Frankincense . . . one of the most hoard-worthy of all essential oils! Frankincense is historically revered for its meditative qualities, which have been utilized by various religious and medical practitioners for centuries. Considered a holy oil in the Middle East, Frankincense is commonly used in holy incense and is widely thought to help improve communication with the divine. Its ability to help increase spiritual awareness can allow yoga practitioners to achieve a deeper meditation and physical yoga practice. Both grounding and meditative, frankincense essential oil is used to balance the root and crown chakras. It can be diffused or applied to vitaflex points to enhance an asana or meditation practice. We diffuse and apply frankincense during my aromatherapy yoga classes to take our practice deeper, pairing it with grounding poses that will allow us to reconnect with our roots and inversions to stimulate the crown chakra and promote higher awareness. In addition to being a great tool to enhance yoga and meditation practices, frankincense is AMAZING for the skin. It can be applied directly onto the skin after mixing it in your palm with a little carrier oil (great for applying to scars, stretch marks, and dark spots), or added into a homemade face cream/serum. Here's one of my favorite combos: Frankincense Essential Oil DIYNighttime Facial Moisturizer with Frankincense
In a 2 oz. dropper bottle, combine:
Shake gently. Store in a cool, dry place. Apply nightly before bed to moisturize and help to reduce fine lines and blemishes!
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Joy is an essential oil blend that combines ten different essential oils, creating a lovely floral scent that is both relaxing and uplifting. Joy is composed of Lemon, Mandarin, Rose, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa, Jasmine, Rosewood, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, and Bergamot. Together they harmonize and emit a scent sweeter than any of the essential oils give off on their own. This blend is powerful, and it lives up to its name! I think of it as literal joy in a bottle.
Here are just some of the many ways to use it: Uplifting Bath: Add 2-3 drops of Joy essential oil blend to 1/2 cup epsom salts and add to your bath for an instant mood boost. Freshen Floors: Add a few drops of Joy essential oil blend to a rag, and rub down your hardwood floors. For carpet, try dabbing a few drops on a cotton ball and placing it inside the canister of your vacuum. Ease Anxiety: Feeling tense? Rub a drop of Joy essential oil blend on your wrists, neck, heart area, or feet. Rejuvenating Body Lotion: Add a few drops of Joy essential oil blend to an everyday lotion for a lovely additional scent. Soothe Lower Back Pain: Daily application of Joy essential oil can help alleviate lower back pain. DIY Car Air Freshener: This one is a must for me (my car usually smells like my dog!). Just put one drop on a cotton ball and stick it in the air vents of your car for a sweet scent. Or you can add it to a spray bottle with water and spritz away! DIY Scented Stationery: Add a drop of Joy essential oil to give any stationery a luxurious scent and a nice personal touch. Give a Romantic Massage: Add 10-12 drops of Joy essential oil to 2 oz. of massage oil. Naturally Great-Smelling Laundry: Place a few drops of Joy essential oil on a cloth and throw it in with the rest of the laundry. Alleviate Menstrual Cramps: A few drops of Joy essential oil rubbed directly onto the abdomen can help ease cramps. Brighten your Day: Diffuse Joy essential oil in the house to give everyone a nice boost. If you’re alone, dab a few drops on your palm, heart area or the tip of your nose. Sometimes I even wear this as a perfume! Just a dab on the wrists and back of the neck. (Insider tip: If you're not typically a fan of floral scents, this blend may not be your favorite, but it can be combined in the diffuser with Citrus Fresh to create a more balanced scent that freshens the air and appeals to everyone!) I like to