Subtle Aromatherapy
Sun. Jan. 31, 2010
If one accepts ‘scientific’ evidence, plants respond to colors. Do not the flowers themselves reach up with all their essence to find the light, as we do? Plants provide healing in various ways. Some affect with their sheer beauty to bring a promise of new life, new hope and a lifting of the spirit; some give of their eternal life, the essence of their being, for healing; some heal by the power of their colour vibrations in relation to the physical energy system wavelengths. Flowers, like people, have their own aura identity color. As the flower colour often coincides with a human chakra color, this gives a definite clue as to the plant’s possible use in healing, on all three levels, physical, mental and spiritual. Chakras, the energy wheels found at points in the body, are known to clairvoyants and yogis. Like the chakras, essential oils are filled with living, pulsating vibrations which are sometimes called chi or prana. This may sound esoteric, but science, beginning with the work of Albert Einstein and carrying on to the latest in quantum physics and beyond, has proven that everything is made from energy. The ancient apothecary well understood and used the alchemy of the plant world, harnessing and transmuting its live energies for the healing of the human and animal kingdoms.
I have been a Certified Aromatherapist and Certified in Colour Therapy and Certified in Crystal and Gemstone Therapy for two decades. Through my years of researching both Aromatherapy and Color Therapy as well as the Crystal and Gemstone therapy that also correlates to colour, I have learned how these two methods work harmoniously together and can be blended to create a desired effect. I have taught hundred of classes and helped many people and animals through practicing these combined modalities with them. By matching an essential oil with its color and using the colour ray of the oil with various systems such as chakras, meridians, reflexology, organs, etc., whole systems of analysis and applying essential oils can be and have been developed.
The Chakras – Energy Centers
Yoga and other Eastern teachings believe that within the human body there is a huge column of moving energy made up of three main channels, coursing from the top of the head to the base of the spine. There are also seven major energy centers along the spine from the crown to the coccyx, spinning harmoniously together which are known as chakras. If we were able to see the chakras (as many people sensitive to vibration, in fact, do) we would observe a wheel of ‘light’ continuously revolving or rotating. Clairvoyants perceive chakras as colorful wheels or flowers with a hub in the center.
As plants derive energy from the sun’s component rays which contain all the colours of a rainbow, they offer a special method of absorbing color vibrations into our system. Although some plants remain colourless, for many the color of the flower is reflected in the colour vibration of the essence. When this is the case one finds an affinity within the color related flowers, fruit or leaves indicating the chakra or station with which it is involved. The colour associated with the plant will demonstrate an affinity with the human chakra colors.
Introduction to Crystals and Gemstones and their relation to colour therapy
To be considered a gem, a substance has to be beautiful, usually in terms of its color and the way it reflects light. It also has to be rare and durable. Gems are either minerals, which have a regular internal structure and fixed chemical composition, or organics, which are produced by plants and animals. Gems are chemically composed, and as such, emanate a specific colour or colors. Gems are able to radiate their colour into the blood stream. In this way they can do similar things to what color and aromatherapy does. Clear quartz Crystals do not have colour. They are closely attuned to our own DNA and RNA so that it is easy to put colors into them by using visualization. Science and the esoteric arts alike value these crystals for their ability to amplify, focus, transform and store different kinds of energy. Quartz crystals are silica-based and have a very stable energy, providing a very precise and regular vibration. Humans, on the other hand, are carbon-based and inherently unstable.
COLOUR THERAPY:
Sunlight is the basic source of all life and energy upon earth. Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic energy and is composed of a multitude of rays all vibrating at slightly different frequencies. The rainbow colors form just one octave of colours in the electromagnetic spectrum. There are 60 or 70 octaves in total. People are becoming more aware of the subtle energies that surround us. A 1998 scientific conference of scientists affirmed that the human skin acts like a prism, converting spectral colors to chemical reactions within the body. People with the same health deficiency share the same colour deficiency, gravitating towards the similar colors. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Nobel Prize winner and the discoverer of Vitamin C, experimented with colour with some profound results. In his research he exposed certain enzymes and hormones to different colors lights and ascertained that selected colours caused the enzymes and hormones to go through molecular changes. If different colors can affect the molecular structure of enzymes, might they not have a powerful effect on us?
Other researchers found that while some colours could increase the rate of enzymatic reactions, others would deactivate enzyme reaction. Also, some colors can affect enzyme movements. Similarly, colourful flowers and their scent have been shown to elevate mood, combat stress and promote relaxation. An easy way to brighten your mood is to place a colorful, heavenly scented bouquet of flowers nearby.
