Lavender + Ha = Relaxation

       Last time we began our exploration into stress management by introducing the concept of deep breathing as related to the relaxation response.  Today, we will combine this principle with another tool known as aromatherapy.  I will provide a definition of aromatherapy as well as a short primer on the types and  uses of the essential oil of lavender.

What is Aromatherapy?

 

     The American College of HealthcareSciences (ACHS) defines aromatherapy as: "The use of aromas for their healing properties . . . It is the controlled use of essential oils to promote the health and vitality of the body, mind, and spirit by inhalation, baths, compresses, topical," together with deep breathing as a way to enhance the relaxation response (ACHS, 2011).

Know Thy Latin Names

     When selecting an essential oil it is very important to choose said oil by its Latin name as there are several species of lavender that contain different types of active constituents (ingredients) that can have an opposite desired effect than originally intended by the user.  Active constituents of an essential oil can be compared to the active ingredients of a prescribed medication, both of which will cause a change in the human body's chemistry to correct dysfunction (as in the case of prescribed drugs) or support the body's systems (as in the case of essential oils).  Therefore, if you have a pre-existing medical condition it is imperative that you consult with your licensed primary care provider prior to using any essential oils. The following examples will illustrate the importance of selecting an oil based on the Latin name.

 

 

     True lavender lavandula angustifolia or lavandula officinalis, is entirely free of camphor and contains active constituents that are used medicinally as an analgesic (pain relief), antidepressant, or sedative (ACHS, 2012).  By no means is this an exhaustive list of this wonderful oil's properties and I refer you to a website called Aroma Web  as well as the ACHS homepage to further your education.

     In contrast, Spike Lavender lavandula latifolia, contains large amounts of camphor, and because of its harsh scent it is mainly used for scenting soaps (ACHS, 2012).  For the purposes of stress management, you want to make true lavender the essential oil of choice.  Knowing the Latin names is the only way to distinguish between the several varieties of lavender (or any essential oil for that matter), because the label may be marked as "Lavender" instead of True or Spike.

 

Synthetic versus Therapeutic?

     It is also important to define synthetic versus therapeutic grades when selecting your essential oils.  the best sources of therapeutic grade (what we want) oils come from wildcrafted botanicals.  These plants are gathered in the wild from their natural habitat and the extracted oils are used for both commercial and personal use (ACHS, 2012).  Harvesting takes place when the active constituents contain the optimal therapeutic action.  On the other hand, synthetic oils are entirely man-made and attempt to re-create the aroma of its wildcrafted counterpart.  They do not contain any active constituents that may be used for medicinal purposes.

     In my own personal experience, I have conducted side by side comparisons of both the synthetic and therapeutic grade (lavandula angustifolia) and found the aroma of each to be entirely different as well as the effects on my body.  I encourage you to purchase both a synthetic and natural version of lavender and discover your own findings.  When shopping for essential oils, look for the bottle to contain the words "therapeutic grade".  I purchase mine online from the ApothecaryShoppe which is located on the campus of ACHS.

How to Use

Here are a few simple ways to diffuse lavender around the home (ACHS, 2012):

·         place 2-3 drops on the filter pad of a vacuum cleaner

·         2-3 drops on the edge of a toilet paper roll

·         2-3 drops on cotton balls- place in a drawer, closet, and cupboards

·         For a relaxing sleep, put the cotton balls in a pillowcase

·         place a few drops in either an electric diffuser or ultrasonic nebulizer and turn on prior to beginning your deep breathing exercises. Take a deep breath in and out (say haaaaaa)

·         Practice the deep breathing with and without the diffused lavender and note the difference on how your body, mind, and spirit reacts to these exercises.  Repeat these suggestions using the synthetic version as well.  Share your findings in the comments section with other readers of this blog.

 

 

 

 

 

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

 

References

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2011). Introduction to Aromatherapy.  In Aroma 101 (Module One) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Best Practices for Quality.  In Aroma 203 (Module Eight) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Essential Oil of Lavender.  In Aroma 203 (Module One) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Wildcrafted Oils.  In Aroma 203 (Module Eight) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Essential Oils in the Home.  In Aroma 203 (Module Four) course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences

Ha: The Breath of Life

     Last time, we began our journey towards wellness by describing the physiological actions of the relaxation response and how it helps us to combat every day stressors.  Today, I will give you the first item that you can put in your anti-stress toolbox: deep breathing.  For this we travel to the Pacific and enlist the help of the ancient Hawaiians.

