Massage Oils

Aromatherapy has been around for a long, long time. Humans have been emulsifying, burning, macerating, pressing and distilling plants for their aromas for thousands of years. Only since the dawn of the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however, has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now, the same scientific institutions are validating the use of essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So now, rather than “running for the shelter of mother’s little helper” when things get a little hectic, you can bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food isle and head confidently to the natural health market for a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents for everyone, but the majority of mothers and generally health and wellness-conscious folks will appreciate the healthful choice for themselves, their children and their families.

The body of evidence from controlled, scientifically-valid research has grown significantly over the last decade, demonstrating aromatherapy’s potent anti-anxiety (also called ‘anxiolytic’) action. In most cases, these studies are easily reproduced by the lay practitioner - just rub a little Sandalwood oil on your wrists or diffuse a vial of lavender and you too can partake in the now-proven actions of aromatherapy. A few common oils have significant amounts of research to back them up…let’s have a look at what the science says about these oils, and how you as a regular guy or gal (or mother with one or more active children) can reap these benefits.

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

Choosing an oil for yourself (or helping your children / family / loved one’s decide) is easy. What do you (or they) like to smell? One of the simplest yet most profound aspects of aromatherapy for the psyche is the legitimacy of individual of aroma preference. As uncovered by the laboratory studies, oils of greatly differing aromas can have similar anxiolytic action. While some people love flowery scents, others are drawn towards woods and resins. And it may be that someone who likes the relaxing/stimulating aroma of Rose needs that dual-effect; others loving Sandalwood might be better off with its centering/grounding action. In a word: experiment. Many companies will offer small sizes or even samples. Once you find one or more aromas that suit your needs, play with them - have fun! Whatever way you choose to indulge your senses, health, and wellness with essential oils…you can take comfort in knowing the science of aromatherapy is there to back you up.

The most pervasive concept of aromatherapy in North America is that of nice smells making you feel good - a strong whiff out of a little bottle and you’re carried away to your personal ‘happy place’. Not a bad idea, but this concept carries the burden of ‘New Age’ stereotypes with it. Aromatherapy is but a simple folk remedy that works only because the yoga-posing, mantra-chanting, tantric-sex practicing user thinks it does. Well, we’ve got news for the ‘Establishment’: Science has validated aromatherapy! Perhaps most profoundly, science has shown that smelling essential oils has true anti-anxiety effects; there’s actual data showing essential oils will actually help you relax. Now all you natural health and wellness practitioners can tell your doubting, possibly smirking friends - this stuff is for real.

The number of studies investigating the therapeutic actions of essential oils has exploded over the last ten years, as popular interest grows in the areas of natural health and wellness. The efficacy of may ‘folk’ remedies is being validated, with many of them having benefits at least as potent as their pharmaceutical counterparts, and most having very limited, if any, side effects. This is especially true with the use of essential oils for reducing stress and lessening anxiety. And what’s wonderful about the oils is that their readily available and easy to use. A mother with active children can just plug in a diffuser and let it do its thing. A stressed-out commuter can do the same. Feeling a little wound up, but want to keep the aroma a little more personal? Apply a few drops of diluted oil to yourself or loved one wherever you like. What oils have these anti-anxiety effects? Let’s have a look…

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

How to chose an oil for you, your family or friends? Aromatherapy choices tends to be some personal. Some folks go mad for Rose Geranium, and other folks can only think of ‘grandma’ (in a nice way!) with the bright scents of florals. These same individuals will often love the grounding aromas of the woods: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Spruce, etc. The beauty of the scientific data is that it’s not one type of essential oil that’s effective to support health and wellness naturally - it’s the santalol in Sandalwood, the linalool in Lavender, and the citronellol in Rose that imparts much of the therapeutic effect. Other oils have different chemical constituents that also bring about relaxation. Even the most scientifically aligned practitioners will tell you: if it feels good, use it. Try a variety of aromas if you’re new, and use your favorite with confidence - relaxed confidence, of course - knowing you’re using some of the best medicine nature has to offer, with the science to back it up.

