Arcadia Therapeutic Massage

05/11/2025

Now that I am one week on this side of my hip surgery, I am feeling the impact of just how serious this procedure was as far as its effects on my body. Last week, I said I hoped to be up and operating within 4 to 6 weeks. That was wishful thinking on my part. I love what I do. The idea of not being able to treat people is deeply distressing to me. But after a Google search (I am sure you can guess the question by the result given) I fear I will need to follow the surgeon's directions and take the full three months to allow my body to heal properly.

02/11/2025

Always know the quality of your oil before even considering oral consumption.

A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial compared the benefits of ingesting lavender EO (softgel providing 80 mg/day; about two drops) against sertraline (Zoloft; 50 mg/day; an antidepressant medication) for mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder. A placebo group was also included. Both the lavender EO and sertraline produced significantly greater reductions in depression severity according to the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) when compared with placebo. Response rates were 53–54% for the lavender EO and sertraline versus 41.5% for placebo, and remission rates were 44–45% versus 32.6%. The lavender EO also significantly improved functional impairment on the Sheehan Disability Scale. Both treatments were well tolerated; with only EO burp back being the most common undesirable effect of the lavender EO. These findings demonstrate that ingested lavender EO is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for mild-to-moderate depression, comparable to sertraline.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12500811/

01/11/2025

30/10/2025

I did a thing today. Regretfully it means I am out of commission until it heals enough for me to stand independently again.

26/10/2025

Do you know how toxic fragrance actually is? I love that essential oil allow for natural alternatives like this.

23/10/2025

I have the privilege and honour of having my mum staying with me through January. While she is here, I will be getting her on my table on a regular basis. At 89, she is my second oldest "client" and will benefit greatly from regular treatments. I love that the Raindrop Technique is a gentle yet effective treatment that can safely be performed with amazing results. I am able to modify the experience to meet an individual's needs. My mum finds it uncomfortable to lay on her back. Modification: Have her sit on the couch while working on her feet. If someone is unable to lay flat on their stomach, I am able to accommodate that as well. Do you know someone who could use some TLC? Point them in my direction.

If you would like to make an appointment, contact me directly on 021 023 15780. To learn more about my services, visit arcadiatherapeuticmassage.com.

19/10/2025

Rose oil costs a small fortune, but the rest of the oils on this list are quite reasonable.

Did you know that research suggests that deterioration of olfaction (sense of smell) precedes a decline in cognitive abilities? Indeed, olfactory loss is associated with significant losses of brain matter (gray and white) in humans. Loss of olfaction can even predict the progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease.

Knowing the correlation between olfaction and cognition, researchers set out to investigate whether olfactory enrichment (exposure to fragrances) can improve memory in older adults (aged 60-85). Participants in the study were provided a diffuser and seven essential oils (rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender). They diffused each oil in a rotation--changing the oil they diffused daily--for two hours as they slept. This process was continued for six months.

The researchers found that aromatic molecules have privileged access to areas of the brain and pathways relevant to olfaction and memory, which may help normalize brain circuitry linked to memory. Remarkably, nightly diffusion improved cognition, memory, and neural functioning by 226%!
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1200448/full

17/10/2025

“Arcadia — a haven of peace where body and nature find balance.”

I have been asked in the past why I chose the name Arcadia for my business. Arcadia was a real place — a mountainous region in ancient Greece. It became famous in literature and mythology as a symbol of natural beauty and peaceful, simple living.

My goal was to recreate a peaceful sanctuary where stress fades and healing and relaxation begin. I truly believe I have achieved that in this tranquil environment.

If you would like to make an appointment contact me directly on 021 023 15780. To learn more visit arcadiatherapeuticmassage.com.