Exhale Wellness

07/06/2023

The many benefits of Reiki 🙏

29/05/2023

Be kind to yourself and give to yourself🥰

Sometimes all we need is a little reminder and guidance around being kind to ourselves and the act of giving to ourselves.

We often put others needs before our own and make excuses as to why we shouldn't treat ourselves, take time out for ourselves or simply have a bit of space for ourselves.

Looking after 'you' is so very important when it comes to your peace of mind and overall wellbeing.

Remember it is not selfish to take time out to focus on a happy, healthy and rejeuvenated you.

Here are some quotes that really resonate with me and I hope resonate with you.

“You will never speak to anyone more than yourself in your head, be kind to yourself.”
“Be kind to yourself. You are amazing. You are good enough. You are worth it.”
“Remember you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L Hay
“Don’t just be good to others. Be good to yourself too.”
“Be kind to yourself, you are doing the best you can.”
“Love yourself as much as you want to be love.”
“How you treat yourself is how you are inviting the world to treat you.”
“Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.” – Lisa M. Hayes
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Exhale Wellness is dedicated to your overall wellbeing and we provide a range of healing, balancing, and rejuvenating treatments to sooth your mind, body and soul.

Call Katrina today to book your appointment.

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

0211 089 810

29/05/2023

Massage therapy can reduce Winter Blues!

There’s no escaping the truth; winter is just around the corner. The days are getting shorter, the sweaters are getting thicker, and the air is getting colder. During this time of year, it’s not unusual for people to get the ‘winter blues’ – which is a condition many people are afflicted with due to lack of sunlight during the colder and darker winter months.

The good news for everyone is that massage therapy can help increase health happiness for everyone during the colder months of the year.

Here a few reasons why...

Massage May Help to Banish Seasonal Affective Disorder

As we’ve mentioned, Seasonal Affective Disorder – sometimes known as the winter blues – is a problem for many people when there’s less natural sunlight. This is because sunlight causes the brain to release a feel-good chemical called serotonin that improves our mood. When there’s less sunlight, less serotonin is produced, which can lead to low mood, lethargy, and difficulties in getting out of bed in the morning. In some people, it can even cause serious depression enough to warrant visiting a doctor. It’s not a happy place to be, but the good news is that booking in a regular massage can help to lift a low mood.

A regular massage session will help to relax stressed minds and bodies, as well as releasing the serotonin and endorphins, the same chemicals produced by the body when you’re happy.

It Can Give Your Circulation A Boost

Massage therapy may also help boost circulation during the time of the year when nobody wants to get up and go outside for a run. Everybody knows that getting regular exercise helps keep your circulation running smoothly and also helps deliver oxygenated blood pumped around our bodies faster. This is all very well, but a lack of movement in the winter months can result in feeling sluggish, while poor blood flow can lead to lethargy, aches, and pains.

Here’s where a massage has extra benefits:

It can help your blood to pass through any congested areas and boost the overall flow, which also helps the lymphatic system to remove waste that builds up. At the same time, massage is well known to help decrease blood pressure.

It May Help Your Body to Fight Off Minor Infections

For anybody who’s prone to suffering from colds and infections during the winter season, massage might be the way forward. It’s been found that massage sessions can help to boost the effectiveness of the immune system. Consider it a preventative step in helping to fight off the bugs and viruses that circulate in offices, shops, and schools at this time of year. A gentle massage of the area around the lymph nodes also encourages white blood cells to circulate. As this increases blood flow, it also stimulates the white blood cells to start fighting any infection in your body.

These are just a few of the many benefits that massage therapy can bring during winter. Of course, there’s also the feel-good aspect of a warming massage, delightful aromatic massage oils, and even just the act of taking time out to look after yourself when you need it.

Massages at Exhale Wellness, are customized to fit your personal preferences.

If you’re needing to be uplifted from a couple of rough weeks or recuperating from a couple of tough weeks in the gym, the massage is what you need.

Book your next appointment with Katrina today.

