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Ingrid Kutschbach on essential oils
-I want my book to make people understand that aromatherapy is a powerful tool. Today, we have become addicted to various substitutes that really only alleviate and put a lid on the actual concern, you do not get a holistic approach. Aromatherapy is not just a fun thing like "smelling a little good and so on" but there is a lot of science behind it. I also want to spread an understanding of how to use essential oils, something that I feel is lacking in today's society. So said the essential oil expert Ingrid Kutschbach in an interview with us at Curam. Ingrid runs the company Ingrid K and is currently working on her book "Aromatherapy from the beginning" which will be released this April. A book on aromatherapy, essential oils, hydrolates and a home pharmacy with five oils associated with recipes for their use. Ingrid otherwise works with creating different oil mixtures for specific purposes. And that's exactly what she did for Curam - created the Curam body and massage oil. Ingrid, what exactly is the difference between an essential oil and a regular one? - Well, it depends on what you mean by a regular oil. We can make the comparison with a fatty olive oil as the "regular" alternative. The big difference is that a fatty oil only lies on the surface of the skin, it adds some nutrition but does not reach the bloodstream as it has large molecules and consists of fatty acids unlike an essential oil which is extracted from distillation. Actually, it is a bit strange to call an essential oil just oil because it does not leave greasy stains and is extracted from distillation from the plant kingdom which involves an aqueous phase and an oil phase. These phases in turn have different densities, which makes it look like an oil in the production, I think it is because of this that it is called an oil. An example of an essential oil many have experienced in everyday life is when peeling an orange. When for example the liquid from peeling an orange splashes up into your eye and stings. It is the essential oil in the orange peel that creates the stinging sensation in your eye. Surely it is the case that essential oils are very much about fragrance as well? - Yes, essential oils affect the body in different ways, we say that you smell like orange. The olfactory signals go directly to the limbic system in the brain, it bypasses all other value barriers in contrast to how our other senses are designed. And it affects us, everyone will be affected by the smell of orange in the room. But in different ways depending on the different conditions. If you are new and curious about the oil jungle. Where do you start? - I would like people not to google so much, there’s so much incorrect information online. There are loads of incorrect recommendations which are purely destructive, if you take essential oils directly on the skin for example, you may run the risk of serious injury. Which products should you invest in? - If you are going to start with essential oils, you can start small. If you have lavender at home, it can help a lot. For example, for headaches, insect bites, cellulite and sleep problems. Then there is eucalyptus which is great for colds and rosemary which has several different properties and does not really need to be mixed. How to use essential oils? - You must always, always, always dilute an essential oil. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as lavender that you can apply directly on the skin. But most essential oils need to be diluted. And now we come back to fatty oils, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. You use a certain percentage of the essential oil and dilute with the vegetable ones. Here we are talking about carriers who are thinner; the carriers "carry" the essential oils to the body. It can be an unscented shampoo, an oil or cream. Tell us about the order for Curam oil, the path from idea to product. - The order was that the oil would be suitable for cupping use. Then there are certain things you think about linked to cupping. Muscle pain, inflammation and cellulite reduction are examples. Of course, the oil would also have to smell good and be organic. A fairly broad spectrum but with the main focus on reasons why you might want to cup. Then I create a few different samples that are sent away to be tested, then I get back requests for changes and then I and the customer come together to finalize the product. What is the content of Curam body and massage oil? - The carriers are rice germ oil and jojoba oil, the fat phase itself. Then Curam's oil consists of three essential oils which are lavender, cedar and eucalyptus of the variety citrodora which is a citrus-scented eucalyptus. What are its health benefits? - Both rice germ oil and jojoba oil have a natural sun protection factor in them, both carriers are also moisturizing and nourishing for the skin. Then all the ingredients have special properties, too many to disclose. The list of properties of the essential oils is so long that it is easier to talk about what the mixture itself does for the body. What does the mixture do for the body? - The mixture creates a chemical balance and the main properties of the oil are that it is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial and antifungal. This lands in the use that is for muscle aches, cramps, inflammation and cellulite. Anxiety, stress and poor lymph circulation are also things Curam oil tackles well and has been created for. Ingrid continues and shows me the mixture of Curam oil in tabular form. It is impressive to see the different components and what they do for the body. I never thought that there would be so much fact and foundation behind an oil. The company Ingrid K's main task is precisely to build and compose different oil mixtures for hotels, spas and the like. Ingrid feels incredibly knowledgeable and makes sure that her oils have a harmonious blend. She ends the interview by saying: -You can say that all the spas and hotels I have worked with and developed products for work in different ways for the body, even though they do not always know about it themselves, haha.
