Massage

We know that massage feels good but did you know that it is good for you and should be done regularly as part of healthy lifestyle?  Unfortunately the idea still exists that massage is a “treat” and is something for special occasions only.  In fact when massage is received on a regular basis all aspects of your body perform at more optimal levels.  There’s a reason why we feel good after a massage session, and also a reason why it should be adapted as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Generally maintenance massage is recommended once a month.  However, if you have muscle tissues that are really restricted or other specific work needed your massage therapist can discuss this with you to determine what frequency is right for you.  Massage is good for you, read on to see some other benefits that you may not know massage provides.

1. Drink water!  Water is beneficial for the entire body, and pre massage hydration is very important.  By keeping your body hydrated your muscle tissue will move better during a massage.

2.  That “tightness” we often feel in our muscles is from our daily postural habits which causes the muscles to shorten neurologically.  Massage helps to reset the muscle length.

3.  Massage can help lower blood pressure.

4.  Regular massage therapy can improve performance in exercise and sports as less tissue is restricted.

5.  Massage improves blood flow to tissues and enhances recovery via nutrient rich blood.

6.  Massage can help to decrease long-term chronic pain over time.

7.  Massage can assist in improving posture.

8.  Massage therapy can decrease dependency on N.S.A.I.D.( non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, e.g. Advil).

9. Tight hamstrings contribute to low back pain, which massage can relieve through lengthening.

10. May help with nerve impingement like carpal tunnel.

11. May help relieve rotator cuff impingement.

12. May help relieve sciatica.

13.  Regular massage helps to strengthen the immune system.

14.  Massage helps to relieve anxiety and depression through the release of endorphins (those “feel good” chemicals in our brains).  In fact, clients who receive massage regularly have reported they feel happier and are better able to deal with stress.

15. Helps relive headaches and migraines.

If scheduling a massage is on your “to-do” list, call today and make that appointment happen!  You can also call us any time if you have any additional questions.  At Your Body Needs… we are here for you!  You can contact us at 443-292-4395.

Botanical Name:

Source: Leaves

Overview:

Happy New Year!  Welcome the new year with the germ busting essential oil of tea tree!  This is a strong essential oil when it comes to germ fighting potential.  Tea tree is an immuno-stimulant which makes it a handy essential oil to have as we get through these winter months.  Tea tree helps support a healthy immune system while warding off those germs that cause cold and flu viruses.  If you don’t have tea tree essential oil in your home already; hopefully you will after reading about its benefits!  I encourage you to try the “Healthy New Year” diffuser blend, it smells very refreshing which makes it great for a new year while combining tea tree, rosemary and lavender to ward of germs! 

Tea tree oil has a history that begins in Australia.  It was used extensively by Australian aborigines who used it to treat a multitude of symptoms.  They used it to help heal cuts, burns, infections, bug bites and bruises.  The aborigines also used this oil to treat those with coughs, colds and headaches.  As you can see this essential oil is another one that is a must have for the first aid kit. 

Uses & Facts:

• Used in YBN’s Clean Your Home Naturally Workshop.
• Tea tree is a broad spectrum antimicrobial against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• The name was derived from Captain Cook who used the leaves in a tea in effort to prevent scurvy.
• Promotes the immune system which makes tea tree a great choice during cold and flu season.
• Aides in the respiratory system; useful for asthma, bronchitis, coughs and sinus problems.
• Useful in treating acne, athlete’s foot, cold sores and dandruff.

Healthy New Year Diffuser Blend

3 drops Tea tree
4 drops Rosemary
5 drops Lavender

Come on in and shop our studio or on-line!  For the month of January receive 10% off your Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil purchase!

As always, check out our website at www.YourBodyNeeds.com for more information and recipes!  Your Body Needs… wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! 

Some Benefits of Massage:

• Enhanced immunity
• Increased range of motion
• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Reduction in stress

When we are experiencing a lot of  stress all of these benefits that massage offers is being reduced, this is why regular treatment is beneficial.  Massage is not a luxury, but rather an investment in your health and well-being. 

When you combine essential oils with massage you get twice the benefit!  Essential oils can help with a variety of issues.  To add more benefit to your massage session you can use YBN’s True Aromatherpay Blends.

