Why do you need Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic Drainage is a treatment that has been used to treat many health conditions for many years.  Dr Emil Vodder of Denmark developed the first technique in the 1930s. 

The Lymphatic System drains waste products (including toxins, dead cells, bacteria and excess protein) in the fluid from around the cells.  The lymph vessels transport this fluid to the lymph nodes, which act as filtration, purification and exchange stations for the lymph fluid.  They also play an important role in the immune system as they store and produce B and T cells known as immuno-competent lymphocytes.

The lymphatic system cleanses and maintains health by constantly removing waste products from around the cells.  As a result of this Lymphatic Drainage has a positive effect on the body.

The lymphatic system is adversely affected by stress, tiredness, chemical overload and illness, thus causing the lymph system to become sluggish.  This means that the removal of waste is less efficient and compromises your health, creating various forms of Oedema or fluid retention.

The following is taken from an article in Massage Australia, Issue 36 page 10:

Some conditions that may be assisted or managed with Lymphatic Drainage are:

Ø     Toothache, post dental procedures

Ø     Wrinkles, cellulite and under eye oedemas

Ø     Irritable bowel, colitis, stress, fatigue

Ø     Chronic pain, insomnia and snoring, tinnitus and vertigo

Ø     Menstruation pain and fluid retention

Ø     Tonsillitis, laryngitis and sinusitis (not during inflammatory stage)

Ø     Headache, migraine

Ø     Skeletal, neurological and muscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and facial neuralgia

Ø     Bell’s Palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel

Ø     Visual problems including dry, gritty eyes, post trauma vision problems, eyelid oedema

Ø     Injuries such as sprains, dislocations, ligament and meniscus pathologies

Ø     Fractures, whiplash, muscle spasm and scars

Ø     Pre surgical – clears the lymphatic pathways, drains the tissue and prepares the tissue for surgical intervention

Ø     Post surgical oedema, pain and scarring

Ø     Removal of major lymph nodes, amputations, cosmetic surgery

If you decide that MLD treatment is for you

Before your MLD treatment:

ü     Do make sure you are well hydrated to reduce the after effects of the treatment

ü     Do come prepared to completely relax, healing occurs during deep relaxation

ü     Do allow yourself plenty of time, the treatment takes approximately 1 ½ hours

ü     Do plan your day so that there is not heaps to do after your treatment

The treatment:

ü     Is very relaxing - so allow yourself to drift off

ü     Is very gentle and powerful

ü     Is very beneficial to both the lymphatic and nervous systems

After the treatment

ü     Drink plenty of water

ü     Be prepared for some after effects, such as tiredness, various aches, headache is not unusual, increase in urine output, possibly stronger than normal body odour

ü     Take it easy over the next day or so to allow full benefits of the treatment

Detox Skin & Lymph Cleanse

It is believed we excrete over a pound of waste through our skin every day.  And when we are full of toxins, our lymphatic systems get clogged.  Exfoliating the skin two or three days per week helps stimulate blood and lymph flow to encourage new cell growth.  Ideal exfoliation methods for detoxifying include dry body brushing and / or the use of a salt scrub.  A couple of weekly bath detox treatments in dead sea mineral bath salts are also recommended to heal and sooth.  These salts help extract toxins and impurities from the body and are also beneficial when convalescing from illness.

Exfoliation Method I: Dry Body Brushing  Dry body brushing is ideal for getting the lymphatic system moving.  It works well if done first thing in the morning because the increased blood flow can help awaken and energize.   Body brushing is performed on dry skin with a body brush with natural bristles.  All movements are performed in an upward direction towards the heart.  Use 7 long, light strokes per for each area listed below and be G-E-N-T-L-E.  If your skin gets red, you are being too aggressive!   Start at the feet and continue upwards, covering each of the following areas separately:lower legs (front and back), thighs (front and back), groin / tummy (both sides),  lower arms (front and back), upper arms (front and back), then under arms (both sides)

Exfoliation Method II: Salt Scrub  The following recipe is for a detox salt scrub for use in the shower.  Add the following ingredients in a jar & mix well:  7 drops of essential oil* (see list for recommended essential oils for detox),  1/4 cup of dead sea mineral salts or Epsom salts, a drizzle of sweet almond oil.  After washing, gently rub your scrub (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a circular motion all over your body, excluding face and sensitive areas.  Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse well.  Caution: Do not shave before using scrub and be careful not to slip and fall!  Also, do not perform dry body brushing the same day as a salt scrub because you may irritate your skin.

