Q2- Sir Francis Bacon

Vegetable Oils – What You Should Know

In this post, I am going to talk about Carrier or vegetable oils. You can find them in a broad variety of applications ranging from soaps to massage oils to cosmetic products and perfumes. In fact, in most cases, vegetable oils constitute the bulk of the finished product, at least 60%. For that reason, it is my humble opinion that vegetable oils deserve as much attention as essential oils.

Carrier oils are derived from either the fruits or seeds of plants. The most common method of extracting oils from them is by cold-pressing, a process much like squeezing with a great force called maceration. The oil is then separated from the pulp by filtration. As neither external heat nor chemical solvent is involved, the resulting oil obtained by cold-pressing is as pure and natural as it can get. This, of course, is the ideal situation. Not all vegetable oils can be obtained this way and some external heat, regulated at no higher than 45 ºC for jojoba oil and 25 ºC for olive oil, for instance, is unavoidable.

Cold-pressed vegetable oils are jammed-packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, other fats and minerals. They are either ingested or absorbed into our skin when we apply them externally. Now, shouldn't that make you want to sit up and pay closer attention to what they are and, more importantly, what they can do for your health, skin and hair?

As the scope of the topic is too broad to be fully covered in a single blog post, I have chosen three key components, namely essential fatty acids, omega -3, -6 & -9 and Vitamin E, that I find most significant in all vegetable oils.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)

Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids essential in the diet of humans and other animals for proper growth, maintenance, and functioning of the body but do not include the fats that only act as fuel. Unlike the latter, EFAs particularly linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, cannot be produced naturally in the body and can only be obtained from vegetable and seed oils.

Some of the best dietary sources of natural vegetable oils are cold-pressed organically grown soy, corn and wheat germ and edible seeds such as pumpkin, sesame and sunflower. A deficiency in EFAs normally results in brittle and lusterless hair, nail problems, dandruff, allergic conditions, and dermatoses, especially eczema in infants. On the other hand, excessive amounts may reduce the level of vitamin E in tissues and cause other metabolic imbalances and disturbances. Other typical symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Skin

• Dry skin in general and particularly on the feet and face
• Scaly or flaky skin especially on the legs
• Cracking or peeling fingertips and heels
• Lackluster skin
• Small bumps on the back of upper arms
• Patchy dullness and/or color variation of the skin
• Combination skin, i.e. mixed oily and dry skin
• Irregular quilted appearance of the skin especially on the legs
• Thick or cracked calluses

Hair

• Dandruff or cradle cap
• Dry, lackluster, brittle or unruly hair
• Soft, fraying, splitting or brittle fingernails

Nails

• Dull nails lacking surface shine
• Slow growing fingernails

Other Symptoms

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth and/or throat
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual breast pain or tenderness
• Excessive ear wax
• Excessive thirst
• Onset of allergies (e.g. eczema, asthma, hay fever, hives)
• A craving for fat or fatty foods
• Stiff or painful joints

Omega-3, 6 & 9

Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for regulating blood pressure as well as inflammatory responses in the body. Studies have shown that omega-3, an alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is anti-inflammatory and is important in the protection against fatal heart diseases. There is also growing interest in the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of diabetes and certain types of cancer. Fatty fish, raw nuts and fresh organic seeds such as flax, chia, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, almonds and English walnuts are some examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

On the other hand, omega-6, a linoleic acid (LA), is found to be already in excess in our body since they are mainly found in highly processed and genetically engineered "vegetable" oils such as corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil and safflower oil. These oils are harmful due to the processing and refining methods involved, at least in the USA, which ended up being not only extremely high in omega-6 content but also contain dangerous amounts of toxic trans fat. Other natural sources of omega-6 can be found in poultry and eggs, both being consumed in much larger amounts in our daily diet when compared to other proteins.

Excessive omega-6 in the body does more harm than good as they compete with omega-3 for enzymes needed to break them down into forms that activate their protective functions. The end-result, broadly speaking, is an increase in all inflammatory diseases:

• cardiovascular disease

• type 2 diabetes

• obesity

• metabolic syndrome

• irritable bowel syndrome & inflammatory bowel disease

• macular degeneration

• rheumatoid arthritis

• asthma

• cancer

• psychiatric disorders

• autoimmune diseases

It has been recommended that the most ideal diet is one having both omega-3 and omega-6 in a 1:1 ratio so you may want to re-evaluate your current one, seriously.

One omega-6, however, known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), contains an impressive set of disease-fighting powers such as chronic inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity—even cancer. GLA is metabolised differently from other omega-6 in the human body and so, it compensates for the omega-3 deficiency as it takes over the role of regulating inflammation throughout the body so you may want to consider including GLA which can be purchased in health foods stores as a dietary supplement. Naturally, it is found in Borage Oil.

