Be Confident. Be Happy. Believe!
Norm Goodyear with his wife Helena
This guest post was provided by Norm Goodyear. Norm and his wife of 42 years, Helena, live in San Antonio, TX. Norm is a licensed Commercial Pilot for Federal Express. He and his wife began using Young Living essential oils in 2001 as a means of maintaining their health. Now, over 10 years later, Norm and Helena Goodyear use essential oils a their primary medicine for illnesses. Norm says his favorite Young Living products are NingXia Red, Valor, Believe, Deep Relief, and Pan Away essential oils, and True Source Vitamins and supplements.
“There can be miracles when you believe,” Mariah Carey sang in DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt. And that’s how I feel about the Young Living Essential Oil blend aptly named Believe. Believe is a blend of Idaho Balsam Fir, Rosewood and Frankincense essential oils, and is one essential oil blend that I never leave home without.
I don’t know about you, but my world seems to be getting more and more stressful every day. I’m a pilot by profession and as you can imagine there are many stressful moments in my day. To prepare I use Believe every morning. I put a couple drops on the bottoms of my feet and follow up with a couple more on my ears and neck. The Idaho Balsam Fir gives Believe a fragrant “woodsy” scent that I prefer to any men’s cologne.
Believe and other essential oils are available at Seasons
Here’s how Young Living describes Believe: Believe is an uplifting blend of essential oils that has a steadying, balancing effect on emotions, helping you to overcome feelings of despair and move beyond them to a higher level of awareness. It helps release the unlimited potential everyone possesses, making it possible to experience health, happiness, and vitality more fully. Believe can also provide feelings of strength and faith.
When you look at the properties of the individual oils in Believe, you see why this oil can promote these feelings described by Young Living. Idaho Balsam Fir opens emotional blocks and recharges vital energy. It gives a feeling of strength and inner peace. Rosewood has a relaxing and empowering effect. It is very grounding and stabilizes emotional stress. Frankincense stimulates the limbic part of the brain, elevating the mind and helping to overcome stress and despair.
Believe essential oil blend by Young Living is definitely one of my favorites. And while I’m not promising miracles, if you would benefit from feelings of strength, peace, and empowerment, then you will really enjoy Believe.
Get Your Body Back On Track With These 5 Points of Wellness
Dr. Nathan Goodyear, Overseeing Physician at Seasons Wellness Clinic
“What is Seasons? And what do you do?”
These are questions I am often asked. In short, Seasons breaks free from the disease model of medicine. Our focus is wellness by optimizing your health. What does this mean? Just because you are free of disease does not mean you have great health. A wellness model of medicine is the only way to prevent disease and promote healthy living.
At Seasons, we work to achieve health and wellness with balance using our 5 Points of Wellness: Nutrition, Exercise, Hormones, Inflammation, and Detoxification.
NUTRITION
Are nutrition and health related? Absolutely. We are what we eat. Hippocrates said it best, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” Your diet must be individualized to meet your metabolic needs, limit inflammatory responses, and meet your lifestyle demands.
We offer personalized nutritional counseling to develop a plan for disease management, disease prevention, and overall good health. At Seasons, your nutritional plan is individualized to meet your needs in a way that fits your lifestyle.
EXERCISE
Exercise is an important part of any weight-loss or weight-maintenance program. Maintaining healthy weight is an excellent benefit of exercise, but it does so much more for your body. Exercise builds muscle, relieves stress, and helps to detoxify, just to name a few. However, too much exercise can severely harm the body.
At Seasons, we work to maximize your calorie expenditure, while reducing the damage to your body from excessive exercise. We do this in a way to match your lifestyle and your physical abilities.
Valerie Costanza, RD will develop a nutritional plan that is created to meet your individual needs in a way that fits your lifestyle.
HORMONES
Regardless of your age, your body needs hormones to function. Hormones are a means of communication with your body. And balance of those hormones is the key. Sure, it would be great if men were just a Testosterone sponge; or women just an Estrogen factory. But, that is not the case and the key is to create a balance. When your hormones are balanced, so are you. When your hormones are not balanced, your body will let you know.
Your hormone balance is unique and will change based on factors such as weight loss, weight gain, stress, and even nutrition. The only way to determine your imbalance is to share any symptoms you may be having with your healthcare team at Seasons. This gives us information on where to look for hormone imbalance issues. Only then can we identify your particular imbalance and formulate a plan to balance your hormones. Balanced hormones = better health.
INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is the greatest obstacle to good health and is a part of the body’s immune system signaling department. Pain, redness, swelling, heat, and loss of function are common manifestations of inflammation. Inflammation is not new. The first four classical signs were described by Celsus (30 BC – 38 AD).
The source of inflammation is unique to each person. It may be due to deficiencies, such as vitamin D, poor dietary intake of antioxidants, such as resveratrol and curcumin, or even a deficiency of fish (low Omega-3 intake leads to inflammation). Your gut could also be the source of inflammation! Did you know that up to 75% of your immune system lines your gut? In many ways, your health starts with your gut.
The source of inflammation is as different as the individual. The only way to identify your unique source of inflammation is through symptom evaluation and state-of-the-art testing. At Seasons we can identify the causes of inflammation and implement specific therapy to eliminate inflammation, which can be as diverse as parasite treatment to dietary changes.
DETOXIFICATION
We live in a toxic world today. There is no way around that! According to a recent study, detectable levels of toxins were found in up to 99% of pregnant women even though many of these chemicals have been banned since the early 1970’s. This number will only rise with the approximately 1,800 new chemicals approved annually. This tidal wave of toxins are overwhelming our detoxifications systems proven by the exponential rise in rates of autism spectrum disorder and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
The ability to detoxify is critical to health. Every cell must detoxify. At Seasons, we evaluate your individual ability to detoxify with state-of-the-art testing and treat those areas that are dysfunctional. We focus on your major detox organs — liver, skin, kidneys, lymphatics, and GI tract — through which every cell in the body must detoxify. We provide a detoxification plan to meet your specific toxic load and to support your identified needs.
WHAT NEXT?
At Seasons, we offer individualized therapy to aggressively eliminate the obstacles to good health and maximize your body’s performance. We are not your disease doctor, we are your partners in health. We work to restore your health and then maintain that good health.
As Aristotle said, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” And at Seasons, our holistic approach encompasses all the body’s functions creating one plan giving you the tools you need to pursue wellness.
Questions? Spend some time on our website getting to know us and what we do. Then call 318.255.3223 and speak with one of our Patient Relations Specialists. Remember, good health is a choice. And at Seasons, we offer you that opportunity. Don’t miss your opportunity to choose a health and wellness lifestyle.
Patti Wall: A Story of Weight Loss, Rejuvenation, and Life Change
Dr. Nathan Goodyear To Speak at Health & Wellness Conference
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
Dr. Nathan Goodyear of Seasons Wellness Clinic will be speaking at the ZRT Laboratory Conference for The Balance For Health & Wellness on November 4-5, 2011 at the World Market Center in Orlando, Florida.
“Featured at the conference are world-class experts presenting evidence-based science focused on prevention, diagnosis and management within a broad range of health and wellness topics inside hormone replacement therapy, anti-aging and functional medicine” [zrtlab.com]. It is an extraordinary honor to be asked to speak at The Balance For Health & Wellness Conference and Dr. Goodyear is looking forward to the event.
“My hope is to continue to lead metabolic medicine to the forefront, to bring new physicians into the metabolic medicine field and to help lead the health and wellness revolution,” said Dr. Goodyear. “This gets to the heart of the reason why I went into medicine – to reach true healing and obtain real prevention, not just early detection, and to look to God’s creation to discover true wellness through health restoration.”
Dr. Goodyear will be speaking on the following topics: male Metabolic Syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), PMS, infertility, and fatigue. He will provide insight on various health imbalances, symptoms and disease states. He will also discuss case studies demonstrating evaluation, treatment options, and follow-up for different imbalance states. In addition to Dr. Nathan Goodyear, the two day conference features three other expert speakers: Alicia Stanton, M.D., David Zava, Ph.D., Jim Paoletti, R.Ph.
ZRT is a diagnostic laboratory dedicated to supporting consumers and healthcare professionals in health management through accurate, convenient and innovative lab testing. Established in 1998, ZRT Laboratory is a CLIA certified saliva hormone testing facility serving the global community utilizing the most advanced technologies to help providers and patients detect hormonal imbalances, and Cardio Metabolic risk, while also providing testing for Vitamin D and Iodine deficiencies. “The mission of the The Balance For Health & Wellness Conference is to provide continuing education which will improve, promote and enhance clinicians’ competence and performance as well as patient outcomes” [zrtlab.com].
- Alicia Stanton, M.D.
Alicia Stanton, M.D. is one of the world’s leading specialists in hormone therapy. Dr. Alicia Stanton focuses her practice and research on preventative medicine, anti-aging and maintaining health through fitness, nutrition, and bio-identical hormone therapy. By using hormone treatment and other alternatives to prescription medicine, Dr. Stanton has been able to help men and women make a lifestyle change through a holistic approach that leads to a healthier, happier life. Dr. Alicia Stanton is co-author of the book Hormone Harmony: How to Balance Insulin, Cortisol, Thyroid, Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone To Live Your Best Life. Hormone Harmony addresses millions of women who are struggling with hormone imbalance. Follow Dr. Stanton on Twitter @AliciaStantonMD for tips on nutrition and how to lead a healthy and happy life.
David Zava, Ph.D.
David Zava, Ph.D., is the President and Director of ZRT Laboratory in Portland, OR. He is a Ph.D. graduate in Biochemistry from the University of Tennessee with extensive experience in breast cancer research. He is an internationally known speaker and leading expert in the field of hormone health. Over the past 25 years, he has published extensively on basic and clinical research relating to the effects of estrogens and progesterone on breast cancer. Dr. Zava is co-author with Dr. John Lee of the breakthrough book on preventing breast cancer: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer: How Hormone Balance May Save Your Life.
Jim Paoletti, R.Ph.
Jim Paoletti, Pharmacist, is the Director of Provider Education at ZRT Laboratory. Jim has over 25 years experience in bioidentical hormone therapies both in clinical practice in retail pharmacy, as a pharmacy consultant, educator, and educational program developer. Jim was instrumental in developing a compounding laboratory at the Medicine Shoppe, Beavercreek, Ohio. As the Vice President/Director of Continuing Education for Professional Compounding Centers of America, Inc. (PCCA), Jim developed and implemented Continuing Education programs for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. He also consulted with compounding pharmacists located throughout the United States, in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, helping them to solve patients’ unique medication problems. Follow Jim on Twitter @JimPaoletti for updates on his speaking events and news on bioidentical hormone therapies.
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
Dr. Nathan Goodyear is the founder and lead physician at Seasons Wellness Clinic and is dedicated to offering the latest advancements in traditional medicine with the most holistic approach to treatment possible. Dr. Goodyear received his Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University and Doctor of Medicine from LSU Health Sciences Center. He is Board Certified in Gynecology and a Fellowship Trained Metabolic Specialist (Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine). He recently completed his Master of Science studies in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Follow Dr. Goodyear on Twitter @drgoodyear and Seasons @SeasonsWC for the latest news on health and wellness.
The Chicken and the Egg or What is Functional Medicine?
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
I am always amazed at what people will say when they can remain anonymous. Recently we published a guest post on our website by Dr. Ron Grisanti entitled “What is Functional Medicine?” A well-written article, it resulted in three hateful comments (not published on our website) calling us names and comparing functional medicine to homeopathy.
I do practice Functional Medicine. And we do, on occasion, use homeopathy. But the two are very different. Functional medicine is not a symptom-based treatment paradigm. It is a solution-based treatment paradigm.
Sometimes, the best way to understand is via illustration. So, let’s discuss what functional medicine is by comparing the treatment strategies for a common complaint among patients, fatigue.
The protocol in traditional medicine routinely addresses fatigue as depression. But in looking at fatigue in that light, the chicken or the egg scenario quickly comes into play. Is fatigue depression or are depressive symptoms the result of stress and fatigue?
The answer, which seems painfully obvious to me, is the latter. In my earlier post “It’s Not Depression…It’s Stress,” the symptoms of depressions are the results of stress. It seems like semantics, but determining cause and effect is a critical part of practicing medicine. Treating symptoms with anti-depressants does not actually treat the cause. In contrast, they create dependence. Anti-depressants become a very costly band-aid which causes physiologic disruption as well.
The traditional medical approach is linear, reactionary, and a “one-size fits all” approach. Let’s contrast this with a functional medicine approach.
Functional medicine is about biochemistry. Functional medicine is about physiology. Functional medicine is not an opinion, nor is it a standard of care. Functional medicine is the standard of biochemistry and physiology. Like death and taxes, biochemistry and physiology are constant.
