There’s nothing more enjoyable than having someone give you a good massage. But when there’s no one around to do it, apply the power within your own hands to yourself. Massage is a wonderful way to get to know your body. It’s also a great way to release stress and relax – something that’s harder to do in an ever-changing and fast paced world.

Practise daily when you’re applying our soothing body lotions and moisturisers. You’ll discover you can soothe away tension at the end of the day or energise yourself in the morning – depending on which movements you use. If you’re stuck for time, limit your massage to your feet or hands. But give your whole body the attention it deserves whenever you can.

Feet While watching TV, rest one foot on the other knee and apply a small amount of Essenture Hand & Body Lotion.

With slight pressure, stroke from toe to ankle – with one hand on top and the other on the sole of the foot. Repeat 2-3 times. Squeeze each toe in turn and pull gently. Make a fist with one hand. Use your knuckles to create a corkscrew movement up and down the sole. Press in around the heel and round the ankle. Finish with stroking movements as before.

Legs

Massage can relieve aching legs as well as helping them after exercise. It can also help with the appearance of the thighs. Do one leg first, then the other. Apply Essenture Hand & Body Lotion to your hands and stroke up the thighs. Knead the outside of the thigh, like you’re making bread, lifting and squeezing flesh in each hand. Take care if you have broken veins. With lightly clenched fists pummel the front and outside of the thighs. Move to the knees and with small circular movements, massage around the knee. Stroke up from the ankle to the knee in brisk, sweeping movements. To finish, stroke behind the back and front in soothing movements.

Buttocks and Hips

We hold lots of tension in our buttocks. These movements bring blood to the area and improve tone and texture. After applying Essenture Hand & Body Lotion, make sweeping and circular movements over the hips and buttocks. With lightly clenched fists and flexible wrists, pummel one side with both hands – then the other. Keep it light!

Abdomen

Starting on you right side stroke your abdomen in a clockwise direction with one hand following the other in a circle. Move straight across from right to left with your right hand. Stroke with your left hand in an alternating pattern.

Arms and Hands

We often neglect our poor arms. But massage is great for releasing tension especially if you work with computers. Apply Essenture Hand & Body Lotion to the whole arm from wrist to shoulder. Move right up to and over the shoulder and glide down. The movement is firmly up and lightly down. Squeeze and release flesh with thumb and fingers, paying particular attention to the upper arm.Then make circular movements around the elbow. With your thumb, press and release in the groove of the forearm from your elbow to wrist, then make circular movements around the wrist. Stroke over the top of the hand towards the wrist Squeeze and pull each finger gently. With your thumb, stroke firmly between each bone on the back of your hand then turn your hand over and work all over the palm towards the wrist. Finish by stroking all the way back up to the shoulder – front and back.

Shoulders

Most people suffer from sore, aching muscles and occasional headaches. These movements will help you to relax and relieve tension in this area. Place some Essenture Hand & Body Lotion in your left hand. Starting at the base of the skull on the right side, stroke down the neck and over the top of the arm. Come back up and repeat a few times (2-3). Repeat with your right hand over your left shoulder, alternating hands to shoulders. With the fingers of both hands, make small circular movements around the base of the spine, working up under the skull. This area can be particularly sensitive to pressure so move gently. Again, make small circular movements on either side of the spine in the neck with your fingers. Lastly, make loose fists and with alternating hands to shoulders gently bounce them up and down over the shoulders. Finish with a stroking, patting movement.

Face and Neck

Massage can help lift headaches, release tension and improve the tone of your facial skin. Starting at the chest, stroke up to the jaw line with alternating palms. Repeat 2-3 times. Turn your hands over and gently slap under the chin. Make sure you tuck your tongue back for this movement. Next, make smooth movements from your chin to the ears with your palms. Place ring fingers on the bridge of your nose, and press and release gently out to the ears. This is great for sinuses. Pinch and release up and over the eyebrows, starting at the inner corner, and work out. Feel the tension releasing under your fingers. Again, with your ring finger, alternate firm strokes upwards between the eyebrows. Then with two fingers make circular, sweeping movements up and out over the whole forehead. After this last movement, press in gently at the temples and gently pull the hair for final tension release. Come back to the face and with palms facing in and hands together, cup and hold over your face. Once over your nose, once out to the side with hands apart, and then once over the ears.