 Mineral Salts Bath:  This recipe is for detoxifying bath salts.  The salts help emulsify the essential oils and are very nourishing to the skin.  One cup of dead sea mineral salts or Epsom Salts & 7 drops essential oil* (see list for recommended essential oils for detox).  Run bath water, add salts when tub is almost full and mix in well.  Soak for 15 minutes.

*Essential Oils for Detox:

1)  Kunzea is an essential oil distilled from the leaves a small prolific bush in Australia and was discovered in the 1990’s.  The oil properties are as follows: - helps with joint and / or muscle inflammation - kills yeast and e-coli - aids with skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis - helps with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and addictive behaviours - increases the power of other essential oils - helps relieve respiratory ailments

2)  Grapefruit essential oil properties: - helps with mold and fungus - good for cellulite - helps to balance fluid in body - lymph system detox - liver and gall bladder stimulant

3)  Cypress essential oil properties: - diuretic - increases circulation - helps with varicose veins - helps with hemorroids - tightens - helps with excessive sweating - lymphatic decongestant - pancreas and liver tonic

As you perform these detox methods for cleansing the skin and lymphatic system, aim to drink more water and be sure to get in some exercise.  The lymphatic system has a pumping action, so it is important to keep it moving so it can receive nutrients.  Exercise increases lymph flow, which tones your glandular system, removes waste and keeps lymph fluid moving.  If you experience facial breakouts during your detox, a clay mask will help dry up the breakouts and extract the impurities excreted through your skin.  You are well on your way to looking and feeling healthier, happier and glowing!

Need an energy boost?

Spirulina          – Rich in Nutrients

Wheatgrass     – Energy Blast

Co Enzyme      – Stamina & Endurance

Ginseng           – Exhaustion Relief

Licorice Root    – Adrenal Boost

Fibre                – Natures Broom

B Vitamins       – Fatigue & Stress Buster

Lactium           – Stress Relief

Carnatine        – Energy Boost & Fat Burner

Creatine          – Extra Energy for Weight Lifting

Stress and Relaxation

A large percentage of problems we see people for are stress related.  Stressed can lower your resistant to all kinds of illness that that have an affect on the body, the emotions and the mind.  Finding time for ourselves is something that a lot of people find difficult.  Today’s lifestyle has an emphasis on working long hard hours to achieve goals and most people have a lot more commitments that take up a great deal of their time.  It is important to make time for ourselves and give our bodies and minds a chance to relax, unwind and most importantly de-stress.

Pure essential oils along with organic herbal teas and other natural relaxation techniques will help you feeling soothed and nurtured and will assist you in restoring balance in your life.  The best essential oils for this are: Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Sweet Orange, Sweet Marjoram and Vetiver.

The fact that aromatherapy is such a pleasurable sensory experience is inherent in its de-stressing action.  Pure essential oils can be used with massage, in a bath, and in an oil burner to relax you and relieve tension.

Essential for your well-being, massage is a preventative and restorative treatment.  Pure essential oils blended into massage oils are absorbed by the body and along with the massage assist relaxation and relieve tension, soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and assist in restoring balance and the natural healing processes of your body. 

In the bath we create our own private watery world.  The ancient Greek word ‘to bathe’ also meant ‘to drive sadness from the mind’:   a soak makes today’s problems trivial and tomorrow’s problems solvable. 

