Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage

This treatment is based on ancient Ayurvedic techniques involving work on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp, hair (it is still suitable for those with thinning hair or bald heads) & face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement & completely give our heads a well deserved rest. It is a wonderfully relaxing therapy & helps balance natural energies & clear any localised areas of negativity.

Indian Head Massage History

Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient traditions of massage and the Ayurvedic system of healing that has been practised in India for thousands of years. This holistic approach combines natural therapies healing mind, body and spirit. The family tradition of massage in India dates back to the beginnings of Hinduism and plays an important role in the life of the family.

Infants are massaged daily till the age of 3, and then twice weekly until the age of 7. Then will be thought massage techniques and will be encouraged to use it within the family. Preparation rituals for wedding ceremonies include massage.

Various oils like coconut, sesame, mustard, almond & herbal oils are used throughout the year relating to the seasons. Hair is kept shiny, lustrous and healthy. Grandmothers, mothers & daughters sit one in front of the other and simultaneously massage the head and hair. Barbers invigorate the scalps using champi head massage which is where we get our word shampoo.

In champissage, the head, neck and face are massaged with the purpose of manipulating energy channels. The goal is to clear blocks in these energy channels that cause a build-up of negative energy that are purported to cause ailments. The belief is when the energy does not flow properly negative energy builds up, causing common ailments, including stress, pain and aches, baldness or hair loss.

Narendra Mehta brought Indian Head Massage to the West in the 1970’s- blind from the age of one - grew up in India and head massage was an integral part of his life. He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical therapist and in 1978 returned to India to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders and face. On his return to England, he developed a sequence of movements. There is no right or wrong way and sequence of movements vary from one therapist to another.

Book an Indian Head Massage Session with Loretta at Nurture Therapies on 087-1267 427

Affirmations Money and Prosperity

MONEY & PROSPERITY HOW TO INCREASE THE FLOW

1. Look at Negative Beliefs & Thought Patterns

2. Use Positive Affirmations

3. Gratitude

Looking at Negative Beliefs & Thought Patterns - Do you use any of the following:

I can’t save money

I don’t earn enough

My credit rating is bad

Money slips through my fingers

Everything is so expensive

Why does everyone else have money?

I can’t pay my bills

Bankruptcy is around the corner

I can’t save for retirement

I can’t let go of money

I don’t deserve to be financially free

What are your beliefs about money?

Do you believe that there is not enough?

Do you attach your self worth to it?

Are you friends with money or do you see it as an enemy?

Having more money is not enough

We need to learn how to deserve and enjoy the money we have

Large amounts of money don’t guarantee prosperity

Rich people can be lost in poverty consciousness

“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty” - Socrates

Your prosperity consciousness is not dependant on money, your flow of money is dependant on your prosperity consciousness

Our pursuit of money must contribute to the quality of our lives

If we do something we hate in order to get money, the money is useless

Prosperity is not defined by money alone; it encompasses love, time, joy, comfort & wisdom

If you work long hours, little time for family, fun, or yourself your time is steeped in poverty

What about success?

Do you feel it’s beyond your reach or do you feel you can be a success in your own right?

If so, you are rich with respect to success.

You can change your negative beliefs in this present moment.

Conditioned Responses around Money and Prosperity

My biggest fear about money is .................? What comes directly to mind?

What did you learn about money as a child?

What were your parent’s thoughts around money?

How did your family handle money?

How do you handle money now?

What would you like to change about your money consciousness?

Negative versus Positive Statements

“I never have enough money so I can’t enjoy it” / I am grateful for all the money I have now

“I am afraid I will always be broke” / I now accept limitless abundance from unlimited sources

“I don’t earn enough” / My income is constantly increasing

“Everything is so expensive” / I always have as much as I need

“Money slips through my fingers” / I spend my money wisely

“I can’t let go of money” / I enjoy every penny that I spend

Positive Present Tense Statements know as Affirmations: Use daily

Money flows to me easily & effortlessly

I am a money magnet

I always have enough money to pay my bills

My income is constantly increasing

I deserve to be financially free

I give generously and receive with joy

I am so grateful for all the money I have now

I prosper wherever I turn

Every day my relationship with money becomes healthier

I am an excellent money manager

I deserve to have an abundance of time, money and prosperity

Gratitude

Be grateful for everything you have daily

Be thankful for your bills!!!! (electricity, water, food – some countries don’t have these luxuries)

The more gratitude you have the more you allow yourself to receive

Be open to all possibilities (e.g Lottery, competitions, gift, inheritance etc...)

