In Ayurveda, one of the natural modalities that is used to help a person achieve wellness and balance is called aromatherapy. Essential oils play a specific and very important role in our lives because they’re all natural and very healing.
The essences of the oil are extracted from the plants’ leaves, roots, seeds and flowers. When we use these highly concentrated molecules on our bodies, they interact with our bloodstream, either when we inhale them, absorb them or take them internally, and we benefit directly from the nutrients in the plant.
Keep in mind that plants and humans have evolved alongside each other for thousands of years and we basically have somewhat the same chemistry. However, when we extract the essential oil from the plant, we’re taking part of its critical survival mechanism and its immune system. That, when ingested, helps our bodies achieve health and well-being.
Aromatherapy
The beautiful thing about utilizing essential oils is the science of aromatherapy. This is more than just the smelling of essential oils, it goes way deeper.
When we inhale these wonderful essential oils, the sensory palate within our brain is stimulated. The reaction can seem subtle, but different oils activate different aspects within our body to promote a state of equilibrium and synchronicity. This manifests outwardly as less stress and anxiety, and an increased sense of happiness, joy and creativity.
So Ayurveda uses essence, or the science of aromatherapy, for many multi-dimensional facets of healing, depending on what the client’s needs may be. Sometimes it is best to ingest certain essential oils directly, which looks like taking a drop of oil just as we would take a spoonful of honey.
Prayer and Meditation
Essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years during prayer and meditation. The Catholic Church specifically uses incense such as frankincense and myrrh, which dates back to Biblical days. This is a great tool to enhance spirituality and bring us closer to God and Spirit.
In the simplest terms, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure essential oils to enhance the skin, the body, the mind and the soul.
Today, try rubbing a dab of oil on various parts of your body, such as your forehead or your third eye, your temple, your ear lobes or behind your neck. It also feels good to rub it into the bottom of your feet. It will take about 20 seconds to absorb, and about 2-4 minutes for your body to begin processing the benefits of the oil. You will notice your anxiety decrease and feel your mood uplifted.
Now you know what essential oils are and how you can use them to support your body and mind. Next week, I’m going to talk about which oils to use, where to get them, and how they can improve your quality of life.
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Wishing you much health and wellness!
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN,AHP,CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous
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