Enjoy Pre-Wedding Pampering with Our Bridal Retreat Package

A perfect place for a bridal group day of pampering. Bring your own picnic, or we can cater it for you.

Cost is: Each of you choose your package from retreat packages or choose A La Carte and add $20.00 day fee.

Or... the Bride and Groom might enjoy an evening of pampering before the big day!
*call for pricing

 36 Oaks Country Retreat, nestled in a grove of majestic oak trees on Gibson Canyon Road, is an oasis of relaxation and natural beauty in the Vacaville countryside. A lovely country cottage setting on two and a half acres with wild ferns growing in the shade, deer wandering through, and even an occasional fox or raccoon.

For more information, please visit http://36oaks.com/

Pregnancy Massage - Benefits and Precautions

 

Are you pregnant? Are you stressed, cramped up or sleep-deprived? A pregnancy massage may be what you need. While almost everyone enjoys the relaxation of a good massage, during pregnancy the benefits are even greater.

Before you make your appointment, make sure you take care of safety first:

Precautions:

* Find a massage therapist that is specially trained and certified in pregnancy massage. They will be aware of all the following safety factors, but you should know them as well:

* If you are at risk of preterm labor, or have a blood clotting disorder, then do not attempt massage without first consulting your doctor. Some therapists may require doctor approval from all pregnant clients.

* Avoid massages during the first trimester of your pregnancy: The increased blood circulation during this time may cause to become dizzy, and may increase morning sickness.
* Make sure you are placed in a semi-reclining position, or lie on your side with lots of pillows for support.

* Do not allow excessive pressure on your ankles or the webbing between your thumb and index finger: these areas can induce early labor when sustained pressure is applied to them.
Once all the safety issues are taken care of, relax and enjoy! Most pregnancy massages are perfectly safe and will benefit both yourself and the growing child. Most importantly, they help you relax and will lower your stress level. That alone may alleviate many other discomforts. They may also:

Benefits:

* increase blood circulation,

* lower your heart rate,

* relieve muscle cramps and spasms,

* reduce lower back and neck pain,

* reduce swelling in hands and ankles

* provide a less painful and easier delivery!

When you go to your appointment, consider taking your partner with you. By learning what comforts you, they can help you relax via massage throughout your pregnancy and during labour. Make sure the therapist highlights all safety concerns to your partner and teaches them safe massage techniques.

So contact a qualified massage therapist today, and make that appointment that will help you relax and better enjoy this wonderful time of your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Gnech

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Thank You for the Yelp Reviews!

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful Yelp reviews!

"By far the best place we've ever been to! The owner is the sweetest lady and she catered to our needs more than we could have asked! Her location is beautiful and relaxing. She made us feel comfortable and we even had the option for a catered dinner! We will definitely be returning! :-)"

 -Kylie S. 

 

Check out more of our Yelp reviews HERE

Spring Specials at 36 Oaks Country Retreat

Complimentary Hand Paraffin Treatment with any massage or package. 

So soothing. The paraffin is enriched with citrus and Ginseng. 

(Please mention this special when booking your appointment) 

$10.00 off any package now through April. 

(cannot combine with other offers)

Spring is Just Around the Corner

Greetings from 36 Oaks!! We are just a little ways from Spring - bulbs are popping up and fresh spring flowers!! Nice!

And frogs going "re-deep re-deep" in the pond - they are so happy there is actually water in the pond.

Time for you to refresh and rejuvenate with some pampering. Sometimes we put our own needs at the bottom of the "to do" list . A little retreat can replenish and inspire you!!

11 Benefits Of Being Outdoors

Even before I started to work in the outdoor industry, I loved being outside. I have many happy memories of doing my school studying outside whenever I could, even on cold days. Summer holidays were spent outside as much as possible, not necessarily doing anything specific; just being in the fresh air.

Maybe that all came from growing up in a city and feeling confined and constrained by the greyness, I don't know. Whatever the reason for it, the desire has stayed with me and I seek to be outdoors at any opportunity.

Since my childhood, I have looked a little more at why we should spend time outdoors and some of the benefits that it brings. Some of these have been well-researched and documented; others are merely anecdotal but seem to apply to a wide cross-section of people I have worked with.

Physical

Of the benefits, they can be split into those that are mental and those which are more physical in nature which is where I shall start. These are things where changes for good can be noticed in our bodies, be they sick or healthy.

