Autumn 2008 Times Of The Essence Holistic Newsletter
Highlights Of This Issue:
- Learn About The Ancient Healing Art, Health Benefits And Conditions Treated With Hot Stone Massage
- Rediscover The 7 Major Chakras (Energy Centres) In The Body And How They Affect All Areas Of Our Lives, Understand How To Balance Them
- Healing Using Natural Elemental Crystals And Gemstones From The Earth
- Cleanse And Purify Unbalanced Energy In Your Environment Using Sage Smudge Sticks
- Beneficial Properties Of Lavender And Peppermint Organic Essential Oils
What Is Hot Stone Massage All About?
Hot Stone Massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. These stones are heated to a temperature between 120-150 degrees fahrenheit.
The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while gliding these heated stones along the body. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another heated stone. The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.
The heat of these stones allows for deeper penetration into the muscles and tissues which gets to the root of any pain and helps to alleviate pain or discomfort while also promoting relaxation and comfort which makes this a wonderful therapy not only for therapeutic reasons but for relaxation as well.
Basalt stones, also known as lava stones, are actual stones that are produced from volcanic eruptions. They carry magnetic healing and grounding properties among other benefits. These stones are heated in hot water to your comfort level. The stones connect with the flow of energy to rebalance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as a whole.
What Are The Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage?
The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Hot stones expand blood vessels, which push blood and waste through the nervous system. This gives the body a sedative effect. Hot Stone Massage is a deep, healing and luxurious massage technique.
How Can You Benefit From Hot Stone Massage?
- Promotes Grounding Due To The High Magnetic Field Inherent In The Stones
- Great For Relieving Symptoms Associated With Anxiety And Depression
- Alleviates Rheumatism, Arthritis And Fibromyalgia Pain
- Promotes Increased Wellness And Vitality
- Helps Calm Emotional And Mental Bodies
- Improves And Relieves Muscular Pain
- Improves Lymphatic Circulation
- Decreases Tension Headaches
- Significant Stress Reduction
- Increases Blood Circulation
- Decreases Menstrual Pain
- Decreases Sciatic Pain
- Decreases Joint Pain
What Are Chakras?
Chakras (pronounced shock-ruhs) are energy centers located throughout the body, from the base of the spine to the top of the head. The word Chakra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "Spinning Wheel" or "Disk".
Each of the 7 Major Chakras have specific locations, colors, functions and emotions and correlate with particular body organs, glands and systems of the body. Our health is dependent on them, and balances or imbalances in the body are determined by the functioning of each chakra. Imbalanced chakras cause them to become small, weak and dirty or muddy in color and cannot properly process the flow of energy.
The Chakra Structure And Their Associated Traits
-
7th Chakra (Crown)
Relates To Spiritual Connection With God (Infinite Intelligence), Life Path And Divine Wisdom, Universal Identity, Awareness -
6th Chakra (Third Eye)
Relates To Inner Guidance, Clear Vision, Intuition, Knowing And Imagination -
5th Chakra (Throat)
Relates To Communication, Self Expression, Creativity And Choices -
4th Chakra (Heart)
Relates To Love, Relationships, Compassion And Forgiveness -
3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus)
Relates To Self Esteem, Self Control, Courage and Personal Power -
2nd Chakra (Sacral)
Relates To Emotions, Pro-Creation, Reproduction And Sexuality -
1st Chakra (Root)
Relates To Foundation, Physical Health, Money And Security
What Can Cause Chakras To Become Unbalanced?
- Emotional Turmoil Caused By Conflict, Loss Or Accident
- Negative Thoughts Or Belief Systems
- Fear, Anxiety And Stress
What Can I Do To Balance My Chakras?
- Yoga Or Meditation
- Food / Nutrition
- Energy Healing / Reiki
- Positive Affirmations
- Organic Essential Oils
- Crystal Healing
- Color Therapy
- Sound Therapy
Natural Elements That Assist With Balancing The Chakras
Tip: Crystals Will Enhance The Action Of Organic Essential Oils
| Chakra | Associated Organic Essential Oil | Associated Crystal |
|---|---|---|
| 7th - Crown | Frankincense, Rosewood | Angelite, Crystal Quartz |
| 6th - Third Eye | Basil, Rosemary | Amethyst (Purple) |
| 5th - Throat | Roman Chamomile | Blue Lace Agate, Topaz |
| 4th - Heart | Bergamot, Ylang Ylang | Rose Quartz, Jade |
| 3rd - Solar Plexus | Juniper Berry, Vetiver | Citrine (Yellow) |
| 2nd - Sacral | Sandalwood, Jasmine | Carnelian (Orange) |
| 1st - Root | Patchouli, Vetiver, Myrrh | Jasper, Black Tourmaline |
How Crystals Work In Healing
The universe works on vibrations or frequencies. Each different mineral has a different vibrational frequency. Our bodies are full of different vibrations too. However, a mineral has a stable cellular structure, which means that you could break off a piece from a large chunk of mineral and it would still exhibit the same properties as the original piece. The frequencies in our own soft bodies are not stable and will vary from organ to organ, and can change through different influences on the physical and subtle bodies. Excerpt from this link...
http://www.crystalcreekproducts.com.au/newage/articles/linda/crystal-healing.html
There is an abundance of information one can discover about these amazing healing tools of the earth. My fascination with crystals and gems came a few years ago, when I was working in a metaphysical store that sold them. I would come home almost once a week with new crystals to add to my collection. Each one has contributed greatly to my healing and transformations over the past few years and to this day, are still a great part of my life.
