Wellbeing

In my last blog I talked about how important self-care is.

In this blog, I'm going to talk about our wellbeing, especially our mental health.

Lockdown hasn't been easy for many people, but it has especially affected the younger population.

A Bupa article"Powerless Teens at Breaking Point..." stated that:

Three in four 13-19 year olds have experienced physical health issue related to poor mental health since March 2020.

Half have turned to harmful coping mechanisms  - including drink, drugs, or self-harm to alleviate symptoms.  The majority feel pessimistic about their future.

45% of parents admit that they need more guidance on how to talk to their teens about mental health.

This is a sad state of affairs, especially as the teen years can be particularly challenging at the best of times!

I have recently completed some more 'lockdown learning' and have learnt how hand massage can be especially beneficial for our mental wellbeing, how parts of the hand relate to the brain and our emotions.

I have been piloting a hand massage routine online with willing young volunteers who suffer from anxiety.  I have been teaching them a hand massage routine online, explaining how the hand relates to the brain and the emotions, how massage helps release stress-lowering hormones, allowing them to experience the calming effects of this massage.

Having coping mechanisms to turn to can be very beneficial for us all and this hand massage is a great coping mechanism. It has the benefit that it can be carried out at any time too.

Crystals can also give our mental health a boost and help us to cope.

For example, Onyx helps to alleviate overwhelming fears and worries.

Amethyst helps to calm the mind. It is useful where insomnia is caused by an overactive mind.

I am now offering online Wellbeing Hand Massages. They are suitable for everyone, but are especially beneficial for young people.

An online Wellbeing Hand Massage session costs £20 (for approximately 30 mins). During this time you will be shown how to carry out the hand massage and given resources  to learn and practice it at home.

Meditation is another way to help our wellbeing.  I meditate regularly and it helps me greatly. I have written a blog about the benefits of meditation and it can be viewed here 

During lockdown I have been recording meditations for my clients for £5 per meditation.

Here is one that you can listen to for free here

I will shortly be running a 2 hour online Wellbeing Workshop where I will be teaching the hand massage, carrying out some meditations and teaching about crystals for wellbeing and how to use them in our everyday lives.

Please comment below if you are interested in finding out more about any of the above.

Take good care of yourself and your wellbeing

Julie

Reference 

https://www.bupa.com/newsroom/news/teen-minds-living-through-a-pandemic-and-beyond

Permission is granted to copy and redistribute this blog on the condition that the content remains complete and in tact , full credit is given to the author, and that it is distributed freely.

 

Self-Care Blog January 2021

Back in my first blog back in July 2011 I talked about how ‘the times were a changing’ and in 2021 change continues! 

 In England, we are once again in lockdown due to Covid-19. 

As a therapist and teacher, I am unable to do close contact therapies with clients. Despite not being able to have close contact therapies at present, we still need to find ways to look after ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally and self-care is great way to achieve this. 

 Today I thought about how the winter weather, central healing and the fact that we are again in lockdown can affect us. So I had a relaxing bath and had some me-time using my much loved Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic products. I treated my skin to some self-care by giving myself a facial and also by exfoliating my body with Geranium & Orange Exfoliating scrub. 

If you would like to find out how you can give your skin some self-care, I am running free Winter Skincare Self Care sessions on Facebook via a private group/Zoom and other online mediums. 

You can purchase Neal's Yard Remedies Organic products from here 

 I have also done some more “Lockdown Learning’ and did a Self-Massage Indian Head Massage course. I was pleasantly surprised how relaxing giving yourself a massage is! This is now something I am offering to my clients. 

 This is some feedback from one of my clients :- 

 Given that one to one therapy sessions are not practicable in the current lockdown environment, l was very pleased to find that Julie Wootten is offering remote sessions, using whichever communication system the client prefers. I signed up for the Indian Head Massage via FaceTime.  Julie led me through warm up exercises and then moved on through the hands, arms, neck and even my hair was involved at the end! The session left me very relaxed and I was very impressed at the professional manner in which Julie guided me through the remote therapy. I will definitely be back for more! 

 Meditation is another self-care method and especially great for our mind and emotions. I meditate regularly and it helps me greatly. 

I have written a Blog about the benefits of meditation and it can be viewed at here.

During lockdown, I have been recording meditations for my clients for £5 a month for 1-2 meditations per month. Here is one that you can listen to for free at here 

 It was recorded for the energy of 11th November, but it can be listened to at any time! But it will have special significance when an 11 is involved with the date or time of listening – e.g. 11th January, 11.11 am, 1.11pm 

Another of my favourite self-care activities is taking some time out with my crystals. Just by holding a crystal and asking it to help you some way can bring great benefit. I like to sit or lay in a layout/grid of Carnelian, one of my favourite crystals (as regular readers of this blog will know!) For this layout, you will need 6 pieces of Carnelian (I sell mail-order crystals if you don’t have any Carnelian!) 

 This is the layout:-

 

Try this for 5 minutes or longer if you can.

You can read more about the benefits of this layout in my Blog from January 2015 at here.

