The Healing Power of Essential Oil for our Energetic Body and Chakra System

Transcription

1 The Healing Power of Essential Oil for our Energetic Body and Chakra System Our chakras are vortex points in our energetic body. They are points where energy concentrates for distribution to the body, and from which it clears and disperses back into the open energy field. Like any aspect of our physical or emotional self, these energetic patterns have signatory vibrations. They can flow evenly and harmoniously into their designated function, or they can be disrupted, blocked, skewed, and distorted by conflicting physical, mental, or energetic signals and impulses. There are seven principle chakras in our body, although like eddies of water, there are always smaller eddies between eddies. The smaller ones are often shifting, and so most healers do not assign those names or specific functions. They merely observe where energy is blocked and look at the corresponding areas of the body to determine supportive or corrective action. Restoring harmony and order to the energy of the chakra will return it to a state of health, or will heal it. Anything that has a harmonious, orderly energy pattern and vibration can help to entrain one s energy back to a harmonious state. Pure essential oils have that inherent harmony and order in their energy pattern. Like anything with harmonious energy, they can be used to heal the chakras. In Japan workers exposed to jasmine, lavender and lemon fragrances seem happier and make fewer keyboard errors. New York medical researchers gave MRI patients vanilla fragrance - a comfort aroma- during their scans. Each type of oil resonates with a slightly different energy pattern and vibrates on a different frequency. Therefore each essential oil will relate more closely to the ideal energy pattern of one of your chakras. In some cases we can make 1

2 universal predictions about which oil will assist which energetic center. However, if you feel drawn to a certain oil or fragrance that brings harmony, select that over universal recommendations. The harmonic resonance you feel can be used to help that chakra return to its ideal vibration or energy pattern, and therefore to a higher state of health. Like any subtle energy method of healing, the user's intention is critical. A pure healing intention is the most important key to making the healing work. There are four principle ways of using essential oil for restoring balance and health to the chakras. The first is the simplest and that is deciding which chakra needs support or revitalization. Select the essential oil that has been recommended or feels best for you. Form your intent to experience a harmonious connection between that oil and the chakra. Then reinforce that intent by inhaling deeply from the bottle full strength. Next place a drop or two on your wrist or other part of your body where you will have access to the scent all day. It is the scent and not so much the application that will do the work in this method. With this method, only treat one chakra per day, or per sequence of days until improvement is noticed. The second way is to anoint the chakras directly with the oil. In this method you will be diluting the essential oil in some organic carrier oil such as jojoba or almond in approximately 1-10 ration of essential oil to carrier. This is so that you can massage over a larger area of your body without the risk of over saturation of sensitive skin. Select the essential oils that you will be using. I do not recommend more than one oil per chakra for a session. Put your anointing oil blends in a place where they'll be accessible to you once you lie down. Lie down on a comfortable surface, wearing loose clothes that you don't mind getting oil on. Attend to your comfort with a blanket and a pillow under your knees or head if needed. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and slowly into your belly (actually into the lower third of your lungs, but your belly will rise and fall if you're doing it correctly!). Set your intention for this healing session. If you're just going to work with one chakra, set the 2

3 specific intention for that one. If you're going to work with the whole system, set a general intention for this healing. If you're only going to work with one energy center, anoint it with the chakra essential oil you've chosen. Use only a few drops, and apply it slowly in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. For the root, you can anoint the soles of your feet, or your low back. If you're going to work with the whole system, you can proceed in either of two ways. You can start at the crown and work your way down, in order, to the first chakra (sky to earth for helping ground and center, relieve headaches and anxiety, manifest something on a physical plane); or you can go the other way, starting at the root and working your way up to the crown (earth to sky for raising energy to a higher vibration, enhancing spiritual development, increasing physical energy). Don't worry about the direction choice. Just go with what feels right. As you anoint each chakra, you may want to set a specific intention for its healing, sense the energy of the oil, and visualize its harmonious energy working to open, balance, and tune. After all have been anointed, simply rest for a while, allowing your energy to be balanced and cleared by the oils. Breathe slowly and evenly; empty your mind as much as possible, going into the place of no thought. Once you are at peace and feel complete, end the healing. Gently return your awareness to the here and now, and allow yourself to transition slowly back into your daily life. Drink a glass of water, and perhaps eat a piece of fruit. You may want to write in your journal about what you've experienced. Watch for gentle, positive changes for the next week or so. The third way is best for treating your whole chakra system to a single fragrance attunement. That is a warm steamy bath with essential oil in the water and also in a diffuser beside the bath. Select only ONE oil, and then decide upon one of two goals, which you will need to pre-determine. The first method is to tune up all of your chakras. For that, there are only two oils recommended. Lavender tunes all the chakras. It has very high vibrational energy and also is very adaptable to the various frequencies of all chakras. The other is Rose, which realigns all of the lower chakras to the vibrations of the upper chakras. The other goal is to support a particular chakra which needs 3

