My introduction to essential oils was through a good friend and massage therapist when she gave me pure peppermint oil to help clear a sinus congestion. After a couple of drops under my nose and on my sinuses, I was literally able to breathe again. In another situation, an application of a blend called PanAway (a combination of the oils: wintergreen, peppermint, clove, and helichrysum) helped speed my recovery process from tendonitis. These therapeutic healing oils are manufactured by the company, Young Living Essential Oils. Young Living’s essential oils serve as a wonderful accompaniment to bodywork sessions as it assists in addressing the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical levels of the body. What are essential oils? Essential oils are the essence or the "life blood" of a plant, made up of the flower, stem, bark and/or leaves. The liquid is extracted through the method of steam distillation. From this process, the oil's nutrients andpure chemical properties are preserved. When applied or diffused, the oils can bring oxygen and other benefits into our bloodstream and brain. How can essential oils help you? Therapeutic-grade essential oils can help boost your mental, emotional and physical health by providing oxygen to the brain and cells through the bloodstream as it is absorbed directly through the pores of the skin. Essential oils helps boost and support the functions of our limbic system, the center located in our brain stem which controls our moods, emotions, hunger, thirst and other hormonal functions. Many oils are naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory -- properties important in helping combat many pollutants and toxins that infiltrate our senses and immune system on a daily basis. As a result, essential oils are a great way to also help support our immune system as our bodies are constantly combating various stressors in everyday life. Essential oils have multiple benefits: Lavender is known as the "Swiss Army knife" of essential oils because of its many versatile functions. It is historically proven to help relax and calm the body and mind. It helps soothe and heal burns, scrapes and cuts; stops bleeding; prevents itching and reduces swelling from bug bites or bee stings; helps with motion sickness; heals dry/chapped skin; reduces formation of scar tissue; kills bacteria, etc. Lavendar is quite powerful as a single oil and equally effective to help compliment other oils when mixed into blends. Peppermint helps to stimulate the mind and senses and is especially great when feeling fatigue and sluggish -- a natural upper! At the same time, it helps alleviate sinus congestion, soothe headaches, nausea and motion sickness and cool the body on a hot day. A couple of drops of peppermint may be added to water, hot or cold, for a refreshing feeling and taste. Understanding pure essential oils To know if an oil brand is truly 100% PURE and contains therapeutic-grade effects, it is important to know how the properties to make the oil are grown, and how they are distilled to create the oil. Young Living essential oils are grown on farmland that is organic and pure in soil. It distills at a low pressure and temperature not above 280 degrees to preserve its integrity and therapeutic properties. Distillation above 280 degrees will cause the therapeutic molecules to rupture and destroy its benefits. Many oils by other companies are made in this fashion because it is cheaper and less costly. Furthermore, they are adulterated by artificial fragrance, chemicals and preservatives. And because the essential oils industry is regulated by the perfume industry it only needs to be 5% organic and pure for them to label it as 100% pure. The other 95% can be combined with other kinds of preservatives and artifical chemicals. Not knowing what an essential oil contains can have adverse effects. For instance, pure lavender oil can be directly applied to heal a burn. Many companies that make lavender produce it with a cheaper quality lavender known as lavindin (spike lavender) which is high in camphor content and will actually excaberate a burn, causing blistering. How to use essential oils   :: Diffusing Method There are many ways to use essential oils, most common is diffusion. Essential oils should NOT be burned over a flame. Burning an oil destroys its chemical properties, particularly when an oil is made with preservatives or other artificial chemicals, and is then burned into the atmosphere and, in turn, inhaled into your lungs. To release an essential oil into the atmosphere, it is recommended to disperse with a diffuser. Diffuse initially for about 20 minutes at a time. You can order diffusers from abundanthealth4u.com. Diffusing therapeutic-grade oils can: reduce bacteria, fungus, mold and unpleasant odors help you to relax, relieve tension and clear the mind improve concentration, alertness and mental clarity :: Application Method Therapeutic-grade essential oil CAN be applied directly to the skin. First use caution and skin test to a small area, such as the inside of your arm for skin sensitivity. If there is slight redness, then dilute it with vegetable oil before application. The bottom of the feet is the safest and most effective place to apply oils as it can be absorbed through the reflex areas of the feet. Essential oils can be massaged into the temples, back of neck, soles of the feet, inside of the wrists, chakra zones and onto affected areas of the body. Be careful NOT to rub into the eyes. The general rule of thumb is to apply oil two times/daily for chronic conditions and every three hours for acute conditions. It is advisable to consult with an expert who is trained in the use of therapeutic-grade oils. :: As Dietary Supplements Certain oils can also be ingested, like peppermint, basil, or lemon, however, read labels closely. Young Living essential oils are guaranteed safe by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and should be blended with vegetable oil, honey, olive oil, rice or goat milk prior to ingestion. Do not exceed more than three drops at one time during a 4-8 hour period. Oils should not be given to children under six years of age. Raindrop Technique® Raindrop Technique® is a powerful, non-invasive tool for the body that brings about structural and electrical alignment. The technique integrates Vita Flex and massage with 9 pure therapeutic grade essential oils (Valor, Oregano, Thyme, Wintergreen, Basil, Marjoram, Cypress, Peppermint, and Aroma Siez) which are dispensed like drops of rain approximately 6 inches above the spine and massaged along the vertebrae and into the back. The entire therapy takes about 45 minutes to an hour and the effects of the essential oils may continue to work in the body for 5-7 days. Click here for more information on Raindrop Technique®. If you are interested in ordering essential oils As a Young Living Independent Distributor, you may contact ME directly for more information on how to order and learn more about how Young Living essential oils can enhance and benefit your quality of life. I can assist you in a one-time set-up of your account so that you may order directly, do not hesitate to contact me at 917.710.5170 or via email. Or you can also simply go to: www.youngliving.com click on "sign up here" at the top of the page enter the sponsor number 807486 at the prompt click "Continue," followed by options to sign up as a distributor, preferred customer or customer (contact me for further explanation) enter your personal information and then select a security code, password and screen name (be sure to keep in a place that you can locate when it is time to order again) return to the home page and click "order here" enter your member # and security code You can reach a LIVE OPERATOR Monday-Friday 800-371-2928 to assist you with the process as well. About Young Living Essential Oils Young Living Essential Oils was founded by naturopath, D. Gary Young. His inspiration and passion for therapeutic grade essential oils comes from his own personal success story from a near-fatal logging accident that left him in a coma and paralyzed. The prognosis from doctors was that he would never walk again. After two years of intense pain, depression and three suicide attempts, he eventually sought out natural methods of healing, including the power of essential oils, and completely recovered and was able to walk again. Young Living Independent Distributor number #807486