<![CDATA[Elemental Wellness Spa

<![CDATA[Elemental Wellness Spa - Whats New]]>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:22:31 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Which type of massage should I book?]]>Mon, 13 Feb 2017 20:32:48 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/which-type-of-massage-should-i-bookOur menu has quite a few options. It can be a bit intimidating for someone who: just wants to book an appointment to help get rid of a pain they have been having in their back, neck or shoulder; or someone who has never booked a massage apppoinment before. Here is some information to help differentiate 3 mainstream massage modalities. Also remember, it is always permissible to ask questions and tailor the massage to your goals for wellness.

In general a first massage appointment is booked for Swedish or Deep Tissue, occasionally the first appointment someone books is for Hot Stone massage. Swedish is a gentle to firm pressure massage that has the primary goal of relaxation. By working on the more superficial layers Swedish massage helps to increase blood flow and circulation while also increasing the movement of lymph helping the body to clear metabolic waste from areas of restriction. This aids an increased feeling of calm and rejuvenation as well as increased immune abilities. Swedish massage helps to release tension in the muscles gradually and systematically

Deep Tissue massage works on the muscle directly and with greater pressure to knead the tension from the body. Deep Tissue massage has all the effects of Swedish massage though the feeling of relaxation is sometimes secondary and there can be a feeling of ehaustion the same as having gone to the gym. Also, toxins get trapped in our cells along with the muscle tension, as those muscles release then so do the toxins along with other metabolic wastes. {The main reason massage therapists tell everyone to drink water is because you need to. The secondary reason is we have felt that funky not great feeling when we were in massage school and got the massage(s) but forgot to drink water for an hour or four... it is not a great feeling. It is much better to drink the water and help your body to clear out any toxins and metabolic wastes that were trapped by the muscle tension. That 10-24 ounces of water after a massage can make a big difference in how you feel on day 2.} It is key to remember that Deep Tissue massage is about going into the muscle and causing it to release. Occasionally the muscle causing the issue is at the top layer, usually it is sandwiched a few layers down, so work is involved in getting that issue in the tissue to release. It may take 5 minutes of work it may take 90 minutes of work... either way if the pressure is too much or not enough the massage therapist can and should adjust to your pressure preferences.

Hot Stone massage is deeply relaxing and the better massage when the muscles are unwilling to let go. A Hot Stone massage should be booked 2.5 hours to a day in advance. {The stones need to be heated and if left heating for more than the recommended time for single use heating, can be damaged or overheat and cause harm to the client. The body may feel similar effects as having been in a hot sauna.} If a muscle won't budge the heat from the stone is able to sink into the muscle and get it to gently let go of tension. Hot Stone massage combines the effects of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, though there may be a touch more fatigue. The stones should not be steaming and they should not burn. The heat should feel good if it is too hot for you tell the massage therapist.

We hope these short descriptions help. As always if you have questions call us at 913.682.1772. Have a Happy Valentines Day!
]]><![CDATA[Finding a way to keep...]]>Wed, 18 Jan 2017 23:35:18 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/finding-a-way-to-keep2590786

I keep my schedule busy. I've got 3 kiddos (college & high school), a furry child (aka Teddy Bunny (dog)), a husband (newly retired from the Army & working 40 hours a week an hours drive away.) There are dishes in my sink, there is laundry to be done, there are several books to read. These items along with vacuuming dog hair are on my constant to do list. Work, volunteering, education, family and friends also keep me active. Holidays and life's responsibilities have side tracked my self care.

This morning was one of those days where things got prioritized. Some days the entire list gets conquered and some days like today something gets postponed. The priority list item today was self care. Monday I had a great massage, my body reminded me it had been 24 days. I have an active minimal desk work job, being a massage therapist is pretty much like going to the gym for an hour each massage. My goal is to be one of the 70-80 year old massage therapists, that still works on clients. That means keeping healthy for another 30 plus years. A bag of pretzels and a can of Dr Pepper are not the way to do that.

Keeping my back un-hunched, my shoulders & neck agreeing they are connected, and my ankles agreeing to move with more agility than quick drying concrete... that goal takes self care. Self care in the form of nutrients (water, herbs, good healthy food), excercise (yoga, cardio, walking, Tai Chi Chuh, massage), skin care (Eminence Organics & cutting out preservatives), sleep (that thing where your eyes are closed and your body heals), brain care (all of the previously listed, meditation, reading, continuing education), along with time for family & friends.

