Inspire Your Spirit

A sweetly fragrant rose, golden autumn leaves or a sparkling waterfall—nature has the power to inspire, relieve stress and soothe the soul. Although this idea may be common knowledge, scientists want to know exactly how a natural environment affects us. Some ongoing research sheds light on the many ways nature improves our lives.

Live Longer and Better
Here are just a few of the ways that nature impacts human life, according to recent studies. Elderly people tend to live longer if their homes are near parks or green spaces; college students score higher on cognitive tests if their dorm windows provide a natural view; and playing in outdoor lush environments reduces ADHD symptoms in children.

At the University of Michigan, scientists observed that spending time in nature helps people relax, which probably doesn’t come as a surprise. But they also noted something else, too: time spent communing with nature helps improve memory and attention span. Paying attention to the natural world—sitting outside listening to the birds, for example—is an involuntary brain activity according to Marc Berman, lead author of a paper on the research. That’s why we don’t get tired looking at trees or flowers. Our brains work differently in a relaxed state, and time spent in that state pays off later.

Bring Nature to You
Ideally, green time is an outdoor activity. But why not bring the power of nature into your home or office, too? Adding live plants to your work environment is an easy and cost-effective way to bring a little nature inside. Plants rejuvenate the air, fit into any décor, and provide clients and coworkers the opportunity to commune with nature.

Hardy indoor hanging plants include: spider plants and a wide variety of ivy, both of which can be easily propagated to create more plants. Though ferns are pretty, they are more high maintenance. They can wither quickly and their falling leaves create a mess. Ditto for ficus, which are often sold as small potted trees. Cacti are another hardy choice.

But don’t forgo a date with your local park, beach or back yard. In a busy workaday world, you might feel frivolous when stopping to smell the roses. But remember, taking time to slow down and enjoy the outdoors might just improve your memory and attention span. If nothing else, you’ll be more relaxed and happy. That feeling alone will mean your time has been well-spent.

Essential Oils for Pain Relief

Working with essential oils requires an understanding of the physiological properties, methods of delivery, safety issues such as skin sensitization and contraindication, as well as the "subtle" aspect which includes the effect on the mind, emotions and spirit.

When it comes to pain relief, aromatherapy recognizes that there are different ways to approach. For example, there are specific essential oils recommended for headache pain if the headache is caused by stress, by overindulging, by withheld anger, and so on.

In the same way, muscle or joint pain could require nerve sedation, warming through increased circulation, removing inflammation and/or toxins, or a combination of these and other aspects. Massage therapists should be well-equipped to determine the physical cause and description of the client's pain, which makes selecting the right essence easy if you know its physiological properties.

Understanding the mental and emotional state of the client in regard to the pain or in their current life experience will add the ability to select essences based on the subtle properties. For example, a pain blend for someone who has had a sports injury would be different than one for someone going through a difficult divorce. The most effective blend addresses both physical and subtle influences. Topical application in massage or bath is suggested, but relief through inhaling diffused blends has also been reported.

Essential oils have been seen to have an almost immediate effect on muscle tissue augmented by manipulation through massage. Musculoskeletal pain can be effectively reduced through using analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, detoxifying and rubefacient essential oils.

Analgesic Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus ), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) are common analgesic essential oils. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an essence more frequently used in the East. Earlier articles have explored the properties of the commonly used essences. Of these, Chamomile, Lavender and Marjoram are also a sedative, while Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary and Thyme are considered stimulants.

A lesser known stimulant is Turmeric A native of South Asia, Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as an herb in cooking and as medicine. The yellow powder is an ingredient in many curries. Current research indicates that Turmeric has a strong antioxidant property that makes it an herb that may prevent and assist disease and aging issues.

It belongs to the ginger family and the powder and essential oil is obtained from the thick rhizome (root). In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, Turmeric is used to treat flatulence, colic, abdominal pain, liver disorder, menstrual issues, hemorrhage, bruises, sores and toothache as well as chest and shoulder pain. Because of its analgesic, anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory, choleric, digestive and rubefacient properties, aromatherapists use Turmeric for arthritis, rheumatism, digestive problems and liver congestion.

Research has shown that turmeric can stop the proliferation of laboratory strains of melanoma. (Read Farida Irani 2008 article "Turmeric" in "Aromatherapy Journal," the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) e-Journal.) Turmeric is said to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

Anti-inflammatory Essential Oils
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also known as Everlasting, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) bring down swelling and are appropriate choices for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, strains and sprains where inflammation is present. Both German Chamomile and Yarrow are deep blue.

Treatment Blends for Pain

Diluted into 1 oz carrier oil, based only on analgesic and anti-inflammatory physiological properties a treatment blend for inflamed, painful joints or strained muscles and back pain might include the following:

Inflamed, Painful Joints
Chamomile 1 drop
Marjoram 5 drops
Rosemary 3 drops
Turmeric 1 drop

Strained Muscles and Back Pain
Lavendar 6 drops
Eucalyptus 1 drop
Peppermint 2 drops
Helichrysum 1 drop

These blends contain both sedative and stimulant essences, but a greater number of drops of sedative oils create an overall relaxing effect.

History of Reflexology

The Origins of Reflexology
Today Reflexology has recently become a popular and accepted form of alternative therapy in the West. However, reflexology has been around for as long as 5,000 years. Reflexology first appeared in ancient cultures including China, Egypt, Greece and Japan and in later years traveled to Europe and the United States.

