“The earth laughs in flowers”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Around Christmas time, we tend to travel around visiting friends and family, which can upset the rhythm of our digestive systems. (see Christmas promo at end of blog :) )
As much as Christmas can be fun for some of us, it can also be stressful. Having to handle the two aunts that don’t get along, the old grandad who complains, the shouting (even if cheerful) kids around…or simply the stress of having to work and being far from your family and all by yourself.
There is also all the food factor. Oh yes. We are going to eat & drink more than usual!
In the meantime,
let’s start digging into digestive issues…
Digestive conditions are much more common than we think. Symptoms can vary from diarrhoea and/or constipation, gastric reflux, bloating and gas (which can be very painful). When I talk about digestive conditions, it includes conditions of the digestive tracts and organs all the way from the mouth to the exit (Oesophagus, stomach, intestines small and large etc )
Most people just “accept” living with these symptoms, but there is so much you can do with essential oils to soothe them and even perhaps heal the condition from the root.
We are all so different, and Aromatherapy being considered as a Holistic Therapy, it is important to understand each individual as a whole when it comes to choosing oils to create a blend.
The main question is, would the same essential oil blend work the same way on two different people with the same digestive complaints? To answer that question, I have come to find a connection between Aromatherapy and Ayurveda, because Ayurveda is a great system that really studies a person as a whole.
AYURVEDA & AROMATHERAPY CONNECTION
First, let me tell you what ayurveda is and then I’ll explain what it is doing here...
Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems.
Ayurveda explains that we all are composed of Doshas, which are Pitta (Fire), Kapha (Earth and Water ) and Vata (Wind). We all have a dominant Dosha and Sous-Doshas. When there is unbalance in our Doshas (for example too much Fire), we start developing dis-ease. Dis-ease is one or a combination of symptoms that act as signals to let you know that there is unbalance in your body.
To rebalance your Doshas you can change your diet and your routine.
For example, when there is excess Pitta/Fire, you need to “cool down” with refreshing herbs, avoid hot food like chillies, ginger, avoid stimulants (coffee/alcohol) etc.... You get the idea...
In aromatherapy, you can also adapt your blend around this theory.
It makes sense that, if someone comes to me with digestive issues (acid reflux, gas, indigestion etc), anger & irritability (for example someone doing too much and on the edge of a break down) someone who has an excessive generation of heat in the body (sweat, inflammation of joints), which are all signs of excess Fire , I would want to give them oils that are cooling/calming down and refreshing.
For Example:
• Chamomile
• Basil
• Fennel
• Marjoram
• Eucalyptus
If someone comes to me with the same complaints (Digestive issues) but this time this person suffers from brain fog and lethargy, difficulty rising in the morning, excess bodily fluids and mucus, sticky and sluggish bowel movements, weight gain and difficult losing weight which are all signs of excess Kapha (Water and earth) then I would rather blend oils that are stimulating, tonic, bring the fire up.
These oils are:
• Black Pepper
• Peppermint
• Ginger
• Lemongrass
And also citrus oils:
• Citrus oils are really good to uplift the mind, and generally re energise.
The ones that have a positive effect on digestive complains are:
• Orange
• Bergamot
• Mandarin
The conclusion is that, to help someone holistically it is important and interesting to look at the big picture, because the same oil might not work the same way on the same symptom. It depends on the root cause!
... Wow! That was a lot... Let’s go back to a more western approach to the oils, now: give me SCIENCE!
BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF THESE OILS
• Chamomile= It is Stomachic, which means it promotes appetite and ease digestion. Its analgesic action also eases dull muscular pain, therefore relieves cramping from indigestion. It is considered an anti inflammatory, it soothes the stomach and often relieves gastritis, diarrhoea, colitis, peptic irritable bowel syndrome.
• Marjoram= Very similar to chamomile as it is also an analgesic and anti inflammatory. It is also carminative, which means it reduces flatulence.
• Basil = Also effective in digestive disorders such as vomiting, gastric spasm due to its antispasmodic benefits, nausea, dyspepsia (discomfort in the upper digestive tract and hiccups. Seems to cleanse the intestines and kidneys through its antiseptic action.
