Christina Byrnes – The “Scents” to Heal
Love brought Christina Byrnes to Florida – fortunately for her clients. She grew up in Hendersonville, N.C., left to attend college in Texas, left college to attend massage therapy school, met her fiancée and came to Florida to be with him. She is now a practicing massage therapist, aroma therapist and personal health coach; leasing space in Paradise Salon and Spa in Delray Beach.
Christina, I’ve been told you do a lot of aroma therapy work. Please share a little about this with our readers.
Sure. We can change the way we think and feel through our senses, and I incorporate aroma therapy into my massage therapy. One of the most popular and soothing scents is lavender, which I use a lot. For example, I do corporate massage where I go into a business and give massages. When I finish a massage, I dab a little lavender oil into my client’s palm. The rest of the day they’ll smell the lavender, think of the massage experience and relax. On the other hand, if they need to be energized, I’ll use a eucalyptus or citrus scent.
What can we do at home?
You can put fresh herbs in your drinking water. Just fill a pitcher and add the herbs. Also, think of alternatives to harsh cleaners. I put a couple of tablespoons of fresh lime juice in a spray bottle with water and use it to clean my windows. It makes the whole house smell great. Cinnamon is another good natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. For a relaxing sleep, spray your sheets with a little lavender spray or take an aroma bath before bedtime. If you’re really frazzled use bergamot for calming and grounding.
How did you get interested in aroma therapy?
I’ve studied herbal properties extensively and use aromatherapy in conjunction with massage with great results. Now I am doing herbal wraps. I soak the cloth wraps in a hot herbal infusion, and my clients stay in the wrap for about 20 minutes. It’s great for people who do not respond to massage. I have one client who could not endure massage – she just could not be touched. Now, with the herbal wraps, she can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy.
You spend your days helping your clients relax and rejuvenate. What do you do for yourself?
My fiancée and I just got back from a music festival in Hendersonville, N.C. We both love to play music and this was a wonderful experience. I practice yoga regularly, and when I have time I enjoy fishing from the dock near my home in Boca Raton. While we were traveling, I found a great book that I’m enjoying, The Jewish Confederate, by Robert Rosen. We both love to travel, also. We’ve decided that instead of a wedding, we’ll take a four or five month trip.
Contact Christina at 561-929-9802 or 561-330-3434, or stop by Paradise Salon and Spa to schedule an appointment.