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Aromatherapy and Sense of Smell

Posted on March 18, 2019 by in Aromatherapy and Sense of Smell

Do you know……..today, when I was searching TED talk, came across, ‘The Historical Significance of Smell’ by Caro Verbeek. Yes! You guessed it right, being an Aromatherapist, I immediately opened it and was amazed to hear her talk about Neroli, Myrrh, Fran

Aromatherapy and Sense of Smell

kincense Essential Oils and the way she diffused oils for her audience.

Smell is one of the five senses (taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing) that we all have. If one sense is not working due to an accident or illness, then other senses take over or become stronger to make up for the missing sense and give us clear picture of the things around us. Helen Adams Keller, an American author, political activist, and lecturer, who was deaf-blind said, “Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived.” Our nose is an important protrusion on our face that is used to smell. Our sense of smell allows us to learn, to taste, to protect and alert from danger (gas leak, spoiled or burnt food, fire), to enjoy our world. In addition to being the organ for smell, the nose also cleans the air we breathe and impacts the sound of our voice. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than human.

It’s beyond the scope of this article to discuss the anatomy of nose and the physiology of olfaction. But, for our simple understanding; inside of the nose is lined with mucous membranes (secretes mucus that captures dust, germs, and other small particles that could irritate your lungs) that have millions of tiny odor receptors, connected to olfactory nerve. When odor molecules of various substances that travel through the air into our nose, these odor receptors are stimulated and send signals that travel along the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is underneath the front of your brain just above the nasal cavity. Signals are sent from the olfactory bulb to other parts of the brain to be interpreted as a smell we may recognize and identify with our environment. The sense of smell is sometimes lost for a short time when a person has a cold and we can’t taste the food during that period. Many people who have smell disorders also notice problems with their sense of taste. Problems with the sense of smell increase as people get older, and they are more common in men than women.

In 1991, laureates Richard Axel of Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Linda Buck at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center discovered about 1,000 genes that encode for olfactory receptors inside the human nose. They also found that each receptor is tuned for only a small number of odors.

Scientists regarded Limbic System of the Brain, as playing a major role in controlling our mood, memory, behaviour and emotions. Given that our sense of smell plays an important part in our psychological make-up, in Aromatherapy, we use fragrant Essential Oils with their individual specific smell and chemical (therapeutic) properties to balance and establish harmony between body-mind-soul. In modern Western health care facilities, Aromatherapy is often used as a holistic approach to conventional medicine. Different Oils are recommended to remedy different ailments and symptoms. eg:

Bergamot Essential Oil:  for stress, depression, anxiety, anorexia

Eucalyptus Essential Oil: for respiratory issues, antiseptic, decongestant, Stimulant
Jasmine Essential Oil:  for depression, childbirth, stress, libido
Lavender Essential Oil: is one of the most popular essential oils, Stress, sleeping, antiseptic, sedative, anti-inflammatory
Lemon Essential Oil: digestion, circulation problems, immunity booster, mood enhancer
Peppermint Essential Oil: cooling agent, sharpens focus, congestion, digestion.
Tea tree Essential Oil: immune booster, skin conditions, burns and cuts, insecticide, anti-viral, anti-bacterial

 

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Aromatherapy, Relation to Nature

Posted on March 11, 2019 by in Relation to Nature

Do you know………Nature can touch our heart in so many ways; whether watching wildlife in our backyard, or feeling the first rays of sun in the morning, or taking the peaceful stroll in nature, or standing beneath a cascading waterfall, or the colorful world found in the rainforests. Nature is the perfect place to find tranquility in life for our emotional and physical well-being.

      Aromatherapy, Relation to Nature

 

We all have noticed the connection between scent and emotions. Fresh cut grass, ocean air, fresh baked cookies, and evergreen trees are some of the scents we associate with specific emotions that evoke random memories. Aromatherapy does the same. Once inhaled, they bind to smell receptors and stimulate the central nervous system that triggers a positive emotional and physical response. There are several studies supporting the physical and emotional benefits of Aromatherapy using Essential Oils and scientists are constantly working on therapeutic properties of these Essential Oils without the side effects of prescription drugs. Some health providers are taking this new Integrative (Holistic) approach, combining the mainstream and complementary medicines to treat their patients. This has surged the demand of Essential Oils in recent times.

