In the last few years there has been an overwhelming increase of interest in Aromatherapy, it seems that people are interest din different ways to improve their life quality, and since the Spa hotels have now become very common a lot of people had the opportunity of experiencing the sensation of Aromatherapy in one way or the other.

Although a lot of people think that Aromatherapy is used mainly to induce a feeling of some sort or an ambiance to a room or space it is used many times in serious and much more medical oriented ways, it has been proved that Aromatherapy can effect a patient condition and in mild conditions even help the patient to a full recovery.

Dating back many years Aromatherapy has been used by many cultures around the world, the latest phase is only another cycle of time in which Aromatherapy is popular once again. The basics of aromatherapy are based in the belief that natural things can help other living organisms, in general you might say that herbs and plants are sharing this planet with us and they also share some of the basic qualities of life with us humans, so it is also possible that the power of plants can be extracted from them to aid and help humans.

Combining different plant odors can stimulate a response in anyone, you do not need to be an expert to know that certain smells are very clearly unpleasant as some others are distinctly calming and relaxing, it is also known that certain smell can be associated with feelings and memories, making the odor much more than a part of a scenery and more an active participant in the effect the environment has on us.

Aromatherapy uses what it calls home therapy by using the oil and the plant extracts to create a relaxing environment, this basic concept is the most common in aromatherapy and is practiced by many around the world, the process of introducing the aroma to the space is usually done by using a burner that has a candle burning which heats an oil or water with some fragrant in it thus making the liquid evaporate. The materials usually used in the home are mostly eucalyptus oil that gives a very unique odor and will also assist many during the winter time, when it has the ability to clear the nose and make breathing a lot easier. Grapefruit oil is also used in the home therapy process and will also produce a lovely smell in the space it is used in, these aromatherapy oils will provide a solid base for relaxation and inner peace, if used correctly and if practiced in the right way the home Aromatherapy procedure can reduce stress levels and increase the harmony and peace in the house.

Aromatherapy is a way we use odors to promote a state of peace and wellness, we can help our bodies and minds relax by introducing certain aromas to our homes, by doing that we will change our behavior and reduce our stress.

How to Effectively Manage Ten Common Summer Ailments with Therapeutic Essential Oils

As we head into the summer months filled with travel, outdoor projects and activities, it’s important to be prepared for the scrapes, bumps and bruises that oftentimes accompany this busy season. Therapeutic essential oils provide a simple and effective way to manage these ailments and may provide you with additional health benefits.

Therapeutic essential oils can be used to treat sunburn, repel insects, soothe indigestion and heartburn, and expedite the healing process of strains and sprains. Therapeutic essential oils possess a unique molecular structure, which allows them to penetrate cell walls, transport oxygen, nutrients, and the chemical constituents of the oil.

Therapeutic essential oils should always be diluted with an organic carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, olive or peanut. Generally, this dilution is ten drops of carrier oil to one drop of essential oil. With the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree oil, therapeutic essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. When using therapeutic essential oils, it is always recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional. If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid using therapeutic essential oils unless under the supervision of a certified and licensed professional.

The following is a list of ten common summer ailments and the therapeutic essential oils used to treat them.

Athlete’s Foot can be treated with Tea Tree oil – an antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and antiviral. Add 15-20 drops to a footbath and soak your feet for fifteen minutes, three times per day. Be sure to thoroughly dry your feet and between your toes after each soak. Additionally, apply 2-3 drops on a cotton ball and dab the infected area.

Blackheads are caused by clogged pores. A facial steam using therapeutic Lavender oil can be particularly helpful in removing blackheads. It can also be very relaxing, so use this treatment before bedtime. If you don’t own a facial steamer, add 5-6 drops of Lavender oil to a two-quart pan of water and bring to steaming, over medium heat. Place a towel over your head and hold your face at least eight inches above the steam.

Bruises are a common occurrence during the months of summer. To reduce swelling and bruising; soak a cloth in cold water, wring out access water, then apply 2-5 drops of Lavender oil. Hold on the affected area for approximately fifteen minutes.

Burns can be treated with Lavender oil using the same method for bruises. Lavender oil is one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin. Add 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and dab the affected area.

Constipation can be caused by stress, hurried meals, inadequate roughage, lack of exercise and dehydration. Basil, Marjoram and Rosemary have each shown the ability to assist with constipation. Each has additional therapeutic properties, which may help with other symptoms. A simple, yet effective, remedy is to apply 3-5 drops of either Basil, Marjoram or Rosemary oil to a carrier oil and massage the abdomen. Use a clockwise rotation as you massage.

