SURYA BATH SOAK

The deeply soothing single-use Ayurvedic bath soak is a luxurious and restorative spa therapy you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. With three salts that recreate the ocean’s salinity and the salinity of your own cells, and traditional herbs that nourish and rejuvenate, this ancient hydrotherapy helps us return to our most balanced and optimal state.

Mavericks Wellness is excited to introduce we now carry both the Muscle Relief Bath Soak and the Hormone Soothing Bath Soak from Surya Spa.

The Muscle Relief Bath Soak included the herbs of Calendula; to soothe and nourish the skin, and Arnica; to help relieve sore muscles and bones. In connection with the lymphatic system, Calendula is used for the purpose of stagnant lymph conditions, gentle lymphatic drainage, and maintaining a healthy flow of lymphatic fluids. While Arnica promotes lymphatic circulation, and decreases swelling.

The Hormone Soothing Bath Soak includes the herbs of Shatavari; to support women’s reproductive health, while nourishing and rejuvenating and Wild Yam; to reduce dry skin and balance hormonal changes. In connection with the lymphatic system, Shatavari helps move excess fluid, and supports the immune system. While Wild Yam assists with reducing swelling and inflammation.

To purchase, please email hello@maverickswellness.com    

GROUNDING

The concept of grounding refers to the practice of connecting physically to the Earth's surface electrons. This can be achieved simply by walking barefoot outside, as well as through the use of grounding devices. Grounding has been a subject of interest in the wellness community for its potential health benefits. Among these proposed benefits is the impact on the lymphatic system, an essential part of the immune system that helps in removing waste and toxins from bodily tissues.

Grounding involves direct skin contact with the surface of the Earth, such as grass, soil, or sand. The Earth maintains a negative electrical potential on its surface, and when you are in direct contact with it, your body becomes equalized with the Earth's electrical energy. This practice has roots in ancient civilizations but has gained recent interest in alternative medicine.  

Benefits of Grounding on the Lymphatic System

1. Improved Fluid Movement: Grounding helps in the more efficient movement of lymph fluid. The theory suggests that the negative ions from the Earth's surface help improve circulation, which is beneficial for lymphatic flow.

2. Reduction in Inflammation: Some research indicates that grounding can reduce inflammation in the body. Since inflammation can impair the lymphatic system, grounding might indirectly support lymphatic health by reducing inflammation.

3. Enhanced Immune Response: By supporting the movement of lymph and reducing inflammation, grounding is likely to enhance the body's overall immune response.

*Text from IN FIORE

MAVERICKS WELLNESS IS TWO!

The fact that I am able to share my passion for lymphatic health with all of you, is truly such a dream. Whether you have booked a Ballancer®Pro treatment with me or you have purchased any of the lymphatic products I carry, my only wish for you is to feel better than you did before.

Using compression therapy and these other lymphatic self-care products has truly changed my life. Thank you to each and every one of you that has supported me on this journey so far. I am so very grateful.

BODY SCULPTOR

The body sculptor is a versatile body sculpting tool to facilitate lymphatic drainage. It is custom designed to help boost circulation, reduce puffiness, relieve muscle tension, breakdown fascia, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, and most importantly aid in lymphatic drainage.

The Skinny Confidential created this tool with a structural designer specifically for a women’s body, taking the standard flat body tool design and making it 3D, so it’s easy to hold and glides perfectly over the body’s silhouette. It is designed with a silicone handle that ensures a non-slip grip. Its aluminum structure naturally feels cold to the touch providing an additional depuffing benefit during use.

For the use of your body sculptor, it is recommended to prepare the area with your favorite body oil to avoid traction and for an easy glide. (the Surya Spa Slimming Massage and Abhyanga Oil being the perfect option!) Using gentle pressure, glide the curved edge up the legs, down the torso, up the arms and down the neck – this sequence will support lymphatic drainage. Repeat each stroke 5 times. Additionally, before you begin, practising the Big 6 Method would be beneficial to open up the choke points for better lymphatic fluid movement.

For best results it is advised to use the body sculptor 2- 3 times per week. It’s an ideal practice to use on your off weeks of your Ballancer®Pro treatments.

