~ Lavender ‘N Chocolate ~

In the first part of this article, called Looking into the Psyche of Aromatherapy we touched upon the two different theories about how essential oils affect human psyche. I would like to continue with the following.

Essential Oils – The Gentle Touch and Scent Massage is probably the oldest and simplest method of helping your body. A massage is enjoyable to give and relaxing to receive. It is an ancient therapy; the word “anoint” has almost the same meaning as massage. Ancient people always used essential oils while giving a massage, and the ancient wisdom has not lost its popularity. It is still a pleasant art of touching that is beneficial to the mind and body.

Aromatherapy massage is a traditional form that uses essential oils together with the form of Shiatsu, Neuro-Muscular, Connective Tissue massage, or Lymphatic Tissue massage. A full aromatherapy massage may last up to 1 to 1-½ hours. Its main purpose is to relax and nourish the body. It may also help improve circulation, digestion, and respiration. It can also help speed up the elimination process, while promoting a warm, satisfied feeling of ease that takes away stress and worry. There are just a few basic strokes what you need to learn; everything else can come from your intuition and caring feelings.

Basic Massage Strokes

Effleurage – the basic stroking movement. The meaning comes from the French word “effleurer” which means “to touch lightly.” When done with a fast motion, it is invigorating. There are many variations, such as palm, thumb, pick-up effleurage, and “carresse du poing” that means: “closed hand” effleurage. You can do a few effleurage strokes on each part of the body. Use enough oil for your hands to slide easily over the skin.

Petrissage – often used to soften and relax tired muscles. The technique involves lifting up the muscle and applying compression with both hands.

Kneading – a one handed kneading that is similar in action to the two-handed petrissage – mostly used on short muscles.

Lymph tissue massage – assists lymph passage and helps reduce any minor swelling. This massage requires very little pressure at a slow speed.

Swedish massage – soft tissue massage that incorporates several types of movement – effleurage, kneading, cupping or hacking.

You can also include parts of reflexology massage, shiatsu massage, or acupressure. When you have chosen the right essential oils and carrier oil to serve your purpose, and a room that has been specially prepared, you can start a massage. Blend oils in a small bowl within reach, thus allowing one hand to maintain contact with massaged part. An ideal step-by-step procedure should start with massaging the back, legs, arms, stomach, chest, neck, scalp and face. Massage should always be pleasurable and rhythmical. For a full body massage, add 15-20 drops of essential oils per 1 oz of carrier oil. For a longer massage, use mixing oil; for a shorter massage, use a local application of Tangible lotion.

Good oils for relaxing massage treatments are Lavender, Roman chamomile, Frankincense, Marjoram, Clary sage, Geranium, or Ylang ylang. Oils that may help with minor muscle pain or strains are Helichrysum, Orange, Peppermint, Clove, Pine needle, or Wild rosemary.

Yummm… I am making this for a special treat at our next Family gathering. I just love chocolate in it’s many delectable and delightful forms, and this recipe sounds absolutely mouth watering delicious! I can just see the look on my daughters face when she takes a bite out of one of these sweet and spicy little babies! Caution!! Consumption of these chocolate delights may cause an epidemic of satisfied women and a curious sense of wellbeing…

For the Brownies:

1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, Melted
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Flour
1/3 Cup Dagoba Xocolatl Drinking Chocolate
1 Tbs Cocoa Powder
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 325° with rack in centre of oven.
Line a 9″x9″ pan with tinfoil.
Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs in a bowl. Stir until
thoroughly blended.
In a separate container, combine flour, Xocolatl, cocoa, baking
powder and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and incorporate completely.
Do not over-mix!
Reserve 1/2 cup of this batter and pour the rest in the prepared pan.
Sprinkle pecans on top of the batter.

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

8 Ounces Cream Cheese
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Egg

Beat the cream cheese with the sugar.
Add the vanilla and the egg.
Blend thoroughly.
Pour this over the brownie batter (and nuts)
Place the reserved batter in small dollops on the top.
Use a knife or an spoon handle to swirl the two batters without
mixing them.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 mins or until the brownies start to
pull away from the sides of the pan and the edges of the brownies are
just beginning to brown.

Chill for at least two hours before cutting into squares.

