Have you ever had a mental “freak-out”? Our minds can often spin out of control resulting in anxiety and depression. Instead of turning to unhealthy vices to try to relieve your stress, try this simple method; Take a shower, showering relaxed your body and changes your focus. While taking your shower ask yourself, “What are three steps I can take to proactively change my situation?”. Chances are you will feel much more equip to tackle life’s challenges with a little fresh perspective. If this doesn’t work, call us for a massage:)
Holiday “SPA” Gifts
Come in and see what we have for the Holiday’s!
Staying Warm: Heat pads, microwavable neck pillows, kids hand warmers, gloves, mittens, and sweaters.
Hot Drinks: Tea Blends with tea kettles and infusers.
Bath: Lotions, massage oils, toners, skin serums, and natural soaps and bath salts.
Essential Oils: Essential oils that could be used to make lotions, foot soaks, candles, soaps, shampoos, and more.
Apparel and Accessories: Cardigans, sweaters, dresses, printed pants, scarves, comfortable pants, earrings, necklaces, and headbands. Come pick out an outfit for yourself or someone you love.
Yoga: Yoga mats, mat bags, yoga pants, tank tops, and light sweatshirts.
Benefits of Massage for Babies
Massage for babies is a great calming activity that helps child and caregiver bond. It includes light pressure and gentle long strokes. It can help with digestive issues, promote healthy sleep cycles, enhance weight gain, improve immune function, improve circulation, and enhance physical and mental development. This is a great habit to get into with a new baby and incorporate into their daily routine.
Yampa Valley 5th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
Join us this Saturday, November 7th from 10:00-3:00 for our annual arts and crafts fair at the Hayden Airport. With over 40 vendors you are sure to get a jump on your holiday shopping! Come join Kneading Hands and a host of other vendors for a day of fun!
Bergamot Oil
This uplifting blend made from the bergamot citrus fruit tree is the perfect addition to any massage.
Uses:
- Antidepressant
- Stimulates healthy digestive system
- Inhibits growth of bacteria
- Stress Reliever
- Reduces Pain
- Heals Skin
- Relieves Congestion
Methods:
- Diffuse into the air
- Apply to skin while showering
- Add 2-3 drops to your water or tea
- Add to your favorite massage lotion
- Apply neat to the bottom of your feet
It’s many uses, great smell and taste make it a must have in the oil collection!
Stop by the Kneading Hands to check out this lovely scent!
Preventing Heart Disease At Any Age
Did you know that massage can help stimulate the circulation of blood and lymph fluid. Lymph is the fluid which helps carry toxins to the circulatory system.
When someone suffers from heart disease, typically the heart has to work harder to pump blood, and thereby, oxygen, to the rest of the body. That can mean that the body can become oxygen deficient – thereby potentially causing a host of problems. However, when someone who has heart issues receives massage – with light to medium pressure – the action of the hands of the therapist on the person work as an external pump, helping to circulate the blood and lymph. This is very beneficial, not just physically, but also mentally, as it helps to decrease stress.
So how about preventing it in the first place…
Eat Healthy: Choose foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
Eat: Fiber rich foods, fish at least twice a week, nuts and seeds, and lean cut meats (but eat red meat sparingly).
Exercise: 4-5 days a week, do a combo or cardio (run, walk, cross country ski), and strength training (2 times a week). As an added perk if you start doing this now you will be in excellent shape come ski season!
Avoid Tobacco Use: This is a significant risk factor for developing heart disease. It damages the blood vessels and narrows the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.
Get Plenty of Sleep: 7-9 hours each night, not enough sleep can lead to higher risks of high blood pressure, obesity, heart attacks, and depression.
Get Regular Screenings: It is important to be tested for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Let’s all make a commitment to take care of ourselves this coming winter season!
Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) – Tense a group of muscles as tightly as possible for 8 seconds and then release them.
Meditation – Train the mind to develop a calm state.
Guided Imagery – Envision images that are calming, paying close attention to the details.
Deep Breathing – Diaphragmatic breathing from the abdomen.
Exercise – Yoga and other exercise techniques help decrease stress and depression.
Mindfulness – Observe and monitor the content of your consciousness, eliminating negative thoughts.
And of course…
Massage – Come visit one of our trained and compassionate therapists here at Kneading Hands for the ultimate in relaxation!
All of these techniques have been shown to reduce stress levels, relax muscles, and reduce anxiety and depression.
Essential Oils and Your Immune System
Did you know that you can boost your immune system with essential oils? As our weather starts to shift towards fall, take these tips into consideration for a healthy and happy turnover to a new season.
Lemon (Citrus limon) – This essential oil is obtained from the peels of lemons. It is antimicrobial, antiseptic, and bactericidal. It is know for its ability to prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as clearing out phlegm. Lemon essential oil has stimulating properties which means it increases white blood cell production, helping to fight bacteria. Careful, as lemon is phototoxic and should not be used topically prior to sun exposure.
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) – This essential oil is obtained from the flowers and stalks of the lavender plant. Lavender has many great qualities including antiviral, antiseptic, and decongestant. It is an extremely versatile oil and a great one to have in your arsenal.
Ravensara (Ravensara aromatic) – This oils is distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Ravensara tree. It has a 1.8 cineole rating giving it strong therapeutic actions. It is antiviral, and antimicrobial. Its antiviral properties make it very effective at treating cold and flu symptoms.
These are just a few of the various essential oils which can boost your immune system. Stop by Kneading Hands to discover the power of oils, sample a few drops, or make yourself a healing blend.
Hand Washing Using Essential Oils (DIY)
Looking for a recipe to use with essential oils? Try this hand wash! It’s simple and give you the ability to be creative!
Foaming Hand Wash:
- 2 Tbsp unscented castile soap
- 1-2 tsp coconut oil
- 10-15 drops of any essential oil
Add it all together, pour into a soap dispenser, and fill the rest with water. Shake gently and you are done!
Come in and pick some of our essential oils and enjoy some calming hand soap today!
Essential Oils to Take on Vacation
- Purification – Helps purify stuffy car odors.
- Peppermint – Help with mental alertness and jet-lag.
- Lavender – Sunburns, bug bites (helps with prevention and the itch afterwards).
- Citronella, Thieves – Keeps pesky bugs away.
- Lemon – Hand sanitizer.
- Eucalyptus – Allergies and respiratory conditions.
While you travel this summer make sure to have your essential oil travel kit at your side. Come in to Kneading Hands to make your very own kit.