Uniquely Organic Blog

What are Chakras?

2010-04-02T01:49:00.004+01:00

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning 'wheel' or 'turning' and is used to describe the energy centres within the etheric body (aura). We have seven main chakras and many other smaller ones each connected to an individual sound, light and colour. Chakras allow us to absorb and transmit energy into and out of our environment and the people and objects within it. This is why the mood of others can affect us so greatly and why we often feel drained or tired after being around highly-energetic equipment such as computers. They are connected to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual planes.

For the body to heal and be in full health, our chakras must be balanced and in alignment. When a chakra is fully functioning, we describe it as being 'open' rather than 'underactive' or 'overactive'. Learning how to bring awareness to our chakra system and how to re-balance ourselves, allows us to have more control over our health and live life abundantly.

Over the next seven months, we will be exploring each chakra in detail and suggesting ways to bring balance and harmony to that particular chakra. Once you gain this understanding, it will give you endless insights into the way our environment and the people in it interact and influence one another.

So make sure you don't miss May's blog post where we will be exploring the first chakra, the Root chakra (Muladhara).

'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Meditative Reflection...

2010-02-18T09:53:00.004Z

As part of my yoga teacher training course, we were asked to keep a meditation diary for 6 weeks to record and reflect on our experiences. It was a fascinating task and gave powerful results.

I originally found this 6-week diary quite a challenge and most of it was do with keeping a record of my thoughts and experiences of meditation, rather than the practice itself. Before embarking on this diary I was meditating at least four times a week and often daily but, by having to articulate how I felt about each meditation, I found myself wanting to meditate less. For the first two weeks I kept a written diary but for the rest of the time I decided simply to take note internally about how each practice was different as it then seemed less of a chore and more of a rewarding journey.

I began by trying both techniques suggested to us on the course and decided to stick with counting the breathe as I found my mind wandered less to general thoughts of past and future events. After a few sessions using this method, I decided to revert to the methods I had been using previously which seemed to suit my personality much better. These meditation methods included visualisation, simple breathing awareness and meditation to music. I found using just one technique restricted the creativity and versatility of meditation. I believe the meditation chosen should reflect the situation, time of day or desired outcome you want and, therefore, is constantly evolving.

On a much more positive note, I found that paying more attention to the way meditation affected me allowed me to move deeper into each practice and often left me feeling I had got more of the answers I was looking for. I had various experiences throughout the six weeks and have implemented many meditative skills into my daily life.

The most common and recurring experience I had whilst meditating was that of truly being and living in the ‘now’ and I have actually come to find this feeling rather addictive and productive. It is not uncommon for me to meditate on a particular problem or emotional state and very soon afterwards receive a phone call, email or epiphany that enables me to shift into a more positive way of being. Physically, I have felt very different after my meditations but always much more focused. This usually depends on the method I have used and how I felt before I began but nine times out of ten the physical feeling afterwards is exactly what I needed.

On some days meditation is much easier than others but I have created a visualisation that really helps me to let go of lingering thoughts. I imagine each thought as a word or image and encase it in a glistening, crystal-clear bubble then simply pop it with a pin and watch it burst along with the thought inside it. This allows me to acknowledge the thought but confidently release it. I usually need to do this a few times before falling into a deeper state of relaxation and the more frequently I meditate the less I need to do this.

As a holistic therapist, meditation comes hand in hand with my job as both the experience of giving and receiving a massage quietens the mind and encourages complete focus on the rhythms and vibrations within the body. Since exploring my meditation practice, I have noticed a deepening of my treatments and now feel I go through a kind of meditation during each treatment I give. This is hugely rewarding for me and has allowed me to understand my client’s blockages and work on a deeper energetic level.

Day to day I have been able to avoid potentially stressful situations by using conscious skills of observing thought patterns, being more present and breath awareness. I have also removed myself from negative environments and instead used these skills whilst exercising or being by the sea to clear my mind.

In the context of yoga, I feel that neither yoga nor meditation can be whole without the other. As pure meditation is about the mind and yoga is meditation of the body, I feel they are perfectly inter-related, so deepening my meditation practice has deepened my yoga practice and vice versa. I always do a mini-meditation before and after my physical yoga practice to focus my mind and draw awareness to my body. For me, the aim of each yoga practice is to maintain that meditative state throughout and only then can I truly progress and develop in both mind and body. To me, yoga in whatever form, is the ultimate meditation.
Looking back at this 6-week journey makes me realise that I got more out of it than was originally felt and it has taken me into a more conscious and reflective meditation practice, which I am looking forward to continuing and passing on to future students.

