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Newsletter #4. Fall 2008.

Baths for Colds

Few activities are as soothing and relaxing as taking a warm bath; soaking seems to ease not only sore muscles but emotional tension, as well. If you have a cold, bathing can offer the extra advantage of encouraging your body to sweat the toxins out. Adding essential oils can truly turn the experience into a healing bath. Baths give the oils a double route into the body – through scent diffused the steam and through the skin. Warmed by the bathwater, he skin is more permeable to the oils, which can then enter the bloodstream in a faster manner, releasing their therapeutic effects. A thyme-oil bath, for instance, works to strengthen the weakened resistance of your body; using eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils will loosen chest and nasal mucus to relieve congestion. Baths containing essential oils will moisturize condition and soften your skin.

Therapeutic effect:

Combining a bath with essential oils can both soothe the spirit and heal the body. The medicinal effects of your bath will vary according to the essential oil chosen; the essential oil of tea tree is antiseptic; rosemary is an expectorant; and thyme essential oil strengthens the immune system. To maximize the effects of the bath, dry-brush your skin with a natural-fiber brush before bathing to open up pores and remove dead skin. Use about 4 drops of essential oil in the tub filled halfway; or 8 in a full bath.

Tea-tree oil for weakened immune system

Cold viruses attack us when our immunity weakened. The essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a great antiseptic for fighting viral and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. The oil also thins mucus that is causing nasal stuffiness and coughs, making it easier to eliminate. Tea-tree oil helps to soothe inflammations, bites and burns, as well.

Rosemary oil for coughing.

Essential oil of rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) with its fresh, crisp aroma, disinfects respiratory and nasal passages and clears bronchial tubes, relieving the urge to cough. It also spurs expectoration, increases circulation and eases aches attributed to fever.

Thyme oil for infections

The essential oil of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can help fortify the immune system, stimulate metabolism and warm and energize the whole body .The oil is a strong antibacterial agent helpful when used for respiratory infections, including not only colds but also flu and bronchitis. Thyme oil soothes the muscle aches that accompany these infections.

Take care!

Each essential oil has its own specific properties and appeal; see which is best for your state of mind and symptoms. Follow recipes closely, and never add more oil than is called for. Always dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, plus a little alcohol and honey, so it can dissolve better into the bathwater; you can add cream as an extra emulsifier, if you wish. After bathing, cover yourself well and rest for about 1 hour.

Extra tip

Massage your skin with gentle and circular motions while you are in the bath to bring blood to the surface. In addition, a massage tones muscles and energize the body.

Applications

A blend of essential oils can often intensify the healing properties of individual oils in the bath. Make sure to use specific essential oils according to the Latin names given in this newsletter to guarantee optimal healing effects and purity of the oil.

• For boosting immunity, mix 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil (Eucalyptus globules), 5 drops thyme essential oil, 2 drops tea-tree oil, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 Tbsp. vodka or gin.
• For congestion and fever, mix 6 drops rosemary essential oil, 6 drops thyme essential oil, 1 Tbsp. sunflower oil, 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 tbsp. vodka or gin.

• For sinus infections, mix 4 drops tea-tree essential oil, 1 Tbsp. sweet-almond oil, 4 drops spike-like lavender essential oil (Lavandula spica), 4 drops peppermint oil (Mentha piperita), 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 Tbsp. vodka or gin. This healing bath should be taken at the onset of a sinus infection, when you first experience symptoms.
• Sea-salt bath for flu. Mix 1 cup fine sea salt with 4 drops thyme essential oil, 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil and 4 drops rosemary essential oil. Take this bath just before you go to bed; you should feel much better in the morning. Sea salt helps the body fight off viruses. In addition, it encourages sweating, which is another way the body eliminates toxins.

Baths used to relieve not only colds and coughs, but also insomnia, nervous tension, circulation problems, menstrual pain and headaches. If you have any of these problems you may contact our office to make an appointment to discuss them with doctor.

Self-healing techniques: Meditation

Meditation has its origins in many different religious traditions. Perhaps the best known meditative technique is yoga, which originated as part of the Hindu religion. No matter what the origin, however, all forms of meditation share a common goal: to achieve a state devoid of thought. Called “centering,” this is the highest expression of spiritual contemplation, and it can be achieved through a variety of means. For instance, reciting words or mantras, controlling breathing patterns or engaging in physically active meditations, such as the trance dance, can all help people let go of everyday concerns. Modern science has shown that relaxation of the mind has a healing effect on the body, helping people to reduce stress and, in turn, to prevent disease. People who meditate regularly feel more intensely that body, mind and soul are one.

Practive Makes Perfect

Meditation exercises should be practiced regularly, preferably daily. The more frequently you practice, the more easily you will approach complete inner peace. Your meditative sessions need not be long to be successful, but you must be willing to let go of your everyday concerns and focus on relaxation.

The Treatment

Mediate at the same time of day and in the same place – preferably in a comfortable area where you will not be disturbed. Stick to one routing for several weeks before you try another. For specific instruction on a particular form of meditation, sigh up for a class or workshop.

The effect of meditation

In a meditative state, metabolic processes, including respiration and blood flow, slow down. Scientists have documented this effect by measuring brain activity. In the waking brain, activity measures 13-30 Hertz (beta waves); during meditation, which mimics sleep, it is only 8-12 Hertz (alpha waves).

The view of mainstream medicine

The positive effect of meditation on the autonomic nervous system is not disputed. Neurological tests reveal that regular oscillation patterns occur in brain waves during meditation, reflecting deep relaxation.

A Little Lore

In traditional meditation, the mantra “om,” form the Sanskrit language, is believed to contain sounds that encompass Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – the Hindu gods of creation, preservation and destruction. Mediators all over the world use the mantra.

 Meditation is proven to ease stress, high blood pressure, emotional imbalance and depression; boost energy; improves concentration; and helps strengthen the immune system.

Mediation Exercise

One special type of mediation entails watching a burning candle. Sit in a darkened room and fix your attention on the flame.

1. Sit in a comfortable position that allows you to relax. Stare deeply and concentrate on the flame of the candle in front of you.
2. Relax and breathe softly and slowly through you nose. Take a few moments to think about nothing. Concentrate on how you abdomen slowly rises and falls with every breath and how the air flows though you entire body. A hand on your stomach may help awareness.
3. Allow your thoughts to wander serenely. Welcome every new thought like a good friend, but don’t dwell on it. The calming light emitted by the candle will allow you to forget everyday problems. You will feel less tension in your body and mental composure will result from this exercise.