Don't Let Anxiety Ruin Your Life

You have so many better things to do than worry, fret or fear, living your life. This article will show you how you can take charge over your stress and anxiety levels, avoid situations that cause them and manage those feelings when they are unavoidable.

When your board, your mind has a tendency to worry. Rather than fretting over whatever is makes you nervous, it is helpful to find something that you like to do to help distract you. Pick up a hobby. Start sewing, building models or doing puzzles. Restore old cars.  Give your mind something new to concentrate on rather than replaying your fear. You will find that hobby can help reduce stress all around.

Laughter can really help you during the course of the day. If you work or go to school, you will face a lot of stressful situations that require you to put things in perspective. Laughter helps you to control your mood, so that you can stay positive, all day long.

Learn how to meditate. There are many different ways to meditate, and they all have the effect of releasing your mind from anxious thoughts. Meditation is not something that you ever conquer, so do not worry about doing it right. An easy way to practice meditation is to light a candle and gently gaze at the flame for 10 minutes. Sit quietly, and just let your thoughts pass through your mind without stopping them.

Did you know that it is almost impossible to suffer from depression and anxiety when you are laughing? Laughter is great medicine for fighting anxiety. There has been a lot of research on the subject, but it does not take a scientist to know that when you are laughing, you are not depressed.

Make sure that you have a comfortable bed to sleep on at night, if you suffer from anxiety. Twisting and turning can yield a negative mood in the morning, as you should feel rested and refreshed after a night of sleep. Upgrade your bed if you are tight or sore in the morning.

Take the time each day to devote to you and reflect on enjoyable past experiences or go for a nice walk. Use this time to completely let go of all of your built up anxieties and stresses. Positive thinking and exercise will release endorphins that combat the anxiety and stress that builds up in your mind and in your muscles.

When you are suffering from an anxiety attack, you may be tempted to self-medicate yourself with prescription drugs or alcohol. This is the last thing you should do. It may seem to work well for a while, but it can cause long-term problems with drug addiction and alcoholism.

Having a plan for dealing with anxiety can make you feel better, in and of itself. You should know that you are not alone and there are plenty of others who are also reading this article, in order to find out the same information as you are. Keep this information handy and start living a less worrisome life.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 10

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is probably the alternative health medicine that I used the most.  It is the alternative medicine that I really enjoyed researching and using. I saw physical, emotional and mental health benefits immediately; and the more I researched the more I liked this tool and the sense it made.

There are five basic methods for using essential oils, Inhalation, Topical, Ingestion, Oral, and Retention.  This article is a very general guide, and over time I will be posting more information on essential oils and their various uses.

The Inhalation method introduces the essential oil into the body through the olfactory system, or sense of smell. Scientists have proven there is a strong connection between the olfactory system and the limbic system, the seat of our emotional natures. The sense of smell can trigger positive or negative emotions and both are influenced significantly through the use of essential oils. Inhalation includes: diffusion, direct and vapor applications.

Topical use of essential oils is one of the alternative medicine treatments where oils are placed directly on the skin surface. Depending on the person, oil and circumstances different oils are applied differently.  There are eight alternative therapies which fall under the topical application category. They include Neat (undiluted), Dilute 50:50, Dilute 20:80, Vita Flex, Compress, Bath Salt, Body Massage, Raindrop Technique.

Ingestion, as one would assume, refers to inviting the essential oils into one's body via the mouth. Safe ingestion of essential oils can be done using: Capsules, Rice Milk, or Syrup. Oils can be used as dietary supplements, flavor enhancers and beverage additives.

Oral application can sometimes be confused with ingestion, but is really quite different. In the oral application of essential oils the user can either: gargle or apply the oil to ones tongue.  The oil is not ingested or swallowed.  It is simply absorbed through the membranes of the mouth.

Retention application can be accomplished via suppository (rectal) or tampon (vaginal) application.  There are special suppositories that can be purchased for use with essential oils.

In my aromatherapy practice, I use only Young Living Essential Oils, because they truly set the standard for essential oils. I have used the oils in most of the eighteen applications discussed above and HIGHLY recommend them in alternative medicine treatments for anyone who is still breathing.

Some of my favorite oils include Peace & Calming, Valor, Release, Peppermint, White Angelica and Myrrh.  I have introduced several of my friends to the wonderful world of Aromatherapy and they too have enjoyed amazing results on everything from abscesses to Zenker's diverticulum.