Benefits of Aromatherapy with Massage:

• Reduce stress (try YBN’s Lavender, German Chamomile & Lavender or Sandalwood).
• Ease muscle tension (try YBN’s Muscle Therapy Blend).
• Uplift mood and decrease lethargy (try YBN’s Eucalyptus & Peppermint or Geranium & Orange).
• Calm the body and the mind (try YBN’s Total Calm, a blend of Clary Sage, Frankincense & Ylang Ylang).

The use of essential oils in your home, car and office in between your massage sessions is another way you can take care of yourself not only during this time of year but all year long.  Use a tea light diffuser or nebulizer in your home and office and a car diffuser during your daily commute. 

Essential Suggestions to Reduce Stress:

• Bergamot- helps to uplift the spirits and relieve stress.
• Cedarwood- Calms nervous tension.
• Chamomile (Roman or German)- Calming.
• Cinnamon- Warming, comforting, and energizing.
• Clary Sage- Helps to calm the mind and body.
• Clove Bud- Warming and uplifting.
• Frankincense- Comforting and tranquil.
• Grapefruit- Cheerful and uplifting.
• Jasmine- Helps to relieve anxiety.
• Lavender- Helps to calm the mind.
• Mandarin- Cheerful and uplifting.
• Neroli- Uplifiting, helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Sandalwood- Calming and relaxing.
• Thyme- Warm and comforting.
• Ylang Ylang- Calming during stressful times.

Take care of yourself and have a happy and healthy holiday season! 

Stay tuned for the next blog in January for the Essential Oil of the Month!

Botanical Name:

Source:  herb/leaves

Overview:

Put a little pep in your step this December with the refreshing aroma of peppermint essential oil!  There is more to this essential oil than candy canes and an herb that mixes well with chocolate.   This is a wonderful oil to use this time of year as we typically become caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  If you find yourself lacking energy, then peppermint is a great choice as it is a stimulating oil that can awaken your mind and provide you with a healthy energy boost.

 Peppermint essential oil can bring the aroma of the holidays into your home but can also be an oil that gets added to the first aid kit. Peppermint is an excellent essential oil to have on hand as it aids in relief from headaches, nausea, upset stomachs, nasal and chest congestion, insect bites  and so much more.  Peppermint also works as an analgesic (pain reliever) for the muscles, that’s why it is one of the ingredients in Your Body Needs… Muscle Therapy Cream.  Peppermint essential oil also increases circulation; so next time you come to Your Body Needs… for a massage why not try our peppermint & eucalyptus aromatherapy blend?

Uses & Facts:

• Peppermint essential oil is found in Your Body Needs… Muscle Therapy Cream, Peppermint & Eucalyptus aromatherapy blend for massages and seasonally offered in the Merry Mint votive candles!
• Peppermint can be used around windows and doorways in the home to keep ants away.
• Use as headache relief; mix one drop of peppermint with one teaspoon of carrier oil and apply to forehead, temples and base of neck and take a few deep inhales of the oil.
• For sinus and nasal congestion use in a steam inhalation to open up the nasal passages.  Add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil and 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl and fill with boiling water then breathe in. (Just remember to keep eyes closed; peppermint can irritate the membranes of the eyes).
• In the warmer months peppermint can be used for its cooling effects.  Apply a couple drops to a cool cloth and place on your neck.
• Add one drop of peppermint essential oil to hot tea for upset stomach relief.
• The botanical name Mentha evolved out of Greek mythology where Menthe was a nymph that was changed into a plant after Persephone became jealous over Pluto’s love of this nymph. 
• Peppermint was used in baths during Medieval times for its fresh scent.

Recipes:

Festive Holiday Diffuser Blend:

4 drops Peppermint
3 drops Cinnamon
4 drops Rosemary

Green Bean Salad with Mint

Makes 6-8 servings

1.5 pounds fresh green beans                                         1 clove garlic

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil                                          1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves                                               1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1cup each: toasted walnuts, chopped red onion and crumbled feta cheese.

Directions:

Wash beans and trim ends; cut into halves or thirds.  Blanch by dropping into boiling water 5 minutes.  Drain and plunge into ice water 5 minutes; drain and chill.

Combine oil, mint leaves, vinegar, salt, garlic and pepper in food processor or blender and process 20 seconds; set aside.  Place beans in large glass bowl and top with toasted walnuts, red onion and feta.  Pour dressing over salad and toss before serving. 