Essential oils are volatile, natural, potent, concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, bark, or blossoms of plants with distinct aroma and chemical properties. Ayurvedic medicine refers to it as “liquid sun energy.” Classically, Essential oils are used for Aromatherapy for direct application to skin with proper dilution (refer to aromawellness.net), or for inhalation, or in diffuser. Diluting essential oils also help to spread over a larger surface area of skin for easy penetration into the body and it is more cost effective. Essential Oils should not be ingested, except for certain conditions when you are in care of a licensed health care professional.

It is important for people to realize, there is a credible science behind the use and benefits of individual oil in curing certain symptoms. Therefore, one should choose Essential Oils wisely, or educate themselves properly, or contact an experienced, Certified Aromatherapist in their area. For example; many Citrus oils contain furocoumarins, which could be photosensitive (can cause chemical burns when exposed to the sun’s UV rays). Eucalyptus oil, contain phenol that could irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled. While Lavandula angustifolia oil, one type of Lavender among many species, is very safe antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-anxiety, anti-viral oil, but it does have a high content of linalool, which can be sensitizing for some people.

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Aromatherapy Aid to Cold

Posted on March 3, 2019 by in Aromatherapy Aid to Cold

Do you know……………The bitter frigid winter temperature and snow affecting the nation, create travel nightmare and traffic accidents related to slippery road conditions. Please be mindful and continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm lightweight clothing in several layers, boots, mittens, and a hat. Stay indoors, if possible.

                      Aromatherapy Aid to Cold

I must admit that as much as prettier snow looks from inside, it also brings the cold (that can attack the upper respiratory tract and is spread in the air from person to person) and flu season with it.  We all have endured the misery of a cold and familiar with the symptoms of Chest and Nasal Congestion, Headaches, Coughing, Scratchy Throat, Runny Nose, and/or Difficulty Breathing, which is our body’s defense mechanism. There isn’t a known cure for the common cold, that is if you have a cold, the only thing you can do is let it run its course. Most colds clear up within a weak. Have mom’s chicken soup, which study suggested has anti-inflammatory properties that help lessen the severity of respiratory infections. Drink plenty of warm liquids/fluids to stay hydrated, salt-water gargle to soothe sore throat-cough, and rest.

Before reaching out for the conventional medicine, try to use the effective natural remedy of Essential Oils through Aromatherapy. Essential oils have been used for centuries to fight the symptoms of the common cold and various other ailments. It could be added to bathwater, to the diffuser or could be applied directly to skin with proper dilution, or used in steam inhalation to break up congestion. Essential oils help the body fight off infection, serve to strengthen the immune system. Following are some of the Essential Oils that have the therapeutic properties (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial) to manage the symptom:

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil

Oregano Essential Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Pine Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Lemon Grass Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil

Lemon Essential Oil

A very simple effective way of using essential oil/oils to manage your symptoms is Inhaler; just put a few drops of the essential oil of your choice (10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil and 10drops of Lavender Essential Oil, 6 drops Peppermint Essential Oil) into a bowl and place the wick in the liquid, let it soak for couple of minutes, insert into the tube, seal, cap, label, and use it as required. Can place these oils on a travel pack of tissue into a sealed zip lock bag to carry with you and when nose is congested, just take out a tissue, and breathe deeply to help lessen the congestion.

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Aromatherapy for Our Well-Being

Posted on February 25, 2019 by in Aromatherapy for our Well-being, Uncategorized

Do you know………I was visiting a health club and saw this written on their entry way, ‘Fitness is not about being better than someone else, rather being better than what you used to be’. We can take it physically, mentally, or emotionally being better than in past.

Together with regular exercise, healthy diet, and positive mental attitude, Aromatherapy through the use of Essential Oils with their diverse therapeutic properties, could be our best friend for the maintenance of our well-being. Essential Oils are pure natural aromatic essence of plants that have been used since centuries to heal and cure different ailments. Specific aroma has profound impact on our brain and can invoke long-term memory that could be relaxing, upsetting, stimulating, or stressful to our mind-body-spirit. As people are opting for natural, holistic lifestyle, Essential Oils are gaining the popularity. They can be applied with proper dilution (refer to aromawellness.net); Topically, Inhaled, Steam Inhalation, in Bath, in Massage, in Room Spray, in Diffuser. Popular Essential Oils used are:

Happy young woman relaxing in a field.

 

Lavender – stress reducing, calming, helps with insomnia, soothe burn or sting

Eucalyptus: invigorating, upper respiratory track problems.

Tea tree: is antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal.