Ovarian Cancer Part 9 - Acupressure & Refloxology

Acupressure & Reflexology

Acupressure is a Chinese traditional healing method that is applied through hand massage techniques on specific target areas within the body. One of the most beautiful things about acupressure is that you can self administer. This particular alternative medicine can help alleviate pain, relax the mind, treat emotional pain, relieve stress and tension, increase energy levels and blood circulation, boost the immune system and can help in removing toxic waste from the body.

Those who know me well know that I have an aversion to painkillers and will go to almost any length to avoid their use. I got a lot of relief by applying pressure to specific points.  Muscular tension is released promoting increased blood circulation and healing. While I was laying in bed, afraid of what the future held I would often use acupressure and reflexology along with Young Living Oils and the combination was divine.

If you are a skeptic, and I must admit I was too, there have been recent studies that indicate applying pressure to specific points can cause ones brain to release protein molecules called endorphins.  Endorphin's can act as natural pain killers among other things.  My experience may be anecdotal, but I can assure you it was real enough for me!

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 8

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is regarded as a Chinese alternative health medicine technique that treats patients (and animals) by adjusting tiny, solid fine needles which are placed directly into acupuncture points just under the skin.

Several kinds of alternative medicine practices are based on the principles found in acupuncture. Acupressure and reflexology are two of the more popular types of alternative medicine stemming from acupuncture. This particular alternative health medicine can help alleviate pain, may help your mind to relax, and can aid in breaking bad habits such as using tobacco.

My practitioner would make me comfortable on a massage table and play some soft music to help me relax. His expertise helped me in many ways.  We used acupuncture to heal my surgery sites, help with pain management, manage chemo side effects and to help me relax.  I continue to use acupuncture as a way to prevent energy blocks from forming and to keep by body, mind and spirit in harmony.

The idea that loading someone up with pins could be relaxing is counter intuitive at best; but I can honestly tell you, acupuncture is every bit as relaxing as full body massage.

If you have acupuncture experiences that have been helpful to you, I would love to read about them, and share them with others who may be searching.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 7

Cancer Stories - Part 7

Ovarian Cancer Survivor - Its Been How Long? Really!?!

I have had two major surgeries, eighteen rounds of chemo, countless pokes, prods, peaks and lab draws, scores of doctor appointments, hundreds of hours spent in traditional medical procedures and alternative medicine treatments, millions of tears, too many laughs, hugs and smiles to count

June 7, 2012 marks five since my hmm, is there a problem.  June 26, 2012 marks five years since my official diagnosis. December 26, 2012, marks five years since my last round of chemo and here I am; no cancer in sight!

With a 70% chance that the cancer would return in five years, that is a BIG deal, at least to me.  Is it because of all the different types of alternative medicine I used?  Is it because I believed in alternative therapies?  Is it because of the mass quantities of lavender essential oil I have used?  I can’t honestly tell you for sure.

I can tell you I have used each of the following alternative therapies and alternative medicine treatments in my personal journey in one form or another.  It took me hours to research this information, and I offer them to you as a time saving mechanism.

They're coming up next and I hope you find them useful!

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 6

Cancer Stories - Part 6

Is There a Point to All of This?  
          
     Yes there is!

If you are recently diagnosed with cancer or other chronic condition, or just starting to check out alternative health medicine and alternative therapies, it might be too much to process, simply because there is so much information to choose from.

A simple search online can show you scientific research, anecdotal testimonies and informative articles relating to the different types of alternative medicine, alternative therapies and alternative medicine treatments.  But really, when you’re sick, who has time or energy to study all that stuff?

The whole purpose of my article is to provide a list, in one place, of the more popular types of alternative medicine, alternative therapies, and alternative medicine treatments that are available to seekers. My list is by no means scientific or complete.  My article and the products offered at MindfulMassageSupplies.com are designed for the new seeker and for the practitioner who is serving people walking the cancer or other chronic dis-ease journey.

Is that significant? I think so!

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 5

So, What is Alternative Health Medicine Anyways?

Alternative medicine, alternative health medicine, alternative medicine treatments, alternative therapies and types of alternative medicine really speak to the same genre of healing.

First of all, alternative health medicine is the combined use of practices, items or techniques not generally an element of conventional Western medicine therapies. Countless people have begun making use of other types of alternative medicine and alternative therapies hoping that they will avoid or perhaps arrest conditions which reduce ones quality of life.