4 healing and rebalancing. For that select an oil that is appropriate and use the bath and steam to bring all of your OTHER chakras into support of their weakest member. For your bath water I would highly recommend that you add an alkalizer to assist all you your body systems to restore balance. My favorite is Himalayan sea salt. I like the large stones, which last through many baths and hold the energy of ancient perfectly balanced sea water. Last but not least, there is the diffusion method, which is a very good way to turn our hectic pace into something more harmonious while turning a chakra at the same time. This method works best if you're working with a single chakra. There are many types of diffusers. The only ones I do not recommend are those that heat oil to a temperature over 100 degrees. Diffuse your chosen chakra essential oil. Set your intention for healing, sense the energy of the oil, and visualize its harmonious energy opening, balancing, and tuning of the chakra. Meditate, rest, or pray for a half an hour or so. In particular, doing yoga that opens and stretches the area of the body near the selected energy center may be helpful. Sacred anointing oils can also be very beneficial for chakra healing therapy. Of our Sacred Touch oil blends, here are the following recommendations. Christ Scent can be universally beneficial to any and all of the chakras. It is one that you can put in a diffuser and then contemplate your whole emotional body coming into harmony for the greatest good, and then coming into harmony with your body, soul, and all humanity. The other Sacred Touch blends would apply in descending order from top to bottom: Compassion Wisdom Innocence Peace Forgiveness Joy Abundance 4

5 Here is a simple summary of recommendations and a chart of the chakras: Root Chakra (endurance, courage, and survival) : Patchouli, Cedar wood, Sandalwood, Lavender Second Chakra (sex and family): Rose, Rosemary, Ylang-Ylang, Juniper, Sandalwood, jasmine, Lavender Solar plexus Chakra (vitality and optimism): Juniper, May Chang, Bergamot, Rosemary, Lavender Fourth (Heart) Chakra: Himalayan Cedar, Rose, Myrrh, Lavender Fifth (Throat) Chakra: Lavender, patchouli, Lemon, Peppermint, Rose Sixth (Third eye) Chakra: Geranium, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Fennel, Rose Seventh (Crown) Chakra: Jasmine, Frankincense, Rose, Lavender The following is a more detailed explanation of chakra energies, symptoms of imbalance, and recommendations for essential oils that considered highly beneficial to restoration of health by aromatherapists. 5

6 1. The base chakra, also known as the root chakra, is about the basics of life. In Sanskrit it is called Muladhara, which literally translates as 'root.' If we can imagine how important the root system is to a tree ( it literally could not live without it) we can begin to understand how important this first chakra is. This chakra strengthens our courage, stability, and survival. It is located right at the base of the spine, at the perineum. You have probably seen pictures of yogis sitting in the traditional cross-legged, or lotus position. This is so that the base chakra physically touches the ground as they meditate. The root chakra is all about empowerment, stability, survival and physical health. It is all about loving yourself without need for embellishment or approval from others. It connects you to the physical world, strengthening one s courage to make the right choices and loving life! A balanced first chakra helps you feel a sense of community, emotionally secure and able to move forward with your life. When it is out of balance you may feel isolated, insecure and ungrounded. You feel a need to surround yourself with materialistic things to keep yourself safe. Below you can see the specific associations with the root chakra: Physical health problems may include: Constipation, obesity, sciatica, immune disorders and hemorrhoids. Emotional health problems may include: Anger, depression, frustration, insecurity and self-indulgence. The best essential oils to use with this chakra are warm, earthy, sweet, grounding and restorative. Among the Sacred Touch blends Abundance was created to remedy our anxiety about scarcity. Abundance assures more comfort in surviving, and relived tendencies to excessive competition and aggression. Here are some other good oils to help balance the root chakra. 6

