Crystal healing is becoming a popular modality that is used by bodyworkers.  In case you  may not know what the term “bodyworker” means,  a bodyworker is someone who incorporates the power of touch within her scope of a healing practice.  Bodyworkers include but aren’t limited to massage therapists, energy workers, rolfers, chiropractors, physical therapists, cranial-sacral therapists, and acupuncturists.  Crystal healing is a therapy in which gemstones and rocks are placed upon specific reflex points, or energy centers to illicit a healing response in the body.  It is used worldwide in spas and health centers.  It has helped many people in healing numerous ailments.

How does it work?

The belief behind Crystal Healing is that each stone contains its own “personality”.  Crystals are seen as wise entities that come from the earth.  Crystals can be formed formed from pressure, from dripping, from sedimentary layers, or from lava flows where the speed of cooling also affects them.  This is what makes crystals unique and gives them different healing powers.   For example, a stone such as garnet is noted for personal stability and grounding because it is formed deep within the earth under intense pressure. The atoms within each crystal are what give the energy or vibration. If you hold a crystal in your hand long enough, you may feel your heartbeat in your hand, or a special warmth, or a tingly feeling. This is the energy of the stone you are feeling. With practice, one can feel stone energies more easily and quickly.

Our crystal therapist at Chico Canyon Retreat has extensive knowledge about the healing properties of crystals.  With her large collection of crystals that she uses for treatments,  she will pick the right ones for each treatment.

Interested? Come see for yourself and connect with one of nature’s most precious gifts.  They may be small, but crystals hold much earthly wisdom.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud,

That floats on high o’er vales and hills,

 When all at once I saw a crowd,

 A host, of golden daffodils.”

-William Wordsworth

One of our favorite events at Chico Canyon Retreat is the arrival of the daffodils.  Daffodils are an early harbinger of spring – sometimes so early that we enjoy them under a coat of snow.  We plant them in the fall and then forget about them until they begin to push through the moist winter soil.  Then, within days, there are hundreds of smiling daffodils creating pockets of bright yellow all around the Retreat.

Thanks to the toxicity in the bulbs,  the deer actually let us enjoy the entire blooming season.  Ten years ago, when I planted the first 50 daffodils, the deer tested these newcomers.  They carefully picked every flower and left them lying on the ground.  Within two years they had learned not to bother and the daffodils have been untouched ever since.

Our goal here at Chico Canyon Retreat is to make this special property in all its wonderful diversity available to those who want to experience the variety.  With almost 300 acres of pristine and mostly untamed landscape, we are working to make this landscape diversity more easily accessible.  We are in the process of  constructing several trails that will range from easy to more challenging.  They will immerse you in oak woodlands, riparian environments along the creek, a marsh, meadows, and chaparral. Eventually we even may get up to the base of the canyon walls.

We also are beginning to design small cabins that will let you wake up to the sights and sounds that make Chico Canyon Retreat so special.  The design process for these cabins
concentrates on simplicity and environmentally friendly technology with some charm thrown in for good measure.  The owner, Dulcy Schroeder, has worked very hard over the last decade to restore the native ecosystems in the area and we would not want these cabins to disrupt the progress she’s made thus far.  The potential is exciting and we will keep everyone posted as we continue to work toward making your stay at Chico Canyon Retreat a unique and memorable experience.

Imagine a cozy little cabin tucked away near one of these special locations…

 …until then you can still come and stay in one of two indoor rooms that are currently available.  Enjoy the same natural wonders plus some great creature comforts like a complimentary massage and steam.   Click here for more details.

Here at Chico Canyon Retreat Spa we incorporate Aromatherapy into many of our Spa Services and we’d like to tell you why.

Aromatherapy can be defined as using natural fragrances to heal the body, mind, and spirit. This is done by applying essential oils (the product of a distilled aromatic plant) to the body. When essential oils are applied on the skin,  they are absorbed into the body through the skin and into the bloodstream. From there, the essential oil particles are carried to the different organs of the body.

Breathing essential oils  is another approach.  Deeply inhaling essential oils is beneficial to health because the particles of essential oils mix with the  air entering the lungs. This can be very effective if you have a cold or a sinus problem.  It even helps to clear or to calm your mind.  An easy way to accomplish this is to put a few drops of essential oil into a tissue and breath deeply into it for a few minutes. The key is DEEP breathing to get the best results.  Since this action helps to clear the mind, incorporate it as a daily practice.

Wearing essential oils everyday can boost your immune system and provide stress relief, peace of mind, and is an overall preventative health measure. It is best to do a skin patch test first before buying or using an essential oil to see if any allergic reaction occurs. A rule of thumb when using essential oils is not to overuse, as they are very strong and potent. Too much not only will have an extremely strong  aroma, but also could have an adverse effect such as skin irritation, nausea, or over stimulation.

Research and/or ask a certified aromatherapist about which oils are best for you and how to use them properly. Also learn what the contraindications are.  For example, some essential oils such as orange and lemongrass may make you sensitive to sunlight.  Perhaps you use them at night.  Always go with a scent you like because it will have more of a healing effect if the scent is pleasing to you and brings about positive feelings.

Stay tuned for more valuable information on Aromatherapy.  Meanwhile, check out the Spa Services page for information on rose therapy.

….Happy Holidays everyone!!  It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the things we are thankful for in our lives.  Let’s toast with this easy-to-make recipe for a delicious and healthy  yogi tea…

Cheers!

Yogi Tea Recipe
Boil water and add the following ingredients until brewed to your satisfaction.

• a nice chunk of peeled and sliced Ginger (1-inch cube or so, maybe more)

• a few Cardamom Pods, freshly ground (8 or 9)

• a couple of Cinnamon Sticks

• a pinch of whole Cloves (5 or 6)

• a small bit of freshly ground Black Peppercorn.
• Pour some tea into a cup and add milk (your favorite kind) and sweetener if desired.
• Breathe, sip slowly, and enjoy!!

Happy Holidays!

It’s crazy this time of year.  We get busy packing our calendars full, our minds are churning a mile a minute, and we find ourselves rushing about from here to there.

Don’t forget to Breathe!

If you can relate to this frenzy, you are not alone.  Keep reading because help is on the way.

Rub your feet daily.  It’s simple yet very beneficial, so make it part of your daily routine starting today.   Massaging the webbing of your toes helps build the immune system.  Massage the arches, the heels, and the sides for ten minutes.  Work on the points that feel tender or sore.  Each point is associated with a different meridian and bodily organ. Therefore, working on the foot promotes an overall sense of well-being and relaxation.

It’s free!  All it takes is recognizing that you are worth the 10 minutes of sitting down, taking your shoes off, and communicating with your body.  Take a deep breath in…exhale….now thank your feet for all the work they do  for you!

Happy Holidays – Cheers to your Health and to Ours!!

A 16 foot decorated tree, over 100 feet of wooden beams festooned with garlands and white lights, and a roaring fire in the large stone fireplace…does it sound like the holiday season?  Add hot spiced tea and some holiday delicacies and you could have the beginnings of a nice holiday event of your choosing.

Let Chico Canyon Retreat facilitate a holiday event for you.  Not only the decorations, but also the canyon surroundings will create the ultimate holiday atmosphere.  Turn the worries over to us and enjoy your own holiday gathering.

Kevin Durkin, a.k.a. Kozmic Kev, Astrologer for Northern California and Beyond

Find out your astrological forecast.  Have your tarot cards read!  Deepen your planetary and astrological knowledge and how it relates to your life, with the one and only Kozmic Kev.  We are all in for a big treat!!  Kozmic Kev will be in the house.!!…or at the Retreat, rather, for  Spa Day – this Saturday, Oct 15.

Check out Kev’s weekly youtube video horoscopes:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0Nx9BiFeEc

Find out more of Kevin’s history: Click here to read his Bio.

Kevin Durkin (Kozmic Kev)
(530)891-5147
kozmickev@sunset.net

Margaret VanLaanMartin (center), Dulcy Schroeder (holding grandaughter, Ava, Left), Hanna Berry (Right) at Chico Canyon Retreat

Reiki, an ancient healing system, is a soothing energy that heals your body, mind and emotions. It feels like a massage without any muscle manipulation. After a Reiki session, you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Everybody likes Reiki! (ageofaquariuschico.com)

Margaret VanLaanMartin, owner of Age of Aquarius located on Manzanita Court in Chico (Behind the Holiday Inn), will be our energy worker for Spa Day.  She has an upbeat, positive personality with years of experience and expertise in her field.  She is a psychic, medium, tarot card reader, astrologer, and reiki master teacher.  You will find it a pleasure to meet her and see how she can help you develop and expand your natural awareness.