Herbalist Apprenticeship 101: Nettles don't help your muscles and bones with Iron & Potassium sitting on a shelf. {To make an infusion: 1 ounce (about a cup) of dried nettles into a quart jar, then carefully filling the jar with boiling water, cap and let sit 4 hours up to overnight. In the morning strain and drink the liquid.} I use my herbal teas, herb infused oils, flower essences, and essential oils often, it is time to get back to the nutrient rich daily infusions. In my first year of my apprenticeship I was excellent at making and drinking infusions. When drinking a quart of healthy Nettles, Oatstraw, Red clover, Linden or another infusion daily there is much less room for a coke (soda or pop). Replacing carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, preservatives, and caffeine with nutrients easy step toward better self care.

Healthy living is not a 3 times a week choice. Finding a way to keep healthy as a body transitions from one age bracket to the next, investing in self care by taking the time and making the effort is a continual choice. Myself, my kiddos (3 human & 1 furry), my husband, my schedule that is packed with blessings... all of us are worth keeping health and healing a daily choice.

Find a way to keep health and healing a daily choice for you.

]]><![CDATA[I passed! I passed!! I passed!!]]>Mon, 19 Sep 2016 13:36:15 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/i-passed-i-passed-i-passed

Reflexology Phase IV September 13 & 14 in Oklahoma City, a bit of a drive from Leavenworth. Deanna and Myrdin took Phase II, and both did well and have a better grasp on Reflexology as well as a few additional techniques.
I completed the 200 hour program in order to take the International Institute of Reflexology Exam. The workshops Phase I, Phase II, and Phase II each 16 hours. 52 hours of home study of books, study guide and videos. And a 100 hours of documented sessions. The certification exam on the Ingham Method (trademarked) of Reflexology consists of written exam on theory and practical exam on the instructor.
The 200 hours grew into many, many more. I am grateful for every moment I studied and every Reflexology session I gave or received. The test was in no way open book. You have to know 12 pages worth of so very much Reflexology to pass.
It was very nice to be able to celebrate with a childhood friend and his family after passing the written test. It was excellent to have Deanna and Myrdin to make sure I ate good food and kept the pieces of my brain from shattering. Being able to stop by my folks house and visit with them and my brother was a very relaxing bonus.
My reward is a card that states: Roxanne Joslin has completed a written and practical examination on the Ingham Method (trademarked) of Reflexology and is a Duly Certified and Qualified Member.
Thank you to all of you who knew I had it in me. Thank you very much for the prayers and good thoughts while I was stressing and testing! Thank you for all the feet and hands that allowed me to work on them. Thank you to my mom and dad, you gave me the quarter that allowed me to buy my first Reflexology book when I was 6 or 8.
What's next?
Studying and working on people, and at some point reorganizing my coffee table and bookshelves (the study groupings need to be a bit more tidy.) Continuing to study Reflexology, side benefit of testing is learning what I need to solidify in my brain. Attending and studying herbs via Susun Weed Wild Wise Woman Weekend at 80 Acres (information on prairiewise.com.) 2 more Herbalist Apprenticeship classes and a Herbalist exam of the graduating variety. Also a SomatoEmotional Release 2 continuing ed class. All the while reveling in the fact that I passed and am now Certified with the International Institute of Reflexology.
I passed! I passed!! I passed!!! Have a blessed day.

]]><![CDATA[Reflexology Phase IV]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:51:31 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/reflexology-phase-iv

]]><![CDATA[Mother's Day Special!]]>Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:45:37 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/mothers-day-special1276513

If you are a Mother, you are about to be a Mother, you have a Mother, and/or you know a Mother this 15% off is for you. May 2nd thru May 31st 15% off Massage Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, BioMat, and in stock Eminence Organics Skin Care.

Massage Therapy: Swedish massage is a way to gently relax muscles and de-stress. Swedish pressure ranges from feather touch to firm, it is a more gradual method and the better option in cases of swelling or if someone bruises easily. The main goal of Swedish massage is relaxation.
      Deep Tissue massage is about getting the muscles to reset as close to zero or no tension as is possible. This is not a massage for someone who bruises easily, has swelling, or has had a recent injury. Deep Tissue can range from moderate to therapeutic pain, it should not engage the Sympathetic system to the point where the client is in "Fight or Flight" mode.
      Sports massage is a reset of muscles as a group. Range of Motion exercises, Muscle Energy Techniques (METs), Myofascial Release, moderate to firm and deep tissue work can all be a part of Sports Massage. Targeting muscle groups as preparatory pre-event, rejuvenating to rehab-like during post-event or throughout training. To help prevent injury or soreness due to a repetitive motion.
      Pregnancy General Wellness Massage is focused on relaxing the mother. Gentle to firm pressure is used. Special attention is paid to in areas that are sore. Usually in the 2nd and 3rd trimester the massage is side lying (mom on side so that the baby has space while mom is being worked on.)
      Infant massage is the term for working on newborn up to toddler. Helping to ease tension much like a Swedish massage on a adult, paying particular attention and care to growth zones and endangerment sites.

