As you may know essential oils are an integral part of what we offer here at Northern Arizona Massage and Wellness. Every massage session includes your choice of an expertly crafted, locally sourced essential oil blend. 

Aromatherapy describes the use of essential oils to heal, enhance health, and even beautify! While many of us know the joy of essential oils through massage, inhalation plays a crucial role too. Though "aromatherapy" is a modern term from the 1920s, the practice has roots stretching back over 5,000 years, with records of essential oil use in ancient China, India, Persia, and Egypt. The Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, mention hundreds of these aromatic treasures, showcasing their importance in Ayurvedic medicine.

Essential oils can be derived from nearly any part of a plant—think seeds, flowers, leaves, and even bark! These highly aromatic, concentrated substances are lighter than water, lipid-soluble, and easily absorbed through the skin or lungs, making them a fast-acting ally for wellness. Once applied or inhaled, your body takes about 30-90 minutes to fully absorb these oils, especially with good circulation.

Our aromatherapy recipes come from Michelle Boyer, PA. As a physician’s assistant Michelle’s specialty is pain management but back even before the alarm bells were sounded about opioids Michelle already had her concerns and she started to look at other options to offer her patients relief. And that is where aromatherapy came in. 

For our blends she chose powerful and unique oils to create truly effective blends. Our oils come from Still Point Aromatics, a local business in Sedona which sources essential oils from all over the world and tests every batch for purity and potency.
We blend these oils in-house, following Michelle's carefully crafted recipes to enhance your massage experience and boost your health.

Want to enjoy them at home? We sell the pure essential oils so they must be diluted for use. Choose from unscented bath/body oil, lotion and epsom salts as well as a unique wearable diffuser. We also have detailed instruction cards for each blend for you to take home. 

Our blends include 
Sinus/Immunity: This pleasant, non-menthol blend, eases the congestion of sinuses and helps support immune system for viral, bacterial, allergy issues. Includes powerful mucolytics. Ingredients: Cypress, Kapor Kacheri, Eucalyptus Dives, Grapefruit, Rosalina

​Cortisol Control: Woodsy and piney, this blend helps to balance hormones, primarily stress hormones and supports those with adrenal burnout. Ingredients: Hemlock Spruce, Scotch Pine, Clary Sage, Geranium, Sweet Basil, and Black Spruce. 

Restore Relief: Relieving pain, muscle soreness, bone pain, and arthritis, this soft, musky blend contains Plai, a relative of Ginger which has been shown to relieve pain for up to 20 hours after application. Also helps with inflammation. Ingredients: Plai, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Birch, Spike Lavender, German chamomile, Black Pepper, and Balsam Copaiba.

Headache Helper: This delightfully minty blend can reduce the pain of all different kinds of headaches, especially tension headaches.  Ingredients: Frankincense Carterii, Marjoram, Palo Santo, Peppermint, and Spike Lavender

Simply Soothing: Sweet and herby, this blend is a bit lighter for those who don't want a lot of aroma. A gentle, soothing blend, it is also safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ingredients: Lavender, Ginger, Juniper, Neroli, Rose/Geranium co-distill.

Unwind & Uplift: ​This blend zaps stress, calms and soothes the mind and body and promotes a positive mood. The sweet and citrusy aroma smells like sunshine in a bottle. Ingredients: Sweet Orange, Ho Wood, Nutmeg, Palmarosa, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, and Neroli. 

Dive into the world of aromatherapy with us and let nature's scents elevate your wellness experience!


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Halo Therapy & Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Allergy Relief
Seasonal and environmental allergies can make daily life uncomfortable. Symptoms like sinus congestion, sneezing, postnasal drip, and fatigue often result from inflammation and the body’s effort to clear allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold.
At Northern Arizona Massage and Wellness, we focus on natural therapies that support the body’s own systems. Two treatments that work particularly well together for allergy support are halo therapy (salt inhalation therapy) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). These therapies help support respiratory health and encourage the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Halo Therapy for Sinus and Respiratory SupportHalo therapy, also called salt therapy, involves breathing microscopic particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt. At Northern Arizona Massage and Wellness that occurs in our infrared sauna using a specialized machine. This is an improvement over "Salt Rooms" because it is a controlled and measurable amount of Salt that is released into the air. With Salt rooms, you never know how much or how little salt you're breathing in. 
For people with allergies, halo therapy may help:

• Clear the airways by thinning mucus and loosening congestion
• Reduce airway inflammation caused by allergens
• Support sinus drainage, easing pressure and stuffiness
• Promote respiratory hygiene with salt’s natural antimicrobial properties

Many clients notice easier breathing and reduced sinus pressure after regular sessions, making halo therapy a popular natural option for seasonal allergy relief.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Allergy SymptomsManual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system. This system plays a key role in immune function and helps remove excess fluid, toxins, and inflammatory waste from the body.
For allergy sufferers, MLD may help:

• Reduce sinus and facial congestion
• Improve lymph flow and immune response
• Decrease puffiness around the face and eyes
• Promote relaxation and reduce inflammation

Because the lymphatic system does not have its own pump, gentle stimulation through MLD can help the body move fluid and waste more efficiently.
Why Combine Halo Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage?These two therapies support different but connected systems in the body.

