Just the other day I noticed someone had posted a message on social media about how many weeks we had left until Christmas.  As we wind down from this summer season I cannot think of anything further from my mind than winter and the holidays.  Coincidentally, as I began typing my blog entry this week my choice topic essential oil comes from the standard silvery tipped conifer known as White Fir.  I suppose that little bit of Christmas magic sunk into my mind after reading the post earlier in the week.  I chose to discuss this essential oil for its amazing anti-inflammatory powers.  Personally, White Fir essential oil is one of my top picks when receiving massage therapy as it manages to ground my mind while putting every single muscle at ease.  The handful of essential oils that are from trees always have a very grounding effect on the psyche, think Frankincense, Cedarwood, Spruce.  You can learn a whole lot about how the essential oil will work within the human body after finding its origin.  For example, many floral essential oils are powerful relaxants, especially for women.  Citrus essential oils almost always help to create a joyful and sweet environment while simultaneously help clean the house.  It is important to be aware of the source to ensure the essential oil is Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade as well.  White Fir essential oil is high in antioxidant content and it also makes for a great expectorant and analgesic.  So if someone suffers from asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infection or even just the common cold this particular oil will help to relieve the patient of discomfort and encourage a healthy space for healing.  Speaking of healing, this essential oil is known emotionally to clear old generational issues like bad habits or repressed anger/guilt that has no outlet.   White Fir will aid those who need not only physical relief but emotional and spiritual as well.  Some other ailments that will respond well to application of White Fir are arthritis, tuberculosis, cancer, anxiety and nervousness, bursitis, frozen shoulder and overexerted muscles.  I believe most anybody in need of some healing will be satisfied with this particular essential oil.  It has a beautiful woodsy scent reminiscent of snow-covered forests.  Maybe I am not ready for the cooler temperatures and snow fall quite yet but my body is always open to a bit of this lovely essential oil.  Come see us for some incredible bodywork and a luxurious foot soak scented with White Fir to ease the tension out of your body for good.

      Aren’t we all looking for ways to keep our bodies and our minds protected from the highly toxic environmental stresses of today?  Essential oils are fabulously healing tools we can use to decrease our chance of contracting various diseases.  While keeping our bodies healthy these, oils can also strengthen our minds.  One of the most powerful essential oils on the market is famously called ‘joy of the mountains’ also known as Marjoram.  This herb has been used for ages in the kitchen to spice up many dishes.  Applying Marjoram regularly can soothe both the nervous as well as the cardiovascular systems of the human body.  Using this essential oil during massage therapy sessions also help to soothe sore muscles.  Therefore, once this fantastic essential oil enters the blood stream it will begin to calm and relax the mind and body as a whole.  Marjoram is a well-known antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, tonic and bacterial buster.  Another wonderful component of this essential oil is the high-level antioxidant capacity it delivers to those who use Marjoram.  One can now see just how well this particular essential oil can safe guard our health in today’s congested world.  Marjoram can decrease symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, constipation, headaches, arthritis, cramps, insomnia and menopause.  Women and men as well as young and old will benefit from the use of Marjoram essential oil.  Essential oils are quite cheap compared to pharmaceuticals and do not typically have any negative side effects.  For instance, using Marjoram on someone with hypertension or circulatory problems will help to widen the blood vessels with no discomfort or need for surgery.  When it comes to chronic disease, one needs to apply essential oils at least once a day where as acute ailments can require application every two hours.  Do not use these oils one time and expect the issue to be gone.  However, once you have treated the issue long term it is very likely to never again return.  An interesting note about Marjoram is that it helps to quell or suppress sexual desires.  If one is attempting to become pregnant and working to get busy in the bedroom please do not use this particular essential oil.  Although those suffering with an over active and unhealthy sexual appetite would be wise to reach for a bottle of Marjoram essential oil.  As we approach the fall season and the temperatures begin to drop think of this oil when you are coming through the spa for your next treatment.  We would love to warm you up with an aromatherapy session incorporating Marjoram.  You can find the ‘joy of the mountains’ up here in the gorgeous mountains of Tahoe.
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

Ever since I was a young child the spice Cinnamon has been incorporated in my breakfast routine.  One of my favorite meals was buttered toast topped with ground cinnamon and sugar.  Interestingly enough as I grew older I discovered my body tended towards the cooler side due to poor circulation.  As I began my career as a massage therapist the cold hands were something that had to go and so I turned to essential oils.  Discovering the beauty of Cinnamon essential oil after a childhood chalk full of the spice was like returning to my youth.  Applying a few drops to my hands and feet before a treatment left me feeling warm and content.  I owe a lot of my success in this field to the incredibly powerful components of Cinnamon essential oil.  Obviously it makes for a fantastic circulatory remedy but the list does indeed go on.  Beyond increasing circulation, this oil also increases heart health and reduces the risk of heart attack when used regularly.  One way you can incorporate this oil into your routine is via topical application to the feet and chest.  Always dilute essential oil of Cinnamon before applying to the skin due to its warming activity.  The oil immediately helps to heat the body and soothe the mind.  This essential oil is fabulous during massage therapy because it helps to reduce stiffness in the muscles and tendons of the body.  The anti-inflammatory action of Cinnamon can help heal most injuries as well as ulcers.  Cinnamon makes for a flavorful cup of tea most widely used in India to make a spicy blend known as Chai.  The beauty of cooking with Cinnamon is two fold, not only is it delicious but it is also a potent digestive tonic.  So as your food settles the spice acts to ensure proper and comfortable assimilation of the nutrients.  The essential oil of Cinnamon also reduces excess gas from the body and encourages the reduction of acidity in the foods being absorbed.  Beyond the culinary uses Cinnamon also reduces symptoms of cold and flu, menstruation, arthritis and even dementia.  It is said that regular consumption or application of Cinnamon can increase brain activity and reduce memory loss.  What a powerhouse of an essential oil!  Believe me when I tell you that this essential oil will get used daily in your household.  If you’re curious come by for a quick foot massage incorporating this beautifully spicy essential oil.  At the very least your feet will thank me.

