Aromatherapy smells great and creates an instant relaxing effect if you are able to enjoy the smell. With a little acupuncture know-how, you can amplify your self care with aromatherapy by applying essential oils to acupoints.

There are several blends we have here at WGA that I often turn to in treatment or when recommending self care practices. Inner Balance, Harmony and Stress Release are the ones in high rotation for me this summer.

A common thread to all of these blends is they all have a floral oil in the blend. I find that florals create an instant euphoric effect. My teacher, Tiffany Carole, calls this putting you in a “bliss bubble that allows you to be present.” These are great when applied to the Shen Men acupressure point on the ear and to the pulse points on the inner wrist.

My favorite blends when doing self care with aromatherapy:

1) Inner Balance – Especially great right now as it has Rose Damask in it. It has a natural affinity for summer time and calming the heart. Also in this blend is Silver Fir – great for boosting the reserves when we’re feeling emotionally or physically worn out, especially from grief. (Apply to ear SM, Ht7 and LU9)

2) Harmony – Jasmine Sambac another wonderful floral that is great for pain that has an emotional source. Its partner in this formula is Blue Tansy. This oil helps diffuse anger and encourages you to be more creative and go with the flow. An added bonus is that blue tansy has chemical constituents helping to settle histamine responses. (Apply to ear SM, PC6, LR3) *Be careful, Blue tansy is not a substitute for treatments for allergic reactions with anaphylaxis.

3) Stress Release – Neroli is the queen floral in this formula and helps us feel instant relief (a Calgon-take-me-away kind of moment for all you Gen X-ers and beyond). Not to be outshined by the bright lemony notes of bergamot which puts things into perspective in a quick few seconds. Roman chamomile adds soothing and calm elements, completing the feeling of being able to surrender to the moment offered by Stress Release. (Apply to ear SM, Ht7, YT, LR3)

What to know before you apply the oils:

All of these blends are made for topical use or for diffusing only. They are not meant to be ingested or taken internally. These particular blends are made by Snow Lotus Essential Oils and are diluted with Jojoba oil. Please check all the ingredients to be sure that you do not have an allergy. If you have any sensitivity to these oils, apply a carrier oil such as coconut, olive oil, jojoba or another oil and then apply a warm, damp cloth to remove the oil. If you are pregnant or nursing we recommend consulting with your physician before using the oils.

If you would like more information customized to your well being needs, we’re happy to make suggestions at your next acupuncture session or come join us for one of our pop up self care classes.

Consider adding to your self care with aromatherapy!

-Laura Goff, LAc

Check out her profile here.