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Everything you need to know about the lymphatic system
What is the lymphatic system and lymph? Most of us have probably heard of the lymphatic system and that it is important for the body to get rid of impurities. But how many of us actually know what it is and actually does for the body? In this text you will find everything you want and need to know about the lymphatic system! The lymphatic system extends throughout the body and includes several different organs and systems, many of which are normally associated with something like discomfort. The tonsils, lymph nodes and kidneys are the three most well-known parts of the lymphatic system. The tonsils are for many associated with throat problems, infections and ailments. But it is one of the body's first defenses against oral infections. The tonsils are filled with lymphatic cells that contain white blood cells, this transparent liquid is an expert in capturing slag products and toxins and then getting rid of them. The lymph fluid pulses throughout the body and collects harmful substances and damaged cells and then transports them away. In connection with sorting out slag products, the lymph promotes t-cells and b-cells as well as the production of antibodies. The lymph is starting to sound pretty important, right? What you can do to maintain a healthy lymphatic system There are various ways to promote a healthy lymphatic system without much effort. Since the lymphatic system is connected to the body's blood circulation, it is important to maintain good circulation so that the lymph is exercised. Curam's tips on how to maintain a good lymph flow are: Maintain a healthy diet It may sound repetitive but a good diet is the first step to good health overall. Since the lymph is directly connected to the blood circulation and mainly consists of water, it is important not to let the body dry out. Drink plenty of water, preferably lemon water as it helps the body absorb both fluid and break down food. Make sure the food you eat contains plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as good fats. Deep breathing Deep and calm breathing, good for the lymph? The blood needs oxygen, the oxygen stimulates more than just the mind. By inhaling deeply with your chest for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 4 seconds and then exhaling for 8 quiet seconds, you increase the amount of oxygen in your blood. This is a good exercise to do if you feel nervous, want to calm your body to fall asleep easier or to promote blood circulation and lymph well-being. Remember to stop and breathe even when you have a stressful day! Lymphatic massage What could be better to directly affect the lymph than massage? Lymphatic massage is a type of massage that activates the connective tissue in depth and thus also activates the lymph. One of the easiest ways to do a deep massage is to cup yourself. Here you can read more about our cupping techniques for activating the lymph. The cups create a negative pressure by using a vacuum, conversely from traditional massage which creates a pressure inwards, cupping thus sucks in the opposite direction. Cupping works as a reverse massage. HEAT by Sophia Lie on Birger Jarlsgatan offers LPG massage, which is a form of deep massage that directly affects the lymphatic system. Why not indulge in it for your lymph and visit them for a treatment? Here you can read more about their treatments. Don't forget to supplement with cupping as self-treatment! ; ) Exercise and regular movement In addition to a good diet, regular exercise is the best way to keep the body going and promote long-term health. Exercise regularly and stretch properly, this way you maintain not only a good lymphatic system but also a young and healthy body. If you experience problems with stagnation in the legs, this may be due to the lymph not feeling well. To counteract this, light exercise for the legs such as running is recommended. If you have long-term problems, you can read our post about RLS here. Now we know what the lymphatic system does and what can be done to maintain a healthy lymphatic system. As with all good things, there is also a downside to the lymph, when the lymph for various reasons is unable to do its job of emptying the body of harmful slag products. We already know that if the tonsils, which are one of the primary lymphatic organs, stop working properly, they must be removed. The result is often that it is easier to get a sore throat because that defense no longer exists. Today, it is much more unusual to have problems with the tonsils than before thanks to modern medicine. Lymphedema and swellings A common and serious problem that occurs in connection with a malfunctioning lymphatic system is lymphedema. Lymphedema is caused by the lymph not being able to transport away excess fluid and slag products. When the slag products and the liquid are not disposed of properly, they instead get stuck, which causes liquid-filled swelling. The swelling can range from mild to extremely severe and can cause a lot of pain. Lymphedema is most commonly treated with various forms of compression tools such as compression stockings and the like. Through strong compression, the lymph is activated and given a free ride to start transporting slag products. As with any treatment for chronic conditions, it is important for a person with lymphedema to maintain treatment to avoid problems. For people who are overweight and / or sit or stand still most of the day, the risk of lymphedema is greater. If you have a job that requires a lot of standing still, it is recommended that you take regular breaks and activate your body. Lowered immune system As we already know, the lymph is an important component for the immune system to function optimally. If this does not work, the immune system also deteriorates, which in turn leads to an increased risk of infections and other ailments. Now you have a real dose of information about the lymph! Hope you were motivated to give one of the body's important purification systems a little extra love. It is important to keep the lymph going in order to maintain a good immune system and promote long-term health. If you experience health problems, we recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. At Vårdguiden 1177 you can read more.
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Try something new on Valentine's Day!
Valentine’s day is fast approaching and the recurring thought of what to do this special day is right now gnawing at many. Red roses and chocolate feels vapid and a luxurious restaurant visit, not right in time. But care beyond the ordinary to your loved one, so right! Here comes “Love bomb” a ritual to perform on someone you care about, perhaps a partner, a friend or modify the session and perform it on yourself. Let the session be an opportunity to give, be aware, connect with each other or yourself and give honor to the body. What you'll need: To perform the ritual you need the dynamic cup, the static cups and Curam Body & Massage oil or other similar oil. Start with the static cups: Ask your partner to sit in a comfortable position without a top on. Attach the Static cups under the collarbones and let them help him/her to deepen breath. Let the cups sit for 1-3 min. Meanwhile, massage your partner’s head and don’t forget to give attention to the temples. Remove the cups and gently massage the oil into the skin on the neck, shoulders and back. Attach Static cups on each side of the neck, on the upper part of the shoulders. Let the cups sit for 1-3 min. Then the dynamic cup: In the meantime, place the Dynamic cup on the lower part on the side of the spine. Slowly move the cup up and down along the back. You can also use zig-zag and circular movements. Hopefully by now, you will notice how your partner is starting to relax. Replace the Static cups further out on the shoulders, let the cups sit for 1-3 min, and do the other side of the back with the Dynamic cup. Place the Dynamic cup directly on the sacrum, attach the static cups on the outer side of each arm. Rub some more massage oil into your palms and gently massage your partner’s hands. Couples meditation with an eye-gazing exercise: Whether you let that be the end of your valentine's session or if you are keen for some more presence and deeper connection with your partner, we suggest you do an eye gazing exercise. Here’s one method you can use. Sit in a comfortable position and face your partner. Set a timer for your desired amount of time. Look into your partner’s eyes. Breathe deeply and allow yourself to blink. Keep your gaze soft and try not to look away. Break your gaze when the timer goes off. Hope you and your chosen one enjoyed the session and found charm in trying something; perhaps; completely new. Do not forget that every day is for love and care. Take care of yourself and your surroundings! With Love, Curam. <3
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5 benefits from cupping
Open up your breath By attaching Curam static cups below the collarbones and letting them sit there for a few minutes, can help you calm down and deepen your breath. A simple and effective way to slow down and land into your body if you feel stressed. You can also try attaching the cups to the lower part of the rib cage, either towards the sides, on the front or on the back. Use the cups as a focus point for your attention and your breath. Breathe into the cups and feel how you expand your breath and how you can more easily connect with your breath with the help of the cups. Relaxation If you're looking for a low effort relaxation technique, cupping is a great way to go. In addition to calming your breath, cupping has a relaxing effect on tense and sore muscles as well as a calming effect on the nervous system. Try attaching the static cups under the soles of the feet to ground yourself and for a nice relaxation before bedtime. Warm-up and Recovery after workout Cupping is an excellent way to prepare the body for movement and warm up muscles, joints and increase mobility. The cups attract fluids, stimulate blood & lymph circulation and help to loosen and separate the connective tissue. This increases the flow in the body and helps the body to more easily transport nutrients and oxygen, to get rid of more waste products such as lactic acid and helps the body's ability to better heal itself. When we soften the fascia (connective tissue) and increase circulation, we reduce stagnation, which can help you reduce tension and swelling, increase muscle relaxation and lead to increased flexibility and mobility. By cupping after a workout, you will help the body recover faster, soften tense and numb muscles and reduce exercise soreness. We recommend you to combine Curam's static cups with the dynamic cup for maximum effect and to be able to treat several places at the same time. Strengthen the immune system In order for the lymphatic system to function optimally and efficiently be able to take care of viruses, bacteria and waste products, we