The most pervasive concept of aromatherapy in North America is that of nice smells making you feel good - a strong whiff out of a little bottle and you’re carried away to your personal ‘happy place’. Not a bad idea, but this concept carries the burden of ‘New Age’ stereotypes with it. Aromatherapy is but a simple folk remedy that works only because the yoga-posing, mantra-chanting, tantric-sex practicing user thinks it does. Well, we’ve got news for the ‘Establishment’: Science has validated aromatherapy! Perhaps most profoundly, science has shown that smelling essential oils has true anti-anxiety effects; there’s actual data showing essential oils will actually help you relax. Now all you natural health and wellness practitioners can tell your doubting, possibly smirking friends - this stuff is for real.

In recent years, more and more clinical and laboratory research is uncovering the efficacy of essential oils used for their anti-anxiety effects. Thankfully, the application of the oils in these studies is relatively simple: both the inhalation of aroma and the topical application have demonstrable therapeutic activity. These methods are easily replicated by the professional and aromatherapy enthusiast alike. The oils can be diffused an any diffuser (as the concentrations from high end nebulizers are not required for this practice), used in aromatherapy massage, or simply worn as natural perfume. Several readily available essential oils have statistically significant data to support their use in stress reduction - here’s a look at some of the most often studied ones…

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

In aromatherapy, a little scent and sense goes a long way. You only really need enough oil to get a hint of the aroma for a psychologically active effect - so experiment with small amounts of several oils. There seems to be a great difference in aromatic preference between individuals; some like florals, while other’s find them too fluffy. These folks might find earthier aromas more to their liking. And different aromas will likely have subtly different effects - some can be both relaxing and stimulating (Citrus oils are a good example) where others can be just plain relaxing (the floral aromas generally have this effect). Whatever your choice, know that aromatherapy is now not just some New Age fad…the men in white coats have given the thumbs-up to natural health and wellness by just simply stopping and smelling the roses.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long, long time. Humans have been emulsifying, burning, macerating, pressing and distilling plants for their aromas for thousands of years. Only since the dawn of the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however, has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now, the same scientific institutions are validating the use of essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So now, rather than “running for the shelter of mother’s little helper” when things get a little hectic, you can bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food isle and head confidently to the natural health market for a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents for everyone, but the majority of mothers and generally health and wellness-conscious folks will appreciate the healthful choice for themselves, their children and their families.

The body of evidence from controlled, scientifically-valid research has grown significantly over the last decade, demonstrating aromatherapy’s potent anti-anxiety (also called ‘anxiolytic’) action. In most cases, these studies are easily reproduced by the lay practitioner - just rub a little Sandalwood oil on your wrists or diffuse a vial of lavender and you too can partake in the now-proven actions of aromatherapy. A few common oils have significant amounts of research to back them up…let’s have a look at what the science says about these oils, and how you as a regular guy or gal (or mother with one or more active children) can reap these benefits.

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

How to chose an oil for you, your family or friends? Aromatherapy choices tends to be some personal. Some folks go mad for Rose Geranium, and other folks can only think of ‘grandma’ (in a nice way!) with the bright scents of florals. These same individuals will often love the grounding aromas of the woods: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Spruce, etc. The beauty of the scientific data is that it’s not one type of essential oil that’s effective to support health and wellness naturally - it’s the santalol in Sandalwood, the linalool in Lavender, and the citronellol in Rose that imparts much of the therapeutic effect. Other oils have different chemical constituents that also bring about relaxation. Even the most scientifically aligned practitioners will tell you: if it feels good, use it. Try a variety of aromas if you’re new, and use your favorite with confidence - relaxed confidence, of course - knowing you’re using some of the best medicine nature has to offer, with the science to back it up.