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. There are many hues of each colour, and each is produced by a little variation in wave length. Everything on the red side of the spectrum carries a more or less stimulating vibration, while the blue side is sedative. All living things are vitalized by the bright reds, oranges, and yellows of day-time, and calmed and rejuvenated by the blues, indigos, and violets of night time. The realization that the red end of the spectrum is restorative was probably the first of this known observation of this fact. Repeated research has shown that exposure to the warmer colors of red, orange, and yellow increases blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate, while exposure to green, blue, and black decreases blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate.
Using any method of colour therapy is called a color ‘tonation’ as you are using a tone of a colour to heal with. You can create a color energy environment (“tonate”) by placing coloured glass in the sun in a window or in front of an oil lamp. Wearing the desired color clothing is also a form of working with that vibration. Because water also carries energy, it can be beneficial to have a colour bath creating by combining some favorite water proof gemstones with some herbs and/or scented oils.
In the following section, I will discuss the qualities of the seven major chakra colors, the essential oils and gemstones that relate to them, and give some essential oil recipes that are not designed as colour modalities, but which will bring the color vibration along with them.
RED
Two centuries ago in England, Doctors would use red wool or flannel (which was of a red vibration) to soothe sore throats. Dentists would use red rags after a tooth extraction to stop bleeding. Red is the longest wave length in the visible spectrum. It is the lowest rate of vibration of the visible spectrum. Treating with this colour stimulates the nervous and circulatory system.
Concerning the Red vibration, we must mention the beloved bergamot (Citrus bergamia), which fosters harmony when used in conjunction with most of her related essences. Use bergamot essential oil for mouth ulcers. Add a couple drops of bergamot essential oil (diluted into a small amount of food grade alcohol) to a glass of water. Gargle or rinse the mouth a couple of times throughout the day.
We will also mention Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides - andropogon muricatus). Vetiver profoundly balances, grounds and calms us so that we are receptive to spiritual energy. This is due to its deep scent and because it comes from the root of the plant. Vetiver is known as ‘the oil of tranquility. It is therefore great in times of stress, tension, and physical or mental exhaustion.
Chakra: Base Chakra (First Chakra): In Western culture today, many people, particularly women, are overly critical of the size and shape of their bodies. Bergamot supports love of our physical body and brings in positive energy. Smelling bergamot brings positive emotions such as love. On the physical level, this red-related essence brings healing, setting in motion energies already present within. Bergamot brings the love of much needed earth energies.
Gemstones: Red stones are used for heart disease, circulatory problems, anemia, eye disease, and various mental troubles. Black stones bring about a state of grace, silence, and peace with God and the infinite. Use black stones for protection against negative forces. Black and red stones: Red jasper, cuprite, garnet, red spinel, black tourmaline (schorl).
ORANGE AND GOLD
As an aromatic, orange (Citrus sinensis var. dulce) enhances the qualities of spices. Orange not only affects the lower chakras but has a strong connection with the mind as well. The color vibration of orange at the base of the spine is propelled to the mind in the awakened kundalini experience. Since it is a combination of the colours red and yellow, it has the capacity to blend and merge the physical red vibrations with the yellow mind vibrations.
The essential oil of orange-blossom, known as neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), has a rather special association with the countries where the bitter orange trees are grown. There are some who may well find that this particular essence, apart from its many uses, induces conscious or unconscious memories of previous incarnations in Mediterranean countries. The test of this is usually one’s own resonance to it. If you resonate with it, neroli brings in positive energy and eases grief due to its heavenly scent.
Bear in mind that where there is a real aversion one might suspect that a painful experience occurred, either in the past or in the beginning of this earth life. It is well to use this essential oil for karmic clearing, as it is the block from the past that brings the resistance reaction. Neroli is the essential oil that assists the subconscious mind to reveal itself and unite with the conscious mind, bringing awareness to the present moment and helping to resolve blocks. This releases a flood of positive energy that becomes available to the super-conscious mental state.
As this energy flows from self to soul to spirit, we are in direct communication with the world of manifestation. Neroli helps us manifest our deepest and highest aspirations.
Chakras for Neroli: Belly Chakra (Second Chakra) (Sensuality)
Heart Chakra (Fourth Chakra) (Eases grief.)
Crown Chakra (Seventh Chakra) (Direct contact with the divine.)