      One of my most long standing essential oils for personal use is Patchouli.  It always interests me how people tend to immediately write off this essential oil as some sort of a hippy deodorant.  While Patchouli does have its place in the production of incense there is so much more to be said about its health benefits.  Throughout the past year I have been toting my collection of essential oils to my treatments and never yet has one person selected Patchouli for their session.  Well I am here to show the good if not great side of this grounding essential oil.  This particular herb is actually a member of the mint family, as is Lavender.  The plant thrives in the tropical countries of Asia and thus the strong, earthy aroma has a warming effect on the body.  The plant and its oil make for a wonderful insect repellant and so were widely used in the past when silk traders were hauling their goods long distances for sale at markets.  Along with Frankincense and Myrrh, this essential oil has been used by a variety of ancient civilizations.  Patchouli is one of a few oils that can be applied to the skin undiluted, therefore making a wonderful remedy for children and babies.  I recommended this essential oil to a friend who had a newborn suffering from thrush.  Thrush is a fungal growth and since Patchouli is strongly anti-fungal she was able to rid him of this with the help of a few herbs as well.  Patchouli also grounds and calms the mind and body, reducing anxiety and stress, so the baby was slumbering soundly after each application of Patchouli.  Now that is what I call killing two birds with one stone!  Besides the relaxing components of Patchouli it is also a wonderful aphrodisiac.  Both men and women will enjoy the androgynous aroma while bringing romance back into the bedroom.  Diffuse 8-10 drops in your room before turning in for the night and enjoy the lovely aroma as you fall asleep.  The face and scalp would greatly benefit from a Patchouli infused massage.  Not only is this essential oil great for acne it also fights against eczema, psoriasis, oily skin, hair loss and dandruff.  If you happen to misplace your potent bottle of Patchouli and fall upon it a year or two later do NOT throw it into the trash.  Patchouli actually improves with age and so never has an expiration date.  I have owned my bottle of Patchouli for about 5 years now and I am certain it smells better out of the bottle than it did when I first purchased it way back when.  If you're in the mood for some bonding with your partner book a couples massage with us and be sure to request an aromatherapy add on with Patchouli for a lovely experience you won't soon forget!   
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

      What is more fun than a little outdoor exploration during these last few warm summer weeks?  I myself love nothing more than to pack the kid on my back and take the dogs out into the woods.  Unfortunately, all too often someone ends up with a cut or scrape that requires immediate attention.  For this reason alone I am always thankful to own a bottle of Melaleuca essential oil.  This oil is widely known as Tea Tree and does indeed come from the leaves of a tree native to Australia.  Although the aroma itself is quite strong and astringent in nature, the wide variety of uses makes this one of my favorite essential oils.  When one is dealing with a fresh cut or wound a drop of Melaleuca will eradicate any bacteria from the area.  Beyond its antibacterial components, the essential oil of Melaleuca is also antiseptic, antiviral, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and even disinfectant.  It is no wonder that this essential oil keeps the body germ free, both internally as well as externally.  Therefore, if one is feeling the symptoms of a cold or flu just one drop of Melaleuca taken internally will immediately boost the immune system in a powerful way.  Melaleuca also reduces yeast infections, herpes, athlete's foot, toenail fungus and gum disease.  Add a drop or two to your shampoo in order to reduce dandruff and dry scalp.  Applying a few drops to the face and neck will keep acne at bay.  This essential oil makes a fabulous treatment for skin disorders of all kinds like eczema and psoriasis.  Beware of overuse during pregnancy as this oil is extremely potent in its cleansing abilities.  That being said, you can replace any and all household cleaners with this essential oil.  Take a spray bottle full of water and add 10-20 drops of Melaleuca for a cheap and effective product.  Many people are unaware of the fact that a drop or two of essential oil is all you really need to treat any one person.  While disinfecting surfaces may require a larger amount of essential oil it is still pennies on the dollar compared to purchasing cleaning products at the store.  Keeping your home and your family healthy has never been so easy.  During those long hot summer days your feet can really cry out for help.  Come by the spa for a Melaleuca infused foot soak that will send your body, mind and immunity soaring!
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage