~ Lavender ‘N Chocolate ~

A gentle and tender touch is essential in passing along our feelings of love to those who are dear to us. Adults are fond of massage, so you may be certain that babies respond with pleasure to the soothing touch through gentle massage. This will help create a foundation which is secure, loving and giving as well. Let us consider the tremendous value and everlasting benefits in caring for our babies in this way. I have always loved touching and kissing my babies, and they have never gone without feeling my love and care.

Baby massage - helps circulation and enhances body function, however the most important factor is providing you and your baby with very enjoyable moments and memories. It is natural for a mother to give a massage and natural for a baby to receive it. The most suitable oils for babies are Lavender and Roman chamomile. Both oils will help with most aspects of your baby’s problems. Massage may help calm an over-active child and can help promote healthy sleep, ease stomach problems, prevent diaper rash, and soften skin. Use 2 to 3 drops of essential oils in a small cup of warm mixing oil.

Studies are showing that massaged babies are more alert, sleep better, gain weight faster, and look happier. Use this knowledge to spend more memorable and quality time with your precious one.

Hmmm… have you ever considered what makes oranges so special besides their vitamin C content, and delightfully delicious taste? We always have a fairly large supply of fresh oranges on hand in our house, being a favourite. I have always known these luscious, lovely little fruits bring more to us humble beings than meets the eye. What I didn’t know, was what a treasure we have in such a simple fruit. Now I have a bit of history, traditions, and scientific studies to back up my inner sense of this jewel of a fruit. Let’s explore the lovely scents and taste of the orange.

Nature’s Jewel

Orange (Citrus sinensis) - Orange is a small tree with shiny oval leaves, fragrant white flowers, and sweet, very nutritious fruits. It yields orange essential oil from its fruit, neroli oil (one of the main constituents of Eau-de-Cologne) from its flower, and petitgrain oil from its leaves. The orange is native to China and India, however it is cultivated today in many warm climates in the USA, Europe, Mexico, or Brazil.

The orange’s main chemical components are 90% Limonene, while the remaining 10% is made up of odorous constituents such as citral, citronellal, auraptenol and acids. The essential oil is located within the small sacks in the outer part of the skin. If you pinch the skin close to the candle flame, the released oil will burn producing tiny stars. The flash point for orange essential oil is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23C).

Oranges symbolize innocence and fertility. In Chinese medicine, it was used to help with colds, coughs, and appetite problems. Traditionally it has been used as a tonic and as a support for the digestion system. It may influence one’s mood, create positive and happy feelings, and awaken activity. Orange oil will help you brighten gloomy feelings, dark thoughts and stressful situations. The oil is very beneficial and soothing for dry, irritated, and non-cystic acne prone skin. It has great regenerating properties and is valuable for mature skin. It may stimulate the lymphatic fluid, and it is a very good choice in massage procedure for helping swollen tissue.

Orange oil is a good source of vitamin C. It’s a good idea to add essential oil into a diffuser at times of flu or colds. It may help relieve tiredness, promote energy, and support the immune system.

Orange was also traditionally used to help the digestion system, alleviate occasional bloating or pressure, and prevent nausea associated with motion.

Use essential oil in combination with your daily skin care products and as an essential part of inhalation to help regulate your psyche and mood. If you use it as a necessary part of your massage procedure, you can aid digestion and help the muscular systems.

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.

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!

Let’s explore a few simple techniques, precautions and uses of Lavender…

For internal use, it is not recommended that you use the essential oil unless you have a home still and knowledge of the distillation process and can make your own. You cannot be sure how purchased oil was grown and using it could make you very nauseous, so be very certain of the quality source. However, lavender flowers make a relaxing and refreshing tea which has the same basic medicinal properties. A weak infusion sweetened with honey was a traditional treatment for insomnia, irritability and nervous headache. Lavender acts as a sedative to both the nervous system and the respiratory tract.

Inhaling the essential oil has been used to induce relaxation and sleep, ease symptoms of depression and reduce headache pain. Its sedative action is amazingly strong and often, just by opening a bottle of oil in a confined space, people in the room visibly relax.

Externally lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used full strength on the skin. It works well and can be applied directly for cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, bee, wasp, and insect stings, rashes, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, cold sores, canker sores, blisters, bruises, athlete’s foot, and rubbed directly into the temples in case of headache or migraine. A few drops of oil rubbed on the temples was considered effective for insomnia and nervous headache.