Orange (Citrus sinensis var. dulce) skin tonic:
Use 4 fl. Oz (100 ml) orange flower water. Use as required as a cleanser.
Handmade Beauty Product Recipe: Whipped Body Cream
The essential oil hydrosol and coconut oil combination gives this a tropical aroma.
Ingredients
10 grams shea butter
16 grams virgin coconut oil
2 grams stearic acid
6 grams emulsifying wax
62 grams neroli hydrosol (or distilled water)
8 drops sweet orange essential oil
Blending Procedure
Step 1. Combine the shea butter, coconut oil, stearic acid and emulsifying wax in a large heat proof (I use Pyrex) glass measuring cup with a pour spout. Place the mixture in a hot water bath until the wax is completely melted. Remove from heat.
Step 2. In a separate cup, add the hydrosol
Step3. Stir the oils/wax together to make sure they are evenly combined.
Step 4. In a separate container, stir the water ingredients to make sure they are evenly combined.
Step 5. Begin stirring the oil/wax mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed and add the water mixture as you stir. You will see the mixture begin to thicken as you blend it. Continue mixing until the Whipped Body Cream is thick and rich.
Step 6. Pour into clean jars or a pump lotion bottle. If you want, you can add whatever preservative you prefer to extend shelf life.
Chakras for Sweet Orange: Belly Chakra/Second Chakra (Stimulates creativity and sexuality due to its aphrodisiac scent.)Solar Plexus Chakra/Third Chakra (Stimulates courage and self-confidence due to its aphrodisiac scent.) Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Stimulates joyful love due to its aphrodisiac scent.)
Gemstones: Orange stones lift depression, and promote joy. Red and orange stones: red and orange carnelian, zircon.
YELLOW
Yellow is a nerve stimulant and strengthener. There is a yellow lightbulb used that helps to keep the mosquitoes away. Its vibration does not allow them to land. In the same way, yellow raises the spirits, allows the spirit to soar. The ‘shape’ of yellow is a triangle and combined with its soaring energy, we can understand why they say a person might be afraid to spend the night in one of the yellow toned Pyramids of Giza due to the fact that the tip of those pyramids is so high! Yellow is a very intense color, it calls forth life. On a more esoteric note, yellow is considered a spiritual colour in Oriental Brahmanism and Buddha’s color is considered to be yellow. Yellow brings optimism, joy, playfulness, inventiveness, originality, adventure, high spirits, versatility, mental ability.
Yellow-related oils are: lemon (Citrus limonum) and lemongrass (East Indian Lemongrass: Cymbopogon flexuoses ,West Indian Lemongrass: Cymbopogon citratus) are cleansing and toning.
For dry mouth, place a couple drops of lemon on a cotton ball and breathe in. Dry mouth can be created from undergoing radiation.
Lemongrass essential oil is antimicrobial. Use this essential oil to create aerosols for sick rooms: Add 16 drops of lemongrass essential oil to a 4 oz. dark spray bottle with purified water. Add 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar. Only use antimicrobial essential oils when necessary. Rotate the use of different antimicrobial essential oils.
Chakra: Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Aids in removing emotional attachments and fears due to its cleansing and fresh clearing scent.)Third Eye Chakra/Sixth Chakra (Encourages balance and mental clarity due to its fresh scent.)
Gemstones: Yellow stones help to alleviate shock and nervous trauma. Yellow and yellow-green stones: citrine, green-yellow tourmaline
GREEN
The shape of the colour green is the hexagon. Green is the color of nature and nature is the great balancer. It stands for harmony and has a soothing influence on our nervous system as well as on our emotions. Green is nature’s tonic. In the fulcrum of the colour spectrum, it is the balancer, standing mid-way between the cool and warm colors. Use green light bulbs for work with animals. They will choose to lie right under them and stay for hours just relaxing in that colour bath. I have used this technique for my cats and they have received this effect. When you feel emotionally upset and can’t sleep properly, the green colored light bulb soothes. Green is the center chakra of all the other six chakras, the heart chakra: the space-giver, the controller, the healer, the ‘all in all’ and a true carrier of calm and eradicator of karma. It is the complementary colour of all the healing herbs and essences, for every plant has the green basis in its stems and leaves. Olive Green – Herbal hydrosols. Use for toning, aftershave, creating an uplifting man’s scent, for bathing, all over skin care, as a spray for varicose veins and a soak for hemorrhoids.
Eucalyptus citriodora is good for respiratory infections, cuts, fevers, herpes, infectious skin conditions, scabies, sores, and wounds.
