“Take the choicest spices, of pure myrrh 500 shekels, of sweet cinnamon half so much, of sweet calamus…, of cassia, of olive oil…, and you shall sanctify them and they shall become most holy; whatsoever touches them shall be holy.” Exodus 30:23-29
In ancient days, aromatherapy was used to cleanse the body, soothe the spirit and reawaken the soul. Frankincense and myrrh were considered sacred oils used in the temples in ancient Kemet (Egypt). The priest/priestesses had sophisticated knowledge of the properties (i.e., antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, aphrodisiac) of the aromatic oils. They used them to preserve their dead, as in the case of King Tut, whose mummy was still intact centuries later. Contained in his tomb were the oils of frankincense, myrrh and spikenard, and they had all retained their fragrances!
During the plagues of Europe, it was the perfumers who survived because of the antiviral properties of the oils they used in their walking sticks that eventually made its way into their bloodstreams. Receptor sites were already filled up when the viruses tried to latch on. It was estimated that only 1 out of 3 people struck with the bubonic plague lived.
In 1937, French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse badly burned his hands while experimenting in his laboratory. He quickly dipped his hands into a vat of lavender essence because it was the closest thing he could go to for relief. Not only did the lavender cause the pain to decease, it also prevented the occurrence of scarring. Thus, began the re-introduction of the science of plant essences which Monsieur Gattefosse termed “aromatherapie,” thus originating the term. This “miraculous” experience also spurred his desire to investigate the healing The actual term “aromatherapy” first originated in 1937 when French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse invented the word after a burn incident spurred his curiosity about the healing power of essential oils.
With this brief, yet fascinating history in mind, please take the time to adventure into the fragrant world of aromatherapy. The essential oils are also used for a wide variety of health concerns. They can ease headaches, calm menstrual cramps, ease stomach aches, soothe the nerves, uplift the spirits, and aid sleep and breathing, all while creating a calm, relaxing environment. These are just a treasured few of the functions associated with the essential oils I use when creating I Treasure ME Aromatherapy products.
A brief history of ITM Aromatherapy products:
The olfactory sense is linked to the part of the brain that deals with the emotions. This is why you feel so much better after using them. Our smells create memories. With the essential oils, you can anoint your body, mind and spirit while keeping your environment blessed with holy fragrances. Our focus on sacredness is the key to our healing. As they say, “ain’t nuthin’ wrong with a lil spice.”
Visit I Treasure ME Product Page where you have the choice of three lusciously fragrant floral mists created with essential oils in a distilled water base. These alluring and intoxicating mists are designed to enliven your mind, calm your spirit and satisfy your soul. Spray frequently and enjoy the effects. More fragrances are being created, so stay tuned.
While the essential oil face and body mists, as air fresheners, to calm environments, like your office, or a conference room before and after meetings, to calm an agitated child… They have a multitude of uses. Discover yours and ENJOY!
By R. Dafina Kuficha, L.Ac.
At the beginning of each new year, many people are expected to make resolutions. Too often, the resolutions are broken before they can set root. Long ago it became clear to me change can occur during any time of the year we make the decision to change. Why wait until the new year? Instead, review the following list of “Twelve steps to enriching your life,” and see which suggestions fit your needs. Focus on one of them for one full week. Remember to modify the suggestions in the ways that fit YOU! Be kind to your process and make it enjoyable.
1) Keep your promises, especially to yourself, including timelines. Make procrastination a thing of the past. Do it NOW! Don’t wait until tomorrow. Take a moment before saying “yes” to something. Are you saying “yes” from your heart or your mind? Make a commitment to only say “yes” when it really works for you to keep your word. It’s okay to say, “I really don’t have room in my schedule for that right now. Let’s choose another time instead.” Do you first!
2) Be flexible. Sometimes a life test is just that, a test. If you become rigid after challenging times, they remain challenging. The Tao Te Ching says, “Bend but don’t break.” Everyone needs change. Don’t fear change, embrace it.
3) Cultivate a positive outlook. Life has challenges. A negative situation can teach you strength, compassion, kindness, gratitude and patience.
4) Choose to make healthy food choices. Eating well means eating fresh, vital foods. Listen to your body. Do you really need to eat that piece of cake? Don’t eat until you’re full. Chew your food slowly and control your portions.
5) Develop the courage to be your authentic self. Often people don’t realize they are compromising themselves to be what will fill someone else’s expectations of them. Take time to know yourself. Our cares change with assessment and age. Things aren’t always as serious as we make them. What’s behind the anger? Find out and you can cure it. “Know thy self and to thy own self be true.”
6) Develop stress management techniques and use them regularly. Get sufficient rest and sleep. Learn to meditate. Take a yoga, tai chi, dance, or swimming class. Listen to relaxing music in a quiet place. Take a walk in nature and bring a snack. Read a funny book, like “Calvin & Hobbes” or watch a funny movie. Quiet your mind.
7) Use positive affirmations. “I love myself and won’t let anyone bring my spirit down.” “I am a money magnet.” “I use my time wisely.” “I take good care of my body, spirit, soul and mind.”
8) Make wise financial choices. If you don’t have the money to buy a new dress, get your hair done, or go on that trip, put it off for a bit. Be creative, find free activities to enjoy.
9) Be generous! Many people wish they had your fortune. Share. Adopt a homeless person and give them a gift certificate for food, clothes, movies, etc. Give generously and receive generously. Keep it balanced.
10) Declutter. If you don’t read it, wear it or share it, you don’t need it. Let it go! That goes for people, too. Keep your life simple and you’ll enjoy it more.
11) Have FUN! Take a scuba diving class; take singing classes; make healthy gourmet meals; travel abroad; visit museums; go dancing, and make new friends. Do things without the expectation of anything but a good time.
12) Keep your body, mind and spirit healthy with a great acupuncture treatment. Call my office to make your appointment today! And remember to take time to smell the roses, rosemary, lavender, jasmine, or whatever fragrance reminds you to value your joy.
The mind is like a fertile field.
If we contaminate it with the poisons of ignorance, desire, anger, jealousy, and pride, we will inevitably produce poisonous crops.
Acting carelessly or harmfully toward others, or working for our own benefit at the expense of others,
will only create limitation and suffering. Medicinal seeds — wholesome, virtuous acts of kindness, love, and compassion — will produce the fruits of peace and benefit.
Actions that are both positive and negative will produce a mixture of happiness and sadness. This is the principle of karma. Karma originates in the mind.
Our thoughts give rise to words and actions, and these have consequences.
We cannot plant poisonous seeds and expect edible or medicinal fruit.
When we begin to see the negative results of our self-centeredness, we understand why we must carefully choose which seeds to plant.
Our future is in our own hands.
–Lama Shenpen Drolma, from Change of Heart: The Bodhisattva Peace Training of Chagdud Tulku (Padma)
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle, a seed waiting to sprout,
a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.
~ Barbara Winkler
The characteristics of the water element are:
Season: winter Direction: north Climate: cold Organs: kidneys (root of yin & yang) Tissue: bone Opens to: the ears Sense: hearing Taste: salty Energy: stagnation Emotion: fear Expression: trembling Sound: groaning Fluid: urine Color: black/navy blue Manifests: head of hair Faculty: will