Calm yourself with Aromatherapy

Fortunately, we have become more accepting of the reality of the emotional and physical unbalances we can experience due to everyday life challenges, (positive & negative). Research is ongoing, in the quest for finding cures, band aids, and relief, for the symptoms. Sites such as *Living With Anxiety , offer amazing support, with questions, answers and info.

Books, like The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotionby Valerie Ann Wormwood, tell how Aromatherapy uses combinations of, or single, fragranced essential oils, to help to balance our emotional & physical selves, and, promote feelings of good health and well-being. Uses of different oils, and how to choose, and mix them, is an education all of it's own.
Massage influences our body's and minds, by adding warmth, as circulation is increased with squeezing, and kneading techniques. Using Oils such as Master Massage Soothing Blend Aroma Therapy Oil, which are pre-mixed compounds that include 100% grade French Lavender, Cedarwood, and Sweet Orange oils, adds to the relaxation process. These oils in particular, are known for their calming and relaxing properties.

*Please read these sites for info & education. BUT, if you have been diagnosed with, or know someone) who has been with these symptoms, ALWAYS seek the advise of a health care professional before embarking on treatments of your own.

Do you Need a Massage?

I am often asked "How do I know if I need a Massage?"

As part of Wikipedia's extensive information on the history and types of Massage,  it is defined as" enhancing muscle function and promoting relaxation and well-being."

We all strive  to lead healthy, vibrant lifestyles, with as little stress as possible. Our goals to reach for the top, often push us over the edge, causing emotional and physical tension, that can lead to muscle tightness, soreness, nervous angst, and fatigue.

Anyone shaking their head's in agreement, and saying to themselves "that's me"... needs a Massage! But, for some, everyday stress and tension, is minimal, and they have Massage because they want to. They enjoy the feeling, and the communication. Sadly, some often feel 'guilty' for going for, or wanting Massage.  Don't ever let anyone tell you it's wrong to have a Massage, simply because you like it.

I encourage those who have Massage because they want to, as much as I do those because they need to!

If you've never had a Massage before, here are few tips to get you on the right track.

• If you've had an injury, and are going on the advice of your health care provider, try to get referred to someone (or a clinic) that they are familiar with. 
• Maybe you're going because you've heard great things, and, you'd like to try it. If so, talk to friends, etc, who might see someone they are very *comfortable*, and happy with. Massage is a personal thing, and, some like to keep it that way, and not share the fact that they go, or their Therapists either! In this case, a high profile Sport's Med clinic is a good place to go into, ask questions, even talk to a Therapist before hand about your needs, and concerns. If they're not open to this... you're in the wrong place.

*Earlier I used the word, comfortable. Remember, this is your Massage, and it should be a stress free experience. Do not hesitate to get up from the table at any time, if you are not being listened to by the Therapist, or feel compromised in any way.

Yes, there IS such a thing as an 'emergency' Massage!

Here is another brief story to add to my long list of rewarding experiences during my career as a Massage Therapist.

I received a call this morning from a client... "Hello, Shelly? As you remember me telling you, this is a very important day for me. I woke up this morning... and I CAN'T MOVE MY NECK!!"
Remembering the importance of this day for her, I wasn't too surprised to hear her news.

She only had time for a short visit. We talked, did some Reflexology, concentrated on upper body and neck work, with some serious deep breathing on her part. Working together, we got the job done, and, happily, she got through her day with flying colours.

My artform... the magic of Massage.

How Your Body is Affected By Worrying. | MyHealthToday.com

My Health Today puts it all together. "In our daily lives, we worry over many problems. Although some of the causes of our worry can be genuine, many people also have a tendency to worry over trivial things. This can be attributed to their upbringing, attitude and other social factors. Unfortunately, irrespective of the causes of worry, excessive worrying can lead to many psychological as well as physical problems...How Your Body is Affected By Worrying. | MyHealthToday.com

Laughter and Music May Lower Blood Pressure

Not all relaxation techniques involve touch. We are moved by sounds, such as those of music, and laughter. Researchers have studied the effects these arts have on people with high blood pressure, and noted the results.

