Hi there, it’s been a while- and here I am and here you are.

We all have things that shape us, things that turn us into the people that we are and encourage us to live our lives a certain way. We have belief systems that hold strong and deep even if they don’t serve us. We have physical and emotional traumas from our whole lives that we carry with us all along the way. So what do we do with all of this?

We manage- we seek constantly. We seek comfort, we snuggle what we know. We clutch tight to others because maybe they will make it all change for us, they will fix our brokenness. Some of us find God, we find ourselves. We deeply connect to ourselves, and in turn we deeply connect to others.

This is my story of my soul cleanse, my MFR testimonial. I started my MFR journey not knowing how much my life would change, not knowing how distant I was from becoming a better version of myself.

I had done therapeutic massage for a few years and my practice was really picking up which was awesome. The part that wasn’t’ so awesome was I was completely exhausted and felt like a machine and all of my clients only felt well for a couple of days. It was time for a change.

I signed up for my first set of Myofascial Release seminars and they set a “caged bird free”. I literally felt freer after just one class. I had odd phobias of things that just disappeared. And that my friends is when I knew that I needed to know more, I needed to learn more. This technique had affected my fears and behavior, not to mention I felt amazing. What!?!

No, I did not have chronic pain or suffer from something specific (that I knew of). From treatment and many seminars this is what else happened for me:

• I no longer had kidney stones
• I no longer had panic attacks- or we will say severe perfectionism
• I care less what others think of me- this can be hard sometimes but we must do this
• I forgave myself for my past mistakes and shortcomings
• I forgave my parents and others that I felt hurt from, which has improved relationships
• I live more present, this is challenging kids- we all have a lot to do here.
• I love myself and feel a deeper love for my family and friends
• I connected to God, where before I wanted too but struggled
• I use my voice and follow what I believe in
• I hold myself accountable and own when I need to work on something
• I feel my immune system is stronger with my fascial system opened up
• I feel my body is stronger and so is my awareness
• I let go of my past and live from present place
• I rarely get headaches
• I trust myself
• I am sure I can come up with many more but you get the point…

I truly can not imagine who I would be without MFR and the opportunity to grow and live an active, healthy life.

MFR literally helps to heal everything- it creates space through the body so that every cell can function the way it is intended to.

Cheers to that!

~Brooke

A monk found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the monk decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But is had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The monk continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

NEITHER HAPPENED!

In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. Although the monk took very good care of the butterfly for all of its days, it was never able to fly.

The monk in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that is would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight could only come after a struggle.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in life. If we were allowed to go through our whole life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been. Not every struggle has a positive outcome, but many are better for us that we realize. Often, it is in the struggle and the striving that we become truly alive and are able to recognize and appreciate the beauty of this world and all the wonder around us.

~Author unknown

It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been in my own cocoon… changing, resisting, resisting, resisting, then finally giving in. (Deep breath) It has been a liberating year for me to say the least, a struggle mostly within myself. 

I am here now though. I am ready to embrace what is true for me in order to guide others to what is true for them. It has not been an easy process, I have struggled and been in some dark places with myself. But I needed to be there, just like the butterfly. Now I am on the other side and I am able to help people in a more authentic way. 

Here’s to the endless journey!

Praising that everyone finds their way in their time,

~Brooke

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I thought this oil information would come in handy at any time really, but more so with summer here. Bug bites, rashes and boo-boos are never fun, especially in the summer heat.

I use these Young Living Oils daily and can’t imagine not having them. Essential Oils are the ultimate way to be green in every aspect of life.

Essential Oils suggested by Dr. Danial Penoel to have in case of an Emergency:

Melaleuca- (Alternifolia) Colds, coughs, buts, sore throat, sunburn, wounds.

Ravensara– Powerful anti-viral, antiseptic. Good for respiratory problems, viral infections, wounds.

Peppermint– Analegesic (topical pain reliever) for bumps and brusies. Fever, headache, indigestion, motion sickness, nausea, nerve problems, spastic colon, vomiting.

Basil– Earache, fainting, headaches, spasms, poisonous insect or snake bites, malaria.

Lavender– Burns (mix with melaleuca), leg cramps, herpes, heart irregularities, hives, insect bites and bee stings, sprains, sunstroke, cystic acne, and poison ivy. If in doubt, use lavender!!

Geranium– Bleeding (increases to eliminate toxins, then stops), diarrhea, liver, regenerates tissue and nerves, shingles.

Helichrysum– Brusies, bleeding (stops on contact), hearing, pain, reduces scarring, regenerates tissue.

Dr. Penoel alson recommends including Melaleuca ericifolia because it is more suited for children then melaleuca alterifolia, also elemi because it has similar properties to frankincense and myrrh but is less expensive.

This information was taken directly from Reference Guide for Essential Oils Compiled by: Connie and Alan Higley Eleventh Edition

With passion,

Brooke

Hello Everyone!