Vitamin D

One of the well-documented benefits of being outdoors is the rise in the level of Vitamin D it provides. Sunlight hitting the skin starts the process that generates the vitamin in us. There are studies that suggest this vitamin might have protective effects against many things from heart attacks and strokes to cancer or depression. This is a big debate in Scotland at the moment, with people suggesting that supplements should be taken by the nation to counter the ill effects of so many grey days. However, it seems that you don't need to be outside a huge amount to top yourself up to a reasonable level - being outside for 15 minutes a day may be sufficient and if you take advantage of every sunny day you should be fine.

Obviously there is the downside of burning so we are told to religiously apply sunscreen which then prevents the vitamin-generating UVB light hitting us. However, with some common sense and a bit of balance it should be possible to avoid over-exposure but allow enough sun through to keep you healthy, if you go outdoors enough.

Exercise

If you are outside then by definition you are not driving in your car or sitting on your sofa. This suggests that you may be walking somewhere or taking part in some form of more deliberate exercise. Assuming this is at an appropriate level for your general level of fitness, this is a good thing which provides benefits. Again, it doesn't need to be in huge amounts. There are guidelines as to what you should be doing and it will be best if you can follow them. However, if you don't normally do any exercise then I'm reasonably sure that graduating to doing 'some' is a great step forwards.

I know we can still go to a gym and exercise and there is no harm in that. However, my view is that the ever changing scenery outdoors is better than a TV on your running machine and the other obvious benefit is that the outdoors is free.

Healing

It seems from a study carried out in Pittsburgh that having access to natural light is beneficial to patients recovering from spinal surgery. Other studies have shown the benefits of patients being able to see trees and countryside rather than simply brick walls. I know when I was incarcerated in hospital recently, just for a few days, the fact that I could look out the window at something other than buildings was great. Now, this is not specifically about being outside but surely the advantages of seeing these things can be multiplied by actually going out there too, maybe even touching nature. It is no surprise to me that for years long term patients have been wheeled outside into hospital grounds and gardens as part of their convalescence.

Space

Particularly important for children, the outdoors provides more space. How many times have you noticed a child who is itching to run around but is too constrained indoors? Remove the shackles and they are off, whether that is hurtling around a small hall in the building, getting under people's feet and falling into table corners or playing aeroplanes, football or simply running outside. Children are so much more active outdoors and I suspect that is largely because there are fewer boundaries to slow them down and make them conform. They need to be allowed out to let off steam - just ask a primary school teacher on the third wet day in a row!

Fresh Air

Finally in the physical section, I am a firm believer in the idea that living all of our days in our hermetically-sealed, double-glazed, centrally-heated or air-conditioned boxes (at work or at home) is not overly healthy. I know just by watching myself that fresh air helps me sleep better and gives me fewer problems with the condition of my skin. Maybe that is true for other people too, that they simply need to breathe fresh air sometimes. Yes, cold draughty houses are not good either but I suspect there is some middle ground to be found, which may come from frequent visits to the big, fresh-smelling, outdoor world.

Mental

There is another body of work that looks at what impact being outside has on our mental wellbeing. Whilst there are few conclusive studies, it seems that a number of pieces of research are quite convinced that there are psychological benefits to be gained by going outside. On top of all this scholarly research, I am currently able to speak from personal experience as well. Stuck inside with a ruptured achilles tendon, even a short ten minute walk down the street makes me feel better inside. In this case it particularly alleviates my feelings of entrapment and monotony. These and other ideas are elaborated on below.

Light

Light makes you feel better and generally there is more of it outside than in, even on days that you would not class as 'bright'. If you are not sure, just look at the number of people suffering in the winter due to the seasonal lack of light. Whilst your job may enslave you to a routine indoors that means arriving and leaving in the hours of darkness, a five minute walk at lunchtime might overcome the issue enough to make you feel better.

Calm

The natural green colours you find in the countryside tend to exhibit a much more calming effect on your brain than the blacks and greys of city life. Even in the confines of an inner-city park, the greenery there is more appealing to the eye. You may not live in close proximity to green open spaces (which is a shame given the apparent benefits of that) but when you want to hopefully you can find them and make the most of them - even a dandelion growing in some cracked mortar is a start.

