Tag: Aromatherapy Massage

Nourish your skin this Spring… with an Aromatherapy Facial and receive 10% off!

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With the days suddenly becoming longer and the first signs of Spring peaking through, I think Spring is in the air!  It’s the season for growth, renewal and change; a time to replenish and revive the body and mind, making way for the new and leaving behind the old.  It’s also an opportunity to take on new challenges, changing routines and taking some quiet and reflective time to nurture ourselves.

Therefore what a perfect time to take stock of what changes are necessary in order to improve our own quality of life; in terms of taking regular relaxation.  I think we all will agree that looking after our wellbeing and taking care of ourselves, has become increasingly important, due to many of us leading busier lifestyle’s!

‘Spring clean your skin with a nourishing facial’

With this in mind, how does a nourishing aromatherapy facial sound?  Using a bespoke blend of facial oils to renew, restore and rejuvenate the skin with the added comfort of hot facial towels.  This facial treatment also includes a hand/arm and scalp massage, while the mask is doing its magic!!

So if you feel like your skin is lacking lustre and in much need of a pick-me-up from the drying winter conditions, then this treatment is your answer to a fresh glowing complexion.  Of course it also has the added benefit of providing complete relaxation, inducing calmness within the body and mind.  So make your wellbeing the main priority for the year ahead and kindly schedule some ‘time to yourself’!

Bespoke Aromatherapy Facial – offer valid until 23rd March 2017

For more information on this treatment – click here

Mairead x

Invigorate the senses… Rosemary essential oil

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Hi everyone, this month I shall delve into the herbaceous world of Rosemary.  A wonderful refreshing fragrance renown for it’s uplifting and stimulating properties.  We are all very familiar with the pungent aroma of Rosemary and it’s amazing flavour when used in cooking.

Within the world of aromatherapy Rosemary is one of the most common and widely used essential oils, originating from the Mediterranean coast.  It is steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops and one whiff of this wonderful oil is enough to invigorate the senses!

It brings a whole range of benefits, from boosting concentration to relieving muscular tension and treating scalp conditions.  Rosemary has a strong, clear, refreshing fragrance, with herbal and medicinal notes.

During this time of year we can find ourselves sluggish and in much need of a boost.  This is a time when we are more susceptible to colds, coughs and various viral infections.  Therefore, Rosemary makes is an excellent choice of oil to use in energising the body and invigorating the mind.

Whenever your feeling mentally fatigued, try placing a few drops on a tissue, inhale! The invigorating aroma will instantly lift the spirits and renew mental clarity!

Due to its pain relieving properties it helps in easing rheumatic pains and an excellent  oil to use in massage, for tired and over worked muscles, especially sports and fitness enthusiasts.  It also works well in treating headaches and nerve pain, such as neuralgia.

Rosemary is a good heart tonic, stimulating blood flow, improving circulation and normalising low blood pressure.  However, it should be noted as it is a highly stimulating oil it is not suitable for those with epilepsy, high blood pressure and best avoided in pregnancy.

It is a very valuable oil for respiratory conditions, acting as a good decongestant, helping to assist with throat congestion, colds, flu and used for conditions such as; asthma and chronic bronchitis.

I have a personal oil blend I like to use when feeling congested or when blogging and just need some mental clarity!   The combination of oils works in perfect harmony, stimulating the senses and clearing the head!

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 Add 2 drops each of Rosemary, Lemon and Peppermint to a diffuser or oil burner and enjoy the aroma!

Rosemary is also  beneficial in aiding digestive problems, helping to relieve flatulaence, constipation, bloating and detoxifying for the liver.

Lastly, its stimulating action is said to be beneficial in treating scalp conditions and  promoting hair growth.  Try massaging the scalp with rosemary essential oil  to help nourish the scalp, removing dandruff and to strengthen the hair.

Blends well with: Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange and Peppermint.

Mairead x

Nourish your senses… with the warm and spicy aroma of Black Pepper

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Hi everyone, autumn time brings a need for cosiness… that feeling of been cocooned in warmth, whether it be food, clothing or a deeply relaxing and nurturing massage. Therefore as the temperatures become cooler we can benefit from a warming essential oil, such as Black Pepper to ease tired achy muscles and boost circulation!

Black Pepper is a very commonly used spice for culinary purposes, known as ‘king of the spices’.  It has a hot taste and a warm, spicy and pungent aroma, adding flavour and warmth to our daily meals.

Within the world of aromatherapy Black Pepper essential oil is extracted from the fruit of the scrub, using the steam distillation method.  The oil is derived from Black Pepper rather than white as it contains greater quantities and much more aromatic!

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Firstly, it is  a very stimulating oil, helping to strengthen the nerves and emotions, warming the heart and blends extremely well with Rose, adding a calming floral note.  Try adding a few drops to a diffuser to help ease anxious feelings.

The most beneficial means of using any essential oils is through a massage, not only are you experiencing a relaxing massage but the aromatic scents and therapeutic properties enhance the overall treatment experience.  Therefore, using Black Pepper in massage is more beneficial when combined other essential oils, increasing its overall therapeutic properties.  Try blending it with Cedarwood, creating a calming and grounding effect, and relaxing the body and mind. 

Black Pepper is also beneficial in helping to ease muscular aches, pains and tired and aching limbs.  It is a great oil for sport enthusiast, especially after a rigorous workout, to help ease muscle discomfort.

As it is a warming and stimulating oil, it helps to boost circulation, therefore aiding and giving some relief to those suffering  with rheumatism and arthritis.  Due to these properties it is useful in expelling toxins from the body.

Black Pepper is extremely beneficial in the overall digestive system.  It stimulates the salvia glands and  promotes secretion of digestive juices, having an overall strengthen effect and therefore facilitating digestion.

