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At HHA, we’re firm believers that a little aromatherapy makes everything better...including summer!
Of course, it goes without saying that this summer is a little different than most. As the pandemic interferes with our traditional vacations and festivities, 2020 is the year of the “stay-cation” -- and what better way to keep calm and invite all the varied, tantalizing scents of summer into your home than with essential oils? At Hudson Healing Arts, we honor the notion of medicine as anything used to facilitate healing, and we use only the highest-quality oils, Young Living Therapeutic Grade A Essential Oils. Essential oils promote well-being of the mind, body and spirit, and are especially wonderful for soothing stress (you can learn more about these benefits on our previous blog post). Many people are familiar with using a diffuser to reap the benefits of aromatherapy, but the opportunities for enhancing your summer with essential oils are truly endless… check out some inspiration below! ❖ After a long day of sun, refresh yourself by adding a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or Panaway blend to a cold washcloth. Place it on your forehead, the back of your head, or over any achy muscles. For a maximum cooling effect, pop the washcloth in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using. ❖ To carry your favorite summer scents with you all day long, add a few drops of oil to your laundry soap or natural dryer balls. ❖ Did you know essential oils are highly effective for natural bug protection? Citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, clove, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, and geranium are all wonderful insect-repellent choices — and the fact that they smell far better than conventional bug sprays is just the icing on the cake! You can make your own spray bottle mix (with water, natural witch hazel, rubbing alcohol, and/or vinegar), squeeze a few drops on a crackling camp fire, or dab on your clothes or wrist. For ease of use and no mixing, Young Living offers a wonderful blend called Purification that’s superb for protection and repelling insects. Already targeted by mosquitos? A drop or 2 of Purification will soon soothe the itch and help calm swelling. ❖ For super skin-soothing and hydration after being out in the heat, add a few drops of lavender oil to all-natural aloe vera gel and massage into your skin. ❖ If your outdoor furniture is looking a little grungy, add a few drops of tea tree, lavender, lemon, spearmint or lime essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water for a nice-smelling polish. You can also freshen up old beach towels! ❖ For sweeter-smelling sunscreen, add 2-3 drops of carrot seed, lavender, or sandalwood to your SPF. Just make sure to be mindful not to mix any photosensitive essential oils to your sunscreen or lotion, because these make you more sensitive to the sun’s rays (here’s a helpful guide to photosensitive oils from the Young Living blog). ❖ If your hair is feeling the frizz from Hoboken’s heat and humidity, you’re not alone! Tame flyaways by adding a few drops of geranium, eucalyptus, rosemary, or lavender to your shampoo, hair serum, or oil. ❖ We love this nourishing DIY nighttime exfoliant from the Young Living blog! Simply mix 1 tablespoon jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and 4 drops lemon essential oil. Gently apply the scrub to your face and massage in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Rinse and then moisturize. ❖ Whether you’re working out in the garden or your AC simply isn’t doing it for you, beat the heat with a refreshing face mist. Add a few drops of peppermint, lavender or chamomile oil to a glass spray bottle filled with water. Spray on your head, neck, and chest, being careful to avoid your eyes and also to avoid using photosensitive oils. ❖ To freshen things up in your car, add a few drops of your favorite summer scent to a cotton ball and place it in your car vents. An added bonus is that essential oils are known to reduce stress and increase mental alertness, which is extra helpful for long road trips. Think peppermint! ❖ During the dog dogs of summer, getting enough water is extra important. Adding a few drops of lemon, lime, or other citrus oil essential oil to your H20 is a wonderful way to give it a little flavor and inspire you to get enough to stay well-hydrated. Be sure you’re using a therapeutic or food-grade oil for this purpose, since many brands contain substances that may not be safe for consumption. We hope these ideas spark your inspiration and invite some relaxing summer aromatherapy into your life! As always, we’d love to hear from you and learn about your favorite ways to embrace essential oils during the summertime in the comments section below! Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy summer making new memories :) If you’re interested in ordering any of Young Living’s products, visit www.youngliving.com and use #220708 as the referral number. Or call us– we’re glad to be of help!
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As we all navigate a path through uncharted territory during this time of quarantine and self-isolation, we at Hudson Healing Arts recognize that self care and wellness practices are more important than ever. We want to reassure you that several of our practitioners are available to help you remotely, in a way that's structured to fit into your life during this period of time. Herbal consultations, health and wellness consultations, psychotherapy, Bach Flower Remedy consultations, and energy balancing work are all available by phone, Zoom, or Skype. And do follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram - our posts offer supportive and encouraging messages for you.
Our remote offerings: Joe Del Giodice - Herbal consultations and Health consultations (201) 653-7700 ext.3 Carla San Diego - Available for in-person acupuncture treatments by appointment. Herbal consultations available remotely (917) 830-5877 Beth O'Boyle Bach Flower Remedy consultations, AshWork Energy Clearing, Distance Reiki treatments (201) 653-7700 ext.1 Andrea Inauen Psychotherapy (973) 886-0941 How to Transcend the Limitations As we're being asked to limit or forgo our usual range of activities in the world, it can be challenging to make these adjustments. It's normal to look upon self-isolating and social distancing as taking something precious away from our lives, depleting the richness of life. Yet this is a time that holds powerful energy for regeneration, renewal, and self-reflection. We have only to look at nature awakening to Spring right outside our windows to see renewal happening right before our eyes. Flowers are in bloom, the trees are putting out new leaves, the grass is greening, and nature is breathing easier. If you need help refocusing on what's good in your life, we've listed some thoughts below on ways to help shift your mood from stress to one of greater ease. Consider the Gifts of this Period: 1. Extra sleep - it's good for your immune system! 2. Parents have real time to spend with their children and families are eating meals together. 3. We're getting really creative figuring out ways to connect. Groups and clubs are meeting virtually. If you're used to meeting friends after work or on the weekends, get together for a virtual brunch or cup of coffee. 4. There are loads of online classes, from art courses to yoga and everything in-between, many of them offered at no charge. It's the perfect time to learn something new. 5. There's time for that book you've been meaning to read... 6. We're realizing the power of connection and taking time to reach out to those who need company or an encouraging word. 7. It's giving us time to understand the value of what really matters. 8. We will get through this. Take this opportunity to let go of what doesn't matter and focus on keeping yourself strong and well. How to Create a Sense of Structure for Yourself It can be daunting to face a totally unstructured week. Humans are creatures of habit and we tend to feel better when there's a sense of structure in our lives - it helps to support a sense of purpose and self-worth. Consider what you can do to build a gentle, yet supportive routine for yourself, especially if you're not employed at this time. Meals are great way to begin. Your body likes and thrives on routine, so try to have meals at regular times. It's a good opportunity to spend more time in the kitchen. Not only is cooking a wonderful creative outlet, it's a way to nourish yourself deeply with good food. Make it a point to actually sit down for meals. Try to get up and go to bed at the same times each day. Yes, there may be those days when all you want to do is stay in bed and if that's what you need - do it. But getting up and getting dressed can actually help you feel better about yourself. Make time for exercise - it's a great way to release stress. There are lots of online classes being offered now. We wish good health and safety for you, your families, and your loved ones. We're all in this together. Let's come through this time as wiser, more compassionate, loving people. |
AuthorHannah Chenoweth is a Hoboken-based conference producer and freelance writer who enjoys covering all aspects of health and wellness. Archives
October 2024
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