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March 14th, 2012
Before embarking on Aromatherapy at home, there are several important things to know.
The following is a general guideline on “How to Use Essential Oils and Precautions” from Master Healer & Hypnotist, Mary McCandless, www.masterhealer.ca
Aromatherapy Massage is a healing art and probably the most pleasurable way of benefitting from essential oils. It brings about a feeling of relaxation and relieves aches and pains by manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Essential oils stimulate the body to heal itself, nourishing the body, while adapting to each individual’s needs.
4 – 7 drops of pure essential oil mixed with 15 mls (1 Tablespoon) of a botanical Base/Carrier Oil is enough for a full body treatment. Add 1/2 of the carrier oil first, then the essential oils, then the remaining carrier oil. Never blend more than you will use at one time.
Essential oils must NEVER be used directly on the skin. Lavender essential oil is the only exception.
Essential oils need to be blended with a Base/Carrier Oils which are considered “fixed oils” which have no Bht or Bha. A “fixed oil” is a compound of Glycerol and a fatty acid. They are normally derived from vegetable or animal (emu) sources. Each carrier oil comes with its own healing properties.
Examples of common Carrier Oils are Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Carrot Oil, Calendula Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Canola Oil, Coconut Oil, Corn Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Olive Oil, Peach Oil, Rose Mosqueta Oil, Sesame Oil, St. John’s Wort Oil, Wheatgerm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Avocado (Pear) Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, etc.
Aloe Vera Gel is the ONLY carrier that should be used for anyone who is suffering from liver problems.
Baths ~ For a wonderfully relaxing experience at the end of a busy day, there is nothing like a warm bath with essential oils to help you ease the stresses of your life.
Just add 4 – 7 drops of pure essential oil to a Tablespoon measure, then fill the spoon with the carrier oil of your choice and add to a full tub, stirring just before getting in. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes. The oils need time to absorb into the body to restore a healthy balance, while promoting smooth and healthy skin. Choose the pure essential oil or blend according to your needs – relaxing, invigorating, uplifting, etc.
Inhalations ~ Aromatic essential oils can alleviate respiratory discomfort. Fill a large bowl with hot water and add three drops of pure of essential oils. Put your head over the steam and cover both your head the bowl with a towel. Breathe slowly and deeply until relief is felt. Pure essential oils attack germs but do not do damage to tissues.
Placing three drops of pure essential oils on a tissue or “hanky” is an excellent substitute for more direct inhalation if you are away from home. Or, simply place the tissue in your pillow while sleeping.
Compresses ~ Compresses can be made more effective when essential oils are used. Add a few drops to water with aloe vera gel and soak the liquid into a cloth bandage. Essential oils can also be added to a salve or poultice before being placed directly on the affected area and covered with a bandage.
Vapourising ~ Vapourising essential oils during illness will help to kill airborne bacteria and stop germs spreading. Essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
This is also an excellent method for room freshening or creating a soothing atmosphere for relaxation or meditation. Spraying a fine mist of pure essential oils into the air with an atomizer (without heat) is also effective.
A Ceramic Oil Diffuser or Oil Warmer uses a little tea light at the base to heat the essential oil(s) you place in the dish on top. It is important that you add these essentials to a little water. Of course, you again must be careful that the bowl remains filled or it will burn, leaving a real mess. Plus, you don’t want to leave it unattended, especially around children, pets or open windows.
A Reed Diffuser is the latest home fragrance system that offers weeks of fragrance without a flame. This is a very subtle form of diffusion and can be used to diffuse both essential oils and fragrance oils. The reeds absorb the fragrance to the top and disperse it into the room. The recommended ratio of base oil to fragrance is 80% base and 20% fragrance.
For a Steam Room or Sauna, apply 4-6 drops of therapeutic essential oils to the steam outlet or drop onto the rocks of a sauna.
Candles are also great for pure essentials as long as you don’t get oil on the wick. After the candle has been lit and a melt pool has been created, carefully, add the essential oil of your choice to this area. Remember, essentials do burn! Again, you don’t want to leave a candle unattended or around children or pets. And don’t forget to use beeswax or soy candles which are non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic.
All these ways require constant attention.
A safer, more effective way is to use an Electrical Diffuser that uses a simple pad you wet with oil. These are used by many professional spas and health care offices and need no special attention, but do require that you re-apply the oil frequently.
