Sunday, July 31, 2011

Where We Are Giving - August 2011

There is so much going on in the world. Along with the usual places we donate on a monthly basis, Apotheca pledges to give a combined 10% of our (admittedly modest) profits in August to two very worthy causes.

5% of our profits will go to Oxfam America to help with their work feeding starving people in drought-stricken East Africa.


5% will go to support Tika Hick, an amazing woman who is going through an incredibly challenging time of home foreclosure, a new baby, a double mastectomy, and recently losing her husband in an accident. Watch below or read her story here, and if you are in San Francisco please think about going to the Michael Franti concert benefiting Tika and baby Indigo at Little Baobab on August 10th.
















Every Home Needs a First Aid Kit

Last week I found myself shivering with a 102 fever, a healthy and energetic three year old to mind and a husband out of town on business. Not my happiest hour, and when I put some cold chicken, half-frozen broccoli and a slab of butter on my toddler's plate for dinner at 6pm I knew I had to call on my family for some emergency help. My sister came, made me tea and rescheduled my next day's clients. She also brought me two extra-strength acetaminophen tablets which by 10pm's fit of headachey insomnia had still done nothing to bring my fever down. I wish I had remembered sooner that I have my trusty Urgent Care Kit of 18 different homeopathic remedies for everything from fever to bee stings to food poisoning. I took the recommended dose of Belladonna and by 9am I was still feeling off but was able to walk my kiddo a mile to preschool. Another dose before napping all morning and by 2pm it was as if I had never been sick.


Homeopathy is a fascinating system of medicine that has no side effects and can easily be incorporated into anyone's wellness lifestyle. I'm by no means a trained homeopath but I have successfully used its remedies to treat or support recovery of everything from my own eczema to my son's croup. To learn about this fascinating and safe system of medicine, this web site is a good place to start.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Meet the Therapists: Karly


"As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher, and student of Ayurveda, I use all three practices to help clients experience a calm and blissful state of balance. Massage sessions blend a variety of modalities and are designed to address each person’s needs and goals. Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue techniques, Swedish & Thai Massage, and Ayurvedic Body Therapies are the guiding influences behind my practice. Any modality can be emphasized if desired."


Karly teaches private yoga sessions and offers Integrated massage sessions at Apotheca. Please read our Yelp.com reviews to find out what her very happy clients have to say about their sessions with her. Here is a sneak peek from one of our favorites:

"Oh man! This cannot wait:

For more than a year I have had a painful problem with my neck and shoulder which has restricted the range of motion I have been able to turn my head. I just got back from my first session with Karly and BAM! I'm moving smooth and easy again! Suffice it to say, I consider myself one lucky chick!"

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Be Your Own Apothecary: Rosemary and Tea Tree Foot Bath


This one is fabulous for you marathoners, hikers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Use cool water for a refreshing feeling on a hot summer day. Or, for this crazy Winter in July we are getting this week in San Francisco, use very warm water to gently heat your feet and leave the whole body feeling bundled up and cozy.

Fresh rosemary is easy to find at your local grocery store and even at your local park. Take just a little sprig and you won't harm this very resilient plant. Rosemary has tonifying properties for the whole body. It is warming and analgesic (pain-killing), and revives the body and mind. Tea tree can't be beat for its antibacterial properties and helps deodorize tired feet like nothing else.

Are you ready for your foot bath? Here's how to do it:

  • Put a sprig of fresh rosemary, broken into small pieces, into a large bowl, dishpan, or basin of water
  • Add boiling water to draw out the good oils from the plant
  • Let cool enough to comfortably touch.
  • For a warm soak, just add 6-10 drops of Tea Tree essential oil and submerge your feet.
  • If you prefer a cold soak, wait until your water has cooled and add ice before adding the Tea Tree oil.
  • Soak your feet until they are nice and pink. Dry off and follow with a good moisturizer like 302 Skincare Body Treatment Intensive, which we love and sell at our office.

Don't forget our contest for a FREE Strategic Massage Session or Express Facial. Read how to enter here. We will be drawing a name at random this Friday, July 15 so enter now.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Summer Giveaways at Apotheca

Is your neck sore or has testy summer skin got you down? Enter our July contest for a complimentary Express Facial Treatment or Strategic Massage Session. Here's how to enter:

1. Join our
Facebook page and comment there that you would like to be entered.
2. Tell us why you need a massage or facial treatment from Apotheca
3. Follow this blog for an extra entry
4. Follow our
Twitter page for another extra entry

For those of you who are counting that is a total of three opportunities to win a free facial or massage. The winner will be chosen via the "names in a hat" method by 2pm Friday, July 15th. This contest is open to everyone. Good luck!


Don't forget to visit us for ultrasonic exfoliation add-ons to your regular 60- or 75-minute facial treatment. Regularly $25, this upgrade is available free during the month of July.
Book your session online and use "ultra" in the Promotion Code section of your booking form.