Releasing pure essential oils into our environment creates a feeling of calm and positivity and can even help us drift off to sleep. Sometimes it is more convenient to spray the essential oils into the room.  The burning of incense is an age old tradition of inducing calm and a meditative state.   Car Diffusers – are a great way to keep you calm in the traffic to prevent “Road Rage”.  Put this device in your cigarette lighter adaptor, place a few drops of essential oil on to the pad, insert it into the slot and let the aromas keep you calm and smelling great.  Use essential oils such as Lime, May Chang, Orange or an energising Essential Oil Blend.

Raw Shea Butter - Heals and Rejuvenates from top to toe

The shea nut has been used for centuries in many African countries. It is said that shea butter is responsible for Queen Nefertiti’s incredible beauty because of the extraordinary skin regenerative qualities of the fat extracted from the shea nut.

 

Shea butter presents real benefits for the skin: it hydrates, softens, protects and beautifies it thanks to its exceptionally high content in unsaponifiable matter, vitamins (A, D, E, F) and in latex.   In all cases, make sure to melt the butter in the palm of your hand before applying. The butter must be totally liquid.

HYDRATING THE UPPER EPIDERMIS
 The face benefits the most from daily application of shea butter. Rub well on the inert areas (nose base, mouth angles). Massage for about 10 minutes. There are three main issues concerning the face:
- Elasticity: shea butter is rich in unsaponifiable matter and in vitamin F – which are the two main active ingredients for elasticity. Touch your skin after massing it and you will feel the difference.
- Hydration: the superficial skin layer absolutely needs additional hydrating. You will see the results immediately after application.
- Protection: shea butter must penetrate the skin completely and only a satin aspect must remain. However, the protective property is quite real and will continue to act for a long period.
- The lips absorb shea butter quicker and in dry season, you must apply it regularly – and what a great lip gloss!  
HAIR CARE: PROTECTION, SMOOTHNESS & VITALITY
- Hair treatment – the best hair treatment: the day before shampooing, coat hair with one tablespoon of shea butter, massing it into the hair ends. Wrap hair in a warm towel. Your keratin will absorb all that it needs!
- Conditioner: ten minutes after shampooing, apply a small amount on dry hair to give them a great luster.

WELLBEING FOR THE WHOLE BODY
 Shea butter provides significant hypodermic protection thanks to its hydrating properties, and preventive action against stretch marks thanks to its anti-élastase characteristics.
Quick solution: add one tablespoon to your bathtub and your body will be covered by a fine coat of shea butter.   Relaxing solution:massage deeply arms and thighs. The muscles will immediately feel better.

 ESSENTIAL FOR DAILY BABY CARE
In African tradition, shea butter bonds mother and baby in a special way, through daily anointing. It is the best way to protect baby against frequent skin irritations.

 SHEA BUTTER TO TREAT WOUNDS
 Because of the high content in vitamin A, shea butter promotes healing and disinfection, thus allowing to fight dermatitis, broken and cracked skin, burns and dermal ulcers.
Shea butter also provides an excellent skin protection against harsh weather and the sun. This all natural protection against uvs promotes prevention from some sun allergies because of its latex content.
 

Absolutely no petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, colours or fragrances. No animal testing.  No therapeutic claim is made or intended for this product.  Information is for educational purposes only. Use only as directed. If irritation occurs discontinue use.

Jasmine - Flower of Optimism

Also known as the “King of Flowers”, Jasmine (of the Oleaceae family of plants) is a beautiful evergreen shrub or vine with delicate, bright green leaves and very fragrant, star shaped white flowers.  The essential oil produced from this beautiful little flower has the most exquisite sweet floral and exotic, slightly heady fragrance.  Jasmine has long been used in perfumery and therapeutically.  In China the flowers are used to treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.  Although originally grown in the South of France commercially, today, the world’s supply of this oil mainly grows and is cultivated in Morocco, Algeria and India. 