Geranium: helps with PMS system, eliminate body odor, and bloating, skin moisturizing dry skin, reducing scars, acne.

Lemongrass: support digestive health and soothe aching muscles.

Cedarwood: calming and relaxing to both mind and body, support respiratory system.

Ginger: for cough, pain and nausea, calms the digestive system.

Peppermint: improves focus, boosts energy, alleviates muscle pain and headaches.

Rosemary: uplifting, improves brain function and memory.

Sandalwood: grounding, eases tension, calming.

Rose: helps with depression and anxiety, aphrodisiac.

Citrus Oils like; Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Tangerine: uplifting, immunity boosting, cleansing, refreshing, boosts creativity.

Jasmine: general tonic

 

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Essential Oil for Stretch Mark

Posted on February 18, 2019 by in Essential Oil for Stretch Mark

Do you know……… Women are more prone to stretch marks than men  and Pregnancy is a very common time for women to experience stretch marks, because the body size grows faster than skin (middle layer-dermis) and becomes overstretched to the point of  tearing that causes scars. This scar  medically referred to as Striae Gravidarum. This skin stretching could also occur during the growth spurts of adolescence, after weight gain or weight loss and usually develop on the:

   Essential Oil for Stretch Mark

breasts

buttocks

hips

stomach

thighs

upper arms

Although stretch marks can fade and become less noticeable over time, they do not disappear. There is no miracle treatment, but Essential Oils (Argan, Rosehip, Lavender, Frakincense, Geranium) are a nice aromatic way of reducing stretch marks visibility by helping the cells to regenerate.

Stretch Mark Cream:

1 Tbsp Aloe Vera gel

8 ml melted Coconut Oil

7 ml Olive Oil

8 drops Lavender Essential Oil

6 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

4 drops Geranium Essential Oil

6 drops Vit E

Mix everything in a 30ml glass jar, close, label, use on affected area daily with recommended precaution.

People who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid the use of essential oils on the skin until the baby is born and/or done with breast feeding schedule, unless advised differently by their doctor.

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Coconut Oil Use in Aromatherapy

Posted on February 11, 2019 by in Coconut Oil Use in Aromatherapy

Do you know………Coconut Oil is the do-everything natural cost effective oil that can be used for cooking, skin care, hair care, massage, aromatherapy, bio-fuel, as antimicrobial agent, etc. It’s easily available, affordable, and used by large majority of the population.

         Coconut Oil Use in Aromatherapy

Coconut oil is surging in popularity as a “health food,” after being discarded for a long time because of its high saturated fat content. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, and has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. When used on hair, it improves scalp health, supports hair growth and shine without the common harmful chemicals found in regular commercial products.

Coconut oil is made by pressing; fresh coconut meat called, ‘Wet Method-Cold Pressed’ without use of heat where the temperature remains below 120 degrees F; this is believed to help retain more nutrients and produces Virgin Coconut Oil or dried coconut meat (Copra) called, ‘Dry Method-Machine Pressed’, the oil is then steamed or heated to deodorize the oil and bleached by filtering through clay to remove impurities and any remaining bacteria. This process produces Refined Coconut Oil with higher smoke point at about 400-450 degrees F, is flavourless and odorless. The refined oil has no coconut taste or smell and is used for cooking, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical purposes. It’s called RBD coconut oil for “Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized”.

Coconut Oil contains 92% of saturated fatty acids in the form of triglycerides, most of it are medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) with lauric acid at 45-65%.  . MCFAs with chains of 6 to 12 carbon atoms (C6–C12) are not common to different vegetable oils, that makes coconut oil an excellent solvent for flavours, essences, emulsifiers, as carrier oil in Aromatherapy, etc. In contrast, saturated fats in animal fats and most other vegetable oils are mainly long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), which contain 14 to 18 carbon atoms (C14–C18). Studies have shown that molecular chain length greatly influences a fatty acid’s metabolic and physiologic properties. Triacylglycerides (TAGs) composed of MCFAs are more water-soluble, quickly absorbed, and readily digestible, than TAGs containing LCFAs.

Natural Face Wash with Coconut Oil:

25 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

15 drops Lavender Essential Oil (skin soothing properties)

8 drops Geranium Essential Oil (anti-aging properties)

1 (8oz) cup Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp baking soda

In an 8oz glass jar pour the melted Coconut Oil (can melt in a pan over slow flame), bring to room temperature, add Baking Soda, mix well, add Essential Oils, mix well, cover, label, store in a cool place. Use it everyday or as needed for face wash.

