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Top of the World

A soothing massage can help in more ways then merely to unwind.


Massages might seem to be a frivolous luxury associated with exotic spas and upscale health clubs. But massage therapy, when combined with several other traditional treatments is most effective in combating stress, pains and general healing.


Massage is a familiar process to many. Using various massage techniques like stroking, pushing, kneading and pressing, your body is thoroughly treated. Usually, hands and fingers are used to stimulate and manipulate muscles, skin and pressure points. Fists, elbow and sometimes, even feet are used. There are many variations in massage techniques and you will be surprised at how effective they are when used by trained practitioners like physical therapists, occupational therapists and massage therapists.


Massage relieves muscle tension, eases aches and pains and is a good technique for stress relief. During the massage process, the body produces its own natural pain killers. While more research will be needed to study the various benefits of massage, it has been found to be effective in at least these few areas:
Anxiety
Pain
Labor pains
Infant growth
Children with diabetes
Sports-related soreness
Alcohol withdrawal
Immune system
Cancer treatment
Self-esteem


Astrological Aromatherapy for July


July is the month for Leo. Leo is centered around the Sun. Being the centre of our solar system, Leo is therefore the sign of kings. Of course, this implies that political leaders, actors, musicians, pop stars and all those in the creative world lay claim to the power of Leo. Usually, Leo people enjoy being the centre of attention and love to express their creativity.


Leo associates closely with the heart and the circulation of blood around the body. Without proper recreation, creative activities and exercise, the Leo is susceptible to high blood pressure, palpitations and even more serious heart problems. As with all matters of the heart, the Leo is easily moved by matters of the heart. Love lost and love gained are felt keenly and a Leo could be completely overwhelmed by such emotions.


Therefore, Leo is susceptible to depression and down moods physically and emotionally,. Antidepressant oils like Bergamot and Orange (both associated with the Sun) will be particularly helpful during a massage session.


Astrological Oil for July


The only oil that befits the king (Leo) must surely be the King of oils (Jasmine). A popular counter part to the Queen of oils (Rose), it contains properties that help you deeply relax, lifts depression, eases childbirth, boosts confidence, helps sexual problems, soothes coughing and more. It is also used to relieve stretch marks and softens the skin.


The Jasmine plant is an evergreen, fragile, creeper that grows up to 10 meters (33 feet) high with dark green leaves and small, white star-shaped flowers. These flowers are picked at night, at the time when their aroma is most intense.


Jasmine originated in China and Northern India. When it was brought to Spain by the Moors, it quickly became very popular across Europe. Today, Europe produces some of the best Jasmine essential oils.


Precautions


While Jasmine is non-toxic, it should not be used by those who are pregnant due to its emmenagogue properties. This is a deeply relaxing oil, so excessive use could result in a person being distracted and finding it hard to concentrate.


Although essential oils blend well with most other oils, Jasmine oil blends particularly well with Bergamot, Rose, Sandalwood and all Citrus oils.

Yours faithfully,
Constance Seng

Top of the World

A soothing massage can help in more ways then merely to unwind.


Massages might seem to be a frivolous luxury associated with exotic spas and upscale health clubs. But massage therapy, when combined with several other traditional treatments is most effective in combating stress, pains and general healing.


Massage is a familiar process to many. Using various massage techniques like stroking, pushing, kneading and pressing, your body is thoroughly treated. Usually, hands and fingers are used to stimulate and manipulate muscles, skin and pressure points. Fists, elbow and sometimes, even feet are used. There are many variations in massage techniques and you will be surprised at how effective they are when used by trained practitioners like physical therapists, occupational therapists and massage therapists.


Massage relieves muscle tension, eases aches and pains and is a good technique for stress relief. During the massage process, the body produces its own natural pain killers. While more research will be needed to study the various benefits of massage, it has been found to be effective in at least these few areas:
Anxiety
Pain
Labor pains
Infant growth
Children with diabetes
Sports-related soreness
Alcohol withdrawal
Immune system
Cancer treatment
Self-esteem


Astrological Aromatherapy for July


July is the month for Leo. Leo is centered around the Sun. Being the centre of our solar system, Leo is therefore the sign of kings. Of course, this implies that political leaders, actors, musicians, pop stars and all those in the creative world lay claim to the power of Leo. Usually, Leo people enjoy being the centre of attention and love to express their creativity.


Leo associates closely with the heart and the circulation of blood around the body. Without proper recreation, creative activities and exercise, the Leo is susceptible to high blood pressure, palpitations and even more serious heart problems. As with all matters of the heart, the Leo is easily moved by matters of the heart. Love lost and love gained are felt keenly and a Leo could be completely overwhelmed by such emotions.