The Luxury massage chair recliner model HT-1650 is the subject of this product review. The HT 1650 is made by Human Touch. The HT1650 is unique in that it looks like a normal recliner, but has many massage therapy capabilities. Let us take a look at this unique massage chair, the HT-1650 by Human Touch.

We are first going to look at warranty coverage. We emphasize this because we have seen our share of customer horror stories of going with a small massage chair importer. They then run into problems and get stuck with a chair that doesn’t work, no parts are available and no one can fix it. We always recommend going with a recognized brand with higher quality standards and longevity.

Although, are incidence of problem massage chairs is very low in percentage terms. However, if it happens to you it is 100%. The HT 1650 comes with 5 year coverage on the chair’s structure, 3 years coverage for parts and 1 year coverage for labor and 90 days coverage with field service. This is good, comprehensive coverage with this luxury model and is competitive with the big players.

This massage chair comes with 4 manual massage functions. The manual massage functions include: rolling, compression, kneading and percussion. There are also 8 automatic programs which include: full body sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg- foot-hip therapy, neck-shoulders relief, after work stretch, morning wake up, night time soothing, and massage demonstration. Each of these automatic massage functions provides for targeted relief of particular areas.

Before selecting a manual massage function, you can select the acupoint detection. The acupoint detection system performs a scan of your body. The chair will detect your individual acupoints. These are trigger points located throughout your back of which there are almost 100. The computer then records these points and will then stimulate them when performing certain massage techniques like shiatsu. To perform the scan you manually have to set the shoulder height and lower the massage intensity.

The most unique aspect of the HT 1650 is that the calf massager can actually be hidden from view. On one side of the leg rest, the calf massager is accessible and your legs fit in the leg well. However, the other side is flat and looks like a normal recliner leg rest. The calf massager actually pivots and can be flipped out for use and flipped back for storage. This is actually a patented feature for this massage chair.

The calf and foot massager is used for providing a compression massage to either the feet or calves. The compression massage utilizes a squeeze, hold and release technique favored by massage therapists around the world. The calf and foot massage uses a compressor to deliver pressurized air to the airbags which perform the compression massage. This massage is very invigorating and relieving for tight calves and for loosening up the feet after a long day.

Human Touch has an innovative remote control. It has built control buttons on two faces of the four faces of the control. This has allowed them to make the remote thinner than many on the market. They also have removed the remote stand which is usually attached to the side of the chair and instead made a pocket to hold the remote. All of these design elements come together in this recliner to make it a massage chair disguised as a recliner.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long, long time. Humans have been emulsifying, burning, macerating, pressing and distilling plants for their aromas for thousands of years. Only since the dawn of the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however, has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now, the same scientific institutions are validating the use of essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So now, rather than “running for the shelter of mother’s little helper” when things get a little hectic, you can bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food isle and head confidently to the natural health market for a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents for everyone, but the majority of mothers and generally health and wellness-conscious folks will appreciate the healthful choice for themselves, their children and their families.

In recent years, more and more clinical and laboratory research is uncovering the efficacy of essential oils used for their anti-anxiety effects. Thankfully, the application of the oils in these studies is relatively simple: both the inhalation of aroma and the topical application have demonstrable therapeutic activity. These methods are easily replicated by the professional and aromatherapy enthusiast alike. The oils can be diffused an any diffuser (as the concentrations from high end nebulizers are not required for this practice), used in aromatherapy massage, or simply worn as natural perfume. Several readily available essential oils have statistically significant data to support their use in stress reduction - here’s a look at some of the most often studied ones…

Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply ‘relaxing’) action has been documented both in the laboratory (using stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm under a great variety of conditions. At least one study compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared Lavender’s effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender’s aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering hospital patients.

Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender, Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy scent is grounding and centering, being used by some spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry, Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting actions.

