AROMATHERAPEUTICS
This month I am touching on my most loved topic and bringing you some valuable recipes to use at home over the coming months.
As you all know I am very ‘holistic’ and like to make and use all natural products. Even though I have been writing in the magazine for a while now I feel like I have barely scratched the surface on holistics. So here is a little fact of the month.
What is the meaning of holistic?
The word itself has its roots in Greek holos, meaning whole or multi-dimensional (think of a hologram) the word itself only came into being in the 1970s (I have truly been born with the word!!) the concept can be traced back to the ancient civilizations, reflected in comprehensive systems of healing such as Ayurvedic medicine, massage, reflexology, an unbroken tradition for many years. Yet we in the western world are only just beginning to awaken to the wisdom of the past.
Thankfully we are now experiencing an upsurge of interest in traditional systems of healing whose incredibly complex philosophies were once dismissed as ‘primitive’ or ‘superstitious’
The aim of holistic healing is to nurture the mind/body complex, treating the person as a whole. The spiritual aspect is hard for some to understand, but this aspect is tied up with our sense of purpose and meaning. Without purpose we become depressed, life then appears bleak and meaningless. It is important for us to be conscious of our sense of purpose and meaning.
No matter our situation, if somewhat challenging, those who live and breath the holistic ideal have qualities such as peace, compassion, intuition and nurturing of self and others as a whole.
This month I leave you with my favourite holistic path … “Aromatherapy”.
Some aromatic prescriptions from one of my favourite books. Being a person who in the past experienced the cold several times a year until I began my aromatherapy journey properly… I think this will be valuable to many cold sufferers.
Any questions on oils, bottles etc please ask.
Relaxing Chest Rub (Bedtime)
50ml almond oil
5 drops Frankincense
10 drops Lavender
5 drops Marjoram
Put the essential oils into a dark glass bottle, top up with base almond oil and shake well.
Stimulating Chest Rub (Daytime)
50ml almond oil
5 drops Eucalyptus
10 drops Spike Lavender (or Rosemary)
5 drops Pine
Mix as previous recipe
Sinusitis Balm
(a favourite of many of my clients)
1 dessert spoon Vaseline
8 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Peppermint
Hot Spicy Lemon & Honey Drink
(use at the first sign of a cold)
1 pint (500ml) still spring water
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Cinnamon stick (broken)
1 level teaspoon ground ginger
Honey to taste (optional)
Juice of one freshly squeezed lemon
Pour the water into a saucepan add cloves and broken cinnamon stick, bring to boil.
Turn heat down and simmer covered for 5mins. Turn heat off, add the ground ginger and leave to infuse for 30mins. Reheat before use to just below simmering. Pour through a strainer into a cup, then add a dessertspoon of lemon juice and as much honey as you wish. Drink a cupful 2 or 3 times a day, gently heating (but not with the lemon or honey in the pot) each time before use.
November special Offer:
Hot Stones Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage for €25
Or
Vitamin C hydrating facial for €25
( or you can combine both for €40)
www.canaletherapy.com
T: 693 018 046