     The website AncientHuna.com tells us that Hawaii is much more than our 50th State, it is also something that dwells within you no matter where in the world that you reside (2014).  This site further relates that the word Hawaii translates to "the supreme life's force that rides on the breath, anytime, anywhere."  Ha is the breath of life (2014).  Having visited the Islands twice in my life, I can state emphatically that I experienced a healing force where one can find a stress free inner peace. After all, island time is just that, island time.

    The downside is that once I returned to the hustle and bustle of city life, I quickly fell into old habits that never seem to die hard.  So, how can we reconnect with the inner peace of our own personal island (whether you have been to Hawaii or not)?  Ancient Huna shows us how. The key is to remember that Ha means breath, and it is in this breath that we will re-establish the "Hawaiian" (Relaxation) Response. The following technique should be used any time we experience stress whether it be from running for our life, taking a test, or just sitting in traffic.

     Let's say for example that you are sitting behind your desk at work and are stressed out from the boss who just dumped an increased work load in your lap.  You can feel your "blood begin to boil" and suddenly you can't think or see straight.  Close your eyes, take a full deep breath through your nose and expand your lungs as much as possible.  Then, exhale through your mouth while whispering the sound "Ha" (the exhale should be twice as long as the inhale cycle of your breath).  Ancient Huna says to either sit in silence, or put on soft music and continue this practice for at least five minutes (2014).  Think about nothing else but retreating to your own personal Hawaiian island.  Feel the life force of the islands that slow down breathing, heart rate, and lower your blood pressure . . .  just say Haaaaaaaaa. 

     There are many forms of deep breathing techniques, and I will leave you with a short video as another example.

 

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

 

 

References

Meditation: Ha Breathing (2014).  Ancient Huna.  Retrieved from http://www.ancienthuna.com/ha_breathing.htm on 3/19/2014.

Relaxation: Hard to do . . . Necessary for a Healthy Life

     Last time, I took a detour to tell show you how our stress can be transferred to another person or animal either through touch, or just being in the same room they occupy.  We all know by now that stress can be our friend if we are running for our lives, or foe if it becomes chronic and leads to dysfunction in various body systems = disease. However, all is not lost because we can tap into a secret weapon that opposes the stress response: its kissing cousin known as the relaxation response.

     We are now about to embark on the journey of a healthy and peaceful life.  By no means is it going to be easy to defeat our foe due to years of conditioning, and living a life where we seem to be always in a hurry, to go nowhere fast (myself included).  Today, I will provide the packing list of what is needed, and from this day forward I will give you the tools to create successful travels through this hectic world. RELAX and enjoy the ride.

     Murray and Pizzorno, in their book the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, describe the relaxation response (2012).  The authors show us how the body responds in kind:

·         The heart rate slows and blood pressure decreases.

·         Blood begins to flow back towards the organs of digestion.

·         Breathing rate decreases because the body no longer needs to provide oxygen to "exercising muscles".

·         Sweat decreases.

·         Digestion is improved due to increased digestive secretions such as enzymes.

·         Blood sugar levels return to normal range as the extra energy provided by glucose is no longer needed (2012).

     If this is where we need to be, it begs the question: "How do we get there?"  The American College of Healthcare Sciences notes that several activities can promote the relaxation response: deep breathing, meditation, prayer, aromatherapy, progressive relaxation, yoga, laugh, and even love (2012).   We will discuss these things and more.  From time to time I will write a post on certain chronic diseases as related to stress, and its antidote, the relaxation response.  Next time, I will begin with a simple technique known as deep breathing-Hawaiian style.   We need to go from this:

 

 

 

 

to this:

 

 

 

 

Until next time, 

 

 

 

 

References

American College of Healthcare Sciences. (2012). Promoting the Relaxation Response.  In Aroma 203 course e-textbook. Portland: American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Murray, M., & Pizzorno, J. (2012). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Revised 3rd edition (p. 209).  New York: Atria.

Life's Happenstance Can Open Doors to True Healing

Last week we learned how a chronic stress response can lead to insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes.  In that post I told you we were going to venture into the world of the Relaxation Response as a path to wellness.  However, I am going to digress this week to share with you how life's happenstance can open doors to true healing.

