Today we step into the captivating realm of aromatherapy, an ancient art that weaves the essence of plants into a tapestry of wellness. Though the formal study of aromatic oils commenced in 1928, their healing prowess has been whispered through the ages. Known as aromatherapy, harnessing the potent medicinal properties of plants by capturing and distilling their vital essence into an oil finds its roots in ancient traditions the world over, and its therapeutic allure has been enchanting souls and healing ailments for centuries. These oils, carefully distilled from leaves, roots, flowers, stems, and bark, hold the very energy of the plants from which they are extracted. These oils are nature's treasures, as special as any gemstone, they hold unique properties to support your emotions and increase vitality with every drop.
Diffusing is one of the simplest ways to get started using essential oils - in the process we create a serene and inviting atmosphere in our space that goes beyond aesthetics. The scents surrounding us have the power to uplift our mood, calm our mind, and create a sense of tranquility. When seeking a natural way to infuse your surroundings with delightful fragrances, essential oils provide an all natural and magic way of “clearing the air.”
Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon essential oils are the top three oils to start exploring. They have diverse medicinal, emotional, and practical applications. Together, the trio of peppermint, lavender, and lemon essential oils forms an ideal starting point for newcomers, offering a well-rounded array of physical and emotional benefits. Their simplicity doesn't compromise their effectiveness; instead, it creates a foundation for you to explore the multifaceted world of aromatherapy with confidence.
(check resources below to purchase your own Beginner's Essential Oil Trio)
Peppermint Essential Oil: a gentle yet powerful companion
invigorating scent not only awakens your senses
aids in promoting mental clarity and focus
relief from minor headaches and muscle tension
cooling and refreshing properties - great for hot days or relieving the symptoms of sore muscles and fever
eases digestive discomfort
always blend with a carrier oil or water when applying directly to skin - may create a tingling or burning sensation - keep away from eyes
Lavender Essential Oil: versatile and soothing
eases stress and anxiety
promotes relaxation and rest
antiseptic properties support skin health
Lemon Essential Oil: burst of lightheartedness
uplifts the mood
aids mental clarity
antibacterial qualities, supporting immune function and promoting a clean, fresh environment.
As we dive deeper into the use of essential oils we learn of the symphony of benefits that resonate harmoniously both within the body and the soul. They have inspiring such wellness treatments as the Symphony of the Cells created by Boyd Truman. This innovative treatment combines essential oils and gentle therapeutic touch to aid us in building a better understanding of the roots of disease / dis-ease in the body and the importance of harmonizing your mind/body/spirit. You may learn these self-care techniques for yourself (I’ll provide resources at the bottom of the blog) or seek the guidance of a trained practitioner. A trained herbalist or aromatherapy practitioner, such as myself, can tailor personalized protocols based on your physical and energetic needs. These sessions may be incorporated with other healing modalities such as reiki, crystal or light therapy, sound healing, gentle movement, somatics, and more. Learn more about my methods of incorporating essential oils into transformative, integrative treatments here.
Aromatherapy protocols engage with the body and mind in three distinct ways.
Inhalation gently awakens the olfactory nerve cells within the nose. The aromatic essences whisper enchantments of activation to unlock what lies within the brain's limbic system—the keeper of memories and emotions.
When applied to the skin at various meridians and pressure points, your largest organ embraces the essential oils through absorption. The soothing essential oils penetrate beyond the surface and deeper into the bloodstream to bring its nourishment and healing where it is needed most.
When applied with intention, we layer in the healing benefits of gentle, therapeutic touch. In this application the act of touch becomes a conduit for harmony, nourishment, and restoration.
And in true holistic fashion aromatherapy aids in bringing balance between the physical and emotional realms of the body - providing solace and support to the body's nervous, immune, and circulatory systems. The comforting embrace of the scents can also work to evoke cherished memories and uplift our spirits.