People seek alternative medicine treatments for a variety of reasons. One reason is, when conventional medicine techniques, especially those treating long-term physical, emotional, or psychological issues, are not as effective as hoped. One may to start looking for alternative medicine treatments to assist or boost their traditional treatment. Another reason people consider alternative therapies can be linked to insurance coverage, or the lack of insurance coverage. People seek different types of alternative medicine and alternative therapies when their prognosis is poor, and they want to do everything they can to improve their survival rate and quality of life.

Utilizing alternative therapies and alternative health medicine as a possible approach or supplement to your traditional health care aid you in becoming the best human being you can be.  They help you play the hand you’ve been dealt; or at least that has been my experience.  One of the great gifts of alternative health medicine is that you don't need to be sick to start. No matter what you’re physical, mental or emotional condition, participation in alternative therapies will probably improve your quality of life.

Different types of alternative medicine treatment plans require various degrees of knowledge. There is provider and non-provider centered alternative therapies. Provider types of alternative medicine have someone administering or facilitating the alternative medicine treatments. Non-provider alternative therapies are self directed. A person facilitates the alternative medicine treatments on their own behalf.

Until a short while ago, very little information could be found on the many different types of alternative medicine possibilities. Nowadays there are thousands of guides in print, with a many more appearing weekly.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 4

Ovarian Cancer Stories - Part 4

So Many Choices, So Little Time!

If you or someone you know is suffering from a serious ailment, you know how challenging it can be to simply make it through a single day. When the issue is something like ovarian cancer every moment that slips by feels like a precious jewel. I felt like time was now my enemy; marching on ceaselessly with me unable to suit up or show up in the way I was accustomed. I was tired, sick, and more than a little scared. My body did not react well to pain medication so I was left with Tylenol and ibuprofen as my only sources of pain killers.  Could alternative therapies help with my day to day ailments?  How do I decide?

I need to back track a bit so I can set the stage and move forward.  My surgery took place about an hour and a half from where I live.  I have a dear friend who housed my family while I was hospitalized.  She is a progressive thinker and knew a lot about alternative health medicine and alternative therapies that I may want to look into.  When I was discharged she allowed me to convalesce in her home.  During my stay she introduced me to Young Living Essential Oils, Reiki, Raindrop Therapy, foot detox, Conscious Language, and a whole host of other treatments that fit loosely under the alternative health medicine umbrella.

After my week with Pauline I was better equipped to compliment my conventional western medical treatment, but if I wanted to progress I was going have to start learning about different types of alternative medicine. I remembered what I had read about Louise Hay and Deepak Chopra so I started to search. I got books on tape, meditation CD's, reference books, dietary information, information on acupuncture, Reiki, Ayurvedic medicine and too many other alternative therapies to list here. I studied Louise Hay, Bernie Segal, Deepak Chopra, and Robert Tennyson Stevens.  Let me say, if you are on a mission to heal your life, these authors are my top four picks. I began wading through the oceans of information available regarding the many varieties of alternative health medicine, and became quickly overwhelmed.

So many times on my journey, I wished someone would run interference for me; give me a set of instructions on what the best course of action was; tell me what types of alternative medicine I should employ; just tell me what to do. Unfortunately, there wasn't any such person! When the rubber meets the road at this level, the ultimate decision is ours to make.

Follow this link to read my ovarian cancer survivors story in its entirety.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 3

Ovarian Cancer Stories - Part 3

What to do?  WHAT TO DO?

Ovarian Cancer Alternative Treatment?

For the previous 25 years or so, I had been playing with natural stones and their healing properties, was a regular recipient of therapeutic massage, studied numerology, astrology, Native American Animal Medicine, had been introduced to Louise Hay and the idea that sometimes dis-ease occurred as the result of emotional wounds left untreated.  I had a very limited understanding of the different types of alternative medicine.  I believed what little I did know regarding alternative therapies.  I was on a journey to see how all the pieces of Kim fit together, and if alternative therapies might work for me.

For the last couple of years, I had been seeing advertisements on television for different types of alternative medicine available through a cancer treatment facility. The ads said that this particular facility considered body, mind and spirit in their treatment of cancer. Their regimen included western medicine, eastern philosophies, Reiki, massage, and meditation.  Their ad said they incorporated many alternative therapies and used several different types of alternative medicine; their list went on and on!