Dry Skin is the result of a deficiency in skin lubrication. Relief can be obtained by using Lavender, Rose or Sandalwood essential oil. Lavender is herbal, Rose is floral, and Sandalwood is earthy. Combine with a carrier oil or fragrance-free skin lotion or cream, and apply to the skin.

Exhaustion and Fatigue can accompany busy summertime schedules. Geranium is a comforting and healing oil that assists in bringing balance back into the body. Add 10 drops to bath water and soak for fifteen minutes or combine with a carrier oil and gently massage the skin.

Insect Bites bring itching, swelling and redness. Relief can be found with Lavender or Tea Tree oil. Because these oils can be applied directly to the skin, the easiest method is to apply 1-2 drops to a cotton ball and dab the affected area. If there are numerous insect bites, add 10 drops of oil to the bath and soak for fifteen minutes.

Insect repellant can be made by combining olive oil or witch hazel with Clove or Citronella oil. Use 10 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of essential oil. Clove can be very irritating, so use with care. Place in a small spray bottle (glass is preferred, but not always practical) and be sure to shake before each use.

Muscle Aches can be eased with Black Pepper, Ginger or Marjoram oil. Add 2-4 drops to a carrier oil and massage the affected area or add a few drops to a compress and apply for 10-15 minutes. These are very warm oils and should be used with care. Avoid getting these oils around the eyes.

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays and results in skin that is red, warm, and tender to the touch. Chamomile or Lavender oil can provide much-needed relief. Add 10 drops to bath water and soak for fifteen minutes or longer or add a few drops to a carrier oil and gently massage the affected area.

Ninety-five percent of people exposed to a cold virus become infected, although only 75% show symptoms. The symptoms start 1-2 days after infection. They are a result of the body’s defense mechanisms: sneezes, runny nose and coughs to expel the invader, and inflammation to attract and activate immune cells. The virus takes advantage of sneezes and coughs to infect the next person before it is killed by the body’s immune system. Sneezes expel a significantly larger concentration of virus “cloud” than coughing. The “cloud” is partly invisible and falls at a rate slow enough to last for hours – with part of the water droplets evaporating and leaving much smaller and invisible “droplet nuclei” in the air. Droplets from turbulent sneezing or coughing or hand contact can also last for hours on surfaces, although less virus can be recovered from porous surfaces such as wood or paper towel than non-porous surfaces such as a metal bar. After a common cold, a sufferer develops immunity to the particular virus encountered. However, because of the large number of different cold viruses, this immunity is of limited use. A person can therefore easily be infected by another cold virus to start the process all over again.

Prevention

The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with existing sufferers, to thoroughly wash hands regularly, and to avoid touching the face. Anti-bacterial soaps have no effect on the cold virus – it is the mechanical action of hand washing that removes the virus particles. In some countries, such as China and Japan, people with the common cold wear surgical masks out of courtesy to protect others.

Treatment

There is no cure for the common cold, i.e. there is no treatment that directly fights the virus. Only the body’s immune system can effectively destroy the invader. A cold may be composed of several million viral particles, and typically within a few days the body begins mass producing a better tailored antibody that can prevent the virus from infecting cells, as well as white blood cells which destroy the virus through phagocytosis and destroy infected cells to prevent further viral replication. Furthermore the duration of infection is on the order of a few days to one week so at most a “cure” could hope to reduce the duration by only a few days.

The bad news is that for many people allergy season lasts all year round. But wait! The good news is that a combination of preventive medicines, avoidance of allergens and allergy shots or vaccines can minimize the discomfort from the symptoms of allergies.

Minimize Exposure

The first step is to minimize exposure to the allergens that trigger off your allergies. These maybe pollen, mold, animal dander. Complete avoidance, although the best treatment, is an extreme solution and can be quite difficult to achieve as it may offer only temporary relief. A person may be sensitive to one allergen but over time may become sensitive to more such irritants. So the next best thing to do would be to avoid places where you know that allergen is present. For e.g. if you’re allergic to dogs, stay away from homes with dogs. Reduce exposure to mold allergens  by making sure your garden is mowed and raked, your bathrooms and basements are as dry as possible (you could use a dehumidifier), and control the moisture levels in the house through central air-conditioning. Of course keeping your house clean will prevent dust mites, pollen, animal dander and insects from bothering your allergy prone system. You could try using an air-purifier to cleanse the air of these contagions. Make your home a no smoking zone. Avoid using hairsprays and rooms fresheners as even strong fragrances can set off an attack.

