Autumn 2011
OMHLIVING
A warm welcome: As the nights draw in and thoughts start to turn to cosy evenings by the fire and mulled wine, you’re always sure of a warm welcome at OMH Therapies with a range of special Autumn offers.
Renew, refresh, revive Embrace the magic of Autumn with OMH Sadna Sodha, founder
OMH celebrated its 1st anniversary at its new location on at Thistle Street last month and we have been reflecting on past seasons as we return full circle once more into Autumn. The focus for this issue is to bring a new insight into how to deal with Autumn turning into Winter and help stave off those negative feelings and use them positively. As the dark nights approach nature begins to shed what it no longer needs, we may begin to feel a little lower in our mood and need to find ways in which to nurture ourselves to beat off fast approaching blues.
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It is very easy today to forget that we are as much a part of nature as the plants, trees and animals that we share this planet with. We are a product of nature and the environment in which we live and respond to the cycles and seasons to which we are exposed. So when you look out the window and see the changing colours of the leaves that eventually wither, dry up and drop from the trees our bodies begin to dry up in Autumn and often feel a little weaker physically and mentally we replicate this closing up and getting ready to hibernate until Spring returns.
This is no coincidence of course and why we become more susceptible to colds, flu’s and viruses and there is a marked increase in disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D). We can either succumb to this or we can embrace the changes and gather strength and a renewed meaning to Autumnal feelings.
OMHLIVING Autumn 2011
Chinese Five Elements The Chinese Five Element System can explain many of our characteristics and bring a new understanding of why things are the way they are that and often effect our health & well being. Often when we gain understanding of the mechanics of nature we can learn to live more harmoniously with it. The Chinese Clock explains the characteristics of each of the major organs of the body, their peak functioning times and the influence they have on our physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
The Chinese Clock and selected Five-Element Correspondences ELEMENT
WOOD
FIRE
EARTH
METAL
WATER
LIVER
HEART
SPLEEN/ PANCREAS
LUNGS
KIDNEYS
1 am– 3 am
11 am–1 pm
9 am– 11 am
3 am– 5 am
5 pm– 7 pm
Positive Emotion
Kindness
Love Honour
Negative Emotion
Anger
Worry
Sadness Grief
Fear
Sense organ
Eyes
Arrogance Cruelty Impatience Mouth
Mouth
Nose
Ears
Sense
Sight
Tongue/Speech
Taste
Smell
Hearing
Flavour
Touch
Bitter
Sweet
Pungent
Salty
Gallbladder
Small Intestine
Stomach
Large Intestine
Bladder
11 pm – 1 am
1pm – 3pm
7 am – 9 am
5am -7 am
3 pm – 5 pm
Green
Red
Yellow
White
Blue/Black
Organ Association Peak time
Hollow Organ Association Peak time Colour
Compassion Courage Gentleness Fairness Righteousness
Autumn - Metal Element (lungs) Autumn is associated with the element of Metal which corresponds with lungs and the large intestines. Physical association with lung is our “life breath” and any physical manifestation or imbalance with lungs i.e. colds, asthma, allergies, anxiety issues. The function of the large intestine is about transporting and absorbing the nutrients from the food we consume to be delivered to the body in fuel and promote healthy cell regeneration which keeps us fit and well. We are all a product of our digestive systems. Illness and disease attacks when there is an imbalance in the natural balance of the body and any organ can cause a disturbance the natural flow Qi (pronounced chi) our vital life force energy. An imbalance affects the efficiency and function of other organs structures within body. This doesn’t only have an effect on physical ill health; it can also be as the result of emotional or spiritual disaccord too. Autumn is a time when everything dies back and we prepare to hibernate for winter, rest and prepare to replenishment and new beginning of spring! As such are bodies go through a transition from season to season and we should look to nature to provide our fundamental needs and eat within the natural occurring seasonal produce and take more rest to gain strength energy in readiness of replenishment.