Fatigue is the lack of energy. Lack of energy is the lack of ATP generation. What is ATP? ATP is energy.
Molecular Structure of ATP
Above, is the molecular structure of ATP. ATP production is glycolysis, Kreb’s cycle, and the electron transport.
Biochemistry of Energy Production
What you see above is the biochemistry of energy production. It is the physiologic process that occurs within every cell of our body every second of every day.
Not only that, but this entire process of energy production can be evaluated through testing which we perform here at Seasons Wellness Clinic. Even better, individual treatments can be designed based on an individual’s specific biochemical dysfunction, true individualized therapy directed at the source of the problem.
So, when someone has symptoms of fatigue or poor energy production, doesn’t it make sense to look to the cell’s energy production mechanism? It seems like an obvious step. Yet, is rarely done. My fellowship training allows me to evaluate test results and see the energy-generation, or lack thereof, in your body’s biochemistry and to tailor a solution that will resolve your energy-production issues.
What concerns me is not that others have differing opinions. It is not the debate of ideas and research. I welcome that. My concern is when there is opposition to OPEN exchange and debate of ideas and research. There is a hostility that seems to be present everywhere in medicine. It is my opinion that when in debate, if you resort to name-calling, you have lost the intellectual high ground.
Conventional medicine is not the problem. Remember, I am a conventionally trained physician. But, as stated by Dana Ullman, MPH, the problem is the “conventional thought” in medicine today. Medicine should be about what is right, not about what everyone else is doing. Medicine, it seems to me, has become much more about preserving a way of life, rather than actually preserving life.
Functional medicine is not about a standard of care. It is not about an opinion. Functional medicine is about treating the individual, determining the biochemical dysfunction at its source.
For me, functional medicine is about giving credit and glory to our Creator. I look to evaluate and prescribe therapy based on the premise of returning proper function to His creation.
Want to read more about functional medicine? I’m currently enrolled at The University of South Florida’s Medical School, the third largest in the United States, in the Master’s Program for Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine. You can read more about that program here. I’ve also listed a few additional articles that might be of interest. Happy reading!
Related articles
- Innovative Master’s Degree Program Launched by The A4M Fellowship in Anti-Aging Medicine and University of South Florida (prweb.com)
- What Is Functional Medicine? (a4m.com)
Managing Stress With Facial Reflexology
One word can sum up the root of most illnesses in America today. And the word is…stress!
Stress can cause a variety of problems from wrinkles, to ulcers, to more severe illnesses such as cancer. At Seasons, we offer services to help manage stress including Facial Reflexology. Not only is Facial Reflexology relaxing, but it is a natural way to improve the body’s function and appearance from the inside out. A soothing Facial Reflexology treatment is performed by the practitioner applying pressure on different points of the face and scalp, as well as massaging specific areas searching for deposits or “knots” under the skin. These deposits will reveal problematic areas that can act as the base of future treatments. Symptoms can be treated over time through working with these deposit areas. Each client is unique and some treatments are recommended through a series of 4 or more treatments.
Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist
“Following a Facial Reflexology session, most clients feel deeply relaxed with a healthier complexion. Individuals should get plenty of rest and consume plenty of water to support the body in its transition.” – Bethany Cox, LMT & LFR
What is Facial Reflexology?
Facial Reflexology combines the modern science of neurology with ancient therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South American Zone Therapy, Vietnamese face maps, and Acupuncture points. This technique of Facial Reflexology was developed by Lone Sorenson. Sorenson’s technique is based around the idea that by using finger tip pressure, you can stimulate a release of endorphins and serotonin, leaving the face feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. This stimulation sends impulses through the central nervous system and the meridians to the physical body and the major organs. Sorenson’s technique of Facial Reflexology stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in addition to balancing hormones and leveling emotions. The technique calms the body and allows it to heal naturally.
Want more information about the benefits of Facial Reflexology? Check out our other blog posts:
- 10 Natural Ways to Cure Your Bedtime Blues
- Top 10 Pregnancy Tips
- The Proof Is In The Practice – A Journey to Reflexology
- Treat The Inner and Outer You with Facial Reflexology
To schedule your Facial Reflexology session or a consultation with our Facial Reflexologist, call Seasons – The Spa at 318.255.1155.
