This project has been a real labour of love for me - from the initial concept and gathering the courage to share my ideas with people, through the research stage and producing my prototypes - it has brought me so much joy. Even during times when that little voice in my head had me doubting my abilities it has been a valuable learning experience as I used the blends myself, said the affirmations, and just breathed.
Through the development phase, I knew that I wanted to keep things simple - the ingredients, the design and even how to use them. I wanted people to feel comfortable with using them too. You don't need to know how to meditate, you don't need to know one chakra from another, you just need to know how to breathe.
I’ve been using essential oils in my massage work for years and just love them! I love how they’re so effective at relaxing muscles, reducing inflammation and taking away physical pain. They're also incredibly effective on an emotional level. The relaxing and soothing effect of lavender, the uplifting effect of orange and other citrus oils, and the invigorating effect of peppermint. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that they are magical in so many ways!
When I began researching oils to use in my blends, one of the aspects I considered was the emotions attached to each chakra and looked at oils that were recommended for those feelings. The more I read the more obvious it became that oils worked on a whole other level, not just physically and emotionally but also energetically, making them an essential component of this project which is all based around "energy centres".
The word “Chakra” comes from ancient Sanskrit meaning “wheel”. These energy centres throughout the body correspond with organs and nerve bundles and are located from the base of the spine to the very top of the head. They help to regulate the processes of the body from organ function to the immune system and emotions.
When one or more of these “wheels” stops spinning we can end up with blockages of energy and the other wheels can start spinning too fast to try and compensate. Maintaining the flow of energy through these centres helps to ensure our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health as it’s all connected.
There are a number of ways to use these beautiful blends – as you experiment with them and they become familiar to you you’ll find your own unique applications. Whether it’s picking one up as you walk past and rolling it onto your wrists like a perfume or finding somewhere quiet to give yourself the time to contemplate, meditate or pray.
Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:
Find a quiet place, make yourself comfortable and put on some gentle, meditative music (there are some beautiful tracks available online of "toning" and crystal singing bowls that resonate with the frequency of each chakra).
Starting with the Base blend, roll the oil onto your palms, rub them together and cup your hands over your nose and mouth. Take three long breaths in and out, filling right down to the depths of your belly and repeat the affirmations that apply to that chakra.
“I am safe, I am grounded, I am open to abundance, I love being in my body, I am present and aware.” (Base Chakra)
When you’re ready to move on, take the next oil and repeat, as you work your way up the body to the Crown.
Another way I enjoy using the blends is choosing one based on the emotions I’m experiencing – for example if I’m feeling frustrated and lacking direction, I’ll use the Solar Plexus Blend and repeat one or more of the affirmations that go with it:
I am strong,
My potential is unlimited,
I radiate my power into the world,
I honour myself,
I believe in myself.