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OMHLIVING Autumn 2011
OMH Therapies is delighted to welcome Charissa Lett to the team
CORE Myofascial Release Technique
Originally from Canada, Charissa graduated as a Registered Massage Therapist from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in May 2008. After graduation she began practicing, shortly after she began specializing in Myo-fascial Release therapy, traveling to Vancouver, Canada in 2009 to study the Anatomy Trains myo-fasical release technique, then off to Santorini, Greece in 2010 to further her knowledge by learning CORE Myofascial Release, she became fully certified as a CORE Myo-fascial therapist in November 2011. Now her love for travel and further continued education has brought Charissa to Edinburgh, where she will be training to become a Structural Integration Therapist. With a history of sports in her background, Charissa loves to work with athletes in order to help recovery from injuries, to prevent injuries through maintenance treatments and to improve athletic performance with the use of CORE Myofascial. As well as working with athletes, Charissa is enthusiastic about helping people of all backgrounds improve their daily functioning, to help prevent and maintain overall wellness for increased quality of life.
Courses Introduction to Hand Reflexology
What is Myo-fascial Release Therapy FASCIA FUNDAMENTALS Under your skin, encasing your body and webbing its way through your insides like spider webs, is fascia. Fascia is made up primarily of densely packed collagen fibers that create a full body system of sheets, chords and bags that wrap, divide and permeate every one of your muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs. Every bit of you is encased in it. You're protected by fascia, connected by fascia and kept in taut human shape by fascia. It wraps around each of your individual internal parts, keeping them separate and allowing them to slide easily with your movements. It's strong, slippery and wet. It creates a protecting covering around each muscle; because it's stiffer, it resists overstretching and acts like an anatomical emergency break. It connects your organs to your ribs to your muscles and all your bones to
· The techniques used in this form of Myofascial release are very gentle, deep reaching and all are applied using no lotion. The reasoning behind using no lotion is that it creates friction which help to soften the fascia and improve its ability to stretch. · This bodywork discipline is designed to improve the structural balance and alignment potential of all body types, depending on age, level of activity and medical/ injury history. · CORE Myofascial therapy is a client-centered approach that utilizes a variety of clinical techniques, treatment protocols, and structural strategies and exercises that will improve neurosomatic awareness and performance abilities.”
each other. It structures your insides in a feat of engineering, balancing stressors and counterstressors to create a mobile, flexible and resilient body unit. It generally keeps you from being a big, bonefilled blob. For any questions or for more information about how CORE Myofascial release can benefit you email me: charissa@OMHtherapies.com
OMH Therapies delighted to bring this course to you as part of a series of workshops at our Boutique Spa. Courses have an emphasis on practical therapy that empowers people to take responsibility for their own health and well-being by developing new skills they can share with others. The course will cover: • • • • • •
History of Reflexology Introduction to Therapeutic touch via hand techniques Power within the Hands explained A Basic 10-15 min routine plus warm-up techniques to greet the hands A chance for you to practice A Reflexology Hand Map & Handouts with additional techniques to take away
Light refreshments will be served, wear comfortable clothing; all equipment will be provided.Places are limitied so booking is essential and payment in advance is necessary to secure a place. To Book Tel: 0131 220 1301 or pop into the shop. All participants will be offered the opportunity to book a 1 hour Hand Reflexology consultation and treatment with Lee at 50% when booked on the day.
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OMHLIVING Autumn 2011
October Breakthrough Breast Cancer So what was it all about? Thistle Street Business Association took part in Cancer Awareness month by dressing up their windows in pink to show their support for The Breakthough Breast Cancer whose head office is based in Thistle Street. More Info @ http:// www.breakthrough.org.uk/scotland
“Within you is a world with its own sun, moon and stars” -Anon Mindfulness and meditation are the route to inner selves. Calming the mind and excluding external distractions allow use to focus on building the foundations of our sense of self Some people struggle with the shorter days as the year draws in; but in nature this is an essential time to prepare for the renewal and rebirth of Spring. At OMH, we’re launching a series of self-empowerment workshops to help people harness the power of meditation, guided visualisation, reflexology and aromatherapy; teaching skills that are designed to fit into and enrich your life. These techniques work towards discovering your inner joy and developing skills which will allow you to share that gift with family and friends.