• Halo therapy supports the respiratory system by helping clear allergens from the airways.
• Manual lymphatic drainage supports the immune and lymphatic systems by encouraging drainage and reducing inflammation.

When used together, they can help improve sinus drainage, reduce congestion, and support overall wellness during allergy season.
A Natural Approach to Allergy SupportHalo therapy and manual lymphatic drainage offer a gentle, holistic approach to managing allergy symptoms. While they are not a replacement for medical treatment, they can be valuable complementary therapies for people looking to breathe easier and support their immune system naturally.
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, sinus pressure, or chronic congestion, these therapies may help your body recover faster and feel more balanced throughout the year.

THE OPTIMAL SCHEDULE FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH
​While this may seem like a personal preference question, there is an optimal timeframe for rebooking your massage appointments, and it’s based on how the body responds to stress and pain. From a clinical perspective, massage therapists consistently observe a clear difference between clients who use massage reactively for pain/stress and those who incorporate it proactively as part of regular care. 

Massage therapy offers far-reaching benefits, from pain relief and improved mobility to stress reduction and mental clarity. When massage is received consistently, those benefits compound over time, helping prevent small issues from becoming major health problems.

WHY MASSAGE FREQUENCY MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK
Muscle tension and stress are cumulative. They don’t simply disappear on their own — they build gradually through daily activities, work demands, poor posture, emotional stress, and lack of recovery.
When tension and stress go unaddressed, they can contribute to:

• Chronic pain and reduced mobility
• Headaches and sleep disturbances
• Anxiety, burnout, and mental fatigue
• More serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease or stress-related illness

When you don’t address stress and pain now, you’re borrowing against your future health.

👉 If you’re already noticing recurring tension or pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule a massage before discomfort becomes a chronic issue.

The Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy
1. Pain Relief and Muscle Health
Research shows that regular massage can reduce muscle stiffness, improve circulation, and help manage chronic pain conditions such as low back pain and neck tension. Repeated sessions tend to be more effective than occasional treatments because they prevent tension from rebuilding.
2. Stress Reduction and Nervous System Support
Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s “rest and digest” mode — which helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes relaxation. Over time, this can improve mood, sleep quality, and emotional resilience.
3. Preventative Health Care
Just as routine dental cleanings prevent cavities, regular massage helps prevent musculoskeletal breakdown. Addressing tightness and stress early can reduce the likelihood of expensive medical interventions later.

👉 Think of massage as preventative care, not a luxury. Book recurring appointments to protect your body and mind long-term.

How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Recommended Guidelines
There is no single schedule that fits everyone, but the following guidelines reflect what research and clinical experience consistently show.

Massage for Stress Relief & General Wellness

• Every 3–4 weeks
  This frequency helps manage everyday stress, maintain muscle flexibility, and prevent tension from accumulating.

Best for: busy professionals, caregivers, and anyone experiencing daily stress, which let's face it, in this day and age is almost everyone.

Massage for Chronic Pain or Persistent Tension

• Weekly or bi-weekly, especially at the beginning. Consistent sessions help break long-standing tension patterns and allow the body to heal more effectively. Frequency can often be reduced as symptoms improve.

Best for: chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain; postural issues; headaches.

Massage for Active Lifestyles & Athletes

• Weekly or multiple times per week during intense training
  Massage can support muscle recovery, improve performance, and reduce injury risk.

Best for: athletes, fitness enthusiasts, physically demanding jobs.

Massage for Preventative Maintenance

• Every 4–8 weeks
  Once pain is under control, maintenance care helps sustain progress and prevent regression.

Best for: long-term health and mobility support.

👉 Not sure which schedule fits your needs? Talk with your massage therapist to create a personalized treatment plan.

Is Massage Worth the Cost? A Long-Term Perspective
Massage is often categorized as a luxury, but unmanaged pain and stress are far more expensive in the long run.
Consider the potential costs of ignoring your body’s warning signs:

• Medical appointments, imaging, medications, or surgery
• Lost workdays or reduced productivity
• Decreased quality of life and daily enjoyment

Regular massage is a proactive investment in your health that can help reduce these risks and keep you active, productive, and engaged in your life.

