About Essential Oils: What Are They and How Are They Used?

Essential oils are the true essence of a plant, coming from the leaves, stems, fruits or roots of any given species.  It can be compared to the Blood of the plant or the plant’s immune system, it being what protects the plant from microbial infections (as for us). They are not really oils in the usual sense, though not being aqueous either (hydrophobic) in nature. They are extracted from the plant by various means, steam distillation being the most common.

As a healing modality, they can be diffused into the air (called Aromatherapy), applied to the skin or else taken internally. The inhalation of oils can be very potent, it triggering deep physical and emotional responses on the part of the person. The olfactory part of the brain is the oldest and so reacts most intensely to the fragrances inherent in the oils.

The essential oil, possessing such powerful medicinal qualities, has become an important part of my treatments over my years of experience. They are used either as a combination in a pure (neat) form or in the context of carrier oils. Pure oils (single or combined) are used in the process of the Acupuncture treatment, applied as Acupressure to additional points, which I do after the needles have been inserted. Yintang (the point between the eyes) is always applied with an oil combination.

One combination I use is Lavender, Rose Geranium & Green Lemon (a favorite), but then, I could use Frankincense, Cedarwood & Peruvian Balsam. Then again, Fennel or Black Spruce might be applied by themselves (for digestion or respiration, respectively). Basil, Rosemary and Sweet Flag are most activating to the mental awareness and memory. Also, I often give oils in this form to patients to take home to use between treatments, or via long distance if patients are not seeing me in my office.

I make special combinations either in a pure form or in a carrier oil for any health situation. I combine essential oils in an Ayurvedic base for pain and make a combination with other carrier oils for a variety of cosmetological needs, which is part of my beatification/facelift program.

Essential oils provide a powerful adjunct to that from Acupuncture, herbs and nutrition.  And, most importantly, they will all synergize each other. That is to say, they work in tandem to maximize each other’s benefits, the whole being more than the sum of its parts for any healing protocol.  And so we see, the application of essential oils is like an herbal or nutritional treatment, providing the Yin/Substance support  to accompany the Yang/Renewal of Acupuncture.