As some of you may know, I have recently completed classes with John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach. The Myofascial Release classes have brought new light into my hands and my heart. I never realized what energetic and emotional beings we all are or rather how we all pretend not to be. With this technique you have the potential to not only move better without pain but also live better with a “free” attitude.

I am beginning to receive Myofascial Release treatment sessions to better ground and center myself. The more centered I am as a therapist and as a person the more I can help others and that is my ultimate goal.

It is important to know that not everything needs to be figured out or explained. Myofascial Release allows you to “let go” and trust. Trust your body and what it feels and what it needs to go through in order to heal.

As humans, we are linear and logical; in certain instances that is necessary to survive. But not always, sometimes we need to embrace not understanding. We won’t always get an answer and not everything will be able to be explained.

“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

~ Anaïs Nin

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual.

Hands-On Treatment

Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.

Fascia

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider’s web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

How is Mfr different than massage?

Myofascial release treatment helps your body heal itself and provides the lasting changes so many of us have been searching for. Because each session is built around the specific needs of the client, the body gets what it has been asking for and that gives an opportunity for true healing.

For more information & for great articles, visit: www.myofascialrelease.com

“You have to feel to heal”…some may experience what is called a “healing crisis” where you feel worse before you feel better. This is all part of your body correcting itself. Listen to your body and feel, go through it. Treating the core problem is more than treating symptoms and covering up the pain and discomfort.

I hope for JFB Myofascial Release to change your life as it has already changed mine. I’ll be seeing you.

Brooke

With summer just around the corner we are all getting bathing suit ready. What do you think of when you think of summer, what do you smell? What do you completely look forward to?

Me, I think of fresh cut grass, flowers, and of course I smell coconut. I look forward to the tropical fruits to eat and smell of. I feel sand between my toes and a soft breeze against my face. Organic skincare in Naperville IL will temporarily take you beachside!

I think everyone can relate to the “smelling coconut”. The scent of coconut takes us away from Naperville IL to a beach vacation, an exotic adventure. This exotic nut, also known as “The Tree of Life” is so much more than the scent of your tanning oil. (Please don’t tan, it is very bad for you!:)

According to The Coconut Research Center, the coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has nourished populations around the world. Coconut is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The coconut palm has been dubbed “The Tree of Life” because according to Asian and Pacific populations, it cures all illness.

To name just a few of the coconut’s amazing healing capabilities:

•  Kills viruses
• Kills bacteria
• Provides energy
• Supports and aids immune function (if you are sick, eat coconut meal to help boost your immune system)
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate (awesome!)
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.

Clearly, there is no better way to nourish, protect, and beautify the skin not to mention smell amazing than by using the healing qualities of the coconut. Eminence Organic Skincare products use only the highest quality of oil, milk, and pulp from the coconut to deliver the most healing results.

For many other interesting facts on the coconut visit:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Breathe & Be Well,

Brooke

Who doesn’t want amazing flawless skin? With proper home care routines using an amazing skincare line and routine professional organic peels in Naperville IL, anyone will have amazing skin!

Exfoliating is necessary to achieve a smooth youthful complextion. As cells build up on the surface of your skin, they make it difficult for your products to perform. Masques, serums, and moisturizers penetrate and “create the difference you want” when the top dead cells are removed. I call this “feeding your skin the nutrients”, but if there is a barrier obstructing your skin nutrients won’e be absorbed as well. Not to mention give a glowy flawless face which is one result of exfoliating regularly. (My favorite part!)

Organic peels made from fruit acids and enzymes make for a healthy form of exfoliating. If you have never had a peel before, Eminence Organic Skincare peels are a great place to start. These peels are safe, natural and extremely effective.

What ingredients are in these products to exfoliate?

Eminence organic skincare uses:

• pineapple enzymes
• mango enzymes
• yam and pumpkin enzymes
• papaya enzymes
• glycolic acid
• salicylic acid
• lactic acid
• poppy seed and fine walnut (gently exfoliates)
• paprika (stimulating, and oxygenates  the skin)
• cinnamon (antiseptic, and stimulating)

Everyone’s skin care needs are different and change with hormones, weather, and lifestyle. There are a variety of different exfoliants used for facial treatments. With Spring in full bloom in Naperville IL, it is a great time to start your peel regimen.

Why everyone should receive routine organic peels:

• Improve the health of your skin
• Smooth and even your complexion
• Help your skin retain moisture
• Improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
• Give your skin a glow with healthy stimulation
• Feed your skin antioxidants to prevent further damage
• Improve pigmentation (dark spots)
• Clear your skin of acne & congestion

Breathe & Be Well,

Brooke

Most everyone has heard of waxing for hair removal, but have you heard of sugaring? The earliest reference of sugaring hair removal dates back to ancient times in Egypt and Greece. Kings requested woman be hairless as thought to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.  Well, the craze is back, many Woman; this day in age want to be smooth and hairless like those of the Egyptian days.