Unfortunately for me, catastrophic student insurance does not cover such facilities and alternative medicine treatments were unavailable to me through their facility.  So, if I wanted to explore alternative health medicine options and alternative therapies I was on my own. I was no longer interested in exploring different types of alternative medicine, or in merely dabbling with alternative therapies; I now had a mission.

Well, as I said, the prognosis for stage 3c ovarian cancer is not a good one. Based on what I read about ovarian cancer, the one and only time I looked it up online, it said there was a 70% chance my cancer could come back within 5 years. I'm only 48, I'm not done with school, I'm not ready for this; YIKES! I chose to close the computer and pretend I never happened upon that little nugget of not so helpful information.

So, while I was being a mom, fighting cancer for my life, healing from my surgeries, undergoing chemo, fighting my insurance company for my medical coverage, and finishing my degree, I also started an intensive, self directed crash course on alternative health medicine.  I found myself reading and studying many types of alternative health medicine and alternative therapies.  I was searching for anything and everything that would help improve my chances.

We live in the information age, and there is no shortage of available information.  I found ‘stuff’ on alternative health medicine, alternative medicine treatments, alternative therapies and list upon list of different types of alternative medicine.

The problem I ran into was in trying to figure out the answer to all the questions that kept popping up.  Questions like: what types of alternative medicine was pertinent to my brand of cancer; where should I go to identify which alternative therapies were right for me; what is the difference between alternative health medicine and alternative therapies; if I choose to partake in alternative medicine treatments, will it negatively affect my traditional treatment; how much information do I really need; is this path the right path, the best path, or even a helpful path.

Ugh, so much information!  How do I even begin to sort and sift my way through all of this stuff?

Follow this link to read my ovarian cancer survivors story in its entirety.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 2

Ovarian Cancer Stories - Part 2

Hi Kim, it's Dr. . . . blah, blah, blah, . . .blood results blah, blah, blah . . . CA-125 elevated . . . blah, blah, blah. . . . . . not conclusive . . blah . . . we should . . . blah, blah, . . . ovary out . . . surgery scheduled . . . blah, blah, and more blah!

There are some suspected diagnoses, that once the concern is raised you are on the AMA fast track.  For the record, ovarian cancer is one of them! I was scheduled for my first surgery the following Thursday.

Ten days later, at my surgical follow-up visit, I got the next round of blah, blah, blah!  My doctor said: "I'm so sorry to have to tell you this, but the ovary that was removed did have cancer . . . . blah, blah, blah . . . radiologist says. . . blah, blah . . . pathology report . . . blah, blah, . . .

Papillary serous carcinoma . . . blah, blah, blah . . .
Ovarian cancer . . . wait, what?
Hysterectomy . . . wait when?

So, the official diagnosis is papillary serous carcinoma; stage 3c ovarian cancer.  The prognosis - well, I wouldn't suggest looking it up on the internet - it's not a happy read.

It was plain to see that my life was FOREVER CHANGED!

Follow this link to read my ovarian cancer survivors story in its entirety.

Ovarian Cancer Meets Alternative Medicine - Part 1

Ovarian Cancer Stories

Kim Rainer-Ovarian Cancer Survivor

In June of 2007, it had been just over two years since my Dad had died. I was 48, a single Mom and doing my best to live a conscious life. I was riding my bike 50 to 100 miles a week, making progress on becoming a nurse, feeling healthier and more alive than I had ever felt.

Then, during my 6 month check-up with my OBGYN of 22 years, he suggested a trans-vaginal ultrasound because of a couple of minor symptoms I had mentioned to him. No big deal; not the first time I've traveled that route. My ultrasound, tech of 16 years, noticed something different on the test and sent me back upstairs to see the Doctor.

Says He (the doctor): "this could be poly cystic ovarian disease or endometriosis again, or maybe it is just where you are in your cycle, or perhaps peri-menopause; worst case scenario, it could be ovarian cancer. I'd like you have a blood test called the CA-125 done today."  Says me: "No big worries - I've had other blips on the radar. I'll go get the CA-125 blood test done; will you call me when you have the results?" Says he: "of course, we'll talk soon."

So, off I go!

Follow this link to read my ovarian cancer survivors story in its entirety.

Dilution of Essential Oils

Guide to Essential Oils

When working with essential oils, knowing the dilution ratio and appropriate application are vitally important.  We have created an easy to follow essential oils guide to provide quick and easy information relating to recommended essential oils dilution.

