Local Richardson reflexology and aromatherapy

Today I’m excited to tell my local readers how you can support a small, local natural product business in Richardson, Texas! I was introduced to Tanya of Happy Feet, Healthy Body in Richardson through a mutual friend.

Tanya is an ITEC certified reflexologist. ITEC is an examination organization that based in Europe that ensures that therapist are taught with the highest quality and they are graded on their knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology, professional etiquette and Reflexology technique. Graduates with an ITEC Certification are qualified to work in over 30 countries. Tanya studied under Patricia McPherson from Derwen Holistic Therapies in Houston. The techniques and methods taught by Patricia are based on a “light touch”, which is enjoyed by people of all ages and safe for babies, toddlers, etc.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is stimulation through  massage of the hands and feet by gently nudging the body toward better function  applying a “light touch” pressure to specific areas.  This non-invasive process improves lymphatic drainage and venous circulation, muscle relaxation and stimulation to the nerve pathways.  Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings.  When this specific massage is applied, energy is released, removing blockages and enabling the body to begin healing.  Each of these nerve endings correspond to organs and major systems in the body.  Here is a short list of health conditions known to be helped by reflexology: Chronic Pain, Migraines, Digestive Issues, Hormonal Imbalances, Fatigue, Sinus Issues, Allergies, Lymph Drainage, and Respiratory Issues.
As a complement to her practice, Tanya incorporates aromatherapy in treatment. This is where I came in. Tanya sent me a sample basket of a few of her homemade aromatherapy products.

A list of what I tried (now available on her online store as The Pamper Pack- scroll down this post for a discount offer!):

– glycerin soap
– hand sanitizer pen
– two sizes of antibacterial hand soap
– two kinds of sea salts for the bath
– lip balm
My fave: the hand sanitizer pen!
First, I love the convenience of something the size of a pen because I put hand sanitizer on my kids all day long!

Second, here are the ingredients:

aloe vera gel, isopropyl alcohol*, vegetable glycerin, grapefruit seed extract, peppermint essential oil.
I just love how it is all so understandable and natural! I asked in particular about the properties of the peppermint oil because, as you know, I am currently very interested in essential oils.
From Tanya:
Peppermint essential has natural anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties. This is one of the reasons that I chose that oil for the hand sanitizer. The other is I love it! It is an instant mood lifter for me and it smells clean and fresh.
I agree about the mood lifting! I have since learned exactly how powerful therapeutic-grade peppermint oil is.Also, this alcohol-free hand sanitizer pen is only $3!!*you can buy the hand sanitizer pen in alcohol-free or with alcohol. Mine had alcohol.

Tanya does use therapeutic grade essential oils in her products. More on the essential oils she uses:
The essential oils are therapeutic grade and are very powerful. Since they are not “fragrance”, I must be careful to consider the effects of the amounts I place in my products. In the case of the Bath Salts, I was more conservative simply because it is used in the bath and comes in contact with some very sensitive areas of our bodies and not everyone’s skin reacts the same. Since the bags you received were some of the first I produced (that is my newest product), I was more conservative. After reading your comments, the newer batches have been a little stronger.
Happy Feet, Healthy Body can be found in Richardson at Northwest Office Plaza 1750 N Collins Blvd Ste 106 Richardson, TX 75080. 

A special deal for Conscientious Confusion readers
Tanya has just opened her online store for aromatherapy products! She is celebrating by offering my readers a 15% discount!Just go through the checkout process, and when you are viewing the shopping cart, click on the “Coupon/Promotion Code” section, enter:
 consconf0212
and receive a 15% discount!The promotional coupon will expire on March 15th, 2012.  (the coupon cannot be used toward the reflexology gift certificate as it is already being offered at a discounted rate)

You can buy 5 hand sanitizer pens for less than $13!

Let me know if you do order from her, I hope to send her some business.