The purpose of diffusing concentrated plant essential oils into the air is 2-fold. It adds a beautiful natural scent to the room and it cleans the air of pathogens. Diffusing is one of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. Breathing deeply relaxes the body and allows the essential oil molecules to be utilized very effectively. To keep your diffuser working efficiently here are a few tips: use a cup to pour warm tap water into water reservoir, fill water just below the marked water line, and clean the white ultrasonic disc with rubbing alcohol and cotton swab on a weekly basis. Just Breathe!
Community News
3 Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
You will need: 2 peeled and frozen bananas, 2 T almond or peanut butter, 2 T almond or coconut milk. Optional add ins: nuts, chocolate chips, fruit, coconut, cocoa powder. Directions: In a blender, mix the bananas and the milk substitute. You may need to cut the banana into chunks depending on how powerful your blender is. Once they are partly chopped up, add in the nut butter. Continue to blend until you get a soft serve consistency. Spoon ice cream into a bowl and stir in any additional ingredients you desire. That’s it! Enjoy this healthy ice cream alternative!
Book Club: Beyond the Label
Beyond the Label offers a unique perspective on mental health: it shares the author’s own recovery from four major mental health conditions: anxiety, depression (attempted suicide), bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1. The book outlines a detailed, step-by-step plan for how others can achieve optimal mental health. A combination of practical clinical experience and years of lived experience, the book shares insight into how diet, exercise, and sleep can be optimized for improved mental wellbeing, as well as strategies for coping with negative thoughts and emotions, and building self-love and compassion, among other skills.
Catching Your Breath
Because breathing is an involuntary action, we rarely pay attention to the process. But did you know that how you breathe impacts your health? Deep nasal breathing can reduce stress, help you fall asleep faster, aid toxin removal, and lower blood pressure to a greater extent than mouth breathing can.
And did you know that your nasal passage serves as a biological air filter, humidifier, and air conditioner to cool the brain? So the next time you’re catching your breath, try deep breathing through your nose and note how much better you feel while going about your day.
Using Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is also referred to as essential oil therapy. It can be defined as the art and science of using highly concentrated medicinal plant extracts to promote mental and physical health. Did you know that one of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils is by diffusing? Breathing deeply relaxes the body and allows the essential oil molecules to be utilized very efficiently. Massage is another wonderful way to enjoy essential oils. Add 3-4 drops to 1 oz of coconut oil and enjoy. Never use essential oils directly on your skin without a carrier oil and NEVER ingest essential oils. Just breathe!
The Spirit of Plants
Spring is upon us, a time for rejuvenation, and a time to reconnect with Nature. It is imperative that we do. For centuries indigenous peoples have been in harmony with the universal spirit in plants, animals, rocks, and water. This energy is all around us and now there is a worldwide awakening for the knowledge and understanding of plant intelligence. Each of us have the opportunity to connect with plants on a spiritual level, to work in harmony with Nature and to receive their direction and healing. If you have a longing to share this energy with plants on a deeper level, “Plant Spirit Healing” by Pam Montgomery is a must read.
Sugar in Kombucha
Although its amount appears significant in kombucha, cane sugar is food for the culture. Cane sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide. Yeast converts sucrose into its monosaccharide components, fructose and glucose, resulting in a lower glycemic impact. The yeast further digests these simple sugars, producing carbon dioxide and ethanol. Most ethanol gasses off and some is food for beneficial bacteria, which produce acetic acid. There is typically very little sugar remaining by the time the sweet tea becomes kombucha. However, since sugar appears on the ingredient list in order of descending measure, regardless of its having been converted, this does cause some confusion.
Community Event
April 7, 10:30 a.m. 28 DAY Food Evolution! Yoga 10 Studio. Pre-registration required: www.yoga10studio.com
Improving Lymphatic Health
Here are five ways you can keep your lymph system working in top order and experience better health: 1. Massage – Stimulates flow through the lymphatic capillaries that are located just under the skin. 2. Dry Brushing – Boosts lymph flow by stimulating sweat glands and supporting circulation below the skin. 3. Exercise and Yoga – Movement and muscle contraction will assist lymphatic circulation. 4. Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and full of healthy fats is critical to support a healthy immune system. 5. Hydrate – The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function at the highest level.
Community Event
April 10, 12-4 p.m. Come celebrate Courtenay Massage Therapy’s Birthday Party! There will be snacks, drinks, and prizes to be won! All are welcome!
Ask The Expert
Q: I’m going on a scuba diving vacation next month. I’m also getting more far-sighted and I’m not sure if I’m seeing as well as I would like for diving. What are my vision correction options? A: It would be nice, and likely safer, if you can see your gauges and paperwork clearly when you’re on an expedition. You’ve got a few options. If you’re able, disposable contact lenses would be the most functional and least expensive. You can wear them with your diving mask. Additionally, some contact lenses have built-in UV protection. Another option is having prescription lenses made for your dive mask, but you may be limited to which masks you can use, and you’d have to bring other glasses on the boat. Thirdly, you can think about laser vision correction. There’s not enough space here to discuss that, but you’re really short on time for that. Also, far-sightedness is generally much more difficult to correct with laser surgery that near-sightedness.
