THE DIRT
Skin
- Skin is the largest organ of the body, with over 5 million touch receptors (about 3,000 of those are in each fingertip) making it very sensitive to touch
- Massage oils can easily be absorbed into the skin, which makes it essential that high quality oils are selected

Health Benefits of Massage
- There have been many studies into the health benefits of massage therapy, some of which believe it can alleviate stress, reduce blood pressure, increase circulation, relieve chronic pain, ease muscle tension, help depression sufferers, reduce constipation and improve quality of sleep
- Massage therapy has been shown to reduce hyperactivity in children with ADHD, and reduce their salivary and urinary cortisol (stress hormone) levels
- It is also believed to increase dopamine levels, along with white blood cell production (Calenda, 2006; Corbin, 2005)

Why Choose Organic Massage Oil?
- Pure organic oils are loaded with fat soluble nutrients and essential fatty acids, which can be absorbed into the body through massage
- When toxic chemicals (such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides etc) are used to grow nuts, seeds and vegetables, they remain in the extracted oils
- Think of massaging your skin with organic oils like feeding your body organic food! It’s the same principle
                                  See below for our favourite massage oils.


G SPOT
The Natural Woman Network are giving away two yearly memberships valued at $50 each.  Just answer the following question;

What is it that you think Mothers need or want most to live a happy and healthy lives?
Please email us @ ginacacho@cleanlife.com.au or reply to this email or Visit the  CleanLife blog to enter.


COME CLEAN
Massage is even more wonderful with these great oils....

We love ‘a magical golden oil’ from save our skin. Massaged into damp skin after a bath or shower, it keeps the skin nourished and aids in the prevention of stretch marks. It also makes a superb eye make up remover and facial cleanser. Perfect for him, her and baby, it can also be used as a leave in hair conditioning treatment, massage and bath oil.

Exilr8 offer a massage balm, affectionately named ‘Stroke and Poke’ especially developed for practitioners of reflexology, myo-facial release or trigger point work. For those just looking for a little home massage, they offer a great range of oils for relaxation, baby massage and circulation.

If the fast pace of life means that you need more than a massage to get back on track, consider a holiday at  Whitsunday, Organic Bed and Breakfast. You’ll be nourished with organic food and drink and can also indulge in a massage with organic oils during your stay.

Cautions
- People with acute inflammation, high fever, infection, phlebitis, jaundice, thrombosis, burns, open wounds or an infectious skin condition should avoid massages
-  Some sprains, strains and injuries should be left for 24hrs or more before massage, consult your Physiotherapist if in doubt.
- If you suffer from arthritis, cancer, heart disease, a chronic condition, or you are pregnant, then consult a health practitioner before having any massage therapy

Need more green and non-toxic relaxation inspiration?
Visit the CleanLife DIRECTORY

References
Calenda, E. 2006. Massage therapy for cancer pain. Current Pain and Headache Reports 10: 270-274. Quoted in Gatlin and Schulmeister 2007, 699 – 704.
Corbin, L. 2005. Safety and efficacy of massage therapy for patients with cancer. Cancer Control 12: 158-164. Quoted in Gatlin and Schulmeister 2007, 699 – 704.
Gatlin, C. G., and L. Schulmeister. 2007. When Medication Is Not Enough: Nonpharmacologic Management of Pain. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 11 (5): 699 – 704 (accessed April 21, 2008).
Conley, V. M., and D. Kempson. 2007. Integrating Massage into Rural Caregiving at End-of-Life. Journal of Palliative Care 23 (1): 51 – 54 (accessed April 21, 2008).
Ernst, E., M.H. Pittler and B. Wider. 2006. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-based Approach. Second edition. Edinburg: Mosby/Elsevier. Quoted in Liu 2008, 35 – 40.
Liu, Y. 2008. The role of massage therapy in the relief of cancer pain. Nursing Standard 22 (21): 35 – 40 (accessed April 21, 2008).
Khilnani, S., T. Field, M. Hernandez-Reif, and S. Schanberg. Therapy improves mood and behaviour of students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Adolescence 38(152): 623 – 638 (accessed April 21, 2008).
Northern Naturals. 2007. Organic Massage Oil. http://www.northernnaturals.com/organic_massage_oil.html (accessed April 21, 2008).
Oregon Massage Therapists Association. Massage is a Natural way to Health. http://www.anaturalwaytohealth.com/Facts.html (accessed April 21, 2008).