👉 Instead of waiting for pain to force action, invest in regular massage as part of your healthcare routine.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage Routine

• Communicate openly with your therapist about pain, stress, and goals
• Track how long relief lasts between sessions
• Support your body between visits with stretching, hydration, movement, and rest

👉 Massage works best when it’s part of a larger self-care strategy — not a once-in-a-while fix.

Final Thoughts: Consistency Is Key
Massage therapy isn’t just about feeling good in the moment — it’s about maintaining your physical and mental health over time. Regular massage helps prevent pain and stress from escalating into serious issues and supports a healthier, more balanced life.
The best massage schedule is one that:

• Addresses your current needs
• Prevents future problems
• Fits realistically into your lifestyle

👉 Your body does a lot for you every day. Make massage a regular part of caring for it. Book your next appointment today.

By Jennifer Reinhardt
It’s officially Spring!  Which means, it’s also officially Kapha season.  
 
Kapha dosha is one of the three mind-body types within Ayurvedic medicine.  Kapha is governed by earth and water and is cold, heavy, dull, smooth, oily, unctuous, and stable.  Lending to their earthy nature, kapha types are grounded and steady, yet prone to getting stuck in their ways.  Kapha governs the lungs, and when out of balance brings allergies, congestion, cough and a tendency towards stagnation.
 
As the earth beings to thaw and winter melts away, the qualities of kapha dosha become more pronounced.  The air is cool and damp, and moisture palpable.  A time of rebirth and renewal, the shift from Winter to Spring is dramatic – the days are warmer, the air feels lighter, and nature is in full bloom.
 
Ayurveda teaches us that we are not separate from nature – rather we are an intricate part of it.  Just as the sun warms the earth, so too does it warm our own bodies.  Anything that has been cold or stagnant within us becomes ripe for release.  This is why things like allergies, congestion and mucous run rampant in the Springtime.  It is our own internal winter melting away.   
 
To ease the transition into Spring, Ayurveda teaches us to favor dietary and lifestyle practices that balance Kapha dosha in the body.  This means calling on Kapha’s opposite qualities - warm, dry, light and rough.
 
Kapha time of day is 6-10am.  So, in the Springtime, it becomes more important to align with the circadian rhythm.  Get up with the sun and get moving.  Go for a brisk walk or engage in a vigorous yoga practice. Breathwork techniques like Skull Shining Breath or Alternate Nostril Breathing are preferred at this time of year, as they are especially heating, helping to move leftover cold and stagnation out of the system.  
 
Dietary practices for Spring include those that promote detoxification and lightness in the body.  It’s best to favor foods with astringent, bitter and pungent taste.  This includes bitter greens like dandelion and arugula, light grains like quinoa and amaranth, legumes, and astringent fruits like apples and dried cranberries. 
 
Likewise, it is equally important to minimize or avoid completely foods with sweet, sour and salty taste.  These foods increase Kapha dosha in the body, an action amplified in the Spring.  Processed foods, animal products, and dairy are some examples of foods that are better left alone at this time. 
 
By making intentional shifts in our daily living, and aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can experience profound transformation in health and well-being.  
If you found this information helpful and are interested in learning more about how Ayurveda can best support you and your specific mind-body type, Call (928) 853-1699 to schedule a free consultation call with our Health Coach, Jennifer Reinhardt. 

Do you or someone you know suffer with debilitating pain? Pain may prevent good sleep, ability to exercise or perform daily tasks and can make you feel, well just grumpy. Here at Northern Arizona Massage and Wellness we are always looking for ways to help our clients manage pain. 

• Massage - helps manage pain through manipulation of soft tissues that may be tight and bound up weather the cause of the pain or as a result of the pain.
• Deep tissue laser therapy - a quick easy approach to pain management involving the use of a class VI laser. Treatments are about 15 minutes long and target specific pain points. Stimulates healing in the cells.
• Infrared Sauna - Relieves pain via heat and infrared light. Heat stimulates circulation to promote healing and infra red light stimulates healing in the cells.
• Cold Plunge - Pain related to inflammation responds well to Cold Plunging.
• Float Pod - Nerve pain and muscular soreness both respond well to the 900 lbs of magnesium in our Float Pod
• Hypnotherapy - a great solution to help retrain the brain's perception of pain, since pain is the brain's interpretation of sensation in the body.

Please give us a call with any questions you may have about any of these treatments and how they can help you manage pain without drugs or surgery. We are happy to help you come up with a plan to move forward out of pain. 
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