I have found that those days I fill with adventure and travel tend to be my best days. There is something so very liberating about stepping out into the unknown with no itinerary whatsoever. The fire sign known as Sagittarius would understand this statement quite well. The Archer, representation of Sagittarius, loves nothing more than freedom. Freedom to think outside the box, freedom to chart far off lands, freedom to be uniquely outgoing; these are all very important to a typical Sagittarian. The area of the body governed by far reaching Sagittarius is the hips, thighs and liver. Cleansing the liver is a very necessary part of a healthy Sagittarian’s regimen. Many of these highly idealistic types tend to reduce their stress levels with lengthy hikes, walks or bike rides. Through this fabulous form of exercise the Sagittarian ends up with sore legs and hips. Melaleuca can help aid in the reduction of inflammation that of which causes most of the pain experienced after a high endurance trek. Melaleuca also helps to detoxify the body internally as well as externally, try a drop in coconut oil for acne reducing face oil. You could add a drop in a veggie capsule and take daily for regular GI cleansing. This particular essential oil also helps to ward off worms, Candida and other nasty invaders. While the aroma is known to be quite medicinal to most the scent doesn’t tend to linger for long. I feel as if Melaleuca is one of those essential oils that can benefit almost every household in one way or another. It can be said that this oil has an emotional component that helps breakdown co-dependent relationships. I think I understand most why the freedom loving and always-autonomous Sagittarian would gravitate towards this simple and straightforward scent. If you feel your feet could use some pampering as well as cleansing please come to the spa for a Melaleuca infused treatment. We will be sure you’re sent home fresh and free!

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

As a Scorpio rising I tend to gravitate towards the intense and mysterious in life. This water sign is known for powerful, sensual and intuitive actions. Here we have the phoenix rising out of the ashes for this sign is above all else regenerative. This is also why Scorpio governs the reproductive organs as well as the excretory systems of the body. Pluto, ruling planet of Scorpio, governs the dark side of life encouraging transformation and change. Many Scorpios will complain about an illness directly after experiencing an emotionally upsetting event. It is true that the emotional health of this erratic sign can directly determine its physical health. Enter an awesomely calming and healing essential oil known as Clary Sage. Here we have an essential oil that can help to aid in the healing of menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance and urinary tract infections. Clary Sage works to reduce depressive symptoms in most adults while bringing their body and mind back to a state of bliss. Combine this oil with a citrus scent and apply to the abdomen and low back for an instant mood boost when feeling down. Beware of applying this particular oil to children because it is known to act similarly as a narcotic on the body. If pregnant please avoid using Clary Sage for reasons stated above. In my experience this essential oil has come in handy when working on clients because it not only helps to decrease their anxiety but also opens my body to healing work as well. Scorpio is associated with the color purple and this color reminds me of Clary Sage. There is a strong connection between this sign and water so use a few drops of Clary Sage in the tub next time you want to decompress. At the spa we love to cater to your needs and make your experience as fulfilling as possible. Essential oils help tremendously when it comes to customizing a client’s treatment. Your session can go from wow to WOW with just a few drops of an essential oil. Please come by soon for an unforgettable massage with one of our talented and caring therapists.

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

The golden rule to leading a healthy life is everything in balance. The astrological sign most familiar with this idea is diplomatic and peaceful Libra. This air sign is portrayed as the scales and seeks fairness and justice above all else. The Libra typically battles with low back pain or possibly kidney ailments. If they feel a lack of support throughout their lifetime this pain may increase. This sign is very interested in finding their life partner and thus may feel negative bodily stress when lonely. As not only the daughter of a Libra but also the mother of a Libra I have become very well versed in the common behaviors of this lovely sign. When we begin our bedtime routine my son starts to snuggle closer and linger longer, hoping to convince his mommy to sleep in his room so he won’t need to be alone. My go to oil for this type of nighttime behavior is Juniper Berry. The aroma is reminiscent of a crisp and cool forest and the scent creates a cocoon of safety that encourages my son to let go. Try applying 2-3 drops to the bottoms of feet about 20 minutes before lights out for children who struggle with bedtime. This particular essential oil also helps tremendously with sore muscles so try adding a few drops to your massage oil before a treatment. Juniper Berry cools the body and helps to detoxify the urinary and sexual organs. This makes for such a fabulous end of summer tonic as it helps to clear out the internal system after months of beach parties and barbecues. The gorgeous aroma is very inviting as we prepare to welcome the fall scents and sights, think leaves changing colors, a warm cup of herbal tea and a brisk evening walk in the woods. Come see us at the spa over the course of the next month as we transition into the upcoming fall season with a relaxing and detoxifying foot soak. As the kids get back into the groove of school give yourself an early afternoon break for another long and successful summer in the books. You and your body deserve some quality self-care!