It also seems to be a generally held view that one of the most calming sounds you can hear is moving water. Whether that is a stream or a wave or a waterfall, the sounds make us feel better somehow, in a way that a dripping tap just can't. You don't need to go and camp on the beach or climb up to a mountain stream - even the brook running through the village green or the fountains in the park can give the same effect.

Trapped

Sometimes I think you can feel trapped by being inside all the time. Particularly at work where you can already feel like you are simply part of a system with no escape, having to sit in the same seat day after day just provides a monotonous outlook on the world. By going outside, the vista opens up, even just looking down a city street. Add the advantages that are provided by stepping even a few metres above the crowd and the sense of being shut-in can lift, however temporarily.

Variety

They say variety is the spice of life and that a change is as good as a rest. In that case moving, however briefly, from an indoor existence to a period out of doors must be of benefit. If we can go somewhere new into the bargain then it will be even better. It doesn't need to be exotic, however hard the travel agents try to convince you to the contrary. Walking down a different street in your own town may be sufficient. Going to a different park or a new footpath will provide even more benefits.

Concentration

It seems that people, and particularly children, suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit from being outside. If they can counter their 'nature deficit' by going outside (as described by Richard Louv in his book 'Last Child in the Woods') then their concentration improves. The research on this is primarily on these children but it's not wild conjecture to suggest that the same may be true for all of us. When I worked in a Darlington office complex, I used to take ten minutes at lunchtime just to walk around the block every day. It did wonders for my ability to concentrate in the afternoon. With flexitime in place, I was even at liberty to do it again halfway through the afternoon should I require it.

Appreciation

Finally, I believe that there is benefit in being outdoors for the new appreciation it gives us for our area. Taking time to look around you in a natural place, whether it is perceived to be beautiful or not, will allow you the chance to see what is actually there. You don't need to move far. Simply sitting outside with things growing around you will present a multiplicity of objects to be observed. On top of that, there may be wildlife, such as birds or small mammals, as well as the weather as it impacts on the land or sea. When observed with open eyes, it is hard to be unimpressed and this can only heighten an appreciation for the place you are in. When this is your homeland, it can fill you with a sense of pride by association. Even if you are far away though, it is still possible to gain a sense of wonder and satisfaction - to have the privilege to live in such a diverse world is amazing.

Conclusion

You may think some of this is hard to believe, or that it doesn't apply to your situation or the geographical area you frequent. However, having spent most of my working life in outdoor contexts, I have seen many of these concepts in action, and helped people develop their thinking whilst outside. I couldn't put numbers to it but I would hazard a guess that everyone that has come outside with me over the years has benefited in some way from the experience. which begs the question why we don't go outside more often - it's obviously good for us!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_James_Smith

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4 Fascinating Ways That a Hot Stone Massage Benefits Our Minds

Hot stone massages can benefit your mind as much as your body. We usually think about the benefits of these massages for our bodies. For instance, hot stone massages can:

o improve our blood circulation
o reduce pain
o release toxins
o relax our muscles

These benefits are certainly important, especially after a stressful day at work or school. However, we should not disregard the mental benefits of massage. Maintaining sound mental health is equally as important as maintaining sound physical health. Here are some of the most important mental benefits from a hot stones massage:

1. Improves our ability to think calmly

When our minds are stressed-out, we tend to react to situations in an irrational way, and to make irrational decisions. The results could be disastrous. For instance, "road rage" can cause us to drive aggressively and make various irrational decisions. That could include running a red traffic light, cutting off another driver, etc. Indeed, remember the old adage "cooler heads will prevail." A hot stone massage can help to relax your mind, allowing you to think rationally and calmly.

2. Encourages a relaxed state of alertness

My Little League baseball "career" lasted one season, after I got a black eye on a pop-fly ball. However, we can apply the baseball lesson of "keeping your eye on the ball," to virtually every aspect of our lives. It is important that we are constantly alert throughout the day. We must be alert to operate a vehicle, listen to the instructions of bosses, teachers, and so on.

Hot stone massages can increase our state of alertness. They become a form of meditation, clearing our minds of the worries of the world. When our minds are not bogged down with these thoughts, we can focus on our day-to-day lives. Also, when our bodies our relaxed, we are physically ready to spring into action when in "fight or flight" situations.

3. Improves our ability to be creative

It is difficult to write a poem or song lyrics, when our minds remain focused on other matters. However, by clearing and relaxing our minds through a hot stone massage, we get our "creative juices" flowing, and can then produce extraordinary creative works.

