Aroma Genera Therapy

Aroma Genera Therapy

by | Aromatics, Energetics

Those of you who have experienced an aromatherapy massage know firsthand how some aromas make you smile and some make you grimace. There is more to this than meets the nose. In her book, The Fragrant Mind, British Aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood describes how certain aromas can evoke emotional, psychological and physical reactions just by smelling them. Her treatment protocol, called Aroma Genera, identifies nine aroma personalities which correspond to the way people think, feel, act and describes their personality traits. Since aroma is processed by the Limbic System in the brain, there are many reactions a person can have to a specific aroma. This area of the brain can evoke memories, dreams, feelings, thoughts, tastes, other sensations, passions and drives, belief systems, and our reactions to all these things. Aroma Genera allows you to explore your conscious and sub-conscious processes in a safe and respectful manner. You are always in control of the experience.

To perform an Aroma Genera session, the therapist allows the client to relax in a chair and close their eyes. Then, the therapist hands one of the nine personality smelling strips to the client and asks them to inhale deeply. Immediate reactions are noted. The client explains and describes everything they experience while smelling the strip. It is up to the therapist to write down all pertinent themes and descriptions, asking only for clarification of the reactions and information. The therapist does not lead the client using questions or comments. This experience is between the client and the aroma . Once all nine strips have been used, the therapist may choose to repeat some strips for the client. At the end of a session, the therapist will review how a client reacted to each aroma strip and allow time for the client to talk about the experience and begin to integrate the information.

People use Aroma Genera at times when they feel stuck for answers or have a creative block. Sometimes, people are wanting to delve deeper into themselves to understand more of what makes them tick. Perhaps they are looking for the reasons behind their unhelpful behaviour patterns and deep hurts, hoping that once they understand these, they can move forward with more acceptance and love . Aroma is the vehicle to take you there.

A full treatment series is 6 weekly sessions (90-120 min. each), with an Aroma Genera Personality Questionnaire completed at Week 2. After the 6th session, the client is invited back for a free 7th visit in order to review all the information collected over the 6 sessions. For those not sure if Aroma Genera is for them, a single session may help them to evaluate this.

So will your strongest influence be from the Fruitie, Spicie, Herbie, Woodie, Leafie, Resinie, Rootie, Seedie or Floral aroma personality? Only sniffing will tell.

Article written by Pat Antoniak Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.

Reflections on Mystery and Magic

Reflections on Mystery and Magic

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

In preparation for this weekend’s course, I have reflected upon what one could consider the mystery and magic in life. For some, ” magick ” is the active belief that the forces of Nature can be accessed through the use of certain rites, formulas or behaviours. These forces are considered preternatural and supernatural. Preternatural forces exceed or diverge from the common order observable in Nature, yet remain connected and within the known frame of natural laws. Examples of this include colours, sounds, scents, the elements in nature etc. Supernatural forces are neither bound nor explained by known natural laws.  They are usually attributed to a divine force or order.  They pertain to the ultimate essential reality – the dimension we call Spirit, Source or the Divine.

Healing Magic is the force for positive transformation and empowerment, which naturally reflects a blend of the physical and metaphysical. In this model, health is understood as a natural harmony of Body, Mind and Spirit and a balanced relationship between the mundane and the Divine realms of energy.

Mystery is a wonderment in the ways of the world, universe and our placement in them.   It requires Faith in the existence of a Divine Being and a Divine Plan even though not all is revealed to us at this time. Mystery means having a connection with Divinity.  The Mystic!

“The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical.   It is the foundation of all true science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.

To know that what is inconceivable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom, as the most radiant beauty which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most primitive form — this knowledge, this feeling, is at the centre of true religiousness.”

Quote from Albert Einstein

May the mystery and magic of life be with you always!

Article written by Pat Antoniak Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.

Hydrosols and Aromatic Waters

Hydrosols and Aromatic Waters

by | Aromatics

There are two main waters collected from distillation of aromatic plant materials. Hydrosols are the waters created during steam distillation for essential oil production;  they could be seen as a “by-product” of essential oil production. On the other hand,   Aromatic Waters  are created from water distillation of aromatic plant materials specifically for the water-soluble components found in the plant material. Both hydrosols and aromatic waters have a place in our aromatherapy tool kit.