Therefore, Leo is susceptible to depression and down moods physically and emotionally,. Antidepressant oils like Bergamot and Orange (both associated with the Sun) will be particularly helpful during a massage session.


Astrological Oil for July


The only oil that befits the king (Leo) must surely be the King of oils (Jasmine). A popular counter part to the Queen of oils (Rose), it contains properties that help you deeply relax, lifts depression, eases childbirth, boosts confidence, helps sexual problems, soothes coughing and more. It is also used to relieve stretch marks and softens the skin.


The Jasmine plant is an evergreen, fragile, creeper that grows up to 10 meters (33 feet) high with dark green leaves and small, white star-shaped flowers. These flowers are picked at night, at the time when their aroma is most intense.


Jasmine originated in China and Northern India. When it was brought to Spain by the Moors, it quickly became very popular across Europe. Today, Europe produces some of the best Jasmine essential oils.


Precautions


While Jasmine is non-toxic, it should not be used by those who are pregnant due to its emmenagogue properties. This is a deeply relaxing oil, so excessive use could result in a person being distracted and finding it hard to concentrate.


Although essential oils blend well with most other oils, Jasmine oil blends particularly well with Bergamot, Rose, Sandalwood and all Citrus oils.

Yours faithfully,
Constance Seng

Let the feelings Flow in June

There are two very important things that define the month of June for us here in Singapore. One is that it is the mid-year school holidays and the other is, of course, Father's Day.

We honour our mothers and we just had Mother's Day in May. June is when we celebrate the sacrifices made by fathers for their children and families. Fathers represent the stability in the family and for many of us, we might even have different "father" figures throughout our lives. These could be the Big Brother you admired as a child, the Uncle you look up to as a teenager, the Teacher you respected and maybe even the Boss who commanded your awe and respect.

The first Father's Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910. It was the brainchild of a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd as she listened to a sermon about Mother's Day. Raised by her father after the death of her mother, she saw her father's courage, selflessness and love; taking the full burden of both parents alone. It was then that she decided to hold a celebration in honour of her father.

A National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City in 1926 and finally, in 1956, was officially recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon established the third Sunday of June as Father's Day.

So, do not forget to treat your father to a luxurious spa and massage package this Father's Day.

Astrological Aromatherapy for June

The Cancer is associated with the Moon which was the Great Mother in many creation myths. In astrology the Moon symbolizes emotions, the unconscious and also motherhood and mothering. All of these are very important in understanding the intrinsic nature of the Cancerian. They are often deeply emotional people, though they may not find it easy to express their feelings, hiding inside their "shell" like the Crab for whom the sign is named. The shell is the Crab's home and that is the place where they feel safe.

Cancers often worry in secret. They keep their concerns to themselves and seldom share their burdens with anyone. Pancrease and digestive problems with emotional origins are common to the Cancerian. On a lighter note, Cancerians have a great love for food.

Astrological Oil for June

For Cancerians, the Blue Camomile is the most appropriate oil. Its colour invokes the feelings of water, creating not only a strong affinity with the Crab, but also generates the calming, familiar feel of their natural home.

Generally, I recommend warm oils for a calming effect for Cancerians, quite different from the cooling oils normally associated with Cancer. The Camomile family of essential oils are calming and will benefit the Cancerian. Roman Camomile are most effective for irritation, impatience and for treating PMS and other menstrual issues. German chamomile is very effective on the skin, not only to sooth and calm, but to heal and regenerate skin tissues. This variant contains a powerful anti-inflammatory agent called azulene, a blue crystal that is not created in the plant, but is found in the soil. Just a little is sufficient to be effective.

The Egyptians loved the herb, using it to cure fever and to sooth nervous complaints. It is also used a lot in shampoos, cosmetics and perfumes. This is one of the oils to avoid during pregnancies as it promotes menstrual flow.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of the Blue Camomile oils are:

Analgesic
anti-allergenic
anti-spasmodic
antibiotic
anti-inflammatory
bactericidal
emmenagogue
hepatic
digestive
Camomile oils have calming and relaxing capabilities. They work especially well on the nervous and digestive systems, easing and regulating the menstrual cycle and are soothing and healing for the skin. You can use Camomile blended in Massage oils or diluted in baths.

Yours faithfully,
Constance Seng

Show your Love Geminis!

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." That inspiring quote by an unknown author, I will always remember about mothers. Mothers are always there for us no matter how mean and thoughtless we sometimes can be.

I really salute the person or persons who first mooted the idea of a celebration in honour of our mothers. Today, Mothers Day is internationally recognized as a day to honor all mothers and to thank them for the selfless services that they have rendered to each child.

At Scent Discovery, we pay tribute to all the mothers in the world and believe that every mother is a celebrity in her own right!

