Focus and Relaxation

Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils, to relax, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. It is both an art and a science.

Lavender contains aldehydes and esters that are very calming and sedating to the nervous system (including both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems). These substances allow us to relax instead of getting caught in our usual anxiety downward spiral. Some researchers at the University of Miami found that inhalation of lavender oil increased the beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation! A 2001 Osaka Kyoiku University study found that lavender reduced mental stress and increased alertness.

All citrus oils contain d-limonene in varying amounts. D-limonene is an oil nutrient called a ‘terpene’ and is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory! This is great when it comes to stress, since most stress is ‘oxidative stress’ which is stress caused by oxidation from free-radicals. So when you add an oil to your body (internally or externally) that is an ‘anti-oxidant’ you are ridding your body of stress on a cellular level! A 1995 Mie University study found that citrus fragrances boosted immunity, induced relaxation, and reduced depression. Below is a list of citrus oils and their respective d-limonene levels:  Grapefruit: 88-95%, Lemon: 59-73%, Lime: 50-60%, Orange: 85-96%, and Tangerine: 85-93%

Valor contains Frankincense essential oil, which is high in sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes can increase oxygen levels in the brain. The stimulation of both aroma and oxygenation seems to affect the amygdala (the part of the brain that controls your mental and emotional states) in ways that facilitate the release of stored emotional blocks! So next time you feel that nervous tension build up, grab your Valor (which even comes in a roll on!), take deep breath and keep on going. You never know what is around the next corner!

Oils that I recommend for relaxation Lavender and Peace & Calming for relaxation. Tangerine, which is in P&C, is supposed to help with relaxing your mind. It will help you slow down when your mind is racing with all of the things you have to do. There's also a blend called Joy that I really like when I have a little anxiety going on (Jasmine helps with that).

Oils that I recommend for focusing are peppermint (which is great to perk you up when you are sleepy especially when you rub it on the back of your neck), clarity, en-r-gee, and brain power.
The Essential Oils Desk Reference book suggests the following other oils: spearmint, black pepper, sage, nutmeg, pine, envision, valor, motivation, frankincense, cardamom, rosemary, vetiver, and cedarwood.

Diffusing the oils would be an excellent way to breathe it in. Also, apply a few drops to the brain reflex centers (forehead, temples, mastoids) and/or brain stem (back of neck) as needed. Applying the oils to the Via Flex points on your feet a few times a day would be beneficial as well. Any oil that is massaged on the bottom of our feet will touch every cell within your body within 20 minutes. It's amazing!

Young Living's oils are undiluted and are grade A (therapeutic grade) in which the plants are organically grown.


Sources and resources:
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_basicaroma.html
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/blog/2013/01/essential-oils-to-help-you-relax-reduce-stress-and-stay-calm-in-the-new-year

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net