Eucalyptus citriodora , Eucalyptus radiata Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Calms and balances) Third Eye Chakra/Sixth Chakra (Inspires due to its cleansing fresh scent.)
Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil is antimicrobial and can be used in sick rooms. Use in aerosols: Mix 16 drops of Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil in a 4 oz. dark spray bottle with purified water. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to preserve.
Eucalyptus radiata is used extensively for respiratory infections. Eucalyptus radiata clears and cleanses a room due to its cleansing and clearing scent. Eucalyptus radiata dissolves energy blockages. This in turn balances emotions.
EZ Breathe Salve - Massaging a bit of EZ Breathe Salve onto your chest and areas where the aromatic vapours could be easily inhaled helps ease congestion.
4 ozs. extra virgin olive oil
1 dollop natural beeswax
16 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) essential oil
Using double boiler method, melt oil and wax together until wax is completely liquefied. Stir to ensure the mix. Remove from heat source. Allow to cool for a few minutes before adding essential oil. Stir well. Pour into clean pot to cool completely. Label and store in cool place. Use clean stir stick or cosmetic stick to dispense. For adult use only.
Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Calms and balances due to its fresh clean scent) Third Eye Chakra/Sixth Chakra (Inspires due to its clean fresh scent.)
Safety data: Non-toxic, non irritant (in dilution), non-sensitizing. When taken internally all eucalyptus oils are toxic.
Sweet Marjoram (Oreganum marjorana) The word "marjoram" was derived from words in Greek which meant: The joy of the mountain. Marjoram looks brilliant in summer sunshine and appears as a clump of low-growing, compact and yellow-golden leaves with trusses of velvety, small, pale white or pink flower clusters that have knot-like shapes to purple-violet flowers in late summer or early fall. Marjoram inhabits dry slopes and rocky places, in cultivated beds occasionally in partial shade in Turkey. Marjoram is used to ease arthritis and rheumatism. Marjoram can be used in baths to sooth aching limbs and encourage restful sleep. Marjoram comforts and promotes confidence due to its deep grounding fragrance.
Chakras for marjoram: Root Chakra/First Chakra (Grounding due to its grounding essence)
Solar Plexus Chakra/Third Chakra (Increases courage and confidence due to its comforting scent.)
Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Eases grief due to its peace-promoting scent.)
Rose quartz is chosen for mental disturbances and promotes friendship, self-love, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Emerald is used for hypertension and heart troubles. Green jade helps a person detach themselves from their emotions and promotes clear thinking.
BLUE
At the end of the 19th century, famous color therapist, Edwin Babbit, would breathe in the colour blue and have his clients breathe in the color blue in visualizations while he had his clients lying under a window that had panes of blue glass in front of them that the sun shone through. He would massage the client's scalp with the finger pads of his hands as they rested there. He had great success when his client’s hair grew back luxuriously. With the blue energy we see instances of the colour vibration of the flower having a bearing on the chakra area of the same color.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is related to the blue ray. Tea tree is an important anti-microbial and antiseptic. Inhaling tea tree instils confidence due to its antiseptic, clean scent.
For athlete’s foot, blend ½ cup of arrowroot powder and 40 drops of tea tree oil. Shake in socks several times a day. Expose feet to air as much as possible.
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are also related to the blue ray. German chamomile has been a highly respected oil for 3,000 years and has been used to support healthy skin and relieving stress-related complaints. This oil is soothing to the physical body and the colour blue is soothing to the emotions. Roman Chamomile is an all-purpose anti-inflammatory. Again this essential oil is soothing to the physical body and the color blue is soothing to the emotions.
Skin Toning - A wonderful mask is made with olive oil, German chamomile, and clay. Mix together to make a paste. Brush on with a small, light paint brush and then remove with warm compresses.
Chakra: Solar Plexus/Third Chakra - Throat Chakra/Fifth Chakra
Gemstones: Aquamarine treats the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies.
INDIGO
Indigo is a powerful colour associated with the right side of the brain. It connects with and opens the third eye. It clears the head and is a strong sedative. The Sixth Chakra, also known as the Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead a fingerbreadth above the bridge of the nose. This chakra is associated with insight. The color is indigo and/or violet. This is the center of our imagination and inner “sight”. The face, eyes, nose, sinuses, and central nervous system are parts of the body associated with this energy center. The pituitary gland is also connected to this energy center. A keyphrase for this chakra and colour is ‘perception of inner vision.’