*Best if made 2 hours ahead of time or the day before for flavors to develop.

*Recipe is from Herb Society of America

Come on in and shop our studio or on-line!  For the month of December receive 10% off your Peppermint pure essential oil purchase!

As always, check out our website atwww.YourBodyNeeds.com for more information and recipes!

Here’s some of our favorite things…

~Rose- Although she feels partial to all the products; her favorite every day product is the Classic Blend Body Oil.  She loves the way it makes her skin look and feel. Because Rose uses this product everyday her skin is healthy, nourished and looks great!  She believes The Classic Blend Body Oil is the perfect pairing of carrier oils with essential oils; this blend consists of almond and jojoba oils blended with the pure essential oil of lavender.

~Chris- Right now his favorite product is the sweet almond oil and his skin is glowing.  He has really noticed an improvement in the texture of his skin; it is softer than ever!  He says that he does not remember a time when his skin has felt and looked better!  Sweet almond oil is full of vitamins and minerals and is beneficial for all skin types.

~Janet D- Her favorite product is the Muscle Therapy Cream because it has two of her favorite essential oils in it, rosemary and peppermint. She also loves the way it helps her muscles and joints and uses it regularly between massage sessions. She also has been using the rosemary essential oil in her shampoo for an “eye opening” experience to wake her up in the morning shower! What a great idea!

~Nikki- Her favorite product is the Hydrating Hand and Foot Cream.  She started using this last winter when her hands were very dry. It really helps to heal and nourish her skin, it is her all time standby for her hands.  The blend of the lavender and roman chamomile is very soothing for dry and cracked skin.  It truly is a must have, especially through the winter months.

~Janet C- Her favorite products are the sweet almond oil blended with geranium and orange essential oils. She uses this everyday to ensure her skin is getting the best treatment and she loves the way it smells too! With it being this time of year and the holidays are upon us, she is also enjoying our Nice Spice candles! These are a seasonal item of Your Body Needs… stock up now!

~Beverly- She also enjoys the Hydrating Hand and Foot Cream.  She has been using it for some time now and it has really helped her cracked heels. Another benefit of this cream is that it smells wonderful, it is fast absorbing and a little goes a long way. She also loves the aroma so much that sometimes she opens it up just to smell it! Close behind the Hydrating Hand and Foot Cream is the Classic Body Blend Body Oil….sometimes picking one product is difficult!

~Corey- His favorite product is cedarwood essential oil. He enjoys using it in a tea light diffuser as it helps him relax and calm down. Cory has found this essential oil beneficial at night as it helps him obtain a restful sleep.

The staff is very passionate about our products and they should be!  Our products are made with care and quality ingredients.  We have a variety of lovely gift packages put together to make your holiday shopping a bit easier. 

Here’s what you can find in the studio this holiday season:

• Happy Feet- includes your choice of either a 4oz Lovely candle or a 4oz Total Calm candle, Your Body Needs…  Hydrating Hand and Foot Cream, and a pumice stone.
• Body Beautiful- includes Your Body Needs… Classic Blend Body Oil, a luxurious waffle weave wash cloth, Honey and Oats goatsmilk soap and a soap dish.
• Massage Me Gift Package- complete with Your Body Needs… Muscle Therapy Cream, a wooden massage roller and an herb mint pillow.
• A Little Something- includes a face brush, waffle weave wash cloth, pure lavender soap and a soap dish.
• Nebulizer kits “Berry Christmas”  comes with essential oils of juniper berry, peppermint and cedarwood and “Cinnamon and Spice and Everything Nice” comes with essential oils of cinnamon, clove and orange.
• Breathe Deep Yoga Kit- the perfect gift for the Yogi in your life; contains essential oils of frankincense, clary sage and peppermint.  Also comes with a diffuser recipe to complete a yoga workout.
• Travel Box gift sets- One kit contains geranium and orange while the other kit contains lavender and tea tree. These are perfect for the person who is always on the go! 

We hope you can find some of your favorite things right here at Your Body Needs…  We wish you a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you soon!