"Laughter and music not only lift the mood, they might also drop blood pressure among middle-aged adults, a new study suggests..." Laughter, Music May Lower Blood Pressure, Study Says - US News and World Report

Putting a Spring in Your Step

If you live in Toronto, you are aware of the amazingly warm winter we had. We broke many records for high temperatures, and... I think most of us, loved every   minute of it. Still, some of us still felt a little of the 'SAD' we sometimes experience, and, fell into our Winter indoor activities and exercise routines. Spring has finally sprung, and we're all more than anxious to get back on track with our outdoor programs.
Runners often have a hard time readjusting to the streets if they've continued their training during the Winter, indoors on tracks or, machines. No matter what your outdoor sport might be, if you're one of those who hasn't kept up your steady workouts over the winter as avidly as you hoped,  the progression, of walking, to jogging, to running, might be a route to consider to prevent injury, and to ensure a safe re-entry into your outdoor work-out routines. Getting Massage is one great way to help your body prepare, and, regular Massage, can help to safeguard against injury.

Remember, Massage is something you can do, for yourself (or treat friends and family) all year long, to enhance your feel-good, fitness regime.

Dealing with Daylight Savings

Spring is getting closer, and you can feel it in the air. I even feel a boost of excitement by the few extra minutes of light at the end of the day. You’re exhilarated by the thought of early morning walks, and, even though that precious hour gained four months ago is gone... Summer is almost here!

Often, the expectation of summer blooming outside the window the very next day, feeling in summer mode, is shattered by that lingering winter, and, a feeling of exhaustion instead of glee, that can take some time to totally shed.

Certain people may ‘suffer’ more than others:

Shift Workers - One of the biggest challenges for people who do shift-work is, getting enough sleep. The internal body clock, the circadian rhythm, is directly linked to daylight, and darkness. Already being sensitive to time disruptions, they could surely find the time-change adds to their troubles, as, digestion, and hormone balances could take longer to adjust.

Children - Often more sensitive to seasonal changes than adults, children may seem irritable, and have more trouble getting to sleep. Sometimes, the extra light may keep them up wanting more play time. In my experience, let them adjust to time and seasonal changes at their own pace, with some extra patience, and hugs. Remember, you’re feeling it too! The more, you fight them, the longer it will take for them to sync-up, and, get with the program.

Seniors - At the best of times, seniors can have issues with the time of day. “Is it lunch time, or dinner”? An extra hour lost, or, gained can lead them to experience a sense of confusion. In some cases, this can lead to harmful situation, if medications are missed, or taken at the wrong time. If you are a caregiver, or involved with the daily well-being of a senior, be sure to keep extra close tabs on their schedules when time change kicks in.

So, go with the flow, and realize you may be a little overtired. Manage your daily stress by avoiding major decision-making when you can. Allow yourself extra time to travel, eat, and, to lounge in bed (set 2 alarms for a couple of days). Don't expect too much from yourself, just because the morning light beckons. Drink more water, plan a relaxing evening, and, power nap,

when you can, as, just a 20-minute power nap can increase alertness, and motor skills.

 Happy spring!

5 Second Stress Test - Body Temperature & Stress

Did you know the temperature of our hands and feet can have big affect on our stress levels? When we are tense & anxious, we "tighten" our bodies, from the inside out. "Squeezing" our organs, and muscles, causes a restriction in blood flow to our hands and feet, thus, affecting their temperature. This tensing action also affects our breathing, movement, thinking, even swallowing can be more difficult due to upper body muscle tension.

Dr. Timothy J. Lowenstein, tells us how we can monitor our temperature, and skillfully, even increase our hand temperature, in stressful situations, in an effort to maintain our calm. I see this as an asset, as we can then make more productive, safer decisions, in these instances. Dr. Lowenstein has written on the relation between "Stress and Body Temperature", and, even has a "5 Second Stress Test" , to monitor our own stress levels in any given situation.

This again, is another non-invasive technique for us to look at in our ever-searching quest to find....stress relief.