![]() | anaflores: What the? Just saw a commercial for Sports Clips. Why don't I get a hot towel around my face or a back massage when I get MY hair cut? about 8 minutes ago |
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| helloAlina: @dyanuh like it was some spa water slide. ride or die! about 16 minutes ago |
![]() | pawcurious: Wow! OC peeps!: RT @VetLovingPetsHB: 1st HB, FV, CM or NB resident to donate $50 2 #blogathon I'll donate a free exam & spa day 4 their pet. about 19 minutes ago |
![]() | delprado: RT @VetLovingPetsHB
The first HB, FV, or NB resident to donate $50 or more 2 @pawcurious blogathon I'll donate a free exam & spa day 4 pet about 21 minutes ago |
| By Julie Lawrence OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Julie Lawrence |
| Published Sept. 8, 2005 at 5:10 a.m. |
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You wake up on a spring morning and it's just rained. The grass, the flowers and even the air smell good. You take a deep breath and you feel good. But why?
Bridget Eland, one of only two Registered Aromatherapists in Wisconsin, just might have the answer, and to help prove the healing influence of aromatherapy to others, she's opened Briessentials massage spa in Milwaukee.
"We specialize in massage -- traditional therapeutic, aroma, aromatherapy and hot stone, to name a few," says Eland. "But we create a spa experience for our guests from the moment they walk through the door to the moment they leave.
"To accomplish this, we try to engage all five senses in the artful indulgence of a spa massage utilizing the restorative qualities of all-natural essential oils whenever possible."
At the start of an aromatherapy massage, each guest is walked through an AromaEval to assess his or her sense of scent.
"A palette of essential oils (the concentrated oil that is extracted from a flower, herb or tree) is wafted in front of the guest's nose to determine preference. Based on the response, as well as the qualities that a particular essential oil can evoke, we create a custom blend of oils that appeals to the person's sense of smell while also addressing a person's ailments to be used during the massage."
So how, exactly, does aromatherapy work? Eland, who studied at the Australasian College of Health Sciences in Portland, Ore., says that aromatherapy is complementary to the art and science of massage, and that the combination can lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Understanding the science behind the creation of essential oils and how to use them to garner positive affects, Eland says that using certain oils can have very therapeutic results such as relaxation, pain relief and improved circulation.
"We are learning more and more about the power of scent. Corporations are increasingly incorporating scents into their HVAC units to affect change in mood or effectiveness at work. Retailers are just beginning to use scents to help sell products because the olfactory experience can, in an instant, make someone remember something or think 'holiday,' and feel good."
Providing an interactive and all-natural relaxation experience, Eland has designed Briessentials to bridge the gap between the luxurious spa setting and the therapeutic health massage. "We feel very strongly about selecting oils that are organic and wild-crafted," she says. All of her products are free of pesticides, herbicides, inorganic fertilizers and genetically modified organisms.
"Whenever we use all-natural, organic products, we are introducing fewer harmful elements into our bodies. It's wonderful to bring this type of practice to Wisconsin."
Briessentials, 204 E. Capitol Dr., opened in February 2005. The Web site is briessentials.com
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5 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 10, 2005 at 8:41 p.m. (report)
Ann said: You who question the Web site and the "pretention" should check out Briessentials. I've been there for scalp massage and it is the most beautiful, intimate, comforting, and relaxing massage environment I've ever been in, and I've been in a lot. It's neither large or pretentious, and Bridget obviously knows what she's doing. You can't judge a book by its cover. Check it out with an open mind and see if you don't agree!
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 9, 2005 at 9:58 a.m. (report)
ks said: Aroma is not necessarily therapeutic to me. I still prefer a massage by private appointment, not in a large pretentious spa enviroment. It's just me and my massage therapist, some lightly scented oils, music and minimal lighting, and $55.00 for a solid 60 minutes. Call is what you will....a massage is a massage....heavenly. I remain faithful to Milwaukee's south and southwest side for services and save some bucks.
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 8, 2005 at 2:53 p.m. (report)
Sarah said: I love aromatherapy massages and this sounds like a fabulous experience!
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 8, 2005 at 1:55 p.m. (report)
Image is Everything said: Their website isn't very pretty, comforting, or lavish; which are expectations of a massage and a image that should be carried through the advertising. Makes you question their abilities and professionalism.
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 8, 2005 at 10:54 a.m. (report)
clyde said: Welcome to the festival of sneezes
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