Cellulite Busting- by Odel Grant-Kelly

It’s Detox time you have started the diet and are using detox helpers but you really want to shift the cellulite! Cellulite or “Orange peel skin” happens when toxic waste and fluid accumulates in the individual fat cells of the hypodermis. Each cell wall gradually grows thicker, due collagen deposits, locking in the toxins and fluids, causing the skin to look puckered.   Don’t be fooled into thinking cellulite only affects women who are “holding a little holiday weight”, this condition affects the young to old and thin to overweight.  The most common area to be affected is the sides of the thighs, sometimes spreading to the hips and buttocks. The best way to fight cellulite is on many levels, diet, exercise, massage and topical treatments!  When trying to blast the cellulite cut out or back on drinking coffee instead swap it for Fennel tea,  try drinking 4 cups a day for about 2 weeks, fennel is a natural diuretic.  You can use your coffee in a more creative way to help banish the cellulite.

Coffee ground treatment:

Start this treatment by dry brushing your thighs (or problem area). Then take your used coffee grounds and warm them  add in a table spoon of olive oil and spread all over your thighs, its best to do this in the shower or bathroom as it gets very messy.  After you have covered the areas in the coffee mixture, a lot may fall off this normal, wrap each thigh in Clingfilm and leave for 10 minutes.

To give this treatment an extra kick use the following blends instead of the olive oil!

Mix 10 mls of Evening primrose &10 mls of Linseed oil (naturally great for cellulite busting) with either blend 1 or 2:

Blend 1: 3 drops Grapefruit, 3 drops Cypress, 2 drops Cedarwood

Blend 2: 3 drops Juniper berry, 3 drops Fennell, 2 drops Benzoin

The above aromatherapy oil blends can be massaged into the skin after showering as a standalone treatment for cellulite, as with all aromatherapy oils please follow the safety guidance for each oil!

2012 Detox Diet Helpers – by Odel Grant-Kelly

After the over indulgence of the holidays, the parties , late nights, good food and fine wine I find myself thinking about  my Detox plan for 2012! I have ordered in my fruit & vegetable boxes, cleaned out my kitchen of all tempting snacks and have set my Detox menu for January. As an Aromatherapist and Beauty tutor, I like to use a little extra help… that’s when I look to my box of aromatherapy oils!  Oils are great way to boost the results of any detox diet.  I find the best ways to use them are either in the bath or as a velvety after shower body oil! For best detoxing and cellulite busting results try dry brush your skin before every bath or shower.

Detoxifying bath blends:  Mix in 20mls of milk or scent free bath gel  with

• Blend 1: 3 drops of Grapefruit, 3 drops of Juniper berry, 2 drops of Cedarwood
• Blend 2: 3 drops of Lemon, 2 drops of Ginger , 2 drops of Benzoin
• To get an extra detox effect add one cup of Epsom Salts to your bath

Velvety Body blends:  Mix 10mls of calendula (great skin oil) & 10mls Linseed ( great for blasting cellulite) with

• Blend 1: 2 drops of Cypress, 3 drops of Black Pepper , 3 drops of Lemon
• Blend 2: 3 drops of Carrot Seed, 3 drops of Marjoram, 2 drops of Fennel

Below is a list of Aromatherapy oils and there detoxifying proprieties, as with all aromatherapy oils please use the safety guidance for each oil!

Detoxifying oils: – Lemon, Fennel, Juniper, Fennel -great for hangovers!

Diuretic oils- to rid fluid retention: – Cedarwood, Fennel, Juniper, Mandarin

Eliminating oils – to help blast cellulite: Chamomile, Fennel, Marjoram, Peppermint, Grapefruit, Fennel, Lemon, Carrot seed, Cypress

Digestive: Black pepper, Juniper berry, Benzoin, Ginger

2012 and the Detox Diet- by Aiden Kelly

As the nutrition tutor at IBHT, this is the time of year I get asked about Detox diets, what they are and what  is involved in them.  Here I hope to answer some of those questions.

