NAMASTE’  This week, I wanted to bring another vibe to my blog page and share my thoughts on a favorite subject and practice of mine, Aromatherapy.  In my book, my last chapter touches on natural applications for skin, headaches, and stress management, using oils and items found in your pantry.

Aromatherapy awakens the senses. It can reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels. Through inhalation and topical applications, we can influence our emotions, improve our complexion, relieve nausea, enjoy massages and baths for relaxation, and also to help stop an infection.

Scientists say that our memory retention is stronger when linked to smell, than to sight.  Every breath we take, we smell our environment.  It is the most direct contact with nature.  Every human has their unique scent dependent on their age, sex, diet, health, or occupation.  If one has a diminished sense of smell, there may be a deficiency of the mineral Zinc.  Supplements of Vitamin A and the B complex vitamins may be helpful to improve your olfactory sensation.

I have many vivid memories about our gardens on the family farms, and one very special memory to share. We had a beautiful rose garden that my father, Joe, planted near the house especially for my mother, Rose, so she would have a fresh rose every day. How romantic! The lovely fragrance of the different and unique colors wafted all summer long, and reminded us that there is  such a thing as, “true love.”

Our vegetable gardens were always brimming with colorful fruits of the vine, and herbs for all the different dishes prepared in the kitchen. The basil, sage, rosemary, mint, parsley, oregano and tomatoes, to name a few, when harvested, also triggered a taste memory for all our wonderful meals.  Research has proven that rosemary acts as a brain stimulant. I keep a sprig of it, whenever possible, at my desk.

Essential oils are amazingly effective for so many things.  There is a bottle of peppermint on my nightstand for any feelings of distress before going to bed. A couple of whiffs, and your body settles down, especially if it is a stomach disturbance.  Also at my desk, I have a bottle of ylang ylang essential oil. I find a single sniff restores a sense of calmness. FYI, no need for a deep breath with these oils, they are quite potent.

I prepared a specific formula for a project in my Aromatherapy course, when obtaining my Holistic Nutrition degree. I chose a blend of oils for emotional support, a very common need for our fast paced society.  This blend can serve to lift up the senses and spirit, and relieve the signs of the daily grind.   Please try it, and let me know your feeling.

• 1 ounce (6 tsp) Jojoba carrier oil (almond oil can be substituted)
• 4 drops bergamot
• 4 drops sandalwood
• 2 drops geranium

I am a fan of Ayurvedic  medicine and aromatic food, and have experienced using essential oils to balance the chakras of the body.  Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between mind, body, and spirit.  We have seven energy centers, or chakras, from head to toe. At times, if you are mindful of your body and senses, you will feel an imbalance of these energies, causing unrest or discomfort.  Meditation has helped me to balance, clear the chakras, and focus in a different realm, by working through the mental clutter that inhabits our psyches.  It is a quiet, healthy, still experience, which should be experienced by everyone.

I have been fortunate to attend many a retreat to study this deeper, under the amazing guidance of Dr. Deepak Chopra and Davidji,  and never thought I could actually change my path in life, but I definitely have.  My two favorite venues were on the Kona Coast in Hawaii, and most recently, in British Columbia at Whistler. These are two very spiritual places for me.  I was also introduced to delicious Ayurvedic meals at one of these venues as part of our program, for a new culinary journey.

Clearing the path of qi (chi) helps regulate emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.  The seven chakras are:

• Root-at base of the spine (physical)
• Sacrum-below the navel (creativity)
• Solar plexus-navel (individual will)
• Heart-beside the heart (emotional)
• Throat (expression)
• Third eye-forehead between the eyes (intuitive transformation)
• Crown-top of the head (wisdom)

In meditation, start at the root and move up the body clearing each chakra with the sutras (mantras).  I find this is a wonderful way to calm myself before trying to go within and settle the mind in a daily meditation practice. My Himalayan salt lamp offers a peaceful glow in the room.

The essential oils for chakras can be blended or diffused into the air.  I love to use them in my meditation practice with scented soy-based candles. Another joyful travel experience of mine is when I visit Asheville, North Carolina.  I always come home with wonderful new blends, oils, salts, or holistic items that refresh my mind and body.  I love the Blue Ridge Mountain area and spending time there is “therapy” for me, whenever I visit.

My choice of oils for the chakra applications are:

• Root-ylang ylang, myrrh
• Sacral-jasmine, sandalwood or vanilla
• Navel-ginger, peppermint, cinnamon
• Heart-geranium, lavender, bergamot
• Throat-Roman chamomile, lemon
• Third eye-rosemary, sage
• Crown-cedarwood, lavender, frankincense

Using essential oils help to encourage positive transformation, and influence a greater sense of well-being. Namaste’.