Tag: Belfast Holistic Therapist

Nourish your senses – Chamomile essential oil

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This month I would like to share the wonderful benefits of Roman Chamomile – anthemis nobilis essential oil.  If you have ever sipped Chamomile tea you are only too familiar with its use in promoting relaxation and aiding sleep, making it perfect before bedtime!

Chamomile is such a commonly recognised herb and has been used throughout the ages by many physicians for its amazing properties.  It was a favourite in many garden lawns, releasing a pungent fragrance of chamomile when walked upon and used also as companion planting.  Today it is more widely used in cosmetics, perfumes and herbal teas.

Chamomile essential oil has a sweet, fruity and heady aroma and the oil is steam distilled from the flowers. It is extremely ease too grow, and has white daisy like flowers, with a yellow centre and slightly furry green leaves. It is known for its calming and soothing properties making it excellent for the nervous system, muscular conditions and soothing skin conditions.

Firstly, it is excellent in easing anxiety, tension and helps to calm the emotions in stressful situations.  It is also very beneficial in raising the spirits if suffering from depression, even smelling the oil can give a ‘feel good factor’.  As it promotes relaxation it is often helpful with insomnia.

It is beneficial in easing muscular aches and pains especially when related to nervous conditions.  Due to its analgesic properties in relieving pain it is also effective for those experiencing headaches, neuralgia, toothache and earache.

Chamomile can also help with regulating the menstruation cycle and ease painful periods. As it has a calming effect on the body it is good for pre menstrual tension and menopause.

It is beneficial in soothing the stomach, easing digestive problems and may help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Also it is thought to help with liver problems, such as jaundice and disorders of the genitourinary tract.

Chamomile is an excellent oil to help soothe agitated babies and toddlers suffering from temper tantrums at bedtime , making it beneficial to induce a peaceful sleep.  It can be used in a in small contractions, 1 -2 drops in a bath (at over age 3) or a vaporiser  in the bedroom. Watch the little ones drop off!

Lastly but not least, chamomile is an excellent oil used within skincare due to its soothing and calming properties.  It has amazing effects on soothing burns, blisters, inflamed skin and good for dry itchy and hypersensitive skin conditions.  It is a great skin cleanser and helps to ease puffiness and strengthen the skin tissues.

It is most definitely one to have at hand and a little goes a long way!

Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy, especially the early months.

Blends well with:  Benzoin, Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Neroli,                                        Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose and Ylang Ylang

Mairead x

 

Tea time – Me time

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Tea time -Me time with freshly picked Peppermint leaves, refreshing, cooling and excellent for soothing and calming the digestive system, especially those suffering from IBS problems.  It is so easy to grow, and comes in lots of varieties, but best grown in pots as spreads vigirously throughout the garden.

To make Peppermint tea pick a few large sprigs and infuse in water which has just come off the boil.  It could’nt be easier!  So sit back relax and enjoy!

Mairead x

 

Nourish your body – receive 10% off a purifying reflexology treatment

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Summer has arrived and nothing feels more nurturing than happy, pampered feet!  So put a spring back into your step and nourish your body with a purifying and bespoke reflexology treatment.

Reflexology not only soothes tired achy feet, but also restores the body’s natural equilibrium, inducing a deep sense of relaxation and creating harmony with oneself.  A perfect way to grow and cleanse, the body and mind for those summer months ahead!

Reflexology  works on the principle that reflex points on the feet correspond to every organ, gland and area of the body. By working on the feet, this stimulates the thousands of nerve endings and reflex points to revitalise and replenish the mind and body, so energy flows more freely and boosting the bodies self healing process. Thus, at a physical, mental and emotional level a person becomes more balanced and as reflexology has a accumulative effect, benefits will be most noticeable after four to six weekly sessions.  All treatments are adapted to suit individual client requirements.

(Reflexology 10% off, valid until 21st July 2016)

Happy feet equals relaxed body and mind, so be good to yourself!

