Body Belle

The Gentle Touch...

2010-07-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

I came across an interesting little snippet of information today in the August edition of Spirit and Destiny, a brilliant magazine to help women who want the best possible future.

But what it refers to is the power of touch when you've suffered a loss and it is all so true and makes perfect sense. It just confirms again the fact that massage is a great therapy for all kinds of emotional and physical imbalance. Massage has so many great benefits, I really can't recommend it enough and you should take time to consider the results it could have for you. Speak to your therapist, tell her/him about your issues and problems as a whole and let her/him treat you as a whole. Here is the little article I am referring to...

"If you've suffered a loss, book a massage. A Swedish study found that bereaved people who had regular hand or foot massages said the consolation at a difficult time had helped them return to a normal routine. It's thought massage activates touch receptors to release oxytocin, the 'cuddle hormone', leading to feelings of emotional wellbeing."

Body Belle Massage

Using Massage to Aid Weight Loss - PART 2

2010-06-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Following on from my last blog about weight loss, here are the remaining tips that I have to share with you!

Whilst doing my homework for this blog, I happened to be reading a newspaper and this article is just further proof of the need for a simple change to our diet and lifestyle, which would save thousands of lives. Do the maths - it's simple... Press and Journal Health Article

More tips!

On the subject of massage, book yourself a regular massage! As I will explain later, regular massage can be an aid in helping you to reach your goal - and it feels wonderful too!
Don't do it alone. Try and get a friend or family member to do it with you - that way you can encourage and support each other and reach your goals together. Two bodies are better than one!
Try and maintain a healthy eating regime. Easier said than done I know but we consume too much in terms of processed foods and saturated fats.
Don't calorie count! You'll drive yourself crazy! Just eat healthily, that's all you need to remember.
Take your time to eat and digest your food, allow the stomach time to realize what is going on down there! You won’t need to eat so much and will feel fuller more quickly.
Take some 'before and after' photos and pin them on the fridge/biscuit cupboard/sweetie tin! Obviously the before pictures are there as a deterrent and the after pictures as a reminder of how brilliantly you have done!
Try blogging! Start an online diary of how you are progressing and gain support from new people, you may even make new friends! Starting a blog is easy and it's free :)
Don't deny yourself the occasional treat - that's just boring! And besides, the more you try to deny yourself, the more you will want (and have) that treat. Everything in moderation I say.
Finally, don't beat yourself up if you 'slip' and don't follow your plan - that's just crazy. Accept that you had a slip and tomorrow you'll be back on track.
Oh, and one more thing - think yourself thin and be happy and confident in your own body - it's half the battle.

Stay Healthy, Active and Happy!

Body Belle

Using Massage to Aid Weight Loss - PART 1

2010-06-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, that sounds perfect doesn't it? Get a massage and lose weight! Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, but massage can be an aid to losing weight through a healthy weight loss plan.

I'm going to be adding a new page on the website shortly with information on the benefits of massage therapy in relation to helping you with a weight loss plan. But to begin with, I started thinking about what simple steps we can take to eat more healthily, to be more aware of our bodies, so that we can look after it before, during and after any weight loss plan.

The following are just a few of my tips and suggestions, very simple and basic, but sensible too :) However, as always, if you are on any medication or have a medical condition, please check with your GP before starting and diet or exercise plan. There will be more to follow another day (saves this article being too wordy!)

Don't skip breakfast, it only leaves you feeling hungrier later on and you will probably eat everything in sight if you're anything like me!
Drink plenty water, keep hydrated - sometimes we mistake the feeling of thirst for hunger and so eat when we really only need some water.
Be aware of what it is that makes you want to eat or snack at certain times in the day - what are your trigger points?
Heighten your own senses and as you eat, slow down and see how you actually feel about what you are eating and why? For me, chocolate is my biggest downfall and I know before I eat it that I will feel horrible afterwards so I've started really taking the time when I eat it to decipher my feelings and what it is that I feel when I'm eating it! E.g. is it the taste, the sugar rush, the texture, the smell?
Exercise every day if you can. If you're new to exercise, start off gently with just 20 minutes a day but after a couple of weeks, stretch that out to 30 minutes per day and then longer in the following weeks. Don't overdo it though, get some professional advice - join a gym, get a trainer, or just walk every day - the list is endless!
If you get an attack of the 'munchies', try and focus your mind on something else, that way you can avoid eating unnecessary and unhealthy foods - it works!
Try using essential oils or herbal remedies to suppress your appetite. Rosemary, Fennel and Patchouli are good oils for helping to do this - BUT - always get your oils from a reputable supplier as many oils can be synthesised and adulterated. Always get advice from a professional aromatherapist and never take oils internally.
Reward yourself! Set yourself a goal and then reward yourself for reaching that goal. If, like me, you're trying to cut out the chocolate and biscuits, you could save the money you would normally spend on sweet treats and put this money towards a reward such as a facial, a manicure, a massage, a nice new handbag! Whatever you would like.