Jasmine is reputed to have many properties including, antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative & uterine to name but a few.   It is especially helpful for emotional dilemmas, particularly when they involve relationship and sex.  Existing problems seem easier to solve, because they usually result from unresolved emotional blocks.  Aromatherapist Susanne Fischer-Rizzi says of Jasmine:

“The fragrance diminishes fear, it is helpful in enhancing self confidence and defeating pessimism.  No other oil is quite as capable of changing our mood so intensely, it offers little choice other than optimism.”

Jasmine Essential Oil has aptly been called an antidepressant and is equal to Melissa, Basil and Ylang-ylang in this respect.  It is also known as a hormonal balancer and is effective in the treatment of post-natal depression.   It can be used for spasms of the uterus, and soothes menstrual pain.

Feeling a little sad or frazzled, try this blend in your oil burner for a stress less day:

1 drops Jasmine essential oil

3 drops Lavender essential oil

1 drop  German Chamomile essential oil

2 drops Clary sage essential oil

 If you are not able to use an oil burner in your office, you can add these essential oils to a 50ml spray bottle full of purified water with 10 drops of essential oil solubuliser and sprits yourself as you need to.   Most reputable Aromatherapy Stores will be able to do this for you if you need help.

In pregnancy, Jasmine is beneficial in the last 2 weeks before labour due to its euphoric, anti-depressant and uterine tonic properties.  Again the same blend above can be used in you oil burner (although not before the 2 weeks prior to labour), or combined into a cold pressed vegetable oil (25ml) and applied to the stomach and lower back to help alleviate discomfort and stress.  These days many hospitals allow you to take your essential oils and oil burner with you to the labour ward.

For those tea totters out there, the dried flowers can also be used to make a delicious and uplifting tea.  It can be infused by itself with a little honey if you have a sweet tooth, or combined with other herbs such as green tea or St John’s Wort (another traditional depression remedy).  Simply add a teaspoon of your dried herbs per cup into a teapot and pour boiling water over them, cover and let sit for approximately 5 minutes.   Pour and enjoy!  The best way to buy your teas is loose, to ensure you can see the quality of the herbs before you buy.   Plus it adds to the relaxing experience to see these beautiful little flowers in your teapot too!  Please note that St John’s Wort should be avoided if you are taking anti-depressant medication of any sort.

Jasmine essential oil blends well with Bergamot, clary sage, frankincense geranium, lavender, orange, mandarin, neroli, palmerosa, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

To ensure you receive the fantastic benefits that essential oils hold, be sure you choose only pure essential oils, not perfume or synthetic oils( these are man made oils that originate from chemical manufacture, not plants and there fore have absolutely not therapeutic benefit whatsoever).   Pure essential oils can be identified by an inclusion of the botanical name of the plant, in for example Jasminum officinalis or Jasminum grandiflorium (these would be the most common you would see), caution information, and of cause it should be from a reputable producer.   Price as well as smell should also be a good indication of the status & quality of the oil.  If you find Pure Jasmine Essential oil for $5.00 – it’s probably not.

Choosing an Oil Burner

Choosing an Oil Burner

• When purchasing an aromatherapy oil burner the following should be considered:
• Choose a large, wide, deep saucer.
• Make sure the saucer can be removed for cleaning and extinguishing the candle.
• Make sure there is plenty of space between the tip of the flame and the bottom of the saucer, to prevent the water boiling and also charcoal to stop the bottom of the saucer.
• Make sure there are enough ventilation holes to allow maximum heat and use of the candle.
• A spacious access point to allow a large candle and so that candles can be lit while in place.

The most effective method of using essential oils as inhalations is by using an aromatherapy oil burner. 

This method of inhalation can be used for: 

• Treating respiratory tract problems.
• Treating throat infections.
• Eliminating catarrhal conditions.
• Relieving mental and physical fatigue.
• Reducing tension and anxiety.
• Calming the nervous system.

