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The Power of Flowers

5/23/2018

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Who doesn't love a good flower? I don't know about you, but having something alive, colorful and gorgeous in my home always makes me feel better. Surprise me with them and it's like Christmas morning!

There is something to having flowers in the home, and to using floral essential oils. Floral scents can evoke all sorts of emotions & memories. While the scents of flowers have strong physiological effects, the color and even the shape of flowers can have psychological healing effects. Usually, less saturated and brighter colors tend to be more relaxing, while bold saturated colors will energize you. A bunch with colors that fall near each other on the color wheel will also be more calming, kind of like in home decorating. If the colors are opposite each other, they tend to have a stimulating effect. 

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There is a lot of power in plants, and in the florals particularly. As a group, floral essential oils are calming and harmonizing. Floral oils have a huge impact on our emotions. They are widely used in aromatherapy because of their ability to invoke positive thoughts and feelings of joy, happiness and hope. Floral essential oils can boost self esteem, confidence, and mental strength, while fighting feelings of depression and anxiousness. They can also support us during times of grief, irritability, stress, and anger, creating instead a feeling of calm, happiness, and peace. All that and more from a little flower!

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Here is a quick dive into the floral essential oils and how you can use them!
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Lavender
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Lavender is probably one of the best known, and most widely recognized, floral scents. It is best known, and most used, for it's calming and relaxing qualities, though it is truly a versatile oil. it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times! Lavender is the oil of Communication, aiding in verbal expression, encouraging emotional honesty, and unlocks fears of being seen and heard. 


You can use it Topically, Aromatically or Internally to: 
  • Calm irritated skin by applying topically
  •  Unwind, and promote restful sleep by adding a few drops to an epsom salt bath to relax,
  • Soothe burns and insect bites with a drop on top
  • Relieve itchy eyes and runny noses when the plants starts to grow by applying lavender topically to pulse points or adding a drop to water or tea
  • Soothe cuts, scraps, blisters and other skin abrasions with topical use
  • Reduce feelings of stress , anxiousness, and tension by diffusing Lavender or applying to pulse points and bottoms of feet
  • Support restful sleep by adding a few drops of Lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax 
  • Encourage regular blood pressure by diffusing or applying topically
  • Enhance yoga and meditation practices by diffusing, inhaling a drop from cupped hands, or adding a drop to your mat


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Clary Sage

Clary Sage is an amazing oil for women especially as it is helpful during any stage of our cycle. The main chemical component of Clary Sage is linalyl acetate, part of the esters group, making it one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils. It is the oil of Clarity and Vision, assisting us in changing our perceptions, opening and clearing creative channels, and re-aligning us with our intuition. 

Clary Sage can be used Topically, Internally, and Aromatically to:
  • Reduce menstrual discomfort. Rub three to five drops on the abdomen
  • Create a stress-relieving bath and combine with Roman Chamomile in your bath water 
  • Help balance hormones! Apply to feet or pulse points
  • Get a restful night's sleep. Diffuse or apply to pillow 30 minutes before getting into bed
  • Promote healthy hair and scalp. Add a few drops to shampoo or hair conditioner
  • Use for massage to soothe and rejuvenate skin. Combine with fractionated coconut oil 
  • Enhance creativity. Rub 1 drop of clary sage over the brow as often as every 1-4 hours during creative work
  • To address uncertainty, inhale directly from your hands and rub 1-2 drops over the brow as needed
  • Promote heighten mind-body connection. ​Rub 1-2 drops over the brow and/or heart before meditation 


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Geranium

Geranium essential oil use dates back to ancient Egypt when Egyptians used Geranium oil to beautify skin and for other benefits. In the Victorian era, fresh geranium leaves were placed at formal dining tables as decorative pieces and to be consumed as a fresh sprig if desired; in fact, the edible leaves and flowers of the plant are often used in desserts, cakes, jellies, and teas. It is the oil of Love and Trust, facilitating trust, softening anger and healing the heart. 

Geranium can be used Topically, Internally, and Aromatically to: 
  • Clarify skin. Add a few drops to hot water and create an aromatherapy steam facial 
  • Balance oil production by adding drops to your moisturizer 
  • Balance both dry and oily hair. Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner bottle, or make your own deep hair conditioner
  • To help relieve occasional stress and tension. Diffuse it or apply to pulse points
  • To heal, tear down barriers, release anger, and manage overwhelming emotions. Diffuse, apply to pulse points or over the heart 


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Roman Chamomile

Chamomile is a floral you might be familiar with from the tea made from it's flowers. Roman Chamomile can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes. Roman Chamomile has a calming effect on the skin, mind, and body, and  it soothes body systems. It is also a super gentle oil, making it perfect for the youngest and most sensitive in your family. 

Roman Chamomile can be used Topically, Internally, and Aromatically to:
  • Soothe stress or shock. Take one to two drops in water, diffuse or apply to pulse points 
  • Support healthy immune system function. Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule or add to warm water and local honey for a yummy tea
  • Set the stage for sleep by diffusing one to two drops, or apply to the bottom of your feet at bedtime
  • Soothe skin dryness, irritations (especially for the littlest in your family), insect bites and stings, by applying Roman Chamomile topically
  • Better regulate blood pressure and symptoms of menstrual discomfort by applying over the heart, abdomen, or areas of discomfort​


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Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil is derived from the star-shaped flowers of the tropical Ylang Ylang tree and is used extensively in making perfumes and in aromatherapy. Similar to Jasmine, Ylang Ylang has been used for centuries in religious and wedding ceremonies. It is considered the oil of the Inner Child, allowing for freedom, playfulness, heart healing and joy to be more present. Ylang Ylang blends well with Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit, and Vetiver.


​Ylang Ylang can be used Topically, Internally, and Aromatically to:
  • Address hormone imbalance, encourage intimacy and aid is conception. Apply on the abdomen or pulse points  
  • Regulate fluctuations in blood pressure or heart beat. Try it diffused, in a capsule or topically 
  • Combat over-production of oil. Add a few drops to your favorite facial oil or moisturizer  
  • Stimulate healthy hair growth. Add to shampoo, conditioner or leave-in hair products you massage into scalp 
  • Encourage feelings of acceptance, joy, playfulness, & peace. Diffuse, wear topically or add to diffuser jewelry 


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Helichrysum

The name “Helichrysum” is derived from the Greek “helios” meaning sun and “chrysos” meaning gold, referring to the color of the flowers. Helichrysum has been used in herbal health practices since ancient Greece and the oil is highly valued and sought after for its many health benefits.  It is the oil for Pain, both physical and emotional. It can be helpful during times of loss, trauma, or addiction as it promotes courage, healing, transformation, perseverance and determination. 

Use it all three ways to:
  • Reduce bleeding. Apply it topically to areas of need
  • Aid in healing cuts, scrapes, bruises and other skin irritations through topical application
  • Reduce skin imperfections.  Add a few drops to facial oils or moisturizers, body creams or lotions
  • Promote positive feelings. Diffuse or wear it, bring it along to therapy or counseling appointments, yoga or meditation classes, or anytime you feel down
  • Calm ear pain, sinus congestion and pain, nerve, muscle or joint pain by applying it to areas of discomfort. 


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Melissa

Melissa is also known as lemon balm, received the name “Melissa” because of its sweet, fresh, citrus-like fragrance, which was known to attract bees (Melissa is Greek for “honey bee”). It is one of the rarest and most expensive oils, Melissa has a wide range of health benefits and uses. Energetically, Melissa is the oil of Light. It can help to awaken the soul and remind who we truly are by re-connecting us with our inner voice. Melissa promotes feelings of liberation, optimism, spiritual connection and integrity. 

Use it all three ways to: 
  • Soothe indigestion or lessen nausea. Add 1–2 drops to herbal tea or apply to abdomen
  • Lessen stress and promote emotional well-being. Diffuse at night or rub on forehead, shoulders, or chest as needed throughout the day
  • Boost immunity. Place 1–2 drops under the tongue, add to an immune roller with On Guard. 
  • Rejuvenate skin and refresh the mind. Add to moisturizer or a spray bottle with water and spritz on face 
  • Soothe skin irritations and blisters. Dab a small amount on breakouts or minor irritations on the lips or skin.

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Now that you know a bit more about some of the florals tell me, which could you most use right now? Comment below and let us know! And as always, if you would like to bring doTERRA essential oils into your home, contact me for a personal consultation or, if you already know what you need, check out my Getting Started page today!
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Prana-what? Oh, you mean breathe!

5/17/2018

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How often to do pay attention to your breath? 

You probably notice it when you feel out of breath, or you've got a good scare and suddenly you take in a big rush of air. Perhaps when you get caught in those contagious yawns! All of the sudden our breath becomes extremely apparent and we can be almost hyper aware of it. But, most of the time, we just breathe (or not) without really paying any attention to it at all. Yay for the automatic functions of our bodies!

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image courtesy of yogabliss.me
A big part of yoga, arguably more important than all the poses and postures we often see, is Pranayama. 

Prana = life force, energy, or the breath sustaining the body. On a deeper level, it's the energy that moves and sustains the universe, or dare we say, it IS the universe. 

Ayama = to extend or draw out. 

Pranayama = control / extension of the breath. 

It's the third limb of the yoga tree, represented by the leaves below, which makes a ton of sense really, since plants breathe through their leaves. 

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image courtesy of benoityoga.com
We probably know that our breath changes based on all kinds of conditions. Sometimes it's shorter, deeper, more labored, shallow. We even hold it without realizing it! All kinds of conditions can affect our breath: our environment or change to it (shock of cold air anyone?), our mood, the people we're with, whether we're walking through a haunted house at Halloween or hanging at the beach sipping an umbrella drink. These changes and fluctuations of our breath tend to follow the changes and fluctuations of our minds, our thoughts, our reactions. 

Pranayama is a practice to channel the breath or internal stores of energy.  If we even out, or control, the breath, we can then even out, or control, the mind (thoughts, emotions, reactions).  When we feel nervous, we can intentionally deepen the breath and send messages to our nervous system that we'll be ok. When we get overwhelmed by anger, we can tune in to our breath and slow down to respond rather than react. 
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Whether you're already practicing yoga or not, you can easily start to practice pranayama. It's actually probably better to start it apart from a yoga class or home yoga practice. When you're focused on the movement of the body and getting into postures, your attention is definitely NOT on the breath! 

Taking 10-15 minutes to start a pranayama practice helps you to focus on the breath, the inner self, and experience fully stillness and steadiness in both mind and body. I think you'll find that once you take time to practice pranayama on it's own, you might have a spontaneous awareness of it during a yoga class, or you might be able to start intentionally adding it into a home yoga practice. 

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image courtesy of fitstylelife.com
Here's how to get started: 
  • Grab a comfy blanket or supportive pillow to lay on so your entire back is supported head to hip bones (it helps open the chest) or simply lay on the floor or a couch where you can leave the legs long.
  • Start to simply observe what the heck your breath is doing. Notice the rhythm, the location (up in the chest, filling up the belly?) and the length (short, long, inhale and exhale different or similar?)
  • Begin to shape your breath. By this I mean intentionally even out the length of the inhale and exhale. Distribute the breath evenly throughout the lungs. Move it down from the chest. Picture your breath filling up your whole lungs, not just the top portion where most of us spend most of our time breathing. 
  • Then add in some imagery. I like waves. They're great for breath. If your belly is the ocean, let a wave of breath swell up and spill into the chest/beach on your inhale, then exhale as the wave/breath recedes back to build another wave. 
  • Spend a good 10-20 minutes just focused on your breath. Your mind will wander. Bring it back. You might notice your breath changes in volume. That's normal. No need to try to change it. Focus on the quality of the breath and increasing your sensitivity or awareness of it, that's all. 
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Bring in some essential oils!

So many essential oils can be really useful for a pranayama practice, not mention your overall physical, mental and emotional health. Here are a few to try: 
  1. Breathe: I mean really, could the name be any more perfect? This blend is amazing for opening up the airways, & enhancing alertness and awareness of the breath. It can help clear congestion as well. Emotionally, it helps us feel more receptive and open to the fullness of life. 
  2. Frankincense: this oil is really a high vibe oil. It's commonly used in prayer and meditation, helping us drop out of our mind and Ego and move into presence with our spirit or center of consciousness. It's also great for skin and cellular health, promoting healing and a health immune system
  3. Rosemary: this oil supports healthy digestion &  respiratory function, helps reduce nervous tension and fatigue, and emotionally helps us to process what's happening around us and within us consciously, instead of burying it with distractions. 
  4. Sandalwood:  This oil is perfect for a busy mind. It helps to calm thoughts and anxiety or worry, allowing us to relax into a peaceful state, let go of our own mind/ego, and slip into presence. It's also great for healthy, smooth skin, and reduces the appearance of scars and blemishes. 
  5. Balance:  this blend helps to promote a whole-body sense of relaxation. It's great to use when you have anxious feelings because it inspires feelings of tranquility and balance. Emotionally it's helpful to reconnect and live in the present moment, get out of your head and into your body.

How to use your oils for Pranayama: 

Whether you're teaching a pranayama class or practicing on your own, there are some easy ways to start to use essential oils to strengthen your experience. 
  • Place a drop in the palm of the hand. In your own or students, then rub palms together, cup them over nose and mouth and inhale deeply. 
  • Diffuse an oil. I usually add 2-6 drops of an essential oil to a diffuser. Mine are water-based, so water goes in first, then essential oils, et voila! Amount of drops depends of the size of your space and your preference. 
  • Spray an oil. This is perfect for a class your teaching or guiding through pranayama. simply add a few drops to a small glass spray bottle and top with water. You can easily change oils throughout the class as you like. 
  • Apply to the big toe. All the oils mentioned above are safe for topical use. Place your finger over the top, invert the bottle, then rub the oil into meaty underside of the big toes. In accupressure it's directly connected to the brain.  
  • Add to an eye pillow to cloth. Add a few drops to an eye pillow or washcloth and lay it over the eyes. 

Want to add some essential oils to your pranayama practice? Check out the great resources I have to help you! You can learn more about doTERRA oils, how to use them, and even find some great suggestions for a custom yoga starter kit. 

Tried some pranayama yourself? Let us know how it went, what you noticed, and which oil you used if you tried one!

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    Welcome!

    I'm Tonia, a Midwesterner transplanted to Colorado. I'm a mom of two lovely littles,  a yoga instructor, DIY-er, teacher, stay at home mom, and a doTERRA Wellness Advocate.  I blog about a little bit of all of these and everything in between!

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    Are you looking for natural health options, but don't know where to start? Book a 1-on-1 appointment with me! We'll spend about 30 minutes getting to know your health goals and concerns, learn a bit about doTERRA, and go over the most commonly used oils that meet your needs. You don't have to buy anything, but if you see something you like, of course I can help you!

    Book an appointment with Tonia Nealey using Setmore

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