Last but not least, omega-9, or oleic acid, is an unsaturated fatty acid important in the lowering of cholesterol levels and promotion of healthy inflammatory responses. It acts like a reserve which is activated when there is a deficiency in either omega-3 or omega-6 or both in the body and tries to take over the role in regulating inflammatory responses. Omega-9 fatty acid can, in fact, be produced in the body in limited quantities. Elsewhere, it can be found in a wide variety of sources including avocados, peanut butter, nuts and seeds and cold-pressed oils from organically grown olive, rapeseed (canola), peanut, safflower, and sunflower.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and a major component in almost all vegetable oils. It protects the red blood cells, helps prevent the destruction of Vitamins A and C and slows down the process of cellular degeneration.

To state very generally, and I'm taking great liberty at this, what it implies is that Vitamin E helps to slow down the processes of ageing. There is ongoing research on whether it is capable of preventing coronary heart diseases, diabetes, certain types of cancers like oral, lung and colorectal cancers, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cataracts, asthma and certain types of skin disorders. However, studies have shown that taking Vitamin E alone is ineffective for the treatment of age-related vision loss, high blood pressure and eczema, to debunk common myths.

For a full report on the uses, side effects, interactions and warnings on Vitamin E, click here.

In A Nutshell...

Just like essential oils, each type of vegetable oil comes from a particular plant species and has, therefore, its unique properties and benefits. If you intend to use them for external applications only, you can even blend different vegetable oils together for a wider range of benefits. Unlike essential oils, vegetable oils are largely made up of protein or amino acids which are non-reactive with one another at room temperature. So, there is no need to worry about synergy in your cocktail.

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about how vegetable oils are detrimental to health with red-alert warnings splashed all over the Internet. I would like to state here that the vegetable oils in those blogs refer to cooking oils or salad dressing oils typically sold in supermarkets. The two main culprits for those oils to become high in omega-6 and even contain toxic substances are the processing-refinery methods and genetic engineering.

Thankfully, many small-scale suppliers can be found on the Internet that not only use organically grown raw materials but also certified ethical cold-pressing methods of production. Where possible, always enquire from the supplier about the source of the raw material and processing method before making any purchase just to be absolutely sure.

In the weeks to come, I will be profiling the various vegetable oils available in the market so do watch out for them. Meanwhile, happy blending!

Essential Oils & The Chakras

The Chi or Chakras

While we are familiar with the science behind how the human body gets its energy from food, not everyone understands the inner workings of the powers that govern the mind, body and spirit thereby bringing about good health and wellness.

Known as Chi loosely translated to mean energy flow in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Chakras or wheels of energies in ancient Ayurvedic Medicine, these energies interact and influence one another in a cyclical manner. Secondly, they are fundamentally responsible for our vitality and longevity.

The Chakra System

In Ayurvedic Medicine, a chakra represents a concentration of energy in the human body. The seven different chakras corresponding with seven specific locations in, on and around the body and are known as the:

• Root Chakra

• Sacral Chakra

• Solar Plexus Chakra

• Heart Chakra

• Throat Chakra

• Third Eye Chakra

• Crown Chakra

Each chakra governs a unique physical, emotional, mental and spiritual state. The key to perfect health, therefore, is maintaining a perfect balance among all of them. Creating balance between mind body and spirit is not always as easy as it seems. However, it is not unattainable; all it takes is conscientious effort, focus and practice. Moreover, several pathways are available, catering to your personal preferences to help you find chakra balance: yoga, meditation, sound therapy, sensory therapy, colour therapy and crystal therapy.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra, or Muladhara in Sanskrit, helps you establish a life-nourishing bond with the natural world while mitigating the dehumanising, harmful and alienating effects brought about by the frantic pace of modern living. It is located in the spine and associated with the Earth element and the colour Red.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Root Chakra are:

• Vetiver

• Nutmeg or Mace

• Cinnamon

• Ginger

• Myrrh

• Patchouli




Vivarana Foot Massage Oil

In Sanskrit, Vivarana means the act of uncovering, laying bare or opening. Created especially for yoga practitioners and dancers, massage Vivarana on the reflex points or the entire foot to soothe tired, aching feet. This warm, spicy-earthy blend of essential oils revitalises and leaves you feeling balanced and grounded.

Ingredients:

• Ginger

• Vetiver

• Patchouli

• Gandhi's Root

• Sweet Basil

• Sweet Birch

• Baobab Seed Oil




Bhumikatva Diffuser Blend

Bhumikatva is the Sanskrit word for "the Earth" which is the inspiration behind this diffuser blend. Bhumikatva is a sweet, tangy, earthy-spicy blend of essential oils that realigns your Root Chakra with the natural world as it supports and nourishes the spirit.

Ingredients:

• Lime

• Mace / Nutmeg

• Cistus

• Myrrh

• Spikenard

Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra, or Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, awakens the healthy and natural sensual desires within us while minimising the reliance on artificial substitutes for pleasures. Located in the abdomen, the Sacral Chakra associates with the Water element and the colour Orange.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Sacral Chakra are:

• Sandalwood

• Tangerine

• Orange

• Geranium

• Texas Cedarwood




Amrita Sea Salt Bath

This exotic and highly fragrant bath salt is formulated to awaken the sensual self. In Sanskrit, Amrita means potion of immortality. Add a cup of Amrita sea salt into a tub of warm water and soak for approximately 20 minutes. Chances are, you won't even want to leave the tub!

Ingredients:

• White Champaca Flower

• Blood Orange

• Cypriol

• Texas Cedarwood

• Dead Sea Salt




Aksha Diffuser Blend

Aksha is a blend that will fill the space with a warmth that is both inviting and exotic. In Sanskrit, Aksha means sensual perception, the soul or religious knowledge. This blend is created to awaken the Aksha or the mind to receive higher knowledge.

Ingredients:

• Petitgrain Mandarin

• Neroli

• Cinnamon Leaf

• Sandalwood

Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura in Sanskrit, invigorates healthy metabolism in the human body thereby minimising the stagnating effects of laziness or inertia. It is located midway between the navel and the base of the sternum, the solar plexus. It associates with the Fire element and the colour Yellow.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Solar Plexus Chakra are:

• Myrrh

• Jasmine

• Frankincense

• Balsam Fir

• Lemon

• Vetiver




Vishvaasah Anointing Oil

Vishvaasah means confidence in Sanskrit. This essential oil blend activates and awakens your inner stability and confidence. Dab Vishvaasah behind the ears, on the solar plexus, or use it as an after-shower body oil.

Ingredients:

• Black Spruce

• Jasmine

• Atlas Cedarwood

• Jojoba Oil




Paridhih Diffuser Blend

In Sanskrit, Paridhih means fortress. This wonderfully uplifting blend enhances spiritual strength without overpowering the senses. Diffuse Paridhih into the space to activate as well as protect the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Ingredients:

• Balsam Fir

• Ocean Pine

• Clary Sage

• Helichrysum

• Frankincense

• Vetiver

Heart Chakra

In Sanskrit, the Heart Chakra is called Anahata. This chakra helps activate your emotional centre to foster energy circulation, the expression of love, empathy and compassion while it dispels feelings of callousness and anger. The Heart Chakra resides in the middle of the chest. It associates with the Air element and the colour Green.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Heart Chakra are:

• Rose Otto / Rose Absolute

• Eucalyptus

• Bergamot

• Geranium

• Rosemary

• Peppermint

• Tea Tree




Adhiyajña Bath/Body Oil

Adhiyajña, in Sanskrit it means the SuperSoul – the plenary expansion of the divine Being in the heart of every living being. This blend of essential oils invokes the divine Being to spiritually heal and restore the Heart Chakra. Add Adhiyajña to a tub of warm water, soak and engage with your emotions by allowing your Heart Chakra to embrace whatever that may surface. Alternatively, apply Adhiyajña as an after-shower body oil to enjoy its maximum benefits.

Ingredients:

• Rose Geranium

• Carnation

• Rose

• Jojoba Oil




Dhayaa Body Mist

Dhayaa, meaning compassion in Sanskrit, is a harmonious combination of leaf, flower and fruit essences. It is a perfectly balanced blend that nourishes and reinforces your Heart Chakra. Mist, yourself and the surrounding air with Dhayaa, to foster an accepting and compassionate heart.

Ingredients:

• White Champaca Leaf

• Rose Otto

• Bergamot

• Rosemary Hydrosol

Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha in Sanskrit, inspires and encourages calm, clear and eloquent speech or song while minimising self-consciousness and timidity. Located in the throat or base of the neck, it associates with the Sound (Music) element and the colour Blue.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Throat Chakra are:

• Lavender

• Geranium

• Coriander

• Roman Chamomile

 


Chittasuddhi Bath/Body Oil

In Sanskrit, Chittasuddhi means the cleansing of the Inner Being. This deeply soothing, beautiful blend of essential oils cleanses and purifies your soul and leaves you revitalised and ready to take on new challenges. Use Chittasuddhi either as a bath oil or an after-shower body oil.

Ingredients:

• Petitgrain

• Yuzu

• Lavender

• Roman Chamomile

• Jojoba Oil




Pavrita Diffuser Blend

Pavitra, in Sanskrit, means purification. Pavitra purifies the space and repares the mind, body and soul for spiritual enlightenment; it fills the atmosphere with inspiration as it gently dispels self-consciousness and promotes self-expression.

Ingredients:

• Peppermint

• Lavender

• Roman Chamomile

Third-Eye Chakra

The Third-Eye Chakra, or Ajna in Sanskrit, inspires spiritual visualisation and fosters deeper understanding while minimising the cloudiness of illusion and confusion. It id located on the forehead between the eyebrows. It associates with the Light element and the colour Indigo.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Third-Eye Chakra are:

• Vanilla

• Bergamot

• Lemon

• Orange




Jagrati Anointing Oil

Jagrati, or awakening in Sanskrit, is a blend of essential oils to awaken the soul for the reception and acceptance of enlightenment. Use it as a light body massage oil or worn as a personal essence oil. Jagrati inspires you to see what had been hidden and comprehend what had been out of your grasp. To activate Jagrati, massage into the temples, neck and shoulders. Dab on pulse points to imbue yourself with this divinely floral blend.

Ingredients:

• Neroli

• Petitgrain

• Bitter Orange

• Orange Blossom Absolute

• Palo Santo

• Jojoba Oil




Atma-Drishti Diffuser Blend

In Sanskrit, Atma-drishti means the sight or knowledge of the true Self. Take your spiritual quest to greater heights by diffusing Atma-Drishti, a fruity, herbaceous essential oil blend that creates a fresh, vision-expanding atmosphere.

Ingredients:

• White Grapefruit

• Green Mandarin

• Petitgrain Mandarin

• Peru balsam

Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara in Sanskrit, inspires you to liberate your spirit and place it on the path to enlightenment. It helps eliminate obstacles brought about by the influence of samsara, allowing you to break free from the shackles of the material world and reach your highest potential and state of being. Located at the top of the head, it associates with the Thought element and the colour Violet or White or Rainbow.

The essential oils that support the healthy functioning of the Crown Chakra are:

• Neroli

• Jasmine

• Ylang-Ylang

• Frankincense

• Rose Otto / Rose Absolute

Muktasangah Meditation Oil

In Sanskrit, Mutasangah means to be completely liberated from the ties to the material world. Before meditation, apply 1-2 drops of Muktasangah to the tips of your fingers and massage into the temples. Add one drop under the nose for maximum benefits.

Ingredients:

• Jasmine

• Lavender

• Frankincense

• Baobab Oil

Gyaanaavasthita Diffuser Blend

In Sanskrit, Gyaanaavasthita means the transcendental state of being. The aroma of Gyaanaavasthita essential oil blend will elevate and help you transcend through the Crown Chakra.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Basil

• Rose Otto

• Ylang-Ylang

• Frankincense

• Myrrh

A Lesson From My Student

Being a girl isn't always easy. Especially if you're studying in a school for girls. The competition for the top 10% in academic achievement is tough. Keeping up with being cool is as constant as virus updates. You can never be sure if your best friend today will suddenly switch alliance and become your enemy tomorrow. Meanwhile, Mother gets increasingly annoying ever since that day she snooped around your iPhone and found some boy by the name of Jason in your WhatsApp group chat.

That's what my student Agatha, or "Aggie" to us, used to complain to me.

Aggie was my Science student when she was eleven. Typical of girls her age, she hated the subject and declared it on the very first day that we met. Not surprisingly, she had also been getting C grades in Science. I asked her why.

"I just don't get it. I read and read and still I don't get it," she frowned, " I guess I'm just bad in Science."

Sounds familiar? Pausing for a moment, I closed the textbook and said, "Tell you what, let's forget about learning Science; let's feel Science." So, for the next few weeks, feeling Science was exactly what we did. Until now, she had been learning Science the same way she had done with Language – memorising everything that was printed on the books. After a few weeks, she had realised that Science is a unique subject that is best learned experientially.

When I asked Aggie again how she felt about Science, she admitted that she no longer hated it. Then, I asked her, "So, besides how you feel about it, what else has changed, Aggie?" She couldn't find an answer. I prompted further, "Has the subject changed? Or was it your brain?" She shook her head. Then, with a sudden widening of her eyes and a beam on her face, she shouted, "Nothing! Except how I saw it!"

"Then," I asked, "is getting to the top 10% the only way to be recognised in school? Who are you pleasing when you worked so hard at staying cool? Or do you think your mother was being angry or anxious when she found out about Jason and why is that so?"