Feeling Good?

By now you should feel relaxed and refreshed! To energise yourself, make fists and starting at the ankles lightly pummel your legs, round your back, over the abdomen, chest, arms, shoulders and head. This movement can be done over clothes at any time of the day for a quick pick-me-up.

Although we know more today about sound and vibrations we are still trying to understand how they affect us

To understand the benefits of using natural skin care we need to understand how the skin functions and the factors that have an impact on it such as the environment, diet, stress etc, the skin has the following primary functions:

• Provides a protective layer for organs and tissues from pathogens (where skin is not broken) as well as heat and light.

• Regulates body temperature.

• It is an excretory and absorption organ.

• Stores water, fat and Vitamin D.

• Has touch receptors (nerve endings) that sense pain or pleasure. So the skin is often described as the organ of communication.

• The skin has a natural moisturising factor (NMF).

Some interesting facts:

• Time taken for the deepest layer to come to the top is 45-75 days.

• Thickness of layers varies – the thickest is on your hands and feet for (gripping) The thinnest layer is on your eyelids, as it needs to be light and flexible.

Skin cycles as we age

• Teen skin is prone to oiliness as hormones are regulating.

• 20-30 skin cell turnover provides optimum condition.

• 30-40 cell turnover starts to decrease, fine lines start to appear.

• 40-50 NMF is becoming less effective and skin becomes drier.

• 50+ – cell turnover drops by 50% resulting in flaky patches and deeper lines.

Skin structure The skin is the largest organ of the body and is made up of 3 main layers: • Epidermis top layer

• Dermis middle layer

• Subcutaneous or hypodermis bottom layer

Epidermis The epidermis is made up of 5 layers and each of these layers has their own layers. From the top layer downwards:

• Stratum Corneum – horny layer

• Stratum lucidum – clear layer

• Stratum granulosum – granular layer – flatter cells accumulate granules

• Stratum spinosum – spiny layer – prickle cell, melanin production (gives skin pigment/colour)

• Stratum Germinativum – basal Layer- where the cells divide and grow upwards

Dermis The dermis is the middle layer made up of:

• Blood vessels – supply nutrients to the skin

• Lymph vessels – defence mechanism for the immune system

• Hair follicles – protection and sebum production

• Sweat glands – regulators of heat

• Pain and touch receptors – carry impulses to the brain

• Subcutis These are fat cells that conserve body heat while protecting other organs from injury. They provide a cushioning effect and are a source of energy in lean times. Layers are held together by the protein, collagen and elastin fibres. Collagen is the strongest protein found in nature. It is famous for its durability and strength.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only. You should seek further advice and instruction from your chosen healthcare professional.

It is during the second stage of labour that the baby’s held will begin to crown. At this point, the tissues of the perineum will stretch open in a fan shape. Factors such as the birth position and the baby’s position will have an impact on whether the perineal tissues tear or whether an episiotomy may be necessary.

During the last trimester there are several things that you can do to help reduce the chances of either perineal tearing or an episiotomy. Regular stretching exercises and pelvic floor exercises. Practise birthing positions. The position in which you give birth is important too! Upright (sitting, squatting, kneeling) all reduce the strain on the perineum.

Perform daily perineal massage in the last 6 – 8 weeks to nurture, condition and become familiar with the perineum.

Benefits of Perineal Massage

• Perineum becomes more supple and elastic and therefore reduces the chance of perineal tearing or an episiotomy.

• Prepares you for the feelings of pressure and stretching when your baby’s head starts to crown. Knowing what these sensations are like enables you to relax and as a consequence this can lead to a quicker birth. Tension will delay your baby’s descent.

• New emotional feelings may be bought to the surface. This will allow you to explore and discuss these feelings with your partner prior to the birth and can help you to develop a deeper understanding of each other. Examples of some emotions you may feel are fear, uncertainty, overwhelming love, excitement etc.

