The liver is a humble and hard working organ that filters much of the toxins of everyday life. Spring is the season that Chinese medicine attributes to this organ, in which it is thought that the liver works extra hard to support the processes of clearing out the excesses of Winter. The associated emotion of the liver is anger and frustration, and its positive expression is creativity. When the liver is functioning optimally, one will feel free and easy, open to new ideas, and experience the spark of creativity. When the liver is congested, one may experience emotional outbursts, feel irritated and edgy, and sigh frequently. Continue reading Liver Health
Author: Holly Dunbar
New Moon was founded in 1996 by Holly Dunbar, a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and Registered Herbalist (RH) with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG). Her eclectic approach to bodywork may combine deep tissue, myofascial release, aromatherapy, acupressure, and hot stone massage to achieve desired results for clients.
A graduate of Baltimore School of Massage, Holly has also completed in depth studies in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and adjunct studies in acupressure and Asian bodywork techniques for a treatment of chronic conditions. She is a professional member of the American Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), licensed by the Chiropractic Board to practice in MD, and nationally certified through NCTMB.
In addition to massage, Holly is also a professional herbalist who works with clients on a variety of conditions. She completed studies in in Chinese and Western herbalism at the East West Herb School in Santa Cruz, CA and completed a 300 hour mentorship with herbalist Michael Tierra, L.Ac., OMD. She has also completed aromatherapy certification with Light and Bryan Miller, and sub. studies in Western herbalism at Dreamtime School in Washington, VA., as well as many other trainings throughout the country. Holly also has taught classes at Civista Women’s Health Center and throughout the community.
Holly combines the best of her knowledge in both fields in her one of a kind aromatherapy product line, which she continues to refine and grow. A life-long gardener, Holly treasures her time in the garden, and considers plants the ultimate teachers in her studies in herbalism. She also enjoys playing the flute.
Essential Oils to Ease Pain
Essential oils extracted from plants have been utilized since antiquity for beauty, skin care, medicine, first aid, and to ease pain. Many consumers have utilized essential oils unwittingly in balms and liniments intended to relieve pain and soreness. Most pre-packaged balms intended for a mass market have a relatively low essential oil content, however, and therefore may only be marginally effective at relieving pain. This article will explore the use of three essential oils known for their pain relieving properties, and how one may utilize them in home care to best suit one’s individual needs. Continue reading Essential Oils to Ease Pain
Natural Preparations for the Flu Season
As the flu season approaches, especially this year with predictions that it may be wide-spread, it is wise to do everything in one’s power to prevent getting sick. Besides the common sense good hygienic practices, enlisting the help of essential oils, herbs, and stress reduction will greatly reduce the odds of getting sick. Part 1 of this article will focus on the anti-viral properties of essential plant oils, followed by next months feature on stress reduction and adaptogenic and anti-viral herbs. Continue reading Natural Preparations for the Flu Season
Aromatherapy: Essential Oil Use in Clinical Practice
The word aromatherapy conjures for many a mere sensual experience, at best the ability of pleasant smelling things to make us feel better. The practice of aromatherapy does suffer from a bit of misnomer, and it’s misinterpretation, particularly in this country furthers the notion that this profound healing art is just about smelling flowery aromas. In truth, our sense of smell is only one application of using essential oils, which are also applied to the skin and with proper guidance, even ingested. Continue reading Aromatherapy: Essential Oil Use in Clinical Practice
Skin Care with Natural Products
Women and men throughout the ages have instinctively turned to plants to nurture, soothe, and heal their skin. Skin care products are increasingly apt to be based upon, or include, herbs, fruits, and essential plant oils. Many of these products also come with a steep price tag. But natural beauty and skin care does not necessarily have to be expensive. The raw ingredients of these products may be growing nearby, or stocked in your kitchen. Continue reading Skin Care with Natural Products
The Surprising Benefits of Seated Massage
You may have seen them in airports, at the mall, a health fair perhaps. A person kneeling on an ergonomically correct chair of sorts, their face partially concealed by a face rest, and a therapist behind them in a lunge position kneading, digging in their thumbs, or lightly pounding on the client’s back. It may have looked a little strange, or even painful at times as you see the therapist use their elbow to get at a particularly troublesome spot. Chances are, the client in that strange looking chair is smiling and relaxed, and reaping some long lasting benefits from a brief massage session. Continue reading The Surprising Benefits of Seated Massage
Massage & Aromatherapy to Help Reach Your Goals
Do you have a New Year’s resolution? It’s a common question as we put the holidays behind us and focus on our hopes, goals, and aspirations for the year ahead. Not only is it a tradition of sorts, but New Year’s resolutions seem a natural response to the holiday’s indulgences, and what better time to start fresh than in the season of Winter, which symbolizes renewal. Continue reading Massage & Aromatherapy to Help Reach Your Goals