Botanical Name: 

Source:  Leaf

Overview:

Welcome November with cinnamon leaf essential oil!  Autumn is here and the temperatures are beginning to drop which makes this the perfect time to incorporate cinnamon essential oil in your home.  This essential oil has a wonderful spicy and warming aroma which is nice to have on chilly nights as it helps to make your home feel warm and cozy!  Cinnamon is a great oil to diffuse in the home as it is power packed with germ fighting potential thus keeping colds at bay.  This wonderful essential oil is also a stimulant and helps to lift your mood. If you are feeling sluggish as the days are becoming shorter, Cinnamon may be just what you need to make you feel more energized and alert!

Uses & Facts:

• Was used medicinally by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Chinese.
• Cinnamon has been highly traded since antiquity, it was among one of the most expensive spices during the spice trade times.
• Its aroma is commonly used in making perfumes.
• Can be used as an insect repellant.
• Helps create a positive and uplifted mood.
• Use in a diffuser or nebulizer to reduce germs and strengthen your immune system during cold and flu season.
• Great oil to use in cleaning as it contains broad spectrum antiviral properties.

Recipes:

Spicy Autumn Diffuser Blend

4 drops Cinnamon
3 drops Ginger
5 drops Orange

Cinnamon Hot Cocoa Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup milk
1 Tbsp half and half
2 ounces chocolate coarsely chopped (Whatever variety you like; milk, dark, or white)
1-2 drops Cinnamon essential oil

Directions:

Place cup of milk in a small pot over medium heat.  Stir occasionally, once milk has heated up (about 5 minutes) add the chocolate.  Stir continually until the chocolate has melted and is combined with the milk.  Add the half and half, stir for a minute more.  Carefully pour into mug.  Add 1-2 drops of Cinnamon essential oil, stir to combine.  Enjoy!

*If you like your cocoa a bit sweet you can add 3-4 ounces of chocolate and or also add a bit of sugar to it.

Come on in and shop our studio or on-line!  For the month of November receive 10% off your Cinnamon pure essential oil purchase!

As always, check out our website atwww.YourBodyNeeds.com for more information and recipes!

This workshop will provide you with insight to do just that. Sign up today and learn how you can reduce indoor air pollution in your home and make it an even safer environment!

Starting in November, Clean Your Home Naturally will be held on the following schedule:

• Tuesday November 1st at 11:30am
• Thursday November 10th at 7pm
• Tuesday November 15th at 7pm

In this workshop we will be making an all-purpose spray cleaner, a carpet freshener and a deodorizing room spray. You get to take the products you make home with you so you can get started right away! Also included are additional cleaning recipes and tips to keep you going! So make cleaning fun again and better yet, make cleaning smell good! Ahh! Hope to see you there!

*In addition to Clean Your Home Naturally we have other new workshops in November too!  Gift Making for the Holidays & Love the Skin You’re In!  As always we have an Intro to Aroma workshop too!  Be sure to check these out, the full schedule can be viewed on the website.  We hope to see you there.  Our workshops are fun and informative plus you receive a discount on any purchases made at the workshop!

Botanical Name

Overview:
October is here and we are starting to feel the nip of autumn in the air; what a great month to enjoy clove bud.  It has a warm, sweet and spicy aroma that blends right along with the season.  As the days begin to grow shorter this is a wonderful essential oil to welcome into your home; it will fill the crisp nights with warmth and coziness that you need during autumn.    This essential oil is also a potent one for fighting germs; which is handy to know just before we head into cold and flu season.

Uses & Facts:

• Clove bud is one of the essential oils used in YBN’s Muscle Therapy Cream and also one of the ingredients in the Muscle Rub massage blend.
•  Used to aid in digestion (such as clove tea).
• Pain reliever, great for a toothache (place a drop of clove bud around a cavity and it will provide pain relief).
• A great essential oil to clean the home with (it’s a broad spectrum antimicrobial).
• A great essential oil to diffuse in the home to keep germs at bay during cold and flu season.
• Use in steam inhalation to ease congestion associated with bronchitis and colds.
• Was used during the plague to ward off germs.
• Indonesia is one of the largest consumers of clove buds.
• It’s a popular culinary spice (one of the spices in Chai Tea).
• A popular and much sought after spice during the Spice Trade.

Recipe:
Welcome Autumn Diffuser Blend

4 drops Clove Bud

5 drops Bergamot

2 drops Patchouli

Come on in and shop our studio or on-line! 

During the month of October receive 10% off your Clove Bud pure essential oil purchase!
 

