Product of the Month: Soothing Postpartum Sitz Bath

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This custom blended herbal sitz bath contains calendula, lavender, uva ursi and a special salt blend to soothe and restore sensitive areas after birth. Each package contains enough for 3 sitz baths.

$10.80 (10% off regular price)

(What is a sitz bath? It is a bath in a small basin that allows you to soak after birth. It can relieve tears, abrasions, hemorrhoids, etc after birth. You may be given one as part of a postpartum kit from the hospital or you can purchase them on Amazon. Find out how to use one here. You will need to prepare the sitz bath mixture with boiling water, strain and then place in the sitz bath basin.)

 

Massage Specials for March

 

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This month we are highlighting how to promote good digestion and a healthy microbiome. More and more research is pointing to the importance of establishing healthy gut flora and its effects on the body. We want you to feel good from the inside out!

March Special

15 Minute Abdominal Massage Add-On (Can be applied to any session 60 Minutes or More)

Abdominal massage utilizes gentle massage, castor oil and essential oils to clear stagnation and toxins from the body. Your therapist will also use soothing heat packs to boost the absorption of the castor oil and increase its ability to gently cleanse your system.

Book online today!

Workshops

Elizabeth Owens and The Wellness Center will be offering her popular Spring Cleanse workshop again. Be sure to sign up to learn how to introduce a gentle detox and clean eating into your daily routine.

You may have a bad taste in your mouth when it comes to the word detox — literally — but what if there was a different kind of detox? A detox that was gentle enough to rid your body of toxins, but robust enough to escalate your energy while nourishing your body. Bring a friend or five and register for the 1-hour workshop where you and your friends will walk away with a 3-day detox plan and recipes along with a wealth of knowledge to enhance your detox journey.
Whether you have digestive issues, suffer from fatigue, experience joint pain or have a few pesky pounds to shed, this cleanse, lead by Certified Nutrition Specialist Elizabeth Owens, is designed to kick-start the improvement of your symptoms and lighten the toxic burden your body faces daily.

It’s more fun with a friend! We encourage you to bring a friend/spouse/neighbor so there’s a solid support system heading into the detox, plus you save on registration!

You + friend = $50 total.
Plan on attending solo this time, $30 to register.

It’s time to clear out the body cob webs and start improving how you feel from the inside out. You can register here.

The Healing Power of Touch

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Throughout the day we have many interactions with other human beings. We meet a friend for coffee; have a meeting with our boss. We may have a chance to talk with our family members over dinner at the end of the day. Each of these interactions, while meaningful and important, often represent something that is missing from our society at large. Positive touch.

Tiffany Field, a pioneering researcher into positive touch and the benefits of massage therapy, has long held that American society is a touch-deprived one. In missing out on this positive touch we are missing a key element for bonding. We value personal space over intimacy. But this is not an either/or situation. We can see benefits to our mental and physical well-being by inviting positive touch into our lives.

Touch can foster a number of physical benefits within the body. Touch can soothe the vagus nerve response and help calm cardiovascular stress. The immune system responds positively to touch by producing more white blood cells. Touch also signals the body to release the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is responsible for helping the body to relax. It is also called the hormone of love and bonding. The benefits of positive touch extend beyond the physical. Research has found that positive touch can help to foster trust in individuals. It is also linked to lower levels of depression and greater self-esteem.

Touch can come in many forms. Massage therapy is also a way to introduce positive touch into your life, but it is not the only way. You can increase the positive touch in your own life by adding a 10 second hug to your goodbyes with your children in the morning.  Touch can become a way to increase the non-sexual communication between you and a partner. This bonding facilitates trust and helps sustain the feeling of teamwork necessary for successful relationships. With so many benefits, it is time to buck the American trend and embrace positive touch.

 

References:

 

Tiffany Field on Massage Research:

http://www.massagemag.com/News/2006/January/125/Tiffany.php

8 Reasons We Need Human Touch More Than Ever:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201503/8-reasons-why-we-need-human-touch-more-ever

Oxytocin: The Hormone of Peace and Trust:

http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2010/03/oxytocin_-the_h.html

 

 

December at Heidi Ella Massage and Wellness

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The holiday season is fast approaching. However you celebrate they are a time for coming together with loved ones and reflecting on the past year. It is a time to give and give gratitude to all the blessing you have received in the past year. We, at Heidi Ella Massage and Wellness are truly appreciative of the gift of working with each and every one of you this past year.