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 body – deep tissue massage

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Many of us are so focused on how we look on the outside that we completely forget about our inner wellbeing.  Taking time to nourish and pamper ourselves through regular relaxation results in outer radiance.  Which is why regular massage offers an amazing way to relax and rejuvenate, creating balance and harmony within our mind, body and spirit.

With today’s demanding lifestyles and free time becoming a luxury we only seek to have a de-stressing treatment such as a massage when suffering from a huge build up of tension within the body.  The old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ has never been so appropriate .  Therefore it is important that we listen to our bodies and integrate some form of relaxation into our lives, such as a regular massage and other forms of ‘down time’ we enjoy.  This means we a less likely to suffer from ongoing muscular tension, high stress levels and mental exhaustion, which we all know can lead to ill health.

So if you find yourself suffering ongoing muscular tension and continually ‘stressed out’, then look no further than a  deep tissue massage, with the added bonus of aiding complete relaxation.

We are all in charge of our own bodies, what we put in is what we get out. So be good yourself, it will thank you for ‘me-time’!

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

Spring Offer – Receive 10% off a bespoke aromatherapy facial

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With the first signs of Spring underway, it is time to shake off those Winter blues and enjoy in the delight of what Spring has to offer.  With longer days and an amazing display of colourful flowers, providing a ray of sunshine!  So why not put a spring back into your step and take advantage of this seasons special offer.

Spring clean your skin with a nourishing bespoke Aromatherapy facial, to boost dull and de-hydrated skin, providing a pick-me-up after drying winter conditions.  A regular facial is a perfect booster to your daily skincare routine, helping to restore, replenish and nourish the skin, resulting in a fresh glowing complexion.  Of course not forgetting some ‘me-time’ to escape!

This facial includes, a hand, arm and scalp massage, with the little extra comfort of hot facial towels.  Each treatment is adapted to suit individual client skincare needs, giving optimum benefits.

(Bespoke Aromatherapy Facial – offer valid until 22nd March 2016)

Mairead x

Nourish your body – sore throat and laryngitis remedy

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With the change in seasons many of us can feel under the weather with colds, coughs or viral infections, especially a sore throat or laryngitis.  I personally find the use of essential oils in steam inhalation and  chest rubs or having hot drinks are the most effective remedies.  Also inhalation  has the added bonus of drawing out impurities from the skin, resulting in a clearer complexion!

Sore Throat and Laryngitis Remedy

  • steam inhalation – filling a bowl with hot water and add the following oils: 3 drops Lavender;  2 drops Chamomile and 1 drop Thyme.  Cover head with towel and steam for 10 minutes, twice daily if possible.
  • Chest/ neck rub – massage over chest, neck and behind ears with the following oils:  3 drops Chamomile; 2 drops Lemon and  1 drop Thyme.  Add to 50 ml of carrier oil (almond or grapeseed) or an unscented lotion.
  • Hot drink: in order to ease soreness make up a drink using hot water, with half a squeezed Lemon, a spoon of honey to taste and  I also add some grated ginger.

Have a go at these remedies and you such see an improvement.  Let me know how you get on.

Mairead x

 

 

 

 

Christmas Offer – Receive 10% Off Indonesian Massage

With Christmas fast approaching, we can all become so absorbed amidst the festive chaos, that we often forget to stop & take time for ourselves to relax & unwind.

So, why not treat yourself to this seasons Christmas Offer, or choose from a range of relaxing & de-stressing treatments – the perfect way to unwind & recharge!

Traditional Indonesian Massage – Receive 10% Off * 

Feel totally pampered with a luxurious Indonesian Massage, using warm spicy ginger & exotic jasmine oils. 

*valid until 22nd December 2015.

Gift vouchers make an excellent token for that someone special, something to suit all!

Many thanks for all your custom & loyalty throughout the year & I look forward to offering you an extensive range of treatments, individually  tailored to  suit your requirements. Have a wonderful Christmas, put your feet, have a tipple & enjoy time with family & friends.

Mairead x