HEALING

Healing

When I first got into healing I had this idea that I could physically heal people and this is a misconception the vast majority of the public have. What healing does is heal the soul, our souls are our life force energy, the very essence of what makes us unique and who we are. You can liken it to the mind. we know that when we think we hear our own voices as we think we hear it in our mind and that's really what our souls are, our inner voice our thoughts. It is often referred to as our 'Higher self', and when people are following their hearts we are listening to our 'Higher self'. Remember whilst we are incarnated we are spirit in a human body.

What is the difference between our hearts and mind? Well when we think about something rationally and logically we are using just our mind, our physical mind, those physical processes and go on inside our brains, but when we use our hearts, we follow our intuition which is our 'Higher self'. In following our intuition we listen to what the Universe is telling and guiding us. The Universe has all the answers we ever need out there, all the knowledge that mankind should ever want is there, as we have evolved in the modern world we have forgotten how to listen. Animals haven't, they are still very much in touch with nature and the world and they know instinctively when its time to hibernate, time to fly south for the winter and for some species like homing pigeons they know the correct distance to fly home. Animals instinctively know when to trust, whom they feel safe with and if we think about it, we do too. How often have to walked into a room where there has been a quarrel and may not have known about it at the time but you feel the energy is so dense you could cut the atmosphere with a knife, that is you using your intuition and listening to your hearts.

So what has this got to do with healing? well its not about healing the physical body but healing the troubled soul. When your soul is in perfect balance there is no 'dis-order' or 'dis-ease'. Ill health begins with the spirit, which in turn affects the mind and this then influences the functioning of the bodies internal organs. How does this happen? Well in Holistic terms we have seven major 'Chakras' these are spinning vortices of energy spaced out the length of our head and spine and each chakra is assigned to a major Endocrine gland, they are also responsible for the governing of the internal organs and structures of the body in their region too e.g. if we take the Throat Chakra this chakra governs the Thyroid and Parathyroid glands, the structures surrounding these glands e.g. throat, trachea. upper oesophagus, neck etc, and because it covers the trachea and thus larnynx is is responsible for communication. When I say there are seven major Chakras, there are many minor ones e,g, Healers use the Palm Chakras to convey Healing Energy from the Universe via the Healees body to the recipient through the Palm chakras which are situated in the centre of the plams.

Anyway to get back to the subject of Healing in healing the spirit we do this by balancing the Chakras, When we are troubled on a spiritual level it begins to affect the mind, causing symptoms such as anxiety, sadness and depression, this then causes our Auric field (more about the Aura in a later article)to retract in on itself causing an inbalance in the functioning of the chakras, which in turn begins to affect the structures and Endocrine glands associated with the Chakras.

Let me explain, supposing we have a communication problem with those or someone specific around us, whether it is them that have caused the problem or whether it was ourselves who failed to communicate adequately, it will eventually affect the Throat Chakra which governs communication. Remembering that this chakra governs the throat, larnyx, neck etc, if these issues are not resolved it could lead to constant sore throats, tightness on swallowing, feeling there is a lump in ones throat, stiff neck, tension in the neck leading to tension headaches to name but a few, not forgetting it could eventually affect the functioning of the thyroid and parathyroid glands with the detrimental effects this would lead to affecting our metabolic rate and thus our appetite. How much of this now begins to make sense?

The Chakra system has been around for thousands of years and is the basis of the Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, the word 'Chakra' comes from the ancient Sanskrit meaning spining wheel

To be continued:

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CRYSTAL THERAPY

The Historical Background of Crystals

For centuries man has revered crystals not just for their beauty and economic value but as healing tools. the healing power of Crystals dates back to 1600 BC by the Egyptians where the practice of placing or wearing of the stones on various parts of the body was an early practiced ritual. In these ancient times it was popular to pulverise the gems, mix the powder with water and then drink the liquid.