The Truth About Low T: Men, Middle-Age and More
Dr. Nathan Goodyear
I admit it. Those low T commercials are great marketing. The middle-aged man dancing with his testosterone shadow, all his strength, energy and vigor restored. His simple solution? Testosterone supplementation. It paints an oversimplified picture of men, as if we are nothing but testosterone sponges. When we get low, we just stop off at the local testosterone dispenser and we are good to go. However, the truth is not that simple about low T.
Low testosterone is a very common problem in men today. But it is much more complex than just adding testosterone to solve the problem. Men are complex. (And you thought only women were complex!) Looking at the specific causes of low T in an individual is a critical part of creating a plan to solve the low T problem.
What is testosterone? Testosterone is the predominate hormone in men. From the moment of conception, it is the key to male development. It is what makes a man a man. It is what gave us Tim “the tool man” Taylor.
What is low T? Quite simply, it is low testosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, reduced libido, estrogen dominance, weight gain, and loss of confidence and motivation. Low T is, in many ways, the middle-aged man suffering the dreaded “mid-life crisis.” Think about it. At the same time that women experience menopause, men are experiencing their own life change. Men are just as hormonal as women; however, the symptoms of change are different.
Low testosterone is a lot more common than you think. Approximately 40 million US men suffer from low testosterone. Only a fraction of these men are symptomatic, which means most men with low T don’t even know it.
Not only is low T a silent problem, it is a growing problem. Men are discovering low T at younger ages, too. I’ve seen men as young as their mid-20’s with low testosterone. Typically, however, most men living with low T are in their 40’s and beyond.
What is the cause of low T? It would be convenient if the answer was simply low testosterone production. But look at our bodies. We are complex creations. In most cases, low T results from a combination of issues.
Cause #1: Excess weight. Today, we eat so many items that suppress the body’s natural testosterone production. Just look at the American diet. Americans eat up to 200 pounds of refined sugar, 90 pounds of fats, 63 dozen donuts, 60 pounds of cakes and cookies, 23 gallons of ice cream, 22 pounds of candy, and 15 pounds of chips, popcorn, and pretzels annually. Obviously, this leads to excess weight.
Excess weight, especially around the mid-section, becomes a major estrogen-producing factory. Not only does the associated weight gain help produce more estrogen, but the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen increases as we age as well. We become estrogen dominant. Increased weight = increased estrogen and decreased testosterone.
Cause #2: The environment. The environment is full of hormone-like chemicals. Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens. They range from pesticides and insecticides to plastics to hormone-laden meat and dairy products. Although not native to the body, the body views them as estrogens nonetheless. Xenoestrogens = increased estrogen and decreased testosterone.
Cause #3: Hormones. That’s right. Even giving testosterone to some men can be a problem. A 27-year male patient came to me after he was given testosterone for a suspected low T problem by another physician. The testosterone replacement made him feel worse. Why? He was already estrogen dominant, and the additional testosterone was like throwing gasoline on the fire. His proposed cure, testosterone supplementation, turned out to be the source of his problem: excess estrogen. Too much testosterone = increased estrogen.
What is the answer to low testosterone? There is no single answer. Answers are found through customized testing which determines exact hormone levels. From these results, we can create an individualized therapy plan. Because we are all created uniquely, causes can vary. Likewise, your therapy plan should be unique. Your symptoms are clues to the underlying problem. By uncovering the problem’s root cause, an effective treatment plan can be developed which will solve those health issues and eliminate your symptoms.
The truth about low T? Only a few men really need testosterone. The majority of men need weight loss, reduction of estrogen, and the elimination of environmental xenoestrogens. It is easier to simply supplement testosterone. But that will NOT treat the problem at the source and achieve true healing.
Now that you know the truth about low T, what will you do about it? If you have symptoms and need answers or more information, call our office at 318-255-3223.
Q&A with Massage Therapist Bethany Cox, LMT, CFR
Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist
Where did you receive your massage therapy training?
I received my massage therapy training at Natural Health Institute at the downtown Nashville location. It was such a rewarding experience, and my instructors were so supportive and encouraging. We were taught massage as more of an art than simply a technique.
What are the benefits of massage/bodywork? And how often should I get a massage?
Health benefits range from helping lower blood pressure and easing muscle tension to simply relaxing the mind and body. Muscle manipulation within a massage loosens sore, over-worked and tight muscles that can cause nerve impingements. It also helps move toxins such as cellular debris out of the muscle as well as moving important nutrients into the muscles and throughout the body. Sometimes the best medicine is a nice, relaxing Swedish Massage to unwind from a busy day!