So that's the first half of my tips, I hope they help and please feel free to keep in touch and report your success stories to me here at Body Belle! Good Luck!

P.S. I may just add a diary blog here myself as I'm trying to shift some pounds for my cousin's wedding in August! And I will lose that weight :)

More Rockness Photos

2010-06-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

All work and no play :)

To book us for YOUR event, call 01667 493441 or e-mail info@bodybelle.co.uk

Body Belle Massage

Rockness Update

2010-06-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks must go to my colleagues who helped out over the weekend at Rockness. Between us, we provided treatments for over 100 people and it was non-stop! Very busy but a great place to be. Thanks to Grace Pirnie, Isla O'Reilly and Wendy Cornish for a great job. And special thanks to Embroidery Designs for their quick turnaround on our tops!

This was the VIP Tent where we were stationed

Thanks to all the revellers who came and enjoyed a treatment - hope we can come back to see you all again next year!

Janis & Wendy (we didn't get a chance for more photos with Isla!)

Body Belle Massage

Rockness 2010

2010-06-11T12:08:00.001-07:00

Body Belle Massage will be at Rockness this weekend (12/13 June) so look out for us and come and get a mini treatment. Soothing, refreshing, relaxing - perfect for chilling...

All treatments done on a chair or stool and the client remains fully clothed - average treatment will last 10 minutes (£10.00) and you will automatically be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW to win a bottle of pink champagne by Sunday.

Look out for us, come and say hello and get a back (or hand, foot, scalp!) rub!

Body Belle Massage

Alternative Uses for Essential Oils

2010-06-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Essential oils have many properties and can therefore be used in many different ways. Most of us have probably tried oils for massage and beauty treatments but did you know that they have a multitude of uses in the household?

If you want to keep your kitchen spotlessly clean and protect your family from the spread of germs, then add a few drops of oil to your water. Using oils is an economic and family friendly method of keeping kitchen surfaces, floors and boards (never use essential oils on polished or treated surfaces without doing a test first) beautifully clean!

Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Palmarosa and Tea Tree are all oils which can be used neat. But remember that pure essential oils are very powerful and you only need a small amount to do the job without leaving too much of an aroma. For kitchen surfaces and worktops, just add a few drops to your water or directly on a cloth. For floors you can add up to 10-20 drops* of essential oils to your usual detergent or just directly to hot water and you'll have sparkling clean floors protected from germs and smelling beautiful!

*depending on the size of your bucket!

So throw away your chemicals and start house cleaning with essential oils - refresh your senses and your house!

Body Belle

The 'Natural Facelift'

2010-05-31T03:01:00.000-07:00

Feeling tired and stressed? Needing a little 'me-time'? If you're looking for an instant pick-me-up, something to relax you and aid the relaxation of those facial muscles, then an Indian Head Massage is just what you're looking for.

An Indian Head Massage is 50 minutes of pure bliss, concentrating not only on the head and scalp, but on the neck, back, shoulders and arms as well. Some people refer to it as the 'natural face lift', as it brings relief from any muscular or tension related complaints which affect those areas.

There is no need to undress and you can have oils incorporated into the routine or just have a 'dry' massage, which makes this treatment ideal for the workplace. Your therapist will bring a chair and all you need to do is sit down and enjoy the next 45-50 minutes of relaxation heaven. This massage can take place anywhere, any time.

To book an appointment, get in touch with Body Belle today.

Belladrum Festival!

2010-04-22T14:11:00.001-07:00

Body Belle will be there! Look out for me in the Hielan Fields and come along for a FREE massage! Belladrum here I come :o)

Back Pain and RSI

2010-04-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Back Pain and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) can be major factors in absence from work, but regular massage therapy can greatly reduce and minimise the effects, making staff and employers much happier people! Healthy Working Lives has some great advice and information on workplace practice, along with details of legal duties and responsibilities - check it out!