**Note - As always, use good sense and be very certain of your allergies. Always consult your health care provider or naturapathic before using any new herbal treatment.

About one month ago I posted about the wonderful healing art of Qigong. I had been practicing for about 1 month at the time of that post, and now have been consistantly practicing for over 2 months. I thought this would be a good time to give a progress report.

Practice

First of all, I will mention that I practice for half an hour each day, and some days I practice twice in one day. If I am totally rushed for time I at least give 15 minutes to energizing my body. This has only occured at most 3-4 times in the past month. I am working up to giving 45-60 minutes per session, with a second session before bed of about 15 minutes. It is recommended to do these movements outdoors if possible, to gain the most benefit of energy gathered from the natural world. In China you will find people outdoors, at different times throughout the day, practicing these movements as a matter of their daily course. It is this gentle and active movement which keeps us strong, healthy and full of vitality.

Energy

I am personally experiencing a significant increase in energy, even on days when I am extremely active or busy. Although I have always been in really good shape, in recent times I began to fall ill quite often. That is not the case this year. Autumn is usually the beginning of flu and cold season, and not a single bug has touched me. My daughter and I walk 5-6 miles at least twice per week, when the weather permits, and I recall having sore feet when we returned home, and feeling a bit run down. That has not been occuring in the past couple of weeks, and I am still full of energy towards the end of the day, even after a long walk. This is very exciting for me, as I was very energetic and active when I was younger, and I am not ready to slow down yet!

Physical Appearance

Another significant change is in my physical appearance. When I was younger I never had to worry about my weight. Yet in recent years I began to plump up a bit. This was quite discouraging, and very frustrating not to be able to fit into my favourite clothes. I was quite bummed, and even though I worked out, I was left exhausted and still couldn’t seem to drop the weight. Actively practicing Qigong is supposed to put our bodies back into balance, and help clear the energy channels inside us, so the energy can flow properly through our organs and througout our bodies. When these channels are blocked, it can create lots of havoc on our bodies, including weight gain, leaving our bodies vulnerable to dis-ease and illness.

Well, I am very happy to report that I am definately losing weight. I do not own a scale; never needed one. But I am noticing that my clothes fit me, and I look really good. Qigong is beneficial in that if practiced consistantly, we will regain our normal size, that which we are meant to be. I am not a big person, and it feels good to be finding my way back to the size I was created to be.

All in all, I am quite happy with my progress in practicing this gentle, yet powerful art of Qigong. I will be happy to share this, my own personal journey as it unfolds, and will soon post a current picture to show how healthy I am becoming after 46 years on this beautiful planet.

**Note - To follow from the beginning of this wonderful adventure, please visit The Healing Arts of Qigong. Also, I wish to give credit to the Teacher I am following in this beautiful art… Michael Tse.

Until recently, I thought I had discovered the finest arts in maintaining good health and fitness for my body, as well as my mind and spirit. I have studied the self-defense arts, as well as a bit of Tai Chi, and Yoga. I have always been healthy, and did not realize that perhaps a very important piece of the puzzle to staying youthful and dis-ease free, may still be missing.

Well then, my daughter knows how I love discovering new/old arts that are proven to bring about health and healing. She was concerned with how much trouble I was having sleeping at night, and how ill I had been off and on in recent years. So a few weeks ago she found a great book at the Library called ‘Qigong for Healing and Relaxation’ written by Michael Tse.

I was pretty phyched and excited once I began to read about this amazing healing art. The chinese people have been practicing these arts for many thousands of years, and I have experienced this wisdom many times throughout my life. So I decided to study Michael’s work and practice these movements. I am thoroughly amazed!! Not only am I sleeping better at night, yet I have a lot more energy to accomplish my daily tasks; I even have plenty of energy left over to have fun!

Qigong is pronounced “chee-gong”, and Qi means vital energy; Gong means work. So Qigong is an exercise that works on our vital energy, which is our life force. We cannot survive without our life force. With Qigong, we may play an important part in our own healing and in bringing our bodies back into harmony with nature.

I would strongly recommend this gentle and beautiful art to anyone, no matter your state of health. If nothing else, you will be pleasantly suprised at how graceful and balanced you will feel by taking a few moments of your day to spend gathering vital Qi and nourishing your body from the inside out.

I will soon be writing an update on my results, as I am still in the beginning stages of discovering the limitless value of this lovely art.