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

0211 089 810

Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Guided Meditations & Soul Guidance Mentor based in New Plymouth.

11/05/2023

A 30 min or 60 min session of Reiki can be hugely beneficial to assist in releasing trauma, stress, negative feelings or emotions, can rebalance your chakra system and rebalance the mind, body and soul.

You can also practice the reiki principles at home either as daily mantras or for guidance.

Here are the reiki principles, together with what you can be doing at home, to get the best out of your reiki treatments;

Just for today, I will let go of anger.
Just for today, I will let go of worry.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

1. Recognize and release angry feelings

The first principle, “I release angry thoughts,” focuses on improving your relationship with anger.

To incorporate this principle into your life, follow these steps:

Say “Just for today, I release angry thoughts” aloud or to yourself.

Think about when you felt angry today. If you just woke up, think about any anger you experienced yesterday.

Think about past events that are like these events. Compare your emotions.

Ask your higher self to help you release these angry thoughts and feelings.

Take two deep breaths. Imagine letting go of angry energy every time you exhale.

2. Recognize and let go of worry

You can also embody the second principle, “I release thoughts of worry,” by mindfully releasing worried thoughts.

Here’s how:

Say “Just for today, I release thoughts of worry” aloud or to yourself.

Think about when you felt worried today. If you just woke up, think about the times you worried yesterday.

Think about similar scenarios from your past. Look for similarities between your past and current emotions.

Ask your higher self to help you let go of these worries.
Take two deep breaths. Think of releasing worry energy with each exhale.

3. Practice gratitude

The third principle, “I’m grateful,” involves the act of being thankful.

To consciously express gratitude:

Say “Just for today, I’m grateful” aloud or to yourself.

Think about every positive person, object, and scenario in your life.

Pause and express gratitude for each one.
Allow your heart to feel full with each thought.

4. Recognize your own consciousness

The fourth principle, “I expand my consciousness,” involves acknowledging your own mindfulness. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the here and now, and living in the moment.

Start by saying the principle aloud or to yourself. Next, visualize when you have recently experienced greater consciousness, such as:

being present in the moment
feeling thankful
doing some form of meditation
doing a meditation walk

5. Practice kindness

The fifth principle involves recognizing when you’ve been unkind. This allows you to acknowledge how this makes you feel and then let go of those emotions.

Say “Just for today, I’m gentle with all beings, including myself” aloud or to yourself.

Think about when you’ve been unkind to yourself or others today.

Recognize any guilt or anxiety related to these events.

Ask your higher self to release that energy.

Take two deep breaths. Think of releasing that negative energy on each exhale.

Call Katrina 0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

09/05/2023

Winter Wellness body treat at Exhale Wellness New Plymouth.

Warm your mind, body and soul by receiving a relaxing Hot Stone Massage.

What is hot stone massage?

As its name suggests, a hot stone massage involves using heated stones. I use hand picked natural Basalt stones, as they are smooth and retain heat exceptionally well.

Before your massage, the stones will be heated using a special heater. The stones will be heated to around 45-50°C. You don't need to worry about the stones being too hot, as I always ensure the temperature is perfect and consistent.

There are various different hot stone massage techniques. The stones are placed on the body in specific spots, either guided anatomically or on energy points believed to help aid balance and flow. Beyond leaving the stones in place, I also use the stones to perform Swedish massage techniques, such as kneading, long smooth strokes, and rolling.

Is hot stone massage good for you?

Lots of people rave about how wonderful hot stone massage makes them feel. They report back pain being eased and reductions in anxiety and tension.

Hot stone massage benefits are wide ranging and sometimes individual. Below are some of the main benefits of receiving a hot stone massage:

1. It’s comforting and relaxing
Think of the pleasure of being made warm by a fireside on a chilly day and you’ll understand why the heat of the hot stones is so comforting and relaxing. It’s like being deeply embraced, right into your soul. It just feels like you’re ‘home’.

