By Rania Watts

The individual who coined the term aromatherapy was Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a chemist, who burnt his hands back in 1910. He stated that he treated his burn with Lavender essential oil. Although flora and their extracts have been used for thousands of years in India, Pakistan, Iran, China, and Ancient Egypt. 

The perfume makers in Grasse, France used these distilled scents within their products. The term Aromatherapy was finally coined in 1937 by the same human who decided to treat his burn with Lavender.  

The term ‘necessity is the mother of all inventions’ springs to mind here. It really is quite fascinating how Gattefosse used quick thinking – knowing the properties of the Lavender plant and being able to place that on his skin to help soothe and heal his hand. 

Here are a few Aromatherapy Basics from the Alliance of International Aromatherapists for those individuals who relish quick facts. 

·         “Use only genuine 100% essential oils (avoid synthetic fragrance oils)

·         Be aware of individual sensitivity / allergy

·         Use diluted in a carrier, such as lotion, vegetable oil

·         Photo-sensitive essential oils: Bergamot, Lemon, Lime, Bitter Orange, Angelica root

·         In the case of skin irritation, apply vegetable oil to wick essential oils from the skin.

·         Keep out of reach of children. Store away from heat and light

·         Can stain clothing and damage the finish on furniture”

Also please remember that Essential Oils are not regulated through the FDA. Before purchasing any essential oils, please ensure that you do your research – that you are indeed receiving pure oils.  

https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/aromatherapy

By Rania Watts

I am going to share a little story with you and leave my clients real name out for confidentiality purposes. With her permission, I am able to write about this.  

Maud was a client of mine when I had just completed my SSW diploma.  Just after I had met her when she was 17 years old, Maud shared a tale with me that, as a counsellor, caused every single teal coloured strand in my hair transform to immediate shades of grey.  

The counsellor that was assigned to her case was completely oblivious to her needs.  She recounted that her first day in hospital after a Tylenol overdose was at the age of 13. 

Rewind for a moment: being suicidal at 13 is something that is not unfamiliar in our contemporary world. In fact in our Covid riddled world research “showed recent suicidal ideation was 1.60 and 1.45 times higher in March and July 2020, respectively, than in March and July 2019. Odds of recent suicide attempt were 1.58, 2.34, 1.75 and 1.77 times higher in February, March, April and July 2020 than the same months in 2019, respectively.” (Korioth, T. 2020) 

Suicide rates are on the rise. Now that being said… Maud told me that on her first day in the hospital, she was feeling very frightened and alone.  The hospital shrink walked into her room, with ‘an air of arrogance’. He basically slammed his books down and the table tray and said ‘what do we have here?’ Maud looked at him and said ‘I don’t think I want to talk to you.’ He completely turned her off. 

Not all counsellors will be a good match with their patients – meaning, please do your research to find a counsellor that specializes in whatever you require.  Someone who has a good bedside manner, who can make you feel at ease. 

Any personal opinions expressed in this blog solely belong to the author Rania Watts and not the Practitioner advertised in this website or social media.

https://www.aappublications.org/news/2020/12/16/pediatricssuicidestudy121620

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-find-a-therapist

https://www.thecut.com/2017/12/a-beginners-guide-to-finding-the-right-therapist.html

By Rania Watts

I don’t know why, but when it comes to thoughts of massage, I am always brought back to the second year of my Social Service Worker Diploma – where I did my placement at the People with AIDS Foundation. One of the services that had been offered to HIV positive clients was massage. 

I would like to make a note that there were times when I would see patients attempt to be stoic prior to their massage; the pain they carried may not have been outwardly expressed. However, when you are around humans for a long time in a clinical capacity, one does not take certain ques.  

The majority of TPWA’s clients would go into that room feeling emotional and leave that room with expressions to meet the joy and airiness of a puffy cloud in the sky, without a care in the world. It was obvious that the massage had indeed rejuvenated them. As a placement student interested in studying massage and therapeutic touch, it was such a wonderful scene to be a witness. 

Another memory is of a crazy old music teacher, whose son I would babysit.  One day, when she had come home from a massage, I saw the transformation on her face.  When she left the house, she was riddled with anxiety and upon her return all the anxiety melted away – to the point that she was putting away slightly wet dishes in the cabinet and did not care. (I did go after and dry the dishes and put them away myself properly.) 

She had been so moved by the massage, that nothing frustrated or bothered her.  I could have written more about the physical benefits of massage. However, I feel the emotions post massage is more important.  I have added some links below for you – about how massage can not only assist your body but also your mind and spirit.   

Any personal opinions expressed in this blog solely belong to the author Rania Watts and not the Practitioner advertised in this website or social media.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/massage

https://www.prevention.com/health/g26305736/massage-therapy-benefits/

By Rania Watts

When I had my first child, everyone spoke about two things ad nauseum. The first is that babies need to have cream absorbed into their skin daily, right after their bath. This is, in my opinion, the perfect time for baby massage. The reason that I mention lotion is because it can be used to slowly and gently massage baby muscles.  