diffuse and share joy essential oils with my yoga clients to help lift our spirits as we practice backbending sequences and open our hearts! Lemon! Where do I even start with this AMAZING oil? It can be used for everything from cooking and cleaning to emotional and physical balance! Emotionally and spiritually, lemon essential oil can help promote focus and clarity. Its uplifting scent awakens the senses and clears the mind of distractions, helping to focus the mind on the task at hand. It can also be helpful to overcome confusion or doubt, fatigue, and lack of enthusiasm. Lemon is so very versatile, and it’s one of the popular oils in Young Living’s Premium Starter Kit. In fact, it's one of the three oils I consistently reorder because I use it so much (right up there with lavender and peppermint!). So many uses throughout the entire house; I never thought I would be brightening my complexion with the very same thing I use to de-grease my stove-top. This is some powerful stuff, yet 100% natural and gentle enough to use on my skin! Here are some of the many ways it can be used: For the mind: Increase brain function and stimulate neurons by diffusing lemon essential oil for study or testing. Inhale lemon essential oil or place a few drops on a cotton ball to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Place a drop in your hands to inhale, rub a drop into long or short hair, or diffuse through the room during times of anxiety. For the body: Place a drop of lemon essential oil on oily skin or blemishes to help balance oil glands and minimize oil production. Soothe corns, calluses, or bunions by rubbing lemon essential oil on the affected area morning and evening. Add several drops of lemon essential oil to a chicken marinade for a delicious dinner. For a natural hand sanitizer, rub a drop on your hands. Apply a drop of lemon oil to the tongue to freshen breath. Add lemon essential oil to a cup of water in the morning for a detoxifying and pH balancing drink. Add to water or a smoothie for a refreshing pick-me-up. Lemon is also one of the essential oils that make up what’s commonly called the Weight Loss/Detox Trio. The combination of Lemon, Peppermint and Citrus Fresh/Grapefruit together can help to suppress appetite and rid the body of toxins. In the home: Combine 2–3 drops of lemon essential oil with water in a spray bottle to help cleanse and sanitize surfaces. Add 10–15 drops of lemon essential oil to a gallon of natural carpet cleaning solution to help pull out stains, brighten carpet and rugs, and leave a fresh smell in the room. Add 10-15 drops to water and use as a stain remover for laundry. Use 1–2 drops to remove gum, oil, grease spots, glue or adhesive, and crayon from most surfaces. Place a few drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball and put in the refrigerator or garbage can to help eliminate odors. To clean and increase the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, fill a bowl with cool water and 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil. Place produce in water, stir around so all surfaces come in contact with the lemon. Soak dish clothes in a bowl of water with 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil overnight to kill germs. For a natural furniture polish, add several drops to a half cup of olive oil or beeswax. In your yoga practice: Add a drop of lemon to vitaflex points such as the thumbs or big toes, or diffuse to boost energy and promote focus during the practice. Lemon can also aid in balancing the Manipura Chakra, the third chakra located in the solar plexus which is the center of self-confidence, by helping to stimulate and cleanse the digestive system. I diffuse this one in my yoga classes when focusing on solar plexus balancing poses to foster balanced emotions and positive self-esteem. “Don’t move the way fear makes you move. Move the way love makes you move. Move the way joy makes you move.”
~ Osho This blend is quickly becoming one of my favorites to have on hand during the warm Summer months!
