You may have heard of the Yang and Yin elements in the TCM theory and practices. Do you know that the Doctrine of TCM Yang and Yin can be applied on essential oils? Yes, you heard it right!
Our body constantly maintains the balance of Yang and Yin to optimise our general wellbeing. The Yin element can be related as “coldness”. For instance, we feel cold easily when our Yang element is weak. When the “coldness” makes us feel uncomfortable, we can use essential oils with the Yang characteristics to help strengthen the Yang in the body.
Essential oils with Yang characteristics include ginger, Chinese mugwort and oregano. For topical application, remember to properly dilute them with a carrier oil.
1. Ginger essential oil helps improve blood circulation due to its warming effect. It is a good choice for a massage when catching a cold or feeling cold. It helps improve discomforts accompanying with cold feeling such as muscle and joint pain, coughs, cold hands and feet, and nausea. It can also be added to a hot foot soak to stimulate sweat.
2. Chinese mugwort is a popular herb in TCM practice because it is one of the rare herbs that can enter all the twelve meridians to clear Qi and Blood blockages. An abdominal massage with Chinese mugwort essential oil helps improving blood circulation of a female’s pelvic area. The warmth helps the body and muscle to relax, which is good for relieving abdominal pain.
3. Oregano essential oil is one of the hottest oils. It helps to enhance immune system by boosting the Yang element in the body. It is helpful in supporting the immune system during bacterial infections and skin infections. The Yang characteristics of oregano essential oil clear the dampness in the body, which is also helpful to relieve skin infections and mild water retention.
Are you interested to know more about aromatherapy and TCM integration? Stay tuned for our future announcement!