Celeste, Author at Living Arts Wellness

June 7, 2020February 17, 2023

Booking Massage Appointments After COVID-19

After months of socially distancing, Living Arts Wellness is proud to announce that we are booking massage appointments, wellness consultations, and therapy. We know how difficult this has been for those who have relied on our services and we thank you for the continued support.

Living Arts Wellness has been complying with WHO, CDC, and state guidelines since the stay at home order was lifted in early May. We’re proud to say that we’ve been able to get back to work safely.

There are a few things anyone visiting Living Arts Wellness in Fort Collins must be aware of. While we understand this affects the availability of our therapists and, in some cases, might be an inconvenience, these guidelines are to ensure the safety of our clients and therapists.

Larimer County Health Department Signage is posted at each public entrance of the facility. If you’re unsure of the local guidelines, please refer to this signage to understand the requirements for any Larimer County business. These required safety measures include:
- avoid entering the center if they have a cough or fever
- face coverings must be worn by all employees and customers
- distancing requirements include maintaining a minimum 6-foot distance from others in the center, except for interaction with the therapist
- less than 10 people are in the facility at any given time.
Workforce shifts have been staggered. We are staggering our therapists to reduce the number of people in the facility at any one time. We understand this may result in limited availability when scheduling an appointment. Making sure that we maintain a safe environment is our top priority.
Client appointment times have been staggered. We are doing this to limit the interaction with anyone other than their therapist. Much like our therapists, we are making sure that appointment times limit contact with any other clients. We appreciate your understanding regarding scheduling.
Each therapist completes a symptom checklist before and after their workday. Therapists will record their temperature and any other conditions that might be notable. We are taking the health and safety of anyone who comes into our facility seriously.
Bathrooms, common areas, and treatment rooms are disinfected in between each client. Properly sanitizing these areas allows us to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease through these “high traffic” areas.
Clients must bring their own water or drink. We’re very sorry, but at this time, we’re not able to provide you with water or beverages in any way. Please be prepared and bring your own water or drink in a sealed container, such as a bottle or Nalgene.
Hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant soap is available for therapists and clients. We encourage all clients to properly sanitize your hands upon entering our facility. Doing so when you arrive helps us maintain a clean environment and limit the potential for transmission of the virus from external sources.
All clients coming into the center must sign a COVID-19 disclosure form. Each client must sign a statement acknowledging that they have not themselves had symptoms and have not been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 during the previous 14 days. Again, please let your therapist know if you’ve experienced any symptoms or have recently been exposed to anyone with a confirmed or possible case of COVID-19—we would be happy to reschedule your appointment.
All client temperatures will be taken upon entering our building. Each client’s temperature is taken with a temporal thermometer upon entering the building. If a client is exhibiting signs of a fever or abnormal temperature in any way, we will not be able to accommodate your therapy session that day and you will be asked to reschedule.
There is no penalty for last-minute cancellations due to health reasons. If you’re feeling sick in any way (whether it’s COVID-19 or another illness) please call us ahead of time and reschedule. We would much rather have you reschedule, than have you make the trip to our facility and us not be able to complete your massage.

We sincerely appreciate your willingness to work with us as we get through these difficult times. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Together, we can and will get through this!

November 1, 2017August 3, 2019

How to Maintain a Healthy Colon

Category: Colon Hydrotherapy Fort Collins

The Importance of a Healthy Colon

It’s easy to forget that every time we consume a meal, our bodies go to work. Your esophagus passes food and liquids to the stomach, your stomach breaks everything down, and your large intestine (otherwise known as your colon) absorbs the water from these wastes, which then creates stool. Most of us don’t think about this process often (if ever), but it becomes unfortunately apparently when we don’t have a healthy and functioning colon.

One of the most important things to do in keeping our colon healthy is taking preventative measures. Just like with a car or going to the dentist, there’s so much to be said for getting checkups instead of waiting for catastrophe to strike. Living Arts Wellness in Fort Collins specializes in many natural remedies and treatments to benefit the mind and body. Learn about the importance of a healthy colon (and tips to make this happen), and book a visit with Living Arts Wellness to get colon hydrotherapy and so much more!

What does your colon do?

To expand on the brief description above, the large intestine is also called the colon, and it plays a critical role in digestion and removing waste from the body. Approximately 5-6 feet in length and 3 in. in diameter, the colon gets rid of “food left over after the nutrients are removed from it, bacteria and other waste” according to Live Science. This is a process called peristalsis, and as waste moves through the colon, liquid and salt are removed before moving towards the rectum.

Why do you need to keep your colon healthy?

Imagine never taking your garbage out. Anyone who has left their garbage inside a day longer than they should have knows (or should we say “nose”) what this can lead to. Having garbage buildup leads to a smelly situation at best, and at worst, attracts other creatures to reside in your home.

The same can be said for your colon—if something goes awry and your colon is unable to get rid of waste, the buildup can not only be unpleasant, but dangerous. Keeping your colon healthy is similar to taking out the trash, though perhaps even more important.

What can happen to an unhealthy colon?

As Colon Health Magazine states, “When an unhealthy colon is left unchecked, it can lead to interior structural damage, such as a breakdown of important mucus that lines the colon. An excessive amount of parasitic bacteria in the colon is known to be linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s Disease.” Additionally, the colon is at risk for developing polyps and colorectal cancer. Some of the diseases that can affect the colon can actually turn into cancer over time, or at the very least, increase the risk for developing colon cancer.

In some cases, people need to have a colectomy to treat the damage, which involves removing all or part of the colon. Those who experience a colectomy may have to wear a bag to collect waste and stool, which can either be temporary or permanent.

In short, an unhealthy colon can end up needing removal, and can even be replaced with a colostomy bag. If this doesn’t sound ideal, we would agree, and this is why we are dedicated to providing preventative measures that help take care of your colon.

What you can do:

Upkeeping a healthy colon might seem like a lot of work, but it’s easily achievable through a healthy lifestyle. Many experts agree that one of the best ways to protect your colon is through a healthy diet, which we will cover more thoroughly in a later blog topic. Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, is a vital component of a healthy diet that is especially important for the health of your colon. This is a nutrient that is largely underrepresented from people’s diets as a whole—as WebMD states, “The typical American consumes about 15 grams a day, but you need closer to 25 grams to 30 grams.” Given this, it’s unsurprising that $400 million is spent on laxatives in the United States each year, and one in six adults experience chronic constipation.

Another preventative step towards colon health that could show potential solution is through colon hydrotherapy. At Living Arts Wellness, we offer colon hydrotherapy and colon irrigation as health measures that could help the overall health of your large intestine. Some proponents of colon cleansing reference several potential benefits that could happen when trying this procedure, including:

Removal of toxins from the body
Losing weight
Improving the immune system as a whole

Colon hydrotherapy is a potential solution to helping your overall colon health improve. In addition to our colon irrigation services, Living Arts Wellness offers nutritional counseling to help maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Without question, however, is the fact that a healthier colon is key to a healthier body. We are committed to helping people in the Fort Collins area grow in their health in a holistic way—from massage therapy to colon hydrotherapy and everything in between, Living Arts Wellness is the resource you need. Contact us today and visit our clinic!

September 27, 2017August 3, 2019

Intestinal Disorders and Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol may dramatically improve digestive dysfunction and disease.

There are many factors that contribute to inflammatory bowel disease including foods, stress, sleep, and toxins. No matter the cause, the major cause of dysfunction and disease in the digestive tract is inflammation. Cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, leaky gut, and diverticulosis are all examples of gut ailments that are a result of inflammatory bowel disease. It has been shown that cannabidiol can help to eliminate intestinal disorders and dis-ease.

How Does CBD Help Eliminate Intestinal Disorders?

