July 14, 2024 - I <3 Aromatherapy
Happy Summer! It is my favorite time of year - I love not feeling cold, I think because of my childhood living in SoCal. My happy place is not having to wear socks. ;)
I hope you are able to take some time off and enjoy the summer in the ways that you love.
Also, I'm settling into my new space in Georgetown and loving it. I still am planning an open house - when things are calmer and less scheduled.
Aromatherapy & You
I'd like to talk about aromatherapy this month. I have loved and used aromatherapy for many years, for myself, for my household and for my patients. I have found it to have powerful impacts again and again. Essential Oils can cross the blood-brain barrier and impact the limbic system - emotional processing.
How can you use aromatherapy at home to help you in daily life or in challenging times?
First, I recommend using high quality Essential Oils. Here are some sources. You can also buy from local stores here in Seattle.
How to administer aromatherapy
Open the bottle and smell
good for when you are out and about and need a little support - 1-2 drops close to face on a tissue or cotton ball
Diffusion - cool air nebulizer
this is my preferred method at home and in the clinic - 5 drops for 15 minutes or more
Perfume
Dilute 1-15 drops into pure vodka with 1 teaspoon of distilled water
Massage oil
20 drops for every 1 oz of carrier oil; less (10 drops/1 oz) for children, elders, or pregnant women
Baths
5-8 drops in teaspoon of cream - mix well
Acupuncture Points
Dilute 6-8 drops in 2 teaspoons of cream or oil and apply to points
Functions of some Essential Oils
For uplifting:
Lemon - helps with focus and cognitive function; restorative, stimulating and helps with detoxification; can cause skin irritation - don't use directly on skin
Peppermint - opens up the little blood vessels in the head; helps with cognitive function and rational thinking; caution in pregnancy and with hypertension
Jasmine - very uplifting, for depression or lethargy; stimulates intuition and wisdom; avoid for children under 6
For calming:
Lavender - calms the mind, nurtures creativity, sense of peace and love - use for anxiety, insomnia and acute shock & trauma, caution in pregnancy
Massage diluted lavender in a carrier oil on Kidney 1 (point on bottom of the feet) before bed to help with sleep
Sweet Marjoram - regulates autonomic nervous system, helps with sleep and calming; caution in pregnancy
Vetiver - grounding, relieves stress and shock, can bring you to present moment; good for burnout; caution in pregnancy
Bergamot - relieves anxiety, stress, is uplifting and refreshing; is also helpful for pain; protects & regulates the nervous system; skin sensitivity - avoid direct sunlight after use on skin
I hope this provides you with some tools to assist you and your families with everyday challenges and in times of stress.