Aura Organic Spa + Wellness

The Environmental Protection Agency has done studies indicating that indoor air pollution is a more consistent threat to your health than outdoor pollution.  This pollution comes primarily from volatile organic chemicals like formaldehyde that are present in new building materials such as carpeting, paneling, cabinets, fabrics, etc.  This pollution can be reduced with proper air filtration by an ionic air filter, by certain plants, or both. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has spent two decades researching plants that remove toxic chemicals from the air for use in space stations.  The following five plants have been found to be particularly effective in clearing the air of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Plants Effective at Clearing the Air of Volatile Organic Chemicals: Ficus (Ficus Benjamina) Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica) Mass Cane (Dracaena Massangeana) Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum Morifolium) Gerba Daisy (Gerba Jamesonii) Warnecki ...

Reiki is a gentle healing practice that can ease physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stress.  The intention is to restore harmony to the body's energy by triggering the body's healing process.  This Japanese healing technique involves "laying on of hands," where the practitioner's hands are placed just off the body or lightly touching the body. A 2010 Study (DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2010.03.082) in the JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY found patients who received a 20-minute reiki treatment within 3 days after a heart attack had better moods and a better heart rate variable. Possible Benefits of Reiki: Reduce Stress Promote Relaxation Release Tension Facilitate Sleep Reduce Blood Pressure Annette Adams, Intuitive Reiki Master and Licensed Massage Therapist, is at Aura Organic Spa, 204 Miami Ave W, Venice, Fl.  Call 941-375-8552 for an appointment.

Research has shown that drinking moderate amounts of read wine is good for your heart.  It may also help protect against neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimers.  Certain types of cancer growth may also be inhibited. Some healthy wine facts: Antioxidants :  A study done by the University of Barcelona found that the phenols in white wine had equal, some higher, than red wine. Immune System :  Moderate consumption can ward off infections. Bone Density :  Red wine has high levels of silicon, which is good for bone mineral density. Heart :  A study by John Hopkins University Medical Center found that resveratrol, found in red grape skins, could protect against stroke.  Reservatrol may decrease LDL while increasing HDL.  Wine can also act as a blood thinner. Reading wine labels:   Sulfites :  All wines contain naturally occurring sulfites, which prevent them from spoiling in the bottle.  Some people may...

The "tears" that flow from these small, scraggly trees have been traded for over 5,000 years and are known to treat a variety of illnesses.  The Boswellia carteri trees are indigenous to the Middle East.  It's resin, a milky-white liquid that flows from the trunk when cut, is steam distilled to produce the essential oil known as Frankincense.  The medical properties of Frankincense Essential Oil are recorded to be anti-tumoral, immune stimulating, muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant.  A 2009 study reported that "Frankincense oil appears to distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppress cancer cell viability."* Aura Organic Spa + Wellness uses Frankincense Essential Oil in many of our services:  Balancing Massage, Immune Booster Massage, and Pumpkin Spice Massage.  Frankincense is also specially blended into many of our facial products. *"Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specifi...

Pumpkin Sage Soup 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1/4 cup minced shallots 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves 29 ounce can of pumpkin 4 ounce can of coconut milk 1-2 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon sea salt, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg In a medium soup pan, melt the coconut oil over low medium heat.  Add the shallots and cook until translucent and very soft, 7-10 minutes.  Add the sage, heat for another minute.  Add the coconut milk and heat for another 5 minutes.  Add the pumpkin and mix slowly until it is well incorporated, turn the heat down to low.  Add the broth 1/2 cup at a time until you reach a desired consistency.  Add the salt and spices, continuing to cook over low heat until the soup is warmed through.  Garnish as desired. Recipe courtesy of the Goddess Detox at Advanced Health and Wellness

What can I do with all these pumpkins?  I know, I can make Pumpkin Sage Soup !  Check out the recipe on my next post. Angela can give you an autumn treat with our Pumpkin Exfoliating Peel Facial .  This deliciously-scented puree is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes known for their anti-oxidant and exfoliating properties.  Angela's facial will help to improve the appearance of fine lines, age spots freckles and rough skin while you luxuriate in the seasonal aromas at the spa. While I am on the subject of relaxation, you should definitely experience Aura's Pumpkin Spice Massage .  Our organic massage lotion is enhanced with a special blend of healing seasonal essential oils. 941-375-8552      Located 202 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL