Aromatherapy and The Heart Chakra

The fourth chakra, the heart chakra,rests in the center of the chakra system, at the core of our spirit. Its physical location is the heart, upper chest, and upper back. The fourth is the balance point, integrating the world of matter (the lower three chakras) with the world of spirit (the upper three chakras). Through the heart chakra, we open to and connect with harmony and peace. The health of our heart center registers the quality and power of love in our life. In Sanskrit, the heart chakra is called Anahata, which means "unstruck" or "unhurt." Its name implies that deep beneath our personal stories of brokenness and the pain in our heart, wholeness, boundless love, and a wellspring of compassion reside.

How does a blocked and unbalanced heart chakra feel? 

It is a black patch of emptiness in an otherwise healthy impeccable aura. 

It’s a weight you carry around day and night.

It’s a dull constant pain in the chest, almost physical, reminding you that the heart that was shattered into a thousand fragments has not become totally whole again, maybe it never will.

It’s shortness of breath, undisclosed emotions and fear to feel what was once suppressed.

Oils we will be using to balance this chakra are: 

Bergamot

Chamomile Roman

Rosewood

Palmarosa

Bergamot

Latin Name: Citrus Bergamia

Country Of Origin: Italy, Ivory Coast

Obtained by: Expressed fresh outer peel

Scent: Fresh, sweet, spicy, Lemony

Safety Data: Limited shelf life, phototoxic – avoid exposure to UV rays for 12hrs after application. 

Action: Relaxing, Balancing, Uplifting

Benefits: Excellent Anti depressant and enhances immunity. Soothes spasms, helps fight infection, anti viral. Perfect for treatment of stress, nervous indigestion, lack of appetite, psoriasis, herpes and urinary tract infections. 

The Oil and The Chakra: Bergamot helps release blockages thus opening the heart chakra.

Chamomile Roman

Latin Name: Chamomelium Nobile

Country Of Origin: France, England, Belgium, USA

Obtained by: Steam distillation of flower heads

Scent: Warm, fruity, apple like

Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Can cause dermatitis in rare cases. Avoid in pregnancy

Action: Deeply soothing and comforting

Benefits: insomnia, asthma, indigestion, psoriasis, scanty or painful periods, teething, earache. Calms nerves, spasms, pain and inflammation, gentle, excellent for children or frail individuals

The Oil and The Chakra: Roman chamomile is harmonizing, peaceful and nurturing. It promotes feelings of love and compassion for the self and others. It cultivates acceptance and appreciation for one’s own limitations.

Palmarosa

Latin Name: Cymbopogon Martinii var. martinii

Country Of Origin: India, Pakistan

Obtained by: Steam or water distillation of fresh or dried grass

Scent: Fresh, floral, rosy

Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Non-Sensitizing

Action: Antiseptic, bactericidal, digestive, hydrating, tonic

Benefits: This oil in invaluable for treatment of skin conditions as it moisturizes the skin, helps in regeneration of scar tissue, thus very good for scar healing, and regulates sebum production. Palmarosa is also precious when dealing with issues of the digestive system. It is beneficial for treatment of nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions. 

The Oil and the chakra:It promotes love, compassion, hope and an ability to experience deeper, more honest and meaningful relationships. It cultivates nurturing and self love. Rose also instills an appreciation for beauty.

Rosewood

Latin Name: Aniba rosaeodora

Country Of Origin: Amazon Region; Brazil and Peru

Obtained by: Steam Distillation of wood chippings

Scent: very sweet, woody-floral

Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Non-Sensitizing

Action: Analgesic, Antidepressant, anti-microbial, aphrodisiac, deodorant, immune system stimulant, tissue regenerator

Benefits: This oil in invaluable for treatment of skin conditions as it moisturizes the skin, helps ilike acne, dermatitis, scars, wounds, wrinkles due to it’s skin regeneration properties. Being an immune system stimulant it is beneficial for treatment of coughs, colds, fever and infections. Helps in treatment of headaches, nausea, nervous tension and stress related conditions.

The Oil and The Chakra: Rosewood soothes the pains of separation or abandonment and abates loneliness and sorrow, all emotions commonly experienced in the heart chakra

What do I imagine a balanced and unblocked heart chakra feels like? 

I imagine weightlessness 

Laughter without constraints

Ability to love without fear of rejection or loss

Ability to breathe freely, loving and cherishing each breath

Ability to feel whole

To feel free

Aromatherapy and the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is also know as the manipura chakra in Sanskrit. The manipura chakra is located below the base of the sternum and above the navel

Manipura chakra is the center of the will and personal power. Our confidence and self-esteem reside here. It’s through the solar plexus that we see ourselves as individuals in the wider world and how the world looks back on us. Some people equate the solar plexus with the ego.

