North Lake Tahoe Massage and Skin Care Helpful Articles

Rose Otto

1/31/2015

I was reminded yesterday morning in the midst of a blissful cuddle session with my toddler of how important love is for the heart. Not only in the sense of caring for others but also in caring for oneself. I have always been a huge promoter of self-care and any practices that allow time for our bodies and minds to relax and unwind. Essential oils are great tools to use during sessions of massage therapy, yoga and meditation. We can heighten the experience of any event with a lovely aroma or scent. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it seems fitting to talk about heart health, love and Rose Otto essential oil. The rich and sweet fragrance of Rose has been known as an aphrodisiac for centuries hence its association with Valentine’s Day. The distilled essential oil is produced mainly in Bulgaria, Turkey and France. It takes tens of thousands of roses to produce a very small amount of essential oil thus it tends to be quite pricey. A less expensive form is known as Rose absolute and it is created via a chemical process that yields a similar yet different form of the distilled version. Rose Otto essential oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, antiviral, antifungal and antidepressant in nature. When used in a diffuser the oil will bring a positive energy into the room. Applied topically to the skin Rose Otto essential oil has the ability to encourage fading of acne scars and stretch marks while simultaneously reducing muscular spasms. As a tonic this essential oil also helps to strengthen the hair and gums. Apply Rose Otto to the upper right side of the abdomen to aid in liver health and along the spine to help purify the blood. Because this particular essential oil is known to regulate hormones I would avoid its use during pregnancy. Combine with Geranium and Bergamot essential oils for a fabulous heart-healing potion, place a few drops over the heart twice a day. I cannot say enough about this luscious oil; it truly is full of tenderness and healing. Come by the spa this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart for a little bit of self-care featuring our beautiful Rose essential oil and feel the love!

By:Sarah McCallum
Massage therapist
North lake Massage and Skin Care

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The Wonderful Healing Art of Thai Massage

1/30/2015

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If you have never been given a Thai massage before, then I highly recommend you give it a try. Thai massage is an incredible and ancient healing art which unfortunately many in western culture haven’t experienced. As a giver and receiver of this work, I can whole heartedly express what a complete blessing Thai massage is to humanity. It is not like any western style (Swedish) massage you have received and is sometimes described as “lazy mans yoga.” The therapist will work with energy lines throughout your body and manipulate you into different yoga postures to effectively release tension and deeply stretch your muscles.

This massage is performed fully clothed on a padded mat on the floor with no oils or lotion necessary. The therapist uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. By using their whole body, the therapist is able to get deeper in muscles that would be tricky to get to otherwise. The idea of feet and knees being used to massage may sound strange if you are only familiar with western massage, but trust me, it feels amazing.

This ancient practice began to evolve in Thailand over 2,000 years ago, and is still widely practiced all over the world today. There is a reason why it has been around for so long. It works! It is a perfect compliment after a long day on the hill, a tough workout, or if you just need to rejuvenate. Thai massage is for just about everybody, all shapes and sizes, and can even be performed while pregnant. In fact, during pregnancy is a great time for a Thai massage.

If you would like to try it out, give us a call at North Lake Massage and Skin Care. We would love to bring this wonderful healing work into your life.

By Crystal McGuinness
Massage therapist at North Lake Massage & Skin Care

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Infrared Sauna

1/27/2015

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In cold winter months we often find ourselves yearning to warm up, maybe with hot herbal tea, de-frosting by a fire, or wrapping up in a big blanket with a favorite book. But as the temperatures drop we often forget the benefits of working up a good sweat. North Lake Massage & Skin Care has you covered with our infrared sauna.

Sitting regularly in a sauna has incredible cathartic and health benefits. Heating up the body promotes production of white blood cells, which boosts our immune system making us resistant to illness and disease. It also flushes out heavy metals and other toxins we collect in our day to day lives. Toxins are chemical pollutants we absorb through our environment such as pesticides, food additives, and drugs and alcohol.