**Credit for this delicious recipe goes to…

Huw Richardson
Buffalo, NY

One historic piece of wisdom proclaims, “Food nourishes the body, however flowers heal the soul”. In many ways, these two needs are inseparable. You have to feed your body to stay physically healthy and you have to feed your psyche to stay emotionally healthy. Essential oils play an important role in affecting mood, emotions, or memory. We already know about the connection between an olfactory cell and limbic brain system. Inhalation is a method by which essential oils quickly enter the body and take effect – to help the body heal itself. Essential oils may influence the human psyche by interacting with the nervous system, environment, and one’s personal will. Essential oils can control psychological changes in the human body through direct interaction with body systems, or they may produce learned psychological response. Learned responses may be different in each person or culture.

There are two different theories about how essential oils affect human psyche

Reflective theory assumes that essential oils influence the olfactory system and the sense of smell. The olfactory nerves have receptor sites that are stimulated by specific chemical components in particular essential oils. The stimulated receptors send signals to the brain, especially to the part of brain (amygdala and hippocampus) where the regulation of emotion, memory, sleep circle, or sexuality are affected.

While the Reflective Theory only requires interaction with olfactory epithelum, the Systemic theory assumes that essential oils interact directly with the brain and other systems of the body. People can also have learned psychological responses to essential oils by relating them with specific pleasant or unpleasant experiences. Memories can create or evoke change in the brain and psyche. For example, pine needle oil may bring back pleasant memories of Christmas, and these enjoyable memories can influence happy emotions.

Thus, the right essential oil may help with human emotions – happiness, anger, fear, sadness. Essential oils may influence the Autonomic Nervous System, which is part of the Peripheral Nervous System, and controls the involuntary functions of organs such as the heart, blood vessels, lungs, bladder, glands and gastrointestinal tract etc. There are three main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic, Systems which provide a dual mechanism for controlling internal organs, and the Enteric System that regulates the activity of the gut.

The Sympathetic Nervous System can be described as a “fight or flight response.” Stimulation of this part can cause the hands to sweat, the heart rate to increase, or the blood pressure to rise. The Parasympathetic System is often described as a “rest and digest” movement. It may help digestion and relaxation, while decreasing the blood pressure.

Today, human beings are challenged by a stressful lifestyle that leads to tension and stress. Some essential oils may act on the Parasympathetic Nervous System to help the body relax and calm down. Some essential oils may invigorate the body or senses. Examples of stimulating essential oils are jasmine, basil, clove, geranium, lemongrass, and peppermint. Examples of sedative essential oils are lavender, chamomile, marjoram, and sandalwood. We might say that pleasant odors help ease feelings of tension, fear or confusion.

Mood can affect our memory, cognition and behavior. When you are in a good mood, you are more optimistic. You can learn faster and pay more attention to one’s studies. Why not use essential oils to help enhance your behavior, memory or learning process?

Aromas are able to evoke vivid memories of the past. The odors around us can bring about memory retrieval. With the help of essential oils, we may influence the memories of our past. Essential oils can support your children’s study progress and aid in memory functions. The door is open…

**Stay tuned for part two… coming soon!

I love the rain. I have many reasons for this fascination and perhaps I am strange in this; rain just never seems to bother me, unless I am in it wayyy too long. I love to put my face up and let the rain wash over me. I absolutely love the feel of the wind and rain, the energy and pure goodness that seems to surround me, and makes me want to sing. The fresh smell is totally invigorating, and I feel like dancing. That must be where the saying ‘Dancing in the Rain’ came from, and I can totally feel it. There is magic in each raindrop.

We are having a bit of a rainstorm, our first of the Autumn season, here in Oregon. It is not really cold, just wet. This is the sweet kind of rain that I love to venture forth into, and even when I had to do barn chores in taking care of my horse, I never seemed to mind. To me rain means Life, and without it, the earth would wither up and die. I feel that way about myself… without a bit of rain to play in every now and then, with the feel of the wind in my hair, I would just wither away. I absolutely need natures gifts (the fairly gentle ones, although I love to witness a good storm as there is something primal in viewing nature’s rage as well) to keep me alive and full of energy.

The other good thing about the rain, is when I have had my fill I am able to snuggle up in my warm cozy house. Just listening to the sounds of a good storm, the wind and rain against my window panes, fills me with sweet energy and a certain excitement. Knowing I am warm and safe and sheltered, is very comforting. So the rain serves many purposes in my life, depending upon my mood, and state of being. I would hope the rain brings as much comfort, joy of living, and different feelings to those souls who venture along to read my musings. May you have many wonderful moments Dancing in the Rain!

