Blog

Summer is here and we all enjoy spending time outdoors; and we are not the only ones. Bugs also emerge and their bites are for some not only unpleasant but painful as well.

If you are looking for a natural option to keep bugs away, that does not contain DEET read further to learn about essential oils blends. They can keep away insects and help heal bug bites faster, reduce itching and swelling when applied after an insect bite.  Blends that contains Eucalyptus citriodora, Citronella, Catnip are efficient and definitely more aromatic .  If you know you will be exposed to mosquitoes or other insects, you can start using the blend a few days prior.  Spray on feet and hands and exposed areas.  If you use  sunscreen, make sure to apply sunscreen first, wait 15-20 minutes and then apply the essential oils blend.  Follow the Safety instructions for essential oils.

To make an effective blend here is a good formula: Blend and bottle in a sprayer.

• 30 dr Eucalyptus citriodora
• 20 dr Citronella
• 10 dr Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• 10 dr Catnip
• 3 pipettes carrier oil (Fractionated coconut oil or Calendula)

Here is a website that has good quality essential oils:

New Directions Aromatics

Enjoy your summer!

=====================

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

Did you know that you can exercise your abdominal muscles while you are sitting. You may not get the six pack abdomen but the muscle toning benefit is real and it will relieve back pressure and improve your posture.

• Abdominal Hollowing – Contract the stomach deeply into the lumber spine. Exhale and inhale while holding the pose
• Seated Pelvic Tilt – This exercise is a favorite in Pilates; it can be done while standing with your back against the wall, in a supine position (lying down) or sitting on a chair or on a ball. It releases back pressure and improves postural and back problems.
  • Exhale and press your lower back into the seat; hold position briefly, inhale and tilt your pelvis forward creating an arch in your low back.

=================================================

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

I have recently read an article by McEntire on Arthritis and how Pilates can reduce the symptoms.

I am not going to talk about what Arthritis is; it is well known that it is an inflammation of the joints, and if you are suffering from Arthritis you know that it can be painful and debilitating. So why would someone that is already in pain would want to exercise?

Pilates can help develop muscular strength and balance and by using active breathing it can reduce stress and improve focus.  The improved flexibility gained from Pilates exercises reduce stiffness associated with Arthritis and may reduce pressure on the hips and other joints.

The exercises are gentle and can be modified for each individual. If you have Arthritis you may want to consult a doctor before commencing a Pilates routine.

==========================================================

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

I receive many questions about the use of essential oils  on children; here are a few tips:

Remember, safety first!

• Do not place undiluted essential oil close to baby’s face.
• Never used undiluted essential oil directly on baby’s skin (it can burn and cause irritation).
• Never use undiluted essential oil in a diffuser (the scent will be too strong).
• Never ingest an essential oil.
• Never add undiluted essential oils to a bath; it may burn the skin
• if your baby was born with special health conditions consult your physician before using any essential oils.
• When in doubt, don’t.

How to Use Essential Oils with Babies

Continue reading “Essential Oils for children”

There are many reasons why people can’t sleep and also many remedies.

One overlooked modality is Reflexology which is not just a foot massage. Feet are mostly ignored by many people when it comes to care, even though they support our body’s mobility. If you get pedicures you know how relaxing it is to have that foot massage at the end. That is because the foot it is not just a collection of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments but also a high concentration of nerve endings which make the feet sensitive to the touch. I love when I receive Reflexology by a practitioner; it helps me fall into that deep relaxation state that is so beneficial for healing. If you are a DIY person, here are some self-techniques that you can do before bed to help you sleep better.

Massage the areas shown on the chart. If you like essential oils add Lavender.

You can also do this to calm a baby or a child (a few minutes only). Dilute the essential oils for babies. You can mix Roman Chamomile and Lavender for a restful sleep.

(Reflexology chart by Isabelle Hutton)

http://www.isabellehutton.com/reflexology_chartlarge.html

=================================================================

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

 

We all have headaches now and then, and some of us get them more than others. They can be annoying and at times debilitating.  Here are some ways to reduce headaches naturally:

• Drink an extra glass of water;
• Self-Reflexology between the thumb and Index finger (see instructions below)
• Apply essential oils on the back of your  neck and temples (see recipes below)

Self-Reflexology for Headaches

Use your thumb to press the area between your thumb and Index in a rocking motion. Work within your comfort level, when you have a headache this reflex can be tender. Repeat on and off for about 7 min. Work both hands even if your headache is on one side of your head.

Apply Essential Oils

My favorite essential oils for headaches is Peppermint. It is refreshing and energetic. It contains menthol which helps relax the muscles.  Dilute the peppermint with another carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Apply a few drops on the back of the neck and/or on temples and massage lightly.

You can also use Rosemary and Lavender (Caution: do not use Peppermint for children under 7 year old. Do not use Rosemary if history of seizures).

When certain oils are blended they mutually enhance their respective properties in a way that amplifies their energy, this is called synergy.

For children I prefer a blend of Lavender and Roman Chamomile.

Use these methods for occasional, mild headaches.  Consult your doctor for severe and prolonged headaches.

==============================================

(Reflexology chart by Isabelle Hutton); 

http://www.isabellehutton.com/reflexology_chartlarge.html

==============================================

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

 

 

Not many of us have seen the beautiful delicate and fragrant white flowers of the Tamanu tree that grows up to 3 meters tall and blooms twice a year. The oil extracted from Tamanu (or Foraha) is thick and rich and when applied topically is known to be indispensable in formulations for viral and bacterial skin diseases.  I use this wonderful oil in a Hair Nourishing formula that I make for myself; I blend it  with Calendula, Argan oil and a few other essential oils with remarkable skin regenerative properties which may strengthen hair follicles and strands. Massage this blend into the scalp and hair strands before bed time and let it do its magic while you sleep. Make sure to cover your pillow with a towel. Wash in the morning and enjoy the luscious feel.

You can purchase all these wonderful oils over the web. Here is my favorite Essential oils website

New Directions Aromatics

=====================

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

A friend of mine and a Pilates client talked to me about this article “Going Wild” written by Charlotte Watts, in which the author talks about Good versus Bad Stress, and  how people that live in the city are more stressed than those living in a rural environment.  While the word “stress” is being perceived as bad, there is the concept of “positive stress” or “eustress” that increases the cognitive function and based on other studies produces a pro-inflammatory response.

The author mentions a few ways to replicate natural eustressors and Pilates and Yoga are high on her list as activities that “bring attention to our extremities and redirect the immune system back out to the skin, our first barrier of defense.”

A lot has been written about Pilates as a form of exercise since Joseph Pilates,  who introduced it to dancers and performing arts community in 1923 in New York.

But how about Pilates for older adults and seniors?. ” Pilates is perfect for older adults because it does not have the impact on the body that other forms of exercise do, and it is not as severe on the joints as other workouts are” (Ellie Herman). Done correctly, it helps with a variety of aliments including arthritis, back pain and also improves concentration, control and precision in people that suffered from stroke or simply keeps our minds, balance and focus sharp as we age.