Why not try keeping a 6-week meditation diary yourself and see what answers you find?

Namaste.

Hot stone detox

2010-01-08T11:14:00.002Z

I’m sure many of you have experienced a massage at some point in your life, maybe you were even given an indulgent gift voucher for your local spa this Christmas, but have you ever had or wondered about a hot stone massge? January is a great time to try hot stone therapy as it is a super detox massage with an abundance of other healing qualities that are often ignored.

Hot stones have been used for spiritual and physical balancing since 1500 BC and the benefits of thermal heat have been known and used for thousands of years. In 1993, hot stone massage was developed as an alternative therapy to offer a deeper form of massage that works on many different levels.

Hot stone therapy uses basalt stones (volcanic molten rock) which are excellent conductors of heat to massage and re-balance the mind, body and spirit. These basalt stones contain a powerful vibrational energy that assists the internal energy flow within the body and, as a result, directs energy to areas of blockage. As these energies move in and out of the body, negative energies are released and complete homeostasis is achieved when the body starts to facilitate self-healing and repair.

Physical benefits of hot stone therapy:
-Stimulates microcirculation and cell function promoting the rate of tissue repair
-Stimulates metabolism by 10-15% due to the rise in body temperature (great for clients wanting to lose weight)
-Effects last much longer than traditional massage, up to ten times longer
-Detoxifying
-Ten times deeper than traditional massages
-Stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins

Psychological benefits of hot stone therapy:
-Creates total well-being
-Dissolves stress
-Restores emotional balance
-Nurturing

During a treatment hot stone placement is used to re-align the chakras and concentrate on specific areas of blockage, while additional stones are used to massage the body. To get the most out of this treatment the body must be treated holistically and, therefore, at least one hour is usually needed.

As a therapist this is one of my favourite treatments to give as it can have such a powerful effect on clients and can tell me so much about blockages within the body. If you are intrigued and want to experience this wonderful therapy make sure you choose a therapist who understands the treatment fully and is passionate about its effects. Why not use this post to share your thoughts and recommendations of your own hot stone therapy experiences, they can be truly inspiring.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and exciting 2010!

Kirsty x

Fish on the menu ... but for how long?

2009-10-02T08:52:00.000+01:00

Fish is good for your skin. In particular oily fish, like sardines, trout, mackerel and salmon, contain a large amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, which improve the health of your skin, and provide vitamins such as niacin and vitamins such as iodine and selenium. Nutritionists and complementary therapists are constantly suggesting we eat more.

So it was surprising that one of the key messages emerging from the ‘The End of the Line Debate’ at the Thistle Hotel, Brighton, on 30 September was that we should eat less fish. We are also urged to be adventurous in trying new varieties and always to ask the retailer or restaurateur which ocean the fish comes from and how it was caught.

As the panel comprising Huw Irranca-Davies MP (Marine and Fisheries Minister), Charles Clover, (Author, The End of the Line) Caroline Bennett (MD, Moshi Moshi) Mark Price (MD, Waitrose) and David Norman (director of Campaigns, WWF) presented their takes on the depletion of global fish stocks, it was clear that rapid action is needed to address the way in which the fishing industry is managed. There were calls for everybody, including governments, fishermen, retailers, restaurateurs and consumers, to play a role in nurturing the marine eco-system to keep disaster at bay.

The European Commission was recently persuaded to back a temporary ban on the bluefin tuna trade so it is possible to make a difference. However, serious changes to fishing grounds, methods, quotas and policing are crying out to be implemented and swiftly. And we should all be educated to expect smaller portions and different varieties of fish on our plates to prevent the huge wastage of undersized or unpopular fish which are thrown back dead or damaged into the sea. In short, an overhaul of a different nature is needed ... and our skin may have to receive its nourishment a little less frequently.

See the trailer for Rupert Murray’s acclaimed film ‘The End of the Line’ at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bedirwk95Oc

Coming Soon...Uniquely Organic Candle Shop

2009-09-16T11:49:00.004+01:00

Coming soon to the Uniquely Organic website will be our brand new bespoke candle shop.