Trust that you will always be provided for

Loretta x

Reflexology

Reflexology is used to activate the healing powers of the body by pressing on reflex areas on the feet, hands or ears. It is mainly a process of treating points & areas on the feet that relate to corresponding parts of the body, mind and spirit. The soles of the feet reflect the whole body, the organs, the skeletal, nervous, circulatory, endocrine & lymphatic systems. It can enhance fertility & also helps mothers during pregnancy (after first trimester) to be comfortable in all aspects. It can help with nausea, gestational diabetes, reduces swelling in hands, feet & ankles. Reflexology has been found to ease common symptoms of pregnancy and facilitate the smooth progress of labour. It is deeply soothing and encourages the body to naturally heal itself & eliminate toxins and negativity. Reflexology is great for reducing stress, soothing emotions increasing energy levels, inducing relaxation & bringing the body back into balance.

Reflexology History 

Most ancient cultures had some form of foot therapy. The Native American Indian cultures, Egyptians and Chinese independently developed methods which were all based on the same principle. In Ancient Egypt dating around 2500BC, there are hieroglyphics on the tomb wall of Ankmahor a famous physician documenting a type of massage on the hands and feet. In Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish traditions shoes are always removed when entering into a Holy space. Feet have always had a special significance biblically. The Chinese have used pressure on acupressure points as a healing method for over 5000 years. Centuries and social change saw much of these techniques lost to time.

Reflexology as we know it today began as a theory called Zone Therapy, conceived by a throat and nose surgeon Dr. William Fitzgerald in the USA in the early 1900s. He had discovered a Chinese method whereby applying pressure to one part of the body created an anaesthetic affect on another part of the body. He did extensive testing and developed a map dividing the body into 10 longitudinal zones; 5 either side of the midline. Everything in each zone is connected so pressure on the head at one end will affect a toe on the other. This demonstrates the meridians of energy used in acupuncture and the interrelationship between all the different parts of the body.

In 1930 a US Doctor called Dr. Jo Selby Riley, alongside his wife began with Dr. Fitzgerald’s findings. They were joined by their assistant in their research, a Physiotherapist called Eunice Ingham. Through much testing they began concentrating on the hands & feet understanding their sensitivity. Eunice Ingham travelled all over the US, adapting her methods and teaching her findings of this new Foot Therapy. Later re-naming the therapy to ‘Reflexology’. Ingham, took the concept further by researching positioning and effects of certain points ultimately leading to an anatomical map of the body being overlaid onto the foot. In 1938 she published her works in “Stories the feet can tell” and later followed with another book “Stories the feet have told”.

Reflexology finally came to the UK in 1960’s with one of Ingham’s students a lady called Doreen Bayley.

Book a Reflexology session with Loretta at Nurture Therapies on 087-1267 427

Stress: Ease Holiday Pressure Tips

I hope you are all well and enjoying the beauty of the snow!!! I just wanted to send you some tips I received from my trainer Patricia Crane as they are very useful especially at this time.

In our already busy lives, the holidays are often a time of more stress rather than more joy and fun. Buying presents can stretch the family budget, demands on time increase, and family gatherings can be a challenge. This year simplify your life with these tips and enjoy the season more!

1. Begin with affirmations that this season is a fun and enjoyable time for you and your family. When you become aware of any negative thoughts about the holidays, tell yourself, 'stop!' Affirm that everything will get done easily.

2. Practice stress management! Remember to breathe deeply and easily, letting your shoulders, neck, and back relax and let go.