2. The heat aids depth
With the hot stones, one of the major benefits is that the heat from the stones penetrates your body, bringing many of the benefits of massage at a deeper level. It allows intense muscle relaxation which enables the massage therapist to actually work very deeply, without the same pressure that they would need to apply in a deep tissue massage.

3. Relief from tension and pain
Heat is a well-known natural pain reliever. If tension is behind an ache or pain, then heat can be enormously effective at releasing the tension and thus easing the pain. This is believed to be because when heat is applied to an area, the blood flow to that region increases. It can help alleviate spasms and enable a joint or muscles to be gently flexed and regain movement and mobility.

4. Relief from stress and anxiety
Massage, including hot stone massage, has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Lots of processes are stimulated by massage. Endorphins and other feel-good hormones are released which reduce stress and anxiety. At the same time, the ‘stress’ hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol, are lowered.

5. Aids sleep
Just one of the huge benefits of having a hot stone massage at home is that it will help ease you into deeper restful and restorative sleep. Indeed, one study has shown that massage is particularly beneficial for easing insomnia in postmenopausal women.

6. Immune boosting
Many of the techniques used in a Swedish massage are also used in hot stone massage. Quite remarkably, Swedish massage has been shown to positively impact your immune system, even after just one session. Knowing that you can boost your immunity simply by being pampered and massaged is wonderful to know!

7. Managing chronic pain
For those with chronic pain conditions, such as Fibromyalgia, massage has been shown to bring tangible positive effects. The science shows that this is due to the lower levels of substance P, which is how the body partly transmits pain signals. Other research has shown that people with painful Rheumatoid Arthritis have also experienced less pain.

8. Draw out toxins
Many practitioners of hot stone massage believe that one of the real benefits of this type of massage is its ability to draw toxins to the surface of the skin, and eliminate them through the body’s natural sweating process. This leads to a wonderful radiant glow.

9. Self-healing
Whether it’s due to the balance of energy flow, or some other lesser understood process in the body and mind, a hot stone massage can restore balance and many feel it helps with self-healing.

Call Katrina on 0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Guided Meditations & Soul Guidance Mentor based in New Plymouth.

27/04/2023

Massage for Fibromyalgia at Exhale Wellness, New Plymouth.

If you are living with chronic pain caused by Fibromyalgia, considering the right kind of massage therapy, can significantly help in reducing your pain levels.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition affecting, mainly young to middle-aged women. The condition causes pain and muscle stiffness in many parts of the body, and leaves the sufferer feeling fatigued and with difficulty sleeping. Thankfully for sufferers, massage therapy can help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia by relaxing the muscles, improving circulation, and softening joint pain and tenderness.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is the name given to a group of conditions that cause widespread chronic pain, joint tenderness, fatigue, insomnia, memory loss and mood changes. Fibromyalgia isn’t a disease, but rather is part of a group of clinical syndromes that can be managed.

Fortunately, fibromyalgia isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t cause joint or muscle deterioration. However, it does present a challenge to the sufferer as symptoms are variable and can negatively impact daily life and wellbeing. There’s no known cause of fibromyalgia, but it’s suspected that genetics plays a role, as well as certain triggers such as emotional or physical stress or pain.

How massage can help manage fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia consists of a range of different symptoms affecting both physical and mental health.

One form of therapy widely used by fibromyalgia sufferers is massage therapy. Massage can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms through the application of specific therapeutic techniques to areas in the body where pain is experienced. It’s also used to help relax the mind and release stress, as stress can trigger symptoms in fibromyalgia sufferers.

Swedish Massage/Relaxation Massage

For fibromyalgia sufferers, mental and emotional stress and anxiety can aggravate symptoms, and this can lead to disruption of the digestive system.

Swedish massage is a relaxing form of massage therapy that uses gentle strokes to create a calming effect on the body and mind. This helps to reduce stress, which can subsequently help to restore normal digestive function.

Swedish massage therapy will leave you feeling relaxed, and the process will be soothing to the body. You’ll find that after your treatment you may feel more refreshed and experience less pain.