Precautions for Use of Essential Oils
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Not for internal use
- Do not use undiluted on the skin
- Avoid contact with the eyes. Should essential oil get into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with cold water for 20 minutes.
Toxic Oils ~ Anise, Mugwort, Pennyroyal and Wintergreen essential oils are incredibly toxic oils and should be avoided.
Semi-Toxic Oils ~ Birch, Cassia, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Lemon, Thyme and Eucalyptus essential oils can become increasing toxic as the body will accumulate it, if used repeatedly over time.
Pregnancy ~ DO NOT USE essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy. Citrus oils are considered safe after that period, however, it is still recommended to AVOID THE FOLLOWING: Basil, Camphor, Chamomile, Eucalyptus Globulus, Geranium, Sweet Birch, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper Berry, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary and Sage essential oils.
High Blood Pressure ~ Anyone with high blood pressure should NEVER use Hyssop, Rosemary, Eucalyptus Globulus, or Thyme essential oils.
Low Blood Pressure ~ Anyone with low blood pressure should NEVER use Lavender or Ylang Ylang essential oils.
Epilepsy ~ If you suffer from epilepsy, DO NOT USE Camphor, Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Globulus or Sage essential oils. These could provoke an unwanted epileptic reaction.
Cancer ~ DO NOT USE Lavender, Eucalyptus Citronella or Eucalyptus essential oils in conjunction with chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
Children and Babies ~ DO NOT USE Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Citronella or Eucalyptus Globulus) essential oils on children under 3 years of age.
Sensitive Skin ~ These essential oils MAY cause irritation to sensitive skins: Black Pepper, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Citronella, Ginger, Nutmeg, Fennel, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Melissa, Orange, Peppermint, Pine Needle, Rosemary and Thyme.
Exposure to Sunshine ~ DO NOT APPLY these essential oils to the skin before going out in the sun or using a sun bed: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Lemongrass, Mandarin and Orange. Clary Sage and Cedarwood essential oils may also result in photosensitivity.
Homeopathy ~ Eucalyptus Citronella, Eucalyptus Globulus, Peppermint and Rosemary essential oils should be AVOIDED if taking homeopathy remedies.
Visit www.masterhealer.ca for 100% pure essential oils and therapeutic blends.
Personal one-on-one Consultation is available for custom healing blends by email, telephone or Skype. Questions are always welcomed.
Master Healer’s Aromatherapy products are blended by Mary McCandless, a certified Aromatherapist, to balance, stimulate, relax, invigorate, restore and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Only 100% pure, therapeutic essential oils are used in the creation of Master Healer products.
www.masterhealer.ca
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August 2nd, 2011
“Look into my eyes.” These words immediately transport me back to Saturday afternoons spent watching horror movies with my Dad, downstairs in the family room.
Terrifying B-movies, where a Svengali-type character with an enormous black hooded cape and matching black eyes, hypnotically induced a fair young maid to succumb to the shadows of the inner cape.
“You are getting veeeery sleepy.” This veeeery bad Transylvanian accent would cause me to curl up even further into the corner of my chair. Penetrating eyes with VERY expressive eyebrows (similar to my tax accountant) would cause the heroine to fall into a deep meditative trance against her will.
Of course, there was the obvious, more realistic Twilight Zone version, when someone would swing a pocket watch before a willing victim, a swirling pattern would take over the black and white screen. The sound of a ticking clock would fill the room, transporting them back in time to another place to discover the truth about the events leading up to the car crash.
To a ten year old, it was all unbelievably alarming. Imagine having the ability to take control of someone, discovering the deeply hidden secrets in the recesses of their mind. At this point, I would discover my Dad had fallen into a deep sleep of his own on the couch.
Little did I know that in the course of my life, I would become a professional Hypnotist. Often, when someone discovers this, one of the first things they say is, “Don’t look at me.” Obviously, they saw the same movies as a child.
In truth, under hypnosis, you will never do anything that you wouldn’t normally do in your life, nothing you aren’t comfortable with, nothing that goes against your moral compass. No whistling Dixie, no clucking like a chicken, no removing your clothes unexpectedly, no succumbing to the inner cape.
And no, you have no need to worry that you will reveal your Interact pin number, you stole something as a child or your sexual proclivities. If questioned under hypnosis, you may actually choose to lie, which is the reason sessions are not admissible in a court of law.