Click here for our easy to follow, printable Essential Oils Dilution Guide.

Oral Application for Essential Oils

Oil for Toothache?

The back of the tongue is known to be the dirtiest part of the human body.  Dr. John Richter of the Richter Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breath Disorders reports that on the back of the tongue there is "more bacteria per square inch live than on any other part of the body."

Brushing with conventional toothpaste absolutely helps to prevent cavities; but it does little to eliminate fungus, viruses or bacteria from the mouth.  Even if you brushed the back of your tongue daily, because bacteria repopulate so quickly, brushing alone is ineffective.

Scrubbing with abrasive toothpastes containing floride helps by removing placque and other pathogens which account for 30 to 60 percent of the mouths bacteria.  Unfortunately that leaves 40 to 70 percent of the microorganisms behind.  Adding the strong antiseptics found in essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme and wintergreen, to your mouth care regimine may significantly increase your oral health.

Dentists frequently use gauze soaked in clove oil as a packing for dry sockets.  Clove oil has long been used in treating tooth aches.

Jean Valnet, MD used essential oils in his clinical practice for years claiming "essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because their aggression toward microbial germs is matched by their total harmlessness toward tissue."

In 2001, new research was released linking gingivitis to heart disease.  Porphyromonas gingivalis, the pathogen that causes gum disease, is also a contributing factor to arterial dammage and inflammation that leads to vascular disease, heart disease and strokes.

There are basically two oral applications for essential oils.  One is to gargle, the other is to apply the oil neat, or undiluted, on the tounge.

Gargle:  Mix two to three drops of essential oil with four tablespoons of purified water.  Shake or mix the water and oil vigorously - then immediately gargle with the mixture for about 30 seconds.

Tongue:  Using your finger tip or a clean cotton swab, place one drop of essential oil, neat, on the back of the tounge.  Hold the oil on your tounge for at least one minute.  This will allow time for the essential oil to mix with saliva, then swallow.  Tongue application should not be done with essential oils that require a 20:80 dilution.

A 20:80 dilution is an indication that the oil is strong and should always be diluted 1 part essential oil to 4 parts massage or vegitable oil before using internally or on the skin.

Cooking with Essential Oils

Cooking with Essential Oils

Young Living Essential Oils are excellent flavor enhancers and because they are so highly concentrated most recipes only need one to two drops of oil to produce the same flavor of as much as one to two ounces of dried herbs.

When using oil as a flavor enhancer the oil should be added to the food after the cooking is complete.  Simply stir one to two drops of oil into your dish just before serving; this will prevent the oil from evaporating during the cooking process.

Some oils are very spicy and have much more flavor than say a citrus oil.  Some of the stronger oils are cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme and wintergreen.  When adding strong and spicy oils to your dish, after cooking, simply dip a tooth-pick into the oil and then your prepared food with the tooth-pick.

Essential oils also make wonderful and aromatic teas.  One of my favorite blends is one drop of Roman Chamomile combined with one drop of Lavender in a teaspoon of rice milk and a cup of warm water.  It makes the perfect night-time blend to help me unwind and transition from my busy day to my peaceful quiet time just before bed.

Sweet dreams!

Ingestion and Oils Used as a Dietary Supplement

Essential Oils as Dietary Supplements

Essential oils that are certified food additives or generally regarded as safe by the food and drug administration may be safely taken internally and used as dietary supplements.  Ingesting essential oils should only be done under the care of a knowledgeable health care professional.

In many cases oils are more effective when taken orally and using very small amounts.  Essential oils should always be diluted in vegetable oil, blue agave nectar or rice milk prior to taking.  Dilution ratios may be altered depending on the strength of the oil being used.  For example oils like oregano, thyme and cinnamon are considered strong and will require a much higher dilution than relatively mild oils like lemon which may not require any dilution.

Usually, diluting one drop of oil in 1 teaspoon of blue agave nectar or a minimum of four ounces of the beverage of your choice may be required.

As a rule of thumb, one should not consume more than two to three drops of any essential oil over a four to eight our period of time.  Essential oils hare highly concentrated so one to two drops of oil are usually all that is required to receive the desired results.

Because of essential oils high concentration, they should be kept out of the reach of children and infants.  If more than five drops of oil are ingested at one time please contact your local poison control center or doctor immediately.

Essential oils should not be used as a dietary supplement to kids under the age of six.  Parents, we encourage you to exercise caution before giving any child essential oils orally, and oils should always be diluted prior to ingesting.

