These blends are formulated by our owner, Melanie Snell, who is a registered acupuncturist, herbalist and Reiki Master. She uses Chinese medicine theory in most of her products which will be indicated by the acronym TCM, which stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. The essential oil blends and singles are made in a Vancouver, BC, Canada facility specializing in essential oils.
Wood overacting on Earth - Aromatherapy Blend
What can this blend help with?
An imbalance between the Liver and Spleen energies (TCM Theory) - balances digestion by easing nausea, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, irritability, and frustration.
Ingredients:
Roman chamomile (Chamomile Anthemis), Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) in a base of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil.
- Roman Chamomile: In Chinese medicine, Roman Chamomile is seen as energetically being cool with neutral moisture. It is associated with the Wood Element (Liver/Gallbladder) and generally regulates all Qi, mainly Liver-Qi and strengthens the Qi in the Stomach to promote good digestion. The Wood element exemplifies the energy of growth, change, and pushing through (in a healthy way), so Chamomile tends to release stagnant Qi to help in this realm, usually resulting in relaxing the nerves, calming the Shen and moving Blood. Chamomile has an infinity with the solar plexus chakra relieving a build-up of stress and tension.
Meridians: Lungs, Heart, Stomach, Liver
Caution: Considered safe. Some people allergic to flowers in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family may be allergic to Chamomile.
- Lavender: In Chinese medicine, Lavender nourishes the Yin, activates the Qi, clears heat and calms the Shen. Lavender is a draining herb best applied in chronic excess conditions requiring dispersing, relaxing, and cooling; carefully use it as a single oil if you are deficient. Its element is Fire and Wood. Lavender essential oil promotes the opening of the heart and stimulation of the crown chakra, allowing us to be open to receiving. This is why I think it is an excellent oil for emotional conditions like nervous tension, nervous feebleness, anxiety and depression, making it an ideal oil for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Meridians: Heart, Pericardium, Lungs, Liver
- Lemongrass: In Chinese medicine, Lemongrass clears heat and wind and dries damp, regulates Qi - especially Liver Qi, harmonizes the Shen and regulates the middle warmer. Its element affinity is with Wood and Fire. Lemongrass essential oil connects to the solar plexus chakra and symbolizes your self-esteem, helping you feel confident and personally empowered. It promotes clarity, discernment and optimism (which is why you often smell it in spas).
Meridians: Stomach, Lungs, Heart
Caution: Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause skin irritation when applied to the skin.
Instructions:
Step 1: First, twist off the cap and either breathe in the invigorating scent from the roller or wash your hands and roll into the palm of your hand - rub your hands together and cup around your nose, inhale three slow, deep breaths.
Step 2: Roll a small amount onto the inside of the wrists, around the back of the ears/neck or sternum. Please be mindful that oils can stain. You do not have to continue to step 3 and use acupressure points (this is just another option to use these blends).
Step 3: Roll on and massage acupuncture/acupressure points:
- Ren 12, also called "Middle Cavity," In Chinese medicine, we call this point the Front Mu of the Stomach, as it directly affects the Stomach by tonifying and strengthening the spleen and the Qi. On an emotional level, especially the emotions of worry, anxiety and overthinking can also injure the healthy functioning of the Stomach and Spleen, resulting in weakness and therefore slowing down digestion and improper absorption of our food. If anger, frustration, and resentment are present, especially while eating, this can further impair healthy functioning resulting in stagnation of Qi which often manifests as abdominal pain.
- To locate Ren 12: This point is in the midline of the upper abdomen, halfway between the belly button and junction where the ribs come together, or about your hand's width above the belly button.
- Stomach 36, also called "Leg Three Miles," is one of the essential points to tonify Qi and Blood and is one of the most famous and commonly used acupuncture points. The name of this point reflects its use for accessing deep nourishment and energy when we are worn out and exhausted - "just three more miles, I can make it!". It helps strengthen Qi and Blood, removes dampness, strengthens your digestion and body, relaxes you spiritually, and relieves pain. It helps us connect to our Earth element and feel grounded to launch into the higher realms on our journey to self-realization.
- To locate Stomach 36: Measure four fingers widths down from the bottom of your knee cap along the outer boundary of your shin bone. At times it can feel tender to press.
- Liver 3, also called "Great Surge," whether you're feeling stuck physically, mentally, or emotionally, stimulation of this point can move stagnant energy, unburdens feelings of anger and resentment and supports growth. Generally, it resolves stagnation and tonifies Yin, balancing the Liver energies. An alternate translation of the point name is Happy Calm. When one feels angry or frustrated, the body often tenses. This rigidity does not allow for a smooth flow of Qi or Blood. The tension results in several symptoms arising and can vary from person to person.
- To locate Liver 3: This point is found on the top of your foot, in the hollow distal to the junction of the first and second toes. You may notice this area is tender when pressure is applied.
Warning: Store it in a cool dark place. For external use only. Avoid the eye area if you are epileptic or pregnant. If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. The information shared is not to replace your primary medical professional's advice.
References:
- Diploma of Acupuncture with Pacific Rim College
- The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia
- Aromatherapy by Micheline Arcier
- A-Z of Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis
- Natural Healing for Women by Susan Curtis and Romy Fraser
- Aromatic Medicine: Immune & Nervous Systems 2-part course with Peter Conway, Medical Herbalist, Pacific Rim College (PRC)
- The Nectar of Plants 3-part course with Josephine Spilka, L.Ac
- Aromatica Volume 1 & 2: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Principles and Profiles by Peter Holmes
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
- Chinese Medicine Essential Oils: A Materia Medica and Practical Guide to Their Use by Evelyn Robert L.Ac