My daily routine with all three of my mine children was to start with the torso and belly, gently rubbing the muscles; sometimes a little belly rub on a baby could assist if the baby is feeling constipated. A little massage could go a long way into assisting them with finally having a bowel movement. I would then gently roll them on their stomachs to rub their backs as well.  Please be mindful to be very tender with your baby. 

Once the back is finished, I would work outwardly through each appendage, massaging the leg and arm muscles of children – which also promotes stronger muscles. 

I do not recommend putting lotion on your baby’s face. If your baby has dry skin on their face, you can gently apply a face stick.  Both with or without sunscreen are available and go a long way into the prevention of dry skin on a baby.   

This time between you and your baby also reinforces the bond from parent to child. An important practice that requires time however is very worth it, as your baby will be better for receiving your gentle massaging hands on their body.  

I found this interesting article that breaks down when to use baby lotion, which echoes my words of post bath massage and provides options as to what would be the best type of lotion for your specific needs.  

Any personal opinions expressed in this blog solely belong to the author Rania Watts and not the Practitioner advertised in this website or social media.

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/best-baby-lotions#our-picks

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-massage/art-20047151

By Rania Watts

The non-invasive use of Cold Laser with Diodes – emitting Red, Violet and UltraViolet Frequencies. FDA approved (USA). Totally safe and natural. Scientifically and medically proven to reduce pain and inflammation.

“Scalar therapy is considered a form of alternative medicine that utilizes energy waves to bolster an individual’s overall health, stamina, and mood. The items utilized in scalar therapy relate to quantum energy and quantum science. By harnessing electromagnetic fields (EMFs), scalar energy can be used for healing and stress relief.” (Mind is the Master, 2021) 

I have heard clients feel relaxed, yet energized and light. Plus the fact that it also assists with depression, stress, emotional and physical detoxification, anti-ageing and sleeping imbalances is a complete bonus. This works best when the client is fully clothed in white fabric, to enable the light to penetrate the fibres with ease.  

I had never heard of Scalar Wave Light Therapy prior to writing this blog.  I think it makes a lot of sense to attempt to heal on a quantum level. I believe it is as important as nourishing your mind or your soul.  It is truly quite fascinating, 

“Since scalar waves aren’t present in the third dimension, where all the matter in the physical world exists, their movement is swift since there are no physical objects that can limit these waves. That makes scalar waves unique when compared to transverse EM waves, which can be obstructed by physical objects.” (Mind is the Master, 2021) 

We are multidimensional human beings so it makes sense to aid all aspects of ourselves. 

What is Scalar Therapy?

By Rania Watts

As defined by the Oxford online dictionary. “noun. /təˈlepəθi/ /təˈlepəθi/ [uncountable] the direct communication of thoughts or feelings from one person to another without using speech, writing, or any other normal method.” 

That being said, I once had this PHENOMENAL mentor who had died upon my completion of secondary school. We would always talk about various subjects such as telepathy, destiny, and how to be an instrument for the universe. It was an odd connection I had with him – not odd in a bad way, but a quirky one, as nothing was off limits. 

We would discuss various human connections and weird things that would happen – such as thinking about someone and the next day they call you. There are very strong connections on this planet that end up being classified as strange ,as humans don’t necessarily want to leave their comfort zone in the process of enlightenment.   

Nick explained to me that everyone has their different frequencies and, at times, those connections surpass the physical body and transcend through the mind. To be able to communicate with another human being with the absence of words is truly phenomenal.  We, as humans, house this capacity, for more than we allow for our mind to achieve.  

Take a look at all these peer reviewed articles I found on telepathy.   

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/scientists-prove-that-telepathic-communication-is-within-reach-180952868/

https://www.insidescience.org/video/telepathy-real

https://www.mytransformations.com/post/can-telepathy-be-used-to-aid-people-with-disabilities

By Rania Watts

I was having a conversation with one of my teachers a few weeks ago after he had brought up the subject of Gut Biome – which is “microbiom”. This is a ”vast community of trillions of bacteria and fungi that inhabit every nook and cranny of your gastrointestinal tract and have a major influence on your metabolism, body weight, propensity to illness, immune system, appetite and mood.” (Specter. T, 2020) 

There is a correlation between the gut and the mind and now there is a connection between the gut, mind, and proper nutrition. And, as it turns out 95% of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract (Selhub, 2020).  This means taking care of our body with a proper diet  – as there is a symbiotic relationship between the mind, body, and health.  

That was one of the first things that we learned in school growing up – the benefits of the various food groups and their total daily allotment.  

Diet, however, has changed over the years.  We are now seeing more vegetarians and vegans – which means all the meat products had to be adjusted to veggie as well . With proper nutrition – diets should never be stop and serve only for one kind of diet. High quality foods can not only assist with brain function, but also profile the vitamins and nutrients required for a solid diet. 