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OMHLIVING Autumn 2011
What’s going on? Things we love in Edinburgh From the team at OMH Therapies
Thistle Street Thistle Street as a fantastic little hidden gem of a street in the heart of the city centre, a place to be seen full of unique businesses in the day or chic destinations at night.
For all sorts of special and exclusive discounts and offers
We love places that work toward a healthy mind, body and spirit; that help people get that all important balance in life. Know somewhere that should be featured? Let us know: info@omhtherapies.com
http://www.facebook.com/thistlestreet
Sadna’s Flu Blend
2 drops of each of the following Essential oils: Rosemary White Thyme Eucalyptus Globulus Basil Frankincense Myrrh White Thyme
Often over the counter medications such as decongestants and pain killer both alleviate and suppress symptoms which can drive them deeper within the body to resurface later leading to further ill health.
Diluted in 10 mls Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil
Naturally based products can often be just as effective but a more holistic approach seeks to treat the underlying cause and relieve the effects on a less superficial level.
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It is the time of year when all sorts of nasty bugs and viruses surface. This blend will serve as a form of protection to prevent the bugs taking hold. It is also useful at the first signs of colds or flu and can help to alleviate and reduce associated symptoms using the restorative oil properties to support the immune system.
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As a topical application Apply directly to the skin behind the ears, either side of the nostrils and the pulse points on the wrists & liberally on the chest three times a day. As an inhalation Dilute two drops of oil in a table spoon of milk or alcohol in order the oil will disperse fully in the hot water. Fill a large bowl with hot water and add the oil then hold your head over the bowl covered with a towel to maximize the benefit of the oil properties. For suffers of sore throats and persistent coughs also inhale using the mouth as well as the nose to bring further relief.
Pre-Christmas Shopping offer... Buy gift vouchers for friends and family £30 or more & receive an additional £5 to use yourself or give away!
£5 Gift Voucher Free! *Available on all vouchers purchased up to 30th November. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.
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OMHLIVING Jan-Mar 2011
Reflexology
Indian Head Massage
8 x 30 min treatments £175.00 SAVING £65.00 or 5 x 60 min Treatments £200.00 SAVING £100.00
8 x 30 min treatments £175.00 SAVING £ 65.00 or 5 x 60 min Treatments £200.00 SAVING £100.00
Sports Massage 5 x 60 min treatments £200.00 SAVING £100.00 or 8 x 30 min treatments £175.00 SAVING £65.00
Bio Energy Healing or Hopi Ear Candles 2 x 45 min treatments of Hopi Ear Candles plus 3 x 60 min Bio Energy Healing £200.00 SAVING £70.00
Combination Package 1
Combination Package 2
4 x Indian Head or Reflexology 30 mins treatments & 2 x Sport or Myo-fasical 60 min treatments £170.00 SAVING £70
4 X Indian Head or Reflexology 30 mins treatments & 4 x Sports or Myo-fasical 30 mins treatments £170.00 SAVING £ 70.00
Recommend a friend.. for free minutes of massage Make sure any friends who come to OMH Therapies mention your name! We’re keeping track of recommendations so we can reward our loyal clients with free minutes when friends and colleagues come to the Spa. Get free minutes of massage Every time a new client you’ve recommended buys twenty minutes of therapies, you’ll get a stamp on your OMH Loyalty Card, redeemable against treatments at the Thistle Street Spa.
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Remember you can recommend us to your friends on facebook and twitter!
Raw Food Smoothie to celebrate Autumn
This smoothie celebrates autumn. The cinnamon and nutmeg are nice and warming when there is a bit of a chill in the air. (Suitable for Vegetarians)
Ingredients List: Serves two 1 serving plain greek yoghurt 1 banana 1/4 cup apple sauce a pinch of cinnamon a pinch of nutmeg 1 cardamom pod crushed 1 pinch of toasted flaked almonds or pastashios or both 1 table spoon of Honey (Manuka preferably)
Instructions: Blend together all the ingredients, keeping back some of the nuts. Once you have a smooth blend, sprinkle the almonds on top and serve.
For special offers, latest news, health tips & advice: Follow @omhtherapies on twitter or find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ omhtherapies
For more information or to book: info@omhtherapies.com or call 0131 220 1301