As we approach Valentine’s Day I thought it would be quite fitting to cover a few of the more luxurious essential oils. Certain aromas bring our minds into a more relaxed, open and loving space. When presented with chocolate and roses many women are floored by the offering because it involves sight, taste and smell. When we pair massage therapy with essential oils that are known aphrodisiacs a similar reaction occurs. One of the most romantic treatments we offer is known as the couples massage. While most people enjoy the idea of a full body massage the added benefit of having a loved one in the same room makes for a very intimate experience. You’re both able to unwind while sharing in the healing process and you both leave relaxed and blissfully serene. Essential oils like Ylang-Ylang and Rose can heighten this type of romantic gesture by uplifting the mood and calming the mind. Other essential oils like Sandalwood and Patchouli may appeal to men who would rather not smell like a flower at the end of their session. Moreover you can carry the tradition home by purchasing a bottle of essential oil and making it a part of your weekly massage routine. That way you are able to bond while also encouraging an open and healthy relationship through touch and healing. A simple foot massage is an easy way to take care of one another with little to no effort. Sit across from your partner on the couch and share in the joy of massage therapy simultaneously. These types of practices really do bring people closer together whether mates or friends. I highly recommend treating yourself and that special someone to a couples massage this Valentine’s Day as a special way of saying I love you.

By Sarah McCalum
NLMSC Massage Therapist

The world of healing arts and self-care is full of so many ancient modalities. Massage therapy, meditation, yoga, reflexology, and aromatherapy are all very helpful in cases of anxiety, stress and fatigue. These types of treatments have encouraged civilizations for millennia to connect with one another on a deeper level while also connecting with the spiritual world. Many essential oils blend beautifully with meditative activities. Yoga for example can be even more relaxing when something like Lavender or Sandalwood is added to the temples before participation. Ask your instructor if they own a diffuser so that perhaps the aroma of Frankincense can float through the air while transitioning through Sun Salutations. In order to open up fully to the healing powers of yoga and meditation we need to let go and allow ourselves to drop down to a place of complete relaxation. A combination of floral and woodsy scented essential oils can be very comforting during a healing event. Try adding a drop of Rose and Cedarwood essential oils to your heart chakra before opening up during yoga practice. If insecure feelings have you down try a mix of floral and mint essential oils. I find it helpful to spray down my yoga mat as well as my clothes with my favorite scent before I drop into a practice for a constant reminder to stay on track. Remember to avoid anything too sweet like Ylang-Ylang before entering a classroom full of students so as to not offend anyone who may be more sensitive to aromas. Stick with just a drop or two of essential oils like Frankincense, Sandalwood, Rose or another mellow scent. Be gentle with yourself and allow for mistakes while navigating the world of healing arts. Even during massage therapy sessions you may feel that you aren’t able to totally let go, forgive yourself, take a deep breath and continue your healing work. Healing ourselves is a lifelong journey of discovery and evolution, one with roadblocks and setbacks. We may encounter discomfort or disbelief at certain points but essential oils are here as gentle reminders that everything will be okay. Keep up the good work one drop at a time. Stop by the spa soon for a bit of self care and remember to never stop exploring.

by Sarah McCallum
NLMSC Massage Therapist

Here we are on the verge of a new season and a new year, how exciting! Does anyone else enjoy the feeling of a clean slate as much as I do? Beginning anew allows each and everyone of us to start over and let go of any guilt we may have about falling off the healthy wagon last year. For most, this time encourages healthier mindsets and attitudes about exercise, self-care, spirituality and wellness. Essential oils and massage therapy can help to keep our bodies and minds on track as we begin a new routine. Habits are created over time not overnight so be gentle with yourself and allow for setbacks and mistakes. No one is perfect and it tends to be our imperfections that make us uniquely beautiful. Essential oils that help with forgiveness are Lavender, Bergamot and Cypress, among others. Use one drop daily on the heart chakra to remind the body of openness and tenderness. Juicing can be an awesome way to boost the immune system as we move through cold and flu season. Essential oils of Lime, Lemon, Ginger and Cilantro are quite delicious when added to green drinks and freshly squeezed carrot-apple juice. Your produce purchase can be brought to a minimum when wisely incorporating essential oils into your juices and smoothies. Detoxification can be quite helpful during the cooler months when our body temperatures drop and sluggishness creeps in. Motivating essential oils like Grapefruit, Wild Orange and Peppermint make for fabulous pre-workout blends. Apply a drop of both Peppermint and Wild Orange (or any citrus oil of your choice) to the bottoms of feet before a run or hike for an added boost of energy. Attempt to fill your day with healthier decisions like an increase in filtered water intake or a high quality supplement versus a variety of restrictions. We will find so much more success approaching health and wellness by crowding out those unhealthy items rather than limiting ourselves. Please come by the spa for an aromatherapy massage featuring some motivating blends before your next workout so that we can help you get this year started on the right foot, or ski boot. ;)
By Sarah McCallum