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) improves memory and mental clarity, is calming, mood uplifting, stimulates and balances the nervous system. Cypress fights infections, is a muscle relaxant, reduces perspiration, circulatory problems, colds, and whooping cough. Life is filled with transitions, and cypress will assist with any and all of these due to its calming, peaceful scent. I had a student who came in to class one day with heavy, hacking asthma. I intuitively thought I should add cypress to an organic cotton ball and quickly calm this student’s shortness of breath. The student whole-heartedly took the cotton ball and breathed in the cypress. Within 10 seconds, her breathing had relaxed and returned to normal. What a beautiful miracle. Cypress helps us to have the courage to surrender our will to a higher purpose – to change, heal, transform, and go through the many deaths that accompany the birth of wisdom.
Should you ever need a foot spray, this one made with lavender, tea tree and cypress essential oils is just the ticket. Its tingly going on the feet and it smells wonderful -- not strong and pungent like so many foot sprays that I find way too heavy on the tea tree oil. This is a strong product, but the balance of essential oils is effective without being overpowering. For best results, use a complementary foot powder mixed with cypress and lemon essential oil.
Spray:
3 drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
4 drops of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
3 drops of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil
1 ounce of purified water.
Mix ingredients together and put into a dark cobalt blue or dark brown glass spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Store in the refrigerator.
Foot powder:
To 1 ounce of cornstarch add:
3 drops of lemon (Citrus limonum) essential oil
2 drops of cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil
Mix with a wooden spoon. Shake into socks.
Chakras for Cypress: Solar Plexus Chakra/Third Chakra (Stimulates and balances confidence and patience).Third Eye Chakra/Sixth Chakra (Increases wisdom).
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) acts as a general auto-immune stimulant and brain stimulant. Thyme activates and supports the left brain without causing an imbalance with the right brain due to its stimulating scent.
Use Thyme essential oil to create aerosols for sick rooms: Add 16 drops of Thyme essential oil in a 4 oz. dark spray bottle with purified water. Add 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar.
Chakras for Thyme: Third Eye Chakra - Focus and concentration.
Gemstones: lapis lazuli, sodalite.
VIOLET
Violet is the color of transformation. Purple connects to spirit and psychic protection, stimulating creativity and spiritual awareness. For the very top chakra we must think of the nodding violet (Viola odorata) with her noble dignity and healing fragrance bringing into balance that which is under stress. Violets were mentioned frequently by Homer and Virgil stating: '....they were used by the Athenians for moderating anger, procuring sleep and to comfort and strengthen the heart.' Napoleon Bonaparte and his Josephine were devoted violet fanciers, and he sent her a violet posy on every anniversary. Before leaving for his final exile, he picked violets from her grave, which were found in a locket around his neck when he died.
For menopausal symptoms give a whole body massage using violet leaf essential oil in a blend with oil of borage and another carrier.
True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is relaxing, and balancing - physically and emotionally. Lavender clears and cleanses a room due to its pure scent. Lavender brings in positive energy. Lavender can balance all centers and all subtle bodies.
Lavender Violet Energy Tonic for Blemished Skin
Use ½ cup/4 fl. Oz/100 ml of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) water to cleanse the affected area.
Chakras: Crown Chakra (Seventh Chakra): Stimulates spirituality due to the heavenly scent of violet and lavender.
Other Chakras for lavender as well: Heart Chakra/Fourth Chakra (Calms, comforts and balances the heart)- Throat Chakra/Fifth Chakra (Clears the mind and stimulates communication).
Gemstones: Clear, white and purple stones, clear quartz, crystal, amethyst. Amethyst is used for emotional symptoms and insomnia. It is an energizing, transforming, and inspirational stone, helping to break old patterns of thought and behaviour.
In conclusion, whether you use essential oils in massage or in an aromatic bath, you are using the colour frequencies that relate to the oil’s qualities and therapeutic actions and vibrations. I hope that the information here will help you to consciously chose and combine both color and aromatherapy for great benefit.
Marlene Mitchell
www.aromatherapyinstitute.com
info@aromatherapyinstitute.com
Phone no.: 613-448-2965
Marlene Mitchell is a certified aromatherapy teacher and the Director of the International Certified Aromatherapy Institute. Marlene is a professional member of NAHA and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and her school has been a recognized by NAHA and A.I.A. for 15 years. Her knowledge is not restricted to a single alternative therapy. She carries extensive credentials and certification in traditional and alternative therapies.
Marlene personally teaches courses in aromatherapy. .
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