The Egyptian priests used Crystal energy for healing and power. the Aztecs and the Incas, used semi-precious stones as a means for 'divination', however the use of crystals was a skill which vanished through the ages and has only recently began to appear again.

Astrologically crystals play an important part of our lives, you will no doubt be aware of the semi-precious/precious stones that is associated with birthdates.

Even there are references in the New Testament (Revelations Chapt. 21 v 18) and the Old Testament (Exodus Chapt 28 v 17-20)

So Crystal Healing Just What is it?


Firstly 'Healing' means not just the symptom that the client presents with, but the whole body. By healing you will not just be treating the physical body, but also the Spiritual Body i.e. the Chakras and Auric Field.

Healing does not begin in the physical body but in the Subtle body of which the physical body is just a reflection. In crystal healing, the healing involves more than just consulting a long list of the various crystals, finding out which one to use for a specific ailment then placing the crystal on the body. this is where intuition of the healer plays an important role.

So what is Intuition? 

Intuition is not about seeing, it is about sensing and feeling, it is a deep desire that you know what is right.

In crystal healing intuition is an integral part of the therapy, knowledge of the various therapeutic aspects is not enough. If the crystal 'feels wrong' then it is wrong.

What are subtle bodies?

Subtle bodies are part of the Human energy field, which includies the 'aura' , the 'chakras' and the 'meridians'.

Throughout history the idea has been well documented that 'Universal Energy' pervades all of nature, i.e. the Indian spiritual tradition of 'Prana', the ancient Chinese 'Chi' and in Christian religious paintings indicating a 'field of light' surrounding Jesus and other religious figures.

More recently scientific and technological research from Holographic patterning through 'Kirlan photography' to diferent types of scanning have observed the 'Human Energy field' in a concrete physical way. It validates the concept that all matter is 'Energy' and forms the basis for understanding how human beings can be considered dynamic energetic systems

Humans are beings of energy, the solid nature of physical mater is a perception of our physical senses. Humans can thus be viewed as networks of complex energy fields that inteface with physical and cellular systems.

The Chakras

The word chakra comes from the ancient sanskrit language meaning 'wheels' and the resemble whirling vortices of subtle energies and are involved in accessing 'Universal Energy' to a utilisable form within the human structure. The chakra system functions as energy transformers thus stepping down energy from a higher frequency to a lower level of energy. this energy is the translated into hormonal and physiological system to bring about cellular changes throughout the body.

The location of the 7 major chakras associated with the physical body correspond with the major nerve plexuses. The swirling vortex motion of teh chakras entrain or suck in energy from the 'Universal Energy' field for distribution throughout the body. As well as anatomically each chakra being asociated with major nerve plexus each chakra is associated with a major endocrine gland and each chakra is situates in a vertical line ascending from the base of the spine to the head.

Energy of a higher frequency is translated by the chakras into glandular hormonal output which then affects the entire physical body. They are also interconnected with the Nervous system and affect the functioning of neural transmission with in the Central Nervous System and the Peripheral Nervous System. Illness in the system can be said to be caused by an imblance of energy, therefore a lack of energy flow through the system tends to lead to disease.

The Meridians

The energy flow from the subtle body is taken further into the physical body by means of the Meridian System and this sytem forms the basis of Oriental medicine. The Merdian sytstem is complex like the Chakra system but briefly there are 26 meridians each having the name of the organ system of the body through which the meridian runs. They are devided into 'Yang' (positive) and 'Yin' (negative) in so that Yin meridians flow up the front of the body from the earth and Yang meridians from down the back of the body from the 'Heavens'. Like the chakra system malfuntion, tension, disease result from an imbalnce in the energy distribution along the particular meridian.

Holistic Theory

In order to bring back the balance of health it is necessary to treat the person as a whole, Mind, Body and Spirit as in this theory illness is caused by an imbalance between these aspects, unlike convention medicine where upon only the part of the body that is showing or feeling pain is treated.

