This is my foray into the world of blogging as a self-employed Complementary Therapist. This will be the place to read about my journey, discoveries and tips on a regular basis.
Being a Complementary therapist does not mean staying at home living a tee-total existence - even us therapists enjoy a night out - it's perfect for catching up with our own pampering favourites the next day.
I've listed below my ideal day of pampering, as the perfect recovery for a night out!
- Take the day in slowly.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat some fruit first - apples are fab here!
- Eat some bread later - Bagels are my saving grace!
- Drink some herbal fruity tea - Lemon & Ginger is a great detoxifyer!
- Go for a fresh air walk - as long as it's not lashing down with rain and gales, you can wrap up in a coat & comfy hat to saunter out into the afternoon to get some UV rays to feel a bit more human again!
- Laze the evening away in an essential oils bath.
- Cosy up with a good book, the radio or telly - give the computer the night off.
'Oil of the fortnight'
Lavender
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran).
Health precautions: There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen. Ingesting lavender should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Some essential oils, particularly lavender and tea tree oil, have been implicated in causing gynaecomastia, an abnormal breast tissue growth in prepubescent boys. A child hormone specialist at the University of Cambridge claimed "these oils can mimic oestrogens" and "people should be a little bit careful about using these products".
'Stretch of the week'
Cross-Legged Lower Back Stretch 1. Sit a few inches from the wall with your legs crossed.
2. "Walk" your fingers up the wall, stretching from the lower back.
3. Broaden your shoulders by separating and lifting your shoulder blades. Keep your throat and neck soft. Don't tense your shoulders, just lift them.
4. When you think you have gone as high as you can, rest for a moment while your body adjusts to the pose, then walk your fingers a little higher.
5. Rest and repeat several times.
Keiko Matsui performing "Water Lily"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXgPIxSEFAY
Keiko Matsui born in Tokyo as Keiko Doi on July 26, 1961, is a Japanese smooth jazz/new age pianist and composer whose career spans three decades, during which time she has released twenty CDs (in addition to various compilations) and has received international acclaim.
Matsui's music is powerful and introspective, blending both Western and Eastern musical influences. She has a very spiritual view of composing music, feeling out each composition as though it were, in her words, "coming to me from another space, another dimension," and "catching notes from the silence and then simply placing them together". Matsui sees music as "the great gifts from the human souls from the past, for the children of the future". She believes that music has a power to bring people together and change their lives. "We are connected by music," Matsui wrote, "as the Ocean connects the continents".
A lover of nature, Matsui often makes reference to plants, animals, the elements, and other natural features and phenomena in her song titles. She shows an especial fascination with the moon as a number of her compositions refer to the moon in their titles.
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I hope you enjoy reading my blog and find it useful,
Lisa
Xx
