Heart & Sole

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Heart & Sole
     Summer-Fall 1998

Reflexology and Aromatherapy . . .

A wonderful combination!!!

When the word Reflexology or Aromatherapy was mentioned in the 80's, most people, myself included, would ask, "What's that?" About ten years ago I first became, aware of, and interested in both. An article in the local newspaper said in Japan, peppermint oil was used to scent office space. Studies had shown the smell of peppermint increased concentration. This article inspired me to want to learn more about Aromatherapy.   It was about this time I became interested in Reflexology.   A friend gave me a certificate for a Reflexology session as a birthday gift. After that session I knew it was something I wanted to learn

One of first things I learned is that neither Reflexology nor Aromatherapy is something new.   They each have a long history. Documentation depicting the practice of Reflexology was unearthed in Egypt. This evidence, a pictograph dated around 2500-2300 BC, was found in the tomb of an Egyptian physician, Amkmahor, at Saqqara. Aromatherapy, the art of fragrance, used by the Egyptians,
which was documented when the remains of incense were found that dated back to about 1500 BC.

In the 80's it was a challenge to find books about Aromatherapy and Reflexology. Today most book stores will have several books on
both subjects. As a matter of fact some of the larger bookstores use a little aromatherapy. When you enter the store, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee is in the air. It encourages me to just sit down, look through the books and enjoy some leisure time.

When clients come in for a Reflexology session, one of the first comments many make is, "Your room always smells so good." I consider this a nice compliment. I put much thought into making the room pleasant and relaxing because I want that person to know that when he or she walks in the door, it is their time, a time for relaxation.

Reflexology and Aromatherapy work in unison, one complimenting the other.   Reflexology, in itself is a stress reliever, but when combined with a pleasant fragrance, a wonderful combination is created.

Have you ever had someone tell you something you did or said had a positive influence on their life? I have and it always surprises me. I feel sure you have had the same thing happen to you.   When I saw this poem, it reminded me that we do make a difference.

         "One"

ONE song can spark a moment,
ONE flower can wake the dream.
ONE tree can start a forest,
ONE bird can herald spring.

ONE smile begins a friendship,
ONE hand clasp lifts a soul.
ONE star can guide a ship at sea,
ONE word can frame the goal.

ONE vote can change a nation,
ONE sunbeam lights a room.
ONE candle wipes out darkness,
ONE laugh will conquer gloom.

ONE step must start each journey,
ONE word must start each prayer.
ONE hope will raise our spirits,
ONE touch will show you care.

ONE voice can speak with wisdom,
ONE heart can know what's true.
ONE life can make a difference.
LET your light shine, it's all up to YOU.

-Unknown-

Simplify Life
and Balance

the Scale

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement. Christmas music, lighted trees, and the smell of holiday baking.   I have a tendency to rush, and "run off in all directions at once." At this time of year I need reminders to keep life simple. A hectic schedule can make us feel like Human Doings instead of Human Beings.

I would like to share a few tips that have helped me in this endeavor.

1. Make a things to list with the most important things at the top of the list. This helps keep things in prospective. Draw a line through each item as it is completed. When making my list, if one of the items is to make a call, I go ahead and look up the phone number and put it beside the name so it is readily available. What a feeling of accomplishment when we see one or more items with a line through it.

2. Learn to say, "No Thank You," or "I'd rather not" without making excuses. For many the word "Yes" is seen as positive and "No" as negative. Feeling comfortable saying "No" has taken me over half a century to learn. It is easy to allow ourselves to get into a situation of talking to a salesperson (usually by phone) about a product, or credit card offer, we know, at the beginning of the conversation, we do not want. Rather than hurt their feelings, we listen to the offer. By learning to say "No Thank You," we have in reality, saved two people time. I see this as a positive step.

3. Do you receive those unwanted calls from telemarketers? This used to cut into my time until I registered with the Direct Marketing Association's Telephone Preference Service. (TPS) All you have to do is write them a note and tell them you want your name removed from the marketers and charities' list.

