by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac ~
Peacefulmind.com
The nectar of nature, essential oils are the product of steam distillation or cold pressing of flowers, herbs, barks and fruit rinds. These very special oils work with the olfactory senses in the brain to trigger emotional responses to these fragrant scents. Essential oils also work on the physical level to treat disorders. They can have spiritual implications based on their organic nature.
Essential oils are used in a variety of ways. You can inhale them directly from the bottle. You can use them for skin care, hair care, and body care, as well as, for many beauty purposes. Personal hygiene, aromatherapy baths, foot baths. Giving and receiving aromatherapy massages. Inhaling aromatherapy oil blends to relieve congestion, clear your head and make breathing easier. You can also make wonderful fragrances with essential oils.
For your reiki practice, there are a few ways that you can incorporate oils by accessing your client’s input to further create an all inclusive therapeutic session. Â Basing your decision on your client’s intake and emotional/spiritual needs, choose a few oils that seem appropriate and diffuse them in the air during your client’s session.
After your intake, present a few oils to your client and have them choose 1 or 2 oils they would like to have diffused during their session.
After the client’s session, you can suggest some take home remedies for them to experience at home with their essential oils.
Bath Blend: Add 15 to 20 drops of bath blend to a bathtub already filled with warm water. Disperse the bath blend in the warm water with your hand. Soak in the bath for up to twenty minutes. Repeat as needed.
Massage Blend: Add 10-15 drops of chosen essential oil to 4 oz of a carrier base oil such as sunflower, safflower, jojoba, or canola oil. Pour a quarter size drop into the palm of your hands and bring your palms together. Disperse the oil over the area you want to massage and rub in a circular, clockwise motion. Gently massage the area for 10-20 minutes or over the entire body for a total body massage.
Diffuser Blend: Place 8-10 drops of essential oil in the diffuser bowl filled with water. Most diffusers use a tea candle. As the candle warms the bowl the aroma from the blend diffuses into the air. This blend can also be placed in any lamp ring.
Inhalant Blend: You may blend several essential oils together or use one particular oil. Simply uncap the bottle and place it up to one nostril. Close the other nostril with your finger as you inhale deep. Switch nostrils and inhale once more, be sure to close the opposite nostril. Try not to touch the bottle to the nostril for this area is very sensitive and the blend may slightly burn or irritate the area around the nostril. Repeat as often as needed
Rub Blend: In 1 tablespoon of carrier base oil, add 8-10 drops essential oil. Massage the rub into appropriate area for 5-10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Compress Blend: Blend 5 -10 drops essential oil in a quart of cold water. Saturate a cloth with the water/blend mixture and apply to the affected area for at least 10 minutes. Repeat treatment often.
Perfume Blend: Blending 2 to 3 essential oils together in jojoba oil can make a lovely perfume. Dab this delicate, concentrated mixture on your pulse points. Remember the rule: Less is more.
Creating Reiki Blends
You can blend several essential oils together to help treat emotional issues that your client maybe experiencing. Consider these combinations in a 7:5:3 ratio (if there are 3 oils) in a 4 ounce base oil (almond, jojoba, sunflower, safflower…). For example in 4 ounces of base oil add (for anger) 7 drops chamomile, 5 drops rose, 3 drops ylang ylang. Â For the example of balance, since there is one oil (sandalwood) use 7 drops. Â Make blends out of them, as above (massage, inhalant, perfume…) for during your session or after as a take-a-way for your client.
*Anger- Chamomile, Rose, Ylang Ylang
*Anxious- Bergamot, Geranium, Basil, Lavender
*Balance- Sandalwood
*Concentration- Lemon, Basil, Rosemary
*Confidence- Frankincense, Jasmine, Cedarwood
*Depression- Bergamot, Clary Sage, Patchouli
*Fear- Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood
*Grief- Rose, Chamomile
*Insomnia- Bergamot, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange
*Memory- Basil, Rosemary
*Nervousness- Bergamot, Lavender, Cedarwood
*Resentment- Rose
*Stress- Bergamot, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood
Whether you are a seasoned veteran with essential oils or just an inspired beginner, take time to know your client and what their needs are. Learn more about the power of plants and the essential oil properties, so that you can bring even more to your amazing rieki practice.