Mavericks Wellness now offers The Skinny Confidential Body Sculptor for purchase. To purchase, please email hello@maverickswellness.com

SURYA SPA

Surya Spa, based out of Santa Monica, CA is an Ayurvedic treatment center led by internationally acclaimed chef, doctor and nutritionist, Martha Soffer. She's known for her age-old wellness techniques based on the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda. Her products are designed to bring profound relief to an over stressed nervous system, and restore balance and nourishment to your spirit. 

Surya innovates within Ayurveda’s comprehensive system of well-being, designed 10,000 years ago by a group of devoted yogis seeking to both better and extend their lives, in the service of humanity. Through natural products, programs, education, services, and modern self-care tools, Surya helps restore balance and health, revives our connection with nature and spirit, and makes wellness, vitality, and longevity available to everyone, everywhere.

Earlier this month, while visiting California, I had the privilege to be hosted at Surya Spa in Santa Monica. I had the honor of meeting Martha for a consultation, followed by an Ayurvedic lunch, and treated to their 90-minute Surya’s Signature Abhyanga Massage.

Mavericks Wellness is so grateful to be carrying all four of Surya’s Abhyanga body oils, to bring this incredible practice to your home. For purchase, or direction on which oil to start with please email hello@maverickswellness.com

DOSHAS

Ayurveda recognises the five elements in nature: Ether, Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. All five are found in the universe, the body, and in each individual cell.

When the five enduring elements – Air, Ether, Fire, Water and Earth join to create the physical body, they form three subtle energies called Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Every being is composed of three doshas in varying combinations; the specific blend of doshas produces a constitution which is unique to each individual. The constitution is determined at conception, and provides insight about our genetic makeup and who we truly are. Most people have 1 or 2 dominant doshas, with the other dosha (s) being less prominent.

Over time, we’re influenced by the environment, lifestyle, diet, and the seasons. This alters our doshic levels and creates our current circumstance. Our current doshic imbalances, can provide insight into any disease or ailments we may be facing. By bringing our elements and doshas back into balance, we find our way home and open the door to the best possible version of ourselves.

*Text from Surya Spa

ABHYANGA BODY OIL

For your abhyanga practise you will need to choose a nourishing body oil. Oil has long been recognised in Ayurveda as being the go-to substance for self-massage, not just for moisture but for one’s overall well-being.

Mavericks Wellness is proud to share that we now carry Surya Spa’s four abhyanga massage and body oils. The four oils include: calming abhyanga massage and body oil, cooling abhyanga massage and body oil, energizing abhyanga massage and body oil, and slimming abhyanga massage and body oil. The oils are made in house at Surya Spa in Santa Monica, California.

Ayurveda teaches us that like increases like and that opposites balance, so when it comes to choosing the right oil, your decision should take into account the doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha, and how the qualities of the doshas impact the following: your current state of balance, your ayurvedic constitution, and your environment. Most importantly checking in with yourself, asking what do I need today? Is it calming, cooling, energizing, or stimulating? Offering the consistent connection to ourselves and what we really need.

To purchase, or for direction on which oil to start with please email hello@maverickswellness.com

*Portion of text from Banyan Botanicals.

ABHYANGA

In Ayurveda, one primary form of self-care is established by using touch through the practice of abhyanga, or self-massage. This is done by applying massage oil to the body and assessing how one feels and which tissue needs attention. Abhyanga cultivates embodiment and keeps us connected to ourselves through the power of touch. 

With the lymphatic system responsible for drawing wastes or toxins (what Ayurveda refers to as ama) out of the lymph and ultimately the body, one way of simulating and moving the ama is through abhyanga self-massage.

Practising abhyanga involves generously applying body oil to the entire body. Starting in a warm room, massage the oil into your body, beginning at the extremities and working towards the middle of your body. Using long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints. Massage the abdomen in a circular motion, following the path of the large intestine in a clockwise direction. The direction of movement used in abhyanga massage is much like the direction of dry brushing, moving towards the heart. Ayurveda recommends practising abhyanga for a minimum of fifteen minutes in order for the effects of the oil to reach the tissue layers of the body. Once you have applied the oil and performed the massage, let set for 15 – 20 minutes, so the oil can absorb and penetrate in the deeper layers of the body. Then you will want to enjoy a warm shower or bath. The heat from the water will open your pores and let the oil penetrate deeper. You don’t have to shower or bathe after abhyanga, but it is best. When you get out of the shower or bath towel dry, gently.