Some quick tips below that you might benefit from. Highly processed foods should be limited, fad diets should find their way to the door even before they start, compare and contrast the various food labels on what you purchase – to ensure you are purchasing quality foods. This applies to individuals with any kind of diet. Being the healthiest you possible, is the end goal, regardless of your eating preference. 

Selhub, E. (2015). Nutritional psychiatry: Your brain on food. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-to-boost-your-microbiome/

By Rania Watts

The covid world that we had to endure over the last few years has literally transformed the way counselling and remote healing can occur.  Many counsellors had to change their practice from ‘in person to online.  The healing energy that is sent to clients during a session, is one that can transcend physical borders.  

I was reading this article where Libby who is the longest-practicing Reki Master Teacher says, ”long-distance Reiki works as well as in-person Reiki because “everything is energy and that’s all there is to it.” (Helmich. P)

I recall when I was at ‘The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation’, (where I was used as a guinea pig to test out one of the new Reki practitioners).  Back when I had no idea what Reki actually was, but an hour session helped me tremendously.  I felt lighter and up in the clouds.

I know that sounds child-like – however, it is the best way to explain how, for the first time in my life, I literally left like I was floating.  

If Reki Masters have the capacity to assist their clients via remote healing – that is beyond powerful and beneficial to the promotion of a healthy mind. 

This article below – attached in reference – is an excellent resource for those of you who are interested in learning about remote healing as it applies to Reki; and another on the successes of remote healing. 

https://kripalu.org/resources/sending-healing-energy-across-space-and-time-practice-long-distance-reiki

https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/5-steps-successful-distance-healing-session

By Rania Watts

I had no idea there were so many contractions in the usage of essential oils. There are safety measures that must be considered when using essential oils.  

– They are not water soluble. 

– Ensure that you dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil and do a skin patch test to ensure your body will not react to it. 

-There are some oils that are Phototoxic (which basically means that if some essential oils are applied to skin before sun exposure it can cause the skin to burn not only darker, but also at an expedited rate). 

Out of all the essential oils out there, the only ones that can be used undiluted are either Tea Tree or Lavender (as discovered by the founder of Aromatherapy who used lavender on his skin before he coined the term). 

If you find that your body is not reacting well to an essential oil with any prickly, irritating sensation then spread a carrier oil over the area for the essential oil to be completely absorbed, eliminating skin irritation. Also if you are going to purchase an essential oil, ensure that you are as close to the pure ingredients as possible. 

“Certain oils are not recommended or should be used with caution. Read each oil’s safety data before use. People with the following conditions should take caution with respect to the below listed oils: Epilepsy, High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure, Pregnancy, Babies and Children under 5 years if age.” (Escents Aromatherapy) 

As always be mindful of what you are using your essential oils for and if you are not sure how to proceed there are a plethora of essential oils specialists on this earth who can be contacted with any question you may have. 

https://escentsaromatherapy.com/pages/introduction-to-essential-oils-safety-and-contraindications

By: Rania M M Watts

I am the type of human who relishes the concepts of the elements, as I feel organically they are a part of essentially all of us.  In fact, “there are five main elements of Chinese Medicine: The Fire Element, The Earth Element, The Metal Element, The Wood Element, and The Water element.”

*According to the article that I read, we each have one dominant element. However, there are backup elements that come into play when necessary.  Almost like when a sense has been lost, all the other senses work harder to compensate for the one that is missing.  

Elemental characteristics are broken down as such: 

The Fire Element, includes various physical and psychological symptoms such as overheating, skin irritations, mood swings, and lack of concentration to name a few.  The organ associated with the Fire Element is the heart. 

The Earth Element, which makes its appearance during the time of harvest in late summer. This element is represented by the digestive tract; it is the perfect time of year to study, learn and digest not only the nourishment we require for our body – but also for the mind, and spirit. 

The Metal Element, is associated with fall and the philosophy of letting go. Typically, this is the time the earth uses to disconnect as it slowly enters the winter seasons. 

The Wood Element, emerges in the Spring as it is predominantly about rebirth and prosperity with the liver (Qi) as its’ most dominant organ.  The liver is known as an “emotional and physical detoxification organ.” Once it is no longer able to detoxify, all sorts of chaos can erupt – such as “emotional upset, or tightness in the abdomen.” There are many recommendations to keep the Qi flowing-  “Licorice, Dry Orange Peel, Lily flower, Fennel, Caraway, Garlic, Chive, and Kumquat”* to name a few. 

The Water Element, the water element is fluid in all of nature through all seasons. The constitution of water is found steeped in “wisdom, Zhi ‘knowing without knowing,’” * Also has the capacity for reflection.  

In summary, all of the elements relate directly to various parts of the body and the earth cycle – and  show the immense complexity and brilliance of the Great Mother. 

Acupuncture NorthWest & Associates * https://www.acupuncturenw.com/whats-your-chinese-diagnosis

Any personal opinions expressed in this blog solely belong to the author Rania Watts and not the Practitioner advertised in this website or social media.

The content above is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.