 

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Lice Treatment with Essential Oil

Posted on January 27, 2019 by in Lice Treatment with Essential Oil

Do you know…….Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wingless parasites that feed solely on human scalp and survive on minuscule amounts of blood. An adult louse can be light brown or grey, is two-three millimeters long. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 6 to12 million elementary school-aged children get lice each year in the U.S. Head lice can be contagious, but do not carry disease and do not pose a medical threat of any kind. Adults and children get infected primarily through head-to-head contact with an infected child-adult who has either lice or their eggs (nits), or through sharing items like hats, combs, pillows, bedding, scarves, and towels.

Wet combing using a fine toothed comb is the easy, cheap, effective, but time consuming method of treating head lice or can use over-the-counter medicated shampoo. For non-toxic natural alternative to treat lice use Essential Oil which is plants natural defense against pests and pathogens. That is why they can be an effective treatment for head lice. Essential oils that are effective against lice are:

            Lice Treatment with Essential Oil

Tea tree Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Neem Essential Oil

Clove Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Aniseed Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil

Nutmeg Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Lice Treatment Blend

10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

8 drops Lavender Essential Oil

8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

4 drops Rosemary Essential Oil (for child 2-5 yrs, substitute Thyme Essential Oil)

1.5 oz (45 ml) Coconut Oil

0.25 oz (7.5ml) Olive Oil

0.25 oz (7.5ml) Neem Oil

Melt Coconut Oil in a 4oz glass jar in a hot water pan, remove the jar, add Olive Oil, Neem Oil and all Essential Oils, mix, close the lid, label.

Dampen hair and massage the Lice Treatment blend into the scalp and hair upto edges. Comb through the hair with a fine tooth comb, cover head with a shower cap and allow to sit for 2-4 hours. Carefully remove shower cap, and dispose in a sealed zip lock bag. Comb hair once again, Rinse with a mixture of equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar & water and Shampoo. Repeat every 4-5 days for 3-4 wks.

Om Healing………..Uma

(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Essential Oils and Diabetes

Posted on January 21, 2019 by in Essential Oils and Diabetes

Do you know……………… Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that is present around the globe. The statistics on the CDC’s (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) site are indicative of a growing diabetes epidemic in the United States and throughout the world. There are three major types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: Also known as Juvenile Diabetes, occurs when the body fails to produce insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into our cells ). People with Type I Diabetes are insulin-dependent.

Type 2 Diabetes: is the most common type of diabetes and affects the way body uses produced insulin. It’s called insulin resistance.

Gestational Diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy and usually resolves after giving birth.

Diabetes can have very serious and life-threatening complications, from poor wound healing to

               Essential Oils and Diabetes

peripheral neuropathy to cardiovascular problems, if not managed properly in timely manner. Besides prescribed medications to control diabetes effectively and minimize the diabetic complications, people diagnosed with diabetes, should educate themselves about the disease, limit sugar intake, have balanced diet, and follow proper daily exercise routine. Another holistic approach is to incorporate Essential Oils for diabetes, used in various ways for overall wellness though,  more research is required to prove the validity of Essential Oils in stabilizing blood glucose level. Essential Oils have been used since centuries in one form or another to alleviate different ailments and we all know that several chemical compounds isolated from Essential oils have been used successfully to manufacture many western medicines.

 

Diabetes is a complex disease that has many contributing factors and can create different symptoms in different people like; poor diet, high blood pressure, obesity, stress, and physical inactivity. Therefore, for diabetes, several Essential Oils are used synergistically (with proper dilution and safety precautions – refer to aromawellness.net) to reap the proper benefit. Some of the Essential Oils said to be beneficial are:

Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Cumin, Oregano

Geranium, Rose,

Sandalwood

Clary Sage

Lemon, Orange

Thyme

Vetiver

Pine

Diffuser Blend for Diabetics:

25 drops  Orange Essential Oil (gentle, uplifting)

15 drops Lavender Essential Oil (calming, ease anxiety)

8 drops  Rose  or Geranium Essential Oil (soothing, relieve guilt anxiety)

2 drops Vetiver Essential Oil (grounding)

Add Essential Oils to a dark coloured glass Euro vial/bottle, close the bottle, label, and mix well by rolling the bottle in between hands. Now add the 4-10 drops of this blend to a diffuser (per manufacturer’s instructions) or a candle warmer as you desire.

