Essential oils are used for myriad reasons. They’re the natural compounds extracted from plants and are known for being fragrant. While some people choose to massage them into the skin others use diffusers to inhale the aroma. Regardless of the method, people turn to essential oils to unlock the many benefits of aromatherapy.
As a form of self-care and holistic wellness, aromatherapy is used for physical and emotional purposes. It’s an alternative to more traditional treatments and many people find joy in creating their own unique blends. Aromatherapy is perfect for in-home wellness or combined with other services, like a massage or acupuncture.
1. Great for Stress
Aromatherapy is an excellent way to reduce your stress. That’s because essential oils have proven to alleviate stress symptoms, including fatigue and restlessness. Lemon and thyme oil are both great options for stress and nervousness.
2. Get an Energy Boost
People who live busy lives are often faced with the possibility of burning out physically and mentally. However, not having the energy doesn’t stop us from having responsibilities. Aromatherapy is a great way to get an energy boost in the middle of your day. Some people even have a diffuser in their office for a midday boost. Try some wild orange, bergamot, grapefruit, or pine.
3. Help for Headaches
Anyone who has ever had a headache knows how debilitating they can be. If you’d prefer not to rely on traditional medicines, you can mix your essential oil with a carrier oil and gently rub them into your scalp and temples to relieve the pain. Mix lavender, rosemary, or chamomile oil with a carrier like almond or avocado oil.
4. Sleep Better
If you’re having trouble winding down and getting to sleep at the end of the day, try placing a diffuser on your nightstand or using essential oils in the bath. If you experience insomnia, anxiety, or restlessness, use ylang-ylang, neroli, or cedarwood.
5. Improve Digestion
Not all essential oils are safe for consumption but of the ones that are, they can be beneficial for conditions like nausea and help facilitate digestion. Add a couple drops to a cup of water, take them in a capsule, or cook with them. Ginger is an excellent essential oil for nausea and indigestion. Fennel essential oil works well to remedy upset stomach, bloating, and heartburn.
6. Mood Enhancement
Don’t forget that you can create your own essential oil blends with your favorite oils. This is a great way to enhance your mood by combining your favorite smells. Inhaling essential oils is known for inducing a sense of calm, relaxation, and positivity.
7. Breathe Better
Speaking of inhaling, there are some essential oils that contain antiseptic properties that help get rid of bacteria and mold, clearing the air and helping you breathe better. If you’ve noticed that you’ve been sneezing and coughing more often at home because of the change in weather, try diffusing some eucalyptus, oregano, or geranium.
8. Improve Complexion
If you experience acne or other frequent blemishes, you might think that putting oil on your skin would be counterproductive. However, there are essential oils that contain the right amount of qualities that help calm irritated skin and even brighten and even out the complexion. Mix the essential oil with a carrier to create your own moisturizing blend. Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Rose essential oil counteracts dryness. Carrot seed oil is an antioxidant for skin renewal.
9. Great for Pain and Inflammation
For athletes, people who have active lifestyles, and older people who often experience aching joints, inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles, essential oils can be a great addition to your pain management regimen. Massage some peppermint, sandalwood, cypress, or clove oil into the affected areas for relief from your symptoms.
If you are interested in learning more about essential oils contact Cloud 9’s owner, Laura Parks, with your aromatherapy questions today.
Most acupuncture points are located on the 12 primary channels that flow along the surface of the body. However, there are eight Extraordinary Vessels that flow more deeply in the body, and are perhaps even more powerful that the 12 primary channels. The Extraordinary Vessels regulate the 12 channels, and are deep lakes of energy, which can feed the 12 primary channels when they are depleted. continue reading 
In addition to the 12 main acupuncture meridians that flow along the surface of the body, there are also deeper channels of energy in the body called the Extraordinary Vessels. You can understand the relationship between the primary acupuncture channels and the Extraordinary Vessels by thinking about what happens when it rains: first, small ditches become full – these are the collateral vessels that break off of the 12 main channels. Next, the reservoirs become full, which are the 12 primary channels. When they are full, they overflow into the Extraordinary Vessels, which are deep and vast lakes of energy within the body. 