Very often we get caught up in a problem or situation that left us frustrated and drained. Sometimes, all it takes is to take a step back and either look at it in a different light or try to find the positive from the negative and you begin to appreciate life and its mysteries in a whole new dimension.

Thank you, Agatha, for giving me the lesson on Perspective. I've always wanted to make the perfect diffuser blend to help you in your studies but have so far failed miserably. Now, I believe I may have finally done it. So, here's my gift to you for scoring A in your PSLE Science subject last year.

Aromatherapy & Meditation (Part Two)

Whether the purpose of the meditation is to:

Embark on a journey to the inner depths of your being. To dive into a boundless sea of otherworldly calm, free from worldly distractions, discovering truth that lies within; or

Break through the confinements of the physical realm. To project your consciousness to the far reaches of the universe, free from the shackles of desires, discovering truth that lies beyond; or

Extend your spirit into the surroundings. To embrace and unify, free from inhibitions and prejudices, finding truth and harmony in everything and nothing.

Aromatherapy can help you transcend from samsara¹ to nirvana² by opening doorways to perception or pathways to enlightenment.

Essential Oils For Spiritual Cleansing

While most of us know the logic behind choosing the right spot for meditation, not all of us are aware that there is such a thing called negative energy in the surrounding space. Ancient priests and priestesses from all cultures and religions burned resins and oils for their aromatic scents once considered sacred and divine as they were believed to attract angels while banishing evil spirits.

Negative energies disturb the peace and harmony in our surrounding and hinder us from being able to focus and think clearly. Fortunately, they can be easily dissipated by burning incense, scented candles or essential oil diffusers.

The Essences

• Atlas Cedarwood - used as a physical, mental, and emotional purifier, it helps to remove blockages, fears, and toxins while stabilising and grounding the spirit
• Basil - held sacred in almost all Western cultures and known for its protective
• Cypress - purifies and uplifts surrounding energies making one feel secure and grounded
• Frankincense - removes negative influences in the body, aura, psychic and the environment
• Juniper berry - purifies the negative energies in a surrounding and also emanating from human beings
• Lavender - traditionally used to neutralise bad frequencies during cleansing rituals, it clears out energies that refuse to leave
• Myrrh - not only purifies the environment but also increases the potency of other oils
• Peppermint - its powerful astringent action removes tension and negative vibes
• Sage - neutralises existing negativity and makes a psychic shield against tensions

Other essential oils to consider: Mysore Sandalwood, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Virginian Cedarwood.

Essential Oils For Spiritual Awakening

The concept of spiritual awakening or spiritual enlightenment is hard to define as it is an intrinsic, personal experience that is rich and complex defying language and logic. At best, the experience may be compared to a deep understanding of the workings of the universe as a result of the complete dissolution of the Self and Ego.
Essential oils help you to focus while stimulating your spiritual senses, opening doorways or pathways to spiritual awakening.

The Essences

• Frankincense - believed to stimulate the pituitary gland enabling greater spiritual connection during prayer and meditation
• Sandalwood - it clears negative energies, creates inner calm, peace and well-being and prepares one to be more receptive towards spiritual knowledge and understanding
• Spikenard - helps to release fears both spiritually as well as emotionally, and encourages forgiveness, courage, calm and balance
• Palo santo - also known as the holy wood, it cleanses as well as helps to establish a deeper connection between consciousness and spirituality
• Helichrysum - it has been called the "catalyst to spiritual growth", the essence of this flower not only heals the heart but also opens it to mystical empowerment

Other essential oils to consider: Angelica Seed, Black Pepper, Chamomile and Jasmine.

Essential Oils For Spiritual Healing

All of us experience pain and suffering. The combination of aromatherapy and meditation, or prayer to the more religiously inclined, is a powerful way to spiritual healing.

"Spiritual healing is not the avoidance or banishment of pain and suffering but the mastery within pain and suffering to know and feel in your heart the sacred gifts of peace, joy, beauty and love." - Donnie Yance

The Essences

• White Camphor - regarded as the guardian of rebirth and spiritual protector, it clears timidity and fortifies the spirit while healing and liberating it
• Himalayan Cedarwood - it heals, protects and purifies bringing balance, restoration, regeneration and rebirth as it encourages and helps to bring dreams to reality
• Clary Sage - often called the oil of inner wisdom, it balances, calms and restores the spirit in times of uncertainty and suffering, promoting contentment and self-love
• Eucalyptus - it brings emotional balance and has the unique ability to awaken the spirit, helping it to draw from its healing powers to heal itself
• Rose Otto - having the highest vibrational frequency, it is known as the Queen of Essential Oils and is exceptionally healing in times of emotional grief bringing unconditional love, comfort and harmony
• Rosemary - it heals the spirit by reminding us of who and what we are and it helps us recognise that we have a conscious mind, a subconscious mind and a superconscious mind and that we are always spiritual beings

Other essential oils to consider: Carnation, Fennel, Palmarosa and Scots Pine.