As you embark on your journey into the realm of aromatherapy, it's important to recognize that your path to healing is uniquely yours. While opinions within the medical community on the direct effects of essential oil usage may vary, the underlying concept of healing through these aromatic elixirs resonates profoundly. In a world filled with products promising quick fixes, it's imperative to dig deeper into the origins and proper applications of the products we incorporate into our lives.
Essential oils are one of the swiftest tools holistic practitioners have at their disposal. However, it's essential to acknowledge that holistic well-being often thrives when combined with mindfulness, self-care, spiritual practices, and an authentic approach to life. The integration of these elements takes time and is a profound journey.
Amidst a sea of information, it's crucial to thoroughly research the essential oils you choose and their safe usage. Be sure to cross-reference your health conditions and medications before introducing essential oils, or seek guidance from trained practitioners if you're uncertain about where to begin. Moreover, exercise caution when considering specific essential oils during pregnancy or around children and pets. Remember that your well-being is a sacred endeavor, and making informed choices empowers you on your path toward holistic healing.
Recognizing the increasing prevalence of this aromatic symphony of essential oils in mainstream culture, it's crucial to acknowledge that not all oils produce the same harmonious melody. In a landscape where capitalistic ventures take advantage of the lack of comprehensive regulations, labels proclaiming "therapeutic quality," "organic," or "all-natural" may not always reflect the truth. It's paramount to prioritize quality and transparency in the manufacturing process; only essential oils from reputable sources possess the genuine therapeutic potency you desire.
Exercise caution with terms like "scents," "perfume essence," and even "absolutes," these are typically artificially generated and should be used with caution when diffusing and especially when considering essential oils for internal use. It is wise to align with trusted brands like doTERRA, renowned for their fair trade sourcing practices, rigorous testing, and commitment to product excellence. Other companies will dilute their products with carrier oils that may become rancid or blend with a cheaper essential oil with a similar smell that does not hold the same emotional and physical attributes as you are led to believe it has. Safeguard the integrity of your oils by storing them in a dry, cool, and dark environment, ensuring they maintain their exceptional quality over time. While essential oils are often considered shelf-stable, their medicinal properties degrade due to oxidation, UV exposure, and heat starting when they are separated from the plant during extraction. Equally, the use of carrier oils can significantly impact the overall effectiveness and safety of the oils' application. Oils should be safe for several years but if they start to discolor, change texture, or to smell unpleasant it is time to discard and replace. If you plan to work for extended periods of time with essential oils - practice safety precautions such as wearing eye protection, gloves, and working in a well ventilated area but for occasional use you should be fine.
As you embark on this aromatic odyssey, may you find balance, tranquility, and vitality in every drop. Your journey with these enchanting oils is a dance with nature's essence, and your well-being is at the heart of every aromatic note. So, let's explore the captivating world of aromatherapy together, infusing our lives with the magic of the plant realm, one aromatic whisper at a time. 🌱🌸🌿
Remember, when considering essential oils, it's always wise to seek guidance if you're on medications or have health concerns. And while the world of aromatherapy is a realm of magic, keeping them out of reach of children and pets is a loving choice for their safety. If you're curious about incorporating essential oils into your journey, or if you seek the alchemy of emotion support oils provide, I'm here to guide you. Let's unravel the secrets of nature's scents and weave them into your wellness tapestry. Check out the resources below or head over to my website to learn more about the workshops and various ways I incorporate them into my practice. Additionally, shop the apothecary for unique folk medicinals and emotional support aids I have lovingly formulated with 18+ years of experience.🌿🌟
Resources
Order the Beginner's Trio from doTERRA here
Interested in purchasing oils with wholesale discounts or becoming a doTERRA wellness advocate access that here or contact me at keeperoftheoldways@gmail.com and I can walk you through it
Order a downloadable copy of Lauren's Essential Oil Workshop companion workbook to discover intentional oil blending heavily influenced by perfumery techniques sure to tantalize your senses Ritual Oil Blending Infusing Essential Oils with Crystals & Intention Workbook (perfect if you're interested in bringing intention to your oil blending or creating unique blends for ritual work (ancestral, deity, divination, prayer, meditation, etc)
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