Some people are afraid they will become unconscious and will not be able to be revived, forever lost in the abyss. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Although in a deep meditative trance, you are totally aware at all times of what is going on around you, fully “awake”, capable of making decisions. So if the fire alarm goes off, hopefully, you would have enough sense to get up and follow me out the door.
My first experience with hypnosis came about as a result of an experience I had when I was in my early 20′s.
I was newly married and visiting my husband’s family for the first time in Ann Arbour, Michigan. Anxious to fit in, when his sister and her husband suggested it would be great fun to see one of the most popular movies of the summer, I agreed. It wasn’t until we were approaching the theatre that I realized the movie was Jaws.
I had seen the trailers with severed limbs floating down through the water and I knew myself well enough to know that this was definitely NOT for me. Unfortunately, after much cajoling, I gave in to peer pressure. From the beginning, I knew it was a mistake. It was indeed off the chart horrifying.
The day after the movie, it was decided we should go for a swim in the lake. As the others rushed ahead, I found myself trepidatious about going into the water. Willing myself in, my feet attempted to move through the uneven floor of muck, seaweed, old pieces of wood and discarded bottles, which only increased my anxiety.
Again, my “friends” told me I was being silly. There definitely was nothing to be afraid of, especially in Lake Michigan. I could not be convinced.
The joy that I had once experienced was gone. I was unable to go into the water.
From the age of four, I had spent my life in love with water and spent as much time in or on it as possible.
As a child, my summer afternoons were spent in minnow school at the Apple Valley Racket Club swimming pool, also know as my Uncle John’s backyard in Saegertown.
My parent’s summer home was on Lake Shawanaga in northern Ontario. And, as my Father’s daughter, I became an avid angler. I knew what was in that lake and how to catch it; if I had my lucky lure, patience and held my mouth right. There were rumoured to be Muskie in that lake!
Still, I was not prepared for Jaws. At the end of the movie, I had to be pried from my seat where I had spent the last two hours tucked into a ball with my hands over my face weeping. Everyone else thought it was hysterically funny; blood, floating body parts. To this day, even writing about this makes me ill.
For the next few years, I struggled to even ride sitting on the bow of the boat, “dragging a worm” as we trolled the lake after supper. I remained always on the alert for something that might be waiting to get me.
One day as we rounded the bend into unfamiliar territory, we came to a dead stop. Our boat had hit something and I almost fell into the lake from my perch atop the bow of the boat. My heart stopped. I was terrified to even look overboard. Hidden just below the surface, an enormous rock loomed menacingly; my fear overwhelmed me. My love of fishing was gone.
Swimming became impossible. My Father, a bit of a Paul Bunyan type, attempted to help me get into the water. He had taught me how to swim and assured me that I was safe with him there. He would jump in and float about making funny faces and laughingly declared himself, “fish bait”. It made no difference.
As I tried to move down the ladder from the dock, I found myself shaking uncontrollably and retreated. Even swimming pools became a nightmare.
At some point, I found myself in the office of a Hypnotist. I don’t really remember how this came about or who he was. However, after a few exercises to engage my imagination and quiet my conscious mind, I was ready.
It all seemed pretty easy. And, as I became more and more relaxed, positive suggestions were introduced to help me overcome my fear. I left the session feeling peaceful, calm and hopeful.
The next time I visited the lake, I managed to get down the stairs on the dock and into the water, but was still extremely frightened. After another visit to the hypnotherapist, I was able to not only enter the water, but swim about without my “fish bait” present.
All in all, hypnosis became an extremely positive experience. One that enabled me to return to something I loved.
While studying to become a hypnotist, I noticed a significant difference in how I feel about myself. Through hypnosis, my self-esteem improved, I no longer need the approval I so desperately sought in my young years and the fear of not being good enough implanted at an early age, no longer has any power over me.
It’s a quiet thing. No brass bands, no angel choirs, just a subtle knowing.
As a Clinical Hypnotist, I’ve had the opportunity to help others overcome their fear of dentists, heights, flying, public speaking, as well as fear of success and many other unusual fears too numerous to mention.
I’ve also helped people manage their feelings of anxiety and stress, lack of confidence, worthlessness, abandonment, grief and their experience of pain.
My own experience and that of my clients, continues to fuel my enthusiasm for helping people heal naturally through hypnosis.
And as for Jaws, I say “Bite me.”
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May 24th, 2011
I’m always pleased to get a call from Walter and Bill, but I was intrigued when the invitation was extended to attend the premiere of their new film, Out Late.
