Stop And Smell The Flowers: What Can Aromatherapy Do For You?

 


 

Ancient practice of aromatherapy began with the extraction of natural plant oils from a wide assortment of plants such as; fruits, bark, flowers, and roots to promote health and well-being. These oils are either cold- pressed or steam distilled to get the purest form of oil for use with aromatherapy.

 

Aromatherapy can be used to help ease an assortment of aliments including easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems. Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, by assisting in relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating or stimulating, restoring both physical and emotional wellbeing.

 

Essential oils can be used in many ways:   at home, on the go, or at work. They can be used in a variety of ways. They can be added to carrier oils, bath water, or to water in a spray bottle for use as a room freshener, with electric diffusers, soap, and home cleaning. Essential oils should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle, in a cool, dry, dark place.  Heat, light, and oxygen can change the aroma and color of  your valuable essential oils

 

Below is a list of the most popular essential oils and some of their common uses and purposes.

 

1.  Lavender:  is a fresh floral-scented oil and is known to have relaxing properties.

 

2.  Tea Tree:  is a powerful anti-fungal, anti-viral and has antibacterial properties.

3.  Eucalyptus:  "is best known for its respiratory effects. It fights viruses and bacteria, while easing congestion. It also eases muscle and joint aches and pains Eucalyptus globulous stimulates circulation, increasing the flow of blood to affected areas. Eucalyptus can be mentally stimulating and may help increase concentration.”

4.  Sweet Orange “delightfully bright and cheery, strongly antidepressant.”

 

5.  Peppermint “easing migraines (especially those stemming from digestive problems); it helps clear congestion in the sinuses; it can ease indigestion (one drop on a sugar cube, or in a spoonful of honey.)” Mentally, it clears the brain, helps concentration, is a restorative in cases of mental fatigue, and a mental stimulant. Obviously not an oil to use in the evening when you are seeking sleep, but great in the car to help keep the driver alert. Peppermint is the ideal remedy for all digestive disorders, including nausea and vomiting. It is a great remedy for car or air sickness.



6.  Arnica “Extracted from the blossom of arnica Montana.” “Oil infused with Arnica blossoms has been used for easing pain, swelling and inflammation caused by bruises, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, superficial phlebitis, rheumatic pain, and inflammation from insect bites, and swelling due to fractures.  It is most frequently recommended for "soft tissue" pain - muscles and tendons.”


7.  Bergamot “Lovely green light citrus/floral note, fruity and warm, much used by perfumers as a top note. Encouraging, balancing to the spirit. Combats fatigue due to stress, tension and anxiety. Is reputed to strengthen the immune system.”

 

8.   Clary sage “is necessary oil for every woman. It helps ease menstrual cramps, balances PMS, eases the pangs of menopause, balances extreme emotions, reducing stress and restore inner tranquility.”

No Butts about it ! Why you need Therapeutic Gluteal work.

 

 


The gluteal muscles are located below your lower back. There are three muscles; Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Maximus, and Gluteus. Minus that make up the gluteals muscle. The main movement the glutes perform is hip flexion such as moving your leg in front of your body. When your glutes become tight they may refer pain to your lower back and legs. Through compensation many other muscles become tight too. Muscles such as the Pirisformis, which attaches from the hips to the tail bone. The muscle moves your leg into abduction when the hip is flexed such as hip is bent moving away from your other leg. Once your hips are tight, the tightness will move down into the hamstrings and the back of leg. The hamstrings move your leg into extension such as moving leg behind your body.

Tight hips and legs can greatly affect your mobility, posture, and quality of sleep. People most often notice gluteal pain when arising from a seated position to a standing position and or coming to a seated position from a lying down position. Massage Therapy can greatly benefit this  by decreasing muscle tension while increasing range of motion, flexibility, posture, and circulation. Gluteal Massage can be performed directly on the skin, through the sheet, and or over the underwear. Gluteal work can be performed in a 30 minute session for $50.00 and or can be one of the focus areas in an one Hour Classic massage session for $70.00. Your gluteal tension will depend on the frequency to which you may need to be massaged, so talk with your therapist.

By: Connie Clemens, Licensed Massage Therapist

Get hydrated with H2O

The average adult requires a minimum of 2 quarts  (1.89 liters) of water each day for the mind and body to function properly. In arid climates, additional water might be required to maintain a proper balance. The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters ( about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

Drinking water after a massage is often recommended by massage therapists and other health care practitioners, for a variety of reasons. In fact, drinking water in general is good idea, as  the body benefits from proper hydration, and consuming water with help the kidneys and other organs process the various substances which move through the human body on a regular basis. Drinking water before a massage is also highly recommended, as it will make it easier for the massage therapist to perform deep work by hydrating the muscles so that they are easier to manipulate. 

