aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils

extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other
parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical
well-being. 

The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely

believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also
be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through
the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining
momentum. It is used for a variety of applications,
including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased
cognitive function. 
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for
healing. Although the word "aroma" makes it sound as if
the oils would be inhaled, they can also be massaged
into the skin or -- rarely -- taken by mouth. Essential oils
should never be taken by mouth without specific
instruction from a trained and qualified specialist.
Whether inhaled or applied on the skin, essential oils
are gaining new attention as an alternative treatment for
infections, stress, and other health problems. However,
in most cases scientific evidence is still lacking.
 What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the

roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants. Each
contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this
mix determines what the oil is used for. Some oils
are used to promote physical healing -- for example,
to treat swelling or fungal infections. Others are
used for their emotional value -- they may enhance
relaxation or make a room smell pleasant. Orange
blossom oil, for example, contains a large amount of
an active ingredient that is thought to be calming.
Aromatherapy Uses: Bergamot is used
to treat stress, depression, anxiety,
anorexia, and a number of infections
including skin infections like psoriasis
and eczema. It is used to stimulate
the liver, digestive system and spleen,
and provide an overall lift to those
suffering from a general malaise. 

Caution: If applied directly to the

skin in its pure form, Bergamot can
potentially burn the skin – especially
in sunlight. It is advised to stay out
of the sun when using this oil.
Aromatherapy Uses: Cedarwood oil
is often used as a calming agent to
help alleviate stress and anxiety. It
provides a spiritual lift. It also
plays a role in aiding respiratory
problems as well as skin issues.
Use Cedarwood to help ease
urinary tract infections, too. 

Caution: In its highly

concentrated state, Cedarwood
can irritate the skin if applied
directly to it. It also should not
be used during pregnancy. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Many of the following
properties are consistent in both Roman
and German Chamomile, unless noted
otherwise. Chamomile is a powerful
calming agent, as well as antibiotic,
antiseptic, antidepressant and overall
mood lifter. The German variety is often
better suited to battle inflammation,
specifically urinary tract and digestive
inflammation. Both also have analgesic
properties and can help to eliminate
acne. 

Caution: Avoid during pregnancy and if

allergies to Ragweed are present. 
Aromatherapy Uses: As mentioned above,
Eucalyptus is a powerful treatment
against respiratory issues. In addition it
is used as an antiseptic, antispasmodic,
decongestant, diuretic and stimulant. It
also has cooling properties, which gives
it deodorizing characteristics; therefore,
it helps fight migraines and fevers. This
cooling capability also helps with
muscle aches and pains. 

Caution: Women who are pregnant or

breast-feeding should avoid using
Eucalyptus, as should individuals who
suffer from epilepsy. Ingested in large
doses can be fatal
Aromatherapy Uses: Jasmine has
been known to ease depression
and childbirth, in addition to
enhance libido. It’s great for
respiratory problems, addiction
issues, and reducing tension and
stress. 

Caution: Overall, Jasmine is a

fairly safe essential oil as it’s
non-toxic. It can cause an
allergic reaction, however.
Pregnant women should avoid
Jasmine. 
Aromatherapy Uses: In addition
to stress-relief, Lavender has
the following therapeutic
properties: antiseptic,
antidepressant, anti-
inflammatory decongestant,
deodorant, diuretic and
sedative. 

Caution: Discontinue use if

you suffer an allergic
reaction when using
Lavender. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Lemon oil is a
multifaceted essential oil. It helps
with everything from skin irritation
to digestion to circulation
problems. It is a natural immunity
booster and can even help reduce
cellulite! Lemon oil helps to
alleviate headaches and fever, and
is a quick mood enhancer. 

Caution: While lemon oil isn’t

toxic, it can cause allergic
reactions such as rash. It’s not
wise to use lemon oil in the sun. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Marjoram
aids in anxiety and stress
relief, combats fatigue and
depression and alleviates
respiratory and circulatory
issues. 

Caution: Although it is non-

toxic, Marjoram is not
recommended while
pregnant. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Patchouli
serves as a powerful skin care
agent; it even promotes skin cell
growth when applied directly to
the skin. Patchouli helps to
relieve anxiety, depression,
fatigue, curb addiction, reduce
cellulite and bloating. 

Caution: Although non-toxic, it’s

best to use Patchouli in small
doses given its strength. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Peppermint oil
has a number of therapeutic
properties. It is a cooling agent that
enhances mood, sharpens focus,
combats irritation and redness,
alleviates symptoms of congestion,
and aids in digestion. 