A Detox diet is one that aims to help boost the body’s excretory organs to eliminate any waste products or toxins that have accumulated due to poor diet, minor ailments, cigarette smoke and environmental toxins, even medicines and drugs can have a toxic effect.    Many people find the benefits of a cleansing Detox diet especially welcome at this time of year, after an over indulgent Christmas period.

Most Detox diets are high in fresh organic, fruit and vegetables, herbs and an increase in water uptake (all things we should be doing anyway). Many of these diets are nutritionally lacking and shouldn’t be used for more than 1-2 days.

A more effective Detox diet is one that is nutritionally balanced, contains foods that are known to directly benefit the excretory organs and can be sustained over a longer term (1–2 weeks). This gives the body time to adjust to the new diet and begin to utilise the nutrients to boost health and aid waste elimination. The effects, of a Detox diet, are greatly enhanced if the dieter increases their daily exercise, 20-30 mins per day is enough.

Many people also find they experience some weight loss (1-2lbs per week is normal). Any Detox diet, including this one, should never be for longer than two weeks.

Foods to include in your Detox plan are:

Fruit & Fruit juice. Fruits are packed full of cleansing anti-oxidants and phyto-nutrients that are essential in any healthy diet and also in any Detoxplan.  Eating as much of these, daily, will help to stave off cravings for sugary snacks.

Vegetables. As for the fruit, vegetables should be organic, clean and eaten as close to raw as possible. Cooking vegetables degrades many of the vitamins and minerals contained within them.

Nuts, beans & seeds. These are filled with the essential fatty acids needed for cell renewal. They can help to improve mood, hormone balance and skin & gut health. They should be eaten unsalted and not roasted, where possible.

Cereal, grains & Legumes. Filled with vegetable source essential amino acids to replace the ones found in red meat.

Fresh Fish. Full of the omega 3 & 6 fish oils. Also rich in protein.

Garlic, Ginger & fresh herbs. Great for warming and cleansing the blood, and boosting health in your immune and nervous system.

Drink plenty of water each day (2 litres). Swap caffeinated beverages for herbal or green teas. Drinking fruit smoothies is also a great way to increase your fruit intake. Eat live, probiotic natural yoghurt.

When snacking stick to fruit or rye crackers, rice cakes and oat cakes also unsalted popcorn.

Ten Super Detox Foods

1. Artichoke – excellent for liver health and aids bile production.
2. Carrot – aid the liver and bowel
3. Beetroot – for  the liver
4. Pineapple – great for the digestive system & as an anti-inflammatory.
5. Rosemary – An Anti-oxidant and circulatory booster.
6. Fennel – aids cleansing of the blood by boosting the liver & kidneys.
7. Celery – another great blood cleanser
8. Leeks – great for the bowel, aiding digestion.
9. Broccoli – a superfood, boosting liver & bowel action.
10. Papaya – aids digestive cleansing and boosts

All of the above foods will aid detoxification, boost the digestive system and give a vital energy boost.

When taking on a Detox plan for the first time many people experience mild headaches. This is usually a response to cutting out caffeinated drinks and should stop after 24-48 hours.   Detox diets are a great way to start the new year and are an excellent beginning to any weight loss or healthy lifestyle plan.

 

 

 

The scent of Christmas- Holiday blends by Odel Grant- Kelly

The tree is up, the candles are lit, the holidays are coming and what better way to get into the mood then infusing your whole home with the scent of the holiday spirit! So with this in mind I would like to share with some of my favourite Holiday blends.   These blends can be used in an oil burner or can be mixed with water to make a room spray.

Warm & Spicy

• 5 drops of  Orange
• 3 drops of Clove
• 1 drop of Cinnamon

Holiday nights

• 2 drops of Frankincense
• 2 drops of Myrrh
• 3 drops of Orange
• 1 drop of Bergamot

Winter warmer

• 2 drops of Ginger
• 2 drops of Nutmeg
• 2 drops of Lemon
• 2 drops of Orange

Crystal Therapy by Elaine Christina

 What are Crystals?