We are really excited about this because:

We only use the highest quality 100% certified organic essential oils to fragrance our candles.
Each candle is a one-off, making our candles an exclusive feature in your home, office or tranquil space.
Each candle holder is chosen for its inpirational and distinctive appearance, shape and quality and we source them from all over the globe.
We offer a bespoke candle making service, so if you have an interesting holder you want to make into a candle or want to refill an existing candle we can do this for you. You can even choose your organic essential oil fragrance

Before we go live with our new shop we wanted to ask YOU, what makes the perfect candle?

Post your comments on our blog or facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=50933693878) or email them to info@uniquelyorganic.co.uk

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha

Is your chocolate bar being greenwashed??

2009-08-24T15:44:00.002+01:00

For any of you who are interested in the welfare of animals and organic/ethical products should read this latest article by Fred Pearce at the Guardian...and consider where you buy your next chocolate bar from! http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2009/aug/20/cadburys-palm-oil

Miessence Certified Essential Oils

2009-08-10T12:49:00.005+01:00

This month the fantastic people at Miessence have launched a complete range of 25 certified organic essential oils. The range includes:

Ylang ylang
Tea tree
Rose
Sweet Orange
Geranium

You can rest assured that all these oils have been sustainably sourced and contain no trace of toxic residue or pesticide.

'Miessence products are the purest on the market' (Narelle Chenery, founder)

The amazing healing powers of plants have been used to treat many ailments for centuries before conventional medicine was available and this could be one of the main reasons why so many people turn to aromatherapy as an alternative therapy.

Essential oils are easily absorbed into the skin or inhaled and enter our bloodstream by either route. Once in the bloodstream the specific essential oils deliver their healing qualities to wherever they are needed and give the body that helping hand needed to get back on the road to recovery and optimum health.

Click here to book your aromatherapy massage at Uniquely Organic

Free Dangerous Beauty Book

2009-06-23T09:11:00.005+01:00

This Book Could Save Your Life...

Written by expert toxicologist Dr Peter Dingle, this powerful booklet unmasks the dangers of many skincare and cosmetic products people use as a matter of routine each day.

It's a beauty expose that you cant afford to miss:
*Learn which products will make you chronically ill.
*Learn why colouring your hair can increase your chances of cancer
*Learn why some careers are more life-threatening than others
It will change your life.

Until June 30, it is yours absolutely free when you place a Miessence order of over 100pv (each Miessence products is given a point value(pv)). Get your copy of this 'must-read' book now by entering 'booklet' to your order during checkout. This offer is only open until June 30, 2009. So, don't delay...order now.

The Power of Touch

2009-05-26T09:13:00.003+01:00

Touch is the earliest sense to develop in the human embryo and, whereas other senses are confined to specific body parts (nose, ears, eyes and mouth), the sensory organ for touch is the skin, and, therefore, relates to the whole body. So touch can be said to be the primary and all-encompassing sense.Studies have shown the importance of touch to our well-being at all stages of life. Infants deprived of touch fail to thrive (think of those poor Rumanian orphanage children); the happiest marriages are said to be those where physical affection continues; and elderly people feeling isolated in care homes report how important a hug or held hand can be to give them a sense of being cared for and cared about.

Massage works through the stroking and kneading or the soft tissues of the body. This eases the tension out of stiff, aching muscles, encourages both the mind and the body to relax and, in turn, causes the muscles to loosen and allow a greater range of movement. It is an enjoyable, uplifting, natural and drug-free experience, bringing both immediate and long-term relief to many physiological and psychological conditions with regular treatment. A good massage can also alleviate symptoms of serious disease, including some forms of cancer. In such cases, however, it is important to check with a doctor before starting treatment.

Click here to read the full article

Join our facebook page

2009-04-27T09:09:00.004+01:00

Stay connected with Uniquely Organic and keep up to date with all the latest news and offers. http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=50933693878

The world is being destroyed by popular demand

2009-03-02T15:18:00.007Z

One person dies every 3 seconds from starvation
100 – 500 species become extinct everyday

“Death is one thing; the end of birth is something else” (Gary Snyder)

Deforestation is happening at a rate of 150,000 sq km (90,000 sq miles) every year.
The amount of fuel used in one year took the earth 1 million years to create.
30% of global warming is caused by agriculture

“The world is being destroyed by popular demand” (Wendell Berry)

Most of this destruction is caused by the toxic chemicals and preservatives that are used on our world. As consumers we allow this to happen by not thinking about the origins of our purchases and by assuming that we cannot make a difference.

