As you will see when you give it a whirl, here’s what they do”

“MakeMeBabies’ unique technology will show you exactly (well… almost exactly…) what your future child with another person will look like! We take both your photos, do some magic calculations, and congratulations! You have a new baby!”

You can even add MakeMeBabies to your MySpace and Facebook profiles.

Even More Fun

A very clever feature of the site allows you to invite friends to “make babies”. This is actually quite innocent, trust me. What you can simply do is have your friends upload photo of themselves and once combined with yours, there you have an idea of the baby that could have been.

If you are short on friends or are just curious, you can pick from photos of a few celebs and find out what your little Brad Pitt or David Beckham would look like.

I hope you enjoy it, I know I did…

Herbal Extraction - The Big Secret

Herbal extracts are actually made by piercing the cell walls of the plant material and draining it with the aid of a solvent.

In other words, dried or fresh plant material such as fruits, seeds, vegetables and other parts of plants are combined with alcohol, where the solid matter is removed and the oils and juices are mixed with alcohol. This process is what is referred to as “herbal extraction”.

So, when cranberries are crushed and mixed with alcohol, what results is called a cranberry extract.

More Extraction Than Herb

Even more interesting… typically extracts made from dried material require more solvent than plant material, in most cases 4 parts alcohol to 1 part plant material.

A good example is a traditional Rosehip extract. With a ratio of 1:4, Rosehip extract has 1 part of Rosehip and 4 parts of alcohol.

What most skin care companies don’t talk about is that it is possible to create truly organic skin care products without alcohol and other solvents.

Reclaiming Lost Ingredients

Regardless of the skin care product, the most diverse and intact collection of nutrients comes through use of the whole plant! Specifically - the pulp and the skin.

The Power of Pulp
For example, researchers at the Agricultural University of Wroclaw, Poland, found that apple juice containing fruit pulp has four times as much of the beneficial substances as non-pulp juice.

So, what exactly are these beneficial substances?

Ever heard of polyphenols? This group of chemical substances found in plants that are also referred to as tannins and phenylpropanoids, lignins and flavonoids, and are found in organic produce as well as in fruit pulps rather than in juices. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help absorb chemicals known to damage cells in the body, therefore inhibiting the aging process. Researchers have shown that polyphenols may also reduce the risk of some cancers as well as heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

For example, the white pulpy part of the orange is the primary source of its flavonoids. The juicy orange colored sections contain most of its vitamin C. In the cells of the human body, flavonoids and vitamin C work together to support health. However, when the pulp of the orange is removed during herbal extraction, the flavonoids are lost.

Healthy Fruit Skins
More and more people are learning about the benefits of the edible skin of many of the world’s most beneficial fruits and herbs. The skin of grapes, apples, plum, peaches and apricots (just to name a few) – is home to important biological activity of the plant.

The surface of an fruit or vegetables’ skin interacts with sunlight, and forms a variety of colored pigments that absorb different wavelengths of light. Research has proven that these pigments, including carotinoids and bioflavonoids, are nutrients that protect the health of and provide nourishment to the skin.

In fact, the skin of grapes has actually been studied for their ability to help lower the risk of cancer and help provide protection from ultraviolet light.

ilike from Szep-Elet - Solvent Free Skin Care

The vast majority of companies ignore the tremendous value of pulp based skin care creation and opt for herbal extractions. Understandably, manufacturing costs and shelf-life are major concerns for traditional and organic skin care companies alike. The process of growing, selecting, converting and storing herbal pulp is more time consuming, requires more attention to caring for the base ingredients and requires a lengthier process prior to the creation of the final herbal product.

But the time and expense are indeed worth it, especially given the fact that our environment is increasingly taking a toll on our skin.

Each products in the ilike organic skin care line contain whole fruit and herb pulps as the primary active ingredients rather than herbal extracts.

All of the herbal ingredients in ilike skin care products are either grown on certified organic farms or in the rural woods and fields of Hungary.

All ingredients are hand-picked and hand-selected by associates of the manufacturer.

ilike often uses the skin of the herbs in addition to the pulp in order to deliver the full benefits of the herbal ingredients which leads to much more natural and effective products and superior skin care results.

Shop the full line of ilike organic skin care products and get free shipping on selected orders>>>

But, of course, don’t overlook the fact that a pregnancy massage is the best way to pamper a mom-to-be. Each trimester brings it’s own challenges and a comprehensive pregnancy massage can really help in the following ways:

First Trimester

• Relieve headaches
• Help alleviate morning sickness
• Reduce fatigue

Second Trimester

• Alleviate backaches
• Relieve leg cramps

Third Trimester

• Reduce swelling/edema
• Relieve pain from varicosities
• Enhance sleep
• Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process

Interestingly, during the entire term of the pregnancy, regular massage can stimulate blood flow, which may assist in the prevention of anemia. Additionally, an increase in muscle tone and flexibility will occur, alleviating leg cramps and muscle spasms.

Massage during pregnancy is also a great way to relieve everyday tension and the general aches and pains your body is suffering. It stimulates your lymphatic system, increasing immunity and the removal of excess toxins, while also stabilizing hormonal levels and balancing the glandular system.

Will I Be Comfortable During My Massage?
During pregnancy massage, you are positioned on your side or in a semi-reclining position. This gives the therapist access to your back and the front of your body. Your body will be comfortably supported with pillows specifically designed for pregnant women, that support the pelvic area while lying on your stomach.

You will always be properly draped or covered while the therapist is working.

What Massage Techniques Will Be Used?
Pregnancy massage incorporates a variety of therapeutic massage techniques. Depending on where you are in the pregnancy, I may utilize Swedish massage, reflexology, deep tissue or other massage modalities to give you the most beneficial and relaxing massage possible.

When Should Massage During Pregnancy Should Be Avoided?
Pregnant mothers with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from pregnancy massage. However, a women who is experiencing a “high-risk pregnancy” should consult with her doctor or midwife before a pregnancy massage.

Additionally, during all massages, I listen and watch carefully for any signs of discomfort and adjust your position or my technique accordingly.

Is Post-Pregnancy Massage Beneficial?
Getting a therapeutic massage in the weeks following delivery can help to restore muscle tone in the abdomen and reposition the pelvis.

Also, since touch is a very important part of bonding with your baby, you may want to learn a few simple techniques which will allow you to safely massage your newborn baby. Post-pregnancy massages are a great time to get this instruction.

Schedule a Pregnancy Massage today!

Related Services
Belly Facial
Belly Imprint

Which gifts really made an impression on you, on the mother-to-be? It is hard to remember, right?

Yep, finding a truly great baby shower gift can be challenging. A great gift is almost never on the registry, and when I have ever gone the registry route, all that’s left is either a box of diapers or a $300 crib.

A Brilliant New Solution

From now on, I am getting all my baby belly friends a belly imprinting kit from Belly Vita! I recently discovered this amazing product and have been thrilled with it.

Inspired by Belly Vita, I have even added Belly Facials to my list of skin care services and have had the pleasure of helping a few pre-moms drape and then design the belly imprint. It is just such a wonderful experience for a mother. I love it when a belly facial gets booked and look forward to it like it was my own appointment.

Now, back to the baby shower…

Usually, a baby shower is thrown at the perfect time for the belly imprint to be done. So the new mama could take it home and have her significant other or a close friend (or her esthetician like me) help in the ritual which results in a beautiful belly imprint. Some mothers may even want to make the belly imprint a part of the shower and let her friends share in the creation and design.

Either way, what results is a lasting memory in the shape of that precious belly.

Why a Belly Imprint Works Better

A belly imprint is quite different than a common belly cast.

Because the belly imprint is made with a solid piece of cloth, the end product is a beautiful, artistically draped sculpture. The folds of the cloth which become set in the belly imprint create an elegantly rippled and soft look that is hard to describe. Once the “finish” is added to the imprint, it is simply stunning.

If you have ever watched or experienced a belly casting in progress you would also know that a belly imprint is actually easier and cleaner than belly casting. No messy strips, just one easy to handle cloth.

Making a Truly Beautiful Imprint

If you are like me, you love to imagine and create but sometimes, the act of putting the paintbrush to the canvas is, well, scary .

Fortunately, this belly imprint kit comes with some simple design suggestions. You can “bronze” the imprint or try other fun faux finishes available in paint kits at your local craft store. It’s great because the paint kits contain easy to follow instructions on getting the finish you want. Another option is if you are fond of a local artist you may be able to commission them to paint your belly imprint and create an exquisite original work of fine art.