I learned so many things about crystals and how to take care of them, how to cleanse and charge them, how to wear them and use them to their fullest potential. I have applied much of this as well as concocted some of my own methods of what works for me just as you will too!
Crystals are a gift from the earth, here for us for the purpose of our growth and healing and higher learning. If you are ready to make them a part of your healing and evolutionary journey then I encourage you to research and learn as much as you can about these powerful crystals and gems and experience what they can do for you!
Choosing Your Crystals
When choosing your crystals it is important to ask the universe for help and to trust your higher self and guidance. You will be guided to the right one for you. When I walk into a metaphysical store, I usually sift through a particular crystal bin, lets say for example I am looking for rose quartz, and there is about 20 little rose quartz gems in a bin, I will pick one up, and hold it in my hands for a few seconds and feel if it is right for me. I do this also for the size and shape. I usually go with what feels best for me. I also consider how I plan to wear or use the stones before I buy them.
You can purchase crystals in gems either as loose stones or on pendants and bracelets etc. They also come in either a polished (smooth) form or in a rough naturaI form (unpolished) I prefer using gems and crystals that are unpolished as they have not been altered in any way and remain in their natural state therefore I find them more effective! The polished stones have gone through mechanical processing which in my personal opinion may diminish their healing properties but I could be wrong there so don't take my word on it!
So in choosing your crystals, generally you will allow the crystals to find you. This is where its good to be in touch with your intuitive nature. When you are open enough, the right stone will pop up and call out to you. Reading up on the properties also helps to know if it will be beneficial for what you are needing. If you would like to learn more about crystals and their healing properties, a great reference book is Love Is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals by Melody Beattie.
Importance Of Cleansing Crystals
Cleansing crystals is so important, so they maintain their true vibration and remain charged. When you first purchase them is when cleansing is most important as they will tend to pick up the vibration of their surrounding environment as well as emotional and painful vibrations when used for healing so these vibrations need to be cleansed out.
You want the crystals to work with your own energies, and to maximize this, they need to be cleansed on a regular basis. Even after wearing them for an hour or a day or a few days, over time each stone accumulates energies and this will eventually minimize the healing effects unless they are cleared.
With the exception of Citrine for one, I have learned that citrine does not need cleansing as it cleanses itself, however I still do it, just for peace of mind!! Also keep in mind that stones have different ways of working with energies too. Some repel energies which means they work to deflect energy rather than absorb it. These deflective stones are good for using as a protective stone, for shielding your aura from imbalanced energies that are not in harmony with your soul. Other stones absorb energies, even your own, which is why I need to repeat that you cleanse them on a regular basis.
Cleansing, Charging And Programming Your Stones
There are several ways of cleansing, charging and programming crystals which I will explain a few of them here. Just remember these three steps; cleanse, charge and program.
Step 1: Cleansing / Clearing Crystals
Running Tap Water
The simplest way is to hold them under running tap water with your intention that all imbalanced energies are running clear and purifying the stone for the highest good.Dry Sea Salt Or Sea Salt Water Solution
Another way is to soak them in a bowl of dry sea salt, or sea salt water solution for a few hours to 24 hours or as long as you feel is best. Please note that some gems are sensitive to sea salt and water. After reading all of the information on this page, and from gathering your own, trust your higher self to know which method is best for cleansing a particular stone. If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to drop me a line and I will be sure to assist you in any way that I can. Here is a guideline for some contra-indications to stone care in relation to salt, water, and sun exposure.Smudging With Sage Smoke
Smudging crystals with sage is the safest method for all crystals in my opinion. It does not damage them in any way as it is basically exposing the stones to the cleansing purifying smoke. This is not like cigarette smoke that has tonnes of chemicals and toxins in it, this is a herb that comes from mother nature herself and is used in many healing and cleansing rituals. For more information on smudging, I have posted a link on the information board named Energy Cleansing. To cleanse your crystals using this method, you simply light a sage stick, make sure you have a safe heat proof bowl to catch the dropping ash, and once you have the smoke coming out, just hold the stone in the smoke with the intent that it is washing clear all the energies of the stone and transmuting it into love and light!Natural Elements
Leave them out in the grass, in the rain, sunshine, snow, buried in earth soil, or in a plant.Step 2: Charging Your Crystals
I usually charge my crystals by placing them on a windowsill where it will receive direct sunlight and/or moonlight. Preferably charging them for a day is good however 3 hours may be sufficient enough for the stone to receive energy. Placing them under a full moon is very powerful as when the moon is full, there is more energy to be transmitted to the stones. I have made the windowsill the permanent home for my stones and just leave them there unless I need to use them.
