School of Complementary Therapies -Articles

It's that time of year again! As soon as September hits many of us begin to feel "that end of summer" blues. The last few days of August have had us getting the kids and often ourselves back and ready for School. We start to think of what courses we might like to enroll in, how we might better ourselves through a little further education or start a new hobby. In fact, for many I believe September is more like the start of the new year than January 1. But don't wish away your life and start planning for Christmas yet, there are many ways we can continue to enjoy the beauty of outdoors and the benefits of summer relaxation before the cold weather sets in.

For those of us who like to garden it's not necessarily time to pack-up until next Spring. Dr. Dave Williams of The Co-operative Extension System in Alabama tells us to get transplanting, including oregano, thyme, lemon balm and sage. As the days shorten and temperatures drop these herbs move from a vegetative stage to develop a sturdy root system. That means instead of the energy of the plant going into making lots of nice green leaves for us to enjoy in our salads and teas, the plant energy goes into making roots under the surface so it is strong and sturdy during the winter and can grow even more leaves next summer. So, pick where you want your herb to be next year and transplant it.

And then, think about how this energy might apply to you. We too are tied to the natural cycles and rhythms of the earth. During the summer we were out busy playing and now our energy begins to turn inwards a little more, developing that root system, as we look to get more organized (our roots) and take up that new hobby, take a course or start a wellnessProgram. It's natural for us at this time of year to look to the basics and want to clear things out. You may want to again check out our article "Clearing Out the Clutter in Your Life" It's a really good reminder to read through again as Fall comes upon us.

When you can, bring some of this plant life into your home. During the summer months I don't often bother with flowers indoors, but as soon as Fall hits I always keep a nice vase of flowers in my homes. We tried a little experiment a couple of years ago at The Catherine Street House (the home of the School of Complementary Therapies and where I have my private practice in Ottawa). We began putting flowers in the waiting room. Soon we had comments from clients and students about how lovely it was to walk in to a room with fresh flowers; now we keep fresh flowers in the waiting room from September until May each year. Nobody really noticed in the summer months, as there is so much going on outside! As well as a vase in the Catherine Street House I usually buy a big bunch of flowers and keep them in the living room, but always take a few to put in a bud vase beside my bed. Waking up to flowers is such a lovely way to start the day!

So clean up the garden and the house and get started on a new wellnessProgramby beginning something new in your life. We run all sorts of courses at the School, so keep checking the website regularly for additions. Also, if you are ready to start living the life you have always wanted I am available for appointments as a Health Consultant and Life Facilitator to get you started on that personal wellnessProgram. (Extended health care insurance receipts available.) Contact me at 613.232.4224 or Jacqueline@schoolofct.com for an appointment. And remember, consultations are always available by phone.

And as everyone enjoyed the Aromatherapy Tips so much we are introducing "Ask the Aromatherapist". Each month Emma Fairbrass CAHT (Certified Aromatherapy Health Therapist) will answer a question on Aromatherapy in the Newsletter, so please send in your questions. Note that Emma will pick one question per month to answer. (Should you have personal questions about aromatherapy and your health please note that Emma is available by e-mail aroma@schoolofct.com. Fee for services is $35 per 45 minute consultation.)

Check out 'Ask the Aromatherapist'

And a final little tidbit about Aromatherapy: Massage Magazine Oct 06, Issue 125 ran an article about research into Aromatherapy for Anxiety Reduction. This study offered preliminary results supporting the use of aromatherapy massage for reducing anxiety among patients at the end of life. Study author Gayle Kyle, senior lecturer Thames University, Slough, England writes, "Massage with sandalwood oil was the most effective and sustained treatment for reducing anxiety (--) The results generated by (the group that received massage with sandalwood via an aroma-stone) were better than those of (the control group), suggesting that sandalwood essential oil might be the key."

You don't have to be dying to enjoy anxiety reduction, so think about making a massage with a personalized blend including sandalwood essential oil part of your health routine. You can of course book an Aromatherapy Massage with Jacqueline (extended health care insurance receipts available) or you may like to know that the School currently has several students working an Aromatherapy Massage practicum who are offering introductions to Aromatherapy Massage at very reasonable rates. Contact Emma for more information admin@schoolofct.com.

Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to School ofCT or Jacqueline Fairbrass, call 613.232.4224 or contact us on-line.

Back to School, Back to Work, Back to Reality!