must move, drink plenty of water and eat a good diet. But even if we do this, it may still be too little to keep the lymph flow running optimally. Cupping, especially dynamic cupping when you let the cups slide over the skin, stimulates the lymph circulation and involves an effective cleansing of waste products. Which in turn can contribute to a stronger immune system. For lymphatic drainage, move the dynamic cup in the direction of the major lymph stations, for example knee folds, groin and armpit to help carry away waste products. Anti-Cellulite The main cause of cellulite is thickened connective tissue along with poor blood circulation. If the circulation in the connective tissue is poor, this can lead to waste products accumulating in the tissue and ultimately lead to so-called cellulite skin. Cupping is a deep massage for skin and connective tissue that stimulates blood & lymph circulation and can therefore be an effective treatment for improved skin structure and cleansing of the skin. The production of elastin and collagen is beneficially affected, which can contribute to smoother and firmer skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. This was our quick guide to 5 benefits from cupping. If you're interested in learning more about cupping and different ways to use your cups, check out our cupping programs. If you can't find a program that's suitable for you, don't hesitate to contact us for guidance.
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WED (Willis-Ekbom's disease) - Restless legs syndrome
WED (Willis-Ekbom's disease) - Restless legs syndrome Willis-Ekbom's disease, more commonly known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), mainly affects the legs in the form of tingling, feeling like it is crawling under the skin, feeling static, etc. The disease can also affect larger parts of the body but is according to studies less common. Restless legs syndrome or Willis-Ekbom's disease will be referred to as RLS or WED in the following text. RLS usually appears in the 30s to 40s and is primarily a problem in women but also affects men. RLS is usually congenital and in these cases appears around the age of 30. In cases where the disease is not hereditary but secondary, it usually appears later in life. Around 30% of pregnant women have problems with RLS at some point during pregnancy. The reason why pregnant women get affected is often due to a lack of, for example, iron or impaired blood circulation. People with RLS mainly experience discomfort during the night or longer periods of stagnation. The disease affects the fibers in the muscles, these worsen when the blood circulation deteriorates or decreases, something that happens naturally during, for example, sleep. Longer journeys are often difficult for people with RLS because they stay sedentary for longer periods. Symptoms of RLS Common problems in people with RLS are: Difficulty sleeping (due to pain) Waking up during sleep Pain Fatigue Deteriorated recovery Preventative measure for RLS To alleviate the problems, you can try different methods and hopefully find one that is right for you. Below are ways to alleviate the problems based on studies of people living with RLS. Regular exercise and stretching. Cold / Heat on the affected area Exercises that increase blood circulation Cupping Acupuncture Temperature treatment According to studies, most people say that cold showers of the affected areas before sleep, help to inhibit the onset of RLS. A few people in comparison say that a hot shower helps instead. Here, too, you have to choose which works best for you. The primary thing is to treat the affected area with a high or low temperature before sleep. Regular exercise Regular exercise and stretching of the whole body and especially the affected areas helps to keep the body and blood circulation going. RLS occurs mainly in connection with a lack of motion which results in stagnation, therefore it is important for affected people to include as much movement as possible in everyday life to promote the blood's circulation. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0943/4136/6093/files/Webp_net-resizeimage-4.png Cupping Cupping activates the connective tissue in-depth and promotes blood circulation. Many people find that cupping on the affected areas helps with the pain and is preventive against RLS. Read more here about how our cups work and the different cupping methods we recommend. For RLS in particular, we would recommend starting with dynamic cupping together with a beneficial oil and then letting the static cups remain for a while on the exposed area. Acupuncture Acupuncture is mainly used in Asia to relieve the symptoms of RLS. Studies have been conducted in the west on whether acupuncture is an effective way to relieve RLS. According to a study from 2015 in which 38 people participated, all individuals received treatment for 6 weeks. The problems caused by RLS decreased sharply as a result. Like all methods we suggest, acupuncture is also one that requires continuous practice. Sources and additional reading (in Swedish): 1177 Internetmedicin Healthline
