Keeping the Credit Crunch out of the bedroom!

If your sex life is suffering as much as your bank account in these difficult economic climes, why not try my top tips for spicing things up and boosting your libido the natural way.

We all know that sex can be an effective stress reliever but unfortunately a drop in libido and feeling ‘tired all the time' is a known side effect of stress. With 'Credit Crunch Stress' looming over each and every one of us, a sensual massage could be just what the doctor ordered!

Choose from some of the essential oils listed below to make your own massage blends. Add 12 drops of essential oil to 3 tablespoons of a good quality carrier oil such as Potions & Possibilities Pure Almond Oil 200ml £5.49.

To beat that 'tired all the time' and lethargic feeling, try fatigue busting blends such as stimulating Fennel and Lime, mysterious and uplifting Black Pepper, Green Mandarin and Patchouli or Spearmint and Rosemary for maximum get up and go!

For a more sensual, relaxing blend use Ylang Ylang for its exotic fragrance and aphrodisiac powers, Frankincense to slow down and deepen the breathing, and Lime for energy and stamina (add 2 drops of each essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil).

If you'd like a ready to use massage blend why not try the Potions & Possibilities Fatigue Relief Blend or Relaxation Blend - 200ml RRP £9.99.

Massage tips

Slow hands
If the massage strokes resemble high speed car-cleaning strokes then far from promoting relaxation the recipient will feel skin irritation and heightened awareness of pain. Put on some slow music and ask the recipient to take long deep breaths in and out and match the speed of the massage to the speed of the breaths.

Full hand contact
Hands that are taken off the skin in between strokes again heighten the senses and awareness of pain (there is always an element of surprise as the hands once again make contact with the skin. It is commonly described as "setting nerves on edge"). Just slide the hands gently into position without ever losing contact - even if it means stroking across clothes or hair.

Warm hands
Cold hands cause muscles to contract and increases pain whilst warm hands relax.

Massage not tickle
Stay firm as tickling instead of massaging can have a hugely irritating effect. Encourage feedback so that one exerts the correct degree of pressure. Most masseurs are surprised to find that the pressure needed is considerably more than one would expect. To prevent the masseur becoming tired use body weight where appropriate i.e. lean into the massage with a straight back. Standing to do a massage is often a lot easier because the body weight can be more easily controlled and used.

No baby oil
Synthetic oils such as baby oil allow too much slippage i.e. the hands slip over the skin, which is irritating. Use a good quality oil such as Potions & Possibilities Almond Oil. This sinks into the skin "carrying" the therapeutic essential oils into the body but also leaves a thin coat on the surface to prevent the hairs and any skin creases being "dragged". For instance as you massage upwards in long strokes over the muscles you should be able to see the muscle rolling ahead of you like a small wave which shows that your pressure is such that you are helping the muscles relax. If there is too much slippage or not enough pressure then this will not occur and you will probably find that your subject is tense and uncomfortable. If after ten minutes they are very still, lost in a trance like daze and breathing slowly and deeply then don't say a word - just carry on confident in the knowledge that you have "got the hands".

For more tailored advice on which oils to use email me or call on 01394 386161.

Have fun!

Julie

'Essential' Tips to Beat 'Credit Crunch Stress'

Falling house prices, increasing bills, shrinking credit and gloomy economic forecasts are not only threatening our financial security, but are also starting to damage the nation's health. Headaches, depression, nausea, sleeplessness and exhaustion are just a few of the symptoms of today's most topical health condition, ‘credit crunch stress'.

I've put together my Essential Credit Crunch Survival Plan, full of natural tips and affordable remedies to help you counteract the stresses and strains of these difficult economic climes.

Beat the blues

Feeling low, irritable, forgetful, and finding it harder to concentrate can all be symptoms of stress. Use our therapeutic essential oils, instead of expensive air fresheners and scented candles, to relax and re-energise your mind and body at minimal cost. Try Bergamot (natures prozac) for its uplifting qualities, Cedarwood for courage and to calm mental anxiety, Grapefruit to refresh and gently lift the spirits or Rose to relieve tension and combat feelings of sadness.

Use these essential oils in an oil burner or add a few drops to a duster to fragrance your home.

Don't panic!

Panic attacks may be a symptom of stress and anxiety. Try Clary Sage essential oil which can have a euphoric effect similar to alcohol. This was reputedly used in conjunction with Ylang Ylang to perfume the wartime rooms of American servicemen who wanted to encourage the girls they dated to relax and overcome their inhibitions. Frankincense can also help balance the emotions and help with nervous tension.

Alternatively try Potions & Possibilities Relax and Unwind Bath and Shower Gel with Palmarosa, Frankincense, Geranium and Ylang Ylang 200ml RRP £7.99 or Relaxation Relief pulse point balm with Neroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang 15g RRP £4.99.

Reboot energy levels

Citrus oils, in particular Lemon, Orange Sweet and Lime, contain high levels of Limonene which is a chemical proven to stimulate the mind and counteract fatigue. They offer a natural caffeine-free solution for boosting energy levels. Lime often achieves better results as we are now over accustomed to the scent of lemon, which is used synthetically in everything from cleaning products to foodstuffs.

If you're feeling mentally or physically "fragile" try the softer and quite exquisite Green Mandarin. Bathing daily with 3 drops of Green Mandarin, 1 drop of Lime and 2 drops of Frankincense (added to the bath or mixed with 50mls of fragrance free shower gel) will provide an effective solution for problem fatigue.

For ready to use versions try the Potions & Possibilities Anti-Fatigue Bath and Shower Gel with Ginger, Ginseng and Lemon 200ml RRP £7.99, Fatigue Relief pulse point balm with Lemongrass, Geranium and Grapefruit 15g RRP £4.99 or the Executive Stress Relief Luxury Bath Oil with Bergamot, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Green Mandarin and Clary Sage 150ml RRP £12.99.

...And to sleep

Stress and anxiety is the enemy of a good night's sleep. For a relaxing bath add 4 to 10 drops of essential oil. Try Rose, Neroli, or Chamomile and mix with milk first to help the oils disperse in the water. At bedtime use a gentle lavender room spray or if sleep is not an immediate priority use a few drops of Ylang Ylang (an exotically fragranced aphrodisiac) in an oil burner for a sensual end to the day.

Try Potions & Possibilities Lavender Room Spray RRP £6.50, ...and to Sleep Bath & Shower Gel 200ml RRP £7.99, Ultra Relaxing Luxury Bath Oil 150ml RRP £12.99 or ...and to Sleep pulse point balm 15g RRP £4.99.

If you have any specific questions or need further advice please email me and I'll be delighted to help.