Healing

Healing involves energy, this energy is passed to the client from the healer or from a healing source and in 'Crystal Healing" the 'source' is the crystal to the client. Emotional healing or comfort is probably the easiest to explain simply by talking to someone, by showing empathy, understanding , compassion and kindness this can instigate the healing process by bringing calmness and peace.

The Role of Crystals

Crystals are ideal as an energy source as they are capable of healing with energies from the lowest, such as electricity to the highest forms such as the subtle spiritual energies.

Crystals are the purest form of matter, each containing Universal Energy.

Crystal Healing is a very individual therapy, some healers use it as an ajunct to other therapies such as Reiki or Reflexology. Others use the crystals to dowse to find where in the body imbalnces may be found. Generally after this intial procedure of dowsing a crystal layout will be followed, where various crystals ,will be used intuitively, and placed in a cetain order around the client.

Crystals also have a role in the home, office and therapy room they can be used to 'mop up' negative energy as a means to protect the occupants from picking up negative energy from the environment, through the transmission of harmful unseen elecrical fields given off by computers, televisions and mobile phones etc.

MPB (c)

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HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a system of medicine, where remedies are chosen according to the 'whole profile' of the patient. It is a truly holistic system of medicine, where, as well as the patients physical symptoms are taken into account, the mental, emotional, the time of day when the patient, feels better in themselves, when they feel worse, whether the weather affects them, even whether, hot or cold food has an effect on them.

When a Homeopath takes a case (the consultation) it can take up to 2 hours to get a full picture of the patient, he/she will want to know absolutely everything this is essential as each remedy has its unique picture. What remedy suits one patient for indigestion say, it does not necessarily, mean it will be the correct remedy for someone who is also suffering the same identical physical symptoms, in conventional medicine, disease is often 'pigeon-holed', and only physical symptoms are taken into account. In Homeopathy the whole Holistic picture is important, for in Holistic medicine, it is believed disease begins in the spirit and in the emotions/mental state long before the physical body is affected. this is why a 'Positive' attitude speeds and aids recovery in illness.

Why is this?

Well to explain firstly on a purely physical level.

Within our brains we find an area known as the Hypothalamus, it is a very primitive part of our brain and the home of our moods and emotions. Emotions such as fear, anxiety, pleasure are all registered there. In turn the Hypothalamus because it is responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis, acts in two ways: in emotions such as fear, the Hypothalamus activates the Sympathetic part of the Autonomic Nervous System, this in turn triggers of the release of Adrenaline and Noradrenaline from the Adrenal Medulla (centre area of adrenal glands), this is the stress hormone responsible for the increase in heart rate and the intial rise in blood pressure. At the same time the Hypothalamus secretes a homone that directly influences the anterior lobe of the Pituitary gland, causing it to secrete Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone, this hormone then targets the Adrenal cortex, (outer body of adreanal glands) to release two hormones, these are Mineralcorticoids and Glucocorticoids, these further maintain the rise in blood pressure, and intigate further biological changes in our body like releasing glycogen stores in our liver to release Glucose into the blood stream to give our muscles and our heart and lungs energy to work more effciently. Unfortunately Glucocorticoids being the body's natural anti-inflammatory hormone affects our ability to repair itself and an increase leads to poor healing. this hormone further has a detrimental effect on the fibrocytes, cells that are responsible for producing collagen and elastin in our skin. Collagen and elastin are what gives our skin its support and when this diminishes as a natural process in ageing our skin wrinkles. Adrenaline because it causes the tiny blood vessels in our tissues to constrict, raises the blood pressure, as a result of which blood is diverted away from the skin and thus the hair, affecting its health and lustre. This will give you an idea how continual stress ages us.