“Did you know, everyone has psychic abilities and with practice you can access them more easily?”, says Margaret.  Margaret has been helping people develop their natural awareness for the past 30 years.  She says she does it, for the sheer fun of it. “I love seeing the benefits in the lives of my clients, seeing their lives become less stressful and more effective. I also see benefits in my own life, as I continue to grow spiritually and refine my techniques.”

"My goal for each client is to help you define your choices and see how they align to your life's path. You have the answers; I just provide the clarity." ~Margaret VanLaanMartin

Margaret has many on-going classes and workshops, as well as individual reiki healings, and energy readings that she conducts out of her office at Age of Aquarius (and can also do readings over the phone).  Margaret works with animals as well.  She helps facilitate the healing of behavioral problems, allergies, health issues and other obstacles to help you communicate with your pet.  To see what her clients and students have to say about her, and to find out more information about what Margaret has to offer, go to her website: ageofaquariuschico.com

She says, “Having more tools is like having more toys to play with in your life. Knowing you have more options makes life more fun. And isn’t that what it’s all about, increasing our fun while we’re here?”

Thank you Margaret for being a part of Spa Day.  We are so happy to have you on board!!

Age of Aquarius
852 Manzanita Court, Suite 155
(Behind the Holiday Inn)
Chico, Ca 95926
530-520-1900
ageofaquariuschico.com 

Kim Kinjo, Shakti Dickey, Hanna Berry at Sivonanda Ashram, Grass Valley

Shakti Dickey, AHE, AHP, AYT; BSLarch, MSEVST is our Ayurvedic Practitioner for Spa Day and will be at Chico Canyon Retreat October 15. The following is an exerpt from her website, ompranaveda.com .   We look forward to having her expertise and sweet spirit joining us from the San Juan Ridge, close to Nevada City!  She is truly a delight, and you will love meeting her.

“Have you ever…

…wished for better health: balanced digestion, sound sleep, less anxiety, or more energy?

…wondered about a simple, holistic way of being?

…wanted to “go deeper” into your yoga practice, take it off the mat and into your daily life, but just didn’t know what that meant?

The answer to all of these questions lies in Ayurveda. Ayurveda IS living a yogic lifestyle, IS living in harmony with your environment.  Ayurveda is living in balance…

 Like two sides of the same coin, Yoga and Ayurveda are inseparable. While Yoga prepares the body for meditation and spiritual growth through postures and breathwork, Ayurveda provides specific, individualized, practical guidelines for your daily life. Togerher, Yoga and Ayurveda promote healing, health, and the foundation for personal transformation.

Shakti at her yurt on San Juan Ridge, close to Nevada City - Read her sustainability blog.

Ayurveda is the traditional natural healing system of India, dating back over 5,000 years.  A Sanskrit word, Ayurveda literally means “the science of life” (from the roots ayu: life and veda: science or knowledge). Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga: it is the healing side of Yoga, while Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda.

In the simplest terms, Ayurveda views health and disease as the end result of how we interact with our environment. Harmonious interactions lead to health, while dis-harmonious interactions lead to dis-ease.

Ayurveda is based on the theory that all of nature is created of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. The elements are in a unique balance in each individual (called your constitution). By understanding an individual’s constitution, we can determine where imbalances are occurring, and then apply the principles of Ayurveda to journey back to optimal health. We do this by bringing the elements back into balance through proper diet, proper lifestyle, Yoga, meditation, and body, sound, color, and aroma therapies.

Together, Yoga and Ayurveda provide a complete, holistic approach to physical well-being and emotional balance.”

Click on Shakti’s Services page on her website to get an understanding of how she can help you apply Ayurveda in your life on a deeper level.

Come meet Shakti at Spa Day for a personal introduction to the healing powers of Ayurveda and how it can be helpful in your life!  Allow her knowledge and life’s work to transform you towards better health.  Shakti is a radiant, beautiful being, as you will see.  We are excited for you all to meet her!

Shakti Dickey AHE, AHP, AYT; BSLarch, MSEVST

Prana Veda
Shakti Dickey
ompranaveda.com 
PO Box 226, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: (530) 615-6115
Email: Shakti@ompranaveda.com