Essential Oils & Aromatherapy to Enhance Your Session

Some of our clients ask about our philosophy in the use of essential oils and aromatherapy for our massage, bodywork and energy sessions.

We always are very specific in our choice of base oils, essential oil body blends or aromatherapy oils and we use custom blended oils exclusively. Unlike some massage and bodywork providers, we don't charge any extra fees for this. The ingredients and blends that we create are designed to enhance the specific session type to make the experience an even deeper and better one.

We are also very particular in the base or raw ingredients that we use to make up our aromatic blends. We source pesticide and phthalate free, organic products. When we choose to create a specific blend, we focus on the type of session and the adaptogenic qualities of the oils and ingredients. Adaptogenic qualities are something unique to the study of herbals. An adaptogen has the quality of balancing out something. This is true whether the body is in excess of something, or lacking something.

This concept is not readily understood in Western culture or allopathic medicine where people take things to address a specific issue for a single specific outcome.  With an adaptogen, as an example, a specific herb (or an extract such as oil) has the ability to help a person balance out their energy - this is true for a person who may have low energy (depressed), or another person who has high energy (anxiety). The same herb (oil) can affect two very different extremes. That is what is interesting about adaptogens - they simply help bring something into balance from either direction. We place a special emphasis on adaptogenic oils and herbs in our blends.

In our base oils we also include ingredients that are generally known to help improve skin quality, reduce cellulitis and improve skin tone. Our therapeutic blends include a variety of oils and extracts to assist with absorption by the skin tissue and reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.

Research has shown that certain oils have an hormonal affect.  Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the mainstream oil constituents that you may have heard a lot about. Oils are actually precursors to hormones (eicosanoids) - that means that you need to metabolize certain oils or fatty acids in order to adequately balance hormone levels.

Similarly, we are very picky about the aromatherapy oils we use and the blends that we create for our sessions. The sense of smell (olfactory sense) is a very strong process that can quickly affect our thoughts, emotions and energy. The sensory and nervous system pathway from the nose to the brain is very direct. This very direct path exists as a primitive survival mechanism - we want to know early and quickly if we are in danger of being in a fire (by smelling smoke) or avoid eating putrid food that could make us very ill. Likewise, can you recall a time when you smelled a subtle hint of a scent of home cooked bread, or a certain flower, and found yourself quickly recalling past memories or good feelings? We leverage this human trait to help facilitate relaxation and peacefulness in order to enhance overall wellness.

As you probably tell, we've given a lot of thought to all that goes into our sessions. We want you to have the best experience possible and do whatever we can to make that happen. If you have more questions about our base oils, essential oils, herbal extracts or aromatherapy usage. Please feel free to  ask us any questions. For more information about Wishing Wellness, please see our website.   

     

Into the Depths With Deep Tissue Massage

Many times a month we get calls asking if we do deep tissue massage. If you've checked our website, you will notice that deep tissue massage is not listed as one of our services. In this article, I'd like to explain why we do not offer deep tissue massage; why we actually think deep tissue massage can be injurious; outline better options, for better results, than deep tissue massage.

We start with a basic assumption that muscles always win. When a muscle is tight, in spasm, injured, over used or lacking good blood flow - it is not reliably possible to force the muscle to get better by digging into it and deeply manipulating the muscle. If you get poked in the eye; you don't help the inured eye by poking it again? If you bang your thumb with a hammer; you don't make it feel better by hitting it again with a hammer? (At least I hope not) Likewise, with injured or painful muscles it doesn't make a lot of sense to do things that perpetuate pain or injury.

A muscle, under a microscopic view, is made up of many very fine hair like fibers that act together as a group to create muscle contractions. Under stress, these fibers are easily damaged and can range from small fiber tears to full muscle tears. It is actually pretty amazing how these tiny fibers combine together to perform movements and handle weight loads. Additionally, a muscle and the little fibers that make a muscle create movement, only has one movement function - contraction. The same muscle that is contracted does not have its own ability to un-contract and re-extend itself. The only thing a muscle can do after contraction is - release. A contracted muscle, even when the fibers release and relax, needs help re-extending by the action of opposing muscles. The same muscle can not extend itself to a non-contracted position without help. It makes sense then, that simply working a muscle in a contracted state is not going to actually help it get back to pre-contracted or normal position without some type of supportive movement, opposing stretch, or opposing muscle activity. 

There can be several reasons for sore muscles, such as: build up of waste products (lactic acid) due to exercise or over use; lack of blood flow (ischemic issues); stretched or inflamed tendons (tendinitis); ripped or torn muscle fibers or tendons (worst case - surgery). In any case, deep tissue massage is not likely to produce the best results. Granted, deep tissue manipulation may incidentally help move out lactic acid or improve blood flow - but, because we can't see inside the muscle (unless we have an MRI); we can't know exactly what is happening. Nor, can we only assume one thing is going on. Therefore, the risk of increasing injury or pain with deep tissue massage is pretty high - especially when many massage therapists performing deep tissue massage are not well trained in the process.