New film? Last I knew, they were avid quilters with a passion for producing delicious baked goods
As it turned out, Out Late is a documentary which tells the stories of a number of folks who had indeed come “out late” in life, including my friend, Walter, (as well as his partner Bill’s story, who was concerned about introducing him to this lifestyle). It told some of the joys and revelations in discovering their unique sexuality and facing the fear of social disapproval.
It’s disheartening in this day and age that so many people still live in fear of being who they really are or living out loud.
The documentary filled me with hope that it is possible, and yes, worthwhile, to be your true authentic self, even in the last chapters of your life.
Bravo to the directors, producers and actors alike for giving us a glimpse into these heroic lives. May it inspire others to live large, regardless of their age.
ovguide.com/movies_tv/out_late.htm
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January 18th, 2011
As a Master Healer, my experience has shown that wearing the crystal Aquamarine for healing has a gentle and calming effect on the wearer. It’s one of my favourites. Its energy often sings out to me to stop and touch it, caress it, hold it. It makes me feel safe, like home should.
Aquamarine resembles the ocean, comforting the soul and enabling one to just stop, quiet oneself and breathe. It creates a sense of peacefulness and compassion, bringing you in contact with your inner and higher voice, awakening your spiritual awareness. Its colour often encompasses small brilliant diamond-like sparkles, like water does when the sun is high.
Aquamarine has long been recognized and honoured as a healing crystal that truly resonates with those transitioning in life.
Whether you are experiencing an unexpected change in careers, moving your hearth and home across town or across the country, or a dramatic change in a personal relationship, an Aquamarine crystal will help to quiet and comfort you, with its cool energy the colour of water.
Grief or a sense of loss, regardless of its origin, is eased by this beautiful sparkling aqua stone, enabling you to feel more grounded and in control. I personally believe it promotes courage.
Quieting the mind, this crystal is excellent for centering and meditation. Aquamarine is effective on all chakras or energy centers of the body, especially the Throat Chakra, where we express who we really are.
It encourages you to speak freely of your feelings while at the same time helps you to identify and understand exactly what it is you are feeling.
When worn around the neck, the energy or vibration of the Aquamarine helps reduce the swelling of glands, sore throats, chronic tonsillitis, thyroid and vocal cord conditions. It also helps to improve eyesight. If worn lower around the Heart/Third Chakra, it helps balance the digestive system as well as the liver, spleen and kidneys.
How does it work? Crystals have the ability to absorb energy, enabling them to clear the negativity of stress and anxiety, while balancing your body on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Aquamarine also heals and protects the aura.
This mermaid’s jewel is believed to encompass the energy of the sea and was first thought to come from Greece where it was dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. It is said to bring pure love, eternal youth and good fortune. Interestingly enough, in the Middle Ages, Aquamarine was a symbol of chastity. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
For the finest in natural Aquamarine jewelry with exceptional healing energy, click here. Questions are always welcomed by mary@masterhealer.ca.
Posted in Crystals & Gemstones | No Comments »
December 7th, 2010
This holiday season when your thoughts turn to gifts of candles, it would be good to be a little better informed about those scented candles that look so pretty in the jar and smell like warm apple pie.
Paraffin found in regular candles, is a grayish-black sludge by-product of the petroleum refining process. To make candles, the paraffin is bleached, textured, coloured and scented using carcinogenic chemicals. When burned, the carcinogens fill the room with toxins that coat the walls, furniture and the inside of your lungs.
Beeswax candles, however, produces a multi-level vibration that calms the inner senses while it sweetens the room with the pure scent of honey.
Beeswax emits a negative ion when burned. This is a GOOD THING. Negative ions circulate the room neutralizing the positive static charges that keep contaminants airborne. When this charge is neutralized, the contaminants (dust, odours, mold, pollen, viruses and other toxins) fall to the floor.
Beeswax candles burn hotter, brighter, longer and cleaner than conventional candles. Beeswax is also non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.
Soy candles, like Beeswax candles, are clean burning and non-toxic. Made of 100% Soy Bean Wax, a renewable resource, Soy candles are virtually soot-free, making them perfect for candle enthusiasts with allergies, asthma or other respiratory sensitivities.
Normally, Soy candles are made with 100% cotton core wicks with no lead or zinc and will burn longer and cooler than candles made from petroleum.
An excellent gift for your Vegan friends, Soy candles are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and do not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere.