• Ginger = digestive stimulatory effects that can increase gastric motility, preventing and treating constipation.
• Fennel = is a powerful digestive stimulant, which can act like laxative.
• Black pepper = It has a fortifying effect on the stomach, increases the flow of saliva and stimulates appetite. It expels wind, quells vomiting and encourages peristalsis. As it also restores and tone colon muscles it is good for general bowel movement problems.
• Peppermint = It has a relaxing and slightly anaesthetic action on the stomach muscles. Apparently beneficial against food poisoning and deals with vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, flatulence, halitosis, colic, gall stones and nausea, as well as travel sick.
• Lemongrass= It encourages appetite and could be helpful with colitis, indigestion and gastro-enteritis.
It is also helps relieving conditions such as painful digestion, flatulence, colic, indigestion and loss of appetite.
Alright, you are two drops and one deep breath away from a better mood..
... There is also another factor that can interact with a healthy digestion: STRESS! But how...??
And The Citrus oils:
• Lemon = This essential oil is highly concentrated and contains a number of strong antioxidants that can improve digestion and simultaneously reduce inflammation. Both factors can allow the digestion process to run more smoothly and eliminate constipation.
• Orange= Seems to have a very calming action on the stomach especially on nervous states. Yes, it can calm the proverbial butterflies.
• Mandarin= tonic for digestion, stimulates appetite , especially after illness or loss of hunger due to depression. It also has a stimulating effect on the liver, helping to regulate metabolic processes, and aids in the secretion of bile and breaking down fats.
• Bergamot= Excellent intestinal antiseptic, cast out intestinal parasites and apparently diminishes gallstones.
THE GUT & BRAIN CONNECTION
Nervous system conditions like stress, anxiety, depression and strong emotions can interact negatively with the digestive system.
Let me explain ... The Parasympathetic Nervous System controls our “rest and digest” mode. In this state, energy is conserved, heart rate slows down, blood flows to the digestive tract and intestinal activity increases.
In a stressful situation, The Sympathetic Nervous System which controls our “fight or flight” state kicks in. It stimulates blood-flow to the major muscles and the brain, but also slows down / stops the digestion (In fact, if you have to run for your life, you don’t want your body to start digesting, it would get in the way right?!!)
If you are stressed too often, have accumulated anxiety etc, your parasympathetic system can start struggling to function healthily and therefore your digestion will be affected negatively.
What to do:
• Add some relaxing oils to the mix!
Have you read my previous blog? Check out:
“The healing art of Aromatherapy and stress related conditions”!!
And let’s not forget:
THE MASSAGE itself
Firstly, a full body massage with essential oils, even if they are chosen to support digestive conditions, is extremely relaxing. Receiving massages regularly can really improve general well being, reduces anxiety and depression. Therefore, if your digestive issues are also related to stress, then you know what to do.
Secondly, the therapist, I, can also perform a belly massage: Clock wise to stimulate digestion and stimulates the peristalsis in the large intestine.
Why Clockwise? Simply because that’s the way the peristalsis goes!
CAUTION: Essential Oils are not suitable for pregnant women and breast feeding mummies.
The therapist, I, is not here to make a diagnosis but to understand the current situation with what you have explain during the consultation time at the beginning of the treatment.
FINAL WORDS
Essential oils can really do a great job at helping with a wide range of digestive discomfort. To maximise the benefits, it is also important to adopt a suitable diet and lifestyle. A herbalist, naturopath and other holistic specialist can also help you on that journey of recovery.
PROMOTION / OFFER
To use by the end of December:
2x 60 minutes aromatherapy treatments and one homemade natural aromatherapy Body Oil to take home for £145 !
The oil will be prepared depending on what we discuss during the first treatment. The body oil contains carrier oils like sunflower, grapeseed, almond etc and a blend of essential oils carefully chosen to match your needs (50ml).
You will receive the oil after your second treatment.
Talk on the other side..
by ELEA HOLISTIC