Step 3: Programming Intention Into Your Crystals
I feel this step is optional as the stones will naturally do the work that they need to do however you can program the stones by placing them in between your palm and asking the stone for help in whatever way you are needing or just surrender to the healing abilities of the stone.
Cleansing And Purifying Energy In The Environment
Smudging can be done to purify spaces in a home. An example would be when moving into a new place where the energies of previous owners may have been left behind. Most psychics and sensitive people are aware of these energies and will get a sudden burst of unbalanced energy upon walking into a spiritually uncleansed and unbalanced home.
Herbs Used For Smudging
Common herbs that are used in any smudging rituals include the following herbs: white sage, cedar, lavender and sweetgrass. These herbs can be purchased either in bundles or loosely and are mainly found in New Age Metaphysical Shops.
Bundles are generally made up of a bunch of twigs tied together with string or rope and resembles a wand. Bundles are also referred to as sage sticks. Keep in mind also that there are a number of different varieties of herbs such as sage, depending on the plant family that it comes from. You may notice the difference in smell between one variety of sage to the next. Some smell stronger and may last longer, while others have a much more lighter scent.
What You Will Need
- A Sage Smudge Stick Or Other Herb Of Choice
- A Heat-Proof Bowl Or Abalone Shell (you can also find this sold in new age shops alongside cleansing herbs)
- A Feather (optional)
- A Ligher or Matches
- Your Intention, a prayer to make this ritual even more powerful by adding your personal energy & blessings.
How To Smudge
It is important that you follow the instructions before lighting a smudge stick, especially if you have not done this before. Once you are prepared with all the necessary items, you will find this a very healing and therapeutic ritual with great benefits.
Basically, what you do is you take a lighter or matches and light the tip of the bundle, until you see smoke coming from it. Then make sure you blow out the flames. Most bundles will continue to give off a smoke for a while unless they either go out on their own or you put it out yourself. If you notice that the smokes goes away before you have finished smudging, you can always relight it as many times as you need and repeat the above steps. Once you have your sage stick smoking with a bowl underneath to catch all the falling ashes, you can begin using it. If you are cleansing a space, a rule of thumb is to go around each room and brush the wand along all corners, windows, doors, walls etc, so that the smoke is able to cleanse each area. You may use a feather for this to wave the smoke in the direction of the space you are cleansing.
If you are cleansing yourself, most people first light the bundle then place it in a bowl directly in front of them, then with both hands pick up the smoke in cupped hands (imagine you are washing your face in a sink and the smoke is the water). So you grab the water (or in this case, the sage smoke) in cupped hands and sweep the smoke towards your heart area and out towards both sides of your arms. Then with the next sweep, you brush the smoke over the head (crown chakra) and then again over both arms and down the center trunk of your body and then down both legs. You can even turn around while the bundle is smoking in the bowl and let the smoke cleanse the back of your body.
Putting Out Your Smudge Stick
Now when it comes to putting out the sage stick after you have finished smudging, there's a couple ways you can do this. I normally like to put it out by dipping the lit area in a bowl with sand. You can use sea salt too, however I prefer using sand as it doesn't stick as much as salt does and is just cleaner. You can also just put it out by rubbing the end of the lit stick against a flat cold surface, as long as its not something breakable its fine. Water is another option, however I don't recommend it as it takes a while for it to dry and makes it more difficult to light again next time. To be safe, make sure the stick is completely put out before leaving the room, never leave a burning stick unattended.
Remember these are general guidelines, however with time and practice you may develop your own ways of smudging!
Featured Organic Essential Oils
Lavender and Peppermint
Lavender Organic Essential Oil
Lavender is very relaxing fragrance used in massage, bath, inhalation, in scented pillows, and so much more. It has a vast range of therapeutic and emotional benefits from calming the mind to healing common skin conditions. Below is a list of some common uses of lavender organic essential oil. For a more broad list of benefits you can visit this site; http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html
Main Uses Of Lavender Organic Essential Oil
- Muscular Aches, Pains And Stiff Joints (Sore Muscle Relief)
- Stress Related Problems Such As Anxiety And Mild Depression
- Nasal And Bronchial Infections
- Mild Skin Burns
- Muscular Cramps
- Scenting Linens
- Insect Bites
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Sun Burns
- Head Lice
- Disinfectant
Peppermint Organic Essential Oil
Peppermint is an uplifting, cooling, refreshing scent that helps to wake up the senses. Also used in skincare, for the digestive system, nervous system and respiratory system among other benefits.
Main Uses Of Peppermint Organic Essential Oil
- Nausea, Morning Sickness, Travel Sickness
- Aids Digestion, Stomach Pain, Heartburn
- Concentration, Clarity Of Mind
- Sinusitis, Headaches, Fever
- Muscle Pain, Joint Pain
- Helps Lymphatic System
- Itchy Throat Conditions
- Bronchial Congestion
- Waking Up, Refresher
- Colds, Influenza
- Focus, Alertness
- Bruises
