The Power of Touch

Our first language is touch.  Psychology Today has a wonderful article about the science of touch.  We all know what it's like when someone gives us that much needed hug or gentle squeeze of the hand.  We know how comforting it can be.  Imagine combining that with 8 amazing doTerra CPTG essential oils.  A couple weekends ago, I went to the Aroma Touch Technique certification.  Aroma Touch is a massage technique utilizing 8 of the doTerra essential oils to bring balance (homeostasis) back to the body.  It's a very powerful experience!  I personally have experienced the wonderful benefits of this massage and am now certified to give them.  As I was watching others give the massage, I could literally see whatever was affecting them mentally, float away with the application of the first oil, Balance.  The recipient would sink into the table and the breathing patterns would sink up with the personal giving the massage.  At this point, I knew the massage was just as powerful for the giver as it was the receiver.  Both were calm and relaxed and enjoyed the process.  When it was my turn, I too felt those exact observations within myself.  I'm so excited to have learned this and am now able to educate others to its benefits.  Aroma Touch has been used for anxiety, depression, chronic illnesses, circulatory issues, respiratory, attention disorders, pain and much more.  It's also a wonderful technique for athletes to address inflammation in a completely different way.  Below is a testimonial from one of my personal training clients.  She's a triathlete and physicians assistant.  This massage is safe for all ages.  I have done this technique on both my toddlers and they love it!  I will begin offering these for a donation of $25 to cover the cost of the oils used.  Contact me at meessentiallyalive@gmail.com to schedule your Aroma Touch.  Click here to order the oils for yourself.

I went in for a workout session with Tracey midweek after a few very stressful shifts at the clinic. She noticed that I looked worn out and stressed. She offered to have me over for an Aroma Touch session at her place. I was willing to try anything. I was exhausted, an emotional wreck, and just plain overwhelmed. I must say I am not a fan of getting undressed down to my "comfort level".... that would be shorts and a t-shirt please! Wasn't going to fly for this aroma thing. Somebody in my personal space also stresses me, but I thought "what the heck, I can't be any more stressed!" I was in for a treat. Tracey had a heated table with nice thick sheets and lovely music. "Ok, I can do this!" So I get in the sheets. Shortly after, Tracey comes up and she starts putting oils on my back. As soon as those oils hit my sense of smell, I started to relax. After she finished putting them on my back she put some more oils on my feet. It was fantastic! Once, she was finished she put hot towels on my back and let me stay on the table to relax.  That sent my relaxation to a whole new level. The peppermint tingled on my back even more and the smell was even more intense.  I felt the tensions of my week dissipate. I got dressed and went home. Every once in a while that day the smell of the oils drafted back to my nose and I was instantly taken back to that cozy place of relaxation. My day was so much better. Thanks Tracey!