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5 plants for cleaner air
5 Plants for Cleaner Air There are many ways to find peace at home, an easy to start, is to decorate with plants that are kind and take care of the space in your home. Whether it's about cleaning the air in your home, changing scents or just bringing more color and life, it can be solved easily without spending too much. Here are 5 tips on plants to decorate with to create a peaceful home, whether you have it small or large. Spider Plants Spider plants are an easy way to clean the air at home. The plant has also been designated by NASA's "clean air study" to be a highly effective plant in purifying toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. In addition to purifying air, it is an easy-care plant that does not require much more than a little sun and plenty of water, but do not worry, should you forget to water your lilies, they quickly bounce back once the get some water. If you're lucky, your spider plants may bloom once a year, they grow small silky white flowers. Place the flowers in the sun and they reflect the light incredibly beautifully! Lavender Lavender has been used as a healing herb for centuries and is still a relevant plant for its positive properties. In addition to the leaves adding a wonderful scent to your home, studies show a whole bunch of different good effects this bulging plant has. Essential oil made from lavender has been shown to help with sleep and to calm the mind, apply a few drops of essential oil of lavender on the pillow to get some extra help for restful sleep. Other studies also show that lavender fumes have helped relieve breathing problems. There are lots more positive properties lavender brings, why not give this pungent flower a place in your home? Consult a doctor before using preparations made on lavender. Monstera An increasingly popular plant that as a result has become easier to find. The monstera has large beautiful leaves that are magically good at purifying air. For those who are looking for a plant with good properties that will also be a nice plus in the home, the monstera is perfect. It is also very easy to take care of, the monstera thrives best when it is allowed to dry out between watering, it is enough to water it once every one to two weeks. During winter, the monstera withdraws and does not grow larger or grow new leaves, but do not worry, when the sun and heat return, the monstera will be happy and sprout new leaves again. Aloe Vera The plant on the list with perhaps the most healing properties is a common and very popular plant, aloe vera. In recent years, aloe vera has gained a large place in the market by being the basic ingredient in popular beverages. Juice and the meat from aloe vera leaves are then used as a supplement in beverages and are said to be good for balancing the pH value, moisturizing and preventing dehydration, giving a boost of nutrients such as various vitamins A, B, C, E and folic acid. Remember to look at the list of ingredients so that the drink is not full of lots of added sugars or other substances you do not want to get in you. This is not the only thing that aloe vera is said to be good for. The plant uses a lot of carbon dioxide so by placing the plant in the bedroom it can help you with your night's sleep. It is also good to have the plant at home in case you burn yourself, as it is the plant kingdom's own solution for burns and other damage to the skin. Break off one of the thick leaves of the aloe vera plant and leave the beneficial juice on the wound for better healing. The aloe vera is like the monster easy to take care of, it does not require much in addition to being allowed to stand dry and warm, so you should see that he cleans the air at home as well. English Ivy Ivy may not sound like the most obvious plant to take home, but it is one of the most effective. Just like the spider plant, the ivy is a pro at purifying air. Examples of toxic substances that ivy loves to clean are xylene, formaldehyde, benzene and toluene. In addition to the ivy being a kind plant that takes care of your home, it is also easy to care for and grateful. The ivy is not picky and does not need much more than water a little now and then and a little sun. It is therefore perfect to have in places that do not get as much sunlight.
