Essence & Qi

A blog by Pacific College

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It’s the Friday Wrap Up!

It’s the Friday Wrap Up!

The Healing Power of Food

We live in a hustle-bustle world and often experience high levels of stress. Significant amounts of stress can lead to anxiety, but the great news is that there are ways to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Did you know that food can be used to combat anxious feelings?

Check out these foods that have the power to keep your anxiety at bay:

  • Whole grain foods
  • Seaweed
  • Blueberries
  • Acai berries
  • Almonds
  • Chocolate
  • Maca Root

Learn more about these amazing foods HERE!

Acupuncture and massage are also excellent remedies to ease stress and other mental and physical ailments. Make sure to call one of our clinics to schedule an appointment for a truly healing experience!

- PCOM

There’s No Doubt that Acupuncture Has Amazing Healing Abilities!

Did you know that acupuncture can help reduce the severity of migraine headaches?

This is one of the exact reasons that Gwen Stefani turned to East Asian medicine while she was pregnant with her third child.

Acupuncture has amazing healing abilities and awesome health benefits! Learn more about Gwen’s choice to use acupuncture HERE !

Don’t forget to come in for an acupuncture or massage appointment at one of our clinics —you deserve it!

See you soon!

-PCOM

It’s mid-week and your energy might be feeling a little low. We thought this might help you put some hop in your step to carry you through the rest of the week! 
And of course, you could always come in for an acupuncture treatment or massage at one of our clinics. 
We hope to see you soon!
-PCOM

It’s mid-week and your energy might be feeling a little low. We thought this might help you put some hop in your step to carry you through the rest of the week!

And of course, you could always come in for an acupuncture treatment or massage at one of our clinics .

We hope to see you soon!

-PCOM

(via biteszwellness )

Bright Ideas for Ambient Lighting: Lighting Ideas for Massage Practice Rooms

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When patients come in to receive a massage they expect a tranquil and relaxing experience. The lighting in a massage therapy room should reflect a peaceful and inviting environment. Proper lighting has the power to put anyone at ease. Lighting can also complement other elements of the room such as colors, patterns, and throw pillows.

Check out these lighting ideas to ensure enjoyable treatments for your patients:

Wall Lighting —

Ceiling lights can often be invasive and direct. Mount lights high on the walls of your treatment room for a calmer effect. A number of different styles of wall sconces are available, but colored or frosted glass will promote an ideal atmosphere. Hanging lanterns are also a great alternative.

Candles —

Candles are  a simple and effective way to produce ambient lighting in a room. Place candles on a tray or in a candleholder filled with glass beads or colored sand for an extra touch. Scented candles can provide soothing aspects to massage treatments as well.

Windows —

If there are windows in your massage treatment room, make sure that they are fully covered to prevent sunlight from shining through. A darker, subtler room is ideal for a massage session. Maintain the atmosphere with heavy wooden slat blinds covered with curtains that complement the room’s décor.

*Fun Lighting Idea*:

An out of the ordinary source of soothing light is a fish tank. The tank can provide subdued light and cast indistinct shadows against the walls of the massage room. The fish tank also has the added benefit of giving the client a relaxing, ever-changing scene to observe.

Don’t forget that these tips can also be applied to homes as well!

If you are ready for a massage in a peaceful setting, then make sure to schedule an appointment with one of our clinics —guaranteed relaxation!

-PCOM

Oncology Massage

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Eastern medicine offers cancer patients an alternative form of treatment known as oncology massage. This type of massage is tailored to people dealing with cancer and modifies existing massage therapy techniques. When carried out by a trained oncology massage therapist, cancer patients can tap into feelings of relief and peace.

Oncology Massage Meets the Needs of the Individual Patient—

As other types of massage can be applied to anyone and everyone, oncology massage is special in that it meets the needs of the individual. Each session is designed to meet the needs of a patient who is currently receiving treatment for cancer or has a history of cancer treatment.