However, these hormones and the sympathetic nervous system don't just affect the skin they affect the digestive system amongst others by diverting blood away from the organs of digestion, therefore affecting its functioning to concentrate the blood where its needed to the heart, lungs and muscles: this is known commonly as the "Fight or Flight Response" and is a survival mechanism to deal with stressors, but we don't have the same stressors today as we did as we were evolving as the human race. Of course if the stress continues indefinately it will be detrimental to our body in putting stress on our heart and the delicate structures, the nephrons, in the kidneys that filter the blood , these are just two examples.

So what can we do to help healing and to prevent damage caused to our bodies by stress? We can adopt a Holistic system of medicine, whereby we treat the whole person: for example I have created a profile of someone who:

Has poor skin, pale and early signs of wrinkling
Their hair is thining and falling out
They are suffering from indigestion
Possibly iritable bowel disease
Kidney disease
Heart problems
High blood pressure

By using a system of medicine such as homeopathy we treat the emotional/mental symptoms as well building up a whole profile of the patient. The Homeopath will look for one remedy to match the profile of the their ailments thus alleviating the emotional anguish that is leading to the 'stress symptoms' that is in effect causing 'disease'. In doing this; often the patient will report they are 'feeling better' in themselves and more 'Positive'. when we reach this stage in the case, we know this is the beginning of Cure.

MPB (c)

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COLOUR THERAPY

Colour Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body's energy centres/chakras by using the seven colours of the light spectrum, which can help to stimulate our body's own healing process.

Each of the seven colours resonates with one of the main seven chakras.

The ancient Egyptians have been recorded to have been using colour for cures and ailments.

They worshipped the sun, knowing that without light there can be no life. They looked at nature and copied it in many aspects of their lives. The floors of their temples were often green - as the grass which then grew alongside their river, the Nile. Blue was a very important colour to the Egyptians too; the colour of the sky. They built temples for healing and used gems (crystals) through which the sunlight shone. They would have different rooms for different colours. We could perhaps relate our present methods of colour/light therapy to this ancient practice.

There are lists on papyrus dating back to 1550 BC of colour "cures". Their deep knowledge and understanding of the healing powers of the colour rays was so nearly lost when, later on in history, the Greeks considered colour only as a science. Hippocrates, amongst others, abandoned the metaphysical side of colour, concentrating only on the scientific aspect. Fortunately, despite this, the knowledge and philosophy of colour was handed down through the ages by a few. 

The Chinese also apparently practiced Colour Healing. The Nei/ching, 2000 years old, records colour diagnoses.

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AROMATHERAPY

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WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? 

It is the systematic use of essential oils in Holistic treatments to improve physical and Emotional well being. Essential Oils are extracted from plants and possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be used to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. 

Essential Oils can be applied in a variety of ways such as in massage, baths and inhalations. They are readily absorbed into the skin and have gentle physiological effects and Aromatherapy is an especially effective therapy for stress-related disorders and a variety of chronic ailments

Aromatherapy has its roots in ancient civilisations i.e. the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans used plants and herbs and oils extracted from these for religious, medical and cosmetic purposes and in the Ancient Egyptians used Essential Oils for Embalming and Preserving. 

What are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic, volatile substances extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression. They are found in leaves, the hairs on leaves, in flowers, in tree bark or roots, in fruit pulp and peel. Similar to animal hormones, they are sometimes referred to as the plants’ ‘Life force’. The cells containing essential oils are generally close to the surface but they can only be seen with the help of a microscope. The essence is either stored in the cell where it is made or, as is the case with citrus fruits, moved to special storage sacs. 

Essential Oils are: 

• Aromatic, have a distinctive and often fragrant smell 

• Volatile, evaporate quickly in the air and to varying degrees depending on the oil 

• Very powerful when neat, are usually blended with a carrier oil for massage purposes 

• Flammable, must be kept in a cool place away from heat and/or naked flames 

• Soluble in oil and alcohol, (in water they will form a suspension) 

• Liquid, exceptions include Rose Otto and Benzoin, which are semi-solid Non-greasy, despite their name, the oils are generally light and not oily Expensive, producing the plants and extracting the oil is labour intensive and thus not cheap.

WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM? 

Essential Oils come from various parts of the plants. Some plants only produce one oil e.g. 

• Basil oil from Basil leaves 

• Carrot from Carrot seeds 

• Pine from the needles and sometimes the cones of Pine trees 

Other plants produce several oils from different parts e.g. each Sweet Orange tree produces three essential oils 

•Petitgrain from the leaves and branches 

• Neroli from the blossom 

• Sweet Orange from the peel 

THE SAFETY OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

How should oils be stored? 

Essential oils are delicate and expensive; it is therefore wise to look after them. They should be stored: 

• Away from extremes of temperature, heat will evaporate them and cold can affect their composition 

• In dark, amber/blue glass bottles, essential oils are sensitive to ultraviolet light, they should not be stored, or bought in plastic because it affects the molecular structure of the oil 

• In tightly sealed bottles, to protect them from evaporating in the air and to stop contact with the air from changing their composition 

• Out of the reach of children. 

Are Essential Oils Safe? 

Used correctly essential oils are very safe, mainly because they are used in such tiny amounts. When used in the wrong dilutions and in the wrong conditions they can produce adverse effects. Certain oils should never be used, under any circumstances and some should not be used for specific conditions. 

N.B. Essential oils are very strong and should not be swallowed. If oil gets into the eye rinse it immediately with lots of water. If necessary seek medical advice. 

N.B. Essential oils should never be used in the first three months of pregnancy. For the rest of the term, Mandarin is the only oil, which may be used. 

N.B. & ONLY USE THAT IF AN EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED & INSURED AROMATHERAPIST 

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK ON THE HUMAN BODY

What are the specific effects of Aromatherapy?

Using Essential Oils affects the Human Body 

• Pharmacologically, essential oils are chemical and so are humans. Once essential oils have been absorbed into the body, either through the skin or inhalation, the chemicals in the oils enter the blood and other body fluids and interact with the chemistry of our bodies e.g. hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters are all chemicals and the presence of another chemical (the essential oil) can affect the way they work. 

• Physiologically: physiology is the way our body works. Essential oils can affect this by changing the chemical messages and impulses sent around the body and thus changing the way the systems of the human body function e.g. if an oil has relaxing and de-stressing properties, it may help to relieve the symptoms of stress displayed by our bodies e.g. slowing heart rate and breathing rate or encouraging tense muscles to relax. 

• Psychologically: the way essential oils affect our mind is more difficult to describe, mainly because everyone’s mind id different. However, our sense of smell is closely linked to our memory so that particular smells can cause particular responses: e.g. if you dislike the smell of Roses, Rose oil is unlikely to relax you; if Jasmine reminds you of a good holiday then its smell will bring back happy memories and provoke a positive response. 

General effects of Aromatherapy

There are certain effects from using essential oils which result from most treatments, especially since relaxing and/or hands-on application methods like massage and baths are very common in aromatherapy. 

General effects include:

• Reduction in Stress & Tension 

• Feeling of Well-being, Balance and Calm 

• Antibacterial effects of oil help the body to heal and support the immune system. 

How do essential oils penetrate the skin? 

There are two ways that oil can safely penetrate the body: 

1. Smell/Inhalation 

2. Absorption via the skin Ingestion, i.e. swallowing them is not safe. 

Smelling & Inhaling Essential Oils. The Nose & Olfactory Tract Smell is the fastest way for Essential Oils to penetrate the body. The molecules travel up the nose and there are two results: they send a message to the brain and nerves which respond to the new smell and they pass into the blood stream via the lungs and the respiratory system. 

In order to understand how this works, it helps to understand the structure of the Olfactory Tract. 