7 Rosemary, Thyme, Basil - restorative and good for fatigue Sandalwood and Cedar - earthy, woody and grounding Ginger - warming and good for the digestion Frankincense - sweet and restorative 2. The sacral (second) chakra activates our creativity, emotional expressions, sensuality and intimacy. In Sanskrit it is called Svadisthana, which literally translates as 'sweetness.' However, we would have a fuller meaning if we thought of the word 'pleasure' instead, as it is this energy that directs us toward our pleasures and desires. Are you feeling enthusiastic, creative and energetic? Are you happy and living in a healthy relationship? Helping you do this is what the second chakra is about. It is located in the sacrum and it relates to the genitals, abdomen, adrenals, lower back, and hips. It is sometimes referred to as the sexual energy center, but that is only part of its work, and even much of that is directed toward the various cycles of procreation. Thus it governs family units and harmony as well as the attraction and communion between couples. In the highest sense it governs creativity, enthusiasm, relationships and emotional needs. It also generates movement, especially social movement, to bring about its primary goals for expression and emotional balance. A balanced second chakra helps to maintain healthy relationships, healthy emotional needs and openness to intimacy, with a healthy yin-yang existence. When this chakra is aligned it promotes energy, success and a positive outlook. It makes it easier for us to be open, imaginative and creative, to go with the flow, and to be at home with ourselves. We are able to follow our creative dreams and to learn from all our experiences, both positive and negative. When it is out of balance emotional problems may occur such as sexual guilt and excesses in food, drink or sex. We may become self-centered, distrusting and cold towards others. We may also be over-emotional, obsessive about someone, depressed, have a lack of sexual drive or have an excessive libido. 7

8 Below you can see the specific associations with the sacral chakra: Physical health problems may include: Problems with fertility, kidney and bladder infections, impotence, lower back pain, problems with hips, chronic fatigue. Emotional health problems may include: Neediness, hyper-sensitivity, shyness, lack of confidence, and a tendency to worry. The best essential oils to use with the second chakra are uplifting, optimistic, and those that balance the female/male energies. Among the Sacred Touch blends Joy has this effect. It helps us to find more pleasure in what we already have and express gratitude so that we can attract even more pleasurable events. Here are some other good oils to help balance the second chakra: Jasmine, Patchouli, Bergamot and May Chang- help balance your yin-yang energies. Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender are good for focus, depression, fatigue and memory. Clary sage, Fennel, Rose Geranium, and Ylang-Ylang, all help with menstrual problems and estrogen balance. Jasmine, ylang-ylang, Patchouli and thyme are helpful for lack of sexual drive. Basil, chamomile, eucalyptus, clary sage, juniper and rosemary are antiinflammatory or antispasmodic and so can help with backache and sciatica. Water is the element associated with this chakra, so using some drops of essential oils in your bath is particularly effective! 3. This third chakra, which is also our solar plexus, is sometimes referred to as the power center of our body. It is located at the base of the sternum and it 8

9 relates to the digestive system, the solar plexus, the liver, pancreas, adrenals and the mid thoracic spine. It governs integrity, the ego and the development of personal power. In Sanskrit it is called Manipura, which literally translates as 'full of jewels'. A balanced third chakra helps you to be yourself, look after yourself and to have the courage to follow your intuition. When this chakra is aligned it promotes action and assertion. It makes you energetic, dynamic and confident in yourself, with integrity and personal confidence. You thrive under pressure (like a good athlete), but you are not a workaholic. When it is out of balance, our dynamic energy (get -up-and-go) is low, our self-esteem and confidence are diminished and there s a prevailing fear of failure or rejection. If there is too much energy flowing through this chakra then one might find themselves in perpetual dominance, wanting to be in control of everything; if too little, they may often be grumpy, and uncooperative with very little patience. Physical health problems may include: Digestion problems, ulcers, liver and gall bladder challenges, fatigue. Emotional health problems may include judgment and superiority for others. There may also be low self-esteem, anger, fear, indifference, a need for power and control. The best essential oils to use with the solar plexus chakra are uplifting, and soothing, that help us release attachments (especially to regrets.) Among our Sacred Touch blends, Forgiveness was created to offer this revitalization and renewed life. Here are some other good oils to help balance the third chakra: Frankincense, Lemongrass, Lavender, and Rosemary, and Red Grapefruit help nurture the solar plexus emotionally. 9