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

As we move on through the signs of the zodiac we begin to notice an interesting link between one sign and the next. As I have previously mentioned, every astrological sign governs a particular area of the body. For instance, Aries rules the head and face; next we see that Taurus rules the throat, thyroid and neck. The signs move onward in a pattern that creates an awesome cycle between the human body and the zodiac. This is when we can start to associate discomfort in a certain area with a particular sign. Perhaps your feet are aching, you may be a Pisces or have a lot of Pisces in your natal chart because Pisces rules the feet. All of this analyzing brings me to our next topic: the mastermind known as Virgo. These types are quick thinking, logical, practical and fabulous with detail. They rarely need others to get the job done since Virgo or the Virgin is here to serve. Virgo is an earth sign and has the ability to digest information and produce tangible results almost instantly. The ruling planet is Mercury and this lends a strong sense of mental acuity to the typical Virgo repertoire of talent. Unfortunately all of that analyzing can provoke a stress response in the gut. Remember the health of your mental digestion directly affects the health of your intestinal digestion. Virgos can find helpful relief with the use of Rosemary essential oil. Rosemary is a known tonic for both the brain as well as the stomach. It can aid in the reduction of mental stress, digestive upset and even anxiety. Virgos are known to turn the blame on themselves when problems arise in their lives and this repetitive behavior can trigger not only anxious but even depressive thoughts. Using Rosemary essential oil on the scalp in the shower may be a great way to take away some of those negative thought processes. On a positive note this particular oil is one of the best for memory recall and therefore a vital component to a Virgo and his or her work. Give your mind a break this week and drop by the spa for a sweetly scented treatment. A healthy mental state is the foundation for a healthy body. Be well.

By Sarah McCallum, Massage Therapist at NLMSC

Sunshine and sweet flowers always make for such a beautiful summer season. We currently have three large Rose bushes growing in our front yard and the aroma is completely divine. The Rose is a confident and regal bloom that carries feelings of love buried within its crimson petals. Rose essential oil is a fabulous tonic for the heart muscle and the back in general. Our blog topic today covers the generous and fiercely loyal sign known as Leo. This fire sign is portrayed as a lion because the typical Leo is known as fearless and prideful. Leos are quite magnetic and charming, they are ruled by the Sun and therefore they shine light and warmth wherever they roam. This particular zodiac sign is also known to have heart ailments and strain involving the spine and back. Rose essential oil can help to eliminate sore muscles because it is anti-spasmodic in nature. Apply a drop or two in a tablespoon of olive oil for a soothing and sensuous massage blend. Rose essential oil helps to warm the body and increase circulation hence it has the power to aid in the healing of cold hands and feet as well as lackluster hair. Leos are known to have vanity issues that revolve around the hair or mane; therefore Rose essential oil can be used quite effectively to beautify this vulnerable area. The scent of Rose essential oil is unlike any other, so deep and velvety; rich and enchanting, this particular smell is likened by most anyone. Do not let the summer season scorch your hair and skin, come by the spa for a luxurious body treatment. Our fantastic therapists will whisk you away for some serious self-care featuring fabulous essential oils of your choice. We will be sure to attend to your every need while you slip away into a blissful reprieve.