      CranioSacral Therapy (CST), pays attention to the Cerebral Spinal Rhythm or Pulse of the Cerebral Spinal Fluid as it moves thru the meninges of the brain and into the dural tube protecting the spinal cord. This pulse can be felt on the entire body, then based on how strongly the pulse is felt it can be used to pinpoint areas that need to be worked on. CST uses 3 grams up to 26 grams of pressure, and the client remains fully clothed. CranioSacral Therapy is a good modality for someone who can not take firm pressure.

      Reflexology, is Reflex Areas in the hands and the feet that correspond to organs, systems and areas of the body. At Elemental Wellness Spa we are trained in the "Ingham Method" by the International Institute of Reflexology. Eunice Ingham is the founder "Mother" of Reflexology, she adapted and expanded upon Zone Therapy mapping out the Reflex Areas of the body.

      BioMat, Far Infared Heat and Negative Ions. Unlike a heating pad or blanket that use a coil to create heat, the BioMat uses a combination of fabrics and Amethyst stones to generate far infared rays which are then transferred into the body as heat. Research has been done for decades as to the benefits of negative ions.

       Eminence Organics is our skin care line. I love Bearberry Eye Repair Cream, which I started using 26 Decemeber 2014 and by my 42nd birthday a month later people were asking what crow's feet. Lemon Grass Cleanser helped to get lessen of my rosacea. The Stone Crop line helps heal my skin whenever I overdue the sun or allergen ridden fast food. Monoi Age Corrective Exfolliant Cleanser helps me when I have pushed my days to 21 hours (not healthy but it happens), it takes away the haggard look. Sweet Red Rose Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that I use when something has agitated my skin and it needs to be washed gently. Mineral Cleanser I use when my skin decides to break out. Bright Skin Cleanser is what I mainly use now.
      Wow, that is a lot of product... for the first year I used mainly Lemon Grass, and since I am the one who purchases the product... I have tried almost every product so that I could tell clients how the product helped and what the results were. Also, we have sample sizes available.

       So... if you are a Mother, you are about to be a Mother, you have a Mother, or you know a Mother this 15% off is for you. 15% off of Massage Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, BioMat and in stock Eminence Organics Skin Care May 2nd thru May 31st at Elemental Wellness Spa.

]]><![CDATA[Finding a way to keep...]]>Wed, 27 Apr 2016 12:54:41 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/finding-a-way-to-keep]]><![CDATA[Our skin care line.]]>Tue, 05 Jan 2016 23:13:41 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/our-skin-care-line

Our wonderful skin care line, was chosen with much deliberation in December 2014 (there are many) was and remains Eminence Organics. We started out with a varied inventory so that we can tailor each clients skin care needs. Keeping our inventory low in order to supply customers with the freshest product possible. Eminence makes the product no more than 14 days prior to shipping it to us and for each retail product a tree is planted (currently 417 trees from our spas retail alone.)

My Eminence skin care started with the Biodynamic Collection. It has 9 products the Lemongrass cleanser, Echinacea Recovery Cream, Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque and Bearberry Eye Repair Cream remain among my favorites. After a sunburn I began using the Stone Crop starter kit, after someone mistaking me for being 15 years younger I kept using Stone Crop. It rejuvenated my skin and gave it a (much) younger appearance.

Unfortunately, breakouts do still occasionally occur especially when I give in to fast food as a meal choice or I have an allergic reaction or switch shampoos or stress. At those times I use the Mineral Cleanser and the Clear Skin Booster Serum, along with a lighter moisturizer like Stone Crop Hydrating Gel or Pink Grapefruit C-Gel.

I do have the benefit of Spa World being a part of my day to day life. So I have tried many of the products. Part of the wonderful aspect of being on the Eminence Organics team is that they are constantly giving us more education. Another wonderful part is the samples. Our purchases earn us points toward promotions and samples and we have been able to pass that along to our clients so that they can either book a facial and try the product or they can take home a sample.

I have seen Eminence Organics Skin Care help my skin on the healthy path, as well as the skin of my children, friends, coworkers, and clients.

We are very happy to have celebrated our one year anniversary with the company. And we are all completely happy we chose Eminence!

https://eminenceorganics.com/us

]]><![CDATA[What's new today...]]>Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:06:46 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/whats-new-today

What is new today? Today I had to run an errand into Kansas City to get some spa supplies, pick up BBQ (at All Slabbed Up) for my husband's work Christmas party, and be back at work to open and set up the spa. A few months ago one of these things would have had to exit the list and be left to another day or another person.

