A bit about using natural products
The skin is a living, breathing tissue that covers and protects our body, but also absorbs things that come into contact with it. Just as prescription drugs can be delivered through our skin via a patch, cosmetics and body care products are absorbed by our skin. If we use cosmetics made of petrochemicals and other chemical preservatives, we absorb these. If we use natural products we absorb those botanical ingredients instead. Which would you rather have in your body?
Some chemicals in the cosmetics and products we use may also suffocate the skin by forming an oil film. Healthy skin needs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide and this process should not be inhibited. Holding large amounts of moisture in the skin can "flood" the biology and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily.
The more we reduce the amount of toxins we introduce to our body - whether it comes via the food we eat, the water we drink, or the products we put on our skin - the more we give our bodies the opportunity to be healthier and the easier it will be for our body to get rid of the toxins we do come into contact with.
Some chemicals in the cosmetics and products we use may also suffocate the skin by forming an oil film. Healthy skin needs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide and this process should not be inhibited. Holding large amounts of moisture in the skin can "flood" the biology and may result in immature, unhealthy, sensitive skin that dries out easily.
The more we reduce the amount of toxins we introduce to our body - whether it comes via the food we eat, the water we drink, or the products we put on our skin - the more we give our bodies the opportunity to be healthier and the easier it will be for our body to get rid of the toxins we do come into contact with.
A bit about parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used in cosmetics and toiletries as preservatives to kill bacteria, prevent the growth of mould and prolong the shelf-life of products. There is concern regarding the potential toxic effects of the absorption of Parabens via the skin as traces elements of these chemicals have been found in cancerous breast tumours.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is also commonly used in cosmetics and toiletries as it is a very effective foaming agent. It's primary use is in fact to degrease car engines. In the same way it dissolves the grease on car engines, SLS also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause skin irritation and drying. There are also concerns it may potentially cause more serious health risks.
All my products are free from these ingredients - I only use 100% pure plant-based oils and creams which I blend myself.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is also commonly used in cosmetics and toiletries as it is a very effective foaming agent. It's primary use is in fact to degrease car engines. In the same way it dissolves the grease on car engines, SLS also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause skin irritation and drying. There are also concerns it may potentially cause more serious health risks.
All my products are free from these ingredients - I only use 100% pure plant-based oils and creams which I blend myself.
A bit about massage therapy
Massage benefits both the mind and body. This excerpt from http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-What-is-Holistic-Massage-Therapy.html sums it up perfectly for me:
"For the body, the massage helps taut muscles learn to relax and this, combined with strokes to aid lymphatic drainage, helps to release toxins. The benefits can be felt by all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. According to the Massage Association, research has verified that office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. It is not just office workers who benefit. Stress affects different people in a myriad of ways, physically and emotionally. Stiffness and soreness in muscles can be due to a wide range of physical factors from an overly energetic session in the gym or carrying too much shopping home, to poor posture through being seated at a desk all day or excessive time behind the steering wheel. The causes are not always physical however. Emotional tension and the day to day stresses that life throws at us can manifest in headaches caused by a stiff neck and shoulders and the body generally tensing up in response to stress, especially if there is not the opportunity to release. Massage can help people to deal with emotional problems such as grief and depression. Young babies and children benefit from massage – stroking and touch are a great way for parent and child to bond. Older people benefit too. For the elderly it can be difficult to get around, resulting in lack of exercise and muscle atrophy. Massage will stimulate blood flow and help the release of those feel-good endorphins that make us feel smiley inside. You don't need a medical reason to enjoy massage though. A regular massage will keep the body tuned. People groom daily, looking after their external appearance. Massage is like grooming for the inside and if the inside is in good shape, it will shine through the outside too."
"For the body, the massage helps taut muscles learn to relax and this, combined with strokes to aid lymphatic drainage, helps to release toxins. The benefits can be felt by all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. According to the Massage Association, research has verified that office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged. It is not just office workers who benefit. Stress affects different people in a myriad of ways, physically and emotionally. Stiffness and soreness in muscles can be due to a wide range of physical factors from an overly energetic session in the gym or carrying too much shopping home, to poor posture through being seated at a desk all day or excessive time behind the steering wheel. The causes are not always physical however. Emotional tension and the day to day stresses that life throws at us can manifest in headaches caused by a stiff neck and shoulders and the body generally tensing up in response to stress, especially if there is not the opportunity to release. Massage can help people to deal with emotional problems such as grief and depression. Young babies and children benefit from massage – stroking and touch are a great way for parent and child to bond. Older people benefit too. For the elderly it can be difficult to get around, resulting in lack of exercise and muscle atrophy. Massage will stimulate blood flow and help the release of those feel-good endorphins that make us feel smiley inside. You don't need a medical reason to enjoy massage though. A regular massage will keep the body tuned. People groom daily, looking after their external appearance. Massage is like grooming for the inside and if the inside is in good shape, it will shine through the outside too."
