Applying Essential Oils and Balms for Meditation & Yoga

Applying essential oils and balms to different parts of the body have specific effects. There are various applications you can use when practicing meditation or yoga. Apply warm oils or balm on the forehead to improve perception, to the top of the head to increase intelligence or to the back of the neck to calm the unconscious. Massaging into the abdomen is also useful for releasing emotions.



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The Meaning of Mantra

The word mantra has become trendy and casually used in the modern world. However, its true meaning is rooted deeply in ancient Vedic culture and is very powerful. According to Ayurvedic expert, Pratima Raichur, mantra means:

"...the thought that liberates and protects. It liberates in the sense that the mantra is the thought that takes the attention inward and enables the mind to transcend. By transcending, we go beyond the boundaries of thought, which fracture the wholeness of Being, to experience freedom of our own unbounded nature".

Dr. David Frawley, esteemed author and teacher of Ayurvedic studies, states that "mantra is the means of energizing healing methods on subtle or spiritual level". The sounds or vibrations that take place when a mantra is repeated are healing and connect us with our highest levels of being.

The Bija (seed) mantras are powerful Sanskrit syllables used in meditation. Ayurveda believes that each sound has a unique vibration that has a specific effect in the physical realm. The origin of these syllables is very complex and are believed to be combinations of sounds made in the early stages of life. A list of some of these seed mantras are as follows:

OM- The most important mantra. It empowers and energizes all things and processes. Clears the mind and opens channels.

SHRIM (pronounced shreem)- Promotes general health, beauty, creativity and prosperity. Can strengthen the feminine nature.

LUM (u- sound as in put)- Creates stability, grounding, joy and life. Associated with the reproductive system.

RAM (long "a" sound like, aaah)- Gives strength, calm, rest and peace. Good for high Vata and mental disorders. Willpower, perception and orderliness.

YAM (long "a" sound)- Increases love and compassion.

HAM (long "a" sound)- Improves speech, communication, success.

HUM (u- sound as in put)- Repels negative influences including disease causing pathogens and negative emotions. Promotes digestive fire (or energy).

AIM (aym)- The best mantra for the mind, improving concentration, thinking, rational powers and improving speech. Helps with nervous and mental conditions. Associations with wisdom.

KRIM (cream)- Gives capacity for work and action. It gives power and efficiency to what we do.

HRIM (hreem)- Good for cleansing and purification. Aids detoxification process.

There are many different approaches to the use of these mantras. One is to find one that suits you or that is healing for an imbalance you may have at the time and repeat it often (some say up to 100,000 times!). You can also focus on the chakras and repeat LUM, VAM, RAM, YAM and HAM for about 15 minutes while meditating. It is recommended to spend 2-3 minutes on each mantra.


References:

Dr. David Frawley. "Ayurvedic Healing" (2000).
Pratima Raichur. "Absolute Beauty" (1997).

The Healing Power of Bitter Orange Extracts (Neroli)

Neroli can be made from the flowers of the bitter orange or sweet orange tree. Our hydrosols are made from the bitter orange tree which is supposed to have more therapeutic benefits. Its aromatherapeutic properties help one connect to the God-self within and gives confidence and strength to the mind. Neroli hydrosols are also great for the relief of depression, exhaustion and sleeplessness and can be an ally in times of stress.

Neroli extracts, in both essential oil and hydrosol forms, increase circulation and stimulates new cell growth. They can prevent scarring and stretch marks, and have been found useful in treating skin conditions linked to emotional stress. Any type of skin can benefit from Neroli, although it is particularly good for dry, irritated or sensitive skin. It regulates oiliness and minimizes enlarged pores. Neroli helps to clear acne and blemished skin, especially if the skin lacks moisture. With regular treatment, it can reduce the appearance of fragile or broken capillaries and varicose veins. Other properties include being antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant (nervous) and tonic (cardiac, circulatory).

 

 

The Science Behind Namaste

The Hindu greeting of putting both hands together in Namaste/Namaskar is commonly used as a way to show respect. According to an article published today, there is a scientific meaning behind this gesture as well. Pressure points for our eyes, ears and mind are in the fingers. Pressing them together activates these pressure points, which helps us remember the person we are greeting for a long time.

The Healing Benefits of Floral Hydrosols

The Healing Benefits of Floral Hydrosols

Floral hydrosols have been sought after for their exquisite aromas and medicinal properties throughout history. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were known to have made great use of floral hydrosols for their healing and aesthetic properties in the form of infusions and ointments. Floral hydrosols are also used in many alternative and Ayurvedic medicinal therapies.


Floral hydrosols are the plant- or flower-water by-product that remains from the production of an essential oil during the steam distillation process. During the cooling process, the oil-soluble component is separated out from the floral water. Since the aromatic molecules of flowers have already passed through the water, the floral hydrosol is now enriched with a mixture of beneficial aromatic properties and therapeutic benefits. 

Supercharged with deeply active elements from the essence of the plant or flower, floral hydrosols offer a misty and therapeutic way to deliver a wide range of soothing skin benefits. Floral hydrosols contain all of the essence of the plant or flower, just like essential oils. However, they are milder and ideal for applications where essential oils might be too strong. These properties make them perfect for use on face, particular over cosmetic or make-up applications. 

Water blended with essential oils or synthetic fragrance oils is often sold as floral water or floral hydrosols. These are not real floral hydrosols. True steam-distilled hydrosols contain all the nutritional components that whole plant materials have to offer. Noble Therapies uses only 100% pure floral hydrosols. This makes them gentle and safe enough to use for any skin type and constitution, including sensitive skin.

Noble Therapies pure hydrosol mists are a natural way to stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. They also provide relief for those suffering from hot flashes and are safe to use during pregnancy. Use them at the office to help relieve stress, exhaustion and eye fatigue.  Try spraying a fine floral hydrosol mist after a yoga session or any time you need to take a moment to revive your senses. 

Here are some of our favorite hydrosols and their benefits:

Neroli Flower Hydrosols (Orange Blossom/Citrus aurantium)

Neroli is made from the flowers of the orange tree. Neroli hydrosols are good for people who have mature or oily skin due to their various relaxing properties. Their aromatherapeutic properties help one connect to the God-self within and gives confidence and strength to the mind. Neroli hydrosols are also great for the relief of depression, exhaustion and sleeplessness and can be an ally in times of stress. 

Shop Noble Therapies Neroli Nirmana FacialMist

Rose Flower Hydrosols (Rosa spp.)

The most powerful of all hydrosols is rose, and is used in many alternative and Ayurvedic medicine therapies. It is balancing for the skin and hormonal system and has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Its aromatherapeutic properties give a sense of security and spiritual attunement, and are calming, cooling and fortifying. Rose hydrosol is also known to promote openness in the heart, reduce anger and strengthens liver function. 

Shop Noble Therapies Rose Revival Facial Mist

Sandalwood Hydrosol

Sandalwood is one of the strongest smelling plants in the world. Its aromatherapeutic qualities keep you grounded and close to your divine essence. It is antibacterial, moisturizing, and promotes tissue regeneration.  It can also provide relief from depression, insomnia and anxiety.  Sandalwood hydrosol is used in both Noble Therapies’ Rose Revival and Neroli Nirmana blends.