Tea Tree Oil

There is the widely held perception that everything in Australia is going to kill you. No doubt that there are those things that will, and there are also many powerful 'bush' curatives found there.

Melaleuca alternifolia is native to Northern New South Wales Australia. There were alot grown at Coraki, just south of Lismore. The local Aboriginal, the Bundjalung people, use tea trea as a traditional medicine by inhaling oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle wounds with the leaves after which a poultice is applied. I use essential oil of tea tree for wounds and cleaning around the house.

The University of Western Australia has done extensive research into tea tree oil and it's role in treating MRSA. Anyone involved in health care or sport knows the danger of this very contagious and persistent disease. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

 

The Tea Tree, as it's commonly known, has been used for hundreds of years. As I travelled around Australia, this became my 'bottle of first aid' for it's range of uses. The first time I encountered it, I was astonished by it's power to heal. I had cut myself and a friend had some that we dabbed on. It was a flap of skin that was partially attached and the tea tree 'glued' the rest of it down. Healing time was quite abbreviated despite high humidity and temperatures.

The American Cancer Society notes it is toxic if swallowed. 

Medications should be kept away from children and pets.

Cottonwood Hot Springs ~ Buena Vista CO

A relaxing day 'taking in the waters'.

High Altitude Massage

Mother's Day is coming up and CU's graduation, there will be folks from out of town who may not live at altitude. For those of us lucky enough to be here in Boulder, Colorado the elevation is nearly 5500 ft here. Altitude affects everyone differently.

Last year I did chair massage for the month of June down on the Pearl St Mall. The strong euro had brought many sightseers from overseas, strolling pass they would curiously view the massage chair. It was a quite a hot day. A family came by, the women left the man too have a 15 minute massage and they went shopping. I had him fill out a brief chair massage intake form. As he got seated I noticed he seemed to be breathing laboriously. He complained of the flight being late, not sleeping, and a series of other aggravations. He mentioned feeling as though he had indigestion a few minutes into the massage. Now that got my attention, as often a heart attack will seem like that. As I worked on his neck he lifted his head, his eyes rolled,  and he dropped back into the face cradle. I  called his name, asking if he could hear me and he remained unresponsive. I called 911 and the ambulance arrived; his blood pressure had dropped quickly and he had passed out. He ended up here in hospital for a couple days. 

There were many factors at work that day, the heat, the altitude, his age, and prior health concerns were all considerations. As a professional massage therapist one should not only carry liability insurance,  but be observant and check in with your client ensuring they have a good experience. 

Many people arrive in our 'mile high environment' and may not be fit or understand implications of altitude sickness and adjustment. Immediate effects include hyperventilation, fluid loss, increase in heart rate, and stroke volume. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and take measures to assist in acclimatization. You may only be here for a short time but staying hydrated will make the biggest difference to how you feel.

Enjoy Boulder!

May ~ Mental Health Awareness Month

As human beings we are physical, emotional, and spiritual creatures. How do we keep it all in balance? What activities do you do to de-stress? 

Massage reduces stress and anxiety, boosts your immune system, releases endorphins, and promotes restful sleep. Sleep is important for the body to heal. Massage gives us an increased awareness of ourselves; I believe personal awareness is at the heart of preventative medicine.

Yoga is also excellent for developing self-awareness and perspective.

I also believe that scent is a powerful modality.  Aromatherapy was a precursor to modern deodorants and anti-perspirants; it's amazing how indoor running water has changed things. 

I have a small bottle of lavender or rose geranium diluted in water, a few squirts is refreshing and uplifting. Breathe DEEP! I am fascinated by the role of olfactory and memory. 

There's an excellent article on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olfactory_memory#cite_note-def3-25

I found it extremely interesting the link between olfactory deficits being a predictor of several mental disorders such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's. It seems that certain brain altering drugs such as anti-depressants also produce deficits in olfactory memory. There really is something to "taking time to smell the roses."

If you feels suicidal, reach out for help. If someone tells you they're suicidal, it's not okay to keep quiet, take action. If you are depressed seek professional help. 

Take time for yourself, set appropriate boundaries, be positive - happiness is catchy! 

Support yourself with a network that helps meet your needs. 

Don't put off what you feel you need but can't afford, many healers offer sliding payment rates.

Be well!

Mother's Day Specials