Race For Life- I'm Famous!

I am now officially famous as my name has been seen in print! This month's International Therapist has a full page article about the Race for Life events in the north west that some of us helped out at. I was involved in the race at Tatton Park, in Cheshire and it was fun for all concerned. Lots of people were dressed in silly costumes and didn't care how they looked as it was all for charity. It's a great cause and helps to raise much needed money for Cancer Research. Most people are touched in some way by this cruel illness and the more that we can do to help the better. Hence, free massages at Race for Life. Unfortunately, no pictures of yours truly but a mention will do for now!

Garlic- not just for vampires

All Hallows’ Eve is almost upon us again and everyone’s thoughts turn to ghosts and ghoulies (not just the trick or treaters). With the renewed interest in vampires lately, both in Hollywood and on the television, I’m sure there’s more than one person considering how many vampires will be about on the 31^st. Traditionally, it is assumed that garlic keeps the vampires at bay and leaves your neck completely safe. But it’s not just vampires that garlic is useful for. This wonderful bulb has many more uses and healing properties. It’s an antibiotic, anti-viral and a fungicide so you can see why it’s good for vampires. It can help with numerous stomach and digestive problems, and has been found useful for blood pressure and cholesterol problems. It’s been used in the past to help with all sorts of problems, from sore throats, to headaches, as well as a treatment for typhus. So, it seems it can protect us from a little more than a pesky nibble in the middle of the night.

Coconut Oil

I went to visit the Professional Beauty Show in Manchester this Monday. Obviously, I’m not a beautician but I thought I’d have a nosey as you can sometimes find a few things for the holistic business. I was in luck as I managed to bag myself some Coconut oil. Coconut oil is great for any type of head massage, such as Indian Head Massage or Tibetan Acupressure Head Massage. Why’s it so good, I hear you ask? Well it prevents premature greying, for a start and is moisturising for the hair. In medieval times, it was considered to have healing abilities. It adds extra nutrients to your hair, leaving it silky, shiny and glossy. It also prevents hair loss and helps to repair damaged hair. So all the more reason to come for a head massage. What are you waiting for?

Keep Your Spirits Up

This week seems to have heralded the end of summer and the coming of winter. I had to find a jacket to wear and it’s now getting darker much earlier- not much joy to many people. The winter months and changing of weather and daylight can really make some people’s lives a misery, especially those who suffer from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). However, there are ways that all of us can look on the bright side and try to keep our spirits up.

Light therapy is a good option for those who feel that they need a little extra brightness in the day, such as those suffering from S.A.D. These full spectrum lights provide a close approximation to daylight. However, aromatherapy can also help. Essential oils such as Black Pepper and Rosemary can help to counteract lethargy and fatigue that quite a lot of us will feel. Energising oils will also help to boost energy and mentality, especially citrus oils, such as Grapefruit, Lemon and Mandarin. A blend of these oils in a bath will help to get you through the cold, dark months.

Healthy nutrition will also help, so eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg but cut out all the sugary snacks. St. John’s Wort supplements are also a little boost to the system and make sure that you get plenty of B vitamins. And to top it all off, even though you won’t feel like it, exercise. This will release your ‘feel good’ hormones.

So if you’re feeling a little bit blue about the changes, try a few of the above ideas to see if they can help. Just remember- if you’re thinking of mixing an aromatherapy blend, please get the advice of an experienced aromatherapist first- i.e. me!