3. During the holidays the average person gains 5 pounds and then has to do a New Year's Resolution to lose them! Set an intention to maintain your weight. Plan lower calorie desserts- or don't even serve a dessert. Eat less the day before you are going to a party or big meal. Do simple things to move more, like dancing to your favorite songs or parking further away from the office so you walk more.

4. Simplify your gift giving by setting a theme. For example, make this a music year where you buy everyone a CD of their type of music. You can do all your shopping in one store! Or purchase gift certificates online. Now that's really easy!

5. Rather than buying gifts for friends, suggest that you spend time with each other instead. Go to a movie or share a meal. You'll save hours of trying to decide what they want, shopping, wrapping, etc.

6. One poll in an American study discovered that 83% of people (and I'm sure this is true of people in Ireland & other countries as well) wanted more time to spend with their families. Set a time to go to a fun holiday activity with your family and consider it as a present to each other.

7. Set a budget for not only gift giving but decorating and entertaining as well and stick with it. In January you'll be glad you did.

8. If family gatherings are something you look forward to, wonderful!! However, if they tend to be a challenge, prepare emotionally ahead of time. Visualize yourself staying calm. Remember Don't Take It Personally.

9. Contribute to a community agency that is helping others with food and presents during the holidays. Volunteer to help.

10. Plan ahead. Make a list of priorities and stay focused on them. Spend a few minutes at night deciding what's most important to get done the next day. Be reasonable in your expectations! Set boundaries for yourself. It's OK to say no to something you don't want
to do. Respect your own need for time.

11. Remember that letting someone know you care is the greatest gift of all. This season, say I love you as much as possible to family and friends. Let people know why they are special to you. And also remember to love and appreciate yourself.

Enjoy!

Loretta :)

Holistic Massage Research

Massage Can Help Prevent Sickness

This article is extracted from www.healthypages.co.uk

A recent study has shown that people who have massages gain the benefit of a ‘tuned’ immune system. Of course the well known benefits of having a massage are also there, such as reduction of stress and easing away of tension, but this new addition is a measurable benefit that hasn’t been recorded before.

The study was carried out by Dr. Mark Rapaport at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He and his colleagues enrolled 53 people in the study. 24 of them received a gentle and light touch type of massage, whereas the other 29 volunteers received a Swedish massage which is the most popular type of massage in the US. The sessions lasted for 45 minutes.

A Blood sample was taken both before and after the massage was performed and the results clearly showed that after one Swedish massage there was a significant and positive change in the composition of the blood.

Dr Rapaport said that "This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," adding that "People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body's heightened immune response following massage until now."

There were three measured benefits that the Swedish massage volunteer group experienced. One was a reduction in cortisol levels which is an adrenal gland hormone that gets released when stress levels go up. The second was a reduction in arginine vasopressin which is a hormone that is connected to aggressive behaviour. The third was a major increase in the disease fighting and preventing lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the body.

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published the study.

Affirmations Basic Guidelines

Affirmations are positive present tense statements that you read, say or listen to with a recording of yourself.

The aim with positive affirmations is to repeat a statement over and over again, day after day, until it makes an impression on your subconscious. Once this occurs, your subconscious mind will sense a difference between what it sees as being "real" and your outer physical world.

So while the changes are happening you may feel resistance and blocks perhaps negativity. Just acknowledge the negativity, thank it and let it go. It will seem almost magical the way doors and opportunities open up for you everywhere in order to make that affirmation a reality.

Some basic rules:

1. They must be personal. You are going to use the words "I" and "My" in each case. For example, a proper affirmation would be "I give myself permission to prosper" "My heart is willing to allow love flow freely" “My income is constantly increasing”

2. They must be positive. You would state your affirmation like this: "I eat healthy meals each day." A negative, and thus ineffective affirmation, would be "I don't eat junk food."

You see, although the subconscious is a powerful tool, it is still rather simple. It sees what you are saying as images rather than words, and so it can't comprehend words like "don't" and "can't." When you say, "I don't eat junk food," your subconscious mind brings up an image of you and junk food, and you actually begin to reinforce the behaviour that you are trying to change.

