Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Aromatherapy Review

Forward: I studied at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy, back in those days we were into blending carrier oils mostly sweet almond and sesame. With these we would create therapeutic blends adding and testing a variety of essential oils.  In the 80's and early 90's aromatherapy was hip and fun to work with. Our clients appreciated them. CCMH at the time provided pure coconut oil to work with but we would purchase "the good stuff" from other sources.  We had the attitude then that coconut oil was the poor cousin to other more expensive massage oils and we wanted the best for our massage clients.  Fast forward to 2000+ now we have an ever increasing population of folks with allergies and sensitivities to scents and smells and some with very severe reactions including asthma.  Most massage therapists no longer use scented oil blends and coconut oil often unscented is enjoying a comeback especially organic coconut oil has become trendy to use.  Many RMT's use no oil or very little depending on their approach to body work and massage lotions have replaced oils as a non allergenic massage medium.


AROMATHERAPY has been around since Biblical times. Frankincense, Lotus, Jasmine, Sandlewood and Rose Absolute are scents that can change moods and create an exotic atmosphere.  I jumped at the chance to attend local Casey Mulcaster's "Essential Oils of India" workshop last month. Casey is a Registered Aromatherapist and knows her stuff.  She does her research and in doing so she went to the source, India.  Casey, who owns and operates local Amarna Holistic Centre, attended some factories where steam and other forms of distillation create some of the most precious oils on the planet. 
When you inhale these oils there is swoon potential!  Casey shares her love and respect for the process of extracting such minute quantities of precious oils from vast amounts of raw resources from petals of rose to bark and roots of sandlewood.
During her informative 2 hour workshop Casey presents 5 exotic essentials. Showcasing her Indian absolutes (word for pure essential oil) and allowing her participants to create a blend for themselves. It is exciting to learn the essential benefits for ones organ and visceral health, endocrine system, skin, and even sleep deprivation. If you have a chance do take this course, but hurry because she is only teaching it for a limited time.
CREATING A BLEND: 
With expert guidance and enthusiasm for the creative process Casey leads you to confidently blend your signature potion to include top notes, middle notes and base notes.  This experience was truly like a private wine tasting complete with coffee beans to cleanse the olfactory palate.   I created for myself a blend dominant with the base notes of Sandlewood and Nag Champa which were the most devine scents that had ever crossed paths with my olfactory system...wow!  This blend which I keep near my bedside and rub into my hands to smell as I drift off to sleep has no doubt changed the quality of my slumber hours including how many of them I have in a row before waking!  
If the need to avoid scents for allergy reasons has kept you from enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy consider taking a course with Casey. You will be surpised by what you learn and can share with your clients, family and friends.  When scents are pure and unaltered and you are aware of their medicinal attributes they can be extremely beneficial for everyone and amazing to incorporate into your own self care.   To find out more about essential oils of India and more click here.
PS Stay tuned to our ViVi Shop as we will be carrying a high quality certified organic range of Carrier Oils for Massage and Body Therapy in addition a select collection of essential oils all to feed your skin, body and mind.  Believe us when we say we still want our clients to have only the best...more on oils later.  Roxanne Derkson RMT GCFP

Friday, April 22, 2011

Massage Oils and Linens Do They Mix?

Pure, cold pressed, virgin oil & luxurious 100% cotton massage linens.

What makes one massage therapy treatment better than an another?   After the obvious comparing of credentials and clinical experience, the convenience of booking, getting there...and parking!

  What about the smells we encounter and the sheets we slip our bodies between.  One thing I really appreciate when I go for a massage therapy session is clean linen.  I like the sheets to be clean and the room to feel hygienic without a clinical coldness which inhibits relaxation.  When I experience a rancid oil smell from sheets or the room/office setting it is a real turnoff. 