Specials for December 

Special #1:

Buy 2 Gift Certificates, Get a Free 30 Minute Massage Voucher

Buy 4 Gift Certificates, Get a Free 60 Minute Massage Voucher

Give the gift of wellness to your family and friends and you will get an opportunity to give back to yourself.

Special #2

We will also be offering a complimentary infrared foot sauna treatment with a cup of our new Calm Tea after your session for the month of December. Be sure to add the special 15 minute treatment to your massage to take advantage of this special offer.

New at Heidi Ella Massage and Wellness

Heidi and Janet have been working hard to expand the offerings at Heidi Ella Massage and Wellness. We will be introducing a line of custom-blended teas in the month of December. Each tea sampler available will offer specials blends that support your well-being, body and soul.

Look for the samplers soon in the display case in The Wellness Center. They make great gifts, too!

Recipe of the Month: Epsom Salt Lavender Body Scrub

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Who doesn’t love a nice, warm bath with essential oils and maybe some Epsom salts to relax away the tension? But, the sad truth is, we do not always have the time to soak for 30 minutes in that tub. You can use an Epsom salt body scrub in the shower and get many of the same benefits plus exfoliation. This scrub is easy to mix up and keeps well for a month or more (depending on oils used).

  • 3/4c Epsom salts
  • 3tbsp of cold-pressed vegetable, fruit or nut oil (I like rice-bran oil best)
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 2 tsp dried lavender flowers (optional, as they may be messy to clean after the shower)

Mix the oils, salts and optional lavender flowers together and place in an air tight jar. Use weekly in the shower to promote healthy glowing skin and relaxation.

(Not a DIY kind of person? Not everyone is, I understand. We also have our lovely salt scrubs available for purchase at The Wellness Center. Select blends are 10% each month!)

Massage and Stress

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Once someone said to me, “well, all you do is provide stress relief”. Well, besides that not being true, what is more important than that? Ask almost any person what is the most significant contributing factor to their well-being and they will tell you stress. Financial or familial, stress is every where in our lives. And it is not an exclusively negative thing. Without stress you would have never learned to walk or speak or have gotten through school. It is when stress becomes unbearable, that it becomes a problem. The nagging problems that follow you home from work. The breakdown in communication between you and a loved one. All contribute to providing negative stress response in your life.

Stress 101

What happens when we are stressed? In short the body prepares for “fight or flight”. This means energies and organ systems are converted to prepare to react to the stress. You may find your blood pressure rises. Your senses become more alert. The parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxation and digestion, shuts down and your sympathetic nervous system takes over. This is a natural response and, in most cases, a healthy one. Once the perceived threat is over, your body returns to its previous relaxed state. But what if you are experiencing chronic stress? What if the body cannot tell the difference between a real threat and a minor one? This is where you see stress disorders and chronic illness.

Massage and Stress Relief

When stress overwhelms their daily life, many people turn to massage therapy as a means of relief. Massage can not only help with generalized muscle tension and trigger points, but with helping to lower blood pressure and balance hormones, as well. It can help to support and bolster the immune system to help the body better respond overall to stress.

Above and beyond the mechanical side of massage therapy, many people can benefit from the power of positive touch. In an increasingly disconnected world, positive touch can be very therapeutic. Research has shown support for the benefits of energy work, such as acupressure, in addition to more traditional massage modalities like Swedish and Myofascial Release.

Working with a qualified, license massage therapist regularly can help you to manage the every day stresses in your life. You will find yourself in a better mood, healthier and experiencing greater vitality. You cannot remove all stress from your life, but you can make it easier to manage. To quote Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation..”. Make self-care a priority for yourself to manage your stress level.

Essential Oil of the Month: Lavender

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The holiday season can be stressful. You can help by arming yourself with the gentle, yet effective essential oil, lavender. Many people associate its floral scent and beautiful, calming purple color with relaxation. It is also beneficial as a muscle relaxer and for pain relief. For the month of November, you can purchase a 5ml bottle of DoTerra Lavender Essential oil for 10% off the suggested retail price. Use it in a diffuser, in a bath, mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed on sore muscles or just inhale it as needed. With so many uses, you will find lavender is like a Swiss Army knife of an essential oil.

DoTerra Lavender Essential Oil

5ml Bottle

$25.20 for the month of November

 

November at Heidi Ella Wellness and Massage

It’s hard to believe that November is already here. It seems like the end of the year flies by. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and the holiday season. This month we are highlighting our appreciation of veterans here at Heidi Ella Massage and Wellness.