Visit us next week for information about cooking with essential oils.

Essential Oil Topical Application Overview

Bath Salt:  Place ten to fifteen drops of essential into two tablespoons of Epsom salts or baking soda and mix thoroughly.  Dissolve mixture in warm bathwater as the tub is filling.  For maximum benefits, soak for at least twenty minutes before using soap or shampoo.  the mixture can also be placed in a special shower head which is designed to hold essential oil and body salt mixtures.  Remain beneath the water stream for 10 minutes when using shower application.

Body Massage:  Use oils in a 20:80 ration of one part essential oils to four parts V6 Oil Complex or other carrier oil in conjunction with a full or partial body massage.

Compress:  Dilute one part essential oil with four parts V6 Oil Complex and apply eight to ten drops of mixture to the affected area.  Compresses can be either warm or cool in nature.  For a warm or hot compress, cover the treated area with a warm moist towel, covering immediately with a dry towel.  To create a cold compress, simply use a cool moist towel in place of a warm moist towel.

Dilute 50:50: As one would suspect you dilute one part essential oil to one part V6 Oil Complex or other carrier oil.

Dilute 20:80:  Similar to previous dilution methods but using one part essential oil to 4 parts V6 Oil Complex or other carrier oil.

Neat:  Neat means undiluted.  When applying essential oils neat use as directed on the afflicted area.  It is good practice to test for skin sensitivity when using essential oils neat.

Raindrop Technique:  Raindrop Therapy Technique is a process which was developed by D. Gary Young based on his research using essential oils as antimicrobial agents, his knowledge of the Vita Flex technique and the reflexology trigger points found on the feet and information on effleurage (or finger stroking, learned from the Lakota people of South Dakota) and its effects on the nervous system and muscles. Click here for the full instructions for performing Raindrop Technique.

Vita Flex:  Vita Flex is most commonly known as reflexology.Apply one to three drops of oil neat to the Vita Flex points on the feet as directed.  Click hear for Vita Flex chart.

Check back often for more information on essential oils and their uses.

Three Ways to Inhale Essential Oils

Direct Inhalation:  Place two to three drops of essential oil(s) into the palm of one hand.  Rub your palms together, then cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale deeply six to eight times.  Be careful not to touch the skin near your eyes.

Diffusion:  Always diffuse essential oils neat (undliuted) in a cold air diffuser.  Cold air diffusers are designed to handle essential oils, not vegetable oils.  Vegetable oils are thicker than essential oils and may clog the diffuser mechanism.

Vapor:  Place steaming hot water into a basin, sink or large bowl.  For best results water should be at least two inches deep so it holds the heat for a few minutes.  Drape a towel over your head and the water container allowing the steam to rise up to your face.  Add three to six drops of essential oil(s) to the hot water.  Inhale through the nose as deeply as possible several times.  You can recharge the vapors by adding hot water to the container.

Visit us again soon for more information on how to use essential oils.

Essential Oils Application - Overview

How to Use Essential Oils

There are eighteen commonly recognized ways to use essential oils which fall under five generally recognized categories.  The five categories are: inhalation, topical, ingestion, oral and retention.  This article is meant as an overview on essential oils.  If you would like more detailed information on how to use essential oils follow this link.

The Inhalation method introduces the essential oil into the body through the olfactory system, or sense of smell.  Scientists have proven there is a strong connection between the olfactory system and the limbic system, the seat of our emotional natures.  The sense of smell can trigger positive or negative emotions and both are influenced significantly through the use of essential oils.  The inhalation method includes: diffusion, direct and vapor applications.

Topical use of essential oils refers to oils being placed directly on the skin surface.  There are eight methods which fall under the topical application category.  They include Neat (undiluted), Dilute 50:50, Dilute 20:80, Vita Flex, Compress, Bath Salt, Body Massage, Raindrop Technique.

Ingestion, as one would assume, refers to inviting the essential oils into one’s body via the mouth.  Safe ingestion of essential oils can be done using: Capsules, Rice Milk, or Syrup.

Oral application can sometimes be confused with ingestion, but is really quite different.  In the oral application of essential oils the user can either: gargle or apply to ones tongue.

Retention method of use can be accomplished by rectal or tampon application.

Visit us  frequently as we discuss the various ways one can use essential oils.  Next week we will take a look at  "The Three Ways to Inhale Essential Oils."