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Concept Combination For Creative Problem Solving
There are many creative problem solving techniques used by inventors to come up with new solutions to old problems. For sheer innovation, though, it's hard to beat the technique of concept-combination. Just start combining ideas and things, and...
Creating Insanity: A How-To Guide
Somebody once said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result. Optimal mental health, then, may include adapting your approach if you don't get the result you want. (NOTE: Seek help if you need it - this...
Rebuilding Your Vision. Can You See The Possibilities?
Ever find yourself going out for a walk, with your dogs or kids, on a hot day and you are maneuvering to try and keep your dogs or kids from running where they shouldn't, and on top of it all, your darn glasses keep sliding off your nose? Or, ever...
Relationships: The Secret Ingredient for Better Health
Human beings are relational by nature. Therefore, interpersonal relationships, past or present, personal or professional, represent a primary source of stress in our lives. Chronic stress is a major factor in the breakdown of our immune system, and...
You Can Meditate Right Now
Why Should You Meditate? What if you could close your eyes, then open them a few minutes later and be relaxed, alert, and able to think clearly? Meditation can do that for you, and it's easier than you might think. Documented Benefits of...
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Aromatherapy for the Body, Mind, and Spirit - Sandalwood Essential Oil
For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a significant part in Eastern culture as a material for art and artifacts, a medicine, and a divine aroma. Sandalwood products are obtained from the sandalwood tree (Santalum album), which is a member of the Santalaceae family native to southern tropical Asia. It is an evergreen growing to a height of 9 meters, with leathery leaves, long slender brangches, and small purple flowers. The tree also happens to be parasitic, relying on the nutrien-gathering ability of one of several other tree species for its sustenance. Due to its seemingly strict set of environmental conditions and its parasitic nature, the extremely versatile Sandalwood tree is quite difficult to propagate.
One of the more highly-prized products of Sandalwood is the essential oil it yields. Most commonly through steam distillation, a rich, deep, sweet, woody oil is produced that is values the world over. It is, in fact, one of the world’s most widely used aromatics – for it’s scent in perfumery, for it’s therapeutic effects in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine systems, and for it’s ability to center the mind in meditative yogic traditions. The source for this wonderful oil is becoming scarce, however. It is the heartwood, the very center, of the roots of the tree that produce oil of the highest quality and demand - a sandalwood tree will not survive harvest. Pressure on the world's population of Santalum album is growing; The tree takes nearly 30 years to mature before yielding oil of significant value, and because of its stringent environmental demands, successful cultivation is extremly difficult.
Oil of the album species has a unique aroma with excellent tenacity and superior fixative properties. There are other varieties available, but the oil from this increasingly rare tree is considered the most important therapeutically. The Mysore region of eastern India is thought to produce the highest quality of this essential oil, though it’s harvest is known to be creating a strain on the area’s environment. Local forestry officials have been killed over the illegal poaching of Sandalwood, and 'black-market' trading continues.
There is hope, however, for meeting the world's demands - Recently, an oil of the austrocaledonia species has been produced on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu from successfully cultivated trees. This oil has a warm aroma, with a woody, smoky scent that has been said to remind one of 'being at the beach' – a useful base note in perfume and cosmetic blends.
In the West,
Sandalwood is perhaps best known in the west as a natural, woody, sweet body perfume used ‘as is’, or as a familiar aroma in manufactured personal items. In the East, however, Sandalwood’s importance in cultural and spiritual traditions cannot be overstated. The wood is carved into furniture, religious icons, used to build temples and burned as incense in a great variety of ceremonies. The oil is used to anoint the dead, helping their transition to the next life. In Burma, women sprinkle it on passersby on the last day of the year for the release of sins. In Hindu marriages, Sandalwood is burned in a tent such that the smoke surrounds the bridal couple.
In the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, Sandalwood is valued for it’s ability to cool the fire of pitta. It is indicated for inflammatory conditions, such as inflamed skin, or intestinal and genitor-urinary conditions that require cooling. Modern aromatherapy considers the oil an effective skin care agent for dry skin, general irritation, and acne; it can help in cases of bronchitis, catarrh, dry persistent coughs, laryngitis and sore throat; it may relieve diarrhea and nausea, and can be supportive in cases of cystitis.
Beyond the physical body, Sandalwood essential oil well known as a tonic for the hyper-active mind. In practical terms, the oil is considered an anti-depressant, relieving hot, agitated emotional states, and assisting release from over-thinking and worry. More esoterically, the aroma is considered ‘divinely sweet’ and softly balsamic, characteristics which evoke the grounding nature of the Earth element. It is used by yogis in the East and West to bring stillness in meditation - a serene mental state unifying conciousness of the body, mind and spirit. From this quiet, unified state, one may be able to gain greater perspective and understanding on what is known as the 'Univeral Self'.
Adding to the oils' grace, it happens to be one of the few aromatics that improves with age. Like a fine wine, one may purchace a favorite vintage, put it on the shelf, and be assured it will only be richer when finally taken down. Because of it's growing scarcity, responsible use is suggested - but using a little is highly recommended.
About the Author
Misty is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She is the owner of Ananda Apothecary, with the Ananda Aromatherapy line of pure essential oils and blends, and employs Sandalwood oil in her practice.
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Wildmind | Learn Meditation Online |
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Free Learn to Meditate, online meditation - Meditation Australia. |
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Meditation Meditation is an alternative therapy. It can be broadly classified under the mind-body medicine. More and more doctors are prescribing meditation ... |
1stholistic.com |
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Detailed instructions from Zen Mountain Monastery on how to practice Zen meditation. |
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meditation concentration ability. ... Online fire meditation use it and develop concentration ability; Online flash meditation look at the screen and ajust ... |
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Under the guidance and teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, Siddha Yoga meditation students embrace the spiritual practices of yoga. |
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Meditation Handbook |
Survey of seven meditation techniques for beginners. |
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Healing Products offers healing music for your Mind, Body & Soul at low prices. Use sound and music to heal and relax. |
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