Healing Wounds and Scars, Emotionally and Physically, with Essential Oil Energetics BY KELLY HOLLAND AZZARO, RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Energetics of a Scar •What comes to mind for you when you glance upon a scar on your body or notice one on a stranger or your animal friend? •Do you automatically think of just the physical appearance of a scar, or does the scar flood your mind with memories of trauma associated with it? •Do you feel a sense of connectedness to the wound or scar? If so, this presentation will share that, for some individuals (including our animal friends), scars may also manifest blockages (emotional and physical); and how the energetics of essential oils and botanical bases can be beneficial in the healing process. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Scars-emotional and physical. The word ‘scar’ may resonate differently depending on the individual. Below are a few descriptions defining the word scar from online dictionary sources [1]. Physical Scar: “A mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely, and fibrous connective tissue has developed." •Associated words: blemish, discoloration, disfigurement, pockmark, lesion, and birthmark. Emotional Scar: “A lasting effect of grief, fear, or other emotion left on a person's character by a traumatic experience.” “Deep psychological scars." •Associated words: damage, injury, trauma. Definition of a Plant’s Scar: “A mark left at the point of separation of a leaf, frond, or other part from a plant.” "A former attachment." •Associated words: damage, impact, injury, trauma. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Meridian Energetics In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory, the body contains individual meridian channel pathways that are connected to individual organ systems by way of energy (Qi). Each channel has specific acupuncture points associated to the energetics of these organ systems. When the body experiences an injury or trauma (emotionally or physically), it also impacts one or more meridian channels. This may come in the form of a physical scar from a surgical procedure to remove an organ such as the appendix, or it may manifest when an individual experiences emotional trauma. With the application of acupuncture and acupressure to specific body points (above and below the physical scar region), or to points applicable for emotional trauma, this type of treatment, aids in both the physical and emotional healing of the scar and/or trauma. Meridians exist in all beings-human and animal. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Blocked or Concentrated Energy Some individuals may become hypersensitive to touch near the surgical or trauma body areas. I can speak from experience in regards to an emergency appendectomy surgery (removal of the appendix), and how, to this day, almost ten years afterwards, I am still a bit hypersensitive and guarded to touch near my right flank and hip crest region, even though the incision scar mark lies more to the right inner side of my lower abdomen. Acupuncture, aromatherapy and energy therapies have helped me immensely in letting go of the hypersensitive tension that builds in that area from time to time. I also incorporate the use of massage cupping, which helps to decrease adhesions, crepitus and softens older keloid type scar tissue. Hypersensitive to touch: pain, inflammation, itching, muscle quivering, trembling, sensitive to temperature changes, guarded/armoring, tightness, tension, jumpiness, ticklish, fidgety, irritated, impatient, etc. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oil Energetics Methods of Application: Essential oils and aromatherapy blends can be easily incorporated for: Topical application: to specific acupuncture points and meridian pathways. Energetic: mist sprays may also be used to mist over the body’s energetic centers (chakras) to bring balance and harmony. Cleanse the environment, improve Feng shui energy flow (“is a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment.”-Wikipedia) Inhalation (direct or personal inhaler): anxiety, anger, grief, stress, trauma, nightmares, recurring memories/thoughts associated with the scar/injury/trauma. Diffusion: environmental, emotional, physical, spiritual. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Carrot Seed (Daucus carota): cleansing and healing effect on physical scars, wounds, and inflamed tissue. Carrot seed essential oil aids in the regeneration of new skin cells, and tones and tightens weepy wounds. Associated Meridian Channels: Liver, Gallbladder, Lung Emotions: Anger, Frustration, Worry, Over-thinking, Grief Applications: Topical, Mist Sprays COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita)*: With analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant and vulnerary properties, and its high content of the chemical constituent, chamazulene, German chamomile tops the list of the wound and scar tissue healing essential oils. Its aroma aids in calming during a stressful or traumatic situation. Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)*: analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, cicatrizant, and vulnerary properties. Sweet yet calming scent, makes an excellent choice for use with children's wound care. Inhalation during topical application to the affected area, aids in releasing fear associated with the wound/scar. Associated Meridians: Kidney/Bladder, Liver/Gallbladder, Heart, Lung, Stomach Emotions: Anger, Frustration, Fear, Grief, Sadness, Worry, Over-thinking Applications: Inhalation, Diffusion, Topical, Mist Sprays *Use caution with individuals with known allergies to ragweed and daisy family. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, hemostatic, styptic, and vulnerary properties. Cypress essential oil aids in healing weepy type wounds. It also offers tonifying and healing properties useful for both the reproductive and respiratory systems. Associated Meridians: Kidney/Bladder, Lung, Conception and Governing Vessel/s. Emotions: Fear, Grief, Protection (emotional/physical) Applications: Inhalation, Diffusion, Topical, Mist Sprays Cypress was traditionally used in ceremonial practices to cleanse and uplift ones spirit during transition, mediation and sweat lodges. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Frankincense (Boswellia carteri or Boswellia serrata): antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, and vulnerary properties. Frankincense essential oil is useful for skin damage, scar tissue adhesions, and weepy type wounds. Its fresh balsamic-woody aroma supports the respiratory system (emotionally and physically) with issues such as asthma, wheezing and seasonal allergies, as well as grief and deep sadness that often accompany imbalances of the Lung meridian organ energetics. Associated Meridians: Bladder/Kidney, Lung, Heart, Governing Vessel Emotions: Fear, Grief, Sadness, Protection (emotional & physical) Applications: Inhalation, Topical, Mist Sprays NB: Use frankincense that is not endangered and from a sustainable source. COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, deodorant, hemostatic, styptic and vulnerary properties. Geranium essential oil is useful for weepy and smelly wounds, skin ulcers and burns. Its rich floral aroma aids in balancing emotions associated with fear and anger, and as well as its benefit for those that suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), chronic anxiety and panic attacks. Associated Meridians: Liver, Heart, Bladder/Kidney, Conception Vessel Emotions: Anger, Frustration, Fear, Sadness Applications: Inhalation, Diffusion, Topical, Mist Sprays COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum): anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, and cicatrizant and lymphatic properties. This essential oil is powerful in healing deep wounds such as ligament tears, nerve trauma (dental, surgical, injury, degeneration), weepy skin wounds, skin ulcers and burns, bee stings. Helichrysum’s other common names are: Everlasting and Immortelle, both signify a powerful strength (inner and outer). Tap into the strength of helichrysum essential oil as an aid in healing physical and emotional wounds. Associated Meridians: Liver/Gallbladder, Heart, Lung, Governing Vessel Emotions: Anger, Frustration, Sadness, Protection (emotional/physical) Applications: Inhalation, Topical, Mist Sprays COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, cicatrizant, cytophylactic, deodorant, and vulnerary properties. •First Aid (emotional and physical) •Disturbed sleep, Nightmares •Anxiety, Panic Attacks •Hypersensitive to: touch, sound •Wound cleansing and healing properties. Associated Meridians: all Emotions: (all) Anger, Fear, Grief, Sadness, Worry Applications: Inhalation, Diffusion, Topical, Mist Sprays COPYRIGHT: ASHI AROMATICS, INC. Essential Oils Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)*: antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizing, and vulnerary properties. Myrrh prevents infection and promotes tissue repair [2]. Myrrh essential oil is useful for the healing process of skin ulcers, bed sores, weepy and infected wounds, scar tissue adhesions, and inflammation and infections of the gums and mouth. Deep skin cracks located on the hands and feet also respond well to the topical application of myrrh. Inhale myrrh’s balsamic aroma to