• Perineal massage during labour helps to ease the tissues around the baby’s head as it is crowning and obviously benefits both mother and child. This area is very sensitive during the birth so it is often more beneficial for the mother to undertake perineal massage during this time.

Tips for your partner

• It is critical to be a good listener. • Make the most of being together before your baby is born. • If you are not already doing so, begin to share the household chores. • Two-way communication is very important. Share your feelings/concerns with each other. • A little nurturing and pampering won’t go astray! • When baby is born and comes home – make sure you spend time to get to know your baby.

Partner relationship/communication during Perineal massage It is important to talk about any feelings that surface (if any). We have found that couples have experienced the following thoughts/concerns

“Mum” 

• “I don’t want him to see this is a sexual activity.
• ”“I feel very intimidated at the thought of perineal massage.
• I don’t think I will do it.”
• “For some reason I feel ‘exposed’ and so I don’t want my husband to get involved in this.

Some positive thoughts:

• “I think this will help me to overcome the inhibitions I am currently feeling.”
• “I’m glad I am doing this now so that I can relate to the sensation of my baby’s head crowning during birth.”

‘“Dad” 

• “I’m not sure if I can do this.”
• “I’m worried about hurting her or just not doing it right.”

Some positive thoughts:

• “I’m glad she feels confident enough in our relationship to let me do this.”
• “At least I feel I am helping in some way.”
• “I think it is building our trust in each other.”

Whilst the instructions below will help you with perineal massage, it will be far more beneficial for both you and your partner to seek advise (face to face) on perineal massage from an experienced instructor during pre natal classes or one to one ‘tuition’. You will find it far more personal and you will be able to ask questions (both general and specific to your situation) and draw on experiences from other people.

Self Massage

— Avoid the urinary opening during perineal massage.

Have a warm bath or apply warm compresses to the area to relax the whole body and tissues. – Wash hands and clip nails. – Use a mirror to become familiar with the massage. – Find a comfortable place and lean back with legs bent and open. Alternatively, stand with one leg upon a chair. Do what is most comfortable for you. – Place a small amount (about the size of a 5 cent piece) of Essenture Peri Balm

on your thumbs and around the perineum. – Place your thumbs about 3-4 cm inside the vagina, press downwards and

then gently separate thumbs and take out to the sides. Gently and firmly keep stretching until you feel a burning and stinging sensation. Take it slowly, remember to breath (stretching on the outbreath). Hold the pressure for a minute or so until it numbs the area.

– Release and again massage back and forth working the balm into the tissues. Pull gently outwards on the lower half of the vagina with your thumbs inside, just as the baby’s head will stretch it during birth.

Warning: — DO NOT DO PERINEAL MASSAGE IF YOU HAVE ACTIVE HERPES/THRUSH OR IF YOUR WATERS BREAK EARLY

Contact Us for clay purchases, we can pack in small or medium quantities

Argiletz Clay’s are therapeutically mined from the Argile region of France and comply with Industry standards. We do not recommend clay gathered from your garden or from your local pottery supplier

Clay is a most powerful agent of physical regeneration. Ancient Greeks used clay in the treatment of fractures; Clay can be green, red, pink/rose, yellow or white. Each one has its own properties. The colour of the clay is determined from the depth of the earth from which it is taken. Clay contains silica, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium and many more trace elements that we do not find in our lands today, clay can also be taken internally and should you wish to please consult your naturopath to see how it may help.

• Green clay The most drawing of all clays. In skincare, Green Clay can be used as a facial mask as it cleanses, exfoliates, smoothes and softens the skin. We have found it to be very useful for Mastitis

• Red Clay Helpful for broken capillaries and bags under the eyes, revitalising and cleansing

• Pink Clay Tissue firming and ideal for sensitive skin

• Yellow Clay Great for sun damage may also be helpful for Psoriasis and eczema

• White Clay Great for Sensitive skin and for hands, can also be used as a hair pack prior to Shampoo to alleviate itchy scalp conditions. Also can be used as a natural Talcum Powder for baby skin. We have also found it can help relieve the pain of Shingles and chicken pox

Directions for use in Skincare Mask preparation: mix 1 teaspoon of clay with 1 teaspoon of tepid water in a glass/porcelain bowl, mix to a smooth paste. (For a thicker paste add more clay.) Apply to neck area just under the chin and the face avoiding the eyes and lips. Leave to dry for 10-20 minutes to allow clay mixture to draw out impurities from your skin. Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water. Can also be applied all over the body.