Concerns Surrounding Oncology Massage—

Naturally, a person dealing with cancer may be hesitant to try massage because of safety issues. The refreshing news is that oncology massage is a perfectly safe and complementary therapy that is used in conjunction with conventional medical care.

Oncology Massage can be Performed During any Stage of Cancer—

Another wonderful aspect of this type of massage is that it can be carried out during any stage of cancer. Whether in remission or currently being treated, a patient can relax knowing that oncology massage is an option for them.

Steps to Take Before Receiving Oncology Massage :

It’s important that patients consult with their physician before scheduling a massage appointment. It is also very important to ensure that they are receiving the treatment from a trained oncology massage therapist. Through working with a trained professional, the patient will get the most out of their massage, as appropriate questions will be addressed prior to make safe modifications.

It’s the Friday Wrap Up!

A Distinction Between Oils

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If you are unfamiliar with massage and essential oils, you might be under the impression that they are the same thing. The truth is that they are both of their own realms.

— The main purpose of massage oil is to lubricate the skin to reduce friction while a massage is being performed. The oils provide a smooth glide and easy workability for the practitioner.

There are different factors that come into play when comparing massage oils such as:

· How the oil spreads

· Its absorption

· Its nourishing and moisturizing properties

· and of course, the smell

Other factors to include are the cost, ease of cleaning, and the way it’s processed.

Some of the most popular basic massage oils are almond, grape seed, and sunflower oil. Massage oils are also used for “base” or carrier” oils when working with essential oils for aromatherapy.

—Essential oils are different from massage oils in the sense that they have profound effects on the body. These oils are highly concentrated essences derived from various plant and fruit sources.

Essential oils enter the body in three different ways by being applied:

· To the skin

· Inhaled

· or ingested

You almost never directly apply essential oils undiluted to the skin. Normally, you will add 10 to 20 drops of essential oil to every 100 ml/ 4oz of carrier or base oil. Popular essential oils include lavender, ylang ylang, tea tree, and eucalyptus.

If you want to learn more about essential oils and aromatherapy, check out our online CEU course offerings for the month of June—taught by Dr. Haradin, LAc and Marc Gian, LAc.

10 Secret Weapons for Your Massage Practice

Keep these 10 things with you and you’ll always be prepared!

1. Cough drops — Sometimes we all get an unexpected tickle in our throat that we can’t seem to get rid of. To avoid interrupting the peaceful nature of your client’s massage with your throat clearing, keep some cough drops handy!

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2. A fan —Your patient’s want to feel comfortable while receiving their massage and odds are that you want to be comfortable while treating them! There is nothing worse than a hot, stuffy room when a patient is trying to relax.

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3. Hair ties —It’s easy to forget to grab a hair tie to put on your wrist when you’re rushing out the door in the morning. There may be times when a client lays down on the treatment table only to realize that they don’t have a way to tie their hair back.

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4. Hand sanitizer —As a massage therapist you come into physical contact with other people throughout the day. In order to ensure that you are taking the steps to protect the health of your patients, invest in a bottle of hand sanitizer and use it in between appointments.

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5. Kleenex —Tissues can be used for a variety of reasons. You can grab a Kleenex to wipe your hands before moving on to other body parts throughout the massage (especially after massaging the feet). There may come a time when a client has to sneeze or when you feel the urge to!

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6. A wall mirror —-Sometimes a client might have to return to work after his or her massage appointment. A mirror is a great asset to your practice as it allows your patients to make themselves more presentable after their massage.

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7. Sanitary wipes —A patient may come into their appointment hot and sweaty from outside. In these instances, they may request a towel or something to wipe themselves down with before the session begins.

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8. Various music choices —It’s fun to mix up the music in your practice. Sticking with the same CD or playlist may bore your patients and you want to keep them happy. A variety of music will ensure that their ears are being introduced to new tunes on the regular.

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9. Water —Hydration is key. Having cold water on hand is always a smart move. Make it a habit to offer your patient a water bottle before their treatment begins.

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10. A wide, but short stepping stool —Most often, your clients are able to get themselves on the massage table without too much trouble. However, you never know when someone might need a little extra help.

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