Apart from abhyanga aiding in the health of your lymphatic system there are many other benefits of this Ayurvedic practise. Including: restoring balance and grounding the body, promoting stress relief, increasing blood flow, boosting skin health, improving quality of sleep, better relaxation, and calming of the nervous system.

NOTE: Abhyanga is generally not recommended during pregnancy, please check with your doctor for further direction. Abhyanga is also best avoided during the first 2 – 3 days of the menstrual cycle. If massaging the soles of your feet with oil, be cautious when getting into the shower or bath.

#abhyanga #lymphaticsystem #maverickswellness

*Portion of text from Banyan Botanicals

AYURVEDA

AYURVEDA.

Ayurveda is the world’s oldest health system, stemming from ancient India more than 5,000 years ago. The Sanskrit word Ayurveda means “knowledge of life,” and in order to achieve complete health, you must have knowledge of all aspects of your life. This healing system transcends the physical and combines the medical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and metaphysical, which are all interconnected.   

Ayurveda considers the lymphatic system to be the most important system in the body, referring to lymph as ‘rasa.’ Rasa is the through line of primary waters of the body, including the interstitial fluid, lymph, blood, and plasma that your body depends on for optimal health; when the body’s fluidity is restricted, it dries out and becomes more susceptible to developing illnesses.

Ayurveda has been talking about the lymphatic system for centuries and recognises the vital role it plays in health, especially in detoxification and preventing disease from taking root in the body. In many symptoms, ayurveda looks to whether lymph is flowing freely; if not, it can be an indicator that the body isn’t working efficiently.

There are many Ayurvedic practices that can benefit the lymphatic system including the following daily rituals; deep sleep, hydration, movement, deep breathing, dry brushing, and abhyanga. 

*Portion of text from the words of DeAnna Batdorff, Sahara Rose Ketabi, and Lisa Levitt Gainsley.

THE BIG 6 METHOD

The “Big 6” method was developed by Dr. Perry Nickelston of @stopchasingpain. His practice isolates the 6 lymphatic choke points of the body. These points are the main lymph node clusters that have the most blocks. By unclogging them first, the rest of the body can flow.

You simply stimulate and massage the 6 points in order, shown below, by RUBBING the area then SLAPPING/TAPPING the area. The Big 6 must be done in this order 1-6 for optimal effectiveness. This helps drain high pressure fluid to the lower pressure points at the collarbone.

The pressure used for rubbing and tapping should not cause pain and for timing you can concentrate on each area for as little as 10 seconds.

Make sure you are well hydrated before you begin.

The Big 6

1.    ABOVE & BELOW THE CLAVICLE (Terminus)

2.    UPPER NECK AT THE JAW LINE BELOW THE EAR LOBE (Deep cervical lymph nodes)

3.    PECTORAL/ARMPITS (Axillary)

4.    ABDOMEN

5.    GROIN (Inguinal)

6.    BEHIND THE KNEES (Popliteal)

After practising the Big 6 method stand up and while keeping the balls of your feel on the ground lightly bounce, while shaking out your arms.

Once a day is recommended to practise the Big 6 monitoring how you feel. You may experience a detoxification reaction the first few times you complete the Big 6 and that’s normal. Practising this method is so simple but so powerful. It’s the perfect complement to your daily dry brushing routine, everyday movement, and regular Ballancer®Pro sessions.

NOTE: Do not perform Big 6 if you are pregnant, have heart or circulation disorders, acute infections, or diagnosed with cancer.

THE GLYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The glymphatic system is the network of lymphatic vessels in the brain that eliminate waste using cerebrospinal fluid. Until very recently, little was known about the role of the lymphatic system in neurological health. The Danish scientist Maiken Nedergaard identified the network of lymphatic vessels in the brain that eliminate toxins using cerebrospinal fluid. Nedergaard created the term glymphatic system, coining a word combining the brain’s glial cells with “lymphatic” due to the system’s dependence on glial cells.

