Life  can be stressful and, if you’re not careful, stress can begin to reek havoc on your body and mind. A great  way to release stress pinned up in the body is by taking advantage of an aromatherapy massage.

What makes an aromatherapy massage different from other massages is the use of essential oils. In most cases, you can have an essential oil blend created specifically for you and your  body’s current need.

When I had my first aromatherapy massage the experience beginning to end was a joy. I have suffered from tight shoulders and chronic lower back pain for years. As a treat to myself, and a way to alleviate the pain, I embarked on my first ever massage.

I arrived early to complete a questionnaire and spoke to the massage therapist about the issues I was experiencing. After the intake, he presented me with a bottles of essential oils that would help work out the tension and clear my head of fog and clutter. I smelled the oils one by one selecting which I preferred, and which I didn’t want to smell well after the massage was over.

From my selection he create a massage oil blend that would warm the muscles and release the tension. Together with gentle music and relaxing atmosphere, I was well on my way to aromatic heaven. I left the spa an hour later feeling lighter and euphoric. Since that day, I make it a point to treat my body to an aromatherapy massage, especially when my life gets crazy.

Now, I will admit that, depending where you go, massage can be a bit pricey, but they are well worth the cost. But, in those cases when it’s just not in the budget, create an aromatherapy spa experience at home.

Bringing It Home

The first thing you want to do is create a peaceful environment. You don’t want to be interrupted in the middle of the massage by the phone, cat or neighbor’s music. Small spaces are better than big and adds to the intimacy.

Find a level flat surface, such as the floor and lay down two sheets. The bed is not a good option, so skip that thought. If you have one, plug in your portable space heater to warm the room a bit. Massages are more beneficial if the person receiving the massage is naked, so the heater will help keep them warm during the massage.

Next, find some soothing music and adjust the lighting. You want to make the person as comfortable as possible so they can relax. Prepare your massage oil blend and keep it near by. Have the person lay between the sheets, allow one to be beneath them and the other on top. The key is to only expose the part of the body that is being massaged.

Pour a small amount of oil into the palm of your hands and rub them together. the friction will help warm the oil. Starting at the top with the head and neck, gently massage the body using a kneading motion. Work your way down one side of the body to the tips of the toes. Move to the other side and repeat. Be sure to massage those fingers, hands feet and toes. They hold a lot of tension as well. Reapply the oil your hands when needed and repeat on the other side, taking care to cover areas of the body not being massaged with the sheet.

As a rule, and being one who hates to chat during a massage, I would also suggest as little conversation as possible. The idea is to let the brain rest along with the body, and not have to focus on anything other than where you need more or less pressure applied in the massage.

Massage Blends

Add the following blends to 2 ounces of your favorite carrier oil.

Relieve Muscle Tension

• 4 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops Ginger essential oil
• 3 drops Lemongrass essential oil

Sensual Blend

• 4 drops Vetiver essential oil
• 4 drops Orange essential oil
• 3 drops Petitgrain essential oil
• 3 drops Neroli essential oil

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: aromatherapy massage

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Growing up we did a lot of walking, skating, biking and running. And, at the end of the day, you were sure to hear one of the adults declare “my dogs are barking!” This was clear indication that their feet were tired, achy, hot and hurting.

Funny way to acknowledge the condition of one of the most used part of our body, but it did bring attention to how much we are on our feet.

I’m a big fan of reflexology and believe that stimulating the nerves in the feet can have a positive effect on the rest of the body. Besides that wonderful , it just feels good. I mean really good. Man, there’s nothing like a foot massage to get you up and moving again. Except maybe a foot soak before the massage.

Soaking your feet has many benefits on their own such as, reducing swelling and softening dead skin. When you add a few other components to your soak, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do it.

Soaking Up the Ahh..Not Your Dollars
To get started with a foot soak, you don’t need to go out and spend lots of money on an electric foot spa (unless you want to) and supplies. You can create your own spa experience at home with a few tools and tips.

Tip #1
Make a trip to your local Dollar Store and spend $3.00.

• Buy a small plastic tub big enough to fit your feet
• Buy a bag of marbles
• Buy a box of Epsom salts

Tip #2
Use essential oils to max out the benefits of your foot soak. Here is one of my favorite blends. 

• 10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
• 6 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops of Ginger essential oil

Now that you have your tool and tips, let’s get the soak going.