By manipulating the feet to restore balance to the body was a recognized healing technique in ancient China. Experts believe that reflexology dates back to the Fourth Century BC when it originated alongside the ancient Oriental practices of Shiatsu and Acupuncture.

The first evidence of reflexology was the discovery of a wall painting in the tomb of Ankhamahor, "The Tomb of the Physician." painted on Saqqare, an ancient burial ground for Egyptian pharaohs. This Egyptian painting below was dated 2330 BC

The Egyptians believed the human body is a symphony of vibrations and the internal organs form an intricate orchestra. They believed the organs could be played by manipulating points on the feet.

New to Massage Therapy

Years of research shows that massage therapy is no longer just for relaxation. The medicinal benefits offered by therapeutic massage can have a positive, lasting impact on your health and lifestyle. But if you haven’t had much experience with massage therapy, you might be wondering what to expect.

Purpose of Massage
The benefit of a therapeutic massage comes from the purpose of the massage. It can rid your body of life’s every day stresses, reduce muscle pain, help alleviate the discomfort of certain ailments, or just help restore balance to your body and mind, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and helping you maintain a life of wellness and good health.

The Best Treatment For You
At The Holistic Health Centre, the choice is yours. You can select the massage treatment that best fits your needs for very affordable rates. If you aren’t certain what type of massage you would enjoy most, our experienced Massage Therapists will meet with you prior to your massage to help determine the best customized therapeutic massage for you.

To book your treatment call us on +220-9904493
Gambiamassage@gmail.com

Aromatherapy Massage

Our aromatherapy is an excellent preventative treatment as it helps to relieve stress and related conditions. It stimulates our natural immune body mechanisms and particular oils have an affinity with certain systems of the body helping to alleviate respiratory, digestive, circulatory or hormonal problems.

As a part of nature, our aromatic essential oils are tools of healing and combined with the soothing power of massage have enormous therapeutic benefits to the body. By their fragrance and absorption through the skin, essential oils can also have subtle effects on the mind and emotions, helping to give feelings of relaxation, balance and harmony, a truly holistic therapy.

With our aromatherapy massage the emphasis is on smooth, flowing movements designed to assist the nourishment and oxygen to the tissues easing muscular aches and pains and helping with fatigue.

Prices
D600 60 minutes

Book your aromatherapy massage at +220-9904493
gambiamassage@gmail.com

Reflexology,

Reflexology is much more than just a foot massage. This ancient technique can bring your whole body back into balance & can have deep, effective results on a large range of health problems.

The theory is that every part of your body is mapped out on the feet. More than 5,000 years ago, the Indians & Chinese were using reflexology. Pictographs on the wall of an Egyptian tomb show a man being treated with a form of reflexology. It is also a strong tradition in many African tribes & Native American peoples.

The benefits of reflexology include –
Stimulation to the blood circulation & the lymphatic system
Particularly effective for digestive disorders & constipation
Menstrual & menopausal problems respond well
Reduced stress & fatigue
Reduction in frequency & severity of migraines
Improvement in skin conditions
Increased energy

Prices

D400 35 Minutes

To book your Reflexology session call us on +220-9904493

gambiamassage@gmail.com

Psychological Benefits of Massage

Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support. We now have scientific proof of the benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles.

Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you


1. Increases a sense of well-being

2. Alleviates mental and nervous exhaustion

3. Deepens awareness of self, breath, movement

4. Reduces mental stress

5. Improves mood

6. Helps release long-held patterns of trauma and grief

7. Enhances psychotherapeutic & spiritual growth

8. Increases a sense of vitality, energy & mental alertness

9. Prepares one mentally for work/athletic performance

10. Decreases depression

11. Fosters peace of mind

12. Improves ability to respond to everyday stress

13. Enhances capacity for creative thought

14. Satisfies basic need for soothing, nurturing touch

15. Reduces anxiety
16. Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Physical Benefits of Massage

Massage as a healing tool has been around for thousands of years in many cultures. Touching is a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support.

Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you.

1) Massage dilates (opens up) blood vessels, improving circulation and relieving congestion.

2) Massage increases the number of red blood cells, especially useful in cases of anemia.

3) Massage acts as a ‘mechanical cleanser’ pushing along lymph and hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.

4) Massage improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity.

5) Massage can compensate, at least in part, for lack of exercise and muscular contraction in persons who, because of injury, illness or age, are forced to remain inactive. In these cases, massage helps return venous blood to the heart, and so eases the strain on this vital organ.

6) Massage improves the general circulation and nutrition of tissues. It is accompanied or followed by an increased interchange of substances between the blood and tissue cells, heightening tissue metabolism.

7) Massage increases excretion via the kidneys of fluids and nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and salt in normal individuals.

8) Massage encourages the retention of chemical compounds necessary for tissue repair in persons convalescing from bone fractures.

9) Massage stretches connective tissue, improves its circulation and nutrition and so breaks down or prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibroses.

10) Massage improves the circulation and nutrition of joints and hastens the elimination of harmful particles.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage is part of Ayurveda healing system which believes that good health depends on balanced energy. It is safe, simple yet effective way for relieving stress.The treatment is focused on the head, neck, shoulders and back. It improves blood circulation to the neck and head increasing the flow of oxygen to cells and tissues.

> It improves and promotes hair growth.

> It enhances health and nourishment of the skin.

> It relieves accumulated tension and restores flexibility to tight muscles.

> It reduces mental stress and promotes better sleep.

> It improves concentration and reduces anxiety.

Prices
D450 45 minutes

Book your Indian head massage at +220-9904493

gambiamassage@gmail.com