A study into massage therapy as a treatment for managing fibromyalgia found that five weeks of massage therapy had immediate positive effects on improving pain, anxiety and depression in patients. Given this, massage therapy is an important form of alternative therapy to consider in the treatment and management of fibromyalgia, with frequent sessions helping to improve wellbeing and sleep, as well as reduce fatigue.

Improving symptoms with regular fibromyalgia massage

The best thing about massage therapy is the more often you go, the better you’ll feel. Each session helps to release muscle tension, allowing for improved movement and reduced pain. A massage can also improve your ability to sleep, which is important for fibromyalgia sufferers who find they’re unable to sleep or feel fatigued during the day.

If you would like to experience how massage can assist in reducing Fibromyalgia pain, I would love to hear from you.

Call Katrina at Exhale Wellness to book in your appointment.

0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Guided Meditations & Soul Guidance Mentor based in New Plymouth.

25/04/2023

It is not selfish to look after you. To nurture your mind, body and soul when you need it x

Sometimes we get so exhausted living life in the fast lane and giving so much to others, yet we just keep going and we just keep giving, until our soul literally stops us in our tracks and tells us it is time to stop.

Listen to that inner guidance and never feel guilty for taking the time to relax, renew and replenish your soul. Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good. Find that inner sanctuary, that stillness within.

The best and most loving relationship you will ever have is with yourself.

You deserve it x

25/04/2023

What is Guided Meditation?

In guided meditation, the practice is shaped by the practitioner's voice. Because the mind has a tendency to wander where it will, many of us find it easier to focus and relax when our minds aren’t entirely left to their own devices.

Three popular forms of guided meditation are mindfulness, stress reduction and relaxation.

Guided meditation for mindfulness:

Mindfulness may be simple, but it isn’t always easy. This is because we’re training the mind to do something very different from what it’s used to doing. Typically, our thoughts are all over the map, trotting after sensory input, daydreams, remembrances of the past and projections of the future. But during mindfulness practice, we train the mind to stay put. The sensory input, daydreams, thoughts and emotions continue as usual, but instead of following them, we’re encouraging the mind to remain in the present by focusing on a meditation support such as the breathing process, physical sensations or a sound.

Especially useful for beginners, guided mindfulness meditation takes the guesswork out of the mechanics of practice. Some forms of mindfulness incorporate visualization meditation, where an image is evoked and used to anchor and inform one’s practice.

Guided meditation for stress reduction:

Stress is a modern epidemic! And you’ve probably heard about how mindfulness practice has been known to relieve stress. But if you sit down to practice and your mind is constantly preoccupied with thoughts like, “Wait! What, exactly, am I supposed to be doing?” or “Why am I thinking so much!?” you might feel like meditation is increasing your stress! That’s why guided meditations are so useful. They gently introduce you to the stress relieving practice.

Guided meditation for relaxation:

In keeping with guided meditations for stress relief, there are also dedicated guided meditations for relaxation and sleep. In general, these consist of a pleasant, soothing meditation scripts geared towards helping the listener let go of anxieties and tensions. Often, guided relaxation meditations incorporate calming sounds, “mindfulness music,” comforting melodies and the like. They may invite listeners to imagine themselves in pleasant, peaceful environments—under a tree by a placid mountain lake, for example, with a gently settling sun and the reassuring sound of wavelets lapping against the shore. Their purpose is to encourage people to unwind, or relax and sleep, and they’re often very good at it! Some individuals discover that to enjoy their deepest, best sleep meditations of this kind are invaluable.

One big difference between these last exercises and the previous two kinds of guided meditation is that here, you’re looking to let go of anxieties and restlessness by replacing the usual thoughts with soothing images and sounds that are conducive to a state of relaxation.

With guided mindfulness and guided stress reduction meditations, on the other hand, you’re learning to remain anchored in the present moment, to observe what’s going on right here, right now—and this naturally results in a sense of peace and relaxation. It’s not because you’re replacing the busy mind with pleasant imagery, but because you’ve discovered that it’s actually possible to be aware of what’s going on in the mind stream and let it pass on by.