While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back them up, many other essential oils have had positive test results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose aroma’s effect seem to increase over time, where as benzodiazepines’ effect will tend to decrease - and the test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well. For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood together (try a 1:4 ratio)…this is a classic Indian aromatic blend combining two of the world’s best known anti-anxiety scents.

Other oils found in research databases include Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some oils tested didn’t show repeatable results in the laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that you find relaxing, it’s more than likely not purely ‘in your head’; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the five senses most directly wired to the brain’s emotional centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of which are closely tied to one’s level of stress.

So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They’re really easy to use - one of the great features of aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed together (this is nice, as you’ll smell the aroma as well). For inhalation, there’s a great many aromatherapy diffusers available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.

How to chose an oil for you, your family or friends? Aromatherapy choices tends to be some personal. Some folks go mad for Rose Geranium, and other folks can only think of ‘grandma’ (in a nice way!) with the bright scents of florals. These same individuals will often love the grounding aromas of the woods: Sandalwood, Frankincense, Spruce, etc. The beauty of the scientific data is that it’s not one type of essential oil that’s effective to support health and wellness naturally - it’s the santalol in Sandalwood, the linalool in Lavender, and the citronellol in Rose that imparts much of the therapeutic effect. Other oils have different chemical constituents that also bring about relaxation. Even the most scientifically aligned practitioners will tell you: if it feels good, use it. Try a variety of aromas if you’re new, and use your favorite with confidence - relaxed confidence, of course - knowing you’re using some of the best medicine nature has to offer, with the science to back it up.

The Luxury massage chair recliner model HT-1650 is the subject of this product review. The HT 1650 is made by Human Touch. The HT1650 is unique in that it looks like a normal recliner, but has many massage therapy capabilities. Let us take a look at this unique massage chair, the HT-1650 by Human Touch.

We are first going to look at warranty coverage. We emphasize this because we have seen our share of customer horror stories of going with a small massage chair importer. They then run into problems and get stuck with a chair that doesn’t work, no parts are available and no one can fix it. We always recommend going with a recognized brand with higher quality standards and longevity.

Although, are incidence of problem massage chairs is very low in percentage terms. However, if it happens to you it is 100%. The HT 1650 comes with 5 year coverage on the chair’s structure, 3 years coverage for parts and 1 year coverage for labor and 90 days coverage with field service. This is good, comprehensive coverage with this luxury model and is competitive with the big players.

Now let us get to the good stuff: massage therapy. The HT 1650 comes with a variety of massage therapy functions. There are manual massage functions such as rolling, compression, kneading and percussion. You can also select to focus on certain areas of the back. This massage recliner comes with 8 pre-programs. Select from these full body massages which include full body sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg- foot-hip therapy, neck-shoulders relief, after work stretch, morning wake up, night time soothing, and massage demonstration.

One interesting feature of the HT 1650 is the acupressure point detector. The acupessure point detector works by performing a body scan of your back. There are almost 100 acupressure points on the back alone. This chair will identify the exact location of you points and then will have the chair target the most important ones during the massage. Certain massage treatments, like shiatsu, make use of stimulating the acupressure points to help the body to fully relax.

The HT-1650 comes with a hidden calf and foot massager. The calf and foot massage doubles as a regular leg rest when not being used for massage. This calf and foot massager is hidden in the front of the chair. The massager can be flipped to reveal the calf and foot massager. This is a great feature in that the calf and foot massager can be hidden from view when not in use.

If you come home with tired or aching feet, then just flip the leg rest over and enjoy a soothing compression massage. The HT 1650 comes with an air massage system that allows you to target your calves and feet. Just place you feet in the leg rest wells and let the airbags gently or firmly squeeze the tension out of your feet. Relief is just a push of a button away.

Human Touch has an innovative remote control. It has built control buttons on two faces of the four faces of the control. This has allowed them to make the remote thinner than many on the market. They also have removed the remote stand which is usually attached to the side of the chair and instead made a pocket to hold the remote. All of these design elements come together in this recliner to make it a massage chair disguised as a recliner.