Fuss-Free Ways To Enhance Meditation

Using essential oils for meditation should be easy and straightforward. In fact, as I have mentioned in Aromatherapy & Meditation (Part One), engaging in meditation ought to be natural and fuss-free. Furthermore, the scents of the essential oils used should not be overbearing – using a 1% dilution will suffice.

1. Diffusion - simply diffuse the aroma into the surrounding before the meditation exercise;
2. Direct inhalation - make a 1% dilution with a carrier oil and add one to two drops to the palms of your hands and inhale as you cup your nose;
3. Take a bath - consider creating a cleansing routine by adding a few drops of essential oils to a tub of warm water and enjoy a relaxing soak for ten to twenty minutes;
4. Anointment - dab your chakra points or pulse points before meditation using a 1% dilution of the chosen essential oil

The effect of essential oils on spiritual development is profound. If you have been sceptical about the efficacy of essential oils, there is no better way to put them to the test than during meditation. Try it and experience the true wonders of essential oils.

¹samsara the cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound. 
²nirvana the transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self and the subject is released from the effects of karma and samsara. It represents the ultimate goal of Buddhism.

Aromatherapy & Meditation (Part One)

Don't Procrastinate, Meditate!

Many of us feel somewhat intimidated or shy about picking up meditation thinking it's too difficult, or accessible only to the select few, or too time-consuming and costs too much to learn to just sit around all day with eyes-closed doing absolutely nothing!

I'm here to tell you that Meditation is none of those. In fact, yoga and meditation were nothing more than body and mind exercises invented in India by ancient gurus or ascetics for everyone to practice, even poor farmers who probably couldn't afford a local gym membership back then.

Why Meditate?

The origins of yoga and meditation were altruistic and religious in nature. Having attained enlightenment, the intentions of the gurus were to create techniques that were systematic yet simple enough for their followers to learn how to keep their bodies strong and healthy – a vast majority of them were plebeians who were so impoverished that they couldn't even have enough to eat, let alone maintain a healthy diet – and their minds pure and connected with the divine so that they, too, could attain enlightenment.

In modern times, practicing meditation is an excellent way to destress and relax the mind, body and spirit. There are no prerequisites, no special equipment, no exclusive membership and, here comes the best part, is absolutely free! There's also preliminary scientific evidence to show that meditation provides moderate improvement to overall health and well-being. Furthermore, it's widely believed that meditation slows down the ageing process by reducing stress and anxiety. So, if you ask me, I would say that since it's free and there's no harm involved, why the hell not?

What's recommended, though, is to be dressed in loose, comfortable clothing and find a conducive environment that's neither too warm nor too cold in which to completely immerse yourself, free from worldly distractions.

How To Meditate?

Those who are already familiar with the meditation techniques may skip this segment and jump straight to the different essential oils that help enhance your meditation experience.

Simple Meditation Techniques

1. Basic Meditation

As mentioned before, meditation need not and should not be complicated and long. The simplest way to meditate is to sit in a comfortable position, keep your eyes half-closed while focusing on nothing in particular – in exactly the same manner when you 'zone out' from a boring conversation or meeting – and allow your mind to think of nothing. If thoughts materialise just let them go. Don’t focus on them, don’t follow them. Simply observe them as they pass through and don’t get drawn into them. This gets easier with practice.

For a start, you may spend two minutes on the exercise which you can then repeat for a longer period of time as and when you wish. If, however, you fail to disassociate your mind from distracting thoughts, don't fret. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly while internally counting between six and ten. Do this breathing exercise twice or thrice and try to meditate again. If you still can't lose those thoughts, stop and tell yourself that it's ok, there are simply too many pressing concerns that require your attention. Attend to them and get them over and done with before your next attempt. The idea is to not let the meditation itself become a source of stress!

2. Focused Meditation

This technique involves focusing intently on something without engaging your thoughts about it. You can focus on something visual like a mandala¹, or on something acoustic like a mantra² or the sound of running water, or you can focus on something that is constant and even like your own breath, for example. Some find focusing on a single concept like ‘gratitude’, ‘compassion’ or ‘universal love’ easier but most people find it easier to focus on something rather than nothing. Nevertheless, the goal is the same – to quiet the conscious mind.