The Nervous System in a Nutshell

There are two branches to the Central Nervous System.  One allows your body to kick it into high gear (sympathetic) while the other allows you to calm down and regroup (parasympathetic).

•Kicking it into high gear with the Sympathetic Nervous System (fight or flight):

This SNS protects us in times of danger hence fight or flight!  The body does not always perceive what is “real” danger versus situations that are not life threatening and although the SNS is useful for survival it is not good for every day stress (such as paying bills).  The fight or flight response kicks into gear when your body knows you need to act quickly for example to avoid a car accident or in rescue situations.  The body is very smart and takes care of us.  We just need to pay attention to it to make sure it remains in a state of balance. If the body does not remain in balance then over time the body will wear down and the immune system becomes compromised.  So what’s going on when SNS is activated? 

• The mouth becomes dry
• The pupils open wide
• Heart rate increases
• Breathing becomes more rapid
• Digestion is halted as all blood supply is at the heart
• Adrenaline has been released which also releases cortisol (a stress hormone)
• Blood flows to the muscles so they can react to the situation

While handy for survival it is easy to see why it is unhealthy to run at this level all the time. If your body is acting this way as a response to everyday stress it wears you down.  The immune system begins to suffer and your body begins battling illnesses. This is why it’s so important to activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System in order to relax and repair!

• Slowing down with the Parasympathetic Nervous System (relax and repair):

The PNS allows us to slow down and “collect” ourselves. During this time your body is able to undergo growth, energy storage and other positive aspects. With no perceived threat, your body is taking it easy.  The PNS is important to stay healthy. Ways you can do this is by practicing focused breathing or meditation or receive massage.  You can even calm down with essential oils.  Good choices for a calm and relaxed state are a blend of  Bergamot, Lavender and Roman Chamomile.  Another essential oil that helps activate the PNS is Clary Sage.  So what’s going on when the PNS is activated?

• Breathing becomes deeper and at a slower rate
• Heart rate slows down
• Digestion occurs and nutrients are absorbed in the body
• Blood flows away from the muscles
• Your body is able to heal and repair

These are the features of the nervous system you want to achieve more often.  So, take a deep breath and let the calmer side of life take over for you! Save the extreme for when you really need it! Sometimes you may need to make a conscious effort to initiate the relaxation response and that is normal.  Just remember that it is too taxing for the body to always be in high gear, pay attention to yourself because you are worth it!

Here are a few tips to keep you in a state of balance:
• Always remember to breathe and breathe deeply!
• Eat balanced and nutritious meals.
• Move your body! It doesn’t have to be a complicated work out plan; walking is always a good choice!
• Receiving massage on a regular basis helps too.

Hopefully this sheds a little light on what is going on inside the body during times of stress and relaxation and you can now notice changes within your own body and apply this to yourself.  The key is to not allow everyday stress leave you always running in a gear that is set for danger. This is key to staying well and healthy!

Relaxation Diffuser Blend

4 drops Bergamot

5 drops Lavender

2 drops Roman Chamomile

Take care!

This essential oil has been used in many religions both Western and Eastern and their reference has been made to this many times and in many texts. At one time frankincense was more valuable than gold. It also used to be used as a perfume in some cultures to keep the bad spirits away. Cleopatra used this essential oil as a perfume. Egyptians used the black powder from the frankincense resin, called kohl, as eye makeup.
Today this essential oil is still used in a lot of religious cultures. However there are more uses for this essential oil as well. This is wonderful oil that stills the mind, calms the nerves and allows the breathing to expand. Yes, breathing! (Hope you remember the breathing blog!) Frankincense really helps to open the lungs therefore is a useful oil to use for focused breathing practice or during yoga.

Other uses for Frankincense

• can be used to alleviate anxiety
• helps treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis
• in skin applications it is a great wound healer and also works well with scar reduction

Focused Breathing Blend

Try diffusing the following while engaged in focused breathing or meditation:

Frankincense 6 drops
Sandalwood 4 drops
Patchouli 5 drops

“Breathe Deep” Essential Oils for Yoga

Enhance your yoga practice with this Yoga kit. Included are essential oils of Peppermint, Clary Sage and Frankincense and comes with a recipe to use these oils in a wonderful diffusion blend.

*”Breath Deep” essential oils for Yoga available at Your Body Needs… 443.292.4395

Enjoy and be well!