The level of difficulty in becoming a massage therapist in Canada is directly related to the amount of time you have to offer to it, the level of commitment you have towards the goal and the amount of money you can afford to spend on the education and certification process.

Where to Begin

Becoming certified in massage therapy in Canada is no small undertaking, some disciplines require upwards of three thousand hours or more of actual ‘contact’ education. If you are taking classes outside of the providence in which you wish to practice, or if you move - you may be required to add even more hours of contact training to stay certified. This means that you may need to actually be performing massage in the classroom atmosphere for as many as three thousand or more hours before you are even eligible to sit for your certification exam.

If you were looking to make a quick career change, or to be able to dive right into to making money in your own business venture, then massage may not be the road for you because it takes hours and hours of technical training and a perfect understanding of the body and its mechanics. Make no mistake about it; there is no fast route to becoming a certified therapist.

If you are aware and prepared to handle the level of commitment necessary to fulfill the certification requirements, then it’s time to pick which type of massage you’d like to become certified in.

There is a surprisingly large array of different types of massage that you can attain certification in. Each carries with it different benefits and each style requires the practitioner to learn different techniques - some styles require many more hours of training to become proficient and to earn certification.

Shiatsu, acupressure, hot stone, relaxation, reflexology and general massage therapy are just some of the different types of massage in which one can obtain a certification. All are perfectly viable disciplines and all have potentially wonderful benefits to offer. Many future certified therapists choose their particular discipline based on a few key criteria: availability of schools in the area, costs of individual certifications, and individual interest in a particular style or the potential for earning in the area with one style over another all may play a roll in the choice.

Once you have narrowed the wide field down to the type of massage that you would like to get certified in, it’s time to locate a school.

Locating a school that offers certifications in the type of massage in which you’d like to specialize probably won’t be all that difficult, but finding a program that fits within the parameters of your schedule and that you can afford may prove to be a bit of a challenge.

If finances are your main concern, check into the possibility of receiving financial aid. There could be financial assistance or government grants available that you may never have to pay back. If you find that you are not eligible to receive financial aid, there is always the option of borrowing. Student and or personal loans can be obtained with relatively low interest rates and you may not have to begin paying the student loans back until after you finish the program.

Beginning a career as a certified Toronto massage therapist can be very rewarding and financially lucrative for the right person. It can be a very intense program, loaded with technical information on human anatomy and physiology, hours of study and hands on technique, but for someone who has the passion and ambition to become a certified massage therapist in Canada, the process shouldn’t prove to be to difficult at all.

The word “massage” has become sullied mostly due to the fact that it has become synonymous with some forms of prostitution. The two connotations couldn’t be more different, and comparing any form of therapeutic massage practiced by a certified professional to what goes on in back alley “massage parlors” is absolutely ludicrous.

How it happened

In virtually all of North America prostitution is against the law, but just because it’s illegal doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist and thrive throughout the United States and Canada. “Businesses” that provide sexual services in exchange for money can’t publicly advertise the fact that they make these services available to anyone with enough money in their pocket, so they call themselves and publicly advertise themselves as “massage parlors.”

In small press newspapers in virtually any even remotely large city across the United States, a quick glance through the classified section will show dozens of advertisements picturing half naked women and offering things like “sponge bath treatments” in addition to “massage services”. Many of these advertisements won’t even include an address for the place of business, just a phone number for contact.

The association between massages and trading sex for money has become so popular, in fact, that several references to houses of prostitution advertised as massage parlors are being alluded to and made light of on many popular television shows. It’s gotten to the point that there are probably more places of prostitution calling themselves massage parlors than there are actual massage parlors.

The association with the practice of massage certainly isn’t very popular among the hardworking practitioners of actual forms of massage though, so those unscrupulous souls who wander into a real massage parlor or upscale spa looking for more than just a massage may just find themselves on their way to the police station in the back of a squad car - if not something worse.