Using Medication

Your doctor may advise you to take an antihistamine. An antihistamine, like the name suggests is able to counter the effect of histamine, the chemical that is released by the body and causes the allergy symptoms. These drugs have had proven success in alleviating the common symptoms of an allergic reaction. You may be given an over the counter or a prescription decongestant like a nasal spray or drops. These will ease congestion, swelling, excessive secretions of the nose and sinus. Alternatively your doctor may recommend prescription anti-inflammatory steroid drugs if you have severe symptoms.

A long-term disease leading to inflammation of the joints and tissues, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also affect other organs. Up to 1% of the world’s population is estimated to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, with women experiencing it three times more often than men. Chronic and debilitating, those with RA may eventually require surgery to maintain movement in fingers, hands and other areas.

Can Yoga help those with RA maintain an active lifestyle? Some studies indicates yes: a study in the United Arab Emirates showed that patients who completed 12 sessions of Raj yoga, with exercise and breathing techniques, showed significant improvements in disease activity scores and health assessments. In 1994, the British Journal of Rheumatology published a study showing arthritis symptoms improving for patients who practiced Yoga and the Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America published two studies detailing joint stiffness and pain relief for Yoga practitioners in 2002.

Yet, even though Yoga may offer significant relief for RA, its practice should be approached with caution. The disease does not follow a steady, progressive course; instead, sufferers experience flare-ups followed by remission. Yoga practice suitable for someone in remission may be different from someone experiencing an active flare-up. RA affects joints symmetrically, in wrists, elbows, hands, shoulders, knees, feet and ankles most frequently. As the disease progresses, joints become more unstable and the patient’s range of motion is restricted.

It is important not to confuse asanas recommended for those with osteoarthritis and those with RA. Multiple joints are not affected in osteoarthritis, nor does it entail ongoing joint damage from inflammatory processes. Holding poses for increased lengths of time to strengthen static muscles is recommended for osteoarthritis but should be avoided for RA. According to a structural Yoga therapy research paper published in 2006, people with moderate to severe RA should avoid “high intensity exercise; prolonged weight-bearing exercise; prolonged immobility in seated or lying positions and stretching past the comfortable endpoint of range of motion,” among other lifestyle triggers.

Asanas involving pressure on the neck should be avoided, while poses like Dandasana or the Butterfly may be beneficial. Pranayama and smooth motions are well suited to Yoga practitioners with RA. Carefully evaluate whether symptoms are in remission or actively inflamed before practice.

When I decided to start doing yoga, it was merely for the physical benefits. I knew it would make me stronger, more flexible, and give me a nicely toned booty and abs. But what I know now about the practice of yoga is that it’s more of a spiritual quest rather than a physical one. You will begin to understand that there are two worlds we exist in, the spiritual and the non-spiritual, and will start to recognize the differences between the two. You will achieve emotional stability and mental clarity, inner balance, and insight into who and what you truly are. Yoga is a way of being, it’s a lifestyle passed down to you from over 5,000 years of history. Almost like a guide to help you live a happy and fulfilling life, to keep you in constant flow.

Yoga is not a religion, but rather a philosophy, and a huge part of Indian tradition. The practice of yoga has Hindu roots and is thought to have first been passed on by Lord Shiva, to his wife Pavarti. It is regularly mentioned throughout ancient Indian scriptures called the Vedas. The actual word “yoga” comes from the Vedic Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means “union” or to “join” or “unite”, signifying the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

The poses are called asanas, each having a specific effect on the body and mind. Physically, you will gain greater strength and flexibility, as well as increased endurance, more tolerance to pain and improved blood circulation. Mentally, the poses will help you focus and be single minded so that you can achieve mental calmness and clarity.

There are many poses and variations of poses in yoga. There are sitting poses, standing poses, laying down poses, even standing on your head poses. Each pose is targeted to have a specific outcome. There are poses to increase sex drive, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, boost energy, reduce cramps and PMS, there is a pose for everything. The more you practice the yoga poses that you like, the faster you will begin to feel balanced and physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy.

A series of poses that I learned first was a variation of poses called the “Sun Salutation”. It is a series of twelve poses, made up of forward bending and backward bending postures. This variation will help pump blood through out the body, as well as increase digestion by increasing your intake of oxygen. It’s a great way to help your body detox and get rid of daily toxins.

Matthew J Santori

Yoga has taught me many things about the way my body works, the way my mind thinks, and how one can not be in flow without the other. Learn how poses, meditation, and breathing exercises get rid of stress and disease.

