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Subtle Aromatherapy:
Healing the Mind, Emotions and Spirit
by
Anne Christine Tooley, APP
Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing
industries in the new millennium, gaining wide popularity
in the United States. From scented candles to fragrant massage
oils and bath salts, aromatherapy has captured the attention
of the American public.
Most of what is written about aromatherapy
is the physiological effects of the chemical constituents
of the essential oils of plant material. However, essential
oils can also cleanse, release and balance thoughts and emotions,
and open pathways to higher consciousness. And yet the effect
of essential oils on the mind, emotions, and spirit (MES)
is the direct result of their ability to physiologically change
the central nervous system and key brain centers.
The limbic mid-brain is the center of
emotions and memories. Within the limbic lobe are the amygdala
gland, which stores and releases emotional trauma, and the
hippocampus, which is responsible for long-term memory. Scientists
now understand that memories are also retained at the cellular
level, and essential oils have a unique ability to penetrate
and oxygenate cells. Essential oils can clear the "fight
or flight" sympathetic nervous system response of traumatic
memories while encouraging a calm, relaxed parasympathetic
response. Special glands of the brain are thought to be the
doorway to spiritual experiences: the pineal activates inner
sight, and the master pituitary and hypothalamus regulate
the entire endocrine system, which is the conduit of spiritual
experiences.
The use of essential oils with clear
presence and intention to restore balance and wholeness to
the MES bodies is called Subtle Aromatherapy. It is
the application of single essential oils and specific blends
to the energetic pathways of the body, such as chakras, meridians,
acupuncture points, nadis, subtle bodies, and emotional reflex
points.
To neutralize, stabilize and uplift emotions,
use Rose, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Rose Geranium, Bergamot,
Sandalwood, Frankincense, Juniper, Spruce, Fir, Orange, Tangerine,
Neroli, and Jasmine. Blends using Sandalwood, Frankincense,
Myrrh, Patchouli, Elemi, Cedarwood, Lavender, Rose and Galbanum
have historically been used to create deeper, quieter, more
insightful meditation. For draining an overactive mind
and creating clear focus, essential oils of Rosemary, Peppermint,
Juniper, Lemon, Galbanum, Ginger and Cardamon have been used
with much success. It is also important to honor your personal
preferences, because the "nose knows" precisely
what the energetic system needs to release, restore and balance.
So what essential oils would be best
for this time of year when we are in transition from winter
to spring, emerging from stillness and darkness into light
and new life? Right now, we have a strong impulse to emerge
into the sunshine and warmth. When the weather fluctuates
back and forth from cold and cloudy to warm and light, we
often can experience sadness and depression. Watching how
the plant kingdom handles this transition can be very helpful.
When a seedling emerges suddenly into the light, it still
has its roots in the warmth and darkness of the earth from
which it came. There is support and nurturance from the earth
as it breaks through to sudden light and the fluctuations
of temperature. Essential oils that ground us, combined
with those that open the crown and 3rd eye
chakras- as well as those with the balance of the neutral
heart-create the perfect Early Spring blend.
BLEND 1:
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Rose Geranium
3 drops Sandalwood
BLEND 2:
2 drops Cedarwood
3 drops Frankincense
4 drops Rosewood
Add oils to ½ ounce of an organic plant
oil such as sweet almond, grapeseed, apricot kernel, or jojoba.
Let it "age" for 1-2 weeks, shaking every day to
further blend the oils. After 1-2 weeks, apply a small amount
on the bottom of each foot after bathing in the morning and
before going to bed at night. Also put a little on the underside
of the wrist at the crease between the wrist and hand to nourish
both the lung and heart meridians. And apply a little on the
3rd eye between the eyebrows, and the limbic brain
point, which is one finger width above the 3rd
eye. (Be careful not to get oil in your eyes.)
A wonderful, refreshing way to use essential
oils is in a shower splash, as they naturally cleanse
the body. First, fill a 2 ½-3-quart ceramic or glass bowl
with very warm water. Add 12-20 drops of your favorite essential
oils. Step in the shower and cleanse personal areas with soap.
Then scrub the entire body except the face with a loofa, brush
or sea salt to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.
Rinse and turn off water. Gently stir the mixture with your
hand, then take a cupful at a time and slowly pour the mixture
over your body from the neck (do not get it in your eyes).
Do the front, back, and each side at least once, leaving a
little of the mixture in the bowl. Step out of the shower
and pat dry. Soak a clean washcloth with the remaining mixture
and squeeze out excess. Gently clean inside each nostril,
the face and neck, being careful to go gently around the eyes.
Finally, clean each ear inside and out (the ear reflexes to
the entire body).
MORNING SHOWER SPLASH
4 drops Rosemary
3 drops Peppermint
4 drops Rose Geranium
4 drops Juniper
4 drops Spruce
DREAMTIME SHOWER SPLASH
3 drops Ylang Ylang
4 drops Bergamot
4 drops Sandalwood
Subtle Aromatherapy requires therapeutic-grade
essential oils that are 100% pure, non-adulterated, organic
and biodynamically grown when possible, and distilled with
little or no heat or pressure. There are many brands of essential
oils on the market these days; however, few are of the quality
necessary for Subtle Aromatherapy. Most have been adulterated
with unnatural or inferior ingredients, and/or poor distillation
methods. These oils will not produce therapeutic results and
could be toxic to the body. I use essential oils from Young
Living Essential Oils, Body Bliss, and other select companies.
I encourage you to read, explore, experiment
and enjoy your journey with the wondrous living energies of
essential oils!
Anne Christine Tooley, APP has studied,
researched and practiced Vibrational/ Energy Therapies for
10 years. She offers Subtle Aromatherapy tailored to your
individual needs. Visit luminanti.com,
email anne@luminanti.com.
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