The Problem with the Misconception

The largest problem with the misconception of all massages relating to a form of adult entertainment is that the certified massage therapists have to bear the stigmata of that association. Some certified massage professionals have spent more than three thousand hours studying, practicing and perfecting their technique so they could help to rehabilitate injuries and help people recover from serious accidents or surgeries. Many are consummate professionals with only one interest in mind - helping people. It’s incredibly unfortunate that these hard working individuals have to live with the association of adult entertainment providers and prostitutes.

The true Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

There are dozens of different types of Toronto massage that a practitioner can become certified to perform. Among some of the most popular are: shiatsu, acupressure, sports, hot stone and aromatherapy. Each has been shown to aide in the recovery of any number of different injuries and ailments and the certified practitioners of each has had extensive education in, not only the methods of their chosen discipline, but the anatomy and physiology of the human body so that they can apply the methods and practices they have learned in the most beneficial way to help their clients.

Comparing therapeutic and rehabilitative massage to offering sexual contact is truly damaging to the practice of massage therapy and to all it’s certified practitioners, as well as the teachers and students preparing to enter the field. In the not too distant future, all businesses offering a legitimate form of massage to the public may have to call their places of business by the name of the style of massage that they practice alone, without even alluding to the word massage in their name so that they may break away from the unfortunate association with the sex trade.

This is a product review of the high end HT 1650 massage chair recliner. This massage chair recliner is the product of Human Touch. Human Touch has a full line of massage chairs available. We will take a look at the features, options, functions and warranty of the HT-1650 by Human Touch.

We are first going to look at warranty coverage. We emphasize this because we have seen our share of customer horror stories of going with a small massage chair importer. They then run into problems and get stuck with a chair that doesn’t work, no parts are available and no one can fix it. We always recommend going with a recognized brand with higher quality standards and longevity.

Although, are incidence of problem massage chairs is very low in percentage terms. However, if it happens to you it is 100%. The HT 1650 comes with 5 year coverage on the chair’s structure, 3 years coverage for parts and 1 year coverage for labor and 90 days coverage with field service. This is good, comprehensive coverage with this luxury model and is competitive with the big players.

Now let us get to the good stuff: massage therapy. The HT 1650 comes with a variety of massage therapy functions. There are manual massage functions such as rolling, compression, kneading and percussion. You can also select to focus on certain areas of the back. This massage recliner comes with 8 pre-programs. Select from these full body massages which include full body sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg- foot-hip therapy, neck-shoulders relief, after work stretch, morning wake up, night time soothing, and massage demonstration.

Before selecting a manual massage function, you can select the acupoint detection. The acupoint detection system performs a scan of your body. The chair will detect your individual acupoints. These are trigger points located throughout your back of which there are almost 100. The computer then records these points and will then stimulate them when performing certain massage techniques like shiatsu. To perform the scan you manually have to set the shoulder height and lower the massage intensity.

The HT-1650 comes with a hidden calf and foot massager. The calf and foot massage doubles as a regular leg rest when not being used for massage. This calf and foot massager is hidden in the front of the chair. The massager can be flipped to reveal the calf and foot massager. This is a great feature in that the calf and foot massager can be hidden from view when not in use.

If you come home with tired or aching feet, then just flip the leg rest over and enjoy a soothing compression massage. The HT 1650 comes with an air massage system that allows you to target your calves and feet. Just place you feet in the leg rest wells and let the airbags gently or firmly squeeze the tension out of your feet. Relief is just a push of a button away.

Human Touch has an innovative remote control. It has built control buttons on two faces of the four faces of the control. This has allowed them to make the remote thinner than many on the market. They also have removed the remote stand which is usually attached to the side of the chair and instead made a pocket to hold the remote. All of these design elements come together in this recliner to make it a massage chair disguised as a recliner.