Essential healing
I like using more natural things to soothe the mind and body. I’m not a big advocate of pharma for aches and pains, although those medications certainly DO have their place in treatment of disease. I am concerned however about how reliant and ultimately dependent modern society seems to be on pharmaceuticals. A few years ago, I was disheartened, confused and down right sad when reading the Time Magazine’s Special Report, The Opioid Diaries. The series chronicles devastating stories accompanied by appalling images of pharmaceutically addicted persons whose lives have spun out of control.
The advice seems to be everywhere. Indeed I’ve been advised by well meaning friends to take a half a percocet for depression instead of asking the questions, that get at the root of the thing, like;
“Why is your life hurting you so much that you sound like you need a half a percocet to get through the day?”
Again, and I want to be perfectly clear, that for those with serious mental illness (depression included) drugs absolutely have their necessary and proper place and should be used.
My point is, lets start asking root cause questions. In other words, “Really, what is hurting me?”
Addiction aside, my concerns are also that the drugs have so many side effects. SOOOO MANY SIDE EFFECTS!
Some questions that I’ve learned to ask myself while here at Eden Valley:
Did I eat a nutrient rich meal(s) today?
Did I drink enough water?
Did I get enough sleep?
Did I get a hug(s) - I insist upon 4 a day since returning from Saudi and its done me a world of good.
Did I exercise today?
Did I pray?
Did I laugh today?
Aches and pains do come, no doubt about it. I have had the “pleasure” of broken bones, back pain, achilles strain, migraine headaches, a dislocated knee (skiing is dangerous), sciatica down my left leg, and various women’s complaints. My time at Eden Valley Institute of Wellness has been filed with twice daily lectures on everything from botanicals to poultices to the lecture yesterday on essential oils.
So, do I think we need to take a pill to make any semblance of discomfort magically go away? I would argue no. This said… I’m a little bit of a catastrophist.
I have a tendency to think that if I take a Benadryl three nights in a row I’ll end up living in a cardboard box over a subway grate (how I will have migrated to New York City or Chicago to live over a subway grate I haven’t quite worked out…). I imagine that I will battle with rats for garbage crumbs gleaned from the gutter, (because somehow, I won’t be ambitious enough to look for perfectly good food that may have been in the dumpster should I have enough ambition to open the lid and hoist myself up and over the side). ANNNNNDDD my family and friends have completely abandoned me.
Aside: D.A.R.E (remember that American 90’s kids?) worked! I actually wore that tee-shirt till it disintegrated.
There’s no way around it though. Sometimes we just don’t feel well and sleep and water aren’t curing it. Take last night for instance. I settled into a raging headache after feeling not so great all day. Headache to tummy ache I was physically confused. I tried to walk it out taking deep breaths in the fresh air and sunshine. I tried to rest it out (skipping my sauna)…but nothing.
Fortunately , as I mentioned, earlier that day, I attended a class on essential oils and recalled that peppermint oil applied to the temples and massaged in upward motions to the back of the neck would help with a headache. During the evening lecture on wheat intolerance and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), I asked one of the staff for the peppermint essential oil and applied it during during the lecture. The pain subsided enough so that I could concentrate and eventually rest relatively comfortably that evening.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that are believed to help improve one’s physical, mental, emotional, health and well-being when used correctly. Essential oils are sourced from various types of plant material – tree bark and resin, roots, plants, stems, flowers, seeds, nuts, and even fruit.
How can essential oils heal?
The most healing oils will offer multiple properties to support the body like for example: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, calmative and sedative pain relief.
Which essential oils do what?
With around 90 essential oils on the market, it can be hard to discern which to use for what ailment. Lavender, sandalwood and bergamot are popular for stress relief and smell amazing! Varieties like ylang-ylang and jasmine are reputed to boost libido. Some, like lemon oil, are believed to address a laundry list of conditions: morning sickness, pain and acne, to name a few.
Which essential oil have I used the most during my stay at Eden Valley and why?
Frankincense oil (Boswellia carterii) - This oil helps boost the immune system and is great for fighting infections. It also acts as a sedative that helps manage stress and release nervous tension. I have been asked to ingest a tiny bit each morning in coconut oil (not pleasant) and also apply to my stomach each night before my poultice.
As you consider the use of essential oils, do your research, figure out which should be used and how they can benefit you. Maybe you just want to sleep better (aromatics via an air dispenser) or you wish to ease arthritic pain (internally ingested).
Have you ever tried to use essential oils? Would you be open to using them as a first line of defense for minor ailments instead of taking a pharmaceutical? Please leave your comments and thoughts below.