Sources:

Jean Valnet, MD,  The Practice of Aromatherapy
Robert Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy

Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook

https://www.cdc.gov/features/diseasesconditions.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

 

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Aromatherapy for Brain Fitness

Posted on January 14, 2019 by in Aromatherapy for Brain Fitness

Do you know…..…..In recent years, neurologists have discovered that our brain continues to change throughout our lives due to the phenomenon of plasticity i.e. modern research has demonstrated that the brain continues to create new neural pathways and alter existing ones in order to adapt to new experiences, learn new information, and create new memories. It’s very important to have good memory to lead a normal, quality, healthy life. There are plenty of ways to promote a better memory by eating healthy, avoiding alcohol abuse, implementing cognitive exercises, consuming modern medicine and the natural approach of using Essential Oils, though more research needs to be conducted. We have to have the understanding that nothing works instantly and will have to administer patience with positive affirmation. 

Essential Oils have been used since centuries for variety of health benefits. When an aroma is inhaled, it travels through our olfactory system to the limbic system of the brain (that includes the Hippocampus-responsible for long-term memory, the Amygdala-associated with emotions, the Hypothalamus-regulates the autonomic nervous system and hormones, and the Cingulate gyrus-regulates blood pressure, heart rate) and exhibits profound psychological and physiological effects. Essential Oils could be used to stimulate the brain for the benefit of increased cognition, mood boost, mental fatigue, relaxation, and other benefits, as essential oils pass through the blood-brain barrier with relative ease. This allows the oils to reach the site of injury and reduce the inflammation more effectively.

Some of the oils considered good for our brain fitness are:

Rosemary Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Lemon Essential Oil

Vetiver Essential Oil

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Basil Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil

Can use these essential oils in any combination in the diffuser, or for direct inhalation, or apply topically on the skin with proper dilution and safety precautions (refer to aromawellness.net).

Cognitive Room Spray Blend

25 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

10 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil

8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

5 drops Vetiver Essential Oil

Fill a 4oz. glass spray bottle with 1.5oz. of alcohol(Vodka) and 3oz. of distilled water without overfilling the spray bottle to leave room to mix the blend before every use, add essential oils, cap the bottle, label, mix and let it sit for a day for essential oils to marry (blend well) before using the spray. Spray as desired.

 

Om Healing………..Uma
 (Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order 
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment

Aromatherapy for Winter Cold-Cough

Posted on January 7, 2019 by in Aromatherapy for Winter Cold & Cough

Do you know…………….With the frigid winter temperature, snow, and slippery road conditions, you have to continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm lightweight clothing in several layers, boots, mittens, and a hat. Stay indoors, if possible.

              Aromatherapy for Cold-Cough

I must admit that, as much as prettier it looks from inside, it also brings the cold-cough (that can attack the upper respiratory tract and are spread in the air from person to person) and flu season with it.  We all have endured the misery of a cold-cough and familiar with the symptoms of; Chest and Nasal Congestion, Headaches, Coughing, Scratchy Throat, Runny Nose, and/or Difficulty Breathing, which is our body’s defense mechanism. Before reaching out for the conventional medicine, try to use the effective natural remedy of Essential Oils through Aromatherapy, being aware of Essential Oil Safety (refer to aromawellness.net) during pregnancy, nursing mothers or caring for children under 12 years of age.

Essential oils have been used for centuries to fight the symptoms of the common cold and various other ailments. It could be inhaled directly, or added to bathwater and steam inhalation, or to the diffuser, or could be applied directly to skin with proper dilution (refer to aromawellness.net). Essential oils help the body fight off infection and serve to strengthen the immune system. Following are some of the Essential Oils that have the therapeutic properties (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial) to manage the symptoms of cold-cough-flu:

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Pine Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

Peppermint Essential Oil

Thyme Essential Oil

Lemon Essential Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

Frankincense Essential Oil

Oregano Essential Oil

Sinus Congestion Inhaler Recipe

5 drs Peppermint Essential Oil

5 drs Eucalyptus Essential Oil

5 drs Tea Tree Essential Oil

5 drs Lemon Essential Oil

Add Essential oils in a small glass bowl and soak the inhaler wick in it. Replace the wick in the inhaler holder, close, label, and inhale as needed.

 

Om Healing………..Uma
(Founder of AromaWellness)
visit aromawellness.net, to order
Call 414-793-8645, to schedule your consultation appointment