Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Have you ever walked into a place and instantaneously relaxed because of the wonderful smell?
I was officially introduced to essential oils by a colleague of mine during one of the equine craniosacral classes I took. Up until then, I thought essential oils smelled good, but was not convinced that they had much therapeutic value. Little did I know. She offered some to a horse - just let it smell the bottle and the reaction was astonishing. The horse calmed down right away. I also remember putting a little bit of lemongrass oil on my wrists and the aroma made me feel so good and uplifted.
Our sense of smell is our most immediate sense and the olfactory cells generate nerve impulses. The areas in the brain where the nerve impulses are interpreted are closely associated with memory and emotion. Humans can differentiate about 10000 different odor molecules. Horses and other animals may have even more.
“Whilst being the oldest of all systems, phytotherapy and aromatherapy are also those which have most effectively proved themselves, fashion permitting.”
What are essential oils?
Highly concentrated - depending on the plant, a ton or more of plant matter may be required to yield just one liter of EO
Therapeutically potent and effective
Have a long shelf life
Can be used internally, topically or inhaled
Here are some tips when choosing and using essential oils
Diffuse your favorite essential oil of the day by either adding a few drops to your shower, using a diffuser or a cup with hot water.
Have essential oils like lavender or melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) ready in your medicine cabinet to treat minor injuries.
Follow instructions carefully, as some restrictions do apply - some oils need to be diluted and others are photosensitive.
To be able to use essential oils directly on your skin use only high quality organic and therapeutic essential oils.
Consider using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil or safflower oil
Remember: less is more. These oils are more potent and powerful than you think.
One of my favorite oils to use for my regular CranioSacral Therapy sessions is Adaptiv by doTerra
When stress and tension seem to be relentless, Adaptiv Calming Blend is the precise solution. Use Adaptiv to help get comfortable with new surroundings or situations. When a big meeting is coming up, or for other important events, keep Adaptiv Calming Blend on hand. In preliminary studies, the scent of Lavender, a main ingredient of Adaptiv, has been found to contribute to an environment conducive to performing tasks requiring sustained attention. Lavender, Magnolia, Neroli, and Sweetgum provide stress-relieving effects while Wild Orange and Spearmint energize and uplift. Copaiba and Rosemary soothe anxious feelings to round out the calming blend. Whether you’re feeling fatigued or restless, indecisive or irritable, Adaptiv Calming Blend is part of the toolbox to help the body and mind to stay balanced. Use Adaptiv Calming Blend in combination with the Adaptiv capsules for synergistic results.
Primary Benefits
Promotes whole-body relaxation
Soothes sore muscles and joints
Evokes feelings of tranquility and balance
Uses
Begin your day by putting Adaptiv on the bottom of your feet to lessen stress throughout the day
Adaptiv is a great oil blend to use during an AromaTouch Hand Massage.
Feeling anxious? Apply Adaptiv to your wrists or neck to help with nerves.
“There is a growing trend to seek out medicine with a more human face, medicine which deals with human beings and not just their pathologies. Hence the revival of interest in traditional therapies and milder medical remedies which seek not so much to destroy pathogens as to restore the human body's capacity to resist them.”
PAUL LANNOYE, 'REPORT ON THE STATE OF NON-CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE"
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, OCT. 27, 1994
Essential Oils and Horses
Cedarwood and Vetiver are very popular with horses—especially horses that live in bigger barns and equestrian centers. Cedarwood is known for its rich hue and warm, woody scent. Its use dates back to Biblical times. Cedarwood is native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes and growing up to 100 feet. It has very grounding and calming properties, is an effective bug repellent and improves respiratory function. Vetiver has traditionally been used to help with emotional, hormonal and balance issues. It is very calming. I have successfully used Rosemary essential oil with horses on stall rest—it increases circulation and is uplifting.
Essential Oil FAQs
How do essential oils interact with our bodies?
Essential oils are fat soluble and can be easily absorbed through tissues. This will not only result in regional and localized effects but reaches and affects the entire body.
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is any lipid-based (fat-based) substance used to dilute oils, including grape seed, avocado, and almond oils; however, most readily available carrier oils are unstable and go rancid quite easily. Fractionated coconut oil has the advantage of being very table at all temperatures and in all environments. It is also non-aromatic and does not alter the aromatic properties of the essential oils.
Do I still get the same effects when I use a carrier oil?
Many people mistakenly think that using a carrier oil somehow reduces the effectiveness of the essential oil, when in fact, there are many benefits from diluting the oils. Dilution increases the surface area of absorption through dry skin, and prevents sensitivities. It is never wrong to dilute, especially when using oils with more potent chemistry. Determining when and how to dilute is a personal decision that should be based on usage preferences, oil chemistry, and personal sensitivity.
Interested in Essential Oils?
I can help you find the right oils and blends for you, your family and your horse or other pet