Emotional Education : Back to Basics
There is a lot of talk about using essential oils for emotions, but how exactly does that work? -Eryn Jones
ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BE A GENTLE WAY TO HELP WITH RESETTING OUR EMOTIONS BY DOING A COUPLE DIFFERENT THINGS IN THE BODY:
Easing different parts of the body where emotions may be stored. When we have a consistent emotion that we "swallow" or don't release in an emotional expression, it can be felt somewhere in the body. The next time you feel stress, notice where you feel that in your body. Sometimes is a knot in your stomach, or tension in your shoulders, etc. EOs can bring comfort and relief to those specific parts of the body. Next time you feel stress, apply Panaway, Peppermint, or something invigorating to the area of your body where you feel tension or discomfort. Be patient with yourself as many of us "tune out" our body's singals for emotional pain and it may take time to find exactly where we feel our stress (and it can be different for different emotions!).
Helping to release memories or deep patterns held in the lymbic system of the brain. We know that the brain is change-able (neuroplasticity). We also know that studies show that our amygdala (part of lymbic system in the brain) responds the best to smell. Smell can be a powerful way to re-wire our brains when it comes to forming new habits, and new ways to think and feel. EOs can be amazing for forming new emotional habits. Identify what your emotional ruts are, and practice smelling your favorite oils while meditating and practicing other emotions. For example, if you feel nervous to go out of the home, grab your Valor and inhale it while you picture yourself being brave and comfortable outside your home. This is not a magic fix, but over time, can help make new pathways in the brain and open you up to more freedom in responding to stressful things.