Body Belle Corporate & Events

Little anecdotes

2010-04-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a great believer in creating your own destiny. If you believe in yourself and believe in the power of the Universe, then anything is possible. Here are some great little phrases to remind you to stay positive and focused:

Feeling confused only attracts confusion
Don't have any regrets
The Universe will look after you
Be kind to others
If you do it only for the money, you won't succeed
Feeling negative and listening to your fears will only cause failure and lost opportunities
Turn "I can't afford it" into "How can I afford it"
You can be anyone and do anything you want to, as long as you believe it

I hope these phrases help you to stay positive and reach your dreams - always believe!

Body Belle

Invest in your workforce and they'll invest in you

2010-04-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

According to the CIPD, healthy people mean a healthy business. And it stands to reason - if you look after the well-being of your staff and show them that they are genuinely valued and appreciated, then the return will come back threefold. It's a 'win-win' situation.

"Forward-thinking organisations recognise that managing their people is just as important to success as control of financial and capital resources. Some organisations are moving towards a promoting a concept of 'wellness' as a preventative measure to address employee health. Through an investment in people, organisations can achieve excellence and maintain a leading edge.

The 2007 CIPD Absence management survey showed that sickness absence accounts for 8.4% of working time - equivalent to 8 working days for each employee each year. The average cost of sickness absence is £659 per employee per year, with absence being one of HR professionals' top three concerns." Source - CIPD website

What causes absence?

"The main causes of sickness absence for manual and non-manual employees have been identified as:

Manual	Non-Manual
Minor illness*	Minor illness*
Back pain	Stress
Musculo-skeletal injuries	Musculo-skeletal injuries
Home/family responsibilities	Back pain
Stress	Home/family responsibilities
Recurring medical conditions	Recurring medical conditions
Injuries/accidents not related to work	Other absences not related to ill-health

*Minor illness includes colds, flu, stomach upsets and headaches.

The number of employers reporting an increase in stress-related absence continues to rise according to our latest absence survey." Source - CIPD website

Many of the above reasons for absence can be helped with the aid of massage therapy. Body Belle can visit your workplace as often as you wish and help improve levels of staffing, boost staff morale and lower the levels of stress-related illness and/or absence.

Body Belle

Tips for Reducing Stress

2010-04-07T03:49:00.000-07:00

Stress can play havoc with our minds, body and soul... try and take time out each day to reduce stress levels and feel much better within yourself. And of course, treat yourself to a massage, even if only for 10 minutes, it will make the world of difference to your day.

Stress Reducing Tips

Smile - even if you don't feel like it. Smiling helps to release feel good endorphins and if it's fake or real, your smile will help you to FEEL better!
Exercise - to make it easier and more fun, break it down into 10 minute sessions and do 3 sessions a day - that way you get your 30 minutes daily exercise without even noticing!
Learn to say no - if something or someone makes you feel unhappy, then walk away.
Recognise what triggers your stress and try to avoid it if possible.
Eat healthily - we all know the benefits and we are what we eat...
Get a good nights sleep - switch off the TV, go to bed early and catch up on some Z's
Go for a walk - the fresh air will clear your mind.
Have a massage!
Relax with your pet - try it and see how you feel.
Have an aromatherapy bath - try rose, ylang ylang, sandalwood and of course the old faithful, lavender. Always check for precautions though when using oils and follow the instructions as oils can have a detrimental effect too if not used properly. Always consult a professional aromatherapist for their advice if you can.
Write a journal - in a few weeks, look back over your entries and see what the common thread is - maybe there is something stressing you and you didn't realise it until you see it written down.
Simply sit back and BREATHE - slowly and deeply, really fill your lungs and feel your diaphragm lift - you can do this anywhere, just stop and take it in... relaxation is key.
Don't sweat the small stuff... get things into perspective.

These are just a few of my own tips, try them and see - isn't it worth it to feel better?

Enjoy your day and make it stress-free!

Body Belle Corporate & Events

Now on Twitter!

2010-04-05T15:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've got to grips and Body Belle is now on Twitter! Tweet with me at http://twitter.com/massagehighland
Failing that, just search for 'massagehighland' and you'll find me! Technology... :)

Body Belle

Body Belle Corporate & Events

2010-04-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

Body Belle has had a wee bit of a 'facelift' - welcome to Body Belle Corporate & Events and Body Belle Bridal.

Body Belle Corporate & Events delivers a professional massage service to companies and their employees or clients and to wedding parties and their guests.

Stress can have a huge impact on our daily lives and massage has been proven to help combat and lower our stress levels.

Imagine relaxation and pampering delivered right to your doorstep, office, hotel room or hospitality suite...

