North Lake Tahoe Massage and Skin Care Helpful Articles

Synergy Series: Frankincense and Myrrh

2/27/2015

When I began studying aromatherapy my intent was to understand how essential oils could be used topically on the body to aid in massage therapy sessions. As I learned more and more about these powerful potions my mind wandered to the emotional link between oils and the mind. Each essential oil has the ability to help bring our emotional state back into a place of peace and harmony. Certain oils help to dispel fear and anger while others are better at releasing grief and pain. The oils act on the limbic system to encourage our bodies and our minds to let go of whatever is holding us back psychologically. When combining two essential oils you can easily pull from two opposing forces that may be out of balance. Today I am writing about Frankincense and Myrrh or alternatively the Father and the Mother. These two essential oils come from the same species of resinous plants. Myrrh aids in healing bodily issues that involve ‘weeping’ like eczema or ulcers but beyond the physical it can also encourage healing on an emotional level. Myrrh is strengthening and protecting when used regularly. Just as a Mother would coddle her sobbing child, Myrrh acts as a stabilizer to dry up those tears and reassures the body and mind that everything will be fine. Now take a look at Frankincense, this essential oil is known to be meditative and can ease anxiety, stress and even insomnia. It is used to purify the body, tone the skin and encourage regenerative powers on a cellular level. This essential oil acts like a shield of armor, allowing the mind to mellow and the body to heal. The energy produced on a spiritual level is similar to a strong and productive father. When used in combination Frankincense and Myrrh make for an incredibly healing and relieving duo. Come by the spa and allow one of our talented therapists to work their magic on your body and mind while incorporating a little bit of help from these ancient healing oils.

By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist at North Lake Massage & Skin Care

0 Comments

Synergy Series: Peppermint and Lavender

2/17/2015

0 Comments

As if essential oils weren’t amazing enough on their own, the synergy of two or more oils can be even more powerful than the sum of its separate parts. This happens when the essential oils have similar constituents or properties and thus have the ability to work together in order to produce an even more potent potion. The two essential oils I am talking about today do indeed come from the same family of herbs. Peppermint and Lavender are both known to rejuvenate and so when they are mixed these two happen to address things like sunburn, headache, congestion, and stress quite beautifully. The cooling effect of Peppermint combined with the calming properties within the Lavender plant make for an incredibly healing and soothing blend. The aroma is fresh and clean; with a bit of feminine added to the mix. Pay attention to the ratios of oils when creating a blend because it may not always be equal. For this particular duo the 1:1 combination happens to work but in others you may need more of one and less of another to result in a proper mélange. One drop each of Lavender and Peppermint added to a tablespoon of vegetable oil is plenty for one area of an adult body. Use caution when working with Peppermint because it can be extremely cooling when applied topically to sensitive, young and/or fragile skin. Avoid sensitive eye areas when applying this synergistic blend as well. You could combine the above oils in a warm cup of almond or coconut milk for a fabulously sweet afternoon treat. The Peppermint/Lavender duo also makes for one awesome massage tool. Stop by the spa sometime soon and enjoy an invigorating scalp massage featuring these wonderfully therapeutic essential oils. Think of it as a part of your spring-cleaning routine. J

0 Comments

Essential Oil Safety

2/10/2015

0 Comments

I am very interested in learning about the source of oils and the process it takes to extract a given amount of essential oil out of plant matter. It is quite incredible that we as humans have figured out how to obtain the concentrated healing property of a flower, tree or shrub for our own use. These products can help in the reduction of so many different diseases and ailments. Essential oils aid in the healing process but they cannot cure anyone of anything. Essential oils also happen to be extremely potent and therefore one must use a healthy dose of caution when working with these volatile liquids. Something like Wintergreen essential oil can become poisonous if ingested. While Lavender essential oil can be applied topically even on young children and babies because it is so gentle and soothing. Knowledge is power when it comes to working with essential oils and I just want everyone to understand how important it is to always aim on the conservative side when applying, diffusing, or, if CTPG, ingesting as well. Remember to give your body the time it needs to adjust to the oil. Some like Oregano, Cinnamon and Lemongrass can burn if you don’t dilute before applying to the body. Peppermint, Wintergreen, Tarragon and Fennel may bring a cooling sensation. Citrus essential oils can irritate sensitive or youthful skin. Oils like Lavender and Clary Sage can bring on sudden relaxation and at times encourage sedative states. These tips are just a few of the important rules to follow when using essential oils on yourself or your family. If you are interested in learning more about essential oils stop by the spa this coming Wednesday the 11th for an introductory class. It will be an evening full of learning and laughter!

By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist at North Lake Massage and Skin Care

0 Comments

Synergy Series: Frankincense and Myrrh

Synergy Series: Peppermint and Lavender

Essential Oil Safety

NLMSC

Archives

Categories