Astrological Aromatherapy for May

The signs of Germini, the Twins, lies between Spring and Summer. Gemini folks are lively, quick, versatile, sociable and often curious. Due to their natural curiosity, they tend to flit from one interest to another. Changing jobs, moving homes and getting new friends are common to a Gemini. Sometimes, a Gemini tends to take on too many commitments.

Geminis would find that difficulty in relaxing and failure to have proper sleep at night are common woes. This is where aromatherapy will help to relax the great Gemini worriers. According to the author of "Astrological Aromatherapy", Patricia Davis Gemini has physical affinities with the arms, the lungs and also the nervous systems. Rheumatic or arthritic pains in the arms have long been regarded as typically Geminian problem. The association with lungs is partly through the element of Air which rules Gemini. This means, Geminis are also susceptible to bronchitis or asthma.

Germini's planet is Mercury which is associated with many plants. Lavender can slow down the overactive minds of Gemini. Basil is useful in taking care of lung ailments and when the Gemini feels exhausted. Other than Basil, Thyme or Peppermint have the same stimulating effects.

Mental Stimulation in May

The astrological oil for May represents the spirit of Gemini and is the mentally stimulating Basil. This is a watery, pale greenish-yellow oil that has a clear, light and peppery aroma. For those sensitive to scents, it adds a sweet, green top note to blended oils.

Basil has many uses. Some of the more common applications are:


analgesic
antidepressant
antispasmodic
anti-venomous
diaphoretic
digestive
expectorant
insecticide
tonic
stimulant

You can use Basil in burners and vaporizers or you can simply blend it into your bath. This essential oil has been used in the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines and allergies. It is used to clear the mind and relieve intellectual fatigue, while giving clarity and mental strength. It has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections.

Astrological Aromatherapy for April - Taurus

The response to our Astrological Aromatherapy issue was really great. Interestingly, I have received several phone inquiries about why essential oil is preferred to normal massage oil.

So, here is a short note for those who are interested and hopefully, it will be helpful and interesting for everyone. Our sense of smell is linked directly to the limbic system in our brain. This is the control center for emotions and it influences the nervous system and hormones. That is why perfumes are popular and the aroma of baking induces feelings of euphoria.

Essential oils leverage this principle. When you inhale the sweet or pungent aromas, depending on what oils are used, the sensory messages are picked up by the limbic system. Much as music affects your moods, these scents can affect, modify and even control many of your body functions. While the limbic system does not actively dictate, it has a strong influence and will affect your heart rate, feelings of stress, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, your immune system and much more.

The essence of essential oils can be absorbed through inhaling, or even through the skin. Different types of oils will have different effects. Some examples:

Energizing Effect - rosemary oils
De-congestion Effects - eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oils
Uplifting Effects - bergamot, peppermint, lemon
Calming Effects - chamomile, lavender, geranium


In fact, many of these are known as common household cures for various ailments. So, it should not be surprising to learn of their many beneficial effects.

For those of you who are already aware, massage therapy has a lot of advantages. But this becomes even more powerful and effective when you combine the effects of aromatherapy. I strongly believe that Aromatherapy Massage is perfect for treatment of stress and stress related conditions such as insomnia. Digestive Disorders, PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and headaches are other conditions that I have seen to respond very positively to Aromatherapy Massage.

Astrological Aromatherapy for April

So, in April, we would like to introduce to you the essential oil of rose. Rose is the signature oil for Taurens, those born between 21 April and 21 May. Taurens are very shrewd with their assets and assessment of value, the love the earthly pleasures of food, wine and sex. According to Patricia Davies, author of "Astrological Aromatherapy", Taurens have an affinity to Venus, the Goddess of Love. That means Taurens have the patience, determination and tenacity to develop a steadfast relationship with people. These are talented people with a keen aesthetic sense.

With their personality, the Taureans will love the sensuous delight of fine aromas and respond well to therapeutic massage. If you like to pamper a Taurean, get him/her a gift of aromatherapy massage and you'll be deeply appreciated. You see, Taurus governs the neck and shoulders, and that means Taureans will usually have some forms of aches and pains in those areas. Strange as it may sound, it is because Taureans keep all their worries there! Taureans should highlight to their masseurs to spend a little bit more time to knead and rub the tension off their stiff neck and sore shoulder area. Beside these two areas, the Taureans must take care of their throat too. They have a tendency to suffer from throat infection and even thyroid deficiency.

Luxurious oils ruled by Venus such as Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang are great for the Earth signed Taureans. However, the slow and steady Taurean may find fiery Martian oils like black pepper and ginger equally beneficial.