One of the most important results of her research was the discovery that the glymphatic system works primarily while we sleep. The clearing out takes place twice as fast when you’re sleeping as opposed to when you’re awake. It uses the energy from the constant pulsing in the arteries to enable the exchange and drainage of waste products such as metabolites and proteins, and it connects to your brain’s lymphatic system to flush the waste down and out of your body. Besides waste elimination, the glymphatic system also facilitates brain-wide distribution of several compounds, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, growth factors, and neuromodulators.

Neuroscientists have discovered that the lymphatic vessels in the brain help clean out amyloid plaque, which are the clumps of protein that occur in abnormal amounts in Alzheimer’s patients and that are responsible for the disruption of cell function. Directors from the National Institutes of Health believe that cures for neurological disorders may come from studying the link between the glymphatic system and the cleaning out of the cell debris in the brain. Good lymphatic health is essential to good brain health.  

Supporting your glymphatic flow includes: prioritizing deep sleep, regular body movement, practising deep breathing, lymphatic self-massage, specifically the headache sequence in The Book of Lymph, and routine Ballancer®Pro sessions.

ICE ROLLER

Ice rolling is a great way to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness and redness, and lessen inflammation in the skin. The application of a freezing cold roller also boosts circulation, bringing blood to the skin surface, helping to restore radiance & encourage optimum cell function.

Ice rolling can be beneficial for many areas of the body, but especially useful for the face. For the use of your ice roller, first place your clean ice roller in the freezer or bucket of ice for a minimum of 15 minutes. Specifically for facial lymphatic drainage benefits make sure you are rolling in an upward motion in the direction of the facial lymph nodes, moving across the cheeks and jaw line to the ears and down the sides of your neck to your collar bones. This will promote lymphatic stimulation all while getting the benefits of reducing puffiness and redness and boosting circulation.

Your ice roller can also be used with the method of contrast therapy. Either alternating a splash of warm water on the face following with your icy roller or you can also heat your roller under warm to hot water and alternate with a splash of cold water.

Mavericks Wellness now offers The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller for purchase. Their all-aluminum roller gets cold fast, and retains cold longer than most other ice rollers. It’s the perfect accessory to your summer. To purchase, please email hello@maverickswellness.com.

NOTE: Whether you are freezing or heating your roller, be sure to test it on your wrist before using it on the face.

EPSOM SALT BATH

Epsom salts are highly beneficial for the lymphatic system due to their high levels of magnesium along with a compound of sulfites that flushes toxins and heavy metals out of your body through a process called reverse osmosis.

In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the temperature of the water, Epsom salt baths can reduce inflammation and have also been shown to stimulate lymphatic circulation in the body.

I would recommend taking an Epsom salt bath after your Ballancer®Pro session or after any lymphatic self-massage, as it will enhance the therapeutic effects of draining toxins. Additionally, a soak in a bath helps promote the parasympathetic nervous system, which resets the body from the harmful effects of stress.

Fill you tub with hot water and add 2 cups of Epsom salts, let dissolve. Soak for at least 20 minutes. At the end of the bath, shower off in tepid water. 

NOTE: If you have lymphedema, use body-temperature water for your soak instead of hot water.

*Portion of text from The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitt Gainsley

FACIAL DRY BRUSHING

Facial dry brushing is the practice of using a soft bristle brush for moving lymphatic fluid in the face and neck. With one third of our lymph nodes residing in our face and neck, facial dry brushing is an incredible tool to help move lymphatic fluid in a gentle manner.   

A buildup of lymph fluid in the face can result in dull, tired-looking, puffy skin. Through the action of gentle facial dry brushing, lymph fluid held in facial tissue, just below the surface of the skin, is pushed into lymph vessels. It then travels to the lymph nodes, and is able to be expelled from the body.

In connection to stimulating your lymphatic system, facial dry brushing includes many other benefits such as: reducing puffiness and dark circles, detoxifying to help congested skin, gently exfoliates and sloughs off dead skin cells, tones and firms skin, smooths fine lines and brighten skins appearance.

Mavericks Wellness now offers facial dry brushes for purchase. Our brushes are sourced from Sweden, are made by hand and made of natural hair and oak. To purchase, please email hello@maverickswellness.com

CONTRAST THERPY

Contrast therapy involves full body immersion in alternating hot and cold water. The alternation between temperatures provides benefits from both the heat and the cold.

In relation to your lymphatic system, contrast therapy causes your lymph vessels to contract when exposed to cold, and relax in response to heat, forcing lymph fluid to move. The alternating water temperature exposure has a similar effect on your cardiovascular system, improving circulation.

