Evolve Your Frequency: Aromatherapy & Vibrational for Holistic Thriving
Share
In the realm of holistic health practices, aromatherapy and vibrational medicine have emerged as powerful tools for promoting wellness and balance. This six-part series delves into the fascinating world of these complementary therapies, exploring their history, principles, and applications in modern healthcare. In this first installment, we’ll introduce the basics of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in subsequent articles.
A Personal Journey: Adora Winquist’s Path to Aromatherapy
In this special feature, master formulator Adora Winquist shares her personal journey into the world of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine:
"Nature called to me from a very young age. The beauty and uplifting aroma of spring and summer flowers. The grounding, deep woodsy warm days of autumn and the scent of decaying leaves returning to the soil to prepare the ground for next year’s new growth. The comforting spices of cinnamon and inspirational citrus scents of winter, reminiscent of Holiday pies and mulled cider.
Our sense of smell forms when we are in the womb. It is one of the most evocative of the senses, directly linked to the limbic system of the brain which regulates many functions connected to mood, memory and emotion response.
I first came to the field of aromatherapy thirty years ago by way of herbal medicine. After finding relief to chronic bronchitis that had plagued me from childhood, I was drawn to working with the plants for physical, emotional and mental health. In fact, my own health challenges became a testing ground. I had experienced a significant deal of stress, uncertainty and dysfunction in my early childhood-what we would now call trauma. Anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideations began at an early age. We now know the many ways that affect our holistic wellbeing and how the body keeps the score of past trauma. Even when our youth seems to be relatively challenge free, life has a way of bringing curve balls that create stress and uncertainty and upheaval. When left unaddressed, these past experiences and emotions create further disharmony and dis-ease in our mind-body system.
As I continued my research, education and trial in formulation of herbs, I was naturally led to essential oils. And there began my great passion and life’s work. I was deeply and benevolently affected. I was also intrigued. On one hand, the relief from many of my symptoms whether colds, cough, anxiousness or feeling down was significant. And yet, there was something deeper happening, that at first I just couldn’t put my finger on.
I felt a sense of renewed encouragement and strength arising from within me. Places of anger and resentment and pain began to soften. I was drawn to greater synchronicity, being in the right place and the right time. I now recognize this as my own inner voice of wisdom rising to be heard and directing my path.
We all long for better in life. Whether it is relief from pain, physical or emotional, or a greater experience of peace, calm, and clarity. How many people do you know that desire an increased clarity and performance? Liberation from the heaviness of our past experiences or family patterns. Deeper expressions of love, harmony and wellbeing. Now more than ever.
We are collectively facing an unprecedented surge in mental health issues, with depression, anxiety, and suicide rates on the rise, all fostering increasing pharmaceutical dependence. Amidst this emotional turmoil, nature offers us a powerful remedy. There is a deeper calling that beckons us to find relief, meaning and deeper connection to the earth, ourselves and each other. This is the path forward."
What is Aromatherapy and Vibrational Medicine?
Aromatherapy has gained recognition as a complementary therapy that harnesses the power of essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. This ancient practice involves the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to enhance health and vitality. Essential oils, the concentrated essences of plants, are typically applied through inhalation or topical application, allowing their therapeutic properties to interact with the body’s systems.
Vibrational medicine, often used in conjunction with aromatherapy, focuses on the energy fields of the body to promote healing and balance. This approach is based on the principle that all matter, including the human body, vibrates at specific frequencies. By introducing certain vibrations through various means, including essential oils, practitioners aim to restore harmony and health to the body’s energy systems.
The Science Behind Aromatherapy
While aromatherapy has roots in ancient healing traditions, modern scientific research has begun to uncover the mechanisms behind its effectiveness. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that aromatherapy works through several key pathways:
-
Autonomic Nervous System Modulation: Essential oils can influence the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, helping to regulate stress responses.
-
Neurotransmitter Interactions: Certain aromatic compounds have been shown to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially influencing mood and cognitive function.
-
Physiological Response Regulation: Aromatherapy has been observed to affect various physiological parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
These findings provide a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of essential oils, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern medicine [1].
Unveiling the Benefits of Aromatherapy for Mind and Body
The benefits of aromatherapy extend beyond relaxation, with research showing its potential in managing stress, improving sleep quality, and even alleviating certain types of pain. A clinical study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing demonstrated that lavender essential oil significantly reduced anxiety levels and normalized vital signs in patients undergoing cardiac stent insertion [2].
Moreover, aromatherapy has shown promise in pain management. A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received aromatherapy massage reported significantly lower pain scores (23.84 ± 18.01) compared to the control group (38.76 ± 22.9) following surgery [3].
As we continue to explore the world of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine in this series, we’ll delve deeper into specific applications, essential oil profiles, and advanced techniques for harnessing these powerful natural therapies.
In the next installment, we’ll explore the history of aromatherapy and its evolution into modern practice. Stay tuned to discover how ancient wisdom has shaped contemporary approaches to holistic healing.
About the Expert: Adora Winquist
Adora Winquist is an internationally renowned expert in aromatherapy and vibrational medicine, with three decades of experience in the field. A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School for Healing, Winquist has pioneered innovative approaches to holistic wellness, including the development of chakra balancing products and the creation of nanoparticle essential oil formulas.
Winquist is the co-author of “Detox Nourish Activate: Plant & Vibrational Medicine for Energy, Mood and Love,” which was named among the Most Notable Books of 2021 by Spy Magazine. Her expertise has been featured in Women’s Health Magazine and on CNN, solidifying her position as a thought leader in the aromatherapy and vibrational medicine field.
As the founder of multiple successful wellness brands including her most recent brand MilSpec Formulas launched at the Invictus Games, Winquist continues to innovate, formulate and educate, bringing the healing power of essential oils to a global audience.
References:
[1] Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601-611.
[2] Chen, P. J., Chou, C. C., Yang, L., Tsai, Y. L., Chang, Y. C., & Liaw, J. J. (2017). Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety, depression, and physiologic parameters in older patients with the acute coronary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 23(6), e12601.
[3] Lakhan, S. E., Sheafer, H., & Tepper, D. (2016). The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Treatment, 2016, 8158693.