Aromatherapy Not Effective?

Today I was perusing one of my professional journals and there was a snippet on the ineffectiveness of aromatherapy on health. The two paragraphs gave no explanation or discussion  on the study conducted by the Division of Health Psychology at Ohio State University. I was simply amazed that this journal would continue to publicize what I feel are not conclusive, definitive findings. Several weeks prior I read the study (Journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology) and simply discounted it as not a very well grounded study. In addition to it being a small study the researchers looked at only two aromas.  Later,  CBS-”the media”- jumped on the bandwagon too.

My 2 Cents About the Effectiveness of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and aromatic essential oils have been around and effective in many areas of health and well-being for centuries. My personal experience and the experience of my clients with essential oil use has been positive. A  lavender and a blend of other essential oils helped lower my blood pressure. With the use of lavender I had no scarring after a hot cooking oil burn! Read more… Aromatherapy for a Broken Heart

Aromatherapy for constipation

Effect on dysmenorrhea 

Aromatherapy and Pruritis

Postive effects of  aromatherapy on blood pressure

The media  need to have all the facts before broadcasting. Misinformation is so unproductive!

That’s my 2 cents about the effectiveness of aromatherapy! Send your comments, I’d like to hear your opinion.

NATIONAL ARBOR DAY is observed today in New York.  Arbor Day is celebrated to encourage tree planting and the care of trees in all states. In New York the last Thursday in April is designated as the day for the  tree planting and care. I know this is a difficult time of year for persons with allergies. However, they can enjoy the ‘fruits’ of labor at a later date.

New trees have been planted in my community and others have received care. The cherry blossom and magnolia trees are in full bloom.

This national day is very much in line with Earth Hour on March 29 and Earth Day on April 22, which impact the health and wellness of individuals, communities, cities, states and countries. This ripple effect is, indeed, is very positive! There are those of use who love the smell of  fresh, turned soil of the earth. My African violets are in full bloom now because I ‘cared’ for them.

Centenarians have an understanding of the connection of humanity with the earth and their well-being. Are you adding more years to your life by planting trees or caring for your house/outdoor plants?

Are you a  Baby Boomer,  pre-retiree or a person who has retired from long time employment and now find yourself in a transitional period– confused and thinking about what you are going to do with your life? ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ Lifestyle practices are paramount to living long and living well.

Where do people live longest? In the Blue Zones.

The Blue Zones include Loma Linda, California, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan. Panchita Castillo, whose picture appears above, lives in Nicoya and is a centenarian. Watch the daily activities of Panchita on video here.

Costa Rican Secrets to a Long Life **

Try these lifestyle practices common to the centenarians in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone.
Have a strong sense of purpose
Costa Rican centenarians have a clear mission in life, what they call a plan de vida. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good.

Drink hard water
Nicoyan water has the country’s highest calcium content, which perhaps explains the centenarians’ lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures.

Keep a focus on family
Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their families, and children or grandchildren provide support and a sense of purpose and belonging.

Eat a light dinner
Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life. Nicoyans eat a light dinner early in the evening. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known.

Maintain social networks
Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors. They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have.

Keep hard at work
Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work all their lives. They find joy in everyday physical chores.

Get some sensible sun
Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy bodies. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular “smart” sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help supplement your diet and ensure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Embrace a common history
Modern Nicoyans’ roots, among the indigenous Chorotega, and their spiritual traditions have enabled them to remain relatively free of stress.

In today’s fast paced, technology oriented society with people living longer and retiring  earlier than ever, lifestyle coaching is a great adjunct to living a long life and living it well and healthy.

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