Feng Shui Aromatherapy

Feng shui literally means 'wind water' and is a term first coined by Guo Po (276-324 AD) in his book entitled 'Zangshu'... "Qi rides the wind and scatters, but it is retained when encountering water".

Wind corresponds to Wood in the five element model upon which feng shui is based, the other four elements being Water, Fire, Earth, and Metal. It is through a system of correspondences that feng shui practice aims to balance the five elements, and in so doing it achieves it's purpose of delivering health and harmony.

Feng shui aromatherapy is all about enabling the essential balance that leads to well-being and harmony. Essential balance is a state of being that we all experience from time to time, to a greater or lesser extent. We can tell when we are balanced when we feel healthy and happy.

We also know that we can avoid putting our health and happiness in danger by doing the right thing e.g. eating sensibly, exercising moderately, getting enough sleep, getting the work/rest/play/family balance right and having good intentions... but the twists and turns of life often intervene to knock us off balance. Sometimes we can even be our own worst enemies and then have to suffer the consequences!

Maintaining a balanced five element energy state or correcting, by degrees, elemental energy imbalances... these are the aims of feng shui aromatherapy.

The origins of feng shui aromatherapy go back thousands of years, to the times of the three legendary Emperors of China. The first of these Emperors - Fu Shi (c.3322 BC) - defined the secrets of energetic life with the 8 Trigrams. The second - Shen Nung (c.2788 BC) - classified the properties of plants according to yin/yang balance and five element correspondences. The third Emperor - Huang Di (2697-2574 BC) - described the internal energy model that creates, controls and sustains physical form and function.

The combined knowledge given by these three legendary Emperors allows us to firstly, determine anyone's five element essential balance from birth; secondly, categorise essential oils from plants according to their yin/yang and five element properties; and thirdly, create blends of essential oils that enable the balance that leads to well-being and harmony.

Blends of essential oils are formulated according to our 'personal energy signature' created at birth. The quality and quantity of this personal energy, created at birth, circulates within our body (the meridians used in acupuncture) to determine how we function and how well we function. Feng shui aromatherapy is, therefore, truly holistic aromatherapy!

Ways to Utilize Essential Oils - Aromatherapy for Skin and Body

Many people are looking for a natural alternative way to heal the body from illness or from a health condition. Aromatherapy is ideal because it is non invasive and overtime may work to the source of the problem. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are oils that has been extracted from herbs, flowers or tree barks using steam distillation, resulting in pure oils that is highly concentrated. If used correctly, the application of these essential oils can benefit the skin and body. Each has its certain characteristics that can have an effect on a particular condition.

How can we use essential oils? The term "aromatherapy" refers to the use of the vapor of the oils that we inhale. However, there are many uses of these oils to enhance their benefits. Some good method to get the most out of aromatherapy on the body are:

Bathing

One of the easiest way and the most enjoyable in using essential oils are when you take your baths! Simply add 5-6 drops each of your favorite essential oils to your warm bath water. Good oils to try for relaxation are Lavender, Chamomile, Mandarin, and Bergamot. It is a good idea to add 2-3 different kinds of oils as they will enhance each other's properties.

Massage

One of the most widely used method of aromatherapy, massage can benefit the body in two ways, through increasing blood circulation and by inhaling the scents of the oil. By increasing blood circulation, massage can neutralize toxins and release energy trapped in stiff muscles. Inhaling the aroma of the oils can stimulate the senses resulting in relaxation.

The absorption of essential oils through massage is relatively high; therefore, it has to be mixed with a carrier oil which also makes it more spreadable. Ideal carrier oils for massages are light botanical oils such as Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Grapeseed oil or a mixture. Mix 10 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil. Ideal oils for massages are Marjoram, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Lavender.

Compress

Warm or Cold Compress are used to relieve swelling, pain, or to reduce fever. Adding essential oils in these compress will help accelerate healing.

Warm Compress

Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Soak a small towel in the water, then wring it out and place it on the problem area of the body. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, occasionally re-soaking the towel. Preferred oils to reduce pain and inflammation are Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage and Bergamot.

health-tips-auntjulia

health-tips-auntjulia

health-tips-auntjulia

health-tips-auntjulia

5 Essential Oils for Wrinkles

If you're looking for a pure, all-natural product to restore your young looking skin, essential oils for wrinkles might be right for you. Natural essential oils extracted from plants are often used as ingredients in anti-aging and other skin products. Some oils are more effective in treating wrinkles than others, but trial-and-error is the best way to determine what works for you. A primary advantage of all the oils listed below is that they can deliver nutrients to the skin without clogging pores.

1. Sandalwood Oil softens dry skin and can be used a moisturizer to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes the formation of new skin cells, gives skin a smoother look, and can increase compounds in the body that increase skin thickness and elasticity-all of these properties work together to reduce wrinkles.

2. Myrrh Oil is an antibacterial and antifungal oil that can be used topically or as a massage oil to smooth out wrinkles. Using this oil will repair and prevent further skin damage due to its antioxidant content.

3. Clary Sage Oil is best used to remove fine lines and wrinkles, especially when used in combination with skin moisturizers. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helps to tighten pores and make the skin more firm.

4. Geranium Oil can be used for almost any skin type, whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. It works to increase blood circulation, skin elasticity and retaining moisture in the skin. It can be added to skin moisturizers and toners.

5. Grape Seed Oil has antioxidant properties which help to fight free radicals that cause damage to your skin. They help repair damage to the skin caused by free radicals. It is an extract that is rich in vitamin E, which can slow the aging process of your skin. Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants contained in this oil, which protects that body from free radicals that become more common in the body as you age.

All of these essential oils for wrinkles have their unique properties that will help improve your skin, especially wrinkles! Although wrinkles are part of the natural aging process, they are tough to deal with as everyone will miss their young looking skin. Using essential oils, diluted with a carrier oil, will help reduce them or diminish their appearance while also providing your body with other health benefits.

Essential Oils for Anxiety

Anxiety is a common disorder that is often hard to treat. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, some more than others. The condition is triggered by different things depending on the person. Medication is not always the best treatment for anxiety because it can produce some undesirable side effects. So, how else can you treat anxiety? With essential oils, of course! There are several oils that can be used to treat and prevent anxiety, including bergamot, cedarwood and lavender. Better yet, some oils can be combined for optimal effects.

The following essential oils for anxiety are noted for their importance in proper meditation and anxiety reduction. It is recommended to use them together for an all-natural solution to combating anxiety.

• Bergamot Oil has a refreshing and uplifting scent. The aroma has the ability to lift you spiritually and rids your mind of negative thoughts. It keeps your emotional health balanced and can even help you feel focused. Bergamot is also known to be an anti-depressant.

• Cedarwood Oil has a soothing aroma, so it helps reduce stress from your body and mind. It has strong relaxing benefits and can help problems with insomnia.

• Lavender Oil is rejuvenating because of its flowery scent. It has the power to decrease anxiety and release tension from your body.

Now that you know which essential oils for anxiety to use, how exactly do you use them? Follow the instructions below.

1) Drop a few drops of your chosen essential oils into a warm bath while you soak for about 15 minutes. Feel the anxiety disappear!

2) Add a few drops to a carrier oil and use as a massage oil. It's best if the oils are used on you-that is how aromatherapy works best.

3) Dribble a few drops onto a cotton ball, close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

4) Place a drop of oils into a hot bowl of water. Stick your head close to the bowl and breathe deeply for a few minutes.