Crystals are basically mineral deposits. The type of crystal formed is due to its environment: ie the type of minerals deposited in the soil. These minerals which have been deposited in the earth are over hundreds of years subjected to temperature fluctuation and then compacted by the earth.

 

• Native Elements ~ copper, silver, gold, nickel-iron, graphite, diamond
• Sulfides ~ sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite
• Halides ~ halite, fluorite
• Oxides & Hydroxides ~ corundum, hematite
• Nitrates, Carbonates, Borates ~ calcite, dolomite, malachite
• Sulfates, Chromates, Molybdates, Tungstates ~ celestite, barite, gypsum
• Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates ~ apatite, turquoise
• Silicates ~ quartz, almandine garnet, topaz, jadeite, talc, biotite mica

Over time they develop and “grow”. This is what effects the costing of a crystal, if a crystal is rare such as Peridot is now then the price goes up, other factors that affect costing are size, weight how available a crystal is and most importantly colour. Just like diamonds people are concerned by crystal colour.

This is why a lot of crystals are treated by acid- this is not recommended. Certain retailers / wholesalers treat crystals with acid as it intensifies the colour. It can also mask an ordinary piece of quartz, which is really cheap to look like a more expensive stone. The problem with treating crystals with acid or dyeing a crystal is that it makes the crystal more fragile.

In theory you just take better care of it, right? However it is odd that a crystal lasted in the earth for hundreds of year and remained unscathed until someone treated it. For anyone who has bought crystals and drop one (on a reasonable surface like carpet) if it bounced or stayed in one piece you can be sure it wasn’t acid treated. If it shattered and literally turned to dust it has been dipped.

The Major issue is if a crystal has been treated then you don’t really know what it is and so you can’t be sure you’re using the correct crystal for the correct purpose.

The other issue is that if a crystal has been subjected to dyeing or acid it will be to damaged to conduct energy properly.

So remember the old saying if it looks too good to be true and seems too good to be true it’s not true. Adapt it for buying crystals: if it’s to perfect looking and the price is too cheap don’t buy it. Nothing is ever free except maybe this blog.

Crystal Therapy    

How are crystals used?

The body produces energy through the food we eat, the movements we make in a day and the rest we give the body. The body has a natural flow of energy, this energy field is also known as the Aura, however sometimes this energy can stop flowing as it normally would. Instead this energy can build up around a joint, muscle, chakra or area of the body causing dis-ease within the body.  When we say dis-ease we mean the body is not at one with itself not that an actual disease has manifested at a spot.

For example, someone having trouble communicating with people due to shyness or an emotional cause such as grief will a often experience sore throats. This is due to the throat chakra which is the chakra dealing with communication has a build up of energy around it which is aggravating it.

 Crystals acting as conductors can either draw negative energy away from the body or aid the built up energy to flow again in a constructive way around the body, helping the body’s own energy to find its natural equilibrium once more.

Crystals can also be used straight away after injury whereas with other therapies you may have to wait a couple of hours due to pain / swelling felt within an area.

Crystal therapy can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with other therapies to alleviate stress, tension, muscular pain, or emotional issues. Crystals can also be used to aid in digestion and metabolism, sleeping patterns, self – esteem, anger management & grief issues.

 Frequently asked questions:

Will I feel any pain during treatment?

No crystals are placed around the body around the body and although some crystals are placed on the body, these crystals are small in size so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. Instead you will feel thoroughly relaxed and sometimes to the point of were you may drift into a light doze. You may also feel heat around an area that has a build up of energy and you will also feel this heat dissipate as the energy flows starts to flow normally again

Are there any side effects?

No crystal therapy is non-invasive and you are able to complete your day as usual afterwards.

 How many sessions will I need?

Treatment varies from client to client and depending on the condition being treated all of which will be discussed at initial consultation and monitored at each treatment afterwards.

