ou 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 Yang element can be related as “heat”. For instance, we feel our body is warmer when our Yang element is stronger. When the “heat” makes us feel uncomfortable, we can use essential oils with the Yin characteristics to help balance it out.
Essential oils with Yin characteristics include peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree.
1. Peppermint essential oil is a good choice for cooling down our temperature during fever as well as the feeling of excessive heat. It can be applied topically with proper dilution using a carrier oil on area where the body feels warmer. It also gives a very strong cooling sensation when diffused or just simply by inhalation. The effect is stronger when combining inhalation with certain breathing techniques.
2. The Yin element of eucalyptus helps to balance out the excessive Yang element in the body during fever and coughs by clearing up phlegm and nasal congestion. It can be used by inhalation or applied topically with proper dilution using a carrier oil on the chest, throat area, and the back.
3. Tea tree essential oil is famous for soothing skin inflammation. The signs and symptoms of inflammation—swelling, redness, pain or itchiness—are consistent with the characteristics of stronger Yang element in the body. This makes tea tree essential oil a good choice for soothing skin inflammation such as acne, pimples, boils, itchiness and skin allergy.
Are you interested to know more about aromatherapy and TCM integration? Stay tuned for our future announcement!