So, if you like the idea of giving the gift of light this holiday season, look for Beeswax or Soy candles that are naturally scented or scented with pure essential oils. And, if you really like the scent of warm apple pie, pick one up at the bakery before you visit your friends.
Posted in Natural Gifts | No Comments »
November 10th, 2010
I can’t believe the number of people I meet who suffer from sinus infections on an on-going basis. This time of year seems particularly difficult with all the extra cold and flu bugs flying around.
Touching your nose is probably the most common way of infecting yourself with other people’s cooties. Washing your hands is the best way of preventing infection.
Most folks will eventually head off to their doctors in search of the ultimate cure or antibiotic, which will really have little positive effect. After all, we’re almost always talking about viruses that are not affected by antibiotics.
There are ways to help those who suffer from sinus issues. Natural ways. I’m not talking just about snorting salt water, although some people have found that helpful to evacuate mucus from the sinus passages.
The sinus area is very, very narrow and allows viscous (thick and sticky) mucus to get trapped, forming an excellent place for bacteria to grow.
The hot steam vaporizers of my childhood, thought to help move things along, are a thing of the past as we have learned that they too are an excellent place for bacteria to party.
Taking a hot shower or bath with an essential oil blend created to open up your sinus is always good, or my Mother’s favourite, bending over a sink of extremely hot water, breathing deep with a towel over your head. It’s good for the sinus and your complexion, if you don’t pass out. Aromatherapy massage oil for sinus relief also provides an effective way to get to the root of the problem and can be applied directly to the neck and face.
What is one of the BEST ways to clear and heal your sinus? Your feet hold the answer; actually the tip of your big toes.
Whether you have a cold or a chronic sinus condition, a good Reflexologist will be able to identify this imbalance and help to relieve the symptoms. Normally, you will notice a difference by the time you have finished your first treatment. Depending upon the severity of the condition, additional sessions may be necessary.
Reflexology is actually based on the science that there are reflexes in your feet, hands and ears that correspond to every part, gland and organ of your body. By working these areas, the body is helped to be brought into a healthy balance. In this instance, clearing the sinus and stimulating your immune system to fight infection.
Besides, when you’re feeling rotten and sorry for yourself, what could be nicer than to have someone with knowing hands, massage your sweet feet?
It will help you relax and sleep better which is important. After all, your body heals itself best when you’re asleep.
Posted in Health and Wellness, Reflexology | No Comments »
October 29th, 2010
As a Master Healer, my experience has shown that Moonstone has a positive effect on just about every symptom related to menopause. It has long been recognized and honoured as a healing crystal that truly resonates with the female energy and moderates the stresses of women throughout their many cycles of life from puberty through menopause.
Named for its resemblance to the moon, Moonstone is referred to as the feminine stone. However, don’t let the beauty of this iridescent Moonstone fool you. The energy of this feminine stone carries a lot of clout. It has the ability to do almost everything but scrub the floor and take out the garbage.
Moonstone is excellent for menopausal symptoms as it helps to balance the hormones, calming the roller coaster ride of your emotions, easing stress and anxiety. It also helps you to feel better about yourself from the inside out and who doesn’t need that?
How does it work Crystals have the ability to absorb energy, enabling them to clear the negativity of stress and anxiety, while balancing your body on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. The energy or vibration of the Moonstone helps to stimulate the endocrine system of the body.
The energy of this crystal Moonstone is exceptional as it resonates with all seven Chakras (the wheels of spinning energy inside the body) to promote healing.
Moonstone also helps to improve intuition, creativity and the ability to communicate. Moonstone crystals help you through life transitions and allow you to feel more grounded and in control. This collectively leads to an increase in your personal power. The history of Moonstone indicates that it is said to attract and enhance love relationships.
Men can also benefit from Moonstone as it will help to balance the yin and yang or the male and female energies of the body.
To benefit from the healing energy of Moonstone, I believe it to be most effective to wear this crystal around your neck, close to your heart. As with most crystals, we want it to come directly in contact with the skin. If you choose to wear a Moonstone pendant, make sure the back of the jewelry is open to your body. You can also add it to your personal talisman or tuck a piece into your bra.
Remember, wearing crystals is a very personal thing. Its not about how it looks to someone else, it’s about how it feels to you. I wear my personal talisman under my clothes every day and notice a significant difference when I don’t wear it.
To learn more about selecting healing crystals and gemstones, please visit Rainbow Moonstone page.