There are primary reasons for people to drink water after a massage. The first reason, water after a massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials in the muscles which were released during the massage. Especially in the case of deep tissue massage, massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from muscles, and circulation is designed to carry away waste materials generated by cells. By providing the body with plenty of water, massage clients can help sweep away these waste materials; otherwise, they might build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage. The second reason has to do with ensuring that the muscles of the body are properly hydrated.


By: Connie Clemens, Licensed Massage Therapist

 

Colette's Blog

Top 5 Superfoods for Healthy Hair

1. Salmon – This fish is a miracle food for your hair. It is full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12. This means salmon will add shine, prevent dry scalp, and improve hair growth! Of all the foods listed, salmon packs the most punch when it comes to your locks.

2. Low-fat Dairy – Calcium plays a major role in hair growth. Diary products like low-fat yogurt and 2% or skim milk contain casein and whey, both high in protein, which prevents dry scalp.

 3. Dark Green Veggies – Oh, great. Just want you need. Another reason you need to eat those dang veggies. {insert veggie things} If you aren’t going to eat veggies for your health, at least do it for your hair! Veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli are major sources of vitamins A and C. These vitamins help produce sebum, a scalp oil that acts as a natural hair conditioner.

4. Bright Colored Fruit - Mango, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and peaches are all rich with vitamin C, an essential for making collagen that gives structure to hair. There’s another excuse to order that smoothie

5. Nuts – Almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts all contain zinc, which minimizes hair shedding. Walnuts also going a high level of omega-3 fatty acid, which boots hair fullness and shine.

Other Things You Can Utilize in Your Everyday Routine to Keep Your Hair Luxurious

Take a supplement containing biotin & silica. Biotin makes hair grow faster & silica makes hair grow stronger. Believe me, these supplements make all the difference, especially after to have a baby and your hair goes wacko! Note-Fiji drinking water contains silica!

The Wet Brush is America's #1 selling brush, and once you use it, you'll see why. It glides through wet hair & tangles without snagging, tearing, or breaking off stands of hair. With other brushes, TONS of hair is ripped and is visibly left behind in the brush, not with the wet brush. Designed for those with fine/fragile  hair, but also great for kids.

Aveda's newest additions contain an invigorating blend of ayurvedic herbs that help power invati™

Invati™ exfoliating shampoo...

Removes build-up that can clog pores and renews the scalp.

Invati™ thickening conditioner...

Restores strength and improves hair elasticity, reducing breakage.

Invati™ scalp revitalizer...

Helps energize and rehabilitate the scalp.

Clients have experienced tremendous results with this 3 part system.

Colette's Blog



Great Fall Recipe for Tomatoes

Although it's still warm out, I'm so in the mood for fall boots, warm lattes, and cozy, comfort food. This recipe is so yummy & soulful. Though the oven is on, it's got a tangy, summery zing. Plus, if you have a bounty of garden tomatoes like me, this will use them up in a quickly.

Tomato Bake

1 pie crust (either homemade or Pillsbury premade crust)

6 Tomatoes*

Mozzarella Cheese

1 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise

White Pepper

Basil

Garlic

*If you use Roma tomatoes you will need 8-10 tomatoes. Omit placing them on paper towels and salting. Roma's do not have a high water content like beefeater's, heirloom, etc...)

1. Spread your pie crust and bake lightly for 8-11 minutes at 425 degrees.

2. Remove from oven and sprinkle enough mozzarella cheese to cover the base of the crust. Set aside. Drop oven temperature down to 350 degrees.

3. Slice tomatoes into medium slices. Place on paper towels and lightly salt. (This will extract a lot of juice keeping your pie crust crisp)

4. After juice is extracted from tomatoes, begin placing them in a circle around crust and on top of cheese. Stack them to the top of the pan.Se aside enough tomatoes for one more layer.

5. Lay out basil on top of tomatoes. Sprinkle with garlic. Top with another layer of tomatoes.

6. Mix 1 cup mayo, 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, & white pepper. Spread with a spatula on top of last layer of tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of mozzarella.

7. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes, slice, serve, and enjoy. 

Colette's Blog

Fall Trends

Precise Pony's

Flat iron and then smooth out tresses using a rich shine serum like Label M. Hair Polish. Pull back tight and secure low with an elastic band. To add sophistication, part hair dramatically off to one side.