 

 

     Over 4 1/2 years ago we rescued our American Eskimo Dog (Vino) from the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation.  Vino was approximately 1 year old when he became part of our family.  He brought with him chronic digestive issues (possibly brought on by a stress reaction) as well as an upper respiratory infection.  During his tenure with us he has suffered from chronic vomiting, and about two years ago was afflicted with a severe case of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).  We rushed him to our vet at Lepar Animal Hospital where he spent the night and met with full recovery after several weeks.

     Because of this serious health scare, it was determined that Vino needed a change in diet.  A more healthy brand of dog kibble was suggested and away we went.  A year went by and all seemed calm in our companion's world.  Vino has always had the uncanny ability to pass his annual physical with flying colors, but then a few months later the digestive issues come back to haunt him.  Chronic vomiting, eating mulch, and even bronchitis has distressed our beloved family member.  The treatment has always been the same:  antibiotics, anti-emetics, anti-diarrheals, and so on.

 

     A few months ago, Vino's case was assigned to Dr. Elizabeth Cutright at Lepar.  One area of integrative medicine that Dr. Cutright practices is known as Nutrition Response Testing (NRT).  I will give you a brief description of this healing art and go more in depth in a later post.  NRT seeks to pinpoint weak areas/organs in animal's (and human's) body by using its innate energy pathways.  The practitioner completes an exam with the assistance of a vet tech.  The tech is instructed to place one hand on key organ areas of Vino's body and extend the opposite arm.  Dr. Cutright then pushes down on the tech's extended arm and ask him/her to resist.  If an organ is weak, this energy is transferred to the tech and the extended arm also becomes weak.

    Dr. Cutright determined that Vino's primary issue was a parasitic infestation of the hypothalamus.  As you recall, this a key area in the brain which directs the pituitary gland to release hormones related to the stress response.  Now here is where it becomes a fascinating process. In order for Vino to heal, Dr. Cutright repeated this process by holding certain supplements on his body to see if his weak organs will respond. The long and the short of it is he has been prescribed several holistic medicines that he takes daily with meals.  During subsequent visits the same evaluations are conducted to see if there is any improvement/regression and the supplement amounts are either increased, decreased, or changed in accordance with his response.  Vino has made great improvements over the past few months.  Other layers of dysfunction have been uncovered and the doctor suggested Vino begin consuming an all raw foods diet in order to completely detox his system of plastics and synthetics which are found in the packaging of dry dog food.   Some of you may be thinking this to be all nonsensical.  Since entering the holistic world I have always been open-minded to any modality that would help find and treat the underlying cause of Vino's ailments.   So what does this have to do with life's happenstance?

 

     Yesterday, I took Vino for one of his follow up visits to check his progress.  Since he has started the raw foods diet, he lost a little weight but was actually maintaining for a couple of months.  It became worrisome to me that he lost a pound and a half in two weeks.  During the exam, Vino wanted to sit down but the doc needed him to stand in order to palpate his key organ areas.  I put my hands on his hind legs to lift him up and the most curious thing happened: the tech's arm became weak.  Dr.Cutright told me to take my hands off of Vino, and the moment I did that the tech was able to resist once again.  Dr. Cutright told me that a weak energy field in me was transferred to Vino.  She asked me what was going on with me and I told her the story of that fateful night 16 years ago along with current work-related stress.  She did a quick check of me and found a weakness.

     This is very significant for me because in two weeks I will be presenting my story (One Cold and Lonely Night) to psychology students at Lewis University.  I was required to write an outline for the presentation which caused me to live an unexamined life.  It was then that I discovered I had suffered from PTSD.  What I thought I had recovered from, must still dwell within me.  My stress had been transferred to Vino which has slowed down his progress.  I was brought to tears at the thought that I was causing harm to my friend.  Dr. Cutright assured me that Vino is on the road to recovery but in order to enhance that, I must also recover.  I told her that over the past couple of weeks I was thinking of getting acupuncture treatments in order to right my ship. 

     The lesson learned here is that what we do, and how we conduct our lives has a great impact on those around us. The time for talk is over, and the time to act is now.  I love life's happenstance.   Stay tuned.

 

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use