Reflexology

Today’s topic is Foot Reflexology which is defined as: ‘Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury, and illness. Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist manipulates the pressure points according to specific techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain, illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the application of pressure at the respective foot or hand location.’ Medical -dictionary the free dictionary.com/Reflexology A real plus for some folks is that this foot treatment takes place fully clothed sans shoes and socks. The client lays down on a Massage table with a bolster(pillow) under their knees,there is an option to have a table warmer on if you tend run cold. Many people report that they feel an overall sense of wellbeing following a session. It is an hour long treatment of just feet time how awesome is that? Our feet hold us up day after day they could use some serious pampering. To warm the muscles tendons etc. we use a blend of oil and lotion made by Epicuren it is a great product available in a variety of luxuriant aromas. Cheers to you all : ) Trish T., LMT La Bella Derma View Reflexology at La Bella Derma here

The art and practice of self-soothing

The art and practice of self-soothing Self - soothe as defined by the Free Dictionary by Farlex is a deliberate effort to calm oneself. It is an alternative to the use of medications alcohol or drugs for managing anxiety and stress,eating disorders or insomnia.To self soothe we need to become aware of a desire to find balance and restore a sense of peacefulness in our hectic busy schedules. We can accomplish a sense of self soothing by accessing our senses in a variety of healthy ways. Our sense of self touch can be very comforting when we need a bit of grounding. Begin by using a high quality lotion such as Epicuren Avocado soothing lotion. Rub the moisturizer into your hands and onto your forearms, doing so slowly & gently. Take your time, enjoy the sensation of exploring what feels good to you while you are applying the lotion. Manipulate your musculature in a deliberate way thus promoting a sense of well being. Have fun make little circles, place the palm of your hand on your forearm and gently rock your arm to and fro.This act is more about calming and treating yourself well then simply about applying a moisturizing agent. A simple effective means of self - soothing is to take both hands place on top of your head and slowly work your way down your skull you can include gentle squeezes to your neck region. Face it, we live busy lives. The more we are able to access ways to help ourselves find peace in the simple things, the better we can handle life’s inevitable challenges. Slainte Mhaith Gaelic for Good Health Trish T., LMT La Bella Derma

Introduction to Massage Therapy

I have heard many people refer to Massage as an indulgence. Indulging in activities that benefit us is a positive experience. Massage is one means to help oneself to have more freedom of movement and the potential of experiencing less pain overall. Receiving regular Massage has been proven to help reduce inflammation, aid in an overall reduction of the effects of stress, helps to keep us moving forward in our busy lives with less muscular tension, pain and restriction. The act of receiving a Massage is brilliant in the subacute stage of any muscular imbalance. Many instances of "overdoing it" can lead to us feeling aches and pains that are new to us, this is an excellent time to seek the assistance of a qualified Muscular specialist. "Physical issues such as fatigue, pain and tension are the most outwardly indicators that self care is lacking... Taking a few hours for a massage, facial or other spa treatments can be just what your body craves when you’ve overdone your work or underdone your normal self-care routine, or a combination of both."(1) Whether you are a regular to Massage and Spa treatments or open to trying new experiences, indulging oneself with quality treatments is a healthy way to keep you feeling and looking your best. Be - you - tiful I have included a link that explains what one can expect when experiencing a Massage for the first time. Take care of yourself Trish T, MT La Bella Derma https://www.massagemag.com/spa-day-self-care-86632/

What does Fragrance actually mean?

What is fragrance?

Fragrance, or perfume is often confused with the word “scent”.  A scent is simply the way something smells.  Perfume and mothballs both have a scent, but only one is a fragrance.  Let me break it down:

Fragrance is an actual ingredient, well a compound made up of several ingredients to be exact.  Although perfume is the biggest offender, fragrance is also found in many of your favorite skin care products, and most of your hair care products. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials that are reported as being used in fragrance compound.  Although cosmetics and other products are regulated through the FDA and must list all ingredients, one ingredient you may find in your products is the mysterious “FRAGRANCE”!  When you see this word, it means that ONE listed ingredient actually contains up to 3,059 ingredients.  How is this possible?!  The FDA has a loophole that allows the makeup of different fragrances to remain a secret to guard the trade secret formulas.

Phthalates are often found in 70% of perfumes tested, and not listed on the label (see above.)  Phthalates are known hormone disruptors which can lead to problems like infertility, metabolic issues, breast cancer, birth defects, diabetes, obesity and more.  A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital linked phthalates to an increased risk for preterm birth.  Pregnant woman who wore perfume and underwent testing had  phthalate concentrations 167 percent higher than non-users.

Your skin, your body’s largest organ, (YES- SKIN IS AN ORGAN, which means it needs to be healthy to function) has many jobs, one of which is absorption.  This is the most common way fragrance enters your body.  Fragrance can also affect you by contact with fragranced items (ie hugging someone wearing perfume, sleeping in sheets washed with a fragranced detergent), and by exposure to air containing fragrances (this is why I avoid the laundry detergent aisle at all costs!!!).  Yep, our skin will absorb the vapors!  Fragrance lingers a long time in the air.  It settles and stick to the skin, hair, clothes, furnishings, furniture, food… everything… yeah…. Food!

Did you know that 95% of the chemicals in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum? Also, many of the chemicals in perfumes are the same chemicals in cigarette smoke. GROSS.

In case this information wasn’t enough on it’s own to make you weary of personal use, know that your perfume is also affecting the health of those around you.  In addition to the above health issues, perfume can also affect men’s infertility, sperm count.  In babies and kids, phthalates have been linked to obesity, asthma, behavioral problems, genital changes in boys and early puberty in girls.

There’s more….

Fragrance has neurological, systemic and respiratory effects.  It is a known human immune toxicant.  It also has a huge effect on our environment by polluting our air and water.  When we wash our hair, bodies, clothes, etc with items containing fragrance, it is washing down the drain and into waste water treatment facilities which DO NOT REMOVE these chemicals.

How do you know if your product has fragrance?  It will be listed as an ingredient on your products.  Looking for change and still want to smell good?  Consider custom blending a perfume that consists of essential oils and witch hazel!  The same essential oils can be added to fragrance-free detergents, lotions and body washes!  

References:

https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/702512/FRAGRANCE/#

http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/fragrance/#sthash.Armh8LHQ.dpuf

http://saferchemicals.org/chemicals/phthalates/

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/environmental/fragrance-a-growing-health-and-environmental-hazard