Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Anjie Cho January 10, 2018

My sister gave me an aromatherapy diffuser from Christmas and I've been obsessed! My recent favorite essential oil combination is frankincense with sweet orange oil. My friend Andrea Giordano specializes in essential oils and aromatherapy, so I interviewed her about them!

AC: What brought you to study essential oils?

AG: I have always had a great love for plants and their healing properties. Essential oils are just one area of study for me. While studying feng shui and my background of study in ornamental horticulture I thought it would be SO great to put the two together. And I have! The aromas and energetics of essential oils are very powerful.

Can you tell us about the powers of essential oils?

The energetics of the plant are present in all forms of plant medicine - flower essences, herbal tinctures, dried herbs, essential oils, etc. Depending on what you are treating - physical vs. emotional, internal or external and the potency you want to use, you have all of these different choices of preparation. The human sense of smell is very powerful. We relate happy, sad, and different periods in our lives with smell. Just think what you could do to change that with different aromas.

What essential oil do you recommend for space clearing, and why?

I find White Sage to be very powerful in clearing all negative forces followed by some Orange to brighten and lighten (uplifting) the area.

What essential oil do you recommend for relaxation and bedrooms, and why?

There are many essential oils to chose from depending on what mood you want to achieve. For relaxation I recommend Lavender mixed with some Sandalwood and a bit of Orange. For a romantic bedroom, try Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli or Rose mixed with some Sandalwood. Sandalwood grounds the spirit.

What essential oil do you recommend for focus, such as at the desk and workspace, and why?

For me, I love Rosemary, Basil (for getting my brain working) Clary Sage (calms the nerves) and a touch of Peppermint (uplifting)

What essential oil do you recommend for entertaining, such as at the living room area, and why?

Once again I love Orange (lifts the sprits) refreshes and relaxes. I call Orange “The happy oil"!

OOh! I can't wait to try these different combinations throughout my home to create a truly holistic space that supports my needs! Thanks Andrea.

Are there any special essential oil combinations you want to share with us?

by Anjie Cho

Aroma - The Scent Thera - The Healing Chi - The Energy

AromatheraChi was created from a lifetime interest in plants combined with a devotion to natural and organic products. These interests led AromatheraChi owner, Andrea Giordano, to pursue a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and begin exploring natural applications for health and beauty. Ten years ago, she began making and selling all-natural soaps. It is important to her to make sure that she always delivers the highest quality products.

While there is much to love about the essential oils themselves, the true passion and focus of AromatheraChi is the science behind the oils. Scientific studies have shown that different scents have positive impacts on well being.

Aromatherachi was born out of the desire to wish for everyone to have access to fantastic essential oils, GC/MS tested, at a fraction of the price typically found elsewhere.

You can read Andrea's AromatheraChi blog here!

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Your Nine Star Ki for 2017, Year of the Fire Rooster

Anjie Cho January 25, 2017

Happy Chinese New Year!

On Saturday, we celebrate the Chinese New Year, and the following week, on February 4, 2017, the new lunar year, The Year of the Fire Rooster begins. The energy has already begun to shift for the new year, though, so it's time for yearly energy readings! Be sure to check out our podcasts with Doris Ingber and blog post from Beth Grace for individual zodiac horoscopes, as well as what kind of energy to expect from the Year of the Rooster.

In combination with the Chinese zodiac astrology system, I also like to use the numerology of the Nine Star Ki to prepare for the coming year and stay energetically balanced. This practice was developed in ancient China, so it only makes sense that it goes so well with feng shui, and is based on a number system of nine rather than the animal system. It also closely aligns with the five element principles and the I-Ching.

Holistic Spaces has worked with Andrea Giordano, from AromatheraChi, again this year to create custom aromatherapy blends for each Nine Star Ki number in the Year of the Rooster. Each aromastick is created to provide support and enhance the energy for your individual number in the coming lunar year, and they can be used in conjunction with feng shui!

Now let's figure out your number and what's in store!

You can calculate your principle number by using your year of birth. Beware: this requires a little elementary math ;)

As an example, if you were born in 1986:

Add: 1+9+8+6 = 24
Reduce to a single digit: 2+4 = 6
Subtract from 11: 11-6 = 5

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12: 12-6 = 6

If you were born in 1940:

Add: 1+9+4+0 = 14
Reduce to a single digit: 1+4 = 5
Subtract from 11: 11-5 = 6

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12: 12-5 = 7

Here's what all that calculating means for the Year of the Fire Rooster:

If your principle number is 1, in 2017 you will be in the year of Fluctuation. This year will feel a little chaotic, as this is a time of renewal and rebirth. You many need to reinvent yourself this year. It’s a great time to let things go that are no longer serving you.

If your principle number is 2, in 2017 you will be in the year of Prosperity. This year will feel strong and prosperous. You will begin to feel confident and be recognized for your knowledge and skills. There will still be a lot of effort, but you shall finally be harvesting the fruits of your labor.

If your principle number is 3, in 2017 you will be in the year of Celebration. This year will feel celebratory and playful. It is a great time to relax and pat yourself on the back for all the hard work that you put in the last few years. Enjoy yourself, rejoice and have some fun.

If your principle number is 4, in 2017 you will be in the year of Stillness. This year will be much quieter than the last. It will be a time of stillness, like climbing up a mountain to meditate in isolation. This is a great time to focus inward and do some self-cultivation.

If your principle number is 5, in 2017 you will be in the year of Recognition. This year you will be in the house of fire, where you have the best opportunities to be seen and recognized by others. It is a great time to receive any promotions or any other projects that you want publicity for. Be careful, as all things, good or bad, may be unveiled to the public.

If your principle number is 6, in 2017 you will be in the year of Planning. This year will feel quiet and is a time for planning. In the winter, it may appear that everything is dead on the surface, but underneath there is much life and activity. Similarly, it may feel slow, but take this time to reflect, review and plan for the future.

If your principle number is 7, in 2017 you will be in the year of Germination. This year will be the time to plant seeds. When you plant a garden, you germinate many more seeds than you need. Do the same this year. Put all your ideas out there into the universe and share them with others. Plant the seeds and see what comes up!

If your principle number is 8, in 2017 you will be in the year of Sprouting. This year will be energetic and full of new beginnings as you catch sight of seeds that you planted last year begin to sprout and grow. Be open to new ideas and cultivate the projects that you start at this time.

If your principle number is 9, in 2017 you will be in the year of Rapid Growth. This year will be a continuation of last year where you see your sprouts grow into strong, grounded trees. This year will be busy and active, so please take care of yourself and be careful not to get burnt out.

How is your coming year looking? Are you excited? If you're interested in learning more about Nine Star Ki, check out this Holistic Spaces podcast, and take a peek at the blog, too, for ideas on how to celebrate the Chinese New Year! No matter what your number or animal, don't forget to take care of yourself during the Year of the Fire Rooster! One great way is to grab a three-dimensional dragon charm to carry with you at all times for protection and support. Since the Dragon is the Rooster's best friend, carrying this charm will keep you in his good graces. :)

by Anjie Cho