Take a deep breath. Smell that? In recent years, aromatherapy has taken off in Western culture. Chances are that you have inhaled an aroma purported to calm, soothe, energize or balance. True to our capitalistic roots, this ancient healing art has become big business. Aromatherapy is now used to market everything from room deodorizers to laundry detergent. What’s behind this sensational trend and why the booming popularity?

Aromatherapy is commonly used in alternative medicine. While many forms of natural medicine can be traced to our neighbors in the East, aromatherapy is a product of the French. The modern term aromatherapy is often traced to French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. It is said that Gattefosse burned his hand in the lab and thrust it into the nearest liquid which happened to be lavender oil. His hand healed without scars and he began to investigate the healing and psychotherapeutic benefits of essential oils. During World War II, another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valmet, used essential oils as an antiseptic, and aromatherapy later achieved status as a holistic therapy due to the efforts of Madame Marguerite Maury. We can also thank Madame Maury for the use of essential oils in massage therapy.

There is no denying that scent plays a significant role in our lives. Our sense of smell can help us to detect danger, signal us to eat, and affect our mood. In 2004, the Nobel Prize was awarded to U.S. researchers Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their discovery of 1,000 genes and receptors for the sense of smell. In awarding the coveted prize, the jury noted, “A unique odor can trigger distinct memories from our childhood or from emotional moments—positive or negative—later in life.”

Aromatherapy practitioners use essential oils to treat digestive disorders, aches and pains, and psychological disorders. In many countries, essential oils are regulated and can be prescribed by physicians. Japan, Germany, Russia and the United States do not recognize aromatherapy as a valid branch of medicine. Detractors, while not minimizing the role of smell in the human life, refute the healing powers of oil. Yet, both the scientific and the nonscientific communities agree that aroma does have an impact. For most of us, it does not take scientific evidence to validate the connection between aroma and our brains. The fragrant aroma of certain foods makes us salivate in seconds, the smell of baked goodies can evoke feelings of comfort, and peppermint has the amazing power to refresh and reenergize.

In the West, scent therapy has less to do with healing disease and more with healing mood, thus the popularity of adding scent to household items. Lavender oil has a calming effect and is linked to male sexual response. The sweet, spicy smell of basil improves concentration and lifts depression. Tea tree oils noted for their antimicrobial properties are frequently found in hair and skin care products. Even skeptics accept that mint and eucalyptus relieve stuffy noses caused by colds and flu. The perfume industry has always marketed the mood-invoking power of scent. Scents are marketed as sensual, sexy, calming, refreshing, natural, and romantic. Shopping malls use scent to create a mood. During the holiday season, the lighting and aromas are all designed to put you in a holly, jolly shopping mood. And, of course, there is no denying the difference that scented oils make during a massage.

If you are interested in true aromatherapy, it is best to visit a trained professional, such as a holistic physician. Oils can be very potent and when used inappropriately they can irritate the skin or cause more serious reactions such as liver damage or seizures. If you simply enjoy certain fragrances and the way they make you feel by all means indulge your passion. Even detractors cannot refute that if a particular scent or smell makes you feel better, by all means burn it, spray it, or lather up in it. Whether scientifically validated or not, feeling good is a worthwhile benefit.

Karen D. Swim is the President and CEO of Words For Hire, a Content Creation and Marketing Firm. Karen helps clients develop articles, whitepapers, resumes, bios and other content that increases their visibility and credibility within their target market. She brings a passion and commitment to every project and clients frequently comment on her ability to “get it right.” You can email Karen at mailto:karen@wordsforhirellc.com karen@wordsforhirellc.com.

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A recent article in the paper talked about a couple of senior women who were pumping iron for their health. One of these women recently competed in a national weightlifting competition, in the 65-69 age group. The other, 59, also competed in this national event. The older of the two lost about 80 pounds after getting into an exercise program that included strength training.

Strength training is important as you age, both to keep your mobility and to keep bones strong. It is also important for keeping your metabolism elevated and losing weight. Whether using weights, tubing, or just the weight of your own body as resistance, strength or resistance training is necessary to help fight anti-aging.

This is important for both men and women. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends strength training with weight-bearing and resistive exercise for all age groups. If you want to reduce your chances of falling or losing your mobility as you get older, you need proper strength. You definitely need to work on your mobility and flexibility to keep your muscles and joints from getting stiff.

Strength training is also important in staying lean. Your muscles burn calories all day long and can keep your metabolism from slowing down too much as you age. You will lose some muscle mass no matter what, but if nothing is done, you will lose more than necessary.

I remember seeing a report on aging a while back that featured a woman who was 101 years old. She exercised on a regular basis, including strength training. She was very mobile, independent, and energetic, still singing in her church choir. She led a busy life and appeared no older than 80. So is exercise and proper strength training a good way to fight the aging process? Maybe you should ask 92 year old fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne. The guy looks pretty healthy to me.

While the two women mentioned earlier were involved in weightlifting competitions, that isn’t necessary. Working your muscles against some form of resistance that challenges them is what’s important. That could be dumbbells or just your own bodyweight. It doesn’t require expensive equipment. Ideally, at least half of your training should occur in a standing position, because this is where movement occurs, on your feet. When standing, you work on your balance at the same time you build strength. Only working on machines where you lie or sit down takes away the balance aspect, which is important to avoiding falls, no matter what your age.

Strength training will make it easier to go up stairs, get up from a chair, or bend over and pick something up, things that give some seniors problems. Problems that can be avoided by most with just a little work on their part. Remember, the focus should be on prevention!.