Body Belle Corporate can help your business by:

Improving employee productivity and company profitability
Reducing sick leave
Decrease your employee turnover
Increase efficiency
Boost morale and teambuilding
Its CONVENIENT and AFFORDABLE

Body Belle Bridal is the perfect way to ensure you look and feel your best on the big day:

Relieves and stress and aids relaxation
Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Reduces blood pressure
Enhances health and radiance of the skin
Improves posture
Releases endorphins, the body's own natural painkiller
The perfect way to start married life and an ideal gift for members of your wedding party

Perhaps you are a wedding guest looking for an unusual gift to give to the bride and groom - give the gift of relaxation and set up massage treatments for the happy couple...

Get in touch for a tailored quote and find out more on the website at www.bodybelle.co.uk

Body Belle

Hot Stone Massage

2009-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

The first 10 customers to book a hot stone treatment in December will get a WHOPPING 20% discount off the normal price.

Too good to miss! Call and book your appointment today!

Treat someone special this Christmas and give the gift of relaxation - GIFT VOUCHERS available now for ALL treatments.

07921 816360
01667 493441

www.bodybelle.co.uk

Christmas Stresses

2009-10-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming and with that, usually comes some additional stress. So much shopping to do, people to organise, places to be, cooking to be done, decorating, parties, looking good and feeling good.

That's where Body Belle can help you. Let me alleviate some of your stress and aches and pains (carrying all those shopping bags!) by massaging away all your troubles. From a 20 minute back, neck and shoulder, to a full body or a 50 minute head massage (fully clothed), the choice is yours.

Massage has many therapeutic effects and will leave you feeling more at peace with yourself, relaxed, less stressed and 'lighter'. Some of the many additional benefits you will feel include:

a good nights sleep
an improvement in the condition of the skin
an increase in your metabolism
relief from pain and tension
a feeling of well-being
an improvement in posture

So a massage will not only help to reduce your stress levels but it will make you feel better and when you feel better, you look better; feeling more youthful and your confidence levels will soar!

So book your appointment today and come along and share a glass of Christmas Cheer at the end of your treatment. For bookings made before 22nd November, you'll receive a 10% discount off the normal price.

See you soon!

www.bodybelle.co.uk

It's that time of year...

2009-10-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

When colds attack from all directions! Kids come home from school with runny noses, babies pick up lots of nasty germs at toddler groups, even the grown-ups mix in cold-social circles!

At the first sign of a cold, or a sore throat, or even a sniffle, try perking yourself up with some essential oils. Eucalyptus is an ideal oil, great for using in a burner or for steam inhallation. 3-5 drops in a bowl of steaming water, towel over your head, and steam for 10 minutes - great for the skin too! You could also put a couple of drops on a tissue and inhale deeply. It's good to hang on to the tissue for the rest of the day - ladies, the ideal place is to stick it inside your bra!

Niaouli is a great oil too - make a blend with the two oils, never more than the dosage specified. For example, in a steam inhalation, use 2 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops niaouli. This oil is a milder alternative to tea tree and it's great for clearing the airways.

For children, chamomile (Roman) and Lavender are the perfect oils but always use in HALF DILUTIONS. Whatever an adult would use, then half this for a child. It's great in a bath for children (around 6 drops in a bath, with a carrier oil or bath carrier), or again inhallation.

Citronella is a great oil in a bath to dissolve muscular aches and pains and those cold shivers. And it's the perfect excuse to have a warm, relaxing bath - all very therapeutic!

Until next time, keep those winter colds away.

www.bodybelle.co.uk

* Please be aware of precautions (e.g. if you have epilepsy, diabetes or may be pregnant) - ask a qualified aromatherapist for advice, or feel free to drop me a line if you need to ask a question.

Body Belle with VIE at Home

2009-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

BODY BELLE

(available Mondays in the Beautylicious Salon, Thistle Hotel, Inverness)

Also working from home treatment room

Points Make FREE Prizes!

It’s simple. Earn points while you relax.

For every ten minutes you spend having a treatment, you earn 1 POINT.

For example, a 20 minute back, neck & shoulder massage will

earn you 2 POINTS.

For a 60 minute full body massage, you will earn 6 POINTS.

1 POINT = £1.00 to spend with VIE at Home

Points are only redeemable with Janis MacLean (Body Belle and VIE at Home Consultant 102718) and there is NO cash alternative.

BOOK A TREATMENT. EARN POINTS. SPEND YOUR POINTS. SIMPLE.