What should I expect from my first massage visit? And do I have to be completely undressed during the massage?
Upon arriving at Seasons, you will be welcomed by our spa concierge and invited to lounge in our wonderful waiting area. I bring clients back to the massage area where I explain a little about the massage. I always want my clients to feel safe, relaxed and comfortable during their session and encourage my clients to disrobe to their comfort.
How early should I arrive for my massage therapy session?
I prefer for my clients to arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early for their session. Our lobby is very soothing and tranquil, which creates a wonderful pre-massage experience. It helps calm the spirit and any anxiety about a massage session.
What type of massage oils do you use and do they have any therapeutic benefits?
I use Young Living essential oils and lotions. These essential oils are 100% pure and have many therapeutic benefits. The essential oils help calm and soothe muscle tension with blends of peppermint, coconut oil, lemongrass, oregano and sweet almond oil. I have had advanced training in Young Living essential oils and techniques using the oils and would be happy to answer any questions you may have at your appointment.
Massage has to hurt to do any good, right?
Even a deep tissue massage should never be uncomfortable to the point of pain. There is a difference between “productive pain” and “ouch” pain. At the start of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is applied in order to warm-up the muscles. When those muscles are warm, they are easier to manipulate, and therefore, do not hurt when deeper pressure is applied.
Bethany Cox, LMT and client during a Hot Stone Massage at Seasons - The Spa.
How much does a session of massage therapy usually cost?
Our massage sessions range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and the cost starts at $35. For a full list of massages and prices, please visit our Spa Menu page.
Can I talk during a massage? Is it appropriate to ask my therapist not to talk?
Conversation is common during a massage session, but that is not everyone’s preference. This is a time for relaxation and I respect the client’s time for a peaceful session. Clients are especially encouraged to verbalize if the pressure is uncomfortable.
There are so many types of massage, how will I choose the massage that is right for me?
Specific massage modality is decided by the client. If you have specific muscle pain, a nerve impingement, or are simply achy, then deep tissue would be a great massage! Remember, pressure should never be more than you can handle. Hot Stone massage is also beneficial for achy muscles. Instead of penetrating the muscle through pressure, heat from the stones penetrate in a more relaxing session. Swedish massage is a wonderful massage for relaxing and lowering blood pressure and high stress levels. The newest massage on our spa menu is the Raindrop massage. The Raindrop technique is wonderful for detoxing the body as well as easing back pain and specific tension around the spinal area. No matter what massage you choose, remember to drink plenty of water afterwards to rehydrate the body and flush out toxins from the muscles!
To experience any of our relaxing and therapeutic massages, please contact the Spa Concierge at Seasons – The Spa. 318.255.1155.
Treat the Inner and Outer You with Facial Reflexology
Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist
- by Bethany Cox, LMT & Certified Facial Reflexologist.
Medicine, cosmetics and massage: three ever-changing aspects of wellness are finally wrapped into one treatment method – Facial Reflexology.
The term “reflexology” refers to a process of stimulating reflexes in specific parts of the body by manipulating points on the hands, feet, and face, for the purpose of creating and maintaining homeostasis, or balance, within the body. Facial Reflexology, as the term states, is a homeopathic face treatment for this very purpose. It stems from ancient oriental and Indian techniques coupled with modern neuro-anatomy to create a relaxing and productive compliment to modern medicine.
Whether you’re suffering from a chronic disease or crow’s feet, Facial Reflexology is a wonderful, relaxing face and scalp treatment that can not only polish the outside appearance, but also treat the root cause of your current health issues. The cure is found in the balance of the body’s energy flow. When your body is in homeostasis, you look and feel your best. Facial Reflexology is the calm, comfortable step to a better, brighter and more beautiful you!
I was recently given the opportunity to travel to Denver for an eight day course of four intense Facial Reflexology modules taught by Lone Sorensen, the originator of these specific treatments. During that week we were taught not only the 7-step treatment plan, but also about the physiology and anatomical make-up of the human body. It was an amazing experience to learn from someone who is so dedicated and passionate about her work and how she pours her heart and soul into helping improve the quality of life for her clients all over the world. Her enthusiasm was contagious!
At Seasons – The Spa, we are excited to add Facial Reflexology to our wonderful menu of services. If you are interested in finding out more about Facial Reflexology or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our certified facial reflexologists, please call us at 318.255.1155. Facial Reflexology is available Monday – Friday in our Ruston location.
Confession #15: A Gift For You, A Gift For Me
- Image by noboundariesorg via Flickr
You know, the hardest part about Christmas shopping is focus. Five little letters. F – O – C – U – S.
Why are five little letters so difficult?
5. It’s the sights. I find myself with a headache at the end of a day of Christmas shopping. Never fails. I’m so busy looking at things and reading signs my eyes hurt. I’m trying so hard to find the good deal, the perfect gift, something they’ll love and wouldn’t buy for themselves. By the end of a 5-hour spree on a Saturday afternoon, I’m at maximum exhaustion.
4. It’s the sounds. I find myself overwhelmed with the noise of indoor shopping. Fourteen years of living in sunny Phoenix spoiled me to beautiful outdoor malls, brisk air, and no roar of the mall in my ears. But alas, in lovely Louisiana, the reality of outdoor shopping is difficult with all of our rainy days. And my ears pay the price of hydration. I love being home. I love a rainy day. But I am not a fan of a noisy mall at Christmas!
3. It’s the smells. You know, shoppers beware. At Christmas time, stores know how to get us…they cook and offer samples. Or they light the Christmas candles…all of them. You are surrounded by clouds of pine, cinnamon, and fudge. If you weren’t hungry when you started shopping, you are now! Stomach growls. Churns. Grumbles. You are going to have to feed it sooner or later.
2. It’s the list. Agony. The list. I definitely do better when shopping with the list. I carefully list possible options for each person on my list. But the problem with that scenario is that you are faced with choices under pressure. You could get little Heather some American Girl furniture and clothes to go with her doll. But what if she’d rather have a hula-hoop. Both are on my list. But how will I decide with the pressure of a pressing crowd around me?
1. But the number one difficulty in maintaining focus during Christmas shopping. It’s me! For every one gift I see for a person on my list (that I can no longer see because my eyes are crossed, my nose is burning, and my ears are plugged), I find 10 things that I’d like to buy for myself. Ugh. Isn’t that just the worst part of human nature? I don’t want to think about shopping for myself. But I just can’t help it. That adorable jacket would be so cute for the staff Christmas party. Oh, those earrings would look divine with the jacket. And the shoes…I haven’t bought shoes for myself in…well, I can’t remember. And even better, IT’S ALL ON SALE.
It is absolutely maddening to me. My goal every year is to complete my Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving. That way I avoid the hustle and bustle and I save my eyes, ears, and nose from jumping off my face during a 5-hour mall adventure. But most importantly, it keeps me away from the great deals and temptation to come home with extra bags full of goodies for myself.
While I have great hopes of being done early, the truth of the matter is that my children have birthdays in November and December, further complicating Drewett life at end-of-year. While working THE LIST and buying gifts for friends and family, I must also space out the my kiddos’ gifts so that they are not so spoiled by January that I’m convinced they are from another planet. And, sometimes, the birthday planning foils my Christmas shopping just as I get geared up to complete it. Ugh.
Good news, though. I’m almost done with THE LIST. And as I write this, it’s not yet Thanksgiving. I think that’s a breakthrough. I do it this way to save my sanity…and my eyes, ears, and nose.
But, there’s one more reason I shop early.
More than anything, I want to truly soak up and enjoy the Christmas season. Advent is a wonderful time of the year as we celebrate and anticipate the coming of the Christ child. I want to enjoy the Christmas Cantata at church (mom-in-law and dad-in-law both sing in the choir). I want to enjoy the Christmas program my adorable kindergartener will be presenting at school (she’s singing “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and her top two teeth are wiggly). I want to feel festive (and not exhausted) for all the gala celebrations here and there.
Elizabeth Haynes Drewett
And, I want to give myself and my family the gift of peace on earth. Yes. Peace on earth. I can’t give the kind of Peace on Earth that only a Saviour can bring. But I CAN give a little peace on earth to my family. Because when momma is stressed out about Christmas shopping, there is no peace.
To all my fellow shoppers, if you’re not done with your shopping yet, take heart. There’s always next year. And you can start shopping for next year on January 1, 2011. There will be lots of sales. And you’ll need even more focus! Good luck. Merry Christmas. And Happy New Year.
