Monday, December 17, 2012

Aromatherapy: Beat Holiday Stress!


During the holidays many of us experience more stress than usual, so this seemed like an appropriate topic for this month's blog. No matter how organized you are, there are so many things to do: decorating; gift shopping and wrapping; baking; sending out cards; cleaning the house; preparing for guests and/or parties; attending parties…yikes!

Besides asking for help when you need it (and remembering no one is perfect), use aromatherapy when you feel overwhelmed. There are many Young Living essential oils and blends to relieve stress – and a few that can give you an energy boost when you need it.

For stress, some of my favorite single essential oils are Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Cedarwood, Valerian, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Orange, Frankincense, and Ylang Ylang. Blends to try include Valor, Peace and Calming, Harmony, and RutaVala.

When you need an energy boost with no side effects, try Basil, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, and the blends Brain Power, Clarity, En-R-Gee, and Motivation.

You may also want to strengthen your immune system with nutritional supplements, including Super B, Super C, and MegaCal. I also step up my daily dose of NingXia Red and MultiGreens as needed!

I hope these suggestions help you enjoy the true spirit of the holidays. Please contact me if you have any questions or to find the right essential oil or supplement for you.

Wishing you Happy and Safe Holidays!

Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Aromatherapy for the Cold & Flu Season

Essential oils are a powerful weapon during the cold and flu season. Many oils are anti-viral, so they’re actually effective against these common viruses (as opposed to antibiotics, which only help with bacteria).

As always, prevention is the best treatment. Diffusing essential oils and blends – including Thieves, Purification, R.C., Raven and Sacred Mountain – is very effective for killing germs in your home or office.

Here is my germ-fighting strategy, which I begin at the first sign of trouble:
  • Begin taking Inner Defense capsules, 3-4 per day;
  • Add 2-3 packages of Emergen-C per day;
  • Apply a few drops of Thieves and/or Purification essential oil blends to my feet – and also diffuse these into the air; and
  • Increase my daily NingXia Red superfruit supplement from 1 ounce to 2-4 ounces per day.

If you are already sick, Thieves Spray and lozenges are great for a sore throat. For stuffiness and congestion, try Breathe Again or R.C.

ImmuPro chewable tablets support the body's natural immune system defenses, making it a great supplement to have on hand.

In addition, getting regular Raindrop Treatments and lymphatic massages keeps your immune system working its best, making it much easier to ward off germs when faced with exposure.

What an arsenal – and I have only mentioned a few suggestions! Many single essential oils are also very effective. And, no side effects! For more information, please contact me.

(Note: All products except Emergen-C are from Young Living Essential Oils.)


Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Monday, October 15, 2012

Aromatherapy: Young Living Nutritional Supplements Include Essential Oils


Why are Young Living's nutritional supplements formulated with their pure essential oils? Because the oils act as catalysts to help deliver nutrients through cell membranes while also assisting in the removal of cellular waste. (This is also part of the lymphatic system's job in your body – and why lymphatic massage is my specialty.)

Because Young Living oils are so pure, it is safe to ingest most of them. Essential oils and blends may also be applied topically or inhaled.

A few of my favorite supplements are:

NingXia Red, a powerful, whole-body nutrient infusion that energizes, fortifies, and revitalizes the body and mind. It has just been reformulated, with seven times more essential oils and an all-natural, non-caloric sweetener (stevia). The anti-oxidant levels are higher and it tastes even better than before.



OmegaGize, which replaced Omega Blue, combines three core supplements into one. It contains one of the purest omega-3 fish oils available, heart-healthy CoQ10, vitamin D3, and other key vitamins.





Inner Defense is my natural anti-biotic of choice with no side effects. It is also anti-viral and anti-fungal. I take this before flying and whenever I feel a cold coming on. Knocks it right out!





Try to space out your supplements during the day as they are dissolved and used by the body within a couple of hours. I also recommend taking a break from your supplements 1-2 days per week to allow the body to regain homeostasis and permit its natural recuperative powers to engage.

If you want help determining which supplements your body needs, schedule a kinesiology session with me and remove the guess-work!

To see a complete list of nutritional supplements available, visit https://www.youngliving.org/joycestephens


Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
www.joycephelpsstephens.com
YLEO#401605
www.youngliving.org/joycestephens

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Monday, September 17, 2012

Choosing the Right Young Living Oil or Blend


My clients and friends sometimes ask me how I choose which oil or blend to use. I have been using Young Living Essential Oils for over 12 years, so I often rely on my own experience. Sometimes I "just know." But when I’m looking for additional insight, I find the "Essential Oils Desk Reference" invaluable – not only for looking up specific conditions, but also for learning about and understanding how they work.

