Friday, March 27, 2009

Astrological Aromatherapy for April - Taurus

The response to our Astrological Aromatherapy issue was really great. Interestingly, I have received several phone inquiries about why essential oil is preferred to normal massage oil.

So, here is a short note for those who are interested and hopefully, it will be helpful and interesting for everyone. Our sense of smell is linked directly to the limbic system in our brain. This is the control center for emotions and it influences the nervous system and hormones. That is why perfumes are popular and the aroma of baking induces feelings of euphoria.

Essential oils leverage this principle. When you inhale the sweet or pungent aromas, depending on what oils are used, the sensory messages are picked up by the limbic system. Much as music affects your moods, these scents can affect, modify and even control many of your body functions. While the limbic system does not actively dictate, it has a strong influence and will affect your heart rate, feelings of stress, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, your immune system and much more.

The essence of essential oils can be absorbed through inhaling, or even through the skin. Different types of oils will have different effects. Some examples:

Energizing Effect - rosemary oils
De-congestion Effects - eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oils
Uplifting Effects - bergamot, peppermint, lemon
Calming Effects - chamomile, lavender, geranium


In fact, many of these are known as common household cures for various ailments. So, it should not be surprising to learn of their many beneficial effects.

For those of you who are already aware, massage therapy has a lot of advantages. But this becomes even more powerful and effective when you combine the effects of aromatherapy. I strongly believe that Aromatherapy Massage is perfect for treatment of stress and stress related conditions such as insomnia. Digestive Disorders, PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and headaches are other conditions that I have seen to respond very positively to Aromatherapy Massage.

Astrological Aromatherapy for April

So, in April, we would like to introduce to you the essential oil of rose. Rose is the signature oil for Taurens, those born between 21 April and 21 May. Taurens are very shrewd with their assets and assessment of value, the love the earthly pleasures of food, wine and sex. According to Patricia Davies, author of "Astrological Aromatherapy", Taurens have an affinity to Venus, the Goddess of Love. That means Taurens have the patience, determination and tenacity to develop a steadfast relationship with people. These are talented people with a keen aesthetic sense.

With their personality, the Taureans will love the sensuous delight of fine aromas and respond well to therapeutic massage. If you like to pamper a Taurean, get him/her a gift of aromatherapy massage and you'll be deeply appreciated. You see, Taurus governs the neck and shoulders, and that means Taureans will usually have some forms of aches and pains in those areas. Strange as it may sound, it is because Taureans keep all their worries there! Taureans should highlight to their masseurs to spend a little bit more time to knead and rub the tension off their stiff neck and sore shoulder area. Beside these two areas, the Taureans must take care of their throat too. They have a tendency to suffer from throat infection and even thyroid deficiency.

Luxurious oils ruled by Venus such as Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang are great for the Earth signed Taureans. However, the slow and steady Taurean may find fiery Martian oils like black pepper and ginger equally beneficial.

Astrological Oil for April

Rose oil is sacred to Venus and certainly the epitome of beauty - both visually and in its aroma. Rose is among the most costly of essential oil and that just reflect the shrewd judge of value in the Taurean. I would recommend the use of Rose oils as it is one of the best all-purpose oils. It can fight depression, grief, anger and fear. At the same time, it has positive effects on your heart and digestive system. This is also the remedy for female problems and of course, it is perfect for the skin.

Interesting Facts about Rose Oils

Rose oils have a deep, fresh aroma and its color ranges from pale yellow to a darker shade with greenish tints. It is not an easy oil to extract, requiring around 60,000 roses to make an ounce of essence.

Why would we expend so much effort to get this oil if not for the fact that it has many wonderful properties and benefits:

Anti-depressant
Anti-phlogistic
Anti-septic
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-viral
Aphrodiasiac
Astringent
Hepatic

The list goes on for quite a bit longer. Including medicinal effects like laxative, tonic for the heart, liver and uterus; Rose oil is fascinating and precious oil.

I love to use Rose in vapourisers as it has many therapeutic effects. But one of my favourite is to add rose in a blended massage oil to maximize my enjoyment of being pampered and absorbing all the wonderful effects of this essential oil.