10 Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon, Fennel, Bergamot and Rosemary help support the digestive system. Juniper, Coriander, Rosemary, Lemon, and Red Grapefruit help with cleaning the liver and gall-bladder. Basil, Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Patchouli, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine and May Chang are soothing oils good for nervous tension and anxiety. 4. The heart chakra is the first of the spiritual chakras and, in Sanskrit, Anahata means 'unstruck sound'. That alludes to this being the chakra of greatest untapped potential. It is located in the chest and is linked to the thymus which forms part of our immune system. Imagine feeling pure and unconditional love flowing out of you and around you. Imagine yourself compassionate and generous. This is the fourth chakra, often thought of as the love center of our body's energy system. It governs self-worth, unconditional love and compassion. Learning to love one s self is key to nurturing the heart chakra. Then there comes discovery of the heart s wealth of wisdom. A balanced fourth chakra helps you to see the positive side in yourself and others. You are perceptive, kind, co-operative and compassionate. When this chakra is aligned it promotes optimism, hope and motivation. It is where your physical and spiritual side meet. Therefore, this is where you can make it possible to transform your creative ideas into a physical reality. When the heart chakra is out of balance you may have feelings of inadequacy and think negative thoughts about yourself. You may feel off course and maybe feel unfulfilled emotionally. Much human depression has its roots in an imbalanced heart chakra, for which one may compensate by being selfish, indecisive and possessive. 10

11 Below you can see the specific associations with the heart chakra: Physical health problems may include: Heart and circulatory problems, breathing disorders and upper back pain. Emotional health problems may include: Loneliness, lack of self-worth, fear, anxiety, and paranoia. The best essential oils to use with the heart chakra are balancing, calming, and inspiring, with a touch of beauty. Any oil (or oil blend) that is too pungent or repugnant is not therapeutic to the heart. Christ Scent is always perfect for the heart, but Peace was created to remedy its wounds and imbalances. Here are some other good oils to help balance the heart chakra: Rose, Rose Geranium, Ylang-Ylang, Frankincense, and especially Myrrh are balancing oils which help with self-love and loving others. Our blend called Blessed Mother is primarily composed of Rose and Myrrh. It was created to comfort and heal the heart. Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rose, and Rosemary help support the respiratory system when feeling of anxiety tighten the chest. Air is the element associated with this chakra, so diffusing essential oils into your surrounding space works well! Also breathing exercises help nurture this energy 'love' center. 5. The Throat Chakra in Sanskrit is called Vishudda, which means pure. This tells us in one word what has happened to this energy center when it goes out of balance. We have impure thoughts or have spoken untrue words. 11

12 This chakra manages self-expression, Creativity, Communication. It is all about how we express ourselves and our ability to communicate our needs with purest intentions, in a truthful way. It is linked to our success in life and to our personal intention. It is not only about communicating through speaking and writing, but also in more creative ways such as music, singing and dance! This fifth chakra is located in the throat and relates to the thyroid, throat, trachea, mouth, teeth, gums and ears. The thyroid is a gland which produces the hormone responsible for our physical growth and that extends through this chakra to nurture our spiritual growth through truth and pure intentions. A balanced fifth chakra helps you to be extrovert, tactful and to make effective choices. You are calm, loyal and trustworthy. When this chakra is aligned it promotes speaking with confidence and without fear of what other people think. When it is out of balance you may suppress your emotions, get that feeling of a 'lump in your throat'. You may be so worried about offending other people that you don't express your own needs. Too much energy flowing through this chakra and you may find yourself talking too much, unable to listen to others, with an overactive thyroid and hearing problems. A sluggish chakra could leave you with neck and shoulder tension, an underactive thyroid, teeth grinding, a fear of speaking and throat problems. Below you can see the specific associations with the throat chakra: Physical health problems may include: Throat problems, thyroid problems, neck and shoulder pain, mouth ulcers, speech impediments and voice problems. Emotional health problems may include: 12