I would like to invite you to attend a free and inspirational webinar given by Alf Orpen (director of ONEgroup) in which he describes in detail the severity of this damage to our environment and how to withdraw our constent to this destruction.

Simply follow this link which will take you straight to the webinar, it is aprox 45 mins long https://admin.acrobat.com/_a768771389/p35565817/

Enjoy!

ETHICAL BUSINESS AWARDS 2009

2009-02-16T14:28:00.000Z

We have been nominated for this award and it would be great if you could take a couple of minutes out of your day to vote for us at https://www.global-research.net/oea/categories.asp.

Simply click on the "best online retailer initiative" and enter Uniquely Organic massage and skincare.

This is only our first year of business so we are not expecting to win but it would be great to raise our profile.

Thanks everyone!!

Top 100 Organic Blogs

2009-02-12T09:05:00.003Z

We are pleased to announce that we have made it into the top 100 organic blogs (number 12). To check out the list click here.

Thanks for all your support!

Free Rejuvenessence Facial Serum

2009-02-05T09:14:00.003Z

Whether it’s extreme heat or cold, the miessence Rejuvenessence Facial Serum is the ideal way to protect, help regenerate and revitalize your skin. So why not enjoy our February only and while stocks last Special!

Purchase any of the miessence skin essential packs, and receive the rejuvenssence facial serum absoloutely free.

Miessence organics, the way forward for mi-skin and mi-planet click here to choose your skin essential pack and once chosen, proceed to the checkout to enter the promotional code: febpromo to receive your free rejuvenessence

Love is in the air...

2009-02-03T15:58:00.003Z

And so we welcome February, a wintry month warmed and cheered by the romance of Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth.

This special date brings together several pagan and early Christian celebrations and beliefs, including : –

the eve of the ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia, which involved a ritual drawing of girls’ names from an urn by young men for courting purposes.

the time of year when birds start mating according to European folklore

the day when a priest called St Valentine was executed in 270 AD for secretly marrying young lovers against the orders of Emperor Claudius II who believed that unmarried men were more reliable as soldiers. The saint is supposed to have left a message signed ‘From your Valentine’ for his jailer’s daughter starting a trend which has snowballed over the centuries.

Over the years, Valentine’s traditions have developed from writing secret declarations of love and giving hand-made hearts and love tokens to sending today’s mass-produced cards, as started by the American Esther A. Howland in the 1840’s with her scraps, ribbons and lace.

Say it with fragrance

Nowadays the sending of Valentine cards is only second in popularity to Christmas cards, while offerings of chocolates, champagne and red roses are also commonplace. Indeed, often referred to as the flower of love, rose is a key ingredient in love potions.

Uniquely Organic invites you to celebrate the romantic season by booking yourself a facial or massage to enhance your self-esteem and appearance (click here to view our treatment list) and/or treating your partner or object of desire to a gift voucher (click here to buy your gift voucher) which can be used for treatments or for pure, organic Miessence skincare products (click here to visit our online product shop).

Alternatively, you can make Valentine’s Day memorable by concocting your own aromatherapy love potion for your essential oil burner or as a room spray – or we will be happy to make one especially for you (price £5).

Here are some Valentine’s Day blend ideas to be added to water in your burner or spray bottle:

Rose blend

Rose otto or absolute (1 drop)

Sandalwood (2 drops)

Bergamot (2 drops)

Jasmine blend

Jasmine (1 drop)

Black pepper (1 drop)

Grapefruit (2 drops)

Neroli blend

Neroli (1 drop)

Ylang ylang (1 drop)

Lavender (2 drops)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Detox ~ Three Top Tips

2009-01-15T10:48:00.005Z

1. Try hot stone therapy, an ancient healing therapy which balances energies within the body to re-align and connect mind, body and spirit. It increases blood flow, metabolism and lymphatic function, which aids in weight loss and digestion of food, eliminates toxins and cleanses internal organs.

2. To help rid the body of toxins and assist with internal cleansing, try an essential oil blend of Lemon (6 drops), Grapefruit (6 drops) and Juniper berry (see this month's aroma oil profile) (6 drops) with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil to use as a massage, body or bath oil.