Blends well with: Bergamot, Cypress, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Geranium, Grapefruit,                                                       Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

Precautions: Too much can over stimulate the kidneys and cause possible skin irritation.

So a good twist of black pepper not only adds flavour to our food, but has an entire list of benefits!

Mairead x

 

 

 

 

Nourish your senses – Grapefruit essential oil

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This month I’m going to explore the wonderful refreshing and uplifting essential oil of Grapefruit.  It is one of my many favourite citrus fruits, both to eat and use in a massage or a body lotion blend.  Perfect to awaken the senses first thing in the morning!

Graperfuit grow in large bunches,  on a glossy leaved tree with white flowers and the oil is mostly obtained from Israel, Brazil and USA.  The oil is expressed from deep within the peel of the Grapefruit and can range in colour from yellow through to orange/green, yielding a small quantity of oil in comparison to the other citrus oils.  It is widely used within food, cosmetics and perfumes.

Due to its balancing effect on the central nervous system Grapefruit can be beneficial during times of stress and anxiety and help stabilise depression.  It soothes the body and helps relieve headaches, migraines and premenstrual tension and may help with some of the effects of jetlag.

It is also an excellent lymphatic stimulant, nourishing tissue cells and helping to rid the body of excess water retention and build up of toxins.  It’s diuretic effect could help with cellulite.  A combination of Grapefruit, Fennel and Juniper essential oils make an perfect cleansing blend to detox the body.  Regular massage is the most effective way to improve overall skin tone, helping with flabby skin and stretch marks.

Grapefuit is known for its amazing cleansing properties, aiding the kidneys and vascular system and said to be a liver tonic, improving secretion and function.

It can be a beneficial oil for those taking part in regular sport activity, in treating stiffness and cramps in muscles, as it helps with the release of lactic acid in the muscles, therefore easing muscular aches and pains.

Within skincare it is a particularly good oil for balancing oily skin and treating skin conditions such as acne, resulting in an overall clearer complexion.

Precautions: can cause skin irritation if exposed to sunlight after application. Avoid during                                     pregnancy.

Blends well with: Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine,                                                               Lavender, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosewood and Ylang Ylang

Mairead x

 

 

 

 

Nourish your senses – Bergamot essential oil

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If you have ever sipped Earl Grey Tea you would have tasted a citrus smoky flavour, which is the unique aroma of Bergamot. It was first sold in Italy and named after the Italian city of Bergamot, used in beverages and toiletries, especially Eau de Cologne.

Citrus Bergamia is a 15 ft tree with long green leaves and white flowers.  The essential oil is squeezed from the peel, which resembles a nobbly looking lime, using the distillation method.  It demands a special climate and soil, usually grown in Italy and Morocco.

Bergamot is a light, refreshing and uplifting oil with floral overtones.  It is used for skincare, digestive complaints, urinary tract problems and emotional challenges.

In skincare it has antiseptic and healing properties to benefit acne, eczema and oily skin conditions, especially when linked to stress.  Bergamot can be used in a compresses for infections and boils and excellent for cold sores, when combined with Eucalyptus.  Note, strong sunlight should be avoided after use, as skin may burn and can irritate sensitive skin.

It works well on the digestive tract, aiding conditions such as indigestion, flatulence and loss of appetite.  A drop of Bergamot can be added to black tea.  A valuable oil for urinary tract infections such as, cystitis and other bladder problems.

In massage, Bergamot is a wonderful oil which can be used as a sedative, yet uplifting, making it excellent for any emotional problems such as, anxiety, depression and nervous tension.

Blends well with: Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Juniper, Coriander, Cypress and Eucalyptus.

Mairead x

Nourish your body – Sleep Awareness

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We all know the vital importance of a good nights sleep in boosting your mental wellbeing. Continual poor sleep can have detrimental effect on our lives.  This can result in us feeling constantly tired, suffering from poor concentration/co-ordination, irritability, and generally feeling low, making us unable to function properly and carry out important daily tasks.  This can be dangerous in certain jobs which require good concentration.

I am one of those lucky people who has generally no problem getting off to sleep and can get back to sleep easily when (or if!) I wake during the night.

However this was not always the case.  Previously suffering from depression and severe anxiety this resulted in me having an extremely poor sleep pattern.  In fact some nights I got no sleep at all and others a few hours when at my worse.  I then developed an anxiety around not been able to sleep.  It was a vicious circle I was in and needed to get myself out of it, as my health and wellbeing was really suffering.

Once I began to get myself back on track, my sleep  started to improve over time.  I gradually taught my brain to switch off at bedtime and fill it with happy thoughts.  I told myself bedtime is for sleeping and nourishing my body in preparation for daytime and I realised that worry is such a waste of precious time and energy.  I now try to fill my life with things which make me happy and smile, leaving very little time for worry!!

Here are some of the things I found  which helped me personally.  Each persons situation is individual, and it is important if there is a reason for you not sleeping well, it is tackled or resolved if possible.

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Essential Oil of the month – Ginger

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Winter is a cold contractive time, but with the use of essential oils, we can bring light & balance into the long dark season.

One of the delightful aromas around Christmas time is freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The warming scent, stimulates the taste buds, similar to that of ginger oil.

Ginger has been used since ancient times in Asia, and during the Middle Ages, travelled to the west along the spice route.

Ginger is very warming, spicy oil, with a hint of lemon and pepper. It is used for many circulation conditions; especially arthritis, muscular aches, pains and sprains. It is also helpful for digestive disorders such as; flatulence, stomach cramps and indigestion. Ginger is very effective with feelings of nausea, motion sickness and hangovers, as it seems to settle the stomach.

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