New! Relief for headache and sinus pain

If your sinuses are blocked or you have frequent headaches, you know how miserable these conditions can make your life. Now you can do something about it!

I am now offering a 45 minute massage treatment that specifically helps alleviate this type of pressure and pain.

The treatment starts with a hot towel to relax your face. Then I work on your scalp, neck, and shoulders to release tension and soothe sore areas. I finish the work on your head with another hot towel for your face, and move to your feet to work sinus related reflex points there. Very relaxing--and effective!

Don't spend another minute suffering with headache or sinus pain! Call me and book your first sinus session before September 1, 2009 and receive a $10 off your treatment.

Stay cool out there!

Moist wipes. . .with a twist!

Another handy recipe, especially if you can't easily find wipes free of aloe and other ingredients you'd rather have on your skin. (My skin's fussy, how 'bout yours?)

You could also use this technique to make a few "Don't Bug Me!" (see posts) wipes for the road. Just fold a few paper towels and saturate with "DBM!" mixture and place in a ziploc bag. Or perhaps just choose citronella as the essential oil for this recipe. Be sure to mark those towels as bug repellent, not cleansing towelettes.

Moist Towelettes

20 to 24 Squares of white heavy-duty quality paper towels
1 cup Witch Hazel
1 teaspoon Glycerin
1-3 drops of essential oil of your choice

Combine the Witch Hazel, Glycerin, and essential oil. Mix well and set aside.

Next, separate and stack each of the paper towel squares from the roll; cut each square in half. You will now have rectangles. Fold each rectangle into thirds as if you would a letter. Now, fold each in half as if you were closing a book. Holding the stack of towels firmly closed, place in a pie pan and hold down with your finger. (Me, I'd just use those handy "Select-a-Size" rolls of paper towels, folding each narrow strip in half.)

Pour witch hazel mixture over towels. Let stand for a few minutes to absorb all of the liquid. Stack towels in an empty lidded plastic container or zip-lock type bag. Keep in your car, bathroom, gym locker or other useful places.

Follow this link for other:
Homemade spa treatments, beauty treatments, cosmetics and more, courtesy of SpaIndex.com: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas. The web's most comprehensive resource for Spa Enthusiasts.

Keeping the Bugs Away--Naturally!

If you're like me, you like the outdoors. But I don't like the bugs, and I don't like the heavy chemical laden bug sprays. So to my delight, I found this bug spray recipe that I'd like to share with you. Fox Farms in Joplin probably has the citronella oil, or you can order it online.

You might also want to test this on a small patch of your skin (and check it on your child, too) before using, just to make sure you tolerate it well.

DON'T BUG ME! INSECT REPELLENT

2 c. witch hazel
1 1/2 t. citronella essential oil
1 T. apple cider vinegar

Combine into a 16 oz spray bottle. Shake vigorously before using. Requires no refrigeration. Apply liberally.



Follow this link for other:
Homemade spa treatments, beauty treatments, cosmetics and more, courtesy of SpaIndex.com: Guide to Day Spas and Stay Spas. The web's most comprehensive resource for Spa Enthusiasts.

Rose Petals in a Fountain

Rose Petals in the Fountain

This is a photo I took last year in September when my friends Joy and Leila visited the Tulsa Rose gardens. We went there to relax and play mbira. When we got there, we were shocked to see the rose gardens still in full bloom. We spent an hour or so wandering through all types and colors of roses. Some were scented, all were gorgeous! It was really no surprize to find the fountain full of fallen rose petals. . .or were the fairies making wishes?

May all your wishes and dreams come true. . . .

Massage in a chair

Starting the last week of March, I will be offering seated massage sessions at Sweet Designs Cakery at 311 N. Broadway. I'll be there on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm.

Chair massage is a wonderful break from work. Choose a 5, 10 or 15 minute massage ($1 per minute). You'll be surprized at the level of relaxation you can acheive in just a few minutes. You'll be more productive the rest of the day, and Sweet Designs Cakery is probably just a short walk from your office.

Plus, you can get a cup of coffee and a baked goodie if you need a snack.

So come on down and try it out. As an extra incentive, mention seeing this on the blog and get a $2 discount on your first seated massage.

Pain management with a tennis ball

Tennis, golf, and whiffle balls are great for helping you get in shape, and not just on the playing field! In this post, I'll tell you about how using these balls can help you relieve pain, stiffness, and tension at home, the office, even on the road.

Find a tennis ball and tie it in the toe end of a long sock or knee hi. You've now created a tool that you can use in several ways to work on acupressure points and tight muscles. Want to know more about pressure points? See my book list for suggestions. Don't worry about knowing specific spots, though, just work where it hurts!

Cup the ball in the palm of your hand to apply pressure to an acupressure spot or sore area and save your thumbs.

Dangle the ball between your back and a wall to work the muscles on either side of your spine, the muscles on the shoulder blade, and that pesky spot on your hip. You know, that one right in the middle of the back pocket of your jeans. Working this point means that you will have less low back and leg pain. This point is very helpful in alleviating sciatic pain.

Holding the knot and tapping the ball on pressure points or tired muscles provides relief. Use this bouncing motion only on soft tissues, not on bony areas. Go gently at first until you learn what your body wants. Tap the top of your shoulders, your forearms, the back of your neck. Or have your partner tap all over your back.

Use an old golf ball to give your feet a treat. Simply place it on the floor and use it to apply pressure to the soles of your feet. Try chilling the ball in the freezer to help cool down tired feet at the end of a long, hot day. Pay special attention to those sore spots.

Hold a tennis, golf, or whiffle ball between your hands. Squeeze and roll to give your palms and fingers a much needed massage. Keep a ball by your computer to remind you to take good care of your hands!

Most dollar stores carry small round or football shaped balls that have stiff spikes on them. (Look in the toy section.) Try using them for your hands and feet, too. Careful, though, these balls are delicate compared to tennis or golf balls. Squash your tension, not your tools!

Ready to garden?

It's time to think about working in our yards and gardens. Today I was listening to our public radio station and "You Bet Your Garden". They had some great tips for working in outside without injuring yourself. Here's a link that takes you to some mighty useful information: http://www.gardensalive.com/article_mcgrath.asp?ai=1

Now, where did I put that David Austin rose catalog. . .

Until later,
Lorraine