Brian Morgan is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist. For more information on posture, mobility and flexibility training, go to brianmorganfitness.com brianmorganfitness.com. or posture-n-motion.blogspot.com posture-n-motion.blogspot.com

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What is an essential oil? Basically, a purified liquid taken from the different parts of plants that are quite beneficial to health and well being. Believe it or not, they are not oily feeling. Essential oils typically take 20 minutes to be absorbed through the skin however once they are the effects last usually for 6 or 7 hours.

Most are so potent they need to be diluted. Lavender is one oil that has many uses. If you have trouble sleeping, put a few drops in a warm bath. The combination of the lavender water and the wonderful aroma will have you sleeping like a baby. Lavender in a cool bath will revitalize and refresh you. It is also used for treating acne, eczema, insect bites, and burns. It has also been know to help with depression. Lavender does not have to be diluted and the benefits of this essential oil are many.

Chamomile is a great oil that can be used for dry skin, rashes, acne, and allergies among others. It is a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Certain properties in chamomile will give the immune system a boost and get rid of bacteria. Chamomile should be diluted with almond oil. Almond oil is a carrier oil. This means it carries other oils to the skin. Chamomile can also be added to your shampoo to give your hair a silky, healthier look.

Geranium oil is a mild pain reliever, helps sores to heal, is a great oil for balancing skin that is too oily, and is helpful for menstrual cramps. Geranium oil can stop bleeding, help rid the body of cellulite, and helps with bruises, burns, and bites. Geranium oil, like the above mentioned, should also be diluted.

Jasmine Absolute is one of the most sought after and precious oils we use. It takes 8,000 hand picked blossoms to make one single gram of jasmine oil. This oil is sought after for it’s capacity of promoting an optimistic outlook and the aroma is said to be a romance enhancer. 10 or 15 drops added to almond oil will make a great massage oil.

Tea Tree Oil has a multitude of uses. It does not have to be diluted and can help heal athlete’s foot, rashes, burns, and warts. This oil is said to be good at killing and ridding the body of lice. Instead of the expensive treatments at your pharmacy, use this liquid to dissolve the bugs. It is also used as a natural insect repellent.

These are just a few of the essential oils that can have profound effects on you to rid you of unwanted ailments. If you believe that natural resources are the best at fixing whatever your problem is within limits, of course, then try essential oils. There are many more that will help you feel better, treat problems, rejuvenate, or relax you. Check into the wonderful properties of essential oils.

Read about other important and unique ideas for essential oils in the realm of personal hygiene at electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm

electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm Pristine Tooth Oils

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As we enter mid-life, changes abound . But for women, it’s not only hot flashes and mood swings that can dominate. Indeed many gals discover that the most disconcerting change of all can be the change in they experience in their sex drive.

In short - it can all but disappear.

For some, replenishing those dwindling hormones -with Mother Nature or Father Pharmaceutical - can be a big help.

But what if hormones aren’t on your agenda? Not to worry - there are still things you can do!

Indeed, oftentimes small changes in areas of your life you might not even connect with sex - like nutrition, exercise, or even sleep - can make a huge difference in your ability to not only enjoy sex, but actually look forward to intimate encounters.

Here are five things from my book ” Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause” that you can try right now to get your libido off and running!

# 1: Take a Nap

Although this probably doesn’t sound either sexy or romantic, experts say that fatigue is the number one killer of great romance, not to mention terrific sex. Because night sweats and hot flashes may be keeping you awake at night, don’t be ashamed to steal away for a cozy nap any time you get the chance. If you arrange for a rendezvous’ with your partner upon waking, you may be surprised to discover how attuned you have become to what may have been “hidden” sexual desires.

# 2 : Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to whatever ” aphrodisiac” foods you may have heard of, at mid-life doctors say one of the best sex boosters is a healthy diet. Studies show that when the basic requirements for good nutrition are met, hormones function better. And that means you are less likely to feel the “bumps” in your perimenopause road as easily or as often. Also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar stable which not only increases your energy level, but also can improve your mood and your desires.

# 3 : Quit smoking

You know it’s bad for your heart and lungs - but did you know smoking can also put a damper on your sex life? In studies conducted on perimenopausal and menopausal women, doctors found that smoking as little as one pack a day had a greater ability to decrease sexual function than the hormonal changes of menopause! Smoking is also linked to a decrease in estrogen, which can impact sexual response and vaginal sensitivity. The good news: Just months after you stub that last butt, you’ll see an appreciable change in your health - including a upswing in your desire for sex!

# 4: Take Time To Relax
Whether it’s curling up with a great book, planting petunias in your garden, or taking a pottery class, take time to relax and watch the benefits flow in the bedroom! Indeed, studies show that stress can be the number one thief of sexual satisfaction, and, some experts say it can put a real damper on desire. The link involves an entire cascade of hormonal activity that is set in motion by your response to stress. Once it starts, it can impact a variety of physiological functions, not the least of which is mood - and desire. And, even if you have the desire to make love, being under stress can inhibit both your ability to become aroused and to reach orgasm. So, take a few deep breaths and learn to relax - and you might be surprised at how much better you feel about making love.

5: Buy New Shoes . . .
…or get a new hairdo, change your color, go for a make-over, get a facial, even lose a few pounds. Anything you can do to feel better about yourself IS going to make you feel better about relating to your partner, not just in the bedroom, but in ALL the rooms of your life! Certainly there are important physiological reasons why sex may not be on the top of your list during this time of your life. Sometimes, however, how we feel about ourselves, and even how we view the idea of aging itself, can greatly influence how we feel about having sex and even influence what we think about our own sexuality. Doing whatever you can to enhance your self image - in your own eyes- often translates into feeling better about your partner, your relationship, and ultimately your sexuality and your sensuality

Colette Bouchez is the author of Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause- Health, Beauty and Lifestyle Advice for the Best Years of Your Life and the director of YourMenopause.com/ YourMenopause.com.

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