3. They must be in present tense. Logically you would think to make the affirmation in the future tense, as in "I will be successful in my business." But this isn't the case. When you put your statement out into some distant future, no tension is created within the subconscious mind, and therefore no imprinting or changes will occur. You see, when you say that you will be successful someday, you are also implying that you are not successful now. That matches exactly with what your subconscious knows to be true, and therefore no change.

4. Another useful tip is to get some index cards or post it notes and clearly write out your affirmation in big, bold lettering. Place these cards around your environment so that you see them constantly. Place one by your bed, one on your refrigerator, one on your bathroom mirror, one on the steering wheel of your car (please don't try to read the affirmation while you're driving!!!!), one by your computer and so on in places where you will see them often.

5. As soon as you wake up in the morning and right before you fall asleep at night, say your affirmation out loud many times.

6. When you repeat these statements, speak with enthusiasm, and smile knowing that with each affirmation read, you are deepening the imprint on your subconscious mind. Each time you see any of the other index cards that you wrote the affirmation on, say the statement out loud whenever possible again with enthusiasm and faith.

I know that it sounds over simplistic, but this mind technique has worked for many including myself and can work for you if you maintain the discipline to carry it out. Be patient as some Affirmations take longer than others.

'Everything I need to know comes to me, I am safe'

Warm wishes Loretta x

(Adapted from Greg Frost)

Heal Your Life Workshop Testimonials

Loretta you are an inspirational workshop leader. You have helped me to deal with a life changing situation. Your support and guidance has been truly wonderful. You have made the process safe and made me feel protected. Thank you Loretta for helping me to heal my life. I would recommend anyone to attend your Heal Your Life Workshops as it is life changing. Thank you. C. Walsh Crewe, UK

I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 day Louise Hay workshop run by Loretta Whelan. The course provided real opportunities for personal growth and gave me extremely useful insights about myself. I also felt well equipped to continue with the Louise Hay development tools once the course was over. Loretta was an excellent facilitator who guided us through the 2 days very sensitively and supportively. I would highly recommend this workshop J.S. Dublin, Ireland

The Heal Your Life weekend had a dramatic impact on me. I thought I’d already worked through and solved a lot of my problems and that my life was on an even keel again. Little did I know what I still had to drag up from the depths. I was a bit nervous about attending, because I had no idea what it would entail (while I’m a Louise fan, there’s a solid 15% I think is a bit daft) but I figured it turned up in my life at that specific time for a good reason. I’m so glad I went. It taught me about patterns in my life and where they come from, how to identify and change all the ‘beliefs’ I had about myself. I could have read all the books in the world, but working with the small group of people, sharing and helping each other, I learnt more about myself in two days than I ever thought possible.

Loretta is a wonderful teacher and leader, she brought so much support and guidance to the room and comfort too when it was needed.... and you will need it, because you will cry…!!! It was emotional, engaging, terrifying, but enlightening and I walked away walking taller and stronger as a result with some incredible memories that still make me smile. Thank you Loretta. Clare, Dublin, Ireland

Loretta is a fabulous gifted, creative, effective and motivating leader. Her informative and intuitive skills created a safe, sharing, caring inter-active atmosphere. This enabled me to become more aware of my thought patterns and deep rooted beliefs. This insightful process allowed me to release limiting patterns. Wow! Such a wonderful and transforming way to enhance my life journey. Thanks,S.Baker, Belfast

It was truly marvellous to take part in one of Loretta's healing workshops. She has such an uplifting and caring way when working with people. I strongly recommend her Thank You! Sari, Finland.

I encourage everyone to attend Loretta's workshop who is seeking enlightenment on how to improve and seek better relationships in their life. She enlightened us as to why we may not be as fulfilled as we deserve to be in our relationships. She provided us with techniques to move us forward. Loretta is very caring, insightful and supportive. I am very grateful for attending Loretta's workshop. J. Day, New Forest, UK

Book your place on Loretta's Heal Your Life 2 day Workshop now on 087-1267 427