4. Lowers mental stress

Typically, when we think about stress, we think about the physical effects that it has on our lives. However, we should not overlook the impact of mental stress. A low-to-moderate level of stress in our lives is good. However, when our lives experience too much stress, this can be overbearing on our minds. We continuously fret about the difficulties in our lives, causing our minds to feel as disorganized as an unsolved jigsaw puzzle. Fortunately, a hot stone massage can help to reduce our mental stress, making our minds at peace.

When we think about the benefits of hot stone therapy, we typically focus on the benefits to our body. However, we should not overlook the benefits to our minds. Hot stone massages can help to unleash the power of positive thinking!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Turley

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1816275

Girl's Birthday Spa Party

Are you looking for something unique to do for your daughter's birthday? Try a Spa Party!

Girl's Birthday Spa Party

Have your daughter feel like a princess on her special day, at the area's only Country Retreat. Whether it's a few friends or a group, make it a day she'll remember forever. Day includes but not limited to:

Gentle pineapple herbal facials

Paraffin fun dip

Chocolate fountain with strawberries

Balloons

Snacks and punch

$275.00 for five girls

Additional girls at $55.00 

*prices subject to vary

36 Oaks Country Retreat

6963 Gibson Canyon Road

Vacaville, CA 95688

Open 7 Days By Appointment Only

707-447-8037

Connecting With Nature is an Intelligent, Healthy Lifestyle Choice

This is a recommendation I regularly give to patients, especially if they're feeling chronically stressed or anxious. It's a simple step, yet so powerful. It's getting outside and connecting with nature!

This may seem like a peculiar "health and happiness" recommendation to make! But, this was a vital component when I needed to re-create overall balance, happiness and health in my life following a very stressful period. For me, the outdoors is one of the critical pieces to the puzzle. Regardless of where you live and what time of the year it is, I feel it's a necessary component of balanced living for all of us.

I don't believe we were intended to live in the captivity of our workplaces, cars, shopping malls and homes. We are part of nature - part of the entire ecosystem. In my opinion, we need to stay connected to it in order to achieve overall balance. Personally, I thrive when I get outside every single day. Easier said than done when it's insanely cold and miserable out!

I'd say it's well worth my effort though. I notice that my thinking is clearer, I have more energy and a much better attitude when I do this. Fresh air is healing and energizing, as is natural light. Our bodies and minds don't function at their optimal levels in stale, indoor air and artificial lighting, day in and day out.

I do as much as I can outside: I take the kids out for play time, exercise and meals. We've done plenty of home school lessons while sitting outside. I do my morning rituals out on the dock in the spring through fall. I read outside when I get the chance. As often as possible I do my cardio exercise outside. I actually like the widely varying weather conditions that Michigan provides!

On days that it's too dangerous to exercise outside, or just too miserable to do much of anything outside, I have a quick little routine I do. I step out onto our deck, look up at the big pine trees next to me and take a few deep breaths of fresh air as I do some nice lengthening stretches. I look up at the sky, look out at the lake... take another deep breath as I appreciate all the natural beauty. Then I run inside! I can even recall a couple times when I just opened the window to do this routine. Must have been pretty cold!

In those glorious spring, summer and fall months, the benefits of the outdoors are obvious. Sunshine offers the healing benefits of light itself, as well as vitamin D. We also tend to exercise and stay more active during these months. We eat outside, work outside and play outside. Fair weather fans, we are! The crisp air of winter has a unique blessing of its own - not much else can invigorate you so quickly! Plus, frozen nostrils just remind you how alive you are, don't they?!

Action Step:

Make the effort to get outside and connect with nature every single day. If (you think) your only chance to get outside is while you're rushing to and from your car during your busy routine, then allow at least 30 extra seconds in your routine to stop the craziness and connect with nature in some small way. Look up at a tree, listen to the birds, feel the breeze or smell a flower.

Another one of my "but-I'm-so-busy" favorites is to crack the window in the car while sitting at a stop light and just look around you at the sky and the trees. Yes, I'm still paying attention to the traffic conditions! The sky is different every single day - even when it's gray! Take some deep breaths and soak it all in.

You are becoming a fully balanced, completely healthy human being! Enjoy the process!

Until next time, Be Happy, Be Well and Smile!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colleen_Trombley

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2155919

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Holly Firfer reports on researchers testing the benefits of massage therapy on cancer survivors.