EMBRACING SELF CARE

The term "Self Care" is having a moment. It is everywhere you look. From commercials, and advertising, to social media, we are drilled with the enlightening messages of the need for self care. As massage therapists, we are taught the importance of good body mechanics, hydration, nutrition and meditation to help our bodies and minds stay in shape. But life often gets in the way and especially this last year many of us are struggling to stay the course. Despite our best efforts, it is easy to fall into unhealthy patterns.

So how do we embrace the concept of self care? Is it grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend? A hot bath and a good book? A yoga class or treating yourself to a massage? Or maybe adding aromatherapy into your daily life. One of my favorite tools when using essential oils is making an inhaler. Inhalers are easy, affordable and can give you some quick respite in the midst of a busy day. Add up to 15 drops of your favorite oil or blend and inhale anytime you need a few minutes. Here is one of my go to blends for "my moment":

-5 drops Ylang Ylang (canaga odorata)

-3 drops Black Pepper (piper nigrum)

-3 drops Clove Bud (syzygium aromaticum)

Add to the cotton wick of an inhaler and enjoy for up to 3 weeks.

These oils blend together for a gorgeous, rich and exotic scent. The warmth of the spice oils, combined with the decadent floral of ylang ylang make it an aromatic experience. This blend also has anti-anxiety properties and may help lower blood pressure and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Sometimes, all we can do is enough. Take care and Happy Blending!

INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

While the internet has changed the world and brought a plethora of information to our fingertips, with this information overload comes false information and misguidance. We've all seen posts and articles of statements on the false benefits of essential oils; or in some cases, overblown stories intended to scare people. It can be overwhelming and confusing, and I often have clients contact me with questions looking for information. So how do we know what is real and what is not?

The key is to consider the source. Where (or from who) is the information coming from? Is their work cited? Does it contain legitimate sources? Are they an aromatherapy professional?

Often when I am researching, I go straight for the sources that I know and trust. The Aromahead Institute, the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists, The Herbal Academy, the Alliance of International Aromatherapists or the Tisserand Institute. These organizations stand by their research, cite their sources and work in a non-biased, completely professional way. I know their information is correct and validated, giving me confidence.

Sometimes the cacophony of the internet noise drowns out quality information and it's important to research in a meaningful way to ensure safety and quality.

Enjoy the process!

-Erica

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Welcome everyone! My name is Erica Keays and I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2004. I attended the Center for Natural Wellness; School of Massage Therapy in Albany, New York. I happily continued my education and received my advanced graduate certificate from the Aromahead Institute in Syracuse, New York in 2017 and completed the Advanced Herbalism course through the Herbal Academy.

I am a former massage therapy instructor and a member of the National Association of Holistic roAmatherapists, the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, the International Cupping Therapy Association and the Association of Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

I am also an accredited instructor with the National Certification board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. I have the honor of being an Usui Reiki Master Practitioner which I am proud of and I run the Spa Studio Adirondacks LLC - a day spa in Queensbury, New York. I live with my husband and son in the great Adirondacks in which I love to be surrounded by nature every single day.

Thank you for stopping by :)