Chinese Medicine and Essential Oils - Intro to Essential Oils distilled from flowers

Calm the Mind with Essential oils

For Acupuncturist and Massage Therapists essential oils distilled from flowers have many benefits, especially when working with the Shen as they serve to calm the mind and soften the mood. Florals are often used to nourish yin and blood, calm the shen, soothe the skin, and increase receptivity to healing and sensuality. They will cool and nourish an excess fire element, meaning they help cool the Heart and are an asset for symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and lack of focus. Although symbolic, it is important to look at a flower's meaning. Flowers symbolize grace, love, and new beginnings. As they correspond to the Heart, they will be beneficial for clients working on forgiveness and love.

These cooling and fragrant oils, such as Rose, Neroli, and Jasmine, are often the most precious and expensive. These oils require meticulous care in picking and distilling. Additionally, there is very little yield that comes from the flower. In other words, it takes an abundance of the flower to create a substantial amount of oil. This process and effort required to obtain these oils highlight their value and rarity.

Primarily for our Heart Qi - Other Organ/Meridian Affinities

Although florals are primarily associated with the Heart, they also serve other meridian/organ systems. For example, Neroli has affinities to the Heart and the Spleen. It is an asset when anxiety is accompanied by digestive issues such as loose stools. Neroli has the function of Tonifying the Spleen Qi and nourishing heart blood. Therefore, Neroli is recommended for students with such symptoms due to test anxiety. It is often blended with Fennel to assist in strengthening the Spleen and can be found in the Meridian Biologix blend Return to Center. Neroli is frequently used on points such as Ren 17. Ren 12, St 36, and Sp 3.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil and Acupuncture Points

Another example is Roman Chamomile; this oil has affinities to the Heart, Spleen, and Liver. Roman Chamomile is the premier oil to use when there are symptoms of Liver overacting on the Spleen and symptoms of Liver fire. Lavender is often used with Roman Chamomile for symptoms of Heart and Liver Fire as well as Liver overacting on the Spleen; the points used for Roman Chamomile include Ren 17, Ren 12, LI 4, LV 3, and Sp 3. Roman Chamomile is found in Meridian Biologix blends such as Night Journey, Cultivate Substance, and Relax Constraint. 

Check out Marc's webinar series for more information on essential oils and Chinese medicine