leep is so powerful to our body’s self healing, that in the short term we feel a lack of alertness, impaired memory, causing stress on relationships and affecting our moods. But in the long term its effects are more serious, for example risk of heart disease, cancer and obesity to name a few. Science shows us that our bodies continue to heal during sleep – who doesn’t want a stronger immune system, balanced hormones, lower blood pressure and improved glucose tolerance. (Uh Hello!)

A good night’s sleep can remedy the mind and body in powerful ways, but many of us struggle with getting the appropriate amount of zzzz’s each night. And good sleep is just as important as having a good diet and regular exercise.

You probably already know those tried and tested tips on no caffeine before bed, keeping devices out of the bedroom and having an early meal in the evening… Well – if those haven’t worked, then we have some alternative, some might say ‘holistic’ ways you can ooze in relaxation for a better sleep.

Om! Meditation

My first go to for sleepless nights is meditation. Doing some conscious breathwork focuses the mind, lowers the heart rate and slows the breathing. You can do this easily, by lying flat, relaxing your body and counting your breathing from 1 to 3 as you inhale and the same as you exhale. Don’t worry about trying to empty your mind completely, acknowledge the thoughts you are having, but set them aside as you continue coming back to counting your breathing. You can try saying affirmations as you breathe if your mind still wanders on tomorrow’s emails or todo lists.

Essential oils

Plants have superpowers. These gorgeous plants have natural properties in their oils which can do everything from relaxation, altering our moods to stimulating alertness. Lavender is the most well known natural sleep aid. It can be inhaled, applied as a roller, a few drops in a bath before bed, or even spray some on your pillow at night. I would recommend the SLEEP Pulse Roller by RAWE Sugar. It is 100% natural and made from Rose, Geranium and Lavender for a delightful sleep therapy.

Hz! Binaural Beats

There are times when I just can’t get certain things out of my head and so meditation doesn’t work because I can’t focus. I found out about binaural beats recently, which are sound frequencies that work as an auditory illusion on our minds. Studies have shown that they induce the same state as meditation practice, but more quickly. You can find these music files on any music sharing app or on youtube and the binaural beats in the delta (1 to 4 Hz) range have been associated with deep sleep and relaxation. 

Mm! Soak in a Bath

To get a good night’s sleep, did you know that we need our body temperature to be lowered? And having a warm bath 90 minutes before bed can help change the body’s core temperature, so that it is lowered signaling to the body it’s time for bed. Why not indulge in RAWE Sugar’s Unwind Natural Bath Salts, they are made with Epsom salts which relaxes muscles, and has a heady scent of Lavender and Peppermint which help to aid in relaxation. Why not light a few candles and put on some soothing music. All that is left to do is lay back and enjoy the amazing scent and all-natural ingredients working around you.

Burning Incense 

Depending on how you feel about incense, it is a similar way of permeating your home with beautiful essential oils that can act as a natural sedative. Certain scents as we discovered earlier such as lavender can have a soothing effect which helps to sleep quicker and spend longer in a deep sleep state. RAWE Sugar has Lavender & Clary Sage incense sticks, individually hand dipped for a richer smell. This floral and fresh blend is ideal for relaxation at home, combatting stress and fatigue and lowering anxiety. Relish in the tranquil aromas that this ancient fragrance has to offer. Why not add this to your daily evening routine, so your body gets used to smelling this scent and the act of sleeping.

These five easy tips are a sure way of helping you find the best methods of getting those deliciously snug nights. Give them a go and feel the benefits.

*The contents of this article should not be considered medical advice. Please ask your doctor or practitioner prior to implementing essential oils into your treatment plan.

The post An Aromatherapist’s guide to better sleep appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

Reiki restores the balance and harmony of the universal life force energy flowing through and around the body to aid and accelerate the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Reiki can help alleviate pain and help us let go of negative thoughts, replacing them with positivity, peace and serenity. In addition it can promote deep relaxation, releasing stress and tension. People often find that emotional energy can be channelled into creativity.

Reiki flows into a person’s whole energy body, soul and spirit which in turn encourages qualities of love, compassion, understanding and acceptance of self and others. Improvements of good health and wellbeing throughout can be achieved through holistic treatments of Reiki.

When the energy is channelled through the physical chakra and whole body system it will restore perfect balance, harmony, integration and alignment at all levels of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. This means all distortions and imbalances in the energy field will come to the surface to be resolved. Some examples of these distortions and imbalances can be unresolved emotions such as fear, anger, grief patterns, shock trauma injuries, relationship issues, previous illnesses, insecurities, religious programming, unfinished business from the past, old soul attachments, entireties and limiting beliefs.

Suppressing and repressing all of this energy can drain us and leave us drained and tired. As the healing vibration of Reiki enters the energy system, it peels away the layers so these disharmonies and imbalances can come to the surface to be released and cleared, then more life force is freed up to benefit in all other aspects of life.

Aromatherapy

The art of aromatherapy harnesses the potent pure essences of therapeutic oils extracted from aromatic plants, flowers and resins which have a powerful and positive effect on the mind, body & spirit.