Hydrosols are important for skin care as they contain restorative plant acids and other wonderful antioxidant substances . As they have no petrochemicals or alcohol as a base or preservative, they are a lovely, natural alternative to  commercial skin toners which can have a drying/damaging effect.  Hydrosols can be used to calm down inflammation from burns or rashes .  Some women have reported that certain cold hydrosols, when sprayed on their face/neck and arms at the onset of a hot flash, help stop their hormonal hot flashes immediately.  Some people find drinking hydrosol is helpful for a variety of health issues. Be warned:  the product must be of the highest quality for this use, as hydrosols are prone to bacterial and fungal contamination.  This would not be healthy for your body!

Aromatic Waters are collected over a longer period of time and contain trace amounts of essential oil within. This acts as a natural preservative for these waters.  It is also why many people choose to use Aromatic Waters instead of hydrosols for internal use.  Aromatic Waters can be blended for all types of digestive issues, as many of them help calm bowel spasm and neutralize harmful bacteria in the gut. People with GERD have reported that they have fewer incidents and are able to eat a more varied diet without a problem if they use Aromatic Waters regularly. These waters can be used as a mouth wash to help keep bacteria and other organisms at bay.  This is very important to those undergoing chemotherapy as mouth ulcers and thrush infections are common problems associated with the treatment.  These mouth problems are  painful and often prevent the person from eating and drinking enough.  Aromatic Waters can also be used on the skin, just like hydrosols. And because of the traces of essential oils, they are important for infectious problems.

We are pleased to carry both Hydrosols and Aromatic Waters for your health and healing.  Come and try them out – you’ll be pleased with the results.

Article written by Pat Antoniak Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.

  Did you know ……

  • Thyme essential oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, but dilute it before using because it can burn your skin!
  • Sage or Rosemary  tea can be added to final rinse water to make dark hair shiny.
  • In sacred geometry , the “blank slate” symbolizes infinite potentiality.

 

Happiness and Health

Happiness and Health

by | Life Reflections

Those in the counseling professions will often say that there are more incidents of depression/suicide during and following the Holiday Season that at any other time of the year. Some of the reasons include the re-emergence of dysfunctional relationship issues which clash with the high hopes and expectations for a “perfect” family gathering. This clash of fantasy VS reality can make it very difficult for people to enjoy themselves, their families and their lives.  For some, the depression has been in hiding but when it bumps up against the expectations, pressures and disappointments life dishes out at holiday time, it seems to magnify the true underlying feelings. These days, the abuse of alcohol and drugs (prescription and recreational) can depress the nervous system to the point of feeling depressed.  Since the Holidays are a time of parties and celebrating, there is no shortage of substances to abuse!

So I was very pleased to see in our local Province paper, a short article by Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen – the You Docs – entitled, The Pursuit of Happiness Will Lead You To Better Health .  Most people know these fellows from Oprah Winfrey’s show, as she consulted them on many subjects.  I wish to share some of their thoughts.

“… You deserve true happiness and much of your emotional and physical health depends on it.  Positive emotions cancel out stress-related risks such as heart disease and cancer,  and make you younger.  So how do you get happy?  Follow these seven steps:

1.Talk nicely to yourself –  trade put-downs for encouraging words

  1. Connect – really talk with people you care about; get physical, too; hugs stimulate oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone”, spreading a feel-good boost
  2. Keep a daily gratitude journal – writing down what you are thankful for makes you healthier and more optimistic
  3. Don’t sit around – being active at least 30 minutes a day boosts happiness – and makes your body’s Real Age seven or more years younger
  4. 5.Meditate – it eases stress, strengthens immunity, ups happiness – big time!
  5. Understand unhappiness –  when it happens, learn from it; it’s a chance to make positive change
  6. Go for gentle and generous –  The real secret to being happy may be in realizing that true peace is about slowing down enough to recognize the gifts you have – gifts you can be passing along to others.