We should all try and take some time out for ourselves for some self-care, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Why not try some of the suggestions in this Blog or leave a comment with your own favourite self-care tips.

Please comment below if you are interested in finding out more of any of the above.

Enjoy these changing times and take good care of yourself.

Julie

Permission is granted to copy and redistribute the blog on the condition that the content remains in tact and full credit is given to the author

Lockdown Learning

Lockdown gave me the opportunity to learn some new skills.

I learnt to make Sourdough bread using gluten-free flours.

I made Sauerkraut with home grown cabbages.

I pushed myself very much out of my comfort zone and did recordings of songs at home for the choir I belong to.  The results of the recordings can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/SweetCharityChoirUK/videos

I also undertook courses in Tsuboki Facial Massage and Tsuboki Hand Massage. When I couldn't do the planned training face-to-face, the tutor sent me reading materials so I could learn the theory until we could meet up in person. 

When we could meet up and complete the training, this was done with face visors and in the garden.

After this, I was then able to start my case studies. At first, I was only able to do Tsuboki Hand Massage case studies and I was grateful to my local friends who allowed me to practice on them, out in my garden.

When the go-ahead was given for facials, I was able to complete my case studies for Tsuboki Facial Massage too.

I am pleased to say that I passed the training and am now qualified in both Tsuboki Hand massage and Tsuboki Facial Massage.

So what is Tsuboki Massage?

A tsubo is an acupressure point. Ki is the Japanese word for energy.

Tsuboki uses massage and acupressure techniques to benefit the area worked on and also all the tsubos and meridians in the area worked and beyond! I say ‘and beyond’ because if working on the gallbladder meridian that goes through the face, the whole gallbladder meridian will also have benefitted from this.

Tsuboki Hand Massage

We use our hands constantly - they work very hard for us and we tend to take them for granted!  It is only when they begin to let us down with arthritis, loss of grip or dexterity that we realise how important they are!

There are thousands of sensory nerve ending in the hands, so they are particularly sensitive to touch. The whole body is mapped out on the hands just as it is on the feet.  There are also 6 meridians and 49 acupressure points on the hand and lower arms, and by working these we can have a profound effect on the body and on the mind and emotions.

There is no need to undress to have this wonderful therapy and it can be performed sitting, lying or reclining hence suitable for people with disabilities too.

Tsuboki massage is beneficial for these hard working parts of our body and can help release tension, increase flexibility and pay attention to all the important areas of your body running through  the meridians your hands.

 Your hands and forearms are massaged, kneaded and stroked.

Allowing tensions to be  soothed away leaving your hands feeling soft, supple and relaxed.

STAGES OF TSUBOKI HAND MASSAGE

Stage one massage to the forearms as most of the muscles that move the fingers are in the forearms.  This reduces tension in the forearm and increases circulation to the hand.

Stage two massage of the hands without lubrication to get into all the nooks and crannies & reach the tiny muscles.  Massage helps to keep the many joints of the fingers flexible and healthy. Crystals are also used during this stage to impart their healing qualities onto the skin and beyond.

Stage three massage of the hands with lubrication to pamper the hands & prepare them for stage four, as the more relaxed the tissues are, the more easily the meridians can be accessed.

Stage four working more than 49 tsubos and 6 meridians on the hands and forearms. The meridians on the arms work the Fire and Metal elements and are particularly linked with calming and detoxing – two very useful qualities in today’s world.

Tsuboki Face Massage

We have more than 50 tsubos on our face running through 8 meridians.  7 of these meridians are yang meridians, which are more energising meridians and because of this clients often report feeling deeply relaxed, but balanced and energised after a Tsuboki Facial Massage

A Tsuboki Face massage works on deep & superficial muscles of the face, reducing the development of wrinkles, improves the appearance of the skin,  & encourages the elimination of metabolic waste products. It is the equivalent of a natural facelift!

The stimulation of acupressure points and meridians will help to balance the whole body and includes:

· Neck massage

· Detailed face massage

· 50 acupressure points

· 8 meridians

· Lymphatic drainage

The Japanese believe that beauty is more than skin deep. The fantastic thing about Tsuboki Japanese face massage is that it works on many levels at the same time, from the inside and the outside.

By working SUPERFICIALLY, we improve skin tone and lymph flow.

By working with the MUSCLES at a deeper level, we can positively affect muscle tone and general appearance.

By working the MERIDIANS that run through the face, we can balance the health in the whole body. In addition, many of the TSUBOS have a specific beneficial effect on the appearance of the face.

By working with the LYMPHATIC system, we encourage the removal of metabolic waste products.

STAGES OF TSUBOKI FACE MASSAGE

Stage one massage to the neck & shoulders to increase circulation to the face and reduce tension in these areas.

Stage two a detailed face massage with oil including traditional Japanese massage techniques. Crystals are also used during this stage to impart their healing qualities onto the skin and beyond.

Stage three working more than 50 tsubos and 8 meridians.

Stage four lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins.

Face massage is incredibly relaxing to receive, but 7 of the 8 meridians that run through the face are the yang, or more energising meridians.

This may explain why clients often report feeling deeply relaxed during the massage but balanced and energised afterwards.

 

 SUITABILITY

In some circumstances Tsuboki Japanese Face Massage may not be appropriate.  If you are in any doubt as to whether the massage is suitable for you, please consult your practitioner.

The cost of either treatment is £35

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Remedies products are used during these sessions to give the session a special quality.

 

Lockdown also gave me time to learn more about Neal’s Yard Organic Remedies products and undertake more training.

I have been running outdoor feet pamper sessions for groups of 5, but as the weather gets more autumnal, I am now offering Facebook Live sessions for feet pampering, facials and hand pampering sessions via private Facebook groups.  If this is of interest to you, please contact me via the comments. Thank you.

Look after yourself and keep safe and well 

Julie x

 

 

Cleansing, Energising and Programming Crystals

Crystals absorb negative energy from those who have touched them and the surroundings.  From the mining process to awaiting sale, crystals will have been touched and handled by many people and will have absorbed their energy which could then be passed onto you.

Therefore it is necessary to cleanse your crystals before you use them.  It is also necessary to cleanse your crystals regularly to keep them functioning in your best interest.  No matter who may have given it to you or where you got your crystal, always cleanse your crystal to remove any negative vibrations and physical dirt. 

When using them in a Crystal Healing session, it is especially important that they are thoroughly cleansed before use and also cleansed at the end of the session too.  This will ensure that any residual disharmonies are removed from the stones. 

How to Cleanse Crystals

There are several ways to cleanse a crystal, including smudging, burying them in the earth, using salt/salt water, asking the light/angelic realm to cleanse the crystals.  Again, be guided by your own inner knowledge.  Only use a technique that truly resonates with you and your energy field.

Natural Water Cleansing (this is particularly suited to those born under a water sign)

First find a source of pure, clean fresh water.  This may be a stream, waterfall, river or spring.  Hold your crystal under the flowing water until you feel all the dirt or stored negative vibrations have left it.  When this process is complete you will feel your crystal is pure and vibrant.  It is now ready to be used, programmed, charged or dedicated.  Please check that your crystal is safe in water.  Some crystals, such as Selenite or Halite, are water-soluble.

Saltwater Cleansing

Purely from a scientific angle, it is advised not to use saltwater on a crystal, as this process will, in a short time, damage the crystalline structure and split the crystal or make it appear cloudy, dull or changes colour.  Salt will get into any crystalline structure, causing irreparable structural damage.  Remember, salt is also a crystal.  

If you do want to try cleansing with the salt vibration.  It is recommend you place the crystal in a large bowl of sea salt, allowing enough salt to completely cover the crystal.  Leave it buried for as long as your intuition tells you.  You could also dowse for the correct amount of time.  Wash your crystal with plenty of fresh, clear, clean pure water after its salt immersion. 

Note: Laying an Opal in salt will damage it by extracting the water.  You can lay the Opal or any crystal that might react negatively to salt – in a small glass dish that is embedded in a larger glass dish full of salt.

Smudge Cleansing (this technique is particularly suited to those born under an air sign)

The burning of herbs or incense is a sacred practice held in common by many traditions.  In American Indian tradition the practice is called “smudging” or sometimes “smoking” even though the herbs may not be inhaled.  Smudging, practised traditionally, takes many forms.  Sometimes the herbs are tied in a bundle and called a “smudge stick”.

Earth Cleansing this technique is particularly suited to those born under an earth sign)

Bury crystals to be cleansed in the earth and allow Mother Earth to remove any negativity.  Wash crystals when cleansed.

The method I use is as follows: -

Holding the crystal under running water whilst visualising all the negative energy leaving the crystal. (N.B. do not leave Selenite wet).

It is worth reading up and experimenting with different cleansing methods, as what is right for one person, isn’t always best for another.

The crystal then needs to be either put in sunlight or moonlight in order to charged or energised.  A note of caution, some crystals such as amethyst and Celestite must not be left in sunlight permanently otherwise the sun will lighten its colour.

Programming Crystals

Once the crystal has been washed and energised, you need to programme your crystal.  It is like a computer without a program it will not work.   Programming crystals is a way of focusing the crystal’s abilities for a specific need (e.g. the needs of your patient).   I suggest you hold the crystals whilst programming them.

Crystals can be programmed for many purposes.  You may want your crystal for protection, prosperity, peace or love for a treatment room.

In a Healing session, you would programme the crystal for your patient’s benefit by asking the crystals to help the patient in whatever way is needed for the patients higher good e.g. for pain relief or to energise them etc. 

You may feel drawn to add something else at this point, e.g. to ask that the crystal work in truth, love and light.

Christmas Crystals

This time of year can be a stressful time for many.  Preparing for Christmas, buying presents, writing cards, shopping for food all take time and energy.


It is often a time when there are many bugs and viruses going round, so if you are busy it is possible  that  your immune system may also be low and therefore you may well be more susceptible to the bugs and viruses.


This blog will focus on three crystals that are both stress relievers and immune boosters :-


Amethyst