Recommended reading: The earth on which we live-Marijke Vogel Vogel And Vogel

The healing power of clay- Raymond Dextreit

The Clay cure- Ran Knishinsky Healing Arts Press

Essenture recommends a simple and gentle skincare routine to keep your skin clean, exfoliated, hydrated and moisturised.

Cleansing

Clean your skin every evening – the natural way. After a day of exposure to air pollutions, wind, sun, air conditioning, dirt and grime from our fingers – your pores get blocked. (Pores are the opening of hair follicles and sweat glands that cause blackheads and pimples. A good, natural cleanser like Essenture Purifying Cleanser

removes impurities without stripping the skin of nutrients. Cleansers containing soap will strip your skin of moisture and nutrients. If you cleanse nightly, there is no reason for you to cleanse your skin in the morning. We recommend that you simply rinse your face with warm water and whilst skin is still damp apply Essenture  Balancing Moisturiser or If your skin is very dry or mature Essenture Night Serum.

Exfoliating

Simply put, this process gets rid of dead skin cells. We recommend you exfoliate at least twice a week. Care should be taken if you have broken capillaries/surface veins. It is important to help the skin renewal process by removing dead skin cells. Moisture can be applied to fresh cells helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Clay Masks

Using clay helps to deep cleanse and draw out impurities. If you have acneic or oily skin, you should use green clay. For more mature, sensitive skin use white clay to soften and condition the skin. It is also great to use as a mask on rough, dry hands. When you commence a mask routine you can apply the mask up to 5 times for the first week; then 4 times during the second week; 3 times during the third week; 2 times in the fourth week and then once per week for maintenance.

Moisturising

Moisturising morning and night is important for hydrating, moisturising and protecting. Moisturing helps support the fibres of your skin as well as helping to protect your skin from daily pollutants.

Body Care

Just like the skin on your face needs nurturing, so your body requires special attention. Dry body brushing before a shower, with a natural bristle brush, can be extremely helpful. Body brushing helps exfoliate, tone and stimulate the skin as well as helping the natural drainage of our lymph glands. Always brush upwards to the heart in quick, rhythmic strokes and brush down to the heart when you reach the shoulder/neck area. After your shower, keep your skin damp. Water is great natural hydration for the skin and will allow you to apply your body lotion easier and you won’t need to use as much.

Ultra-Dry Hands and Body

Treating dry, cracked and bleeding areas of your hands and body is very important to the overall wellbeing of your skin. Cracked and bleeding hands can be most painful and can allow infection into the body.

Skin Tips While its important to nourish your skin with Essenture natural skin care products, what you do on

the inside counts too. Make sure your body is getting the goodness and care it deserves by: • Getting regular sleep – give your body the chance to work on repairing cells. • Excercising and regular massage – to stimulate circulation and blood flow. • Drinking eight glasses of water a day – to keep skin plump, hydrated, healthy.

• Stay protected from the sun – to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated and the damaging effects of UV rays on your skin. • SMILING WHENEVER YOU CAN – the benefits of a healthy soul are limitless.

Don’t over cleanse your skin because if skin becomes dehydrated on the surface, oil production speeds up to compensate. The glands then become blocked with sebum and turn into breeding grounds for bacteria. This is what causes spots and acne.

Do not squeeze spots as this only leads to infections below the surface.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes only. You should seek further advice and instruction from your chosen healthcare professional. Warning: — Never use essential oils directly on the skin except for true lavender and peppermint and then only 1-2 drops — The essential oils mentioned above (true lavender and peppermint) ARE NOT recommended before the 3rd trimester.

Benefits of Massage During Labour

The Potomac Massage Training Institute (USA) has collected evidence indicating a lower epidural rate and caesarean deliveries as well as shorter labour time for pregnant women who receive massage by their support person and/or partner. In addition, there was a reduction in tears and forceps deliveries.