Are you looking for Guided Meditation in New Plymouth?

Call Katrina at Exhale Wellness to book your guided meditation session.

Another option is to have Guided Meditation just before a healing Reiki treatment. For some people having Guided Meditation before Reiki, can really relax and unwind them so that they are then ready to receive the Reiki.

I look forward to hearing from you.

0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

25/04/2023

The Hidden Benefits of a Reiki and Massage Combination:

How These Two Healing Arts Can Improve Your Life!

When you think of massage, what comes to mind? Is it a luxury treatment to be enjoyed on vacation or on a special occasion? Is it something you see as an essential part of your wellness routine? Or is it something you’ve never experienced but are curious about?

Regardless of your personal association with massage, there’s no denying that this ancient healing art can offer a wide range of benefits. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving circulation and joint mobility, massage therapy can be an excellent way to support your overall health and well-being.

But what about combining massage with another healing modality, such as Reiki? After all, two healing arts are better than one, right?

As it turns out, there are some hidden benefits of combining Reiki with massage that you may not be aware of. In this article, we look at how these two healing arts can work together to improve your life. But first, what exactly is Reiki?

What is Reiki?

Have you ever felt a deep sense of peace and relaxation after spending time in nature? Or maybe you’ve had a moment where you felt an inexplicable connection to someone or something. These are just some of the ways that people have described their experience with Reiki.

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that promotes stress reduction and relaxation. It’s based on the idea that there is an unseen “life force energy” that flows through us and is responsible for our health and well-being. If this life force energy is low, we may experience physical or emotional problems. On the other hand, if it’s high, we tend to feel more balanced and healthier.

Reiki works by channeling positive energy into the body to promote balance and total harmony. It was developed in the early 20th century by a Japanese Buddhist named Mikao Usui and since, has been practiced all over the world.

Now that we know a little bit more about Reiki, let’s take a look at how it can be combined with massage to create an even more powerful healing experience.

The Benefits of Reiki and Massage Combination:

When you look at Reiki and massage side by side, it’s easy to see how these two healing arts can complement each other. After all, they both promote relaxation, stress reduction, and improved circulation. But there are some hidden benefits of combining Reiki with a massage that you may not be aware of.

Release Emotional, Energetic and Physical Blockages:

One of the main benefits of Reiki is that it can help to release emotional and energetic blockages. When these blockages are released, it allows for a free flow of energy throughout the body, improving physical and emotional health.

On the other hand, massage helps break up physical blockages in the body. When these blockages are released, they improve circulation and joint mobility.

With a Reiki spiritual massage, you can expect to experience a release of both emotional and physical blockages, which can lead to enhanced overall health and well-being on all levels, body, mind, and spirit!

Improve Sleep Quality:

If you’re struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality, combining Reiki with massage can help. Massage helps to promote relaxation and can ease racing thoughts that make it difficult to fall asleep.

Meanwhile, Reiki helps to balance the body’s energy levels and can promote a sense of peace and calm. After a relaxing day, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll sleep like a baby.

Removes Toxins:

Our bodies are constantly bombarded with toxins. Whether it’s the food we eat, the air we breathe, or the products we use, toxins can build up in our bodies and cause a variety of problems.

Reiki and massage can aid in the removal of toxins by helping to improve circulation and promote relaxation. This combination can help to flush out toxins and can leave you feeling brand new.

Boost Immunity:

Reiki and massage can also help to boost your immunity. Massage helps to promote circulation and can reduce stress hormones that can weaken the immune system. In comparison, Reiki helps to balance the body’s energy levels and can promote peace and serenity.

With an increase in circulation and a reduction in stress, you can expect your immune system to be functioning at its best. From fighting off colds and cases of flu to reducing your risk of chronic illness, there are many ways that a boosted immunity can improve your life.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety:

Both Reiki and massage are excellent ways to reduce stress and anxiety. Massage helps to promote relaxation by releasing tension in the muscles, while Reiki works to balance the body’s energy levels.

When these two healing arts are combined, it can create a powerful stress-reducing effect. Imagine having all the tension in your body melted away by a massage, while also feeling a sense of calm and peace from the Reiki. This combination can help you feel more relaxed and balanced both physically and emotionally.

Support the Body’s Natural Healing Process:

The body is a complex machine and has an amazing ability to heal itself. However, sometimes it needs a little help. Reiki and massage can support the body’s natural healing process by providing the necessary energy and relaxation. This combination can help to speed up the healing process, while promoting good health.

When you have a Reiki spiritual massage, you can expect your body to feel more relaxed, balanced, and rejuvenated as it begins to heal from whatever is causing you discomfort.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to improve your health and well-being on a variety of levels, Reiki spiritual massage is a great option. With so many benefits, there’s no reason not to give it a try. From reducing stress and anxiety, boosting immunity, to providing a greater sense of mind, body, spirit integration, this combination can help you in more ways than you may realize.

So why not book a Reiki/Massage session today and see for yourself?

At Exhale Wellness, I offer a variety of services to help you improve your health and well-being by allowing you to reconnect with that still, quiet place within, from which all real healing begins!

If you’re interested in trying Reiki combined with massage, or any of my other offerings, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz

Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Guided Meditations & Soul Guidance Mentor based in New Plymouth.

12/04/2023

How Reiki Can Help You Heal and Connect To Your Soul.

What is Reiki?

For those unfamiliar with reiki, it’s a form of energy healing meant to clear emotional blocks from the energy centers in your body. If you’re not spiritual, this might sound a bit strange to you, but I promise you there is energy in your body whether you are aware of it or not. And the more you become aware, the more you will be able to address the emotional blocks to heal yourself.

Reiki clears your chakras.

The purpose of reiki is to clear your chakras or the energy centers in your body. Every emotion we feel is energy, and that energy travels through your seven chakras; Unless your chakras are blocked, like most human beings on the planet. Because our society typically teaches us to hide or suppress our emotions, that energy gets stuck inside of us where we bury it away so that we don’t have to feel.

The thing is, we need to feel our emotions. They are messages from our heart meant to guide us. Emotions are how the heart communicates with us, just like the brain uses thoughts.

Unfortunately, we tend to suppress or fight against our emotions, causing us to misinterpret or ignore them altogether. When we don’t face our emotions, they become blockages in our chakras, preventing the energy from moving through us. Reiki allows a practitioner whose energy is flowing freely to activate your blocked chakras and help the stuck energy move along on its way. While this experience can be very emotional, it is ultimately cathartic because once you face those emotions, you’ll be able to release them. When they are no longer stuck inside of you, they can move through you and finally leave you at peace, feeling lighter and unburdened by your past.

It’s definitely a process, but the goal of clearing your chakras is not only to let go of heavy emotions. It also allows you to connect to your soul and universal energy, which will guide you on the path to finding your purpose in this life. Your soul lives inside you, but you never learned how to clear your energy in order to connect to it. Turns out, it is my purpose and absolute honor to be able to teach you how.

In addition to clearing your chakras, another step in the process of awakening is to expand your awareness. You cannot connect to your soul or universal energy if you don’t believe they exist. We can practice guided meditation and breathwork to slow down your mind and connect with your body and heart.

Some clients like to take a 30 min Guided Meditation with me, before we start their Reiki session. This really enables them to open up, relax and be open to receiving Reiki.

Still, reiki is the only way I know for someone with very little understanding of energy to suddenly feel it inside them. Because reiki allows someone else to guide you in the process by moving the energy for you.

Reiki opens your third eye.

Last but not least, reiki allows you to open your third eye in order to connect with your intuition and the divine wisdom that lives inside your soul. Again, you can open your third eye on your own, but reiki allows someone more experienced to support you in the process.

By activating the third eye chakra, I am able to help people discover the wisdom that lives inside them and tap into their intuition.

If you have any further questions about Reiki, or you woukd like to book in, please don't hesitate to contact me.

0211089810

www.exhalewellness.co.nz