Stressed? February 1, 2010

Try alternate nostril breathing! If you’ve done yoga, you might already be familiar with this mellowing technique, which is used to help calm the mind and nervous system. This is one of my favorite things to do to de-stress.  One of the reasons I love it is because it’s so easy to do anytime, anywhere once you get the gist of it..

How to:

*Ideally do this while sitting

1. Use your right thumb to block your right nostril. Breathe deeply through your left nostril (a count of 4 seconds is good)
2. Right away, close the left nostril with your right ring finger while simultaneously removing your thumb from your right nostril, and exhale through your right nostril (for a count of 8 seconds).
3. Inhale through the right nostril (4 seconds), close the right nostril with your thumb, and exhale through the left nostril (8 seconds)

That completes 1 full round. Repeat again if desired.

**Do not attempt if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way!

Some Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil October 28, 2008

Lavender is probably my favorite essential oil. It really is such a relaxing scent and it can be used to help so many things!

 

Here are just a few things that lavender is good for:

• headache and migraine relief
• healing burns and insect bites
• acne, psoriasis and other inflammations
• stiff joints and sore muscle relief
• relaxation
• insomnia
• hypertension
• repelling mosquitoes

Lavender is one of only two essential oils that can be used on the skin without dilution (the other being tea tree oil)!

Use sparingly though. 

Examples:

• A few drops to combine with a lotion or shampoo.
• Just a drop or two to apply to any inflammation.

 

*Allergies – People with allergies should test an oil on a small area of sensitive skin (inside of arm).

*Pregnant – Check with your doctor before using any essential oils (Lavender usually does not appear on the AVOID DURING PREGNANCY list).

**Discontinue use at the first sign of any irritation!

One of my favorite things to do….Foot Baths! October 8, 2008

I started doing foot baths when I was about 4 years old and I’ve never stopped since!

 

These are some of the times to treat yourself to a relaxing foot bath:

• When your feet are sore
• When you’re stressed
• When you’re cold
• When you’re rundown
• When you’re sick
• When you just want to do something relaxing!

For a foot bath you can either just fill your bath tub up with enough water to submerge your feet OR you can use an actual foot bath (you can find foot baths at Target, Walgreens, etc.).

Some of my usual mixtures to include in the very warm water:

• For relaxation: a few drops of lavender oil & 1- 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• For a cold: a few drops of eucalyptus oil &  mustard seed powder (detoxifying)
• For tired feet: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and/or a few drops of lemon juice & 1-2 tablespoons of epsom salt

**You can always simply use warm water and still being doing something healthy and relaxing for yourself.

Try a foot bath today or at least, this week!