 Color Blocked Eyes

Get your shadow damp to create this look by dipping a brush into water and then gently swirling brush in shadow. Create depth by using lighter/luminescent colors to highlight and darker colors to up the anty. Get creative with it! I recommend that you use a little concealer around your eyes & apply your eye make-up before your face make-up. This way you can remove any excess shadow that falls onto your cheeks.  Remember...the great thing about make-up is, if you make a mistake you can wipe it away and start fresh.

Weathered Cheeks

The idea is to look like your cheeks have been gently swept by the wind. Use a pale peach, like bareMinerals vintage peach to create a soft girly cheek. Get your blush brush slightly wet and apply.

Dramatic Red Lip 

 If you are like me, you are saying, "But I don't look good in lipstick." We think this because we don't wear it enough. Partake in the lipstick challenge, religiously wear it for a week and tally how many compliments you get. Whenever I wear red lips, I am shocked how many men compliment my lip stick. Please note-So called long wearing lipsticks contain ingredients that are not safe to ingest into our bodies. Wear something natural like bareMinerals 100% natural lipcolor that keeps your lips hydrated with exotic oils.

 Geometric Eyeliner

This is a tricky look to master. The easiest way to achieve this look is to have a professional do it for you! However, if you are feeling brave I recommend applying wet eyeliner REALLY thick and winging it way out & up towards your brow. Don't worry about it being perfect, use q-tips to fine tune your lines.

Sketched Lashes

Eyes pop with this soft, feminine look. This look is best left to professionals. Its hard to get both eyes even, believe me I've tried.

 Squeaky Clean Tresses

Ultra sophisticated, this look is quite easy to replicate. Smooth hair using a flat iron and the use an anti frizz serum like Moroccan Oil to smooth ALL fly aways. Secure into a low, tight bun.

Bouffants

Yeah...my favorite...VOLUME...The best way to achieve this look is to back comb the heck out of slightly "unkept" hair (meaning not freshly washed). Secure back with satin ribbon.

Exceptional Extras

Add flair to simple updos by using vintage broaches secured into hair with bobby pins. Madison has great resale shops like Bethesda House of Thrift or the Treasure Mart. Both sell great vintage jewelry at reasonable prices.

Low Volume

This is the hottest of all the trends. Street inspired-with imperfect texture & low key appeal. Play up this look with big, bold make up. The gals pictured below are rocking the geometric eye as mentioned above.

Blunt Bangs

Precise, edgy and clean these bangs accentuate long hair beautifully. I also love the models soft, auburn ombre color.

With a Twist

Hair is manipulated into a new direction. At Studio Z, Jennifer is the braid queen! She can do the "maiden" braid seen below or a variety of other braids. 



Colette's Blog

Swimsuit Ready

I just had the delightful experience of swimsuit shopping. Eh gads. This year was worst than most because the styles are skimpier than years past. I came across something called a monokini. Like me you may be wondering what in the world is a monokini? Its a one piece swimsuit with various areas cut out leaving your skin exposed. Seriously, you'd have to be  really fit to pull this suit off I started to think of people I knew could wear this look appropriately. I thought of 4 women who could rock this suit. I left the monokini for those gals and went with a vintage pin up girl style one piece (to cover all incidentals and post baby problem areas).  Then, just in time for my debut in my new suit we received our new French body slimming treatment. It stated that it would smooth cellulite, burn fat, and detox the body. I was a sceptic. Brooke (our aesthetician) offered to give me a treatment to see if it lived up to its hype. First, Brooke measured my arms, waist, and legs. She then applied several creams (she said they were a unique formulation of caffeine & algae extracts) and wrapped those areas in plastic wrap. Immediately I felt a warming/tingling sensation in the wrapped areas. I began thinking, "OK, something is definitely happening." Brooke removed the creams and massaged in a thick gel. Suddenly, I was so cold  I began to shiver. I wrapped up in a blanket and waited about 10 minutes. The gel eventually soaked in & then it was time to re-measure. My post treatment measurements were incredible. I had lost two inches around my waist, 1/2 an inch from EACH arm, and 1 inch off EACH leg. My arms were noticeably more toned & my tush was smooth as my 2 years old daughters! My waist looked and felt amazing. Boy, was I pumped. The rest of my weekend was spent strutting around like I had my 18 year old body back and several trips to the mirror to examine my toned tush region. I recommend this treatment for anyone going on vacation, in a wedding, or anyone in need of a little boost (especially if you've just been swimsuit shopping). Also recommended for those who dare to bear a monokini.:) 

Call today and schedule your body slimming wrap with Brooke. $80

 Ironically enough, you'll notice the Bioslimming cover model (pictured above) is wearing a monokini.