13 An inability to communicate, self-righteousness, being over-optimistic, being secretive. The best essential oils to use with the throat chakra are ones that support our inner strength, help with inflammation and sore throats and help care for our teeth and gums. Here are some good oils to help balance the fifth chakra: Rose, Lavender, Frankincense, Jasmine and Ylang-ylang - nurturing oils which help us feel more secure and confident. Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Clary Sage - help soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation. Clove, Lemon, Myrrh, and Peppermint - good for healing mouth and gum problems. 6. The third eye chakra is named Ajna in Sanskrit. It is sometimes known as the brow chakra, and is located in the brain, behind the eyebrows. This is our center of intuition and wisdom. It coordinates our analytical faculties with our emotional and subconscious minds, and is directed toward discovering and fulfilling our purpose in life. It is often referred to as the mind s eye. Have you ever been thinking about a friend you haven't seen for ages, and then you suddenly get a phone call from her? Have you ever experienced a psychic moment? Do you sometimes follow your 'gut instincts', your intuition, and wonder why? This is what the sixth energy center deals with. This sixth chakra is linked to the pituitary and pineal gland and is associated with the face, parts of the brain and central nervous system, and all the senses. It deals with imagination, intuition, psychic powers, insight and perception. The sixth chakra is literally our 'sixth sense'. It is about learning from our experiences and separating reality from fantasy. 13

14 In Sanskrit Ajna means 'command' or 'management'. A balanced sixth chakra helps you feel in control of your life and be able to sense beyond the physical world. When this chakra is aligned it promotes heightened intuition, psychic abilities and a detached perception. When it is out of balance you may fear success and set your ambitions and goals too low. You may lack discipline, be overly logical and not open to imaginative ideas. You may find it hard to visualize anything, and especially in your dreams. Too much energy flowing through this chakra and you may experience too much psychic information, nightmares and hallucinations. Physical health problems may include: Headaches, problems with the nervous system, mental issues, problems with eyes, learning disabilities, nightmares. Emotional health problems may include: Excessive worrying and anxiety, poor judgement, a warped concept of reality, confusion, lack of concentration. The best essential oils to use with the third eye chakra are ones that are used in meditation and rituals, and ones that have the highest energetic frequency. In the Sacred Touch blends Wisdom is the oil most assistive to this chakra. Here are some other good oils to help balance the third eye chakra: Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavender and Melissa For eye problems: Lemon, rose Geranium, Rose and Clary Sage. These can be used in a cold compress laid over the eyes, or diffused in the room. But, of course never in the eyes. 14

15 Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rosemary and Sandalwood are problems useful for sinus Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Marjoram and Rosemary are excellent essential oils for headaches and migraines when used as a cold compress laid over the forehead and eyes. 7. The crown chakra is the gateway of higher light on the top of our heads. In Sanskrit it is called Sahasrana means 'thousand fold' and is symbolized by the 1000 petaled lotus. It is often referred to as the 'mystical center'. Imagine feeling complete and at harmony with yourself and the universe. You understand your uniqueness within the big picture of life. What a fantastic place to be! This is what this seventh chakra reveals for our life: enlightenment and the way to your higher consciousness. It is located at the crown of your head, or, as some believe, just above the crown of your head, hence its name! It is linked to the pituitary gland. This connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus, and produces hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system. Too much energy flowing through the seventh chakra may result in a person being overly intellectual, or feel you are a cut above others spiritually or intellectually. A sluggish crown chakra and you may find it difficult to think for yourself, be apathetic, and skeptical of anything spiritual, while being very materialistic! Physical health problems may include: Feeling very tired for no reason, muscular and skeletal problems, immune disorders, feeling off balance and bumping into things, chronic headaches. Emotional health problems may include: 15

16 Lack of direction and purpose, a loss of faith in yourself and the universe, a loss of identity, depression, fear and cynicism. The best essential oils to use with the crown chakra are: Ones that are used in meditation and quietening the mind: Rose, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, and Ylang-ylang. Those that help to release negative thoughts and emotions: Juniper, Himalayan Cedar, Bergamot, and Rose Geranium. Clary Sage, Cleansing and purifying oils, in preparation for meditation: Lavender, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, Rose, and Himalayan Cedar Lavender is useful for all seven main chakras. 16