Oil Burner Safety

• Keep the oil burner away from children, pets and draughts.
• Keep the oil burner on a metal coaster or similar surface, to protect against drips.
• Use a small jug filled with boiling water to fill the saucer, this will save candle heat, add a few drops of essential oil.  More oil can be added as desired.
• Light the candle and carefully place it at the bottom of the oil burner.  Allow it to burn for the prescribed time and extinguish the candle.  Let the wax set without disturbing it, as it will set ready for use again.
• Never leave a naked flame unattended, burning all night, in the presence of someone untrustworthy, a child, where a pet may disturb it or where a sudden draught may endanger it.

The Advantages of Electric Oil Burners

• Eliminates the use of a naked flame and messy candle wax.
• Avoids the use of hot water, which has the potential to burn if a candle burner is knocked over.
• Although more expensive to purchase than most candle oil burners there is no need to continually be buying candles. So long-term the savings will out way the original cost.  If left on continuously an electric burner will only use 10 cents of power per week.
• The burning temperature does not vary and will not burn dry or overheat.
• The burner remains cool to touch.
• Easy to clean and maintain.  No need to constantly be adding water or checking if the candle is still burning.
• Meets safety standards for use in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Offices or the Home.  Is safe to use around children.

NATUROPATHY

Did you know that you can see your naturopath for minor health complaints as well as health overhauls? Often a quick consultation when you’ve cut yourself, have a cold, a cold sore, a sprain or tummy bug can help relieve symptoms and promote healing and is more affordable than a doctor.

Of course, a full consultation is always initially recommended to identify the cause of your current state of health and for a personalised wellness plan that covers all areas of your life. Apart from herbal medicine, you also receive dietary recommendations and lifestyle suggestions to balance your life and your health.

However, have some faith in yourself and your body’s ability to cope! You can treat yourself first. For example, Colds and flu are easy! Try three cups per day of Plant Essentials’ Winter Blues Tea Blend, increase your citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, strawberries, carrots, capsicum, tomato, paw paw, pineapple and green vegetable intake. Burn Breathe Easy Essential Oil blend to decongest. If you have a sore throat, gargle 20 drops of myrrh tincture in half a glass of water twice daily. Take 40-50mg zinc daily with food for three days then drop to half of that dose (high zinc foods include oysters, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, fish, kelp, alfalfa, lima beans, mushrooms, soybeans and whole grains).

Other excellent anti-viral herbs include Echinacea, Elder, St John’s Wort and Pau d’arco. Cat’s Claw and Andrographis are herbs available from your naturopath that are powerful immunity enhancers.

Natural medicine works on raising the Vital Force – our own healing ability. This includes boosting your immune system, oxygenating the blood, encouraging cell regeneration after damage, improving digestion and increasing energy levels. Herbs and correct nutrition can stimulate your body to achieve this.

Remember, being “not sick” is not the same as being “well”. You can achieve optimal health.

See your qualified health professional if you are not better within five days.

Ten Reasons to Eat Organic Foods

From: DrWeil.com (Dr. Andrew Weil)


Why Buy Organic?
I have long been a proponent of organic foods - I believe they have NEED.
The United Kingdom's Soil Association is the leading organic certifier for
that region. They published a list of 10 reasons for eating organic - all of
which I agree with:

1. It's healthy. Organic food tends to contain higher levels of
vitamin C, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and essential minerals such as
calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium.

2. No nasty additives. Organic food doesn't contain food additives
that can cause health problems such as heart disease, osteoporosis,
migraines and hyperactivity.

3. It avoids pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are
routinely used in conventional farming and residues are often present in
non-organic food.

4. No genetic modification. Under organic standards, genetically
modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed.

5. There is not a reliance on drugs. Organic farming standards
prohibit the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones in farm animals.

6. There are no hidden costs. As taxpayers, we pay for chemicals
to be removed from our drinking water - including the pesticide runoff from
conventional farms.