Caution: Although non-toxic, the

menthol component in Peppermint
can bother some individuals. It is
also a skin irritant and should be
kept away from the eyes. Keep
away from small children and do
not use while pregnant. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Rose oil is
an ideal essential oil to have on
hand. It helps with a number of
illnesses and conditions, such
as depression, anxiety and
digestion issues. It is also helps
with circulation, heart
problems and respiratory
conditions like asthma. It is a
protector of the heart and is
also good for your skin. 

Caution: Avoid during

pregnancy. 
Aromatherapy Uses: Widely known as a
mental stimulant, the antidepressant
properties of Rosemary oil make it
ideal for enhanced memory, focus
and overall brain performance. It also
acts as an analgesic, soothing aching,
cramping muscles, headaches and
migraines. As an antiseptic it helps
with digestive and liver infections. It
is great for skin issues as well. 

Caution: Avoid Rosemary oil if you

have been diagnosed with epilepsy
or high blood pressure. Pregnant
women should also avoid this
essential oil. 
 Aromatherapy Uses:
Sandalwood oil can help
mucous membranes of the
urinary tract and chest wall. It
helps to alleviate chest pain. It
is also used as a relaxing agent
for tension relief. Many
practitioners of yoga use
Sandalwood for its calming
and sexual properties. It is a
hydration aid for the skin, as
well as an anti-inflammatory. 
 Aromatherapy Uses: Tea Tree’s healing
properties are abundant. Not only is it a
natural immune booster, but it also fights
all three kinds of infection. It works to heal
skin conditions, burns and cuts, and also
works as an insecticide. In addition, it helps
to soothe and treat cold sores, respiratory
conditions, muscle aches, the flu, Athlete’s
foot and dandruff. Its uses are vast and its
healing power is quick. 

Caution: Tea Tree oil is not toxic, but avoid

using it internally or around the eyes and
nose. It is also not recommended for
serious cuts. 
 Aromatherapy Uses: While its
calming properties are its most
powerful, Ylang-Ylang oil is also
used to soothe headaches, nausea,
skin conditions, stimulate hair
growth, reduce high blood
pressure and fight intestinal
problems. 

Caution: While it is a non-toxic oil,

overuse can lead to headaches.
Spiritual Retreat
A spiritual retreat is a
period of retirement or
seclusion, especially on
devoted to religious
contemplation away
from the pleasures of
ordinary life. Choosing a
place of quietude with a
spiritual guide, to
rediscover the divinity
that exists at the center
of our lives.
 Benefits of Spiritual Retreat
• Renews our soul
• Provides a perspective that changes the life
we know
• Nurtures our listening skills
• Finds our true self
• We hear the quiet voice of God
 Kinds of Spiritual Retreat
• Personal Healing Retreat (3 day or week long)
This retreat results in releasing old habits such
as binge eating, smoking and overwork. Take
charge of your time management issues, end
the cycle of destructive relationships, manage
the stresses around you and end other
addictive behaviors.
• Inner Peace Retreat (3 day)
This retreat offers you a spiritual healing space
to rejuvenate with plenty of time for inner
reflection.

• Inner Reflection Retreat (3 or 5 day)

Inner Reflection Retreat is designed for the
person who wants to retreat and regain their
inner connection to spirit.
• Nature Healing Retreat (4 day)
Connect with your Spirit Animals. Have fun with nature
and animals to connect with your spirit animals and
guides.

• Wellness Retreat (7 day)

Experiencing daily yoga, meditation, soaking in our
mineral hot tub, guided hikes, reiki, reflexology, aroma
therapy, and gourmet meals. Reiki healing energies will
cleanse and detoxify your body, mind and spirit, along
with diet, and exercise.
• Change Your Story Retreat (3 day and week long)
Clear the beliefs that keep you stuck and then
create the permanent changes you desire to set
you free.
• Group Retreats (1 or 2 day)
Group retreats are designed to fit your specific
needs, they include gourmet meals, outdoor
adventures, massage, fun and valuable tools, and
are held at a venue in nature within the group.
 One can have the of opportunity to
experience a variety of approach to
communicating with the divine through
meditation, contemplation, prayer. Retreat
provides us the environment to rest your
body, mind and soul. It is an invitation from
God “to come to Him because He will give us
rest”. It is a place where one is reenergized
and more aware of the body, mind and soul
connection. A vacation from the stresses of
life.