1. Find a comfortable area to sit in. Gather all the things you’ll need to keep you occupied for 20 minutes (ex. phone, magazine, book, knitting…nothing).
2. Find a level space on the floor to place your tub.
3. Place a towel on the floor to absorb any spills, and put the tub on top.
4. Pour your marbles in to the bottom of the tub.
5. Into the tub, pour lukewarm to hot water (about the same temp as your bath), filling  half  way.
6. Add a cup of Epsom salt and your essential oil blend.
7. Put feet into water and move feet across the marbles. This will stimulate the nerve endings in your feet.
8. Relax for 20 minutes.

Once your soak is over, dry off your feet and use a pumice stone to sloth off dry skin on the balls and heals of your feet. Follow-up revitalizing massage oil using the same essential oil blend added to 4 oz of sweet almond oil. Be sure to massage the feet ankles and calves. It’s all connected and will make a big difference in how you feel.

Related posts:

1. Treat Yourself To An Aromatherapy Shave

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2010. | Permalink | Be the first to comment on this post | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: father's day, foot massage, foot soak

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Shaving is one of those grooming rituals that both men and women do on a daily bases. The problem is shaving can leave your skin dry, irritated, inflamed, and, if you don’t have the proper equipment & time, cut to shreds. Instead of using products made of chemicals you can’t pronounce, try an aromatherapy shave and protect your skin while will getting a smooth shave.

Shaving Cream Replacement
Shaving creams promise to do so many things, from turning you into a stud muffin to making your legs the first thing people will notice when you walk into a room, when the one thing you want it to do is work without the irritation shaving leaves behind.

A good replacement for those creams is shea butter. As you’ve heard me say so many times before, shea butter is one of those multi-purpose skin healer that you need to keep on hand. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals and is a natural moisturizer for dry to normal skin types.

To use the shea butter, simply apply a small amount into the palm of your hand (believe me, a little goes a long way) and rub onto the area you intend to shave. Shave as you normally would. For an added benefit, try using  jojoba oil mixed with the shea butter or use it alone. Jojoba oil is naturally an anti-inflammatory oil and will leave your skin healthy and glowing.

Follow-Up Is Key
Now that your skin is freshly shaved, it needs a soothing, astringent lotion.  Follow-up with a shaving lotion to add another layer of protection. It so simple and easy to make an aftershave “lotion” at home. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 4 oz bottle with disc cap
2. 4 oz of witch hazel
3. 15-20 drops of essential oil

Make all the ingredients into the bottle and shake. Using a cotton ball, apply the lotion to your skin. Shake before each use.

Blends For Him and Her
For Him

• 10 drops Orange essential oil
• 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops Vanilla essential oil
• 1-2 drop(s) Cinnamon essential oil

For Her

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops Geranium essential oil

Both

• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 5 drops Tea tree essential oil

Show your skin some love the next time you pull out that razor.

Related posts:

1. Are Your Dogs Barking? Soothe Them With A Revitalizing Foot Soak & Massage

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2010. | Permalink | Be the first to comment on this post | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: aromatherapy, father's day, shave, shaving

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

As wonderful as it feels to be pampered and cared for by someone else, we can’t neglect ourselves when that extra set of hands aren’t available.  Take a little me time to rejuvenate, revive or relax. 

After a long day, or week for that matter, my favorite thing to do is to take an herbal bath soak.  It’s so relaxing and it makes you slow down, quiet your thoughts, and exhale.  Here is an herbal bath recipe to get you shooting on all cylinders again.

Invigorating Rosemary & Sage Bath

• 1/4 cup dried rosemary (relieves mental fatigue)
• 1/4 cup dried sage (treats loss of concentration)
• 2 tablespoons of oatmeal (softens the water)
• re-useable muslin sack or cloth pouch of some kind

Mix your ingredients and add to the sack.  While the bath water is running, drop sack into the bathtub near the faucet.  Once your water has reached the desired level, turn off and give your water a little stir before getting in.  The herbal sack can now be used as an exfoliating herbal wash sack. 

Once you’ve finished your bath, empty sack of herbs into the trash and allow sack to air dry so it will be ready for that next relaxing bath.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2010. | Permalink | Be the first to comment on this post | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: herbal bath

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

There’s nothing so soothing after a long day than falling into a bed with crisp fresh linen, lightly scented with lavender.  This easy aromatic recipe is a great way to relax the mind while you relax the body.

What you’ll need:

• 4 oz. spray bottle
• 3 oz. distilled water
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil

Putting it together:

1. Pour distilled water into the spray bottle.
2. Add Lavender essential oil to water.
3. Put on the bottle top.  Shake.  Lightly spray linen and pillows.
4. Allow to air dry before adding covering.

Photo by Warren Noronha

Related posts:

1. Lavender Water
2. Lavender Sunburn Cooling Gel

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

© Clesha Staten for Simply Clesha: In Your Secret Place, 2005-2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: bedroom, lavender

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh