Ways to Use Essential Oils for Subtle Aromatherapy

 

      The primary methods of using essential oils in subtle aromatherapy are anointing, misting, stroking, and diffusing. Whichever method you use, it is combined with intention and visualization.

 

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Anointing

      Anointing is an ancient practice that means "to touch with oil." It has been used through the ages, as it is today, for protection, blessings, devotion, and special recognition. 

      To make an anointing oil, dilute 1 drop of the chosen essential oil in 1 teaspoon of olive oil or 3 drops in 1 tablespoon. Store in a small glass bottle with a cap. Label the bottle. The aroma will be delicate. Remember, essential oils are used in low amounts for subtle aromatherapy. 

      To use an anointing oil, put a drop of the blend on your fingertip. Gently touch the area chosen for the anointing while holding positive intention in your mind and visualizing the desired outcome. If it is not possible to touch the skin, simply hold your fingertip above the area, from 3 to 6 inches away.

 

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Misting

     Mists are most often used in subtle aromatherapy to clear and cleanse a room or area, and to bring in positive energy. They can also be used to set boundaries, affect consciousness, and work with the energy centers or subtle bodies. 

      To make a mist, put 10 drops of the chosen essential oil in 4 ounces of purified water in a mister bottle. Shake well before use, each time. While misting, hold positive intention in your mind and visualize the desire outcome.

 

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Stroking

      If you are not able to touch the body, stroking is another way an anointing can be given. Put 1 drop of an anointing oil on your left palm, gently rub or pat your hands together. Then hold your hands in the area where it is needed and slowly stroke, without touching. Commonly, your hands will be 3 to 6 inches away from the body.

 

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Diffusing

      Diffusers disperse the aromatic molecules of an essential oil into the air. They are often used in subtle aromatherapy to clear and cleanse a room or an area, to bring in positive energy, and to affect consciousness. 

      There are different types of diffusers available. We recommend cool-air diffusers. Whichever one you use, follow the manufacturer's instructions. In subtle aromatherapy, diffuse for 10 minutes, then turn the diffuser off. Use in a room or area that is ventilated (door or window open).

 

 

Intention & Visualization

      In subtle aromatherapy, essential oils are used with intention and supported by visualization. Intention is being clear about the purpose of using the essential oil and holding that purpose in your mind. (The purpose must be positive and restorative.) Intention is based on the premise that energy follows thought. Thinking about something is the first step to its manifestation, and there is nothing that has ever been accomplished that was not, at first, a thought. 

      Visualization is another example of how energy follows thought. Shakti Gawain, in her classic book, Creative Visualization, says, “Simply having an idea or thought, holding it in your mind, is an energy which will tend to attract and create that form on the material plane.” When using subtle aromatherapy, visualize the desired outcome. For example, if you are working with a stiff knee, imagine it moving and flexing comfortably. If working with stress, imagine that the body and mind are relaxed and balanced. 

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