Eden Therapeutic Massage

05/20/2023

Has anyone repurposed vanilla bean pods, after making liquid vanilla with them? I just finished my jar of vanilla and have lots of pods, they seem to have some great flavor yet. Trying to find a tried and true method or recipe to use them again!

03/08/2018

Like it, or not.....

02/12/2018

12/21/2017

This time of the year can cause a lot of stress and tension and anxiety. Breathing techniques are very beneficial to reduce all three of these.

12/18/2017

Head to toe warm flannel sheets, soft music and lights, and relaxing, gentle massage to relieve stress and tension. Does that sound like something anyone on your list would enjoy? Mom, husband, wife, student, athlete, or yourself? Very few people take time out for themselves, especially this time of year. Give the gift of self care to someone on your list.

I am running a Christmas special right now. Buy one gift certificate for yourself and get a second one to give to someone else, for half off.

Christmas blessings to all of you.

Be well,

Lisa

11/14/2017

Changes in our daily diet can have a significant impact on our health.There is a multitude of foods that provide benefits for specific issues, that many of us deal with on a daily basis. I try to use only non medicinal methods whenever possible, and try to avoid supplements, too. Natural sources are always best when compared to artificial sources..

Here are some common health issues, along with foods that help ease their symptoms.

JOINT PAIN:

Broccoli - blocks enzymes that can cause damage and pain. High vitamin C content, which can help prevent rheumatoid arthritis.

Salmon - rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which have proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory. This can also help prevent rheumatoid arthritis and reduce pain in existing cases.

Green tea - contains an antioxidant which may block enzymes from damaging joints. Add lemon juice to your tea to enhance the benefits of green tea.

HEADACHES:

Ginger - has anti-inflammatory effects comparable to aspirin. It also helps to reduce nausea, which is a common side effect of headaches.

Coffee - caffeine reduces the size of our blood vessels. Our vessels enlarge before a headache/migraine, creating pain due to the expanding tissue irritating our nerves. Research shows that adding caffeine to aspirin or acetaminophen increases the pain relieving effects by 40%!

Almonds - as in about 23 nuts, or 1 oz, contain 20% of daily magnesium requirements. Magnesium blocks receptors involved in the transmission of pain. Low levels of magnesium of been linked to migraines.

DIABETES / LOW BLOOD SUGAR

Cinnamon - the compounds in 1/2 tsp of cinnamon consumed daily, can make our cells more sensitive to insulin. Which helps improve glucose control.

Blueberries - adults who eat blueberries on a daily or frequent basis have up to 26% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This is due to compounds that may increase insulin sensitivity.

Lentils - slow down the process of turning carbs into glucose, due to their high fiber content. Which prevents a spike in our blood sugar levels.

It is pretty impressive to me that our food source can provide so much benefit to our daily health.

Be well,

Lisa

11/08/2017

I have had many discussions with family, friends and clients about prebiotics and probiotics. There seems to be a considerable number of people who have heard about them, but really don't understand what they are, or what they can do for our bodies.

They are microorganisms that might help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria. Our bodies already produce "good" bacteria, but sometimes our bacteria get out of control. Antibiotics, along with other medications, and some illnesses can raise or lower the bacteria in our bodies.

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates which act as food for probiotics. When prebiotics and probiotics are combined, they combine to work beneficially. Fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, are considered synbiotic because they contain live bacteria and the fuel they need to thrive.

Prebiotics are naturally found in artichokes,brown rice, nuts, apples, whole grains, bananas ,soybeans, onions, and garlic. Probiotics are naturally found in food like kefir,yogurt, coconut kefir and sauerkraut. Prebiotics and probiotics are sometimes added to foods and are available as dietary supplements.

Although research is ongoing, there is evidence that prebiotics and probiotics might help with the following:

Treat diarrhea, especially after taking certain antibiotics
(Our pharmacist recommends taking pre/probiotics whenever
we are on antibiotics).
Speed treatment of some intestinal infections
Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu
Ease allergic disorders like hay fever and eczema
Treat irritable bowel syndrome

Prebiotics and probiotics are also being studied for effectiveness and safety in other diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

If you are thinking about starting supplements, check with your doctor first.

04/11/2017

Do you love those sugar scrubs that salons use on your hands and feet? Have you ever gone to a department store to buy some to use at home? Shocked by the price tag? You can make your own at home, customize the scent, and save A LOT of money. They also make really wonderful gifts for friends and family.

1 cup granulated white sugar

1/4-1/3 cup oil: sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil, apricot oil, avocado oil, or use a combination of these oils

10-15 drops eucalytpus or peppermint essential oil

10-15 drops lemon, grapefruit, or orange essential oil

OPTIONAL:
2-4 Tbsp orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit zest which will boost the exfoliation effect

2 Tbsp vegetable glycerin which will make the scrub extra moisturizing

Instructions:
Mix sugar, oil, zest, and vegetable glycerin (if using) together. Then add your oil(s). you many need to add more or less to get the proper consistency. The proper consistency is enough to make the sugar stick together, (there shouldn't be any oil floating on top).
Slowly add in the essential oils until you reach the desired scent. It may take more or less, depending on the type of oils you use.
Store your sugar scrub in a glass container - I use canning jars.
If giving it as a gift, decorate with ribbon, stickers, or scrapbook paper.

To Use: Rub a small amount of the scrub on your hands, feet or body, for 3-5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

04/11/2017

02/22/2017

I hope everyone has been able to spend some time outside absorbing this amazing sunshine, and spring like weather. Store up the beauty and benefits of this weather to get through the rest of winter ;-).

There are a few nasty viruses going around right now. I had to cancel with some of my clients when I was sick, and then I had clients canceling with me because they were sick. A.C.K.! If you are fighting a cold or upper respiratory sickness, there are essential oils that can significantly help with your symptoms.

Congestion & Cough Relief

At night when ready for bed, the following balm may be applied to lessen congestion and coughing:

1 tbsp Coconut oil*
8 drops Eucalyptus oil
5 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Thyme oil

Mix the above in a clean, glass jar. Eucalyptus is very effective in battling congestion and coughing, while lavender is great at battling viruses and bacteria as well as promoting relaxation. Thyme is a powerful antiviral. Rub one teaspoon-size portion over your chest area just before you go to bed. After you have rubbed the balm into your chest, cup your hands, place over your nose and take 3 really deep slow breaths. You will experience easier breathing and deeper rest!

Be well,

Lisa