
Smell can be regarded as our most primitive sense. The part of our brain that collects scent information, the olfactory bulb, first passes information along to the limbic system, a part of the brain even the first mammals that evolved had. Emotion, mood, memory, and reward are taken care of by the limbic system. Just as the smell of the first street you grew up on can trigger the memories and emotions of your childhood and the smell of a loved one or lover can bring comfort and excitement, smell plays a large role in our emotional and mental well-being.
Scent has effects beyond the limbic system as well. Several studies have shown that certain aromas, such as peppermint, rosemary, and lavender, can increase attention, concentration, and alertness.
The oils of the essential aromas of plants have long been used by human beings for various purposes. There’s evidence that the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese all used these essential oils, and even Hippocrates used them therapeutically. Modern usage of essential oils for what is now known as aromatherapy began in the early part of the last century.
In 2014, after publishing his illustrated storybook, Bird of the Soul, mind-body exercise and meditation expert Ilchi Lee put together his own blend of essential oils. He designed this combination of fifteen pure plant essences in a base of apricot kernel and jojoba oils to help people uncover the mental, emotional, and energetic blocks to living as their purest and most authentic self—their soul—and rediscovering their hope and passion for life, just as the main character in the book did.
Composed of Apricot Kernel, Jojoba, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lemon, Patchouli, Chamomile, Tangerine, Cypress, Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Geranium, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Rosemary, and Bergamot, the oil’s aroma is neither too strong nor too mild, serving to stimulate and relax at the same time. Applying it to the body opens the body’s energy points and chakras for better energetic balance, which leads to overall well-being. Inhaling it brings the mind to attention and improves its focus. Even more, Ilchi Lee says, using it for meditation, yoga, or other energy practices helps to soothe and wake up the spirit.
We’re recommending Bird of the Soul Essential Oil this month as a way to greet spring. Use it to refresh the stagnant air of winter and refocus on your goals. Bird of the Soul Essential Oil is available in an orifice reducing bottle as concentrated oil or a spray bottle as a mist. Right now it’s available at 15% off, but this sale will end March 31, 2018.
Meditation for Awakening Your Brain with Bird of the Soul Essential Oil
Ilchi Lee recommends specific energy points for using the Bird of the Soul Essential Oil to awaken your brain and brighten your spirit.
Put a dab of the oil on the points below. Then inhale the aroma deeply through your nose and exhale any stress or tension you have through your mouth. As you do this for a few minutes, you may feel your mind becoming more alert, while the rest of you relaxes.
For best results, follow this breathing meditation with five minutes of Brain Wave Vibration practice with abdominal tapping. Brain Wave Vibration is a moving meditation that also stimulates certain areas of your brain while relaxing others. It enhances other forms of meditation, and is itself enhanced by Bird of the Soul Essential Oil. Finish your meditation with three deep breaths.
Awaken Your Brain Energy Points
- Temples
- Behind the ears
- Center of the forehead
- Bridge of the nose
- Center of the upper lip (philtrum)
- Center of the palms
- Inner wrists (pulse point)
What More Can Bird of the Soul Essential Oil Do?
- Relax your body
- Brighten your mood
- Calm your anxiety or nervousness
- Enhance your ability to sense energy
- Help ground you to the present moment
- Repel insects
- Reduce itching from insect bites
- Reduce odors of the body, air, or fabric
- Help manage surface microbes with its antimicrobial properties
Other Ways to Use It
- Put a few drops in a diffuser or bath.
- Massage many drops into the skin.
- Spray it in the air or on fabric such as clothing and cushions.
- Spritz it on your body after a shower.
- Use it before you meditate or practice yoga.
- Rub the oil into your hands and neck for deeper relaxation.
- Put some on the center of your palms before doing energy meditation or energy healing for a stronger feeling of energy. Because this point is closely connected with the heart, stimulating it also relieves any stress you carry in your chest.
- Rub it into you temples before sleeping to help your brain relax or to relieve headaches.
- Put a few drops in the final rinse water when you wash your face or feet without wiping it off to make your skin softer and more fragrant.
- Spray it in your hair for added softness and scent.
- Add a few drops to unscented lotion.
Click here to see Bird of the Soul Essential Oil in concentrated and mist form.