Over the years, we have found that there are various options to help sore or injured muscles that do not rely on deep tissue techniques. Depending on our clients situation, the following techniques may be effective:

• slow pumping and kneading of the muscle
• slow and progressive stretches across the muscle insertions
• contrasting cold and heat applications
• gentle relaxation of the muscle by shortening the insertion points to help the muscle reset and relax (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
• use of essentials oils that create an analgesic effect or improve blood flow to the area
• slow range of motion movements, with or without, active resistance
• thai yoga massage stretching techniques
• acupressure point manipulation
• focused breathing and intention to relax the tight or spasmed muscle

The above listed techniques work with the body to help facilitate the natural repair methods that ultimately are what allow for healing to occur. These options are also more likely to be available when a client is in acute pain because these options are gentle and non-aggressive. Because other options exist, we stay away from deep tissue massage and offer services, that more likely than not, will provide benefit without the risk of making things worse.   Click here for more information about Wishing Wellness

Sacred Lomi - Why?

Some clients have asked for additional information regarding the Sacred Lomi bodywork session. I am including information here that was previously published in an article that I wrote. Before we get to that info - I am often asked why I choose to offer Sacred Lomi and why I feel it is such a powerful session. I do not assume that everyone will respond to a Sacred Lomi in the same way. For some clients, it is just a nice, long, relaxing session. For other clients, it is much more.

Getting out of one's mind and simply experiencing the here and now has a very powerful effect. The process and nature of a Sacred Lomi is designed to enhance a sense of a journey, right of passage, or rebirth. For many clients, either bodywork or counseling based, the Sacred Lomi is a physical method to feel emotionally or mentally renewed. It is a non-verbal, holistic way to integrate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of ourselves. That was the intent of the Hawaiian Shamans when they brought Sacred Lomi to their people.

Here is the previously published info:

In preparation for the session, it is recommended that the client not eat or drink for at least an hour prior to the bodywork.  Recipients are asked to not wear any perfume, cologne or other strong body scents.  All jewelry will need to be removed including any body piercing jewelry.  Legs, arms and faces that are shaved regularly should be recently shaved so that minimal stubble is present.  No make-up should be worn.  Hair will need to be up so that no hair is able to fall onto the neck or shoulders (we have new scrunchies for each client).  Ideally, the body should be recently showered and clean so that the oil flows smoothly on the skin.  After receiving Sacred Lomi, water should be consumed in significant amounts to help clear and cleanse the body.

This massage is performed while lying directly on the warm massage table, with no bottom sheet, allowing the therapist to perform certain underbody flowing strokes and techniques.  The room is kept very warm to keep the client comfortable.  Often the therapist will breathe audibly to help sustain energy and assist in developing the proper intention.  Generally, there is no conversation between the client and therapist which allows the client and therapist to focus on the intention of the session.  A liberal amount of oil is used.  As is standard with any type of bodywork, the recipient will dress and undress in privacy, and while getting on and off the table, a draping sheet is used.

This is a very beautiful and caring style of massage and the process is, at a minimum, fully relaxing.  Some find it to be personally uplifting and insightful.  Sacred Lomi is best performed with minimal draping based on the client’s comfort level.  The client’s comfort level is the primary consideration.  If the client is not comfortable – then there really is no purpose in providing the massage.  Modifications of the recommended Sacred Lomi draping method are possible, but any modifications will prevent the ability to perform certain strokes, movements and session closing process.  It is necessary that no undergarments be worn – if underwear is worn it is very likely that it will be damaged from oil staining.  During the actual massage, the preferred draping method uses a towel that will always be covering the gluteal cleavage and genital area.  The genital area is never exposed.  As an alternative option, the full draping sheet can be folded down and used for covering the genital area / gluteal cleavage but it will need to be folded to a fairly thin strip positioned between the legs. 

It is recommended that no breast draping be used.  If breast draping is used, it consists of a towel folded into a strip and placed over the breasts; it is folded up at the sides so that the sides of the upper body are accessible. Most people experiencing a Sacred Lomi session choose the option to not have any breast draping.  This choice allows for a much more complete session and utilization of several very beneficial traditional strokes and clear access to the sternum area (the Heart Chakra). 

The preferred leg placement is also different in this style of massage.  Optimal placement positions the legs so that the feet are at the edge of each side of the table.  This allows access for a variety of leg strokes and techniques.  Legs can be placed more center-line to the table, but this limits the effectiveness of the strokes and may prevent certain strokes from being utilized.  Regardless of leg placement, the genital area is never exposed or touched.  The client’s draping choices will be held in the strictest confidence and will need to be indicated on an informed consent before the session begins.

As with many holistic sessions, some people may experience emotional releases during this type of session. This is perfectly normal if it were to occur.  It is suggested to not suppress any emotion and just let it surface; be fully present, let go of worries or concerns.  I believe this is why some people find the session personally uplifting and spiritual in nature - almost cathartic.  The session will continue to progress even if emotional releases occur - of course, if you need a moment to yourself; let the practitioner know and they will respect your wishes. Generally, it’s best to just let the massage unfold on its own.

Wishing Wellness Update and Remodel

We have recently updated our location and the feedback from clients is very positive. Here is a picture of the massage and bodywork area.

We are trying to get the look and feel that we had at our Sycamore, IL location. That was a very beautiful and special place. It can never be replicated, but we are trying for the same type of ambiance and energy. We hope our current and future clients will like the new space.