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