Title: Lavender and other simple meditations - scroll entire page for full article - ( courtesy of the www.riki-arts.com fine art )
These are inexpensive, natural, extremely simple ways to calm your body and mind.
This isn't Voodoo. These are things I have gotten from both MD's, and alternative therapists, that can help to calm your nervous system and aid in stress control, pain control, and general healing. What I have done here, is to trim it all down to what works, what is the simplest, the fastest, and the least expensive.
The scent of lavender or eucalyptus helps with relaxation, and is a delicious addition
to almost any relaxation technique, or combination of techniques.
It can also works help to lessen migraine pain and nausea.
Lavender oil or Eucalyptus oil is helpful in
inducing relaxation,
relieving headaches,
and gently lifting your state of mind,- not the English Lavender though, it is too strong for this -
Camphor can also work, but in very, very small amounts.
Make sure you are not allergic to any of these oils before trying this.
Another easy way to help you relax; get an inexpensive humidifier or vaporizer at the drug store, and put a few drops of your scented oil in the medicine holder and just simply leave it on in the room you are in.
I am giving two verions, the second is an extension of the first, for when you are at home, have more time, and can set up a special environment.
Simple use:
You are attempting to calm your nervous system so the rest of you can calm down as well. The trick to this, is too let go of time, to slow down, and to identify the calming effect and embrace it; to really loose yourself in the relaxation as much as you are able.
Wash your hands (if possible)
get into a comfortable seated or prone position
take a deep breath, exhale very slowly, do this two or three times, then breath normally,
put a few drops of scented oil on the palms of your hands
rub your hands together for 2 or 3 seconds,
now,
cup your hands very loosely around your face
close your eyes,
breath slowly through your nose
Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, do this several times, breath normally for a while, repeat as desired. Don't overdo the inhalents, listen to your body. Breath the scent for about 30 seconds, then relax and breath normally,rest.
I put the lavender directly on my temples, and a little under my nose - just a drop or so in each place - but make sure your are not allergic and that your oils are designed for skin contact before you try this.
If you get too
much oil or too strong an oil,
and you are coughing, you need air,
take your hands farther away from your face until you are comfortable with the
strength of the scent.
Try to "Get Into" the wave of relaxation that follows, no matter how small, if you can latch onto it, it will grow.
Allow it, encourage it, remember it,
breath into the relaxation,
and follow it wherever it takes you.
Keep your eyes closed as long as possible
relax.
If you have time and a quiet space, try the Total therapy example:
First things first,
establish a quiet healing environment, a temporary (or permanent) space, just
for you.
Close the door and pull the window blinds
turn off the TV,
turn of the phone.
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Sound:>>>>
Studies have shown, that the right music or sound, can have the same effect as a prescription tranquilizer.
Use a natural sounds CD, or a "sound machine" :
ocean sounds, rain storm, heartbeat, or even city sounds, whatever relaxes you the most.
Some types of Music may not work here, as it may be more distracting then relaxing,
but you can use head phones without any music to block sound.
Ear plugs are OK, but I find earplugs a little uncomfortable.
You may also want to Purchase a table top fountain,
They start at around $20.00 or less at the hardware and drug stores, they are pretty much available everywhere.
The gentle sound of softly burbling water and the extra humidity is surprisingly relaxing,
.
You can use this along with your music or nature sounds, or just by itself.
You can also use a small fan, it will help even out the ambient noise.
------------------------------------
.
Lighting >>>>>>>>
.
use minimal lighting.
I have a soft red light that is pointed at a piece of art on the wall)
you can even use a night light,
mood lighting, like sound, is individual, whatever you use should give you
a good feeling,
a small string of Christmas lights, or a black light will also work,
nothing blinky though.
Softly scented candles are also a wonderful touch, but make very sure they are
in a VERY safe place
- I set burning candles in a holder on a plate, in a bowl of water - and far
away from everything that can combust-
as you will not be able to watch them closely.
Use an eye pack, or damp cool cloth over your eyes or forehead.
Now add these to the directions for the simple therapy,
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Therapy Example:
Do this simple exercise gently, remember you are being kind to yourself.
Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature.
Turn on your table top fountain,
Turn on a Nature Sounds CD
Set your mood lighting the way you want it.
Light a candle, or some incense
get your scented oil,
get you CD, ipod, ear phones or ear plugs, fan, and/or fountain going.
Get an eye bag or cool damp cloth if you have one.
Get a glass of ice water, in case you get thirsty.
Lie down if you can, get as comfortable as possible.
You may wish to elevate your feet and arms up on pillows, this also helps the relaxation process.
Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, do this several times, breath normally for a while, repeat as desired. Don't overdo the inhalents, listen to your body. Breath the scent for about 30 seconds, then relax and breath normally.
I put the lavender directly on my temples,and a little under my nose - just a drop or so in each place - but make sure your are not allergic and that your oils are designed for skin contact before you try this.
put a few drops of scented oil on the palms of your hands
rub your hands together for 2 or 3 seconds,
now,
very loosely cup your hands around your face
close your eyes
and breath slowly through your nose.
Breath gently, but deeply, a few times. Each time, exhale completely, and slowly, then breath normally for a while, repeat as you choose, don't hyperventilate! Also, make sure you don't have too much scent, it can be overwhelming if you get too much oil or too strong an oil,
if you are coughing, you need air,
take your hands farther away from your face until you are comfortable with the
strength of the scent of the oil.
Try to "Get Into" the wave of relaxation that follows,
identify where in you body it is the strongest,
allow it, encourage it, remember it,
breath into the relaxation,
and follow it wherever it takes you.
Keep your eyes closed as long as possible
relax.
You can do the short version of this when you are out during the day, in your (parked) car, or office, but do walk around a bit first before driving.
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