This chakra governs the digestion and organs associated with digestion such as the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, liver and gallbladder. The sense organs are the eyes.

People with vital and balanced solar plexus chakras have a strong and clear sense of self and self worth.They are confident, manifest their intentions, take responsibility for their actions and exert control over their lives.

Because of the connection with the digestive tract, it is not surprising that imbalances in the solar plexus manifest in the physical body as any of a wide range of digestive issues: frequent constipation or diarrhea, ulcers, diabetes as well as stomach, intestinal and liver problems. The solar plexus is also associated with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, food addictions and emotional dependence on comfort foods.

Many people who are too strongly governed by this chakra or have an over developed solar plexus chakra are over thinkers – they can be very rational and analytical to the point of ignoring their more playful, creative nature. Distrust, anger and greed can be associated with solar plexus imbalance. These attributes are more outward in nature and more aggressive yang expressions of imbalance.

Alternatively, a person may be suspicious or feel powerless, hopeless, pessimistic, doubtful, frustrated or depressed. These attributes are associated with inward focused yin excess and submissive imbalances.

Oils we will be using for our blend: 

Mandarin

Juniper Berry 

Spinkenard/Jatamansi 

Mandarin 

•       Latin Name: Citrus Reticulata

•       Country Of Origin: China, Far East, Mediterranean, Middle East and Brazil

•       Obtained by: Cold expression of outer peel

•       Floral aroma: Top Note

•       Scent: Intensely sweet, floral, citrus scent

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, possibly phototoxic

•       Action: Antiseptic, Anti spasmodic, Carminative, Digestive, mild diuretic and laxative, sedative

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of acne, congested and oily skin, scars 

•       The Oil and the Chakra:Choice of this oil for this chakra was determined by it’s ability to move stagnant Qi , ease tension and frustration. It’s sunny and summery disposition and smell alters our mood and helps us release pent up feelings.

Juniper Berry 

•       Latin Name: Juniperus Communis

•       Country Of Origin: Scandinavia, Siberia, Canada, Northern Europe and Northern Asia

•       Obtained by: Steam distillation of the ripe fruit

•       Floral aroma: Middle Note

•       Scent: Fresh, piney , balsamic, woody

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Not to be used in pregnancy as it stimulates the uterine muscle. Also contra indicated to people suffering from kidney disease

•       Action: Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac , Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of Acne, dermatitis, eczema, hair loss, hemorrhoids, oily complexions. Also used in slimming treatments, cellulite treatments, rheumatism ,painful periods, anxiety, nervous tension and stress related conditions  

•       The Oil and the Chakra: I have chosen juniper for balancing this chakra because it releases feelings and energetic blockages associated with anger, frustration and annoyance. Juniper also detoxifies and helps clear the liver. It strengthens the will power and eases a sense of fear of failure, which supports the restoration of self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.

Spikenard/Jatamansi

•       Latin Name: Nardostchys jatamansi

•       Country Of Origin: India, China , Japan

•       Obtained by: Steam distillation of dried and crushed rhizome and root

•       Floral aroma: Base Note

•       Scent: Heavy, Spicy Animal odor

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Non Sensitizing

•       Action: Anti-inflammatory, Bactericidal, Fungicidal, Deodorant, sedative and tonic

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of skin allergies and rashes  in products for mature skin types. Also for treatments of insomnia ( this oil also promotes beautiful dreams) , nervous indigestion, migraines, stress and tension. 

•       The oil and the Chakra: Spikenard works deeply. It nourishes a sense of hope, love and compassion reflection. It releases fear of the unknown, opening one to courage and action.

We will meet again soon to discuss our blend for balancing the Heart Chakra. In the meantime 

wishing you loads of love, laughter, light and happiness. 

Namaste xx

Aromatherapy and The Sacral Chakra

This year I embarked on a journey. A journey which is bringing more balance into my life and a Journey which is manifesting loads of wisdom and peace. I have been attending yoga classes on and off for quite a number of years but attending classes was always at the base of my priority list as life was happening and it sometimes was too much to handle. This year I made a conscious decision to make an effort and move yoga up my priority list and Boyyyy I'm glad I did.

It all started with attending a  workshop at the start of the year. I took my essential oil kit with me and during the workshop I shared the blend I had created for the day with my friends. They loved it and it enhanced their workshop experience. So my friend and yoga teacher Jennifer Cortis handed me the beautiful task of designing a blend for helping in balancing each Chakra throughout the year.

How Does Aromatherapy fit into this picture ?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, and means 'wheel' or 'spinning'. It is believed that they are centres of life force energy, or light, responsible for the health of our mind, body and spirit. They are key to the flow of life energy, called Prana, that vitalises us. They are not actually physical, but are aspects of our consciousness. Some yoga philosophies follow the ideal that there are seven main ones and some believe that there are six, each spinning at different frequencies. The lower three relate to our physical side and the upper three (or four) to our spiritual side.

