HOW TO USE OILS FOR EMOTIONS
This is a topic I love discussing, so let’s dive in!
HOW DO OILS AFFECT EMOTIONS?
Essential oils are able to penetrate through the olfactory sense (sense of smell) to the limbic part of the brain, AKA the emotional centre of the human brain. They also penetrate to the hippocampus, which is associated with the storage of working memory and short-term memory, and the pineal gland, which is often associated with spiritual development. They are also able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier unlike meds, which is the barrier membrane between the circulating blood and the brain that prevents certain damaging substances from reaching brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid.
Let's learn more:
Certain essential oils work by calming the central nervous system and helping us to relax instead of allowing the build-up of anxiety in the body. What most people don’t know is that anxiety creates an acidic condition in the body. This activates an enzyme which results in that anxiety being stored in our DNA. Essential oils support the body in minimizing this reaction.
Essential oils can also help in the release of old emotional traumas. In 1989, Dr Joseph Ledoux from NY Medical University discovered that the amygdala (in the limbic centre of the brain) plays a role in the storage and release of emotional traumas. He also suggested that aromas could trigger an emotional release. In addition, essential oils carry molecules known
as sesquiterpenes, which are capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier. These molecules have a significant oxygenating effect on the brain. The combination of oxygenation on the brain and the stimulation from aromatic molecules appears to assist the amygdala in facilitating the release of emotional blockages.
Essential oils can help to affect emotions trapped within various organs and tissues of the body.
Essential oils also have an effect on the human energy field, helping to balance and raise our frequencies.
Via the olfactory bulb, the aroma is sent directly to the center of the brain, to the limbic system where it is processed and releases neurochemicals that can be relaxing, stimulating, sedative etc, depending on the essential oil being used.
Isn't it amazing? When I first learned all of these things, I felt like a new world of possibilities opened up to me! Brb, going apply all the motivational and healing oils right now!
WHICH OIL FOR WHAT?
First off, let me say that a lot of the blends Young Living has with interesting names, like "Into the Future", "Present Time", "Joy", and "Valor" were intentionally formulated and studied to help with exactly what the title describes. Easy to figure out, right?! It’s not just some hippy dippy name they use to title these oils. Each constituent and various properties within the oil blends are intricately combined to aid the body’s responses and behaviors for emotional and holistic support in those areas.
In general too, you can know:
citrus oils - happy vibes
minty oils - motivation and energy
floral oils - happy and uplifting
woodsy oils - grounding and calming
FUN FACT- your ear has vitaflex points for your emotions, meaning certain parts of your ear are linked to particular emotions. With that said, apply a drop or two around the outside of your ear! Our bodies are so complex and interwoven!
Most oily users apply oils to wrists or brainstem. You can also apply a couple of drops in each hand and take a big inhale! That way, they can travel up into the nasal passages to reach the amygdala which plays a vital role in emotional response and memory!
