The Zen Room at The Nature Cottage

02/10/2025

Please like and follow The Nature Cottage for updates and information about massage, herbs, crystals and holistic health practices. I am simplifying and focusing everything through one page. That means this page, which was created in the early planning stages of my transition to massage therapy, will soon be deleted.

To book an appointment please visit

schedule an Appointment Areas of Focus 01 Crystals and Healing Stones Learn the properties and common uses of crystals, gemstones and minerals 02 herbs & teas Plant "medicine" is Nature's way of supporting our health and wellness. 03 essential oils Find recipes, uses, and safety precautions for esse...

10/07/2024

The Nature Cottage is proud to be a member of ABMP's Respect Massage.

Massage therapists that are members of Respect Massage hold themselves to the highest standards of an ethical, boundary-driven practice. Respect Massage members have a zero-tolerance policy for solicitations of any kind. Jokes, innuendo, and inappropriate requests are taken seriously and will result in the swift termination of the session. When choosing a practice displaying the Respect Massage logo, you can have confidence in the safety and professionalism you will experience as a client.

https://youtu.be/nbVCovHUzjw

07/20/2024

It's been a while since I have shared an update on my journey to becoming a massage therapist.
I will be taking my final test for Anatomy & Physiology II on Wednesday. As part of this course I was able to attend a cadaver lab last night on the campus of Logan University. Wow! I know it's not an experience that many would be interested in, but I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity. I can not say enough how amazing the human body is! I am so grateful for the Healing Arts Center, my instructors, and all of the knowledge I am gaining from them.
After I finish up AP2, crunch time starts! I will be doubling up on course work my LAST TEN WEEKS of the program. (I can't believe it is already this far along.) I will continue to work in the regular student clinic at school where we work on the public. (It is a great discount and truly helps the students learn, so I highly recommend you check it out!) Also this session I will have the opportunity to work in the free Cancer Clinic that the school offers for anyone who is undergoing cancer treatments. I am really looking forward to that! I will receive training and practice that enables me to adapt the massage for those with more specialized needs.
In order to accomplish all of this and be able to start offering my services to you as soon as possible, I will be in St. Louis 5 days a week for the next 2 1/2 months. The down side of that being The Nature Cottage will temporarily be closed except on Saturdays during August and September. I apologize for any inconvenience that causes for anyone, but thankfully it is only a short term inconvenience with a long term benefit for all of us! I am so excited and can not wait to start helping more people achieve relaxation, restoration, and improved health and wellness!

06/27/2024

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.

Reiki never causes harm and can be used at any time for any situation in which you could benefit from an increase in life energy. It’s helpful even when you are feeling good but is especially helpful when you are feeling tired or depleted, and most importantly, it can help people who are sick. In fact, it can help people with any illness or medical condition.

Reiki can bring:
• Mental and emotional balance;
• Harmony to a place or situation;
• Help release stagnant negative energies

It has been known to help people overcome drug addiction, help cancer patients fight the negative effects of chemotherapy, as well as help those suffering from anxiety, sickness and depression to make a positive difference in their quality of life.

While Reiki does quicken the healing process, it is still important to see a licensed health care provider if you have a medical or psychological condition.

06/10/2024

Forbes magazine published a straightforward, informative article about Reiki that I would recommend for anyone who is unfamiliar with this practice.

What Is Reiki And How Does It Work?

06/03/2024

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a simple Japanese method that is used by millions of people around the world. It is most well known as a hands-on energy treatment technique that promotes relaxation, self-healing, and spiritual or self-development. Reiki is not a religion and is open to all people, regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity. Many hospitals across the United States offer Reiki to their patients. It is being used pre- and post-operatively to reduce anxiety and accelerate healing. It is recommended for cardiac patients and to those with stress-related pathologies such as high blood pressure.

According to the George Washington University Hospital Center for Integrative Medicine,
"Reiki is a practice of healing touch using stillness and connection to the flow of life energy. Reiki has been reported to be helpful in a variety of ways, including:

Reducing stress, promoting relaxation, balancing nervous system
Easing pain and discomfort in various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps
Improving sleep
Boosting the immune system
Preparing for and recovering from surgical or other medical procedures
Enhancing emotional well-being and resilience"
(https://gwcim.com/services/reiki/)