3. Miessence belly and breast balm is a great buy for mums-to-be and long after. It contains a powerful blend of certified organic ingredients to care for your expanding body, minimise stretch marks and prevent underlying tissue damage. Buy this and all your other organic products at http://www.uniquelyorganic.co.uk/Miessence.htm

Aroma oil profile: Cinnamon Leaf

2008-12-15T10:09:00.003Z

Aromatherapy Oil Profile: Cinnamon Leaf

Latin name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Botanical family: Lauraceae
Description: Tropical evergreen tree with small white flowers and bluish-white berries

Aromatherapy use: Cinnamon was one of the substances used by Phoenix for the magic fire and was traditionally used for incense.

It can also be used for the following:
Skin: Astringent and bactericidal makes this oil great for warts and wasp stings.

Muscles: Great for rheumatism and poor circulation.

Digestive system: Very stimulating and therefore helps with anorexia, nausea, diarrhoea and sluggish digestion.

Immune system: Strong astringent and bactericidal. Aids colds, flu and infectious diseases. Is also a blood purifier.

Nervous system: Stimulating, can be used as an aphrodisiac. Helps with stress-related conditions and nervous exhaustion.

Additional uses: This oil can be used during child birth as it stimulates contractions. It can also help to regulate periods.

How to use cinnamon leaf: Oil burner. Blended with carrier oil and massaged into area of concern Apply drops of oil to a tissue and inhale.

Cautions: This is a very powerful oil so use with care under a qualified practitioners guidance. Do not use during pregnancy.

Aromatic Scents of Christmas – part 2

2008-12-02T18:06:00.005Z

Ambience and decorations

Make your home smell warm and welcoming by blending essential oils for an oil burner or a room spray. There are several spicy (clove, cinnamon) and citrus oils (orange, tangerine, bergamot, mandarin, lemon) that work well together. Try adding four drops of essential oil of orange and two of cinnamon to the water-filled bowl of your burner or dilute these quantities in two cups of water in a plant spray. Frankincense (see October oil of the month) and myrrh in resin form were the gifts of Kings, and you can experiment by adding a single drop of either of these essential oils to your blend to give a spiritual dimension. Alternatively, you could add a couple of drops of ‘woody’ oil such as cedarwood, bay or pine.

Indeed, the natural scent of pine we all associate with Yuletide can be recaptured either by spraying your Christmas tree with a mixture of six drops of essential oil of pine to one cup of water or by wrapping a piece of absorbent fabric infused with a few drops of pine oil around the tree trunk. This can help evoke the Christmas spirit whether you opt for a traditional Christmas tree (nowadays often coated with preservatives which prevent needle-drop but mask the natural scent) or an artificial one. You can do the same with Christmas wreaths and pine cone table decorations.

Click here to read more

Aromatic Scents of Christmas - part 1

2008-11-11T09:07:00.004Z

Clients of Uniquely Organic may already be aware of the delights and benefits of aromatherapy. As Christmas approaches, there are many ways in which this gentle art can be used to enhance the seasonal spirit whether in recipes, home-made presents or festive ambience and decorations. This month we bring you some ideas of how essential oils can be used in the kitchen and as the basis for individual Christmas gifts.

Christmas food and drink
An essential oil can sometimes turn a good recipe into a great one. Add a drop of lemon or orange oil to your mincemeat and watch your household flock to the kitchen at the first waft of your mince-pies. A spicy essential oil like ginger or cinnamon can add a kick to both the aroma and flavour of Christmas pud, while these and other oils distilled from spices, such as nutmeg, clove or mace are wonderful in Christmas cake.

Did you know you can also make mulled wine using essential oils instead of spices and fruit? Try blending a drop or two of cinnamon, clove, and your choice of citrus essential oil in two tablespoons of honey and stir this into a 750 ml of wine which has been slowly heating in a non-metallic saucepan. Whip it off the hob as soon as it starts to bubble, allow to cool a little, then serve in wine glasses whose rims have been wetted and pre-dipped in sugar... well, it is Christmas and it warms the cockles of your heart!

To read the rest of this festive article click here

Welcome to the new Uniquely Organic blog!!!

2008-11-03T15:21:00.000Z

Welcome to our brand new blog.

We specialise in tailor-made organic holistic therapies and skincare. We will be bringing you up to date news on our events, products and therapies that aim to improve your health and happiness in the most natural way possible.

Enjoy!