Whether to relieve the stress of the work day, to unbind tired and sore muscles, or just to treat oneself to a relaxing afternoon, more and more people are looking towards massage therapy. Once considered a luxury, the health benefits of massage are becoming well known and the expanding field has reduced costs so that virtually anyone can afford it. Businessmen, at-home mothers, athletes, people who do heavy physical labor or have emotionally stressful jobs, and people with recurring problems all look to massage therapy for relief.

The benefits of massage therapy are many and varied. Pain relief is one of the most common reasons people get massage, particularly for back and neck pain. Athletes can use massage to promote quicker muscle growth or to repair damage from over-strenuous workouts. Expecting mothers can use massage to help with the discomforts of pregnancy as well as to strengthen and relax muscles for the birth process. Regular treatments can help with stress relief and promote better sleep, improved concentration, reduce fatigue and increase energy levels. Increased flexibility, a stronger immune system, improved circulation, and lower blood pressure are some more benefits.

At-home massage is popular these days, especially for people who enjoy the comfort of their own home as opposed to visiting a spa. It is convenient, as the therapist comes to the client and if after a massage the customer feels like taking a shower or a nap, they are free to do so without enduring the drive home. This can be a better option for those who are unable to get to a spa due to illness or transportation problems. Making an appointment for home is usually easier to fit into a schedule as well. You can find massage therapists via the internet. However, sometimes people do not feel comfortable with having someone in their home that they barely know and may opt for a spa over home therapy. A massage at home may be more expensive, but you’re paying for the quality of the professional and the extra load of them carrying their table over a hit or miss therapist at a spa.

Spa massages, while requiring travel to and from the location of the therapy, provide more options to a client. Frequently there are other massage-enhancing treatments such as body wraps, waxing, or pedicures that can be added to turn the massage into an all-day, relaxing mini-vacation. Spas have the benefit of usually having a sauna, hot tub, or even a pool on site as well, all good ways to continue relaxing. Spas are also free of distractions such as phones, neighbors, pets, and other interruptions which might spoil the moment. You can easily find a spa near your home. The main disadvantage to using a spa is the traveling and, depending on the class of the spa, the cleanliness of the sheets, sauna, hot tubs, and showers. After a good massage the customer might not feel up to driving all the way home and leave their relaxed state, especially if they leave to traffic.

With research finding more benefits to regular massage every year, it is a healthy choice for those seeking to heal their body or their mind. Even an infrequent massage can work wonders towards one’s health and disposition. Everyone should try massage at least once; though once they do it is unlikely they will be able to resist a second or third treatment, nor should they.

Sakura S
Content Director

When we talk about therapeutic massage today we inevitable think of calm and relaxing times. Possibly surrounded by candles and soft music, creating an atmosphere suited to relaxation. Undoubtedly, the first therapeutic massage performed was a self massage to calm some sort of pain.

In the past we did not have a full range of portable massage tables, electric massagers, massage chairs or other fancy equipment that exist today and provide us with both massage application on its reception, but our ancestors managed just as well with Caldas, thermal baths, Turkish baths to name a few.

Massage includes a variety of techniques as diverse as that of the different cultures of the world. The passage of time has structured massage techniques to be effective and like nature, massage has evolved. It has become the relaxing, beneficial therapy that we have today.

Massage itself is an art form. You must know a wide range of therapies and particular techniques, then apply them so they will have a positive effect.

When talking about massage therapy we refer specifically to techniques that are used to relieve patients suffering from specific diseases that have been diagnosed by a physician. These must be applied by a health professional adequately trained to provide effective and tailored treatment to each diagnosis.

Getting qualified as a masseuse or massage therapist is getting easier everyday. There are plenty of good, reputable schools offering courses in massage therapy. Look into your local university or college and enquire because it could be the start of an exciting and rewarding career.The rehabilitation process can be effective on many conditions including:

- Trauma

- Neurological diseases

- Muscle aches and pains

- Scars

- Circulatory ailments

- Poor posture.

Well applied massage improves lymph and blood circulation. It promotes cellular nutrition and oxygenation, helping to eliminate toxins. Above all else it establish a state of general relaxation and rest, which in turn can allow us to achieve a deeper sleep, great for those with insomnia. Massage allows rapid recovery after physical exertion and all kinds of fatigue associated with muscle overload due to playing sports or other work related activities. Massage can help you achieve a deeper, healthier breath and these combined will enhance the responsiveness of our immune system so that it is ready to resist the most diverse conditions. For these few reasons plus many many more, massage is an essential tool in therapeutic background for maintaining and improving our health.

Confused about massage therapy?

We can help you lie back and forget your worries with your favorite massage therapy. We layout the different types of treatments and guide you to the most suitable massage for you.

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