I have dealt with eczema for the past 3 years and it is just awful.  As a massage therapist the last thing I want is some weeping sore on my elbow.  When I come down with a case of eczema my first thought is essential oils.  Lavender is always helpful as it calms the irritation but something even more powerful than my usual go to oil is Melissa essential oil.  Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, is a native plant of the Mediterranean area.  The buds and leaves are steam distilled to create this sweet and lovely aromatic concoction.  Topical application of Melissa essential oil not only helps with eczema but also herpes, headaches, insect bites, allergies and muscular spasms.  Blend Melissa with Geranium and apply to the face and décolleté each morning for gorgeous glowing skin.  Essential oils heal our bodies on a cellular level making them some of the most powerful medicinal tools in the world.  Melissa essential oil restores clarity and boosts our memory so be sure and diffuse it earlier in the day if you’re looking for a lift.  The other side of this incredible liquid is the sedative and restorative properties it has to offer.  This essential oil is known to decrease hypertension or high blood pressure in individuals who use it regularly.  It can also reduce nervous tension and other disorders like vertigo, insomnia, depression and shock.  When dealing with any of the above just applies the oil to your spine and feet every evening before bed and the oil will work on your internal system the whole night through.  Melissa combats inflammation, bacteria, microbes and viruses quite efficiently.  When you feel an illness setting in just pour 5-10 drops of Melissa into your diffuser and allow it to cleanse your environment.  Essential oil of Melissa will release emotional blockages so be sure to preface clients or friends before applying it to their bodies.  It is an essential oil I would suggest avoiding during pregnancy as well.  Moreover, you can simply add a drop or two to your morning glass of water and sip slowly, savoring its delicate flavor.  Let us treat you to a calming treatment with Melissa next time you’re at the spa and you may just float out on a cloud. ;)

How many of you wake up in the morning looking for a little lift?  As a mother of a toddler I know this is something I seek each and every time I get up out of bed.  My usual cup of coffee does help but I really enjoy using my essential oil diffuser as I make breakfast.  One such oil that can be an aid in your morning routine comes from the juicy and fresh scented fruit called Tangerine.  The rind of this luscious citrus is cold pressed to make the precious essential oil that is the topic of my blog today.  This fruit originated from Tangier, Morocco thus deriving its moniker from the city it was first found.  Tangerine essential oil is a known anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, laxative and tonic.  When using this particular essential oil in the A.M. take caution as to the location of application as it can be phototoxic and cause sensitivity to sunlight on certain skin types.  If you are looking to relax and unwind at the end of your day this oil can be used as well since it is a sedative.  Try combining Tangerine essential oil with Juniper Berry and then apply to the bottoms of your feet for fabulous detoxification support as well as a sleep aid.  While you are drifting off this duo will help to purify the blood of toxins and uric acid as well as cleanse the kidneys, liver, stomach and skin.  You will arise feeling refreshed and cleansed!  This can be an easy oil to slip into your children’s drinks since the taste is juicy and lovely.  Next time you whip up a smoothie go ahead and add a drop or two of Tangerine essential oil so that your children also reap the amazing health benefits and high levels of antioxidants.  To say this essential oil is versatile is an understatement as it truly can be used on most anyone at any age of life.  We all could use a little internal cleansing and this essential oil will most certainly get the job done.  Next time you’re in the mood to treat your feet come by the spa for a foot soak and reflexology treatment featuring this highly prized citrus essential oil.  Maybe you will even walk out with a bottle of your own!

As we have decided to make a new life here in Reno so have the allergies moved into my sinuses.  Wow how the Rabbit Brush and Sage Brush just irritate my nose and throat…how do I best remove these invaders from my body and my home?  With the sweet and fruity aroma that comes from the Roman Chamomile plant.  This shrub grows low to the ground unlike its cousin German Chamomile who happens to be a high growing plant.  The Roman Chamomile buds produce beautiful flowers that can be steam distilled to make an essential oil.  Originally, Roman Chamomile was the remedy for any internal offenders caused by food poisoning or parasites.  It helps to relieve heartburn, nausea, vomiting, infections and much more. This is why mothers have always grabbed this precious oil when dealing with colicky or teething babies since it immediately soothes the body.  Today people are aware of the many uses of Roman Chamomile: anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nerve tonic, relaxant and detoxifier.  After I apply this essential oil to my feet, it acts to cleanse and purify my liver and blood, helping my body gets those nasty allergens out of my system and strengthening my immune system.  The reason this oil is so wonderful for allergies as well is due to its overall sedative affect on the body and mind.  Allergic reactions are more or less the way your body deals with the allergen rather than the allergen attacking your body, therefore as your body is soothed and calmed it is able to remove irritability, stress and anxiety making for a happier human.  Drink Chamomile tea before bedtime with a drop of essential oil for a guaranteed good nights rest.  No more insomnia or anxiety keeping people up now that Roman Chamomile is here to save the day…or night.  Be sure to use Certified Therapeutic Grade essential oils when taking internally and always dilute before applying to the skin to be sure there is no reaction.  If you are known to have issues with daisies, asters or chrysanthemums you will probably react negatively to Roman Chamomile.  Pregnant woman would be wise to avoid this essential oil as well due to its sedative affect on the body.  Otherwise, if you’re feeling irritable, anxious, stressed and fatigued this particular essential oil will change your life.  Come by the spa and receive an amazing foot soak with Roman Chamomile essential oil.  As you let for feet steep, feel the powerful oil bringing your body and mind back to a peaceful and serene space. Namaste.

           

As we roll into the school year and feel fall fast approaching it is important to get our bodies cleansed and prepared for hard work both mentally as well as physically.  A good nights sleep is very important in our household for each and every one of us to perform at the best of our ability.  One such essential oil to help with rest and detoxification comes from the Juniper conifer.  The sweet and earthy scented berries and needles are steam distilled to create one exceptionally cleansing essential oil known as Juniper Berry.  As a young child I battled with nightmares and irrational nighttime fears, dark spaces terrified my innocent mind and I often times found myself afraid to fall asleep.  Unfortunately, I had yet to discover essential oils and their incredibly healing powers so my parents had to calm me down each time I had a fearful moment.  Had I known then what I know now this bottle of essential oil would have never left my bedside.  One interesting fact is that fear in Traditional Chinese Medicine is processed within the kidneys.  Therefore, weak or poorly functioning kidneys most often times result in irrational fears.  Juniper Berry can be applied to bedding as well as the body before lying down to bed to help quell any fear related issues but it also acts as a phenomenal tonic for the kidneys and urinary tract.  If you know someone dealing with kidney stones or kidney infections a regular application of this oil over the low back and feet can help clear up both.  Obviously, this essential oil also makes for a great general detoxification potion as it helps to clear the kidneys and bladder of any congestion or infection.  Blend this freshly scented oil with Grapefruit essential oil to clear up cellulite and excess water weight.  Topical application of Juniper Berry diluted in your daily face cream or oil will clear up acne, eczema, dermatitis and excess sebum quite easily.  Juniper Berry can also increase digestive and nervous system health as well as overall energy.  This essential oil eases heartburn, cramping, arthritis, stress and tension so make sure to ask for an application during your next massage.  If you are looking for a fresh start to your fall season look no further than a refreshing scalp massage along side a Juniper Berry infused reflexology session with one of our gifted therapists.