Cannabidiol (CBD) helps to control the inflammation process throughout the body and is particularly effective in the gut. Often, bleeding, cramping, diarrhea, and bloating improve and even resolve with low doses of CBD treatment within a week. These are the effects of low dose CBD on the gut:

Modulates the immune system
Reduces inflammation
Relaxes the vasculature of the gut and increases blood flow
Reduces pain sensitivity
Relaxes smooth muscle and eliminates cramping
Restores the tight junctions in the gut eliminating leaky gut issues
Modulates of the micro biome, balancing gut flora

CBD oil sourced from industrial hemp is legal across the United States and in other countries when sold as a supplement. During my 2017 travels to Iceland and the Netherlands, the CBD in my baggage was never an issue at customs or security. However, carrying a product description from the manufacturer stating that the product does not contain THC could prove to be valuable information if questioned while traveling.

Hemp Oil Can Be Found In Everyday Products

Hemp oil is now available in foods, drinks, lotions, cleansing products, snacks, and even pet products. Elixinol products are organically grown, essentially free of THC (lower than .03% THC), petroleum free (hemp oil is CO2 extracted), checked by an independent third part lab, and contain whole plant extracts. We exclusively carry Elixinol CBD products at our center, insisting on only the best quality CBD for our clients! Please feel free to contact us with questions regarding CBD products we carry.

February 6, 2017August 3, 2019

Natural Cancer Treatments

With cancer claiming the lives of more than half a million Americans annually, many are seeking natural treatments. The most common include breast, lung, colon and rectal, bladder, melanoma, lymphoma, thyroid, kidney, endometrial and pancreatic. Have you ever wondered whether you can eliminate dis-ease with natural treatments?

Some natural treatments for cancer include:

Gerson Therapy and Living Foods
Oxygen Therapies
Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy

The Gerson Therapy

These are only a few of the more popular and effective protocols. Natural treatments can activate your own extraordinary ability to heal and eliminate diseased cells. The Gerson therapy has been used for over 90 years and has been shown to heal cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and many degenerative diseases. This therapy includes plant based nutrition, raw juices, coffee enemas and some supplements. The idea is to get the nutritional benefits of nearly 20 pounds of organically grown fruits and vegetables each day and eliminate toxins through coffee enemas.

wheatgrass

Oxygen Therapies

Oxygen deficiency sets up an acidic state in the body, allowing cancer to thrive. Diseased cells can’t survive in a highly oxygenated environment. Otto Warburg, MD, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology 1931) made it known that the root cause of cancer is oxygen deficiency. Hyperbaric chambers, oxygenated saunas, rectal insufflations of O3, and certain supplements super oxygenate the body, helping to eliminate chronic disease.

Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy

It has been shown that systemic enzyme therapy significantly reduces tumors. Physicians recommend taking at least 5 grams of proteolytic enzymes 3 times a day on an empty stomach. This reduces inflammation and balances the autonomic nervous system. Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez reported that balancing the sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems through diet and proteolytic enzymes is the key to eliminating cancer.

Scientists and health professionals have shown that cancer is a curable and preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes. In fact, experts estimate that at least half of the incidences of this disease can be prevented.

August 28, 2016August 3, 2019

Healing Massage Therapies

Massage is an Important Part of an Integrative Wellness Program

There are many reasons to book a healing massage today. Massage is often thought of as pampering, but the therapeutic benefits cannot be denied. Studies show that massage reduces pain, improves sleep, aids patients in getting through cancer treatments, increases motion and flexibility, helps to avoid colds and flus, often alleviates headache, and can ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Stress Reduction with Healing Massage

Massage not only lowers your stress level, it reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol is hormone that can reek havoc on your body if you are constantly stressed. Elevated cortisol can lead to blood sugar issues, weight gain, suppression of the immune system, stomach and intestinal problems, and heart disease.

Freeing the mind and recharging the body with healing massage — Freeing the Mind and Recharging the Body with Healing Massage

Massage Therapy for Pain Management

Recent studies indicate that massage is strongly indicated for pain management. More than eighty percent of doctor visits are for chronic and acute pain complaints. Massage is often an important part of an integrative pain management program.

How Does Massage Combat Illness?

It has been proven that regular massage boosts the immune system. Swedish massage studies have shown an increase in white blood cells that combat illnesses such as colds and flus. Studies have also indicate that massage can significantly increase natural killer cells that fight early stages of breast cancer.