A bit about aromatherapy massage
_Aromatherapy massage is a therapeutic massage using highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to a carrier oil. Aromatherapy aims to heal the body through inhalation and absorption of the microscopic molecules of these essential oils. Some calm and relax while others stimulate and energize. In this full body massage treatment I use pre-blended, 100% organic, BalmBalm oils suited to your individual needs on the day to help your body to heal itself naturally.
How does it work? The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system which controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream to offer a myriad of different healing properties.
How does it work? The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system which controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream to offer a myriad of different healing properties.
A bit about facial rejuvenation
It is a well known fact that facial expressions, stress, pollution and modern life over the years contribute to ageing, this causes muscles in the face to lose tone elasticity and they start to sag. Many have heard of the term 'everything going South' but you can do something to help. A gentle face massage, using a range of techniques helps to relieve deep tension giving the facial muscles a lift. If the muscles have space to relax it also helps release potentially harmful toxins.
This massage incorporates a unique blend of highly effective techniques from Indian Face Massage (also known as Facial Rejuvenation or the Natural Facelift - a face lift without surgery) with complementary techniques from Japanese Facial Massage, Face Reflexology and also Acupressure for the face.
The results are clear for all to see - over a period of time skin appears rejuvenated and wrinkles seem to be dramatically reduced for many without the need for painful surgery. A natural face lift can be achieved with this treatment.
This massage incorporates a unique blend of highly effective techniques from Indian Face Massage (also known as Facial Rejuvenation or the Natural Facelift - a face lift without surgery) with complementary techniques from Japanese Facial Massage, Face Reflexology and also Acupressure for the face.
The results are clear for all to see - over a period of time skin appears rejuvenated and wrinkles seem to be dramatically reduced for many without the need for painful surgery. A natural face lift can be achieved with this treatment.
A bit about Indian Head Massage
Originating in India over a thousand years ago Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system using the upper Chakras and was originally developed to promote the growth of strong and luscious hair but was also recognised for its powerful health benefits. Indian Head Massage stimulates the circulation, boosts the lymphatic system to remove toxins and boosts our immune system, eases muscular tension, promotes relaxation and relieves stress. The head, neck and shoulders are particularly important energy centres within your body and, if you are stressed or anxious, tension tends to accumulate in these areas. This treatment helps to unknot blockages and release this tension and the effect is not just physical - it also works on an emotional level by calming the nervous system.
The treatment is effective for a wide range of health issues such earache, eye strain, tinnitus, aching jaws from tension or grinding teeth, sinusitus, congestion, tension headaches, migraine and insomnia. It can also provide relief from hair loss, alopecia, dandruff, psoriasis and scalp tension. On an emotional level Indian Head Massage provides a sense of calm and tranquility. It reduces anxiety and stress, increases levels of alertness and concentration, clears perspective and eases mental tiredness.
The treatment is effective for a wide range of health issues such earache, eye strain, tinnitus, aching jaws from tension or grinding teeth, sinusitus, congestion, tension headaches, migraine and insomnia. It can also provide relief from hair loss, alopecia, dandruff, psoriasis and scalp tension. On an emotional level Indian Head Massage provides a sense of calm and tranquility. It reduces anxiety and stress, increases levels of alertness and concentration, clears perspective and eases mental tiredness.
A bit about Infant Massage
Infant massage is the language of touch and is a bonding activity between parents and their children (which may be experienced through eye contact, touch, smell, taste and listening). In the most basic terms, infant massage refers to the process of stroking the muscles of an infant using a variety of specialised massage techniques. Vocalisation, eye-to-eye contact and other positive behavioural reinforcements are also important components of the massage.
Infant Massage is a very old parenting practice that has been modernised and is in active use today supported by evidence-based research. There is recorded history of the use and practice of infant massage amongst many different cultures around the globe. It is only in the past 30 years that it has begun to appear in the western world.
The benefits to both parents and babies are extensive. The key benefits are as follows :
* Bonding is: love, security, connection, acceptance, peace, caring, happiness, interaction, empathy, unity, warmth, joy, communication and familiarity.
Infant Massage is a very old parenting practice that has been modernised and is in active use today supported by evidence-based research. There is recorded history of the use and practice of infant massage amongst many different cultures around the globe. It is only in the past 30 years that it has begun to appear in the western world.
The benefits to both parents and babies are extensive. The key benefits are as follows :
- Infant-Parent attachment or bonding*
- Relaxation
- Makes baby feel loved
- Promotes better sleep
- Facilitates body awareness
- Boosts immune system
- Sensory stimulation
- Improves skin condition
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps digestion
- Balances respiration
- Relief for teething pains
- Help waste elimination
- Helps build parents' and baby's self-esteem
- Helps you learn about your baby (their needs and desires)
- Relaxes parents
- Pleasurable experience
- Stimulates production of oxytocin (Oxytocin is a hormone which can be produced by both male and female persons during massage. It is useful as a pain reliever and has a calming effect on the person.)
* Bonding is: love, security, connection, acceptance, peace, caring, happiness, interaction, empathy, unity, warmth, joy, communication and familiarity.