Posted in Crystals & Gemstones, Rainbow Moonstone | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2010
Acupuncture Facelift Treatments
Regardless of age, what woman doesn’t want to look her best?
I recently visited a dear friend’s mother, Nana, who wasn’t expected to be with us very much longer.
There she was hunched over in her wheelchair holding court with a pink foam roller in her hair. One lone roller. When I asked her about it, she giggled and replied, “A girl always needs to look her best as you just never know who will be visiting.” Nana is 96, yet inside she feels 17.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience a series of ten acupuncture facelift treatments which I was able to purchase through Trade Business Exchange (TBE), a company specializing in Barter. Otherwise, I would not have spent the money.
An acupuncture facelift is really not something I ever had considered. To be honest, as a woman of a certain age, I’m quite happy with who I am and how I look, with the exception of perhaps of wanting to lose a few extra pounds, but then again who doesn’t. Trust me; they will not be putting “Weighed 158″ on your tombstone.
A natural facelift. It was the word “natural” that really caught my attention.
Willingly allow someone to stick needles in my face? It sounded like a new age form of old age torture. Yet, like Nana, what girl doesn’t want to look her best?
I’ve always been game to try something new and so I placed the call, ventured forth and met with the Doctor of Acupuncture to get a better understanding of what was involved and discuss all the pros and cons of becoming a human pin cushion.
A professional Doctor of Acupuncture, he spoke with me about his training, his credentials and answered all my questions. What exactly is an acupuncture facelift and what were the benefits? It is a non-surgical procedure that will help rejuvenate and revitalize your whole body. It will improve blood and energy, circulation, nourish your skin and increase collagen production to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and dull skin.
Were the needles new? Yes. Smaller needles were used for the face and they were indeed new and disposed of properly after the treatment.
Was it painful? (My Aunt Jane had once said, “It was painful to be beautiful,” as I sat in my Grandmother Kerr’s kitchen with a Tony Home Perm running down my neck.) Painful? No, it was only a small prick initially as the needle was inserted.
Needles would also be placed in my hands and feet, at special points along acupuncture zones, which would improve my circulation, energy and sense of well being.
Should I expect any adverse reactions to this treatment? No. Occasionally, however, one might experience a very small bump or slight discoloration where a needle was inserted, after the fact. Applying a small ice pack would easily take care of this.
How soon would I see the results? Normally, about week five. It wouldn’t be dramatic, but people would begin to notice or comment on “something different”.
Twice a week, the needles would be administered and I could just rest for an hour and “let the magic happen.” These were my words, not his.
I felt quite confident and comfortable with the Doctor and decided to schedule treatments to begin the following week.
At my first appointment, I lay on a massage table remaining fully clothed (with the exception of my shoes and socks) and the Doctor proceeded to insert the needles into my face.
It was a little alarming at first, but after the first couple of needles, I calmed myself and decided it was more the idea that the actual pain that I was experiencing. There were a couple, however, that felt a bit like bee stings.
I continued these treatments and after my third visit, I began to notice there was something different about my appearance, aside from the occasional red bump or slight bruising.
After my sixth treatment, I decided to add a few extra days in between visits as I had developed a sensitive spot and a nasty bruise at the corner of my eye, that appeared as if I had gone two rounds in a local bar.
Initially, I found it difficult to relax for the hour after the needles had been inserted. Apparently, most people are able to rest and often nap during this period. My quiet time was filled with sporadic twitching and legs that never ceased to move, making me feel crazed and claustrophobic.
Upon discussing this with the Doctor, he began adding another small needle to the top of my head, which did indeed enhance a feeling of calmness and well-being.
During this process, I happened to mention to a few close friends that I as doing this. I thought it would be fun if they were able to share in this adventure in living. They were a bit horrified and carefully scrutinized my face suspiciously. “Why would you do this to yourself, you certainly don’t need it.” I decided to keep this experience to myself in the future.
It was recommended that upon completion of the ten treatments, a once a month visit would be sufficient to sustain the effect. The Doctor also mentioned that quite often women would stop by on their lunch hour for a treatment after their initial experience.
The end result? Well, I did notice a difference although I can’t really tell you what it was.
Did I continue the once a month follow-up treatment? I planned to, but truthfully, I decided that I was quite happy with the way I looked, wrinkles and all. My face after all is a life map.
Would I recommend it? Only if it would make you feel better about yourself.
Personally, I believe that it’s more important to take care of the inner package than the outer. After all, beauty does indeed come from within.
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