Sometimes, a family movie night is what the doctor orders. We had dealt with quite a bit of sickness over the last two weeks. We had several night’s of laying on the couch watching everyone’s favorite shows. Problem is, we have a wide range of ages in our home which also means we have a wide range of likes and dislikes. So, most of the week, we just “dealt with what the other person picked to watch” and took turns picking. We had received the movie, “Playing With Fire” as a review. Thankfully, it was a movie my oldest (17) had been anxious to see but it was entertaining enough and clean for even my 6 year old. We were all able to enjoy the movie!
One of the unique aspects of teaching at a small Christian School is that the teachers have a chance to get to know the kids on a deeper level. It is a level that is more than just passing them in a hall. We attend a camp at the beginning of the school year where the teachers and some parents stay in cabins with a group of young people for the week. We spend the week getting to know each other as a school. During camp this year, I had a chance to lodge with the 9th grade girls. They opened my eyes to a whole new perspective.
“Before I begin, I have to put out a disclaimer. I am by no means an expert on anything, but especially not the Christian walk. I am, however, a mom trying my best to live a life so that my children will, “…arise up, and call her blessed…” Prov. 31:28. I would be honored if you so choose to join me in my quest. ~Beth~
Aromatherapy is employed to heal the mind and the body through a natural method by using essential oils extracted from plants. It is said to have been very effective in many cases involving mood alterations and positive health benefits. Let’s take a look at the topic of alternative medicine by using essential oils.
A Brief History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy was used by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese for its effects on mood, health, and also for cosmetic reasons as an alternative medicine. Some used these essential oils as antiseptics applied to fight off infections and keep the wounds clean during periods of extensive warfare.
Due to the lack of plausible resources and research in the field of medicine in the early days, people sought the nature’s way of healing the body and were mostly experienced in the art of natural healing since that was the only thing they could trust their life with at that time. Hence the origins of aromatherapy replicate through the times of inadequate human knowledge in the field of medicine.
What are Essential Oils
Essential oils are extracts from plants or trees which are separated from the host plant or tree, through methods including distillation and/or expression. Examples of essential oils include:
These oils and various other essential oils have been known to have a particular chemistry, which is proven to have positive effects on the human mind and body. Base oils and hydrosols are also employed in aromatherapy in combination with the essential oils.
Aromatherapy for Natural Healing
Aromatherapy, if applied as alternative medicine, is known to have various physiological and psychological effects, some of which include:
relief from stress and anxiety
relief from headaches
improvement of the mental level of comfort during sleep
positive mood alterations
positive regulation of hormones
relaxation of muscles
stimulation of the human immune system
regulation of blood circulation
healing of skin diseases
positive effects against depression
anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects
Aromatherapy is currently under extensive research and scientists believe that more benefits could be found in relation to aromatherapy.
Companies like Simply Earth offer subscription services that allow you to make your own essential oil remedies. They will send you everything you need PLUS the recipe for it.
Application of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
The general modes of application of the essential oils in aromatherapy include the application of the essential oils through aerial diffusion for the purpose of disinfection of the air. These essential oils and other aromatic products can also be applied through inhalation of the aromatic compounds in a direct manner for psychological and respiratory effects.
Surface application is also employed for positive benefits through proper massage, baths and skin care. Surface application is widely employed for this purpose which negates the risks associated with direct inhalation.
Precautions When Using Aromatherapy
It is mandatory for everyone to consult a qualified professional aromatherapist before using essential oils and serious precautions must be taken in order to avoid the following:
Pure essential oils must be used with extreme caution; skin irritation could occur if used without proper dilution.
Photo-toxic reactions might occur when applying citrus oils.
Essential oils might act as sensitizers.
Essential oils can be toxic to some pets.
Some oils can cause gynecomastia.
A few essential oils may produce the same effects as estrogen.
These oils may be hazardous to pregnant women.
Essential oils are naturally toxic materials that have been known to cause toxic reactions, such as liver damage and seizures, due to unsupervised ingestion.
Essential oils may react with allopathic medicine if used simultaneously.
Under no circumstances should essential oils be used or applied without the consent and professional advise of a qualified aromatherapist.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated the most by lovers but it must be celebrated by all in love or not because love is the greatest of all the passions of men and women. All human beings in all times and places hunger for love. Men and women have given up everything for love.
Click on each photo to find gift ideas for Men, Women, and Children(Don’t forget those kiddos!)