Sweat purifies and softens the skin, too. I recommend picking a spot on your wrist or hand and taking note of what that skin feels and looks like before you go into the sauna. Upon coming out, return attention to that spot and you can literally see and feel a difference in your skin.

Other benefits include:

*Eases aches and pains in muscles and joints

*Enhances circulation

*Boosts mood while reducing stress

*Can aid in weight loss

On top of all of that, just being in the sauna can ease you into a meditative state, clearing the mind and alleviating tension in the body, mind and spirit.

What to expect:

*You’ll be comfortable sitting in the single-person infrared sauna. Wear something loose you don’t mind sweating in (yoga style clothing works great, or a bathing suit).

*Come hydrated! Drink plenty of water before, during and after using the sauna.

*Be ready to relax. You’ll settle down in silence or with quiet music. It is a great opportunity to put down the phone and work on clearing your headspace while the heat works on you.

*Sessions available for up to an hour. Once you begin to perspire, the benefits will take place. Stays as long as you are comfortable but if you begin to feel dizzy or lightheaded, please come out of the sauna immediately.

*Change! You’ll notice physical and emotional benefits from sweating it out.

Come enjoy our infrared sauna and let everything melt away during these cold winter months. You’ll see and feel a difference in your physiology and state of being. Ahhhh… it’s the sweat life for us!

By: Hannah Bias
Receptionist at North Lake Massage and Skin Care

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Essential Oil of the Week: Amyris

1/23/2015

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I can recall many a yoga session when the use of essential oils encouraged my body and mind through a deeper session. I often notice a more connected and grounded energy when applying a meditative essential oil on my temples 10 minutes before my practice begins. Thus yoga becomes an experience with a physical component but also an aromatic component. The oils just add another dimension to yoga, enriching the experience. If you’re looking to relax, try Ylang Ylang and if you would like to lighten the mood and encourage alertness work with Peppermint or Lemon. But if you are simply stretching and meditating grab something like Frankincense or Amyris. These two essential are known to encourage a meditative state of mind. They both happen to come from trees and therefore deliver grounding, centering and strengthening effects to the body and mind. The soft and somewhat woody aroma of Amyris will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. This particular essential oil is said to aid wearers during transitional times like divorce, a job change or a move. Combine with Ginger essential oil if you’re feeling defeated and you are likely to notice those feelings subside after topical application. Remember to always use a bit of vegetable/nut oil when topically applying essential oils for the first time, everyone is different and safety is important when working with these precious yet potent oils. Amyris essential oil is a known antiseptic, emollient, expectorant, decongestant, sedative and muscle relaxant. This powerful product can encourage healing of the common cold, muscular aches and pains, stress/fatigue, general tightness and hyperactivity. Please stop in for a session this winter to combat the cooler temperatures with a warmly scented deep tissue massage. Our spa features a doTERRA essential oil blend called In Tune that includes Amyris Bark essential oil. Come by and get your kinks worked out this season with a meditative session of bodywork.
By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist at NLMSC

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Essential Oil of the Week: Palmarosa

1/18/2015

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Essential oils make for wonderful body care products. You can add a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to your morning shampoo or incorporate a bit of Melaleuca essential oil into your deodorant. These oils not only keep your skin and hair glowing but they encourage internal health as well. I am a big fan of facial oils rather than lotions and love using coconut oil mixed with some essential oil on my skin post-shower. Various essential oils encourage a beautiful complex and their luscious aromas last all day long. One of my favorites for the face is similar in aroma to Rose and it is known as Palmarosa. It is antiseptic, antiviral, digestive and most importantly hydrating in nature. Therefore, it will help keep your skin moist even during those harsh wintry months. Palmorosa can be combined with Geranium to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while encouraging cellular regeneration. A combination of Lime essential oil and Palmarosa would make for a great massage blend as the two help combat fatigue and depression while calming the nervous system. Apply Palmarosa to wounds in order to deter infection and kill bacteria. When taken internally this essential oil can increase digestive and urinary health. Palmorosa works hard to help enhance the immune system by protecting against sepsis and viruses. Moreover, this particular essential oil relaxes the musculature of the human body when applied topically and tends to pair well with other floral scents so it can be a bit feminine in nature. We offer a fabulous blend at the spa called Clary Calm and it includes Palmorosa so pop your head in next time you’re feeling gloomy and dull, we will be sure to give your body and mind a rejuvenating experience!

