The Surprisingly Healing Way Aromatherapy Can Do Wonders For The Mind & Body
Infused oils, essential oils, and tinctures are extractions of earth's resources that can be used in the same way that crystals are used in alternative and holistic healing. Whether you are using them in aromatherapy, meditation, tinctures, or for body and bath, you can utilize their power for healing and rejuvenation.
Energy blockages in our souls act as walls, or gaps, in our mental, emotional, or physical planes. When we experience energy blockages anywhere in these locations, we are unable to clear the karmic, childhood, or repressed energies that are tied up in blocks that we need in order to help raise our vibration and frequency, moving us forward toward our highest and greatest good. Using aromatherapy as energetic support is a great way to heal those blockages. This read will help you get started on your oil healing journey.
Essential & Infused Oils in Diffusers
Aromatherapy uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other aroma compounds for improving psychological or physical well-being. It can be used in conjunction with holistic services such as Reiki, Acupuncture, or Spiritual Massage.
It has the ability to assist in reducing high levels of anxiety, easing depression, boosting energy and low spirit levels, eliminating headaches, boosting cognitive performance, relieving insomnia, strengthening the immune system, relieving physical pain, improving digestion issues, and increasing circulation throughout the body.
Using a diffuser is the easiest way to enter into a vibration of the essential oils you would like to achieve healing energy from. It releases the infused steam that you can time with your breath exercises. We recommend the GuruNanda Honeycomb Aromatherapy Ultrasonic Diffuser.
Before meditating, set your intention on what energy blockage you wish to relieve. For instance, if you know you have a problem with opening up, being honest, communicating, or expressing your truth or creativity, you'll want to use a blend of essential oils that raises the vibration of your throat chakra. Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, or Peppermint essential oils are perfect for aligning the energy of your throat chakra and clearing any blockages that are present.
While you can purchase essential oils already made, you can also create your own infused oils. The best way to create the most potent blend of these essential oils is to infuse them yourself to reflect what energy blockage you are trying to heal.
Read: "How To Make Your Own Infused Oils For Living Your Best Life," to learn how to make your own infusions.
Tip: If you are on a budget, and don't want to buy an expensive diffuser system, you can most definitely find one for $20 or under, or you can make a DIY essential oil steam mist. You can do this by boiling hot water, dropping in your infusion, and placing your nostrils over the steam once it cools down to a safe temperature.
Herbal Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs, usually extracted into alcohol. They are normally used to help heal physical ailments by dissolving a drug into an alcohol. Using a tincture that replaces a drug with an herbaceous extract allows you to directly absorb the energetic healing elements into your bloodstream orally or through absorption via the skin in a salve or lotion.
Though drinking alcohol as a beverage lowers our frequency, the amount used in a tincture acts as a micro dose to treat any energetic blockages that exist within your physical body and energetically extends into your emotional, mental, and ethereal bodies. Tinctures can also be extracted in vegetable glycerine or apple cider vinegar.
Technically, this kind of herbal plant medicine has been around from as early as 1000 AD, and its healing effect is quickly absorbed through the liver. Spiritual herbs activate higher consciousness, intuition, spiritual awakening, and deep energetic healing and cleansing. Tinctures can be used to enhance emotional moods, aid clarity of thought, improve memory, ease mental anguish, open the heart chakra, and enhance psychic ability - just to name a few.
Tinctures are usually taken by the dropperful (or squeeze), and a dropperful is equivalent to half of an 8oz cup of tea. They can be taken as a multivitamin every morning, or worked into a personal ritualistic timeframe, or for as long as you are healing a blockage in your spirit.
You can find an array of healing tinctures online, at your local botanica, or if you are advantageous, you can create your own tinctures!
Tip: Be sure to consult an alternative or holistic practitioner before using or applying tinctures.
Oils in Bath & Meditation
Immersing yourself in a hot bath infused with essential oils is a perfect way to incorporate self-love, blockage healing, and meditation into your essential oil healing journey. The best way to take full advantage of this method is to know exactly what energy block needs to be healed.
It could be helpful to consult a Reiki energy healer, tarot reader, or Shaman to find out what specifically is blocked in your spirit. It's almost as if you'll receive an energetic diagnosis, so you know exactly how to treat your problem. Be sure to request a chakra, aura, or body scan.
Once you know where your problem is:
- Select the appropriate essential oils to bathe in.
- Set aside at least 45 minutes to meditate.
- Light a small black candle anointed with your oils.
- As you soak in the water, be sure to clear your mind, enter into the vibration of the oils, and allow your spirit to connect with your guides, ascended masters, angels, and higher self to receive any messages you need to aid in healing your blockage.
- Ask for help with removing or cleansing any negative energies in your body and allow yourself to feel and visualize the blockage being cleansed and removed.
- Thank your support team for the help and imagine any impurities being pulled away as you drain your bath and rinse your body with warm water.
- Imagine any residuals of negative energy trapped within the candle and blow it out.
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Fontaine Felisha Foxworth is a writer and creative entrepreneur from Brooklyn New York. She is currently on the West Coast working on creating a TV Pilot called "Finding Fontaine", that details the nomadic journey of her life so far. Keep up with her shenanigans @famoustaine on IG.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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