 

Crystal therapy can help the body maintain its natural equilibrium so can be used as once off “treat” for the body and mind but can also be used on a deeper level to treat conditions should the client have any issues or feel the need.

 

Ayurveda-science of life by Aiden Kelly

Ayurveda, literally translated as the ‘science of life’, has been around and used for more than 5000 years. The practice of some Ayurvedic techniques is as much a part of daily life in eastern countries as brushing our teeth is in western countries. Many millions of people in India will have an Ayurvedic massage every day of their lives. Imagine how good we would feel if we had a massage every day. The principle of Ayurveda is to restore balance to mind, body and spirit and to realise the full human potential through perfect physical, mental and spiritual health.
Ayurveda promotes a positive way of life through time tested practices that have been proven over thousands of years. It is one of the most truly holistic treatments that uses an analysis of each individual’s temperaments to provide a therapy tailored and suited to that individual. In this way it best serves the individual as it never strives to achieve a generic, catch all treatment as is found throughout Western medicine.
In Ayurveda the nature of all living organisms is constituted by three Doshas which produce various temperaments and physical types depending upon how they are proportioned. It is believed that the dominance of one or more Doshas can manifest in an individual as ill-health. Ayurvedic treatments strive to achieve balance of these Doshas in order to maintain physical and mental well-being. Regular Ayurvedic massage helps to balance these three Doshas as well as having many other pleasurable benefits. During massage, body heat and vitality increase as the circulatory and respiratory system’s are encouraged to provide fresh oxygen and vital nutrient material to the areas stimulated by the massage. Similarly waste products and toxins are flushed from the system.
Many of today’s complementary and alternative therapies are believed to have had their beginnings in Ayurveda. Sound & colour therapies, aromatherapy, acupuncture, meditation, massage and yoga therapy have all been practiced as part of the Ayurvedic tradition. This is a wonderfully relaxing touch therapy that is also believed to encourage the body’s natural healing ability. During the massage the therapist will also spend some time balancing the body’s energy centres, or chakras, which can have a powerful beneficial effect on the client. Many client’s receiving an Indian Head Massage from a properly qualified and experienced therapist leave with an all over good feeling, clearer thinking, reduced stress and find they have one of the deepest nights sleep they have enjoyed for a long time. Regular massage increases the length of time these benefits remain. There are also many physical benefits to Indian Head Massage such as migraine relief, reduced headache, and reduced stiffness in the neck and shoulder area, sinusitis relief and also relief from tinnitus.
Another therapeutic massage is an Ayurvedic balancing foot massage. This is another Indian massage, practiced for centuries, which follows in the tradition of Ayurveda. A small massage dumpling is used during the massage to balance the three Doshas. Working on the feet and lower limbs with an emphasis on pressure points (marmas-in the Ayurvedic tradition) combined with effective massage techniques this is a truly soothing massage leaving the entire body refreshed and relaxed.
It is important for any salon/clinic looking to increase revenue to offer new treatments to their clients. Any business that has a range of Ayurvedic treatments on its menu may find they have cornered a niche giving them an edge over their competitors. For any therapist wishing to add Ayurvedic therapies to their skill set then it is important to consider the level of qualification they receive. A recognised training centre, offering qualifications that allow the therapist to obtain insurance to practice is essential for the peace of mind of both therapist and client. As most Ayurvedic treatments are hands on, with a recognised massage routine, then most training will involve a lot of practice on the part of the therapist. This will help to reinforce the training given and will boost the confidence of the therapist.
Any clinic/salon could easily add Ayurvedic treatments into their menu as either stand-alone therapies or by combining them with existing treatments. A client waiting for their nails to dry, after a manicure, can be treated to a foot massage that will leave them feeling de-stressed, invigorated and relaxed. An Indian Head Massage combined with a pedicure could be a top to toe stress busting combination that can put any clinic on the map. As every therapist knows there is no substitute for positive word of mouth advertising and any clinic offering Ayurvedic treatments will definitely be the talk of their clients.