7. There are high standards. Organic food comes from trusted
sources that are inspected to ensure compliance to organic standards.

8. Organic methods provide for animals. Animal welfare is taken
very seriously under organic standards.

9. It's good for wildlife and the environment. The UK government
has said that organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution
from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas -
and less dangerous wastes.

10. It's flavorful. Many people prefer organic food because they
say it tastes better.

Trouble Sleeping?

Did you know that your memory and cognitive function can suffer through lack of sleep.  You may even find your skin unhappy.

What can you do?

Avoid stimulating activities and establish a soothing routine in the evenings for yourself and your children to encourage the relaxation required for deep, refreshing sleep.

Homoeopathy to try

Aconite     

As a result of shock. Anxious, fearful and restlessness.  Nightmares.

Arnica       

Sleepless from muscular aches and pains.  The bed feels too hard.  Jet lag.

Arsenicum

Restless, tense and anxious.  Worse between midnight and 3am.

Cina         

Grinds teeth, sleeps on stomach and jerks during sleep.  Worms

Cocculus  

Exhausted and dizzy from sleep disturbance.  Worse from loss of sleep for instance when caring for the sick, a restless baby or adjusting to shift work, jet lag etc.

Coffea       

Overactive mind, constant flow of thoughts.  Sleepless from joy.

Ignatia      

Disturbed sleep from grief, emotional shock or disappointed love.  Yawning and sighing.

Kali Phos  

Acts as a nerve tonic when suffering from excitement or overwork.

Nux Vomica 

Wakes at 3-4am and stays awake thinking of work or study.  Goes back to sleep around 5 am and then wakes irritable and unrefreshed.  Worse from over-indulgence.

Suphur    

Sleeps in cat naps, wakes frequently.  Sleepy by day.  Sleep disturbed by itchy skin, burning feet and hot flushes.  Talks, grunts or snores in sleep.

Herbs and Aromatherapy

Tranquil tea

contains a delicious blend of traditionally used herbs to aid sleep and relaxation.  Have a cup 30 minutes before bedtime.  Add valerian herb for extra deep sleep.

Tranquil Essential Oil Blend or Lavender essential oil

burning before bed time, or during sleep can soothe the worries of the day.

For the night thinker, try

Earth Essential Oil Blend or Vetiver. 

Both will quiet the mind and ground you, encouraging deeper more thorough sleep.

Flower and Bach Remedies

Rescue Remedy and Emergency Essence is useful for anxiety and stress.

Vervain is useful for poor sleep or if you are unable to relax.  Add Olive for complete physical and mental exhaustion.  Add

Red Chestnut for irrational fear (great for kids at night).

Calm and Clear taken morning and night can help to even out the stress of the day and promote relaxation in general.

Massage & Facials

Treat yourself to some pampering, and relax. 

We have a range of treatments designed to soothe and relax.

And remember no Caffeine (including black or green tea) late at night.

For more helpful suggestions please ask.

Find your calm…

“Take a rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop,” Ovid

When we are stressed we become less resistant to all kinds of illness that affect the body, the emotions and mind.  Allowing space for ourselves is something that many of us find difficult.  With the present-day emphasis on materialism and the achievement of external goals, it is important to keep in touch with ourselves, stop, relax, find your calm…

Herbs: Catnip, chamomile, hops, lavender, lemonbalm, passionflower, rose, skullcap, valerian, vervain, Californian poppy, kava, oats, St John’s wort, ginseng, licorice, schisandra…

Essential Oils: lavender, vetiver, nagchampa ( the real stuff), may chang, chamomile, sandalwood, clary sage, bergamot, ylang ylang, frankincense, jasmine, rose…

…or you can also try homeopathy, flower essences, massage, yoga, there are so many options.

Personalised flower essence, tea & oil blending available at Plant Essentials in the CBD, or we can help you pick a selection to experiment with at home.