Keeping massage table linens clean and oil free has been a dilemma for massage therapists the world over.  What common solutions (no pun intended) have been used and how do they measure up in my opinion.
1) Use of harsh chemicals to clean the linens.  Bleach, strong oil dispersant's, and chemical cleaners and detergents in the wash.  My Comment:    Well not environmentally friendly is the obvious one and sometimes there is a residue of these chemicals left in the sheets.  These can trigger allergies and reactions in the sinuses and skin.
2) Use thinner sheets that don't hold the oils like thicker denser linens.  Usually these sheets are poly-cotton and don't have the same quality feel as 100% cotton and flannel sheets.  My Comment:  These sheets are cheaper to purchase and keep clean for the therapist.
3) Use massage lotions with oil dispersant and other chemicals in them to facilitate easier cleaning. My Comment:   Definitely ask , your therapist what they are using on YOUR SKIN?  You should know what the ingredients of massage lotions, cremes and oils are.  After all your skin absorbs this stuff as if you were eating it.
4) Refined oils manufactured to disperse oil and wash out of linen better than unrefined oils.  My Comment:  These are manufactured by larger companies and sold to therapists as professional massage oils.  They are usually rendered, bleached and deodorised to create a more commercial brand product that meets the demands for easier cleaning of linens and no longer carry any natural scent from the nut seed or plant that the oil was derived from.  You can tell these oils have been bleached when there is very little natural color to the oil.  See the oil in the picture above has the natural green color of the avocado oil that has been blended with macadamia and sunflower oils.
5) My Professional Recommendation:  Use pure, cold expellor pressed oils on the skin whenever possible.  Organic oils are the ultimate food for the skin adding essential fatty acids and nutrients to the body as they are massaged into your muscles.  If deeper tissue work is required use balms and butters from shea, olive oil, beeswax and coconut to name a few.  As for the linen use the best quality linens you can afford, use basic cleaning solutions with no added artificial fragrance.  Replace your linens regularly when they become pilled, stained or the oil won't come out.  You can always take your linens to a professional cleaning company to remove the oil residue for you.  They really know how to fold your linen too and it looks great when you get it back. Some cleaners will use professional Green cleaning products.  Check in for my next blog on Massage Oils and Balms.  Thanks for reading Roxanne Derkson RMT GCFP



Wednesday, March 30, 2011

the MeM day 7 - end of series 1



This was the final day in series 1 of the Massage Exchange Movement. Thanks to everyone for coming out, it was so much fun. We did our draw for a free 1 hour massage, and Sheola was the lucky winner! We taught a couple new techniques to wrap things up.

Bones for Life 1 Teacher Training



Gail French OT, PT, GCFP and BFL Trainer was in town last weekend teaching us Bones for Life 1. She is a dynamic and passionate instructor and has an excellent understanding of the body. We had a great time as we learned 30 different processes on how to improve bone health.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

the MeM day 6 - Pets and People



After cancelling the MeM day 5 last week, we had great weather and a great turnout for the MeM day 6 this week. We planned on doing only pets this week but we also had people show up to massage each other so we did both! 


Thanks to Creatures Great and Small for the doggy treats!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Pets MeM cancelled

We had to cancel the MeM today because of the rain. But don't worry because we'll be back, we're planning on doing pet massage again. Bring your dogs, cats, or furry creature by next Tuesday, March 22nd at 3:15 - 4:30pm, 1608 Camosun Street. 

Here's what we'll be teaching: how to relax your dog or cat, techniques for older pets with Arthritis or degenerative problems, ways to calm down anxious pets, and how to increase your pet's body awareness and focus.

Hope to see you there!

P.S. We have pet treats donated by Creatures Great and Small

Monday, March 14, 2011

Free Pet Massage Lessons

Come to the Massage Exchange Movement (MeM) March 15th and 21st and bring your dog, cat, or furry creature and learn to massage them. We'll have doggy treats and all the usual MeM fixtures: music, incense, tea, and of course the patio heater.

See you there!
ViVi Therapy 1608 Camosun Street
March 15,21st 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Meet Gail French PT, GCFP and Learn about Bones for Life

If you can't make it to the Teacher Training, you can still come and meet Physical Therapist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, and BFL Trainer Gail French and learn about the many benefits of Bones for life.

Benefits include
  • Increased bone density
  • Better posture
  • Improved eased of movement
  • Reduced pain
Where: 532 Herald St. Victoria BC
When: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: $20.00

Call Roxanne Derkson at 250 298 4484 or email info@vivitherapy.com to register.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

the MeM day 4



This week at the MeM we really utilized our warm stones. We used them on the forearms, shoulders, hands and neck. We also taught a Thai shoulder release technique and finished up with the stroking finish again. It was a great time and once again we had new people.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

the MeM day 3

Don't forget that every time you come out to the MeM you can enter to win a free massage with Registered Massage Therapist and Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner Roxanne Derkson.



