To My Friend Lea,

Do you still walk on your toes?

I found myself doing that tonight.  I hadn't noticed it before.  Just with my right leg, though.

It's like walking in a high heel, A high heel...  One.  No wonder I feel twisted and asymmetrical.

Anyway, if you still do it, you should stop.  It hurts your body, I've recently discovered.  Sustained Isometric Contraction, right?

Funny how little things can really distort your posture.

Miss You.  Love You.  Love Yourself.

Love,

Chelle

Why Scrub?

Most of us have used a loofah in our lifetime, perhaps not even knowing it's benefits, just that it feels good.  Skin brushing and the use of a salt or sugar scrub are vital in maintaining a youthful, healthy glow.  These processes remove dead skin cells and dirt, improving trans-dermal absorption of  nutrients.  Gentle exfoliation also promotes the circulation of lymph, aiding the body in ridding itself of impurities.

Enchanté offers sugar scrubs in addition to massage treatments.  Imagine your body revitalized by brown sugar, almond oil, orange, and patchouli.  Sure it smells good, but it's also good for you.


Patchouli heals inflammation, eczema, and other skin conditions.  It also helps regenerate healthy new cells, making it an effective treatment for mature skin.  Soothing, stabilizing and hypnotic, patchouli reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.  


Orange is joyful and warming.  It stimulates stagnant subtle energies and helps you find inner radiance and optimism.

Happy Feet

Within our feet a map of the body can be found.  This is the concept of Reflexology; applying pressure to specific points on the feet (hands or ears) to benefit and balance our organs, structures, and minds.

It is not uncommon to find tender areas on the foot which correspond to painful places throughout the body.  Even the condition of the colon can be assessed by palpation of the arch.  Below is a Reflexology Map of the Foot to provide you with some insight into this fascinating therapy.

It makes sense, since our feet bear the weight of our bodies and are the last area of compensation for postural imbalances.  Treat the feet and you treat the whole person.

If you have stumbled upon this article in your search for Enchanté related information, read on to learn the benefits of foot rejuvenation.

Our foot rejuvenation treatment is made in store using pure ingredients and essential oils.  A sugar scrub infused with tea tree and peppermint cleanses and rids the feet of bacteria, fungus, and viruses.  The scent alone promotes clarity and alertness while alleviating insecurities and deepening intuitive insight.  Wiped clean with hot towels and finished with Reflexology, this therapy is a real immune system booster.

Image copied and pasted from oceanicspa.us
The Aromatherapy Bible by Gill Farrer-Halls was used as a reference for writing this article.

Aromatherapy 101

A little research will reveal the fact that aromatic plants have been used throughout ancient history.  From medicinal purposes to psychic protection, Egyptians to Greeks and into the modern era; plant oils have proven themselves a worthy treatment option. 

Aromatherapy utilizes the very essence of a plant to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health. 

A knowledgeable aromatherapist will choose the appropriate oils for your specific condition.

Lavender is probably the most popular of essential oils, due to it's soothing, relaxing effect.  The oil is gentle enough to be placed directly on the skin and is considered an analgesic.

Eucalyptus is another favorite.  Stimulating and refreshing, eucalyptus is beneficial in treating headaches and respiratory ailments.

That gives you a little taste of what these healing plants offer.  Their abilities are endless and I strongly encourage you to research their benefits.  A comprehensive guide that covers the basics and explains the properties of specific oils is The Aromatherapy Bible by Gill Ferrer-Halls.

I could write page after page on the magic of these natural wonders, but have chosen instead to keep this post brief.  As always, feel free to comment with any questions.  I also look forward to any insight you have to offer.

Good News

IS ONLINE!

Those of you who read my article about Jane McGonigal and her life-changing game idea, know what this is all about.  SuperBetter is up and running, and if you signed up on elle.com/friendswithbenefits, you have no doubt received an e-mail with an access key.

SuperBetter is Super Awesome!  You can choose to overcome anything from injuries to chronic illnesses, losing weight and learning to meditate (which is my goal).

The online version keeps track of your progress and prompts you on your next move. 

Join me and my hero "Inner Peace-A-Licious," to create a SuperBetter planet, one person at a time.  Starting with you of course!

If you neglected to sign up the first time, give elle.com/friendswithbenefits a go and see if you can still get in on the SuperBetter ground floor.  If not, let me know, I just may share my access key with you.

GOAAAAAAL!

We all want to succeed, but what does that mean for each of us individually?  It is important to evaluate our current situation and envision our future.  You didn't get where you are by chance.  The decisions you've made along life's path have shaped you and brought you to this place.  Where will you go from here?

There is a wonderful article written by Irene Diamond, readable by visiting this link:  Success

Her concise advice is encouraging, with a short mental exercise to get you moving in the right direction.  I have posted my goals in response to her blog and will post them here as well.  Feel free to leave a comment or question to support the discussion.

YOGA DOG

My dog Hammer is a yoga dog.  He crawls on his belly to the edge of the bed and places two paws on the floor.  Letting his back legs trail behind, Hammy slowly pulls himself forward, leading to a serious upward dog.  With four paws on the flour, he completes the routine with a downward dog. 

My natural curiosity lead me to give this exercise a try.  I discovered a great release in my hips and low back.

Animals have been the inspiration for many a yoga pose, and for good reason.  If you have a pet, you've probably noticed their instinctual stretching.  The cobra, cow, eagle, and crow also have a place in the lineup.  These poses emulate the natural activity of their namesakes, with healthy benefits.

Besides increasing strength and flexibility, yoga reduces stress and calms the mind.  Specific poses can be used to relieve chronic pain and tension, aid addiction recovery, and ease depression.  Yoga is a healing tool that can be used by anyone.  Consulting an instructor or attending a reputable class is the best way to get started or to achieve your desired goal.