As the Cancer time of the year comes to an end it seems fitting to blog about this comfort loving and at times crabby sign of the zodiac.  Cancer is a water sign and therefore emotional and sensitive.  While Pisces uses intuition as a guide and Scorpio uses strong powers of persuasion to get what they need the Cancer is known to nurture those in their life in order to receive care in return.  There is a sense of fear within the Crab that can manifest as stomach upset and even ulcers.  Chamomile essential oil has long been known as a fabulous digestive aid because it calms and soothes the intestines.  This same floral herb has the ability to aid in reducing fears by imparting a strong sense of tranquility when applied topically to the body.  The typical Cancerian will retreat into their protective shell when emotions get out of hand and only in that space will they work through their issues.  Chamomile essential oil can act as a guide when diving deep into the psyche by encouraging the release of tension from within the body and the mind.  The shell of the crab can be likened to the home of a human and in this analogy the home of a Cancer will be cozy, comfortable and full of delicious food.  While the Taurus loves to entertain in a luxurious space the Cancer enjoys a relaxed environment where he or she can take care of loved ones and practice their innate need to mother.  This love of creature comforts creates a strong emotional connection with food and at times allows for overindulgence.  This bad habit can make matters worse for the Crab who already has a tendency towards tummy troubles.  Applying two drops of Chamomile essential oil to the abdomen immediately after meals is a great way to avoid stomach upset.  The sweet and comforting aroma of Chamomile is great for adults as well as young children.  Bring yourself and loved ones by the spa this summer to enjoy a healing treatment featuring this beautiful and delicate scent.  Just take a load off and we will do the rest.

The power of the mind can be quite astonishing. It even seems at times that our mental powers outweigh those of the body. As a human species we have moved away from mental exercises and stepped into an era chalk full of physical prowess, think Cross Fit, yoga, marathon running, extreme sports. People really enjoy the benefits that result from a long session at the gym. Physical exercise brings people together and that is a beautiful thing. However, let us not forget the importance of exercising the mind through activities like crossword puzzles, reading, writing, meditation, and even simple conversations. The mental element in astrology is known as air and three signs fit into this category of like “minded” people. Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra are all air signs meaning they respond to situations and people in the mind first. While water signs might become emotionally involved and fire signs may feel the need to act when confronted with a problem the air signs mull it over in their head before moving onto the next step. You can find a Gemini, for instance, flitting about at a party sparking conversation with many different types of people for the sheer fact that they love connecting with others mentally. As the next sign in our astrological journey Gemini is a mutable air sign meaning they have the wonderful ability to shift and change direction depending upon their surroundings. You may have heard others refer to this sign as the Twins and this speaks to the dual nature of their personality. The typical Gemini is flexible, communicative, intelligent and at times moody. Their nervous systems need support and often times this vulnerability can lead to hyperactivity and even anxiety. Sandalwood essential oil can help those with high energy to gain focus and relax mentally. This particular essential oil is a fabulous component for meditation because it enables the wearer to find a sense of balance. Sandalwood comes from a tree and therefore increases ones connection to the earth. It is said that a Gemini in his/her highest form can link soul to personality and a drop or two of Sandalwood can be a wonderful aid for this transition. Here at the spa we can help you unwind with an aromatherapy treatment this summer so that you may go out and share with the world your highest self. Namaste.

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

Astrology has a beautiful way of depicting each sign through the description of an animal or entity. In this weeks entry I dive head first into the stubborn and pleasure seeking Bull. The typical Taurus individual may display signs of tension in the neck and shoulders due to their constant need to take on the responsibilities of others. This is the sign of the steady achiever, the nose to the grindstone worker, the wine and diner. The Taurus Bull loves all things related to pleasure like good food, fabulous friends and luscious desserts. They enjoy emotional connections on a sympathetic and simple level, no need to finesse a Taurus in the bedroom because the art of lovemaking comes easily to the Bull. Lavender is a fabulous essential oil to diffuse in the evening for a Taurus who is looking to blow off some steam after a long day at work since this oil helps to increase positive feelings and reduce rigidity. Sometimes the Taurus encounters bouts of aches and pains within the throat or neck due to an inability to express feelings that may hurt others. Lavender essential oil can help to encourage free flow of energy while reducing fatigue. Try applying a few drops on the neck twice a day for any soreness that results from mental strain or overextension. Taking on a heavy load is something a Taurus does all too often. They are givers and although possessive at times the Taurus is here to improve the lives of others. When a Taurus spends too much time helping others while neglecting their own needs they can become grumpy and downright exhausted. Lavender essential oil is an exquisite component in any self-care routine because it can encourage a connection with the feminine. The floral smell is calming, cooling, soothing and popular among women and men alike. Each sign evolves from the previous sign and in this instance Taurus has gone from the selfish and impatient Ram into a slow moving and enduring Bull. This is a beautiful transition and yet sometimes the Bull needs to remember a little bit of that self-centered focus that the Aries knows all too well. Lavender essential oil is the perfect massage oil for this time of year as it almost immediately relieves sunburn when applied topically. Come by the spa and enjoy a renewing Swedish massage with any of our talented and caring therapists. You needn’t be a Taurus Bull to find this treatment pleasure full either.

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

As we embark upon this journey called life many of us encounter obstacles through which we learn a deeper understanding of ourselves. In my experience, astrology has opened my eyes to many of my gifts as well as my shortcomings. Working with essential oils, herbs, foods and various forms of exercise has helped immensely in balancing my intensely passionate makeup. We are all very unique and our needs vary over a wide range of activities and nutrients. What is good for one may be destructive for the other. Today I want to embark upon a series of blogs involving astrological signs and essential oils. I decided to start with the first sign or the sign that introduces spring in the seasonal year. This signals rebirth and renewal and thus the start of the zodiac. Coincidentally I myself have my Sun in the fiercely driven fire sign of Aries. I know first hand just how impatient, assertive and willful the energy can become for those born between March 21st and April 19th. Those individuals born with a different Sun Sign but who may also have a lot of planets in Aries in their birth chart will also find this energy quite familiar. First we need to understand that each sign governs a particular region of the body and for the Aries ram this is the head. Aries when unbalanced will typically experience headaches, stress related fatigue and eyestrain. An Arian is prone to accidents involving the face and scalp because of their headstrong ways and a bad habit of leaping before looking. In order to temper the mental fatigue, Peppermint essential oil should be used regularly during a scalp massage or while shampooing. The cooling and refreshing aroma helps to ease any excess heat in the body and encourages rejuvenation. Mars, Aries ruling planet, is that of the warrior and tends to increase stamina as well as aggression. Peppermint essential oil helps reduce intensity and over assertive attitudes so that a sense of calm replaces impatience. Lets face it, the independent and pioneering Aries type is happiest when setting foot in uncharted territory and Peppermint essential oil increases one sense of creativity, helping the Arian to get those juices flowing in the right direction. For those of you with highly fiery constitutions, don’t hesitate to visit the spa for a luxurious Peppermint inspired neck and scalp massage. The cooling vapors are sure to revive an over heated body in no time!

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC