Moving Freely with Arthritis
The Feldenkrais Method® = Stress-Free Exercise   

Many people with arthritis find it challenging to getenough exercise. They hesitate to do something that might exacerbate their arthritis symptoms rather than make them better.
While conventional exercise typically involves repetition of strenuous movements, The Feldenkrais Method takes a very different approach, bearing little resemblance to conventional forms of exercise and working on entirely different principles. It involves no stretching or straining, requires only minimal muscular effort and uses slow, gentle, easy-to-do movements. By engaging the brain’s ability to relearn and change, Feldenkrais improves the exchange of relevant information between the nervous system and the muscles, resulting in movement becoming more comfortable.

Feldenkrais provides many of the benefits commonly associated with exercise, including lubrication of joints, increased flexibility, better circulation, improved respiratory function, better coordination and balance, and an overall sense of well-being.

For people with arthritis, The Feldenkrais Method can help to reduce friction, swelling and inflammation in the joints, and can interrupt cycles of pain and tension.

Once a person is able to move comfortably, they may be able to start engaging in more strenuous aerobic or strength-building exercises.


Call or email us to make your appointment to explore the Feldenkrais Method of movement with
Pat Barragan, Irene Bowers, Cathy Sweetman  or Bridget Quebodeaux.

Leslie Heinze
Certified Massage Therapist

It’s a general perception that pregnant women develop sensitivity to smell in order to prevent inhaling harmful substances and in turn protect the fetus even if it is harmless. Some women may experience dulled or heightened sensitivity to smell. In either case, Aromatherapy (light use of essential oils) can be a great healing modality before, during, and after pregnancy. Aromatherapy is a natural solution to help balance your mind, body, and soul. As a precaution essential oil use should be limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but they have many beneficial uses in the last two trimesters and during labour.

Listed below are oils that should be avoided during pregnancy:

Basil, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage (OK during labour), Clove Cypress (OK after 5 months), Fennel Hyssop Jasmine (OK during labour), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet Marjoram,

Listed below are the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Bergamot : Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and indigestion.

Cypress : (OK after 5 months) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion. Frankincense Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming.

Geranium: (OK after 3 months) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with water retention.

Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, astringent, stimulant, tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages. Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative.

Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.

Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.