Submitted by Melanie Pittman LMT, Licensed Esthetician As the seasons change you may notice a change in your skin. You could see a difference in skin tone – freckles or dark spots caused by exposure to the summer sun. Maybe you notice clogged pores from consistent or heavy SPF use. The skin’s oil production may […]
Submitted by Carolyn Engleson BSN, RN, HBN-BC; Reiki Master Practitioner Life can be stressful. It is often jam packed with family, work and other necessary activities. Sometimes you need a break for self-care and restoring balance in your life. Reiki is a “time-out” just for you. It is a non-invasive, gentle energy recharge. All living […]
Submitted by Holly Dunbar, LMT, Herbalist Essential oils can be remarkably effective stress relievers. These concentrated plant extracts promote deeper breathing, stimulate the limbic system of the brain, and calm the nervous system. Essential oils can be utilized in a number of ways to ease stress: Added to a warm bath, mixed with carrier oil […]
Menstruation that does not literally flow smoothly and is instead characterized by cramping, bloating, clotting, and perhaps heavy bleeding is known as dysmennorhea clinically. In Chinese medicine, this condition is considered to be stagnant qi and blood, and may be compounded by blood deficiency. Herbal medicine, and several specific Chinese formulas can greatly alleviate this […]
Losing weight is a very common New Years resolution, and a goal many people strive to attain throughout the year. The desire to shed pounds and have a healthier, leaner body also feeds a very profitable industry, which capitalizes on those who are willing to pay to get the body of their dreams. Ads for […]
Immunity begins within the body, and is either strengthened or weakened by what drugs, food, and herbs or supplements we ingest, as well as from outside influences and our contact with viruses. Our immune system can be greatly compromised by too much stress, which makes stress management an essential component of staying well. (more…)
Discerning product labels of skin care products can be confusing, leaving consumers to rely on intuition, and a blind trust that one is buying a product that seems as benign and derived from nature as the advertising implies. After all, when the product derives its name from botanicals, such as “green apple shampoo,” or “oat […]
What are essential oils? What exactly is aromatherapy? We are bombarded with the phrase plastered on everything from air fresheners to scented candles, yet most products advertised as such have nothing to do with this legitimate healing art. Aromatherapy is the application of pure plant oils, called essential oils, to positively affect the health of […]
Inflammation is the bane of many of our existence, causing pain and discomfort, but also increasing the risks of developing serious diseases. One can lessen the odds of this, and provide greater longevity and quality of life, by addressing inflammation through diet, and select herbs. (more…)
Lavender essential oil is one product I routinely recommend as a staple in one’s medicine chest. This small vial of essential oil, (as opposed to perfume oil), can provide relief to many common complaints, and can even be relied on as first aid in certain situations. Lavender essential oil is distilled most often from Lavendula […]