Now is the perfect time to start earning points for Christmas. Please ask Janis for a VIE at Home Catalogue and enjoy spending the stress-free way.

Call TODAY to BOOK – 07921 816360

www.bodybelle.co.uk

Support the Fight against Breast Cancer

2009-09-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

BODY BELLE

Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage
Hands/Feet/Face/Scalp
mini treatments available of any or a combination of the above

SPECIAL OFFER

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Support the fight against breast cancer now.

For every treatment booked in October, Body Belle will donate 20% of the cost of your treatment to Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research

Call me now to book your appointment - 07921 816360
Thank you for supporting this great cause.

www.bodybelle.co.uk

FREE Treatment!

2009-09-09T12:22:00.001-07:00

I am offering a FREE 20 minute taster session on any of my treatments at the Beautylicious Salon, Thistle Hotel, Inverness until Monday 5th October. So come along, relax, enjoy and try out a treatment - call me today - 07921 816360 - to book your appointment. See you soon!

Bodybelle

Thought for the Week

2009-09-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Dream, Believe, Achieve!

Taken from Fiona Harrold Life Coach

Anything in this life (and the next) is possible...

Beautylicious Inverness opens New Salon!

2009-08-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Beautylicious in Inverness is opening a second salon in Otium Leisure within the Thistle Hotel, Inverness. Congratulations to Joanna and her team and good luck with the opening on Tuesday 25th August - pop along to see the new salon for yourself on Tuesday and to make a booking!

BodyBelle is pleased to be working with Beautylicious and will be available for BodyBelle services in the new salon with effect from Monday 7th September. All my usual services will be available:

Swedish Massage
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Indian Head Massage
Hot Stone Therapy (available from Oct '09)

At the moment, I am available for appointments in the salon on a Monday only. Evening appointments are still available at my home treatment room.

Book your appointment today and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Balance Mind Body & Spirit Fair

2009-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

The biggest fair to hit the Highlands.
Nairn Community Centre
Friday 4th, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September

Friday 4th
International Psychic Medium William O'Connor
(as seen on STV's Unsolved and Channel 4's Cutting Edge)
Tickets £8, available from Balance Sports Clinic, Nairn (01667 451050)

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th
A wide range of therapists and more including talks throughout the day.

BodyBelle will be there on Saturday 5th September.

Other therapies include: crystal therapy, reiki, readers, nutritionists, beauty, acupuncture, personal trainers and much more.

Saturday - starts at 9am (Entrance £5)
Sunday - starts 1pm (Entrance £4)

Cosmic Ordering

2008-12-03T01:14:00.000-08:00

Have you tried this yet? Have you read about the phenomenon of cosmic ordering? Do you believe in it? Well, don't knock it until you try... it's all about the Law of Attraction and believing in the Universe - ask the Universe for anything you wish for and believe in it. Then it will be delivered...

Okay, it's not as simple as that, but the principle is just that. You have to believe in what you are asking for, understand that the Universe provides and that there is plenty for everyone. I would recommend reading up on it or watching a DVD (The Secret is a good start) to understand the concept and how to make it work for you. Yes, it works for many people, but at the same time, many people are disappointed by negative results. This is because you have to ask the Cosmos in a particular way, always showing and believing in positive thoughts and results - never using negativity. Believe in your desires, in your highest good and have faith - manifest your dreams today. Try it and see - what have you got to lose?

I'm a newbie and just a beginner but I'm following the 'rules' and I've made my Cosmic Order. I will let you know when I get results...! I have to admit to having one result yesterday, for a simple order involving my car - it worked. Coincidence or the Universe working for my highest good..? You decide.

I can also recommend reading Stephen Richard's book entitled 'Cosmic Ordering Guide' as a good start. There are many websites and books out there so check it out. Noel Edmonds is a huge believer in the Cosmos - look how his life has been turned around... write your cosmic order today and believe in it. And wait for the results! Good Luck - or Happy Ordering!

P.S. Psychic Knight is a great site for beginners and will tell you everything you need to know.

Thought for the Day... If convention isn't for you, then follow your own rules - make your own happiness.

Live, Love, Laugh

2008-12-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

My mantra for life. Laugh Often, Love Much and Live Well - you will feel better for it. Welcome to my blog for BodyBelle which will cover anything to do with alternative and complementary therapies and spirituality. I hope you will enjoy my blog and keep checking back on a regular basis. For a great site and to meet like minded individuals, check out Michele Knight's sites at Psychic Knight and Astrology Knight - Facebook for the Soul! Enjoy!

BodyBelle