My daughter checked out a special edition of “The Lord of the Rings; Fellowship of the Ring” from the Library. Although I had watched this and all it’s sequels, it was interesting to share this tale with my little S. The Fellowship of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is the first novel I ever read, when I was in the 5th grade, closely followed by The Two Towers, The Return of the King and The Hobbit. It was the start of a journey which sparked my imagination, taking me into the mysterious realms of Magic and fantastic and dangerous Quests. Tales of old, legends and myths, and all that dwells in the supernatural realms have always held a certain fascination for me. I never lost my desire to fantasize, and seek that which is not truly known. Too many stories in folklore abound, which hold a bit of truth, and the similarities in these old tales cannot be denied.

So as we watch this very well produced version of my favourite story, I am filled with the wonder of how much my childhood dreams still serve to shape the person I am today. I am still full of life, and an ever curious imagination, and I love to laugh and play. After all the pain of this path I walk, I have not lost the joy of living, and learning new things. I still crave to know more of our ancient past, and the mysteries and truth therein, yet I am excited with the here and now, and have such faith in the future as each moment unfolds. There is only this moment, and in this moment my family and I are safe. If things get bad, I am reminded how it is much worse in other places, and someone elsewhere is much worse off than I am in this moment.

I will always be filled with imagination and wonder, and look for the magic in all things. No matter how this path unfolds, I will have these memories and experiences to hold me up, and give me the courage and strength to face whatever life brings. Never lose the magic that is inside all of us… it is what brings us Light and Love. Such is what brings real meaning to this earthly life.

How I love this time of year!! Although I thoroughly enjoy each Season, Autumn is my absolute favourite. I am filled with enchantment when the wind blows, and the colourful array of leaves float through the air, creating a beautifully carpeted landscape to delight the eye as the trees prepare for their winter slumber. All of my senses are aroused, in seeing the gold, reds, oranges, greens and all colours in between, and in smelling the lovely scents of nature. The feel of the wind in my hair and on my face gives me a tingling sensation which fills me with an abundance of energy. The very air we breathe is full of mystery and magic. My senses just come alive, and I feel the wonder of living on such a fantastic and awesome planet, and I cannot help but dance with the joy of it. How blessed we are! Everything around us speaks of the Creators perfect harmony in the natural world. To me Mother Earth is a magical wonderland, and I shall never cease to look for the beauty which surrounds us on this amazing planet.

What a time we had traipsing through the frightening landscape of darkness and creepy images. It was quite an adventure for my little Sara and I, as we shared our space with those from the other side who chose this time to venture into our realm. It is well known that the veil between the realm of the living and those who have crossed over is thinnest during this hallowed time, and we could feel the ghostly presence of these visitors, whom must be our ancestors and loved ones to be sure. Why do I feel this is true? Well, as I am very sensitive to these things, having had many unexplained experiences which make me a firm believer in life after death, I could feel the presence of something all around us. Sounds a bit out there to some, yet I know there are others who believe and feel as I do, so I will not be shy about sharing my own personal experiences and feelings on this matter.

My daughter helped me to attire myself, as it was her idea, giving me a true look of a pagan female traveling through space and time while darkness ruled the sky. She was transformed into any ugly hag, warts, humped back and all, with a shy little rat residing within her hood. We presented quite the contrast, and evoked a certain amount of curiosity. Precious the rat created quite a stir, and most folks were quite puzzled at the odd relationship between the fair pagan and nasty old crone. I just smiled and made my serene way through the mysteries dark paths, leading the poor half blind old one along as best I could under the circumstances.

Needless to say, we had quite a pleasant time of it, and feel quite blessed with the path we walk on this beautiful Earth. Although we are not rich in the way of having lots of money, we are so very wealthy in many other ways. We are always taken care of, and have never lacked for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessaries. I find this simply amazing, as we seem to be given that which makes us happy and keeps us healthy, with little more than a thought and acts of loving and giving to others. So I do believe our ethereal visitors found our lifestyle worthy of a visit, and I’ll just bet they are always watching out for us. Something (or more than one ’something’) is surely making sure we are well cared for, as I can feel the presence of guardians in our Life, and am very thankful for this protection.