Give them your name, address and telephone number. The mailing address is:

TPS, Direct Marketing Association. P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014.

It will take several months to notice a difference, but it has cut down on the number of marketing calls I have received.

4. Take solitude time. "Solitude gives you a chance to restore coping skills, to rest, and replenish energy," explains University of British Columbia psychologist Peter Suedfeld,Ph.D. Living well requires that I keep my life as simple, and straight-forward, possible. (I have a problem doing two things at one time.) So let's make time for solitude or daydreaming.   This can be a valuable gift we give to ourselves this holiday season.

Essential Oil.... A Gift
    from Nature (Part one)

Essential oils are one of our gifts from nature. We can use the concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs, or plants to customize care products for our feet, hands, face, body, hair, or baths. We can create a warm fragrance for any room in our home.

I first became intrigued with essential oils because of the environment aspect (aromatherapy). An associate loaned me the book The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood and the fun began. Before deciding to offer Aroma Vera Essential Oils, I sent for information from several companies. I discovered some companies have oils that are not 100 Percent pure.   The oil has additives to increase the volume and then they are not a 100 Percent Essential Oil.

I have taken a home study course, and I would like to share with you a few things I have learned thus far.

1. Essential oils are concentrated and need only be used in small quantities. Although they are called oils, they do not have a greasy texture, and their consistency can range from watery to syrup-like density.

2. When two (2) or more essential oils are mixed together, it is called a synergy or blend.

Different ways to use essential oils:

Diffusers:

A heat diffuser, whether made of clay, glass, or metal, is used to warm the oils, allowing their molecules to be released into the atmosphere.

A cotton ball is a simple method for scenting a closed area or space. Put a drop or two of your favorite oil on a cotton ball. It can be placed in your car, on a desk, or in a drawer.

Bath: A few drops of an oil such as lavender mixed with a liquid soap.

Inhalation: Eucalyptus added to a vaporizer can help relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose.

Two of my favorite blends that Aroma Vera offers are:

Energy - A bracing blend of peppermint, rosemary, and thyme. A great "start up" for the morning.

Relaxation - A soothing blend of ylang ylang, lavender & tangerine. Nice for unwinding after a busy day.

If you find this an interesting topic, ask me about the Aromatherapy Pocket Guide. This book is small, only 26 pages, but it is filled with simple, but good recipes. If you are on line visit the Aroma Vera web site: http://www.aromavera.com.

Get Your Ducks In A Row
(advice I received from a friend)

When trying to achieve a change in a situation, one of the best pieces of advice I have received was from a friend. The advice was "Get Your Ducks in a Row."

A desired change might be work related. We could feel that we deserve an increase in pay, or a different job classification because our work load or skills have increased.

It might even be that we want a complete career change. If it is a career or job change, it will probably require some serious thinking and soul searching. I think we just know it is time to move in a different direction or it is time for new opportunities.

When setting out to make a change, I think the first step is to decide why we want, need, deserve or desire the change. Most changes are a result of growth, but we need to know why we want to move in a different direction and what is the motivation behind the decision.

Getting our ducks in a row requires a plan. We then have to get them gathered. (gather our thoughts) Stay focused and patient. When the task is complete, what a feeling of accomplishment.

No Matter How Impossible it all may seem. Never underestimate the Power of a Dream.

About Heart and Sole: For me it is about sharing, sharing the thoughts and ideas I have learned in life and about life. Much of my education is what I have learned from others' experiences, from reading and living life. The largest task to getting the newsletter put together is keeping the articles short. I hope I have been successful in this endeavor and you have found the reading enjoyable.

Call 358-3990 to schedule a Reflexology appointment.   A relaxation breaks maybe just what you could enjoy during this busy holiday season.



Gift Certificates are a way to encourage someone to take time out and do something nice for themselves. Remember the certificates are available in person or by mail. Want to buy several, call 358-3990 and ask about the Christmas Package Special.

Recommended Reading:

Oh, the Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss

I Can. You Can Too! By Mamie McCullough

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