Friday, April 6, 2012

Body Electric

The foundation for the body's healing process is its electric system. Essences from nature help repair damaged circuits by fusing the electrical patterns from the corresponding essences with the damaged circuits, providing the balance needed for their repair. Every living thing has an energetic imprint, which can stimulate the part of the brain that affects physical and mental well-being and balance. The shape of an essential oil molecule is like a key that unlocks the olfactory nerve receptors, directing the limbic system to release chemicals to affect the central nervous system... healing that feels good!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

THANK YOU

Barbra's healing touch and aromatherapies have been the crucial addition to my successful, non-surgical, cardiac rehabilitation program. She offers an island of serenity in this increasingly stressful, chaotic world. Dr. A
(weekly neurologist client)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Rosemary Gives Brain Boost

Could the smell of rosemary improve your time on a crossword puzzle? It's possible, according to a new study.

Researchers noted the surprising appearance of a component of rosemary oil in the bloodstream, leading to new ideas about how rosemary aroma can be used therapeutically. The results will be published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, a journal published by SAGE Publications.

Rosemary has a long history as a traditional remedy with such widespread uses as a hair rinse and a cat repellent. When steamed, some say it can treat bronchitis and other forms of congestion, while the link between rosemary and improved cognitive function has long been established.

Dr. Mark Moss, who devised and wrote the study, was interested in rosemary’s fragrant aroma, which has long been cherished by chefs and bakers. Could the 1,8-cineole, a constituent part of rosemary oil, be detected in the bloodstream after exposure to just the aroma?

“We were not surprised by the improvement in cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary aroma as this has been demonstrated previously,” Moss wrote in an e-mail. “What excited us was the demonstration that performance was linked to plasma levels of 1,8-cineole following exposure.”

In the study, a cohort of 20 subjects were exposed to varying levels of the aroma, then given a battery of cognitive tests and mood assessments. Not surprisingly, the cognitive performance of the subjects increased, with a corresponding mood increase of lesser magnitude. However, the real surprise came when the blood tests were processed.

The results showed absorption of 1,8-coneole into the bloodstream, meaning the natural compound was absorbed through the nose and into the blood plasma. For Moss, this means there is a more traditional biochemical explanation for the increased cognitive performances previously demonstrated.

“This compound is present in rosemary but has not previously been demonstrated to be absorbed into blood plasma in humans,” Moss added. “It is our view that the aroma therefore acts like a therapeutic drug, rather than any effects being a result of the more sensory properties of the aroma.”

Moss reminds that it’s easy to forget how many of our therapeutic drugs are the result of plant science. His team will continue to investigate the therapeutic benefits of several common plants, including peppermint and lavender. An upcoming study with rosemary will aim to determine whether 1,8-cineole, when ingested orally, can survive the rigors of the gastrointestinal system to be similarly absorbed into the bloodstream.

The potential benefits of the research are extremely wide-ranging.

“Plants are very complex organisms and contain many different active compounds and these vary in concentration from plant to plant and even within the same plant over the course of a day,” Moss notes. “The accumulation of knowledge regarding possible impacts of plant aromas and extracts could potentially lead to an identification of the best combination to promote specific effects.”

“At its grandest conclusion might be the development of plant-based drugs that might extend mental capacity into old age through pharmacological challenge to decline,” Moss concludes.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Massage with Essential Oils

To Sleep: perchance to dream: ah... there's the rub.
There is nothing better than a massage before bed to send you off to restfull sleep. It is also one of the best ways to access those divine essential oil benefits. It is a fantastic way to push aromatherapy oils into the system, because kneading the muscles separates the muscle fibers... so you are working the blood through the muscles too, distributing the oils throughout the body quickly. Vital accupressure points are stimulated, and the lymphatic system helps flush away toxins. For massage, blend your essential oils into a good carrier oil. Ideally have a top, middle and base note, using about 5-10 drops maximum. Essential oils can be carefully chosen to benefit your physical, as well as emotional symptoms.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Using oils "Neat"

Essential oils are often used in the bath, diffused, massage, creams and lotions. But some essential oils are very effective used "neat" or directly on the skin, for maximum benefits in superquick time. Burns and scalds can be calmed by pouring on lavender oil immediately. In fact, one of the first discoveries of using essential oils was when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a Parisian scientist, suffered a bad burn in the laboratory and plunged it into a vat of lavender oil, thinking it was water, and was startled at how rapidly the pain subsided, and healed with no scarring. A dab of lavender oil on the temples will clear your sinuses and ease a headache, as well as calm the heat of bee stings and rashes.
Tea tree oil neat will kill athlete's foot, and if put on the inside of your wrist can abate cold infection, inhaled several times a day.
That said, do not use other oils neat without seeking the advice from a certified aromatherapist, as some are too strong, and others are photosensitive.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Share the Love!

Give the gift of relaxing aromatherapy and healing touch to those you love!





Call (805) 895-7428 to pamper someone special...

Sunday, February 12, 2012

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years (since the ancient Egyptians) to support physical, spiritual and emotional healing. The intoxicating and aphrodesiac qualities of flowers and their scents are why flowers (and chocolate) are shared with lovers to this day. Whether it's Valentine's day, an anniversary or anytime, you can use essential oils to set the mood for love. Some of the most popular aphrodesiac essential oils used then and now include rose, neroli, sandalwood, ylang ylang and patchouli. When you inhale an essential oil, the limbic system of the brain is stimulated, where mood and emotions are governed.
Essential oils may be used as inhalation, in bath salts for a romantic bath for two, lotions or a sensual massage. You will be transported! Enjoy~

By Popular Demand: GIFT CERTIFICATES

Thank you so much to my clients who enjoy their aromatherapy treatments so much, they want to share them with employees, family and friends. I am now offering lovely Gift Certificates, available for any amount or service. Just give me a call to order and I can make one up! Thank you again...

Monday, January 9, 2012

New This Month!

Palmarosa - Cymbopogon martini var. motia
The effect of Palmarosa on the nervous system is calming, yet uplifting. Palmarosa is an excellent immune stimulant and will help the body heal from all sorts of infections. It is also used for heart palpitations, spasms, pain, insomnia, and to reduce anxiety. Great for skin issues including eczema.

(and I love that "martini" is in the name!) :-)





The Anatomy of Aromatherapy