There are many other hair removal methods to this day those of which include shaving, tweezing, depilatory creams, abrasives, threading and waxing. All of these methods are different and some may be effective for one person and not for another. And let’s face it, you are removing hair from an attached follicle, it is most often never painless.

Sugaring hair removal in Naperville, IL has many great objectives. Sugaring paste is natural and made from sugar, citric acid and water. This may sound silly, but you can actually ingest the sugar it is safe, not that it tastes better than a lollipop… Sugaring paste is not hot and will never burn as it is used to remove hair. To remove sugaring paste for hair removal, all you need is water. One of the many bests about sugaring is that it cannot adhere to live skin cells. Which means, it is exfoliating your skin as it removes hair, and it will never tear your skin. How great is that!?

Sugaring hair removal in Naperville, IL is completely sanitary, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). The amount of sugar used for the area is taken from the jar with the practitioner’s gloved hand and never brought near or back. Sugaring hair removal can extract short hairs and could lead to permanency.

So how often do you sugar? Every 4-6 weeks is typical and will get you the best results. Keep in mind the goal is to get all the hairs on the same growth cycle so if you are not consistent, you won’t get the same results. It is definitely something to plan on doing as a routine.

If you have tried bikini and brazilian waxing and smooth is your goal, you have to try sugaring. You’ll never wax or shave again!

Breathe & Be Well,

Brooke

Essential Oils are liquids distilled from all parts of plants, the roots, seeds, flowers, bark, fruit, etc. So what sets Young Living Essential Oils in Naperville IL apart from other brands?

Young Living Essential Oils are the most pure and therapeutic grade. The constituents of an essential oil are what make the quality so much greater. It makes a profound difference what parts of the plant are used, the soil condition, fertilizer, (chemical or organic) the geographical region, climate, altitude, harvest season and methods, and the distillation process to create an essential oil.

Just like anything, you get what you pay for, quality over quantity. As Connie and Alan Higley stated in (my second Bible) Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Eleventh Edition, “ As we begin to understand the power of essential oils in the realm of personal, holistic health care, we comprehend the absolute necessity for obtaining the purest therapeutic-grade essential oils possible. No matter how costly pure therapeutic-grade essential oils may be, there can be no substitutes. Chemists can replicate some of the known individual constituents, but they have yet to successfully recreate complete essential oils in a laboratory.”

These oils have changed my life and they could change yours too. Essential oils are not just something to add to your massage to give your senses satisfaction; they have proven healing capabilities.

Let’s take lavender for example. Everyone has heard of lavender and it is most known for its “soothing & calming” qualities. But it is so much more! To name just a few lavender is an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, an anti-depressant, and anti-fungal. You see, you can use lavender for burns, cuts, to lower blood pressure, calm your crazy dog, acne, to minimize scarring, the list goes on… Lavender is universal.

How amazing that essential oils from plants in Naperville IL , can heal us!

The oils are part of my everyday life now, I use them for everything and I believe in them, I think that play’s a part as well, trusting the power of the oils.

Breathe & Be Well,

Brooke

Everyday your skin is your shield to the world, your protection and your armor. The human body and the skin covering it, is incredible. Our tissues are completely adaptive to everything we internally and externally come in contact with. It is important to care for your skin just like you care for your internal body with healthy eating habits and exercise.

Your skin helps and protects you in many ways. It helps to regulate temperature, keeps out harmful bacteria, helps our bodies to synthesize vitamin-d and it even has immune system assisting qualities to fight infection. (Shier, Butler, Ricki Lewis. Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., 2007)

You are never too young to start a good skincare routine. Most teens need a skincare routine to fight the effects of their hormones changing. As the twenties approach, this is a great time to start and maintain a preventative skincare routine. You will be glad that you started young, trust me. Once in your thirties and forties, the goal shifts to anti-aging to keep and maintain firm, smooth and radiant skin. Or your goal may be to reverse your baby oil, sunbathing days.

A healthy skincare routine includes daily use of a cleanser, toner, serum (the change you want to occur), and a moisturizer, and in the morning the use of SPF. This routine should be done in the morning and the evening. To treat specific concerns a mask should be incorporated 1-2 times a week.

Professional exfoliations are suggested every 4-6 weeks for treating acne, aging, fine lines & wrinkles, pigmentation, hydration and moisture retention. Organic peels in Naperille, IL come in different forms, such as enzymes and acids. Some penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and some are lighter and less aggressive.

It is important to know that home care is very important in maintaining your skin. Not all skincare lines are created equally. Most of the brands that you will find at department stores or pharmacies are great at advertising. But what amount of active ingredients is in those products? Are you getting your money’s worth, are you seeing a change?

Eminence Organic Skincare is an amazing buffet of active fruits, herbs, and pulps that will impact your skin. Fresh food taste better and is better for your body. Live organic products in Naperville, IL are the fresh food for your skin.

It’s time to start feeding your skin healthy food in Naperville, IL. When your skin looks good, you feel good!