They start at the base of the spine and move up to the crown of the head and are relevant to different parts of the body. Each chakra has a specific meaning, a colour, a sound, an element, an animal and essential oils associated with it. This is where the aromatherapy comes in.....the belief is that, through essential oils, energy can be generated for the chakra to keep it healthy and balanced. Each plant has a different vibrational frequency which resonates with a corresponding Chakra. 

This month we have been delving into the Beauty of the Sacral Chakra and the Blend I designed for this purpose is made up of the following essential oils

Sweet Orange

Cardamom

Clary Sage

Ylang Ylang

Sweet Orange

Latin Name: Citrus Sinesis

Country Of Origin: China, America, Mediterranean

Obtained by: Cold expression or steam distillation of outer peel

Floral aroma: Top Note

Safety Data:Non-toxic (although ingestion of large amounts of peel has been known to be fatal in children),

phototoxic. Can cause dermatitis in certain people.

Action: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, tonic.

Benefits: Improves dull and oily complexions, treats mouth ulcers. Can be used in treatment of palpitations and bronchitis, constipation, colds and flu. Helps to treat water retention and great in slimming treatments. 

The Oil and the Chakra: Sweet Orange essential oil is uplifting and encouraging as well. It helps us be more open to delegate tasks and be open to accept help when tasks and life in general gets too overwhelming.

Cardomom

Latin Name: Elettaria Cardamomum

Country Of Origin: Tropical Asia, Europe, Sri Lanka and Madagascar

Obtained by: Steam Distillation from the dried ripe fruit

Floral aroma: Base Note

Safety Data:Non-toxic, Non Irritant, Non Sensitizing 

Action: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Stimulamt

Benefits:Used to improve appetite , also used in treatment of anorexia, Colic, cramps, Flactulence, Halitosis, heartburn, Indigestion and Vomiting. It is a beautiful oil to be used for treatment of mental fatigue and nervous strain

The Oil and The Chakra: Cardamom is the oil of stability. It is perfect to use when nervous exhaustion is meddling with our concentration and general contentment. It is relaxing yet helps us be determined. Cardomom also gives us 'Joie De Vivre'.

Clary Sage

Latin Name: Salvia Sclarea

Country of Origin: South Europe, France, Russia, Italy, England, Spain, Morocco

Obtained by: Steam Distillation from flower stalks or partially dried leaves and young twigs

Latin Name: Salvia Sclarea

Floral aroma: Top Note

Scent: Sweet, Warm-Spicy

Safety Data: Do not use if pregnant or if consuming alcohol

Action: Anti Inflammatory, Anti Spasmodic, antiviral, relaxing, sedative, tonic, hypotensive and antidepressant.

Benefits: Helps to reduce excessive production of sebum May be used to help greasy hair and dandruff. Reduces blood pressure and relieves muscular pains. Relaxes spasms in bronchial tubes and helps anxiety in asthmatics. Also helps with painful periods and is useful for menopausal and menstrual problems. Can accelerate labour and is helpful in easing post natal depression. Clary Sage lifts the spirits and is used for many conditions associated with nervous or stress related problems

The Oil and The Chakra: I Chose this particular oil for our blend because this oil also resonates with our reproductive organs, balances hormones and is a very important essential oil for women’s reproductive issues. Spiritually Clary sage is inspiring. It stimulates the intuition and dream world without disconnecting one from the body. Giving us the power to soar whilst still staying deeply rooted.

Ylang Ylang

Latin Name: Cananga Odorata

Country Of Origin: Comoros, Madagascar

Obtained by: Distilled fresh flowers picked at night

Floral aroma: Base Note

Scent: Rich, sweet, spicy-floral and balsamic

Safety Data: May cause headaches and nausea. Do not use on babies and children. Use in low dosage

Action: Relaxing, Uplifting and Aphrodisiac

Benefits: Ylang ylang is a sedative, euphoric, anti spasmodic, circulatory stimulant, regulates sebum secretion, antiseptic. It is used to regulate extreme emotions, low confidence, low libido, palpitations, hypertension and to regulate very dry or oily skin

The Oil and The Chakra:I had to make this oil part of my blend. Ylang Ylang is all about harmozing and balancing. It helps to harmonize masculine and feminine energies and can help integrate the healing elements of the Divine Feminine. Ylang Ylang also instils sexual confidence, insight and clear vision. It allows us to let go of deep seated beliefs that hinder our growth and embrace Harmony, Peace and Inner Truth. 

If you want to join us on this Journey you can find more details HERE

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