Open the door to your medicine cabinet. What would you find? Something for a headache, antacid or fizzy tablets for upset tummy, a sedative for easing into sleep and pills or syrup for coughs and colds are most likely present.

How about essential oil?

Previously, we blogged about Thieves’ Oil–a potent essential oil blend in whose presence bacteria can’t live. Essential oil is more than just a smell. It has benefits beyond olfactory which have been shown to alleviate sources and symptoms of illness. The father of modern aromatherapy, Frenchman Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was a pioneering force advocating the healing power of diffused essential oils. He wrote:

“Aromatic plants have always been considered the most effective treatment for the diseases afflicting mankind. In many cases, the essential oil is used, which is…the most effective.”

Keep in mind that not all essential oil is created equally. About 98% is produced for the perfume and cosmetics industries. It’s made to smell good. The makers of these oils take all kinds of short cuts to produce it, adding alcohol or other chemicals that dilute or otherwise compromise the oil’s quality. Most of that is what you’ll find in hobby shops and the like, with the purpose being to make a candle or some potpurri. But the high heat and high pressure used to mass-produce fragrance grade oil disrupts its natural structure, destroys its medicinal properties and leaves behind only a nice scent. These oils are not therapeutic agents.

To get the full benefit, you should seek out therapeutic grade essential oil. “The TouchPointe line of essential oils is organically wild-crafted, preserving their natural essence,” says TouchPointe owner Naomi Hall. “Each oil is selected for its high quality, for treating physical and emotional needs. And they’re packaged so that you can take them home with you for a recharge between visits. TouchPointe essential oils are an extension of our commitment to our customers.”

Eliminating modern medicines altogether is not recommended, but essential oil aromatherapy serves as a powerful complimentary approach to healing. Just as massage is essential to life, therapeutic grade aromatherapy is essential to your medicine cabinet!

Essential oils have played a key role in preventive health for generations.  Legend has it that in the 14th Century, when the Black Plague was sweeping Europe, grave robbers would employ a secret weapon to guard against catching the disease from their prey.  The thieves covered themselves with a blend of essential oils before making their grisly rounds–and it protected them from the plague.  When apprehended, as thieves often are, they offered the recipe of their essential oil blend in exchange for leniency.   Thus was born the legend of Thieves Oil. 

More recent scientific studies have shown that microorganisms can’t thrive or long survive in the presence of many essential oils.  Recent research done at Weber State University showed that four essential oils have the ability to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses where the oils are diffused.  Because the exact composition of the oils changes with seasonal and harvest conditions, bacteria have no way to become immune to them.

Modern to-do lists usually lack grave robbing.  But we are deep into cold and flu season, and TouchPointe Centre wants you to avoid either one of those unwelcome winter visitors.  TouchPointe Thieves Essential Oil suppresses topical and airborne microorganisms.  Our proprietary blend of elements like cinnamon, lemon and cloves provides an ally to your environment.  An ounce of prevention is truly in this bottle!

TouchPointe Centre is happy to announce the second annual Touching Lives Campaign!   It’s a promotional event that supports our nonprofit organization —  the Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation.  Through this Foundation, TouchPointe Centre provides massage therapy at a reduced price, or at no charge, to people who normally would not be able to afford the treatment.  We believe the healing power of touch should not be limited based on ones ability to pay.  This includes special needs children, people with medical conditions that restrict movement, and cancer and hospice patients.

During the month of December, when you buy a customizable massage (for yourself or as a gift) we’ll donate 10% of the purchase price to The Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation. 

We all know that massage feels good.  Now it can feel even better!  You can also simply make a tax-deductible donation to the program by calling 501-660-4220. 

Happy Holidays!

During this season of the year when the leaves are putting on their fall coats of color before twirling their way downward to the ground, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the things for which we are most thankful.  The list for me is long and grows larger every year.  But what am I most thankful for? 

Those of you who know me would completely understand that undoubtedly “technology” would not be at the top of the list.  While being a necessity in our world today, I am delighted that other people speak “computer” fluently.  It truly is a foreign language to me.  I love driving my convertible, particularly on those days when I can put the top down and see all the beauty around me.  But, my car would be pretty far down the list as well.  In my opinion,human relationships are the most important things in life.  So, YOU are at the top of the list. 

As was said last week at our Open House/Fundraiser for The Ethelyne Williams Touching Lives Foundation we all have overlapping life stories.  I am so appreciative that each of you has found an intersection of your life here at TouchPointe Centre.  My life is richer, deeper and certainly more colorful for your having traveled TouchPointe’s way!

With profound gratitude,

Naomi

As we end Breast Cancer Awareness Month…The National Institutes of Health cites multiple studies recognizing the importance of oncology massage and therapeutic touch as elements of effective cancer treatment.  Here’s the link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18315504

TouchPointe Centre is the first massage clinic in Arkansas to offer oncology massage and continues its leadership in healing touch therapy!

You’re a multitasking machine.  Taking care of business, kids, a sick parent…it’s a wonder you haven’t worn out from all that responsibility.  The type of stress which accompanies modern life is insidious.  In fact, you may be doing a slow crash without even knowing it.  Stressors have a cumulative effect on your health, and it isn’t a good one.

The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center web site has a very informative podcast about the relationship between stress and cancer.  The role of stress as a risk factor for cancer, depression and cardiovascular disease is discussed in this presentation.

While stress is unavoidable,  you can lessen its impact on your health.  TouchPointe Centre can treat your stress-related ailments with a massage therapy program that helps you achieve wellness.