Massage therapists that are properly licensed and trained can be relied on to develop a massage therapy plan to meet individual needs and can coordinate work with doctors, acupuncturists, and other health professionals. Many modalities are often combined to treat conditions and may include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, joint mobilization, and myofascial release.

The AMTA and other professional organizations list qualified massage therapists in your area.

August 26, 2016August 3, 2019

Treating Viruses and Creating Wellness with Ozone Therapy

Scientific studies have proven that Ozone Therapy can eliminate and deactivate viruses, molds, bacterias, and even cancer cells.

What is Ozone?

Pure oxygen is made up of two molecules of oxygen. Ozone is a form of oxygen that has three molecules of oxygen and is completely different than O2. It is a powerful oxidizer which makes it so valuable in medical treatments, water purification, and air purification.

Oxidative stress occurs when the body has an overload of free radicals that the body can’t counteract with antioxidant defenses. When the ozone enters the bloodstream, it interacts with the blood creating hydroxyperoxides. Hydroxyperoxides only affect and destroy unhealthy cells, bacterias and viruses, leaving healthy cells in tact.

ozone image

How to get Ozone into Your Body

Ozonated Saunas (your pores open in the warm sauna, and O3 gets into the body through the skin; while in the sauna, your head is out so you don’t breathe in the O3)
Ozonated Drinking Water
Rectal or Vaginal Insufflations (O3 can be introduced into the body through a catheter… it goes into the bloodstream quickly with this method)

What can Ozone Therapy do for Me?

Ozone boosts the immune system and increases oxygen levels in your tissues and cells. It also kills bacterias and viruses, gives more energy to your cells, and decreases oxidative stress.

Ozone has been shown to be effective in treating herpes, arthritis, candida, fungus, Epstein-Barr virus, cancer cells and so much more! Doctors in Germany have been treating Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other nervous system disorders with O3.

There are many reasons for low oxygenation levels in the blood including shallow breathing, polluted air, sedentary lifestyle, and poor posture. Doctors and centers that are using ozone in their practices can be found online, along with other powerful oxygen therapies.

June 24, 2016August 3, 2019

Low Level Laser Therapy for Reducing Pain, Inflammation and Edema

The low level of near infrared light generated by a laser has been shown to stimulate and repair tissues.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is often applied to a wound or injury for short periods of time. When the light is applied at proper levels and amount of time, it can be quite effective for treating pain and inflammation, speeding healing, and even reversing some conditions. Often treatment last only a few minutes and is used multiple times.

You might ask, “How can light heal me?” Current research shows that the light. or phototherapy, stimulates certain processes in the cells that are touched by the laser. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of each cell. When the light stimulates the mitochondria, there will be an increase in respiration and more energy available to the cells.

LLLT has been widely tested in clinical trials and has been shown to be very effective for treating both acute and chronic conditions. The low level laser is effective for treating wounds, nerve issues, tendons, bones, and internal organs.

LLLT can be found in many clinical settings including physician and chiropractic offices, massage therapy centers, and acupuncture clinics. Cold lasers are being studied for their effectiveness in attacking viruses, reducing scars and burns, speeding wound healing, and much more. There are also laser devices designed to target and eliminate fat and others are used to treat and eliminate acne when an actual bacteria is responsible for the skin issue. Massage therapists incorporate this therapy into their practices to help eliminate inflammation and speed healing on multiple levels. Medical professionals and health practitioners are using these tools effectively in their practices.

March 30, 2016March 30, 2016

Wheatgrass: Step By Step Instructions on How to Grow Your Own

Wheatgrass juice is a powerful detoxifier and floods the body with vitamins and minerals. Many consider it to be one of nature’s finest medicines!

Wheatgrass is Liquid Sunshine… here are the steps to growing your own:

Purchase hard winter wheat in the bulk section of your local natural foods store or online.
Soak 2 cups of the wheat seed in unfiltered water for 8 – 12 hours or overnight.
Sprout the seeds in a jar for 20 hours, rinsing well and draining 3 times a day.
Spread 3/4 inch of organic potting mix in a planting tray with holes in the bottom.
Spread the sprouted seeds evenly over the potting mix.