3. Activity-Oriented Meditation

If you find that sitting still is just something you can't do, then, this may be the better option for you. Here, you engage in a repetitive type activity allowing you to 'switch off' your mind and ‘zone out’. Activities like gardening, walking, practicing yoga, knitting, vacuuming, ironing, go on a boring date (I'm kidding!) are all examples that have worked and are, therefore, worth trying.

4. Mindfulness Meditation

This is a rather strange technique as it doesn't quite appear like meditation. It simply involves staying in the present moment, 'in the now', rather than thinking about what will happen or what has happened. Sounds simple? Don't be fooled! This can be, in fact, quite difficult to achieve.

One way to do this is to focus on sensations that you feel in your body in order to stay ‘in the now’, for instance, the heat in your breath, or the moisture in your eyes, or the hunger in your belly (!), etc. Otherwise, focus on the emotions you're experiencing and where you feel them in your body, experiencing them as sensations but not allowing the emotions to sweep you up.

5. Spiritual Meditation

Meditation is often a spiritual practice. In fact, for many, it's experienced as a form of religious prayer and establishing communication with the Divine Being. If you're an atheist, search for, instead, a connection with your inner higher consciousness and merge it with the universal one. When your mind is still, it can open itself to experience inner wisdom. In this manner, you may either find solutions to a problem by quietly meditating on it, or you may meditate in order to clear the mind and be open to whatever presents itself. Either way, meditation is the healthier and more fulfilling approach to personal growth.

However you may choose to commence on your journey in Meditation, bear in mind to keep it simple and enjoyable. Try not to force your mind to be still if there are too many pressing concerns or chores that require your attention and neither should you feel time-pressed during the session. Never set an alarm to end a meditation session for there's nothing worse than a mind being rudely jolted out from its reverie unless you're a junkie for getting shocked into wakefulness each morning by the alarm clock.

In the next segment, you will learn how different essential oils can help you prepare and cleanse your mind before engaging in meditation, or aid you in focusing your mind and getting into a transcendental state more quickly, or promote a more receptive mindset towards whatever wisdom that may present itself.

Essential Oils For Meditation

Since time immemorial, followers of Hinduism, Buddhism and even Catholicism had been burning resins of agarwood (oud), sandalwood, opoponax, frankincense and myrrh, releasing their essential oils and inhaling their fumes during ceremonies, rites and rituals to enhance the spiritual experience.

Besides using the resins from various woods, burning incense sticks or cones, lighting scented candles, spraying mist or diffusing essential oils can also be employed for spiritual work. There are also many other different types of essential oils at your disposal.

Essential Oils³ For Spiritual Grounding

1. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Long been considered a sacred oil which helps to heal the spirit and comfort the heart, frankincense is very grounding as it quiets and clarifies the mind. It calms, comforts, centers as well as stabilises the emotions while promoting a state of readiness for receiving and integrating healing energies. Frankincense can be used to awaken one’s spiritual purpose as it guides and reconnects one with the Divine presence.

2. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

When it comes to meditation and spiritual work, myrrh is a close companion to frankincense, almost like a twin. It grounds and assists in deep spiritual opening while bringing tranquility to the soul. It is also an uplifting scent that reduces stress while enhancing focus and spiritual insight, healing deep inner wounds and enabling one to let go of negativity, and encouraging fortitude, peace and acceptance.

3. Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Being one of the most indispensable ingredients in spirituality, meditation, sex and healing blends, sandalwood is valued for its ability to: calm and comfort the mind; induce deep meditation and promote wisdom; ground and prepare the spirit to reconnect with one's sense of being; open the heart to trust and receive healing energy; promote positive self-esteem as well as spiritual sensuality; and, teach one to delight in one’s senses, sexuality and appreciate the beauty of life.

4. Cedarwood 

Cedarwood helps one to focus inward, illuminating one's meditation. It can help bring about strength, focus and balance, especially when facing difficult obstacles in one's life. There are many species of which the following three can be considered for use during meditation: Altas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara) and Texas Cedarwood (Juniperus Mexicana).

5. Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)

Loosely translated, Palo Santo means Holy Wood. Palo Santo has been used for hundreds of years by native shamans in America for spiritual applications. In meditation, prayer or other spiritual applications, Palo Santo is particularly grounding and calming. It can help purify and cleanse the spirit by clearing negativity and promoting peacefulness. It also enhances creativity and learning.

6. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouli is very grounding and it promotes calm and peace, as it helps to quiet the mind during meditation. It is considered the oil of peace. Although more commonly regarded as an aphrodisiac, possessing the primal scent of arousal capable of dispelling the anxiety for sex, its sedative qualities can help to quiet the mind in meditation. It is also calming and can help rebalance the body when stress has caused nervous exhaustion.

7. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Spikenard is one of the most ancient of aromatics, considered precious to the early Egyptian, Hebrew, and Hindu civilizations for both ritual and medicinal purposes. More than being grounding, spikenard is restorative and healing as it helps us reconcile all that has happened to us in this lifetime to make peace with those who have hurt us. Uncommonly used in present day aromatherapy, it enables a deep connection to one’s spiritual self and one’s inner being. Its calming and quieting properties enable a deep state of meditation, almost trance-like in nature. It encourages a kind of stupor that opens the higher senses to a keener receptivity whilst tuning out the mundane.

8. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Vetiver is restorative and can help reconnect us to our roots. The aroma encourages a sense of inner strength and protection and is, therefore, grounding and nourishing. It attunes one to the earth while helping to create a deep sense of belonging. It clears and cleanses the physical space bringing in positive energy. It aids in developing positive self-esteem and especially helpful to those who feel as if they're a psychic sponge or those who feel too sensitive to outside forces.

9. Gandhi's root (Homalomena aromatica)

Little is known of this essential oil outside of India from which it originates. However, Gandhi's root is known to support the Root, Sacral and Third-Eye Chakras. In other words, it is grounding, protective and nourishing. It also promotes creativity, aids in visualisation during meditation by encouraging connection to the inherent spiritual understanding and sacredness of the natural world, and prepares the soul for spiritual healing. It works well with sandalwood.

In the following post, Aromatherapy & Meditation (Part Two), I'll be introducing other essential oils and the various roles and functions they play in meditation.

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¹mandala a complex circular diagram representing the universe in Hindu or Buddhist symbolism.
²mantra (Hinduism or Buddhism) a single word or sound, usually given from a teacher to initiate a student, to aid in concentration during meditation.

³For the purpose of meditation and spiritual journey, it is very important to use only essential oils of the species of plants identified by their (italicised) botanical names. 

Essential Oil Recipes for Concentration

Whether at work or burning the midnight oil, there’ll be moments when you would be in need of a boost for mental concentration, clarity and alertness and memory strength. If the idea of subjecting yourself to large quantities of caffeine or Red-Bull is a turn-off to you, then, you might want to turn to aromatherapy for a healthier and way more pleasant alternative.

Sparing you the scientific details of how the brain responds to the aromas of essential oils, suffice to say that they actually work – provided that you keep an open mind and maintain a receptive attitude towards aromatherapy and, of course, put yourself in a conducive environment to perform your task as well. Other obvious contributing factors such as proper rest and diet should also be observed in order to help you stay focused and mentally productive.

That being said, here are some essential oil blends which I have gathered from various websites for your consideration. All of them are meant for diffusion.

1. Essential Oil Blends for Concentration

a) Concentration Blend #1

• 10 drops Lemon
• 3 drops Basil
• 1 drops Rosemary

b) Concentration Blend #2

• 1 drops Cardamon
• 
1 drops Litsea Cubeba
• 1 drops Lemon

c) Concentration Blend #3

• 2 drops Rosemary
• 
2 drops Cypress
• 1 drop Basil

d) Concentration Blend #4

• 2 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Cedarwood
• 1 drop Vetiver

e) Concentration Blend #5

• 3 drops Grapefruit

• 2 drops Ginger


f) Concentration Blend #6

• 3 drops Bergamot

• 2 drops Rosemary

2. Essential Oil Blends for Alertness

a) Alertness Blend #1

• 7 drops Juniper
• 4 drops Pine
• 4 drops Rosemary

b) Alertness Blend #2

• 2 drops Grapefruit
• 2 drops Lime
• 1 drops Peppermint
• 1 drops Black Pepper

c) Alertness Blend #3

• 6 drops Eucalyptus

• 2 drop Peppermint
• 5 drop Basil

d) Alertness Blend #4

• 3 drops Grapefruit
• 2 drops Spearmint

3. Essential Oil Blends for Clarity

a) Clarity Blend #1

• 3 drops Cedarwood
• 2 drops Lime
• 1 drop Cypress

b) Clarity Blend #2

• 1 drop Bergamot
• 1 drop Frankincense
• 1 drop Patchouli=

c) Clarity Blend #3

• 2 drops Peppermint
• 
2 drops Lemon
• 1 drop Frankincense

Different people will respond differently to the above blends based on their biochemical makeup and personal preferences. So, do try a few of them to see which one works best for you.

Recipe sources:

• www.aromaweb.com
• essentialoilsanctuary.com
• birchhillhappenings.com
• www.crunchybetty.com