Introduction to AromaTouch Technique

With the changing healthcare debate in this country, I believe it is time for us to take more responsibility of our own health. Our team's goal is to promote preventative practices to minimize disease and offer support to those who wish to make the necessary changes to better their health. 

The AromaTouch Technique was developed with this mission in mind.  The uses of essential oils are vast and represent a well-documented model for improving overall health, for both the novice user and the educated expert. 

Widespread acceptance of essential oils, both within and without the scientific community, has led many to choose this more natural approach to healing and prevention. dōTERRA® Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils have been recognized as the most therapeutic oils in the world and play a leading role in positive health choices.

Systemic Constants

The technique was created to combat four systemic constants: stress, toxic insult, inflammation, and autonomic imbalance.

Most individuals encounter factors in daily life, from both their internal and external environment, that have negative effects on their overall health and well-being. These negative disturbances cause an imbalance in homeostasis, the natural balance of body systems and health. Homeostasis is the natural state of Such challenges, even when they do not directly result in disease, cause our bodies to function at a sub-optimal level. The AromaTouch™ Technique works to restore homeostasis, and minimize the impact of these factors. Four systemic constants that most often impair homeostasis are:

Stress
Emotional distress, career choices, family discord, financial worries, lack of rest, etc. all elevate stress levels in the body. Elevated stress levels, maintained over time, have been shown in clinical studies to cause negative consequences to health. Studies have revealed that over time high stress levels can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, depression, insomnia, and ulcers.
Stress also negatively impacts the immune system, leaving it increasingly vulnerable to pathogens. Stress causes the body to increase its production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in charge of vital nervous system functions. Elevated serotonin levels are harmful to the body’s immunity. While serotonin works to monitor emotional and nerve health at normal levels, at elevated levels it can destroy white blood cells, resulting in a weakened immune system. Stress also causes increased levels of cortisol and epinephrine in body, further weakening immune response.
While many essential oils have been proven to counteract the negative effects of stress, both the essential oil blend Balance and the essential oil Lavender have specific calming effects on body systems.

Toxic Insult
Immunity depends on the ability of the body to produce effective white blood cells, complementary proteins, and other cell and body barriers. The immune system comprises a large network of organs and varied cell types, carrying out a range of interrelated functions. Its interconnectedness leaves it very vulnerable to toxins. The normal functioning of the immune system can be easily hampered by a number of factors: environmental, dietary, medical interventions, etc. Exposure to a wide array of toxic insults including disease-causing pathogens, hormone or pesticide contaminated food products, increasing levels of free-radical pollution, and overexposure to radiation all contribute to the weakening of the immune system.

Inflammation
The inflammatory response occurs when body tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The increased consumption of foods with pro-inflammatory components (foods high in polyunsaturated vegetable oils and trans-fats) together with high carbohydrate and low protein consumption contribute to increased inflammation in body tissues. Stress with its accompanying imbalance of cortisol, can also contribute to chronic uncontrolled inflammation and various immunological dysfunctions. Studies increasingly show a direct link between chronic illness, inflammation, and fatal disease. Inflammation is also harmful to the body’s autonomic balance because of its pain inducing effects.

Autonomic Imbalance
The opposite of homeostasis, an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (also known as the ANS, or visceral nervous system) can negatively impact health in a number of ways. Recent research has shown a direct link between autonomic imbalance and hypertension (high blood pressure). There is also evidence that autonomic imbalance can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and even mortality. Autonomic imbalances can result from a number of sources, the major ones are mentioned above: stress, decreased immunity, and inflammation. Restoring homeostasis, or autonomic balance, can reduce the physiological impact of stressors on the body.

Come learn more at an AromaTouch introduction class on Wednesday, February 12, 2014.  Contact me for details.

The Essential Oil Flu Bomb

Flu Shot or Not?

Let me begin by firmly stating that I believe traditional Western medicine absolutely has it's place, after all I am a logically-minded lawyer. :-) Yes, I sure was glad for modern medicine when my appendix was about to rupture a few years ago but I also strongly believe that there are things each of us can do to get well and stay well -- things that God, Mother Nature, the Earth, whatever your preferred deity is, have provided for us.  Below is one of the most popular posts on MiracleOils blog... Enjoy!

The essential oil flu bomb -- it really, really works!! A more natural alternative to the flu shot:

3 drops Oregano

5 drops On Guard

5 drops Melaleuca

5 drops Lemon

If you feel like you are starting to come down with a cold or a flu, put these oils in an empty gel capsule and take internally. Repeat every 3-4 hours until you feel better again.

My husband and I have been using this recipe, and found that it stopped our flu / cold in its tracks. My mother-in-law swears that it helped with her nasty flu as well.

Flu bomb recipe 2:

My friend and colleague, Jaime, has used the following combination with great success. Combine the following ingredients in a capsule. Take every 4 hours (except while sleeping).