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Fascia – the body´s communication system
The research on the Fascia Most of us have probably heard about the fascia, but just how important it is, probably fewer of us are aware of. The research on the Fascia is also quite new, which means that there's still a lot we don't know about this tissue. In 2017, research acknowledged the fascia as the body's largest organ instead of the skin, so there is reason to learn more about this! The fascia is, in short, a network of connective tissue without beginning and end, that surrounds all our parts of the body. Our muscles, organs, nerves, blood vessels and bones. The fascia consists of one part and is what holds the skeleton in place. So it is not the skeleton that holds up the body but rather that the skeleton that "swims in" the fascia. The fascia also functions as a communication network that connects the body's emotional system, with the brain's thought system. So, our muscles are completely surrounded and interwoven by different layers of fascia. This means that when we exercise and use our muscles, both the muscles and the fascia are affected at the same time. The fascia likes variation in movements as it adapts to different movement patterns and in case of one-sidedness, it tends to be both weaker and more prone to injury. In the same way as if we are very sedentary, the fascia adapts to that position and we can easily get a bad posture. Too much sitting still also means that the fascia easily sticks together, which in turn affects our ability to move and can lead to both pain and aches. If we perform one-sided training with similar positions, the fascia adjusts in the same way. Which is one reason why many people who perform one-sided exercise, such as running coaches, risk having a forward-leaning posture. Thus, it is of great importance for the health of the fascia to have a both mobile and varied lifestyle. In addition to varied movement patterns, cupping is a good way for you to take care of your fascia. As cupping is a means for deep connective tissue massage that stimulates blood circulation, and the flow in the connective tissue, which prevents the fascia from solidifying.
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4 ways of boosting your health
Cold bath This year, Instagram shows a clear trend on the several thousand-year-old Nordic bathing tradition. It is a wave of cold bath devotees on social media that testifies the wonderful rewarding feeling after an ice cold dip. Now research also shows that it has several health-promoting effects. Studies conducted in Finland, among other places, shows that cold baths lower blood pressure at rest, increase blood circulation, and lead to increased alertness. Studies have also shown that cold exposure have a positive effect on the immune system with an increase in white blood cells. And just like when we are exercising, the cold releases endorphins that reduce pain and simply make us feel better. Worth a try huh? Breath Despite the importance of breathing, and research showing that a conscious breath can have positive effects on everything from blood pressure, stress, fatigue, poor sleep, to overweight, it only gets a little attention when we talk about health. Many of us have so-called top breathing, which means that we only use 30% of our lungs' capacity. One breathing method that involves affecting the autonomic nervous system, which is of great importance for our immune system, is the Wim Hof method. This involves a special method where you mix active breaths with holding your breath. His method is also used together with cold baths, check it out: www.wimhofmethod.com Recovery It is when the body is allowed to rest that the immune system is built up. Sleep and rest are unfortunately an activity that today's lifestyle doesn't really welcome. It is possible that todays circumstances have meant a little more time to spare so that you can prioritize your recovery. It is also through recovery that your body can improve the effects of your exercise, which makes your time at the gym or running track worth so much more. One way to help your body recover faster is through cupping. Join Curam´s series of customized cupping programs here, where we offer guidance and inspiration depending on your needs. Essential oils Essential oils are pure concentrated oils that are extracted from the plant kingdom's flowers, leaves, fruits, woods and more. The essential oil is present in different amounts in different plants and the composition of the oils is very complex. It is the unique combination of these substances that gives each essential oil its special effect on the human body and psyche, which can be proven by modern day science. Different oils have different effects on you, if you want to boost your immune system, you can use "Ravintsara" which you can find on oshadhiaromaterapi.se. It is an oil that can help you achieve restful sleep, especially in times of stress-related restlessness. At the same time, the oil has an activating effect that can get you off to a good start in the morning. Ravintsara is known in the traditional medicine of Madagascar, and is used for a variety of needs such as breathing problems, flu, muscle aches, anxiety, wounds and for its antiviral effects.
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