Alongside the benefits that contrast therapy provides your lymphatic and cardiovascular systems, it also benefits the brain. Contrast therapy, specifically cold-water immersion, increases production of mood-elevating hormones and neurotransmitters including beta-endorphins, noradrenaline and dopamine.

Practicing contrast therapy can be as simple as ending your daily hot shower with 1 - 3 minutes of cold water or the traditional old age practice of taking a sauna followed by full body submersion in a cold body of water.

Note: Precautions should be taken if you are at risk of or have lymphedema. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and limit the length of exposure until you know the response of your body.

LYMPHATIC SELF-MASSAGE

Lymphatic self-massage utilizes the same massage techniques as a practitioner would but allows you to begin healing using your own two hands.

With lymphatic self-massage, your moving lymph fluid through the vessels to mimic muscle contractions and speed up lymph circulation. Massage strokes are gentle, light, slow, rhythmic, and nurturing. The specific strokes of lymphatic self-massage are designed to mimic the waves of automotoricity, the physiological pulse that propels lymph. Your goal is to stretch your skin in a nurturing manner.

Lymph strokes use the palm of your hands as much as possible—or the soft pads of your fingers. This is how you’ll achieve the nurturing and comforting response associated with lymph massage. You want to massage the fluid in one direction: toward the lymph nodes, not in circles. The secret of the lymphatic self-massage is to work your lymph nodes first, then move fluid into them.

In The Book of Lymph, you will learn simple, three-to-five-minute lymphatic self-massage sequences. Lymphatic self-massage is an easy daily tool to add to your lymphatic practice to aid your lymphatic health in-between your Ballancer®Pro compression therapy sessions. 

*Text from The Book of Lymph by Lisa Levitt Gainsley

MAVERICKS WELLNESS IS ONE!

The support I have received this past year has been incredible. I want to thank each and every person that has supported me and my small business this past year. Here to another year of growing with you all!

To celebrate, we are doing a giveaway!

GIVEAWAY INCLUDES:

- 60 MINUTE Ballancer®Pro compression therapy treatment

- DRY BODY BRUSH by iris hantverk

- THE BOOK OF LYMPH by Lisa Levitt Gainsley

TO ENTER:

-  Follow Mavericks Wellness

-  Like this post

-  Share this post to your story & tag Mavericks Wellness

-  Tag a friend  

Giveaway will close on December 5th! 

* Ballancer®Pro compression therapy treatment can be used at Mavericks Wellness Studio in Kyle, or at one of our travel locations in Kindersley or Rosetown. 

THE BOOK OF LYMPH

A first-of-its-kind guide that outlines and explains the health-promoting properties of lymphatic massage, featuring beautifully illustrated, five-minute self-massage sequences anyone can do at home.

Mavericks Wellness is honored to carry The Book of Lymph by Author and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Lisa Levitt Gainsley.

Lisa Levitt Gainsley combines her 25 years of experience as a lymph specialist with scientific know-how to show us how lymphatic treatment is the missing link to our most common health woes. She shows us how lymphatic drainage can provide us with pain relief, inflammation reduction, weight loss, brighter skin and generally better health.

To purchase, please email hello@maverickswellness.com

MOVEMENT

Proper lymphatic flow requires body movement. Since the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it, its upward movement depends on contraction of skeletal muscles. These muscle contractions force tiny one-way valves of the lymphatic system to open and close and push the fluid to the subclavian veins.

Movement is a natural lymph flush. The more you move your body, the more your muscle contractions will create an intrinsic, systemic lymphatic response.

One of the best ways to activate lymph flow is walking. Walking is a weight-bearing activity that creates gravitational pulls on the lymphatic system each time you take a step. Other lymph stimulating movements include: biking, dancing, pilates, yoga, rebounding, swimming, and weight training.

HYDRATION

With lymph being approximately 95% water, a common cause of lymph congestion is dehydration. Drinking more fluids will nourish and bathe your cells and help keep your lymph flowing optimally. Increasing the amount of water you drink will help circulate immune cells, flush out toxins and benefit your lymphatic selfcare routines, such as your dry brushing practice and Ballancer®Pro compression therapy sessions.