Essential Oil of the Week: Amyris

            I can recall many a yoga session when the use of essential oils encouraged my body and mind through a deeper session.  I often notice a more connected and grounded energy when applying a meditative essential oil on my temples 10 minutes before my practice begins.  Thus yoga becomes an experience with a physical component but also an aromatic component.  The oils just add another dimension to yoga, enriching the experience.  If you’re looking to relax, try Ylang Ylang and if you would like to lighten the mood and encourage alertness work with Peppermint or Lemon.  But if you are simply stretching and meditating grab something like Frankincense or Amyris.  These two essential are known to encourage a meditative state of mind.  They both happen to come from trees and therefore deliver grounding, centering and strengthening effects to the body and mind.  The soft and somewhat woody aroma of Amyris will leave you feeling calm and relaxed.  This particular essential oil is said to aid wearers during transitional times like divorce, a job change or a move.  Combine with Ginger essential oil if you’re feeling defeated and you are likely to notice those feelings subside after topical application.  Remember to always use a bit of vegetable/nut oil when topically applying essential oils for the first time, everyone is different and safety is important when working with these precious yet potent oils.  Amyris essential oil is a known antiseptic, emollient, expectorant, decongestant, sedative and muscle relaxant.  This powerful product can encourage healing of the common cold, muscular aches and pains, stress/fatigue, general tightness and hyperactivity.  Please stop in for a session this winter to combat the cooler temperatures with a warmly scented deep tissue massage.  Our spa features a doTERRA essential oil blend called In Tune that includes Amyris Bark essential oil.  Come by and get your kinks worked out this season with a meditative session of bodywork.
By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist at NLMSC