The information collected indicates that babies also benefit and this is possibly due to the mother being more relaxed and therefore a quicker labour, which means that there would be less foetal distress. Essenture has received positive feedback from women who received massages during labour and from their partner/support person.

Mother

“I felt I was able to better cope with my labour.” “Made me feel more relaxed.” “It helped me to deal with my labour pain because it relaxed me and took my mind off the pain I was in.”

Partner/Support person

“I was able to do something positive for my partner.” “Not only was able to give moral support, I was able to help in a practical way.”

“It was a great feeling to be involved in such a positive way during the birth of our baby.”

It is during the last 4 -6 weeks of pregnancy that you can practise massage techniques that will provide an opportunity for couples to:

• Establish comfortable massage positions for the mother. • Benefit by spending quality time together prior to the birth of their baby. Midwives and other health professionals are becoming more open to the use of aromatherapy oils

during birth. You should only use 100% pure essential oils from plants. Oils can help you prepare your mind and body for childbirth. Pure essential oils are absorbed through the skin and through our olfactory system (breathing through the nose). They then travel to the different systems (eg to affect respiratory or digestion).

There are so many different pure plant extracts, some of which are not suitable for use during pregnancy or during labour. You should always seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist or health care professional. In addition, it is probably better to err on the side of caution and use only the milder oils that have already been tested.

Essenture Labour Massage Oil can be used from 36 weeks during pre-labour and through the birthing process. This blend combines the beautiful essential oils of true lavender, rose, clary sage, jasmine, neroli and sandalwood. Ideally practise your massage techniques with this oil to tone the uterus and it will also help your partner to understand your likes and dislikes during this special time.

Partner/Support Person Massage Techniques Onset and First Stage

Start early in the labour so that you can work together taking the lead from the woman. Early communication will help you to understand her needs (i.e. not so hard, firmer etc). Massage of the legs, allows eye contact to continue and a focal point for your partner. Massage strokes should be firm and rhythmical and in an upward direction towards the heart. The upward direction is important as blood is carried back to the heart via veins. Massage strokes should also coincide with the mother’s breathing – (i.e. up on the in breath and down on the out breath.)

When contractions come, the partner (masseur) needs to do deeper work, loosening off to slower more relaxing strokes by the end of the contraction.

Tip for Mum – Visualise contractions as the uterus massaging the baby, down and out in waves, like the sea meeting the shoreline.

Hip Massage for Mum

Tight buttock muscles can delay the birthing process. The person massaging should be behind the women (you can be kneeling over the bed or cushions). With hands directed upwards, move up to waist level then separate and come across and down the outsides of the buttocks. Repeat this action using firm yet rhythmic strokes. By using deep circular movements you will be able to relax the deeper muscles. Pelvic rotations and birthing balls allow the opening up of your pelvis and assist your labour to progress smoothly. The gentle rocking encourages your baby’s head to descend quicker while there is no pressure on the perineum. Warm compresses across the lower abdomen and lower back can be beneficial for the pelvic pressure and lower backache.

Thigh Massage

Your legs may get cold and shaky. If this happens your partner can massage the thigh up and down either sides to relax you and reduce tension.

Face Massage

Get your partner or support person to give you a gentle face massage between contractions. You should find this calming and reassuring. Stroke up the forehead, into the hairline – one hand following the other.

Having regular treatments of massage is a highly effective way to help you manage stress and the more frequent the massages the more your body can adapt to the flight and fight syndrome and you will experience an overall sense of wellbeing

Call me now to book your treatment before stress gets the upper hand!

Call me today to book yourself or someone you know a regular spot…Jaye 0414 898 262

tuck opposite arms into your armpits leaving the thumb out, tuck your chin into the notch below and listen to your breath

If thoughts bother you try to use words like Sat Nam (truth is my name) or Thank You on each inhale and exhale. listen to the vibrations and enjoy!

When you have finished acknowledge your self and sense how you feel

Patience is the thread that holds everything together especially for our selves