No matter if you or an “artist” paints your belly imprint, it will surely turn out to be a beautiful keepsake of your pregnancy.

I have been amazed by the moms I’ve seen create belly imprints that were both stunningly creative and beautiful. I think the elegant folds and creases of the sculpted cloth help tremendously, allowing just about any artistic attempt to succeed beautifully. It really is simple so there’s no need to worry or fret. With just a tiny bit of effort they all turn out gorgeous.

If you are hoping to make a lasting impression at the next baby shower, skip the trip to the baby superstore and consider getting that mom-to-be an exclusive Belly Vita belly imprinting kit. She’ll be thanking you for years after the shower and, who knows, she might return the favor if you ever end up with a baby belly.

Most importantly, natural skin care assumes that the products being used on your skin are all natural, preferably pulp based (like the ilike products we use) rather than simple herbal extracts which have been combined with alcohol or some other solvent.

The act of “skin care” or esthetics (also aesthetics) is the application of various treatments to the skin’s epidermal layer. In other words, esthetics is all about creating and maintaining healthy skin.

Techniques

Some of the techniques used by estheticians—or skin care professionals—include facial steaming, wrapping, exfoliation, waxing, pore cleansing, extraction, and chemical peels.

Professionals give personal guidance on the latest in skin care maintenance and excel at helping clients apply makeup skillfully to conceal scars and imperfections.

Central to this specialty is the use of creams, lotions, wraps, clay or gel masks, and salt scrubs. Some technicians may also utilize machines to help deliver high-tech services.

Esthetics Complements Dermatology

Esthetic practice is different from dermatology in that it specifically excludes diagnosis, prescription, or any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a medical license.

If you’re being treated by a dermatologist, your esthetician will provide complementary and support therapies.

In addition, skin care therapists are trained and licensed to recognize early signs of many medical conditions, including skin cancer, and will refer you to a dermatologist in such a case.

Would I Benefit from Seeing A Skin Care Professional?

Skin care professionals are experts trained in skin wellness, helping their clients balance oil and moisture content and achieve a healthy, youthful complexion.

A variety of treatments and products are used to protect skin from environmental hazards and combat fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull, uneven skin tone.

Estheticians are also skilled in managing conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and dry skin, to name just a few.

Through specialized therapies and remedies, a skin care professional can help ease the burdens such conditions can cause. Furthermore, skin care treatments are wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating.

If smooth, healthy skin is your aim, a skin care professional can benefit you.

What Can I Expect From a Natural Skin Treatment?

During your first appointment, your skin care professional will discuss your skin care issues and goals.

Once the practitioner has evaluated your skin, the two of you will work together to determine a course of action to achieve those goals.

This plan will likely include treatments, home care, and follow-up appointments.

What About Home Care?

In addition to providing face and body treatments for personal use, skin care professionals educate clients on proper cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and stimulating regimens for home care support between visits.

Estheticians also supply you with information on lifestyle choices, such as nutrition and exercise, to further support your skin health.

Types Of Skin Care Therapies

Chemical Peel—An exfoliation process usually used to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Exfoliation—Removal of dead skin cells, manually or using chemical peels.

Extraction—Proper pore cleansing, the removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and blocked pores.

Facials—After analysis, cleansing, and preparation, a mask is applied to the face. Therapeutic ingredients vary based on skin type.

Microdermabrasion—A technique utilizing a machine to exfoliate the uppermost layers of the skin. Used to treat hyperpigmentation and uneven surface texture. Some states require that estheticians who perform microdermabrasion meet certain requirements, be supervised by a physician, or that the technique is performed only by a physician.

Waxing—Hair-removal technique. Warm wax is applied to the skin, allowed to cool, then removed.

How Do I Find A Qualified Practitioner?

All skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask practitioners about their background, training, and experience.

I am a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and have met the stringent requirements of this association.

Using a specific series of cross-tissue movements applied to the muscles, a fully trained Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist concentrates on all layers of muscle that have become depleted of their normal blood and lymphatic flow. This specific therapy helps to restore the circulation with its natural healing properties.

About the Founder

Therese C. Pfrimmer, a registered massage therapist and physiotherapist from Ontario, Canada not only evolved the method of deep muscle therapy, but was her own first client. Her discovery in 1946 led to the reversal of her own paralysis, she then dedicated the rest of her life, some 34 years, to research on muscles, training others in her discovery, and aiding in the improvement of a broad spectrum of disabilities and diseases.

How Pfrimmer Helps

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy establishes a foundation for corrective massage upon which other trouble-shooting techniques may be added. It has been valuable in aiding in the prevention as well as correction of many serious muscle conditions. Because of its positive benefits to all of the body’s soft tissue, it may be described as the most comprehensive form of corrective body work available today. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is, indeed, the healing touch.

Contact Kim

My name is Kim Deeter and I specialize in Pfrimmer massage at the Vista Massage Group office in Greenwood, IN. Please contact me if you have questions about Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy or if you would like to make an appointment.

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers to stimulate more than seven thousand two hundred nerve endings in each foot. These nerve endings correspond to all parts of the body, including organs and glands. Some reflexologists also work with the hands and the ears. Stimulating the appropriate region is intended to eliminate energy blockages thought to produce pain or disease in the related areas. Reflexology is used to prevent, rather than cure and is used to relieve a wide variety of ailments.

Origins Of Reflexology

Dr. William Fitzgerald, in his book Zone Therapy, states that “a form of treatment by means of pressure points was known in and China five thousand years ago. This knowledge, however, appears to be lost or forgotten. Perhaps it was set aside in favor of acupuncture, which emerged as the stronger growth from the same root.” There also appears to be evidence of reflexology being used in Egyptian art around 2330 B.C.E.

What Does Reflexology Do?

Reflexology can relieve stress and tension within the body. It improves circulation and lymphatic flow and works to unblock nerve impulse pathways. These benefits all work toward helping the body to heal itself by restoring balance to the vital energies. According to Shelly Hess, author of The Professional’s Reflexology Handbook, “Reflexology works to discover how the soft tissue organs and the entire skeletal system are functioning. Through trained fingers, the reflexologist can detect early warning signs that the body is struggling and can then help restore the internal system to better balance.” In reflexology, there are three areas—both in the evaluation and the treatment—that your reflexologist will concentrate on: feet, hands, and ears.

How Much Time Should I Allow?

You should allow thirty to sixty minutes for the reflexologist to work. The client may be treated in a reclining reflexology chair or on a massage table.

Who Can Benefit From Reflexology?

People of all ages can benefit from reflexology treatments. We all suffer from stress at one time or another, and aches and pains are a part of daily life. Reflexology has a long history of promoting relaxation and healing.

What Are Some Specific Conditions Where Reflexology Might Be Helpful?

• Allergies and sinus problems
• Arthritis
• Backache and sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Constipation
• Headaches, including migraines
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Stress

How Frequently Should I Have A Reflexology Treatment?

Once a week is normal; an extreme case would be twice a week. The body needs time to normalize between treatments. Reflexology also works wonderfully in conjunction with other body therapies. Again, you should wait about a week between herapies to avoid overloading the body.

Can I Do This At Home

Certain areas of the hands can be worked on, but it is rather awkward to work on your own feet. Some areas are hard to reach, and it’s difficult to relax. Still, your therapist can share some self-help reflexology points with you.

Will My Feet Be Washed?

If you have come directly from a day at work or have a problem with foot odor, the practitioner may wash your feet before the beginning of the session.

But I’m Ticklish!

The practitioner will adjust her touch to what is comfortable for you. Sometimes a little more pressure alleviates the ticklish feeling.
Relaxation helps, too, and the practitioner will have several techniques for relaxation at her disposal.

Specific massage therapy and reflexology techniques are used in harmony with a collection of pure essential oils to perform the Raindrop Technique.

The develpment of this massage therapy modality was based on clinical observations that many types of spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which in turn contorts muscles and disfigures the spinal column.

How is the Raindrop Technique Performed?

During the Raindrop Technique session a sequence of highly anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral essential oils are applied to the body and worked in using massage reflexolgy movements.

As the essentiol oils penetrate the body and the spinal cord, the “anti” property agents of the essential oils help to eliminate pathogens, relieve inflammation, release spasms, and promote correct spinal alignment.

The Essential Oils Used in the Raindrop Technique

Seven Pure Essential Oils
Thyme, Basil, Peppermint, Oregano, Wintergreen, Cypress and Marjoram
Two Proprietary Essential Oil Blends
Valor and Aroma Seiz (manufactured by Young Living Essential Oils)