Water the seeds/soil until water just begins to drip out the holes in the bottom of the tray. Allow this water to drain, and place another empty tray on top of the tray with seeds. This provides darkness to allow the seeds to begin to grow into grass.

coveredwheatgrass

Place the covered tray in an area of your home that has indirect sunlight.
Water twice a day… just until the tray begins to drip.
After a day or 2, remove the top tray allowing the grow to grow and begin to green.

Cut and juice your wheatgrass when it is 6 or 7 inches tall (6 or 7 days).

maturewheatgrass

Wheatgrass has so many benefits!

Contains all minerals known to man and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K
Is a complete source of protein
Is a great source of chlorophyll
Stimulates your thyroid
Boosts metabolism
Alkalizes your body
Gives you energy
And so much more!

March 24, 2016August 3, 2019

Massage: Best Treatment for Back Pain

deep tissue massage for back pain — Massage for Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common ailments among Americans.

It is estimated that nearly 85 percent of our population experiences back pain some time in their lives. It is also the most frequent cause of limited activity in people under the age of 45. Those that prefer not to use standard medical treatments, such as pharmaceuticals, find that massage therapy is the best treatment for this painful condition. Massage modalities that are effective treatments for back pain include deep tissue massage, neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, and structural integration.

Deep Tissue Massage

This modality is very effective for contracted muscle groups. The treatment includes slow and deep movements that concentrate on the areas of pain. Adhesions are broken up, circulation is increased, and stiff and sore muscles are released.

Neuromuscular Therapy

This therapy, also known as trigger point therapy, addresses tight muscle with restricted blood flow, myofascial trigger points that cause referred pain, and nerve entrapment. The massage therapist applies varying pressure with fingers, knuckles, or the elbow to eliminate chronic pain, increase blood flow, and increase range of motion.

Myofascial Release

This is an effective technique using gentle sustained pressure to remove soft tissue restrictions, help eliminate pain, and restore function. The massage therapist assists the client with body mechanics, movement, and postural awareness.

Structural Integration

This type of bodywork focuses on the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, organs and nerves. When fascia becomes bunched and tightened, it tends to pull our muscles and bones out of alignment, causing pain and fatigue. Structural integration is used to lengthen and soften tissue, align the body in gravity, and restore functional ease.

Each of these modalities is effective for treatment of chronic and acute back pain, and they are often combined in a session as part of an integrative massage.

Note: The ABMP is a great resource for locating a massage therapist that has achieved proper certification and/or licensing requirements and follows a code of ethics.

March 17, 2016August 3, 2019

Why Sprouts? They are a Living Food!

Growing sprouts is easy! There are many reasons to grow your own Living Food.

Growing Your Own Living Foods — Buckwheat Lettuce

Sprouts are the most nutritious living food on the planet!

Sprouts and young greens are up to 30 times more nutritious than the best organic vegetables because they are young plants. The life force of this growing food is transferred to your body when you eat them. During this time in the plant’s life, they have more nutrients than any other stage of growth. These young plants are also very east to digest because of their high enzyme content.

Certain B vitamins increase 1200 percent during the germination process.

Sprouting unleashes vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that were dormant in the seed. This is what makes the young plant so nutrient dense and easy to digest. In addition to B vitamins, the sprout also contains an abundance of antioxidants that stop DNA destruction, protecting us from cellular aging and breakdown.

Certain sprouts have also been shown to fight cancer and reduce cholesterol.

Broccoli sprouts have been proven to fight all types of cancers including pancreatic and colon cancers. They are high in sulforaphane, proven to boost cell enzymes that protect against molecular damage from cancer causing chemicals. In order to reduce your colon cancer risk by 50%, you would need to eat at least 2 pounds of broccoli a week. However, fresh broccoli sprouts are much more potent, allowing you to eat much lower quantities with the same result.

Click on this link to sign up for the next Living Foods Workshop at Living Arts Wellness. At our classes you will learn to:

Determine the difference between raw foods and Living Foods.
Integrate Living Foods into every meal!
Grow greens and sprout at home.
Ferment and culture, creating probiotic foods.
Transform the way that you look at and prepare meals!