Healthy Scentsations

09/22/2026

I still have a few spots available this week! 👣 Contact me to book your appointment.

06/30/2026

What words come to mind when you think of "myofascial cupping"?

06/05/2026

New studies show that Patchouli Essential Oil can work for up to 3 hours to ward off mosquitoes 🦟.

Health - The Epoch Times

HEALTH NEWS
Summer is coming, which means mosquito season is soon upon us. While synthetic insect repellents are still considered the gold standard, concerns about skin irritation and environmental effects have fueled growing interest in natural alternatives.

A study found that patchouli oil may be just as effective as standard insect repellents.
How It Works

The findings, published in ACS Omega, showed that patchouli oil added to a lotion carrier provided complete protection against mosquitoes for up to three hours.
Patchouli oil’s earthy scent appears to work by blocking mosquitoes’ ability to detect human skin, effectively acting like an “invisibility cloak,” according to study lead author Lizandra Lima Santos, a chemist at the Federal University of Amapá in Brazil.

Previous plant-based repellents, such as citronella and eucalyptus, appear to work in a similar way, but they tend to lose their smell more quickly.

Patchouli oil has the same limitation, but Santos’ team solved it by mixing the oil with an unscented cream base, creating a stable lotion that retains its scent over time.

Volunteers ages 20 to 35 placed their arms into cages containing 50 hungry Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for 30 minutes. The test ran for three hours across six 30-minute intervals, with researchers recording every landing and bite. A commercial DEET-based repellent served as the benchmark for comparison.

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

Listen to your body. It is always communicating with you. ✨

04/14/2026

Book your session today! Appointments are available this week.

03/22/2026

Cupping therapy may leave temporary pink, red, or purple marks on the skin. This is a normal response to the suction of the cups bringing blood to the surface, and they will typically fade within a week.

Many people find myofascial cupping extremely relaxing and a valuable addition to massage therapy to help alleviate musculoskeletal tension.

With deep-tissue, stationary techniques, you may feel a temporary stinging or burning sensation as the skin and connective tissues stretch. However, you should always let your practitioner know if something feels painful or uncomfortable during treatment.

Cupping should only be performed by a trained practitioner who is a member of a professional association like the NHPC. Find an NHPC practitioner in your area using our member directory: https://www.nhpcanada.org/member-directory

03/08/2026

It’s easy to associate massage with luxury, especially in a spa setting with plush robes and soothing spa music, but massage therapy is far more than a special-occasion indulgence.

Massage therapists work in a wide range of settings, including physiotherapy clinics, chiropractic offices, mobile practices, and, yes, spas too, delivering evidence‑informed care that contributes to meaningful health outcomes.

Whether you're managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, or looking to reduce stress and tension, massage therapy can be a vital part of a comprehensive wellness plan.

What other myths about massage therapy do you want to clear up?

01/15/2026

The Pedorthic Association of Canada (PAC) estimates plantar fasciitis affects about 10% of Canadians at some point in their lives.

Myofascial cupping can help! Cups may be applied to the foot, calves, and surrounding area to reduce the tension and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.

A recent study found that runners who received cupping therapy saw a significant improvement in parameters of pain, dynamic balance, and functional performance.

Learn more: https://www.nhpcanada.org/NHPC-Blog/Four-Health-Issues-That-Can-Benefit-from-Cupping

11/24/2025

Which two would you pick?

Which two can't you live without? Let us know in the comments! 💬