The payoff?  Huge!  You’ll be better able to cope with stress or pain and to fight off colds, flu, heart disease, even cancer.  And a big plus:  You’ll be happier!”     (The Province,  January 2012)

While the suggestions are great for helping people stay positive and happy although they may have sadness,  there are some types of depression that require more help than what is suggested above.  If you or someone you know has tried to manage depression but it hasn’t improved, you may need to seek professional help.  Research shows that individual and group counseling,  cognitive-behavioural therapy,  nutritional and exercise protocols and/or medications can all play a part in recovering from clnical depression. But the first step must come from the person affected.  Or a concerned family member or friend.

We have free information at the Centre on community supports and crisis services to help people with various emotional, psychological or substance abuse issues.  We will have this information posted on our website shortly.  No one needs to feel alone or powerless on their journey to regaining Happiness and Health.

Article written by Pat Antoniak  Registered Nurse – Registered Aromatherapist
and owner of the Natural Comfort Wellness Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.

Did you know …

  • February’s magical flower is the Primrose
  • The Chinese categorize Luck in three ways: heavenly luck, human luck and earthly luck; each contributes to your overall success in life
  • Heavenly Luck lets you change your destiny through prayers and meditation
  • Human Luck is about self-improvement and living compassionately
  • Earth Luck is the easiest to shift using Feng Shui, as it aligns your inner and outer worlds
What is Healing Music

What is Healing Music

by | Energetics, Psycho-Spiritual

There is mounting evidence that music can improve health and healing.   Those of you who have visited the Centre know, we play a variety of musical CDs in the Reception Area as well as each treatment room.  The selections are varied, but most people say that the music is calming and/or uplifting. I have wondered if any musically-inclined people have had opinions on what constitutes “healing music”.  Then, I came across a book entitled,  “The Healing Touch of Music:  An Exploration” ,  by Alana Woods.  In one section, she lists the views from four healing music composers as to what, in their views, comprises “healing music”.  This is what she discovered.

Dr. Steven Halpern :  his major aim is to produce music that is therapeutic and to do so all semblance of a regular beat is removed in his compositions.   He says this leaves spaces between the musical phrases and allows the meditative mood to develop, thereby increasing the theta brain wave pattern (deep relaxation) in the listener.

Don Campbell:  says it takes from five to seven minutes to begin to feel the space of music.   This “space” in the musical design is important.  He feels the musical environment where healing occurs is created due to the texture and patterning of the music, the time of day one listens, the attitude and the environment.  One tone prolonged in the lower ranges is important for healing music, a repeated motif, and not too much repetition so it does not becomes boring.  All these qualities make up the power of music to soothe or stir up.

Kay Gardner :  says there are basically nine elements in composing healing music.  They are:

  • Intent – the most important.  The composer must have the intention to create healing music;  immerse himself/herself in pure, loving, thought and open to the Divine
  • Drone – long, uninterrupted sounds (eg. East Indian ragas) which set up a sympathetic vibration
  • Repetition – to establish a tone of comfort and familiarity
  • Harmonics – overtones, the spiritual content in music
  • Harmony – simple, the emotional content
  • Melody – gives direction, takes you somewhere and transcends pain
  • Form – gives direction
  • Instrumental colour – pertains to different instruments that affect different parts of the body
  • Rhythm – deep, healthy pulse must be achieved

Tom Kenyon – uses the latest multi-track technology to create healing music that utilizes a combination of sixty beats per minute, rhythm, rocking motions, F-major chord called the “perfect harmonic fifth” as used in Greek Mystery schools, subliminals using NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), Ericksonian hypnotherapy metaphors, psychoacoustic frequencies that balance the brain waves, bells, keyboard vocals, and whale and dolphin sounds.  These recordings, when scientifically tested on spectrum analysis machines show a very high frequency.  They give full body information for the listener, with the intent to feed and nourish the endocrine and nervous systems of the body, heal memories and stimulate profound states of relaxation and awareness.

Woods goes on to say that our listening capacity is conditioned .  We hear culturally, genetically and according to what is in the individual memory.  We listen, then link the pieces we know with given emotional, mental or even unconscious associations.  Nevertheless, there is a spiritual power to be felt in great works of music. It may well lead the listener into a new world of experience.  A reminder, momentarily, of the larger picture in life, of restoration and harmony.

Next time you listen to a great piece of music, allow yourself to be totally immersed in its healing sounds.  Songs in the Key of Life (thanks Stevie!).