Most of the nose is concerned with breathing: inhaling air into the body and exhaling it out, however it is the organ of smell and thus very important in a therapy based on the power of aromas! At the top of the nose there are two areas of pigmented tissue known as Olfactory Membranes. They contain the olfactory, or smell-sensing cells, which have fine hair-like protrusions called cilia. The olfactory cells connect to nerves in an area known as the Olfactory Plexus. Once triggered, these nerves send messages along the olfactory Nerves to the Brain, particularly the Limbic System. This is the area of the brain that deals with Memory, Emotions, Our Basic Instincts and Mechanical Functions. When essential oil molecules pass over the olfactory cells, it is thought that these cells trigger receptor areas, which send an impulse via the olfactory plexus and nerves to the brain. Here the information is processed and interpretated (with either positive or negative associations). Depending on the interpretation, the brain sends messages to other parts of the body to elicit a response e.g. Grimace! The brain may also react to different chemicals in an essential oil and produce particular effects e.g. a relaxing or sedative substance may cause the brain to send out a message of relaxation either to the whole body or a particular part. 

How do Oils Penetrate the Skin? 

Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. In order to understand this, it helps to understand the skin’s structure. Being the largest human organ it is water resistant, but extremely minute substances, such as the molecules of an essential oil, can enter the tiny pores of the Epidermis, as well as penetrating through the hair follicles and the sweat glands. From here they enter the blood capillaries in the dermis. Once the oil reaches the blood and the circulation it is transported around the whole body. 

BLENDING & CARRIER OILS

Essential Oils are almost always used in a blend. They are blended with Carrier oils for use in massage and in some cases, baths. The correct blend is very important because essential oils are potentially toxic if used undiluted. They are also highly concentrated and will therefore not go very far in a massage on their own! 

What is a Carrier Oil? 

Carrier oils are known as fixed oils because unlike essential oils, they do not evaporate when heated. They are extracted from plants, flowers, nuts and seeds and those generally used in aromatherapy do not have a strong smell as it might interfere with that of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain fat-soluble vitamins e.g. A, D, E and K, minerals and proteins in differing amounts, so have healthy benefits of their own. 

Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy are:

• Of vegetable, nut or seed origin 

• Refined preferably cold-pressed 

• Stable, not volatile 

• Used neat 

• Non sticky 

• Lubricants for aromatherapist’s hands thus giving a smooth massage. 

There are several suitable carrier oils, which can be used alone or in a blend with other carriers. Some are lighter than others and often the thicker denser oils, which are more expensive and may be used, mixed with a lighter oil to make them go further. Lighter oils are better for a full body massage because they allow smoother movements whereas the thicker oils are more useful for massage on a small area. 

Recommended carrier oils are: 

Grapeseed Evening Primrose Calendula Sweet-Almond Avocado Macadamia Wheatgerm Jojoba Peach-Kernel 

DILUTIONS What are the correct dilutions? 

Dilutions depend on two factors i.e. the treatment and the scale of the treatment. The following are just guidelines and the more experienced Aromatherapist will adapt them according to circumstances. Treat dilutions and blends like a medical treatment i.e. a prescription must provide the right drug and dosage for the condition and patient. The same care should be used to create blends i.e. use the right oils for the problem in the appropriate amounts. For a treatment to work, just like a prescription, the quantities and qualities of both essential oil and carrier oil must remain constant. 

How much Essential Oil should be mixed with Carrier Oil? 

Usually from 1 % to 2%, the maximum dilution should be 2.5% of Essential Oil. 

How do I work out & measure these percentage? 

1 % equals one-drop essential oil to 100 drops carrier and 2% blend equals two drops essential oil to 100 drops carrier. 

Does that mean I have to count out 1OO drops of carrier oil? – No, 100 drops of oil is equivalent to 5mls or one teaspoon, therefore 1 % dilution would be one drop of essential oil per 5mls and 2% would be two drops per 5mls. 

Are there any instances when these dilutions are wrong or need changing? Use a maximum 1 % dilution when treating:

• Clients with sensitive skin 

• The elderly 

• Children 

• The weak/convalescent 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding 

How much oil is needed for different treatments? 