Discover techniques to restore balance in your life, free information brochure “Pure Relaxation” available instore or at www.plantessentials.com.au.

GREEN MEDICINE

The medicine of the past becomes the medicine of the future.

Naturopathy is now more recognised as an effective system of healing than any time in the recent past. People are becoming disillusioned with the symptom-based prescribing of their conventional doctor. They are more educated and are demanding treatment options that work with a minimum of side effects and future ill-health consequences.

Naturopathy incorporates a variety of modalities to heal a person wholistically, that is, as a whole person – mind, body and spirit. A qualified naturopath will aim to understand the cause of their client’s current state of health and give suggestions to re-establish balance by lifestyle modification, dietary changes and herbal remedies.

Support is part of the healing process. A naturopath will follow up a client to ensure healing is on track. This way, recommendations and remedies can be modified as improvements are seen.

Naturopathy is about allowing a person to take responsibility for their own health and to give credit to their innate healing ability. Natural medicines gently ‘nudge’ body organs to function correctly or stimulate metabolic functions which lead to health and eventually no need for medicine. Conventional medicine can only suppress symptoms or take over body functions rather than allowing the body to balance itself.

The beauty of natural medicine is that it is available to everybody and is safe and side-effect free when administered properly. More qualified professionals are available these days to seek advice from when self-prescribing to ensure the right product and dose is obtained.

Herbal teas are a simple and effective natural treatment for many conditions from nervous tension, indigestion, infections and minor skin conditions. As you become more familiar with each herb, you can combine and blend for each individual.

Detox - Cellulite Management

The term Cellulite was first used in the early 1970s in beauty salons and spas to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat which caused uneven dimpling on the thighs and buttocks of many clients. Cellulite is a combination of fat, water, and toxic wastes that the body has failed to eliminate.

Cellulite is simply ordinary fatty tissue. Strands of fibrous tissue connect the skin to deeper tissue layers and also separate compartments that contain fat cells. When fat cells increase in size, these compartments bulge and produce a waffled appearance of the skin.

It appears in a large percentage of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. Areas where it is commonly but not exclusively found are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it can occur if you are overweight, normal, or thin.

Exercise and a healthy diet can make a difference. Some other therapeutic strategies for defending yourself are:

Skin Brushing - The skin is the largest organ of the body, and the largest area from which toxins are eliminated.  Skin brushing not only removes the build up of dead skin cells but improves the circulation of blood and lymph, which helps the body in its removal of cellular waste.

The first time you use a skin brush the bristles feel a little harsh so just take it gently to begin with.  It won’t be long before you get used to the sensation and your strokes become firmer.

Body brushing will take you between three to five minutes.  Start from your peripheries and move inwards towards your heart.  Be gentle on or avoid especially delicate parts of your body.

Lymphatic drainage massage is a very gentle, rhythmic technique that assists in the removal of cellular waste by stimulating circulation. See one of our qualified massage therapist.

Aromatherapy – Pure essential oils which are detoxifying, have diuretic properties and are stimulating to the lymphatic system are beneficial in reducing cellulite. Essential oils should be used in body oils or bath oils.  They include the following essential oils

Essential oil

Actions

Fennel Grapefruit Cypress Lemon Juniper Mandarin Orange Tangerine Rosemary Carrot seed

Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation, liver Diuretic, liver Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser, lemon Diuretic, alterative/blood cleanser, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation Diuretic Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation Diuretic, stimulates lymph and tissue fluid circulation Stimulates blood and lymph circulation and tissue fluid circulation, alterative/blood cleanser, liver Alterative/blood cleanser, liver

Body image has become increasingly important in recent years, but remember cellulite is not a disease. Your body fat is determined by what you eat and your exercise habits, unfortunately the distribution of fat is determined by heredity.  By using the techniques above and seeking help from a professional Aromatherapist, Massage Therapist, Nutritionist or Naturopath you can change your body.