By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist at NLMSC

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Essential Oil of the Week: Vitex

1/5/2015

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Essential oils are all very diverse not only in healing properties but also through the process it takes to collect the oils from their respective source. For instance, many citrus essential oils result after the tough rind of the fruit is cold pressed. Typically floral oils are achieved through steam distillation of the petals. When the plant produces berries, these can then be steam distilled as well to produce scents like Black Pepper or Vitex. Vitex essential oil is unique in that it takes quite a long time to generate a good amount of oil. The shrub is native to the eastern Mediterranean and grows near the sea. The aroma of this precious essential oil is similar to Eucalyptus but with a sweet and floral top note. This essential oil and the berries themselves have long been used to balance female hormones. Whether it be overbearing cramping, irritability or a lack of menstrual flow, this powerful potion will help to regulate the feminine energy. Vitex is also known as ‘chaste berry’ because it was used long ago to encourage chastity from women whose husbands were away whether at war or exploration. This essential oil has the ability to aid in the relaxation of the uterus as well as the intestines and liver. When applied topically to the abdomen in a bit of vegetable oil, Vitex can reduce spasms related to cramping of the uterus and/or intestines. It can even be used alongside a facial cream to reduce hormonal acne. Place a drop or two in the palm of your hand, then cup your hands together and inhale for immediate relief from headache, anxiety and fatigue. During the summer months this oil can help to repel bugs and even calm bug bites. Ladies, if you are dealing with discomfort during this cold season just come by for a wonderful abdominal massage featuring doTERRA’s Clary Calm blend. This contains Vitex along with many other hormone balancing essential oils that will be sure to reduce any and all winter blues.

By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ North Lake Massage & Skin Care

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Clementine

1/2/2015

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Nothing sounds more delicious to me than a freshly squeezed juice after the holiday season. Summer can be full of smoothies and salads since these foods go so well with the warmer climate. Enter the cold winter months and here comes the fudge, cakes, candies and breads that make us feel warm and fuzzy but also out of shape and down right unhealthy. I was lucky enough to pick up a pretty bad head cold right before new years day and thus I found myself loading my body with essential oils as most others were toasting their loved ones with a nice glass of champagne. One of the most delicious aromas in the essential oil realm belongs to that of the Clementine. This lovely and crisp scent brought me from yucky to lucky immediately after application. This essential oil is wonderfully gentle so my son also benefited from topical application since he wasn’t feeling great either. While many associate citrus with uplifting and invigorating vibes this particular oil actually encourages relaxation. Clementine essential oil is even known to help alleviate insomnia in those dealing with sleep issues. Lavender pairs beautifully with this particular oil which makes for a great slumber tonic. Clementine contains anti fungal and antioxidant properties making it a great oil to use all year long. You can apply to the kid’s feet after a day at the pool but also add to body oil for an immune boost during cold and flu season. Plus the juicy and sweet smell is one most everybody will love. Beware that this oil is photo-toxic and therefore it should not be used directly before exposure to sunlight. I am excited to use my new bottle of Citrus Bliss on my next massage client to ease them into a state of pure tranquility. This blend is available at the spa and would make for a great addition to a foot soak treatment. Come on by and let us help you detoxify your body and mind from the sugar laden holiday season!

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Rose Otto

The Wonderful Healing Art of Thai Massage

Infrared Sauna

Essential Oil of the Week: Amyris

Essential Oil of the Week: Palmarosa

Essential Oil of the Week: Vitex

Clementine

NLMSC

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