3 drops peppermint

2 drops oregano

2 drops frankincense

2 drops On Guard

Right before bed, she added 2 drops of lime to the mixture because lime is good for suppressing a cough.
This combination worked effectively, and she experienced an instant uplift after taking the capsules, likely due to the peppermint.

More recipes:

If you want more doTERRA cold and flu recipes, click here,  here and here.

More ideas to assist with a bad cough and congestion, click here.

Especially For Young Children:

Dilute 1-2 drops of thyme or lemon in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, fractionated coconut oil) and massage a little on their neck and chest; and

Put oregano, melaleuca and OnGuard oils on their feet (1 drop of each and apply every 2-3 hours).

You can also can add 2 to 3 drops of On Guard and 2 drops Lemon essential oil to a teaspoon of honey for cold or cough relief medicine for older children.

We've been putting 1 drop of On Guard and 1 drop of Melaleuca (in addition to some other oils, like Breathe, Frankincense and Balance) on my six year old son's feet twice a day as a preventative measure since his body's immune system needs extra support.

Some other great ideas for flu bombs for children here. 

You can purchase all of the above oils as part of doTERRA's Family Physician Kit or purchase each oil separately. Price list is here. Information about ordering is on the sidebar.

Come Experience dōTERRA Wednesday, 12/18 at 7pm

Help Your Immune System Fight Back with On Guard!

Your body has an amazing defense system specifically designed to guard you against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites all laying siege to invade your body. You probably wouldn’t give much thought to it, except that occasionally it becomes run down and you get sick.

What is this amazing system?

It’s your immune system, and to understand its power, all you have to do is observe what happens when something dies. After death, the immune system shuts down and in a matter of hours the body is invaded by all sorts of bacteria, microbes, and parasites until it decomposes. None of these things are able to get in when  your immune system is working, but the moment your immune system stops the door is wide open. As you can see, keeping the immune system in top shape plays a huge role in maintaining good health.

Give your immune system a boost

Reduce Your Stress

Studies show a steady stream of stress can weaken your immune system. Reduce your stress by avoiding whatever stressors you can. Take time to relax and do things your enjoy.

Eat Your Antioxidants

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you get a healthy dose of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from free radicals and molecules that can damage cells.

Take Your Vitamins

A daily multivitamin will help ensure that your body is getting all of the building blocks for a healthy immune system. Some nutrients that may be especially important for immune system health include selenium, vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc and magnesium.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used to clean counter tops and doorknobs, or diffused to purify stale air. Additionally, essential oils can be used topically or internally as directed to boost your body’s own natural defenses. Used aromatically, essential oils can also reduce stress, which is a key contributor to weakening the immune system.

Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods such as fast foods, snack foods, candy, and soda don’t provide much in the way of vitamins, fiber, or other nutrients. And they often contain high levels of sugar, and other additives and chemicals that are not good for your body. Choose nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Keep Your Body Moving

One simple way to strengthen your immune system is by exercising. Getting regular exercise can also reduce stress and help lower your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Exercise moderately a few times a week.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Without enough sleep, your immune system may not have the resources it needs to night off illness. Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Wash Your Hands

One of the easiest ways to help your immune system fight illness is to wash your hands regularly. It’s also one of the best ways to keep yourself and others healthy. Be sure to use soap and clean, running water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an cleansing essential oil, such as On Guard.

ON GUARD

On Guard is dōTERRA’s unique proprietary blend formulated to support healthy immune function.* A combination of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils offer a fragrant, natural, and effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support. On Guard, with its unique aroma, is one of the most versatile blends. It is also safe to use on counter tops, as a non-toxic way to cleanse surfaces, or to clear the atmosphere by diffusing.

On Guard Protecting Throat Drops

• Helps calm and soothe dry, scratchy throats
• Supports fixed and mobile immune functions

On Guard Foaming Hand Wash

• Cleanses and protects by eliminating seasonal and surface-borne threats
• Gentle cleansers and emollients clean and soften hands throughout the day without drying or irritating sensitive skin
• pH balance to protect the delicate moisture barriers of the skin

On Guard Cleaner Concentrate

• Cleans and protects by helping to protect from negative environmental factors
• One bottle refills 12 spray bottles to use as a multipurpose cleaner

On Guard Beadlets

• Supports healthy immune function
• Provides and easy and convenient consumption method for On Guard essential oil blend
• Freshens breath

On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste

• Delivers On Guard protective blend of essential oils
• Naturally whitens teeth by removing stains with natural gentle polishing agents
• Supports strong teeth and healthy gums

On Guard+ Softgels

• Great way to strengthen and maintain healthy immune function
• Encapsulated in vegetarian softgels
• Contains essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system

This article was originally featured in the Winter 2011 Living Magazine.

To order On Guard Products or for more information on the other great doTERRA products contact me at thelawofoils@gmail.com .