We had a great time at the third Massage Exchange Movement. This time we had our best turnout ever with a bunch of brand new faces. We taught "Ringing the back", "Raking the ribs", "Heating hands", and "Stroking finish". For more information on learn to massage and massage products, please visit www.vivitherapy.com.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

the MeM day 2



We had our second MeM and it was a lot of fun. This week we focused on a shoulder, arm, and tricep release, as well as a percussive clapping technique. We had a new group of people and they were kept warm by the patio heater, hot stones, and tea. We also featured music by Oka this week and had the incense burning. Don't forget that each time you come to the MeM you will be entered into a draw for a free 1 hour massage from Roxanne Derkson RMT.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

the MeM day 1

Come to the MeM contest

Every time you come to the MeM you will be entered into a draw for a free 1 hour massage from Roxanne Derkson, RMT GCFP. The more times you come, the greater your chances are for winning!





We had our first official MeM and it went great. The weather was great, the patio heater was going, incense burning, and hot tea was served. The techniques taught this week were the "C" squeeze, neck squeeze, spinal walking, and sacrum circular kneading. We had a few people stop by to learn and it really brought some relaxation to their day.

Here is what one of our students said, "I was having such a bad day and it felt so good to receive a massage from someone. I forgot where I was at one point, thank you so much."

We even had Victoria News come by and take some photos and interview Roxanne. Click here to see the article.

Hope to see you next week!

Monday, February 14, 2011

the MeM is here

It's finally here. Come on out tomorrow, Tuesday Feb 15 at 3:15pm at 1608 Camosun Street and learn how to massage a friend or family member (be sure to bring one along). 

  • Hot tea will be served
  • Patio heater set up to keep you warm
  • Music by Sacred Earth (www.sacredearthmusic.com) played to keep you relaxed
  • Imported incense burned to calm you 
  • Bring a toonie to donate to local charity if you can

Note: This event is weather pending so be sure to follow us  for updates





Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The MeM Is Here!

The MeM is here!

Starting on February 15th, we will be teaching free massage classes every Tuesday at 3:15 in front of our clinic at 1608 Camosun St. We will be setting up 8 massage chairs and will teach you how to massage a friend or family member.

·     Bring a friend
·     Relaxation for your day
·     Learn massage
·     New techniques taught weekly
·     Fun and free

Hope to see you There!
 
MeM..."the feel good movement"


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Bones For Life Intensive Teacher Training

BONES FOR LIFE® INTENSIVE TEACHER TRAINING IN VICTORIA, BC, CANADA.
MARCH 18,19,20 (LEVEL 1), MARCH 25,26,27 (LEVEL 2)





ViVi Therapy is pleased to announce a rare opportunity for you to study Bones For Life levels 1 & 2 Intensive Teacher Training with Gail French, a Physical Therapist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, and Bones for Life pioneer trainer from Anchorage, Alaska. Gail combines a large body of knowledge, skill and intuition when it comes to teaching the processes of Bones For Life. The benefits and timing of integrating this training into your personal and professional lives has never been better.
 
An aging population plagued with osteoporosis, loss of bone density, balance and mobility is in dire need of this method and its teachers. Since its inception more than a decade ago, the Bones For Life movement, developed by one of the original Feldenkrais Method trainers Ruthy Alon, has grown globally and is now being taught in recreation centers, clinics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage practices, clubs, dance and yoga studios, senior care homes, hospitals, and universities. Gail French has the skills and training to move you into this exciting new aspect of your profession and get you started on your way to a new career as a Bones For Life teacher.
 
Gail is coming to Victoria for the first time in March 2011. She understands Bones For Life deeply and relays her knowledge in concise, articulate and hands-on methods that create a dynamic and exponential learning experience. Gail can facilitate your learning and understanding of Bones For Life anatomically, physiologically and practically, guiding you through the processes that have changed the lives of many people suffering from loss of mobility and subsequent independence, osteoporosis, loss of balance, and compromised circulation. Gail’s career has spanned more than 35 years and her professional history gives her the familiarity of knowledge that will facilitate your understanding of the Bones For Life processes and its intellectual underpinnings which include the Feldenkrais Method. For more information check out www.bonesforlife.com.

Registration and Pricing:

Please contact Roxanne Derkson at info@vivitherapy.com, or phone  250-298-4484  to register.

Bones For Life 1 $450 ($375 early bird by Feb. 21)
Bones For Life 2 $450 ($375 early bird by Feb. 28)
Bones For Life 1 & 2 $850 ($695 early bird by Feb. 21)
Bones For Life Manual Level 1 $95
Bones For Life Manual Level 2 $95

Payment:

Cheques payable to ViVi Therapy, 1608 Camosun Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 3E6
Visa or Mastercard add 4%, Paypal


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