Special of the Month

We will be offering a free 30 minute massage to veterans during the month of November. You can use this as a stand-alone or upgrade to a 60, 90 or 120 minute session. We truly appreciate all that you do for this country. You can book online or call to make an appointment.

At The Wellness Center

Veteran’s Day of Wellness

In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to show our appreciation to all the men and women who have bravely served our country.  If you, or someone you know, are dealing with the physical and/or emotional challenges of a past deployment, we would love to provide you the opportunity to join us for a special Veterans Day of Wellness.  This mini-retreat will offer a well deserved Veteran a chance to enjoy the benefits of yoga, acupuncture, and a customized massage or bodywork treatment specialized to address your specific concerns.  They will also gain practical tools to handle stress and pain on a day to day basis more effectively.  In addition, light food and drinks will be provided.

A holistic approach including massage, acupuncture and yoga has been proven to:

  • Relieve PTSD Symptoms
  • Improve Mobility   
  • Relieve Pain                                                 
  • Regain Natural Movement
  • Reduce Anxiety and Depression           
  • Improve Sleep
  • Reduce Stress, Irritability and Anger 
  • Aid Rehabilitation
  • Reduce Scar Tissue and Adhesions     
  • Regulate Emotional and Physiological States

This special event is provided at no charge to the participants thanks to generous donations from the staff and clients of The Wellness Center. It’s our way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all you do!

Registration Deadline: November 5th, 2016
Although we would like to accommodate as many people as are in need, space is limited to only 12 participants, so please register by November 5th. Reserve your spot today by calling 703-323-1563 or email at info@burkewellnesscenter.com. Transportation may be arranged if needed.

Prenatal Yoga

There is still space available in the Saturday afternoon class. This Yoga series will be devoted to learning asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing) to prepare for childbirth. We will use gentle and restorative yoga and breathing exercises to strengthen body and mind in anticipation of labor.  Part Yoga, part childbirth education, this class will see you challenged in the second trimester and supported in through your third.

You will need to bring your own mat to class, but all other props will be provided. The class size is small and questions/discussion is encouraged. The class is held at 1:30pm-2:30pm on Saturdays. Check out the website for more information.

Yoga and Acupressure for Labor Workshop

  • November 5, 2016
  • 3:00-4:30pm
  • $110.00 per couple

In this partners class, you will have an opportunity to learn how yoga, acupressure and essential oils can help to maintain your well-being during labor. It is a fun and interactive class that gives you tools for early and active labor. You will need to wear loose fitting clothes you can move in. One yoga mat per couple will work. You will also receive a special “labor blend” of essential oils to bring with you to your birth setting. Call The Wellness Center (703-323-1563) for more information or to sign up. Space is limited!

 

Essential Oil of the Month: OnGuard Protective Blend by doTERRA

This month’s focus at Heidi Ella Wellness and Massage is Immune Boosting. We are offering 10% off of the OnGuard Protective Blend by doTERRA. This essential oil blend has been used for centuries to help boost the immune system and has cleansing properties.

OnGuard Protective Blend contains:

  • Wild Orange Peel
  • Clove Bud
  • Cinnamon Bark/Leaf
  • Eucalyptus Leaf
  • Rosemary Leaf/Flower

This woodsy, spicy blend can be used topically and in diffusers to cleanse your home and protect your family. It also makes a great addition to DIY cleaners for the Fall and Winter cold and flu seasons. Stop by an pick up some today to prepare to keep you and your family healthy.

Or, stop by Heid Ella Wellness and Massage and take advantage of our special this month: 30 Minute Immune Reflexology with an Immune Boost (OnGuard) foot soak for $60.00.

And did you know that doTERRA has a whole line of OnGuard products? They have everything from hand sanitizer to toothpaste. Click here to check out the line. Ask Heidi or Janet about it and we can order it for you today!

Essential Oil of the Month: Melaleuca

Melaleuca, or tea tree oil, is an essential oil from Australia. It can be used for cleansing the skin, purifying the air and helping support the immune system. You can be add it to witch hazel and aloe vera gel to create a soothing facial toner. Melaleuca can also be applied directly to the skin in small amounts to help with blemishes. This oil’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties make it the ideal essential oil to support the skin.

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15ml for $22.80 (10% off the retail price)

Be sure to stop into The Wellness Center and pick some up today! Ask Heidi or Janet for more uses. This versatile oil will help you have clearer, healthier skin.