Today, they stayed on my list. Plus, I gave a friend a lift into KC where she bought tips for her cat's nails (it is a real thing). While at PetSmart browsing happened (my dogs are very happy, they get fresh snowball toys.) Browsing happened at PetSmart because the Spa supplies were picked up... great things happen when you call ahead the day before and are present when they open the doors.

After spa supplies and pet toys, I had breakfast. Not the grab-and-go kind, not the it-is-noon-I-really-should-eat kind, the actual kind. My friend Deanna (the one who tipped her cat's nails in a less scratchy alternative), went to breakfast with me. We had protein and carbs, at 9 a.m. It was so nice we got some to take to our friend Carmen who absolutely adores hash brown casserole. After all the adventures we still arrived back to Leavenworth early enough for me to: setup the spa, get 20 minutes at home with my dogs, pickup the BBQ for my dearest husband, and deliver Carmen's hash brown casserole.

For all of these errands, hangout time and relaxation... I get to say thank you. Thank you Jacquelynne (Jackie) for dropping off your resume, thank you for interviewing and thank you for working at Elemental Wellness Spa. Today I knew that there were options other than closing for the day or only accomplishing a handful of the things on my to do list.

Jackie is a recent graduate of massage therapy school. She is studying for her Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), so that she can also obtain her Missouri Massage Therapy License. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist by the City of Leavenworth, Kansas. Jackie is available at Elemental Wellness Spa for Swedish, Deep Tissue and Hot Stone Massage appointments.

Appointments

]]><![CDATA[BioMat, goodness!]]>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 13:45:22 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/biomat-goodness

BioMat: interesting - very, helpful - to sore muscles & recovery & relaxation, the claims allowed in the United States are more limited than those made in Europe and in Japan (where studies have shown BioMats create an environment of heat that cancer cells do not tolerate allowing healthy cells to thrive.)

After 6 minutes on the BioMat, I decided we were getting one for Elemental Wellness. I would have stayed on that BioMat for hours, alas I had a Reflexology client & needed to get back to work.

Things clients have said about the BioMat:
"My mind is peaceful, the thoughts are less scattered more organized."
"Wow! Thanks Rox!"
"I love you mom!"
"How often can I be on this?"
"I've read about these, but wow it is really good."
"I feel better."
"I think I was asleep."
"How does it work?"
"How is it making me feel better?"
"Best nap ever!"
"I want to stay on this forever."
"What does it do without the heat?"
"Who can use this?"
"Yay, This is awesome. I love everything here. Are you writing down how different people feel after using the BioMat?"

]]><![CDATA[Why have Roxanne work on my feet???]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2015 02:19:26 GMThttp://www.elemental-wellness.org/blog/why-have-roxanne-work-on-my-feet

What is Reflexology? Reflexology is working on the reflex areas in the feet, and hands that correspond to the organs, glands and parts of the body. Reflexology helps to normalize, by helping to relive tension and stress. http://www.reflexology-usa.net/facts.htm I have used it to help many clients with various symptoms. My oldest daughter has migraines and Reflexology is the modality I use most often to help her.

My first investment in Reflexology (age 6 or 8) was a book at a garage sale. Amazed that working on my feet could help my headaches, I didn't hesitate to spend my quarter. I have worked on myself and friends and family for 30ish years. Reflexology was one of my courses in massage school. After graduating I took a continuing education course in Reflexology, meeting the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy requirement to use the phrase Specializing in Reflexology.

Then in October 2012 I was fortunate to take a lecture class with Dwight Byers. http://www.reflexology-uk.net/site/about/dwight-byers President of the International Institute of Reflexology and the nephew of Eunice Ingham the founder of Reflexology. Dwight had severe allergies and asthma as a child and Eunice was able to help him. I purchased Dwight's book Better Health and happily invested some of my dollars in having Dwight work on my feet. Amazing! Dwight also suggested reading FOOT! Care, Prevention and Treatment by Matthew B Werd DPM. The book was very helpful. My husband was training to run a marathon and consistently doing some damage to his feet.

In April 2013, I took Reflexology Phase 1 with (Dwight's grandson) James Pedersen & Lee Siebert. When I returned home I worked on each of my 3 children, our 2 dogs, and my husband. My technique was increased light years in those 16 hours of continuing education. This April I took Reflexology Phase 2, again with James and Lee, bringing my Reflexology education total up to 58 hours.

Reflexology is not foot massage, it is a separate technique and health advance in its own right.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/custom-tie-your-running-shoes?page=single

]]>