Essential Oils: The Spring Edit
by the Acuworx Team
Essential Oils are a form of aromatherapy. They can be used at home to enhance living spaces, or as part of a self-care routine. At Acuworx, our licensed acupuncturists incorporate essential oils into treatments when applicable, such as during Tui Na (chinese medical massage) or as a room mist.
The Basics:
Essential oils are typically offered in two ways: in their pure form, or as a blend - which is a combination of the essential oil and a carrier oil. Many people purchase the pure oils and use them undiluted in a diffuser or blended when using on the skin.
We advise against using pure essential oil directly on skin. It’s best to combine with a carrier oil - such as jojoba, olive, or avocado oil to avoid any skin irritation.
We love Meridian Biologix from Kamwo, as these oils are ethically sourced and naturally grown, using only Organic or Wildcrafted materials. All oils are third party laboratory tested for purity and perfumes are never added.
The Essentials Trio:
Cool and refreshing, peppermint lifts the mood and is a good companion for post-workout muscle soreness. Peppermint also directs to the Liver channel and helps with detoxification. Correlating with the throat chakra, this herb helps us by connecting our head & our heart in order to verbalize our emotions.
Key Benefits:
Assists the eyes with allergies
Soothes muscles and sinews from stiffness
Helps with headaches by opening the orifices
Relieves sinus congestion
Fresh and bright, lemon is great for mental clarity and focus. Lemon correlates with our solar plexus chakra, or our Dan Tian, which is the source of the body’s Qi production. This is why we feel energized from the scent of lemons. This oil can also be used as an antimicrobial on surfaces, or used to polish wood in place of household products that contain chemicals.
Key benefits:
Clears the air of bad energy and foul smells
Can also be used to kill viruses and bacteria on the skin in a diluted form
Enhances focus and keeps one on track with projects and studies
Sometimes referred to as “the great balancer”, lavender is a nervine and helps to balance yin and yang. Lavender correlates with the Crown chakra and helps us with obtaining enlightenment. This oil promotes positive dreams, and is great oil to use during meditation. Lavender is an extremely diverse oil, and one of the best for stress and anxiety. It can also help with skin issues, such as acne or rosacea.
Key Benefits:
Helps with insomnia
Helps calm stress and anxiety
Soothes burns
Antibacterial on cuts (does not need to be diluted unlike other oils)
Skin issues such as acne and rosacea
How To Use:
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic benefit. When inhaled, the scent of essential oils can impact our mental and physical health.
Add a drop of oil into your favorite carrier oil (like jojoba or olive oil), and apply to your temples with your fingertips
Rub oils between your palms and inhale deeply through the nose
Add a drop of oil to your mask before putting it on
Add to a room diffuser
Buddha breaths are a great way to take in essential oils! Take full, deep breaths using your belly. (not your chest) Inhale closed mouth, exhale open mouth
Kamwo is a trusted resource for Chinese Medicine practitioners. Meridian can be found here:
*Disclaimer: Avoid applying pure essential oils directly on skin. Pregnant women, consult with a doctor before usage.