Citrus Fresh is a blend made up of several essential oils, including orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and spearmint! The blend has calming and energizing qualities and appeals to both children and adults. It supports the immune system, as it is rich in antioxidants, and promotes positive emotions. It can also be used as an air purifier to get rid of odor or stale air in your home. It can be used diffused, ingested or applied topically. Diffuse: I love to diffuse this one because it makes the house smell clean while also uplifting my mood! Although this blend has relaxing qualities, it gives me a little energy boost too, similar to when I diffuse peppermint or lemon. I find that 4-6 drops in the diffuser is a good amount for me, so start there and add more if you'd like a stronger scent. Ingest: Citrus Fresh Vitality is labeled for internal use and can be ingested. It can be used as part of the popular Weight Loss/Detox Trio, taken in a vegetable capsule, as citrus oils can help the body to detox and keep cravings at bay. I really like to add 1-2 drops to a glass of sparkling water. It's a delicious pick-me-up and adding a little flavor helps me keep up my water intake - perfect for Summer! Apply topically: Always dilute this blend 1:1 with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba, or grapeseed (my favorite). And, as with all citrus oils, remember not to apply to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight within 12 hours! I diffuse this oil in my aromatherapy yoga classes this week to foster a positive environment as we practice heart-opening asanas such as dhanurasana (bow pose) and natarajasana (dancer), encouraging a happy, open heart! In class this week, I'll be diffusing peppermint essential oil to boost energy levels as well as using a cooling peppermint body spray to help cool off and balance the manipura chakra (solar plexus) after some steamy vinyasas! Peppermint is one of the most popular oils because it is so versatile. In addition to being a great oil to use in yoga classes, it's one that I consider a staple in my oil arsenal, using it to help alleviate headaches, stomachaches, allergies, and even as a detox aid when I am cleansing. Plus, it’s one of the “Everyday Oils” in Young Living’s Premium Starter Kit, so it's one of the first oils most people learn to use when first starting out . The “Everyday Oils” are very much true to their title - you will find yourself using these oils every single day for a variety of reasons, and Peppermint is no exception. This quick and easy cooling spray is one of my favorites, both when I'm teaching classes and any time I need a quick cool down and pick-me-up. I'll definitely be taking this with me on all my summertime hikes! Peppermint Essential Oil DIYMake Your Own Peppermint Cooling Spray Ingredients
Instructions
This week, I'm lucky enough to be on a lovely seaside getaway with my mom. Relaxing, soaking up the sun, and releasing all of the stress that builds from a busy schedule. Keeping up with multiple jobs and hobbies as well as making time for self-care and to blossom personal relationships can be a lot, even when you absolutely love the things you do! For those times when the stress is really building and a quick getaway isn't in the cards, there is Stress Away. The blend of copaiba, lime, cedarwood, ocotea, and lavender essential oils along with vanilla leave me feeling like I’m a thousand miles away from my everyday stresses, allowing me to come back to center and hit "refresh" - it really is the next best thing to lounging seaside! Stress Away can be used aromatically, topically, and as a dietary supplement. Most often, I use a roll-on to roll a little bit onto my wrists, rub them together, and hold them up to my nose, inhaling the scent with several deep breaths. The roll-on has quickly become one of my favorites, and I love to use it in the beginning of my evening yoga classes to help students get centered and let go of any lingering stress from the workday as they ease into the practice. Here are some other great ways to use this blend:
Dilute 1-2 drops and apply to the back of your neck and temples to minimize stress. Diffuse 8 drops of Stress Away with 4 drops of Peppermint to uplift and unwind. Add 10 drops of oil to 2 cups of epsom salt. Add to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Diffuse 8 drops of Stress Away with 4 drops of lavender before bedtime to promote healthy sleep. Dilute and apply to wrists or back of next to calm nerves. Add 2 drops to water and drink throughout the day to reduce stress and promote confidence. I recently started teaching an Aromatherapy Flow class at PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, in which we use essential oils both aromatically and topically to increase energy levels, open up the chakras, and enhance relaxation and meditation. I found myself using the oils while teaching more and more, and thought having a class built around that concept would really allow students to experience the full power of the oils to enhance the practice and balance the chakras. This week's class will feature the "Swiss Army Knife" of oils: Lavender! While it is commonly used as a relaxation aid, lavender is helpful for SO many things, from helping to soothe cuts and scrapes to refreshing air and linens, and even alleviating an itchy scalp. In class this week, I'll have lavender diffusing to create a calming and peaceful environment and will also offer a lavender body mist to aid in relaxation during balasana (child's pose) and savasana (the final relaxation pose, and arguably the most important pose of all!). Since it is so versatile, lavender can be used to balance four of the seven chakras: the solar plexus, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. This class will focus on the solar plexus with lots of strong core poses including virabhadrasana I and II (warrior poses) and dhanurasana (bow pose), and the crown chakra with application of lavender and inversions. I'm so excited to have this opportunity to share one of my favorite essential oils with my clients! Want to try out lavender in an everyday use? Try this super easy recipe for a DIY lip balm:
DIY Lavender Lip Balm 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil 25 Drops of Vitamin E Oil 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (I use Young Living's 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oils) Directions: Warm coconut oil so it is liquid, approximately 30 seconds in microwave. DO NOT OVERHEAT as this will breakdown the therapeutic benefits of the lavender. Stir in 25 drops of Vitamin E Oil and 10 drops of lavender. Pour into 1 pot jar or 5 mini-pots. Cover with lid(s) and place in refrigerator until firm. ***Remember coconut oil turns liquid at 76 degrees so you’ll want to keep this in a cool spot (cooler than 76 degrees anyway). Late last month I took a couple of days off to spend a long weekend learning about and practicing Integral Yoga at the Satchidananda Ashram, against the lovely backdrop of Central Virginia in the fall. October was quite a month for me - professionally busy and overbooked, as well as personally and emotionally taxing. I was in need of a little me time, and decided a peaceful ashram where I could both relax and re-energize through the practice and study of yoga was the perfect place to take it. The Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville was created by Sri Swami Satchidananda as a place to teach and live the principles of Integral Yoga, a lineage that stems from Sivananda Yoga and is based on integrating six branches of yoga that, when practiced all together, lead the practitioner to a peaceful and useful life (for more on the six branches, visit the Ashram's Integral Yoga page). The Ashram is housed on over 600 acres of land in Buckingham, VA. Upon arrival, it actually seems like quite the bustling village after the many miles driven as the solitary car on the long, windy, two-lane roads that lead to the Ashram. But of course, once you settle in, the innate quietness of the place sinks in. In addition to the Integral Yoga teacher trainings and workshops, the Ashram offers a number of planned daily activities for guests who are not participating in a specific program. The daily itinerary includes guided and regular meditation sessions, lectures on Integral Yoga and incorporating yoga philosophy into daily life, Ashram tours, and two Hatha classes in addition to a Yoga Nidra class. If you so choose, you can partake in a planned group activity from 6:00AM through supper. Of course, I arrived on Thursday afternoon with the same mind frame I adopt for professional conferences, which is " Go to everything! Learn all the things!" By Friday morning, the quiet and iPhone-free environment had settled over me, and I started to feel as serene as the place itself. (Full disclosure: I did break the no iPhone rule to take pictures. And maybe I instragrammed a few. . .) While I still attended most of the lectures as well as Hatha and meditation sessions, I also took time to spend on my own. And I'm so glad I did because sitting on the lawn, either re-reading the Sutras or just taking in my surroundings, and wandering through the Ashram's hiking trails meditating in nature were some of the most centering and energizing experiences I had that weekend. There is a sense of calm in Yogaville that made it much easier to do the things I ask my students to do in every class - things like leaving the to-do list at the door, focusing on the breath and being both mentally and physically present. We're all familiar with the old you are no better than the company you keep/birds of a feather adage, and it turns out it's true for our physical surroundings as well as the humans who surround us. If we live our lives in a hectic environment with overflowing shelves and overbooked calendars, surrounding ourselves with the noise of negativity - the opinions of others, friends/family/acquaintances that don't serve us, destructive habits, whatever that noise consists of for you - why are we so surprised when we sit down to meditate and the mind isn't still? "Here, in Yogaville, all are in good company: the company of like-minded people seeking to live easeful, peaceful, and useful lives. If you are in this kind of good company, your mind is more calm. When your mind is more calm, you experience your own inner Self. It’s as simple as that. Those who find it difficult to follow any spiritual practices will find an immediate benefit by living in such an environment. They will get great benefit just by leaving the bad company behind, just by changing the environment, and by finding the good company." - Sri Swami Satchidananda One of my brilliant teachers - the one who inspired me to become a teacher myself - always pushes her students to work hard and find their edge, while also gently reminding them that where they are today is where they are meant to be. "If it was supposed to be easy, it would be called Yoga Perfect," she would say as I struggled to keep both feet afloat in my crow pose, or to pike up into headstand (poses I still struggle with and work on regularly, by the way). Her point here was to push us to our absolute edge and then a little more, slowly pushing further and further with every practice until eventually we could hold that pose that once so intimidated us
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