Happiness in a bottle – by Odel Grant Kelly

We are in May of many weathers.  It’s this time of year, with the sun making the odd appearance, I’m tempted to break out my summer wardrobe, and then down comes the hail stones really putting a dampener on my mood!  I have been studying aromatherapy for the past year and have discovered the art of blending the oils to suite my needs and moods.  When the weather is cloudy and I need a little pick me up I reach for my “Happiness in a bottle”. It’s my own blend of aromatherapy oils mixed in ta clear base shower gel.  This is all I need to get a great start to my day and put a smile on my face, not to mention it’s a great blend to banish cellulite. All it takes is one sniff of the zesty blend and I think of summer holidays by the beach and ice-pops!

All you need to make this blend is 60mls of pure shower gel base and then add:

• 10 drops of Mandarin
•   6 drops of Lemon
•   6 drops of Grapefruit
•    2 drop of Jasmin

Mandarin: Mandarin oil has a zesty aroma that just smells of sun shine and happiness! This oil is will help sooth your nerves and reduce your stress it also useful for reducing fluid retention and to help prevent stretch marks.

Lemon: Lemon oil has a great citrus aroma helping to uplift your spirits and this oil and is also great to use in the fight against cellulite

Grapefruit: This refreshing uplifting oil is packed with vitamin C, it positively affects your mood and wakes up the mind whilst helping to reduce cellulite

Jasmine: Jasmine has a rich heady aroma and is sometimes called the Queen of the night, because the flowers are harvested at night when their fragrance is strongest.  Jasmine will soothe your nerves producing a feeling of optimism whilst revitalizing and restoring energy!

NB- Aromatherapy safety note- always follow safety guild lines for each individual oil

My Dalai Lama Experience by Sinead Murray

The Dalai Lama, Richard Moore & Mary Robinson gathered with many others in Citywest last Wednesday 13^th April to talk about being the Revolution of Change. The Revolution is the idea that ‘ordinary people’, like you and me, ‘dare to think differently & take action to create the extraordinary’.

Everyone was present to support ideas about our individual & global responsibility for the challenges facing Ireland and the world.

Richard Moore, a friend of the Dalai Lama and founder of Children in Crossfire, was 10 years old when he was blinded by a plastic bullet shot at point blank range in Northern Ireland. Unbelievably, he never once allowed bitterness to impede his development or enjoyment of life. He is a man full of humour and an inspiration to everyone that listens to him. He believes that being bitter and allowing hatred to manifest only really harms the self & limits ones’ own possibilities in life.

When speaking about possibilities for people, he focused on family & community. He believes he has had a great life so far despite such tragedy for a 10 year old, because of his family & community. He advocates that primary focus on the care and nurturing of the family will lead to a more cherished & rich community. Starting with ourselves, we need to look inside for our inner strength. This is the key for helping us to forgive those that hurt us and to hold no grudges against them. Such negative feelings, when harboured just leads to increased fears and poor health. The Dalai Lama agreed saying that some research shows fear actually eats away at our immune system!

When asked about our individual responsibility & potential to contribute to change (locally & globally) the Dalia Lama promoted determination, self confidence and hard-work.  He cautioned however that while human intelligence is a great thing, it can be very destructive and lead to increased stress, fear and disaster. We should focus on having a calm mind to promote health, reduce fears and to allow compassion. His formula for constructive inner peace & strength was human intelligence + compassion!

People lacking compassion – those who are all about the “I, my or me” are at greater risk of heart attack. This self-centred attitude leads to a narrow mind, and narrow minds make mountains out of molehills! Without compassion you cannot see the whole picture and this restricts possibilities, opportunity and choices.

All in all I found the day very interesting. It allowed time and space for reflection (which we don’t get to do very often!).

We all have been through some tough times and it is refreshing to think that if we take our mind off the problems and focus on the solutions, we can make a change! We can be the revolution if we dig deep and rekindle our inner strengths. It’s a good place to start!

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