Full body massages require about 20-25mls carrier oil i.e. 8 drops essential oil per 20mls. 

For face massage only about 5mls of carrier is required i.e. 1-2 drops of essential oil per 5mls. 

Absolutes may contain traces of solvents so a weaker solution i.e. 1 % blend should be used. 

Baths essential oils float or sink so drops should not be added directly to the bath water but should be mixed with a small quantity of an emulsifier such as a fragrance-free shampoo, bath gel, liquid soap or even full cream milk before adding to the bath. 

Those with sensitive skin should use a lower concentration and take care with those oils known to cause skin irritations. 

Burners use two drops of the chosen oil in water 

Compresses soak the cloth in 100mls of water and add two drops of the chosen oil. 

Steam inhalations use one drop of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, two for a stronger effect. 

N.B. When using essential oils, always be very careful if in doubt, don’t. 

How Long do Blends Last? 

The average shelf life of a blend lasts approximately 3 months however by adding 10% Wheatgerm oil this can be extended to approx. 6 months. 

Can oils be used undiluted? 

Only in specific circumstances i.e. Lavender or Tea Tree, though some may be sensitive to the latter. Blending Oils that blend well Oils that are in the same botanical family to which they belong blend well i.e. the citrus e.g. Grapefruit & Lemon etc. 

Botanical Families & Examples Woody Cedarwood & Pine Herbaceous Marjoram & Clary Sage Citrus Bergamot & Lemon Floral Geranium & Rose Resinous Galbanum & Frankincense Spicy Ginger and Black Pepper 

A general guide to blending can be gained by looking at the ‘Note’ of the individual oil. The Note is a measure of the volatility of the oil, of which there are three main categories.

Top Notes 

• Fresh & light in aroma 

• The fastest acting • The quickest to evaporate 

• The most stimulating & uplifting to both mind and body 

Middle Notes 

• Moderately volatile 

• Primarily affect the functions of the body systems e.g. the digestive system etc. 

• Affect the general metabolism 

Base Notes 

• Are rich & Heavy 

• Slower to evaporate and therefore mixed with top notes, help to ‘hold back’ the volatility of that oil 

• The most sedating & relaxing 

A Frenchman named ‘Piesse’ developed the categorisation of oil notes during the 19th century. He classified aromas according to their harmony with other oils and based their grade on the musical scale; each aroma forming perfectly balanced chords or harmonics when combined with other oils. The simplest ratio being 3:2:1 i.e. Three drops top note, two drops middle and one drop base. 

Contra-indications for aromatherapy are the same for any massage with the proviso that certain oils will not be suitable depending on the client’s condition. 

MPB (c)




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WELLCOME TO: "Making the most of YOU"

THIS BLOG IS NOT JUST FOR WOMEN BUT MEN TOO

As this blog evolves I shall be adding posts that equally apply to both men and women.

This blog is about making the most of what nature has bestowed on us and how to achieve well-being and beauty within ourselves, inside and out.

In this blog I shall explore how we can achieve inner harmony for unless we feel good about ourselves how can we pass that on to others. Stress is the main cause of ill health in the western world, not only does it rob ourselves of our health, it affects how we look and leads to premature ageing. So to make the most of what nature has bestowed upon us we have to approach this from the inside, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This is my holistic approach to achieving the best we can be.

When I mention spiritually I am not talking about a specific religion or set of beliefs, for every religion mentions the spiritual side of us and in holistic therapies, which is the approach of this blog, we are mind, body and spirit, essentially we are spirit within a human body. If we tackle this part of us we will achieve inner harmony and that will reflect on the outside and give us that beautiful glow.

It's also about achieving inner confidence, we can achieve this by caring for ourselves, good grooming is not being vain, far from it, its about maintaining our health, caring for our hair, nails and feet and keeping them free from infection. When we feel good about ourselves, we feel good about others, it raises our self esteem and gives us a buzz.

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