Focus on Boab Bush Flower

The Main healing quality of boab is to clear the negative patterns of our ancestors. Boab helps to access and clear core patterns which inevitably are passed down from generation to generation. Patterns that we pick up during our upbringing from our parents that are no longer required can be cleared. Which will in turn, help you to become a better person and grow spiritually.

Aromatherapy and massage

Aromatherapy: using essentials oils either in massage oils, creams, burning them or in a compress to receive beneficial healing of the mind or body.  Essentials oils are products obtained from natural, raw material, by distillation or by mechanical processing.

• Particularly suitable for use in palliative care
• May not be possible to perform a full body massage on patient, therefore massage has to be adapted to the circumstance.
• Aromatherapy can be very useful to bring hidden emotions to the surface.

Lavender- relaxing effects

Chamomile- relaxing, ideal for people with insomnia

Breathe blend-relieves the symptoms of coughs, colds, flus and sinusitis

Sleep-nourishment and strengthening of mind and body

Ylang ylang and lemongrass- peaceful atmosphere and dispels odours from wounds, colostomy sites or incontinence

Geranium- uplifting and skin-rejuvenating properties

Grapefruit, lemongrass or may chang- very refreshing and uplifting

Nurses are ideally placed to initiate methods of symptom control including the use of touch and aromatherapy. There are no clear guidelines for the use of aromatherapy for cancer.

The benefits of those who receive aromatherapy treatment are:

• reduction of anxiety and stress
• a sense of well-being
• relief of constipation, headaches, muscular aches and pains, insomnia and infections
• improvement in circulation of blood
• stimulation of immune system

Gentle massage with essentials oils can help the patient relax which can ease physical pain.

Myths on massage which need to be corrected:

MAKE THE CANCER GROW DUE TO INCREASED BLOOD SUPPLY?

Blood circulation is increased following a massage, however this will not stimulate cancer growth.

MAKE THE CANCER SPREAD?

If the cancer is a spreading type (metastasise) then it will do so on its own accord.  Massage will not increase or decrease metastasise.

INTERFERE WITH CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION THERAPY?

These treatments are very powerful and will not be over-ridden by any effects of massage.

A massage therapist should be well trained in the guidelines to follow with cancer patients and discuss the treatment with other practitioners and nurses involved.  Similarly, Aromatherapists should seek permission of a medical person when treating a person with cancer

DEDICATING YOURSELF TO PAIN RELIEF:

Your body needs regular maintenance.  You take your car in for regular services so it doesn’t break down, so why should your body be any different?  This includes a healthy diet, balanced lifestyle, regular exercise and making sure you treat any aches and pains early so they don’t become larger problems that intrude in your life.

You, and only you, live in your body so you alone are responsible for its daily care and upkeep. 

Poor posture produces pain. What we do habitually/constantly/repeatedly determines which muscles we tighten or shorten.  These muscles can cause postural distortions and result in pain.  You can’t sit for 8 hours straight without at least having a stretch and then ask “I wonder why my lower back is sore”?

If you are on an exercise program or are receiving treatment for specific problems in your body, this needs to be tailored to be as unique as you are.

Medication is only masking the pain, it is not helping the problem.

Some simple hints for reducing your pain:

• Drink water as much as you can.  Dehydration can lead to tired, sore muscles.       

Headaches can arise from dehydration.

• Have a look at your workspace and see what you can change to minimise stress in your body.  Is your chair the right height so that your hips aren’t over- contracted?  Are you having to turn to one side to type on your computer?  Are you lifting things to heavy for yourself? 

• Get lots of sleep so your body can function properly.  Make sure your pillow and bed are right for your posture. 

• If you would like to find out more information, there are lots of practitioners in areas that can help you, for example massage therapy, reflexology, osteopaths, reiki and many others.  Find the practitioner that suits you.  They need to gather your history, your family history and find out where you have postural imbalances.  You create together, the best program for you.

• Get at least 30 minutes exercise a day.  Make it varied so you don’t get too bored.