What?! A Clinical Aromatherapist saying I should use essential oil LESS?
Yes, that’s exactly what I am saying and let me tell you why. Then I will help you transition your use so that you are using them properly and safely. You don’t need a lot to pack a punch!
Though most of my clients, who have been with me a long time, know me as their Massage Therapist, others may know me as their facilitator or teacher.
Growing up, I struggled in traditional school. As soon as I started college, though, something clicked. I found my passion and I did well! From that point on I couldn’t learn fast enough. Life is full of so many wonders and infinite information to learn. When I realized I enjoyed facilitating knowledge in a non-traditional setting, that was it. I knew it was where I was supposed to be. In turn, it has continued my own learning process as well.
I want to share with you all the different classes and workshops I offer and hope you join me soon! I offer them in groups, privately or online. Most of these life art classes and workshops integrate self-care and meditation.
As my Astrothecary line has started moving forward, I wanted to start to share a little of the process with everyone. Each small batch is blended on full moons, but I also take into consideration what sign the moon is in, as well as the sun and sometimes other major planetary actions. From my studies in traditional herbalism and astrology and aromatherapy too, I have gathered lists of plants and aromas that correspond with each planet and sign. Here is a very basic rundown of signs and plants or aromas that correlate with them.
The first time I picked up an astrology book was when I was 15. Connecting to my sun sign of Aquarius was like opening up a book and reading about my life. From then on, astrology flitted in and out of my life. About 6 years ago, I started really delving into it, reading as much as I could and pulling up charts to try to decipher them. A year ago I made the leap to start studying with a teacher and mentor who has been doing astrology for almost 40 years.
You may ask “what the heck does this all have to do with wellness, Cathy?” It took me this long to realize what an important, historical, life art that astrology is and how it has woven itself in and out of my own wellness path, but it kept showing up in sessions with clients, my classes and life in general. And isn’t wellness the overall arc of life?
In 2013, I spent a half a year working on becoming a certified Aromatherapist. I felt it was overdue since I had already been spending over 10 years using essential oils. I graduated with 250 hours under my belt… but I didn’t feel that was enough. I then decided to go back and start another 250 hour program, this time in clinical herbalism. I graduated the following year…a couple years went by and again, I didn’t feel that was enough so this time I decided to buckle down and study Master Aromatherapy.
I am currently finishing my Master Aromatherapy Certification and recently had to do a research paper on anything pertaining to Aromatherapy. My first thought was to write it on ethical and safe practices, as that is what I am a large advocate for in the world of aromatherapy. But soon, my brain started realizing I had done a ton of research and a few articles on that and I was ready to expand into something that isn’t a mainstream topic. So I began digging into the combination of Astrology and Aromatherapy.
Whether or not you make resolutions, it’s become more important than ever to take care of yourself. Besides living a long life and being around for your loved ones (including children), don’t you want your long life to be as stress-free as possible? Many people are probably laughing at that last thought, but of all the things you can control: How to relieve your body of unwanted stress.
Have you heard of 21st Century Stress? Yes, it’s a real thing. Whether we want to admit it or not, our lives are a constant buzzing around, checking emails, posting on facebook, tweeting this and texting that. We’ve actually somehow added to the day to day stress of just living, working, and even playing.
I hope you are enjoying this Red Tent journey through self-care. There are so many ways to show your self you care. In this post, we will delve a bit into creating. You don’t have to be an arts and crafts to create, it can mean so many things!
Now that we are grounded and present, the next step is to do some Cleansing. This can mean your body, mind, and even space. I will give you a great cleansing foot bath recipe, but also a few other ideas as well. The recipe does not have to be exact. It may sound strange, but you can find many of these items in your kitchen or a grocery store.
The Linden flower comes from the Tilia tree family. Some common names you might recognize are Basswood trees or Linden tree or Lime Flower Tree.
Linden flowers may be used fresh or dried in infusions, teas, tinctures, infused oils and essential oil. It has a sweet taste and aroma. Suggested uses: uplifting, calming, expectorant, anti-inflammation, anti-spasmodic, sedative.
Quick Tip: Use the light green straight leaf attached to the flowers in a tea for a cheerful treat, served hot or iced.