Astrological Oil for April

Rose oil is sacred to Venus and certainly the epitome of beauty - both visually and in its aroma. Rose is among the most costly of essential oil and that just reflect the shrewd judge of value in the Taurean. I would recommend the use of Rose oils as it is one of the best all-purpose oils. It can fight depression, grief, anger and fear. At the same time, it has positive effects on your heart and digestive system. This is also the remedy for female problems and of course, it is perfect for the skin.

Interesting Facts about Rose Oils

Rose oils have a deep, fresh aroma and its color ranges from pale yellow to a darker shade with greenish tints. It is not an easy oil to extract, requiring around 60,000 roses to make an ounce of essence.

Why would we expend so much effort to get this oil if not for the fact that it has many wonderful properties and benefits:

Anti-depressant
Anti-phlogistic
Anti-septic
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-viral
Aphrodiasiac
Astringent
Hepatic

The list goes on for quite a bit longer. Including medicinal effects like laxative, tonic for the heart, liver and uterus; Rose oil is fascinating and precious oil.

I love to use Rose in vapourisers as it has many therapeutic effects. But one of my favourite is to add rose in a blended massage oil to maximize my enjoyment of being pampered and absorbing all the wonderful effects of this essential oil.

Astrological Aromatherapy for March - Aries

December through February were 3 wonderful months of celebration. The Christmas feasting of turkey, eggnogs and log cakes were fantastic. All those yummy treats threatened to add a few centimeters to my tummy. Then, barely 4 weeks later, we celebrated Chinese New Year. That's another awesome 15 days of pineapple tarts, love letters and those fat laden, oil dripping bah kwa. And a few days after the end of CNY is Valentine's Day. And that means another box of sinfully rich chocolate! It's great that good things come in a row! Now that the celebration is temporarily over (fortunately), we have to start taking care of our bodies more diligently.

Those who know me well will know that I'm a firm believer of the wonders that a good therapeutic massage can do to your overall well being. Why?
Regular massage:

-reduces tension and anxiety
-improves blood circulation
-prevents and relieves muscles cramps and spasms
-calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being
-stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body's waste products

From this issue onward, I will be sharing with you some interesting information I gathered on "Astrological Aromatherapy" by Patricia Davies. While most of us know our Zodiac sign, many of us are unaware that these signs can shed light on the vulnerable parts of our bodies. Once you know your Zodiac sign, you will have immediate knowledge of the problems most likely to affect you, and an indication of which essential oil or a combination of essential oils, will help to sooth your discomfort.

Astrological Aromatherapy for March

What a great coincidence that we start the Astrological Aromatherapy in March, as the Zodiac year begins with the sign of Aries the Ram. Aries represents spring most appropriately. Full of life with spring-like energy, those born between 21 March and 20 April under the sign of Aries are usually hungry for new experiences. Aries are action-doers. They are characterized by driving energy and therefore it is very common to see Aries pushing themselves to the limit in everything that they do.

As Aries work themselves very hard, they are susceptible to headaches, migraine, catarrh, sinusitis and other physical challenges related to the head. Fortunately, such ailments respond well to aromatherapy and the appropriate essential oils. But even an Aries person will need different plants when they are stressed or agitated - the soothing oil of Venus is much more soothing and useful. The ultimate choice of a Venus oil is Rose, followed by Geranium. When an Aries suffers from fevers and inflammation, Moon-related oil such as Chamomile and Melissa will be able to relieve the discomfort. An Aries person should opt for uplifting oils such as Bergamot, Orange or Frankincense to clear the dark cloud in their minds.

Astrological Oil for March

Rosemary is the signature oil for an Aries person. Rosemary oil is a crisp and clean smelling essential oil. It is great for stimulating the brain, improving memory and mental clarity, while helping with a variety of congested respiratory tract problems, stiff muscles, coldness as well as boosting the liver and gall bladder. It is also used for improving hair and scalp health.

This essential oil is the best choice when you have headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. When you need to clear your mind, or want to heighten your awareness, this is the oil to use.

One interesting effect is the antiseptic properties of Rosemary oil, which is especially effective for intestinal infections, diarrhea, colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders, and jaundice. As a pain reliever, it has been found to be effective against rheumatism, arthritis, muscular pain and gout.

Other positive effects:

-palpitations
-poor circulation
-varicose veins
-water retention during menstruation
-obesity
-cellulite
-asthma
-sinus
-whooping cough
-sagging skin

So if you or anyone you know are born between 21 March and 20 April, use relevant essential oils to rejuvenate and revitalize yourself when you have a massage. The more we nurture and nourish ourselves, the better we can performed at work and be the better person we strive to be in life.

PS: If you or anyone you know wants to order Organic Rosemary oil, I have a SPECIAL PROMOTION at only $31. Or if you are keen in other good quality essential oils, send email to me and I will personally attend to it: contact AT scentdiscovery DOT COM