actively live it?

Namasté.

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5 Steps to a Mindful New Year

It’s a glorious new year filled with endless possibilities. We each have the opportunity to mindfully focus on the person we are at present and make a pact with ourselves to keep that present person focused and positively charged. Will it be easy? Yes, it can be with five easy steps to help keep you balanced.

Step 1: Choose Simplicity
The very first step to a mindful new you is to rid yourself of excess. You must thoughtfully choose to live more simply. While it sounds easy, you have to be sure you are ready for what that means.

Many of us carry unnecessary burdens around each day. We overextend ourselves. Our “downtime” is watching television while simultaneously responding to emails and checking social media accounts. We opt for packing our schedules full of social obligations or business meetings to get ahead, or worse, to ensure we are doing what everyone else is doing.

Choosing simplicity means thoughtfully giving these norms up and focusing only on what will bring you light and fulfillment. It means turning your attention to what your body craves. It means silencing the noise that surrounds you day after day.

Step 2: Establish Bodily Awareness
Your body is the hub of all communication. Listen to what it is telling you. Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, spend a few moments reflecting on what you can do for your body that day. It may be as simple as doing a few breathing exercises, or as great as seeking counsel on a tender spot, mark, or lump you have been ignoring. Spend a few moments focusing your mind on each part of your body. Let your thoughts linger. Begin with you toes, then your ankles, etc. work your way up to your head, feeling each point of your body and addressing any aches and pains that may arise.      

Step 3: Release Negative Energy
Negative energy can work a number on you mentally and physically. When we harbor stress, it can cause a number of problems. Find a way to release that stress. Choose a meaningful outlet for yourself like physical exercise, massage, yoga, soaking in a salt bath, whatever will help you rid yourself of the toxic energy that consumes you.

Step 4: Consult Mindfulness Tools
Often with each new year, we start strong on our intentions and slowly wane with each passing day. Find tools specific to your passions to help keep you on track. Use an app on your phone or listen to a podcast. Try journaling for a few minutes a day to remind yourself why you chose to be more mindful. Find something that works for you and keeps you focused on your inner goals.

Step 5: Accept Your Mindful or Mindless Self
While we all have great aspirations for change, slip ups will probably happen. That is okay! Give yourself the gift of acceptance. Know that you will backslide a few times throughout the course of the year, but it is never too late to try again. At any point in your journey you can refocus your thoughts and put in place reasonable actions that will get you back on track. Also keep in mind, you will likely need to reevaluate your original course throughout the year and make adjustments as you conquer some areas.

For more suggestions on how to have a mindful new year, contact us today!