August 13, 2011

Hello,

One of the intentions I have set for myself is to have an article on my website describing just about every type of massage/bodywork/somatics I can think of. It may take a while. Here are links to some of my recent articles:

Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals are ways to improve the quality of body movement.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is an energy healing technique.

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is type of deep massage where massage practitioners use their feet while holding onto bars mounted on the ceiling.

If you would like to contribute an article to my site, I have set up an article submission page.

I also have another site where I post more random musings. A recent post is a book review of Deborah King’s Be Your Own Shaman: Heal Yourself and Others with 21st-Century Energy Medicine. I also consider guest posts for that site.

Essential Oils As Mood Enhancers

Essential oils can assist us in so many ways, on both psychological and physiological levels. When using essential oils to elevate our mood, one of the most effective ways to obtain their substantial benefits is through direct inhalation. When the oil is rubbed into our palms (diluted with a carrier oil if necessary) and inhaled, its beneficial properties travel instantly to the limbic system, the main area of the brain that is deeply connected with our emotions.

One of the best oils for balancing and lifting the mood is Bergamot, a type of bitter orange. Its citrus scent is rich yet not overwhelmingly sweet, with a refined, bitter note that is quite grounding. On a psychological level, Bergamot helps us relieve stress, mental fatigue, emotional conflict, and all those symptoms of an overactive mind. It harmonizes our moods and feelings, creating optimism and giving our minds a chance to relax. It's been hailed as "The Supreme Mood Balancer."

Other top picks for oils with a balancing effect include Rose, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lavender, and Geranium.

When our moods become overrun by nervousness or anxiety, or we feel tense and over stimulated, we look to oils that help sedate and relax us. These include Rose, Lavender, Marjoram, Clary Sage, Neroli, Chamomile, and Helichrysum.

Distilled from fresh herb and flower, Helichrysum is wonderful for general restlessness and agitation, as well as those more intense emotions such as fear, anger, and sorrow. It harmonizes the mood while at the same time "talking the mind down." It helps diffuse shock or trauma after an injury - I've used it with great success after being stung up and down the arm by a wasp - and can also relieve mental and emotional burnout (too many things happening at once). Helichrysum is a most rich and robust honey-sweet oil with excellent fragrance retention, and delicious, smoky undertones.

Some oils are considered euphoric and are useful (as a temporary measure at least, while the root cause is explored) for most types and of depression and severe mood imbalance. These oils include Jasmine, Neroli, Clary Sage, Ylang ylang, Patchouli, and Atlas Cedarwood. They help us recover from mental overstimulation, including shock and trauma, as well as those pesky, nagging feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, and insecurity.

Ylang ylang, distilled from the tantalizing and intoxicating fresh flower, assists our minds by planting seeds of optimism. Its rich sweetness is undeniably sensual and helps to enhance our self-esteem. Historically, Ylang ylang was spread across the beds of newlywed couples as a blessing on their special night. It can help us all in restoring balance to our sexual energy.

A close friend of Ylang ylang, Jasmine oil is extracted from fresh, unbruised jasmine flowers, picked at dawn, just after having released their most potent wave of fragrance. Jasmine creates a warm, sweet, nurturing effect on our mood, relieving our minds from burnout and overstimulation. Jasmine's gentle sweetness balances emotions that either flow too freely or aren't flowing at all. It brings about a peacefulness that's helpful in relationships and tough negotiations, such as asking for a raise or buying a new car. Jasmine, "Queen of the Night," is ruled by the moon and helps us cultivate that inner calm.

These oils that work wonderfully on our emotional and mental well being through direct inhalation can also be applied directly (in a carrier oil if necessary) to the temples, forehead, or acupoints on hands and feet, or used in a nebulizer or diffuser.

Article written by Beth Steinmann from Snowlotus Aromatherapy. For more information on Organic Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Essential Oil blends visit Snow Lotus Aromatherapy at http://www.snowlotus.org.

Recommended Essential Oils

I use and distribute Young Living essential oils and highly recommmend them. Young Living sells only pure essential oils and unique essential oil blends sourced from the world's finest plants, using NO chemical and synthetic additives and carefully preparing oils to maintain plant integrity. Learn how you can obtain Young Living essential oils or contact me for more information.

If you are interested in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) as a way to change your thought patterns, here's an NLP resource.

If you want to learn all about winning the money game, sign up for a f.ree Millionaire Mind Intensive from Peak Potentials.

You can connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+. I also offer Freelance Writing Services.

Visit my Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Blog.

The information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only. Consult a professional healthcare practitioner as appropriate.

Carol Wiley, Bold Visions LLC, PMB 211, 10115 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle WA 98133
Young Living Independent Distributor 1030500