In holistic aromatherapy massage the therapeutic powers of essential oils involve a relaxing, restorative massage that combines the sense of smell with the healing value of touch. Stress, pollution, unhealthy diet, isolation, hectic and constantly busy lifestyles can have adverse effects on our physical and emotional body. Therapeutic massage treatment works in triggering the body’s natural healing process by using lymphatic massage with essential oils to stimulate the flow of blood & lymph fluid.

There are many other ways of using essentials oils also to relax in baths, oil burners, scented candles, compresses. Excellent all round oils are lavender, geranium and rosemary. Lavender is particularly good for aiding relaxation and sleep.

Discover the benefits of Reiki and Aromatherapy Massage combined together

In three beautiful settings I offer restoring and energising Reiki healing to all. The sessions are private on a one-to-one basis to allow for total relaxation. During a session clients feel a deep sense of relaxation and inward peace whilst being surrounded by a subtle uplifting energy. Treatment involves me gently placing hands on or near the body in a number of non-intrusive positions to aid healing.*

I believe in treating the person as a whole and reconnecting with the soul in order to improve any physical manifestations. Reiki treatments provide a safe and secure feeling of wellbeing for all ages including children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Reiki treatments can be administered on a therapy bed or sitting in a chair fully clothed. Aromatherapy massage sessions are administered on a therapy bed. Reiki and massage can be used alongside conventional medicine and other complementary therapies.

Frequently becoming popular is a double session of Reiki and massage (30mins each).

During the present circumstances

*Due to the current corona situation I am offering distance healing (£10 for 30 minutes) at a mutually convenient time, with the client laying down in the comfort of their own home. This involves sending Reiki via light, symbols, love, telepathy, positive uplifting energy. I visualise the client in full health & wellbeing. For clients I don’t know just a photograph sent to me is all I need.

Words: Claire Nicole – Reiki Master & Aromatherapist

To make enquiries please contact Claire Nicole on 07982 119519 or model_nicole1@hotmail.com www.angelicwaves.co.uk

The post The benefits of Reiki and Aromatherapy appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

They can be used in a variety of ways including inhalation, massage and in the bath. Two popular oils are lavender and peppermint, which are both useful for some common summer experiences:

To refresh and cool – add one drop each of peppermint and lavender oil to a foot bath to cleanse and refresh tired, hot feet or add one drop of peppermint and five drops of lavender to a full bath to refresh your whole body

For refreshment on the go – make up a small spray bottle with water and one drop each of peppermint and lavender oil and spritz onto face, neck and chest as needed. You can even keep it in the fridge for extra cooling power!

Natural insect repellant – apply a blended solution of one drop of peppermint oil into 10ml (2 tsp) carrier oil such as coconut or grapeseed oil and rub onto any exposed areas before going outside

If you do get a bite or sting – apply one drop of lavender oil directly onto the bite/sting to reduce inflammation and to promote healing

To treat mild sunburn – apply a blended solution of one drop of peppermint oil and five drops of lavender into 10ml (2 tsp) carrier oil such as coconut or an unscented body lotion and apply gently to affected areas.

To ease travel sickness – put a couple of drops of peppermint oil on a tissue and inhale as needed 
 
Please note that essential oils are highly concentrated and all except lavender need to be diluted in a carrier oil or unscented body lotion before being applied to the skin. If your skin is sensitive do a patch test before applying to a larger area. It is also important to use good quality oils such as those from Neals Yard Remedies which are 100% pure and unadulterated.

Peppermint oil is not suitable for use in pregnancy, or when breastfeeding, or for children under 3 years old.
 
For further information or to book a free 15 minute consultation please contact me:
Rachel Briggs, MFHT Aromatherapist 

Equilibrium Health Centre
16 Station Street, Lewes,
BN7 2DB

01273 470955

info@ equilibrium-clinic.com

equilibrium-clinic.com/Aromatherapy.htm

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If you are finding that the colder and darker days are having an impact on your mood then Grapefruit oil is a wonderful oil to use at this time of the year for its mind clearing and uplifting properties. Its anti-viral properties also make it very effective for colds and flu. If you are looking for a positive way to deal with stress, try taking an hour out for a deeply soothing massage to help you unwind. Chamomile oil is calming and relaxing on both mind and body. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with pain relief and any skin irritations that can occur during the colder months, such as eczema. To boost circulation, Rosemary oil is very stimulating and can help with warming up cold hands and feet which can affect many of us during winter. It is also useful for stimulating memory and concentration so it can help you to feel more focused as a New Year begins.

Having an aromatherapy massage can be one of the most relaxing ways to benefit from essential oils. First the essential oils are blended into a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed, then using a variety of different massage strokes they are massaged onto your skin, where they are absorbed and begin to work their healing properties.

Words: Rachel Briggs

Equilibrium Health Centre, 16 Station Street, Lewes, BN7 2DB
01273 470955
www.equilibrium-clinic.com

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