Bertha Robles PA-C

Most individuals encounter factors in daily life, from both their internal and external environment, that have negative effects on their overall health and wellbeing. These negative disturbances cause an imbalance in homeostasis, the natural balance of body systems and health. Homeostasis is the natural state of Such challenges, even when they do not directly result in disease, cause our bodies to function at a sub-optimal level. The AromaTouch™ Technique works to restore homeostasis, and minimize the impact of these factors. Four systemic constants that most often impair homeostasis are:
Stress
Emotional distress, career choices, family discord, financial worries, lack of rest, etc. all elevate stress levels in the body. Elevated stress levels, maintained over time, have been shown in clinical studies to cause negative consequences to health. Studies have revealed that over time high stress levels can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, depression, insomnia, and ulcers.
Stress also negatively impacts the immune system, leaving it increasingly vulnerable to pathogens. Stress causes the body to increase its production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in charge of vital nervous system functions. Elevated serotonin levels are harmful to the body’s immunity. While serotonin works to monitor emotional and nerve health at normal levels, at elevated levels it can destroy white blood cells, resulting in a weakened immune system. Stress also causes increased levels of cortisol and epinephrine in body, further weakening immune response.
While many essential oils have been proven to counteract the negative effects of stress, both the essential oil blend Balance and the essential oil Lavender have specific calming effects on body systems.
Toxic Insult
Immunity depends on the ability of the body to produce effective white blood cells, complementary proteins, and other cell and body barriers. The immune system comprises a large network of organs and varied cell types, carrying out a range of interrelated functions. Its interconnectedness leaves it very vulnerable to toxins. The normal functioning of the immune system can be easily hampered by a number of factors: environmental, dietary, medical interventions, etc. Exposure to a wide array of toxic insults including disease-causing pathogens, hormone or pesticide contaminated food products, increasing levels of free-radical pollution, and overexposure to radiation all contribute to the weakening of the immune system.
Inflammation
The inflammatory response occurs when body tissues are injured by bacteria, trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. The increased consumption of foods with pro-inflammatory components (foods high in polyunsaturated vegetable oils and trans-fats) together with high carbohydrate and low protein consumption contribute to increased inflammation in body tissues. Stress with its accompanying imbalance of cortisol, can also contribute to chronic uncontrolled inflammation and various immunological dysfunctions. Studies increasingly show a direct link between chronic illness, inflammation, and fatal disease. Inflammation is also harmful to the body’s autonomic balance because of its pain inducing effects.
Autonomic Imbalance
The opposite of homeostasis, an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (also known as the ANS, or visceral nervous system) can negatively impact health in a number of ways. Recent research has shown a direct link between autonomic imbalance and hypertension (high blood pressure). There is also evidence that autonomic imbalance can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and even mortality. Autonomic imbalances can result from a number of sources, the major ones are mentioned above: stress, decreased immunity, and inflammation. Restoring homeostasis, or autonomic balance, can reduce the physiological impact of stressors on the body.  www.aromatouchtechnique.com


The 8 oils are:
 Balance® Grounding Blend
Everyone experiences moments of disconnectedness or anxiety. The warm, woody aroma of Balance, dōTERRA’s grounding blend, creates a sense of calm and well-being. We perfectly blend spruce, rosewood, frankincense, and blue tansy to offer an enticing fragrance which promotes tranquility and a sense of balance.


Lavender Essential Oil 
Lavandula angustifolia
Our most popular oil, lavender has been cherished for its unmistakable aroma and its therapeutic properties for thousands of years. Lavender is widely used and acknowledged for its calming and relaxing qualities.


Melaleuca Essential Oil 
Melaleuca alternifolia
Recognized by its more common name “tea tree”, melaleuca has been revered for its cleansing and regenerative properties*, especially for the skin. Composed of more than ninety different compounds, melaleuca has limitless therapeutic applications.


On Guard® Protective Blend
On Guard is dōTERRA’s unique, proprietary blend formulated to support healthy immune function.* Wild orange essential oil, combined with clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary offer a fragrant, natural and effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support. On Guard, with its unique aroma, is one of our most versatile blends. It is also safe to use on counter tops, as a non-toxic way to cleanse surfaces, or to clear the atmosphere by diffusing.


AromaTouch® Massage Blend
dōTERRA’s proprietary massage blend combines the therapeutic benefits of oils well-known to relax muscles, calm tension, soothe irritated tissue, increase circulation, and smooth limbs. AromaTouch combines our CPTG essential oils of basil, grapefruit, cypress, marjoram, peppermint, and lavender in a perfectly relaxing blend which adds many important benefits to various massage techniques.


Deep Blue® Soothing Blend
According to recent studies, more than half of us are sufferers of ongoing discomfort. Deep Blue is dōTERRA’s soothing solution to this challenge. Wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, German chamomile, helichrysum and osmanthus work together to ease achy joints and sore muscles. Its effects are deep and penetrating with sustained results. Once gently rubbed into the area of discomfort, Deep Blue’s cool therapeutic benefit will be felt almost immediately.*


Wild Orange Essential Oil 
Citrus sinensis
Cold-pressed from the orange peel, wild orange is excellent for energizing and revitalizing. It is also commonly used as an effective tool for uplifting mood, as well as for its wonderful citrusy aroma.


Peppermint Essential Oil
Mentha piperita
Peppermint is popular in countless forms—from toothpaste to chewing gum. As an essential oil, it is useful to ease breathing and as a digestive aid.*