Kinesiology (muscle testing) also helps me fine-tune treatments, and I use this technique frequently in my practice. For example, when a Raindrop Treatment is indicated, I can use kinesiology to determine if I should use the standard oils or customize the treatment with other oils. Using kinesiology allows my client's body to tell me which oils or blends will work best for whatever issue is affecting them.

In addition, I have recently started using the "Compass Scanner," which determines where your body is out of balance and then indicates which Young Living products will help restore that balance. Seeing the scanner report sometimes leads me to delve deeper with my own kinesiology into other ways that will help the client.

An easy tool for anyone with Internet access is www.oil-testimonials.com/401605. Here you can search by keyword to find hundreds of testimonials from people all over the world sharing how they have used the oils with success for specific conditions.

Or call to schedule an appointment with me! If you wish to try the Compass Scanner, your first scan is free!



Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Aromatherapy: Dr. D. Gary Young's Great Day Protocol



I have seen Dr. Gary Young at several Young Living conventions, and I once took a Raindrop Technique class that he conducted. I have used his reference books and materials extensively for treating my clients and myself. You cannot help but admire this man when you feel his energy and excitement about essential oils. He has dedicated his life to researching and providing the purest essential oils available. That is why Young Living is the world leader, with farms and distribution centers all over the world. This month I would like to share his "Great Day Protocol."
Start each day with Gary's simple routine—and then discover how happy and confident you feel!
1.      Place one drop of Valor on the inside of your left wrist. Hold the inside of your right wrist to your left wrist for a few minutes. This step balances the body.
2.      Apply a drop of Harmony to your solar plexus (the area just above your belly button) to calm your mind and promote positive feelings.
3.      Apply one drop of Joy to the area above your heart. This step helps bring happiness to your mind and body.
4.      Place a single drop of White Angelica in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Lightly brush both hands over your head, face, shoulders, chest, and down the rest of your body as though applying an angelic shield.
Then have a wonderful day!!


Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Monday, July 16, 2012

Aromatherapy: Calming Dogs During Thunderstorms


I am often asked what oils may help calm nervous dogs during thunderstorms. Here are some suggestions. All oils and blends are from Young Living.

The application is the same no matter which of the four options you use. However, if using more than one oil, apply each one separately. Rub 1-3 drops (depending on the size of the dog) between your palms. Let your pet smell your hands, then rub lightly over the ears, back, legs and front paws.

Try one of these options:

1. Use Release, followed by Lavender

2. Lavender alone

3. Peace & Calming

4. *Blend together:
            15 mil. base oil, such as V6 or almond oil
            3 drops Valerian
            2 drops Vetiver
            4 drops Petitgrain
            3 drops Marjoram
            2 drops Orange

Let me know if any of these work for your pet!

(Note: My Aromatherapy Class on Saturday, October 27, is "Using Essential Oils with Pets.")

*Recipe from "Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals," by Kristen Leigh Bell.



Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC 27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Friday, June 15, 2012

Aromatherapy for Sleep Issues


(Please note I only use pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from Young Living. I cannot attest to the effectiveness of other brands that may be synthetic and/or adulterated.)

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, try Lavender or Cedarwood. Valerian also works really well, but it smells pretty bad! Other effective Young Living oil blends for sleep include: Peace & Calming, RutaVala, Valor, and Tranquil. None of these need to be diluted; simply rub 2-4 drops together in your palms, apply to the soles of your feet, and inhale what's left on your hands. You could also brush your hands over your pillow. Or add a few drops to a hot bath, together with a cup or two of Epson Salts, just before bedtime.

For snoring/apnea issues, apply Thyme diluted with a little carrier oil or pure olive oil to the soles of the feet and toes. Also try Lavender with Peace & Calming and Valor, or just Valor alone, as directed above.

I have heard that applying Peace & Calming behind the knees before bedtime alleviates Restless Leg Syndrome.

Young Living also has an all-natural supplement called Sleep Essence. It contains Lavender, Vetiver, Valerian, and Ruta essential oils, plus Melatonin.  (Take 1-2 capsules 30 minutes before bedtime.)

Diffusing the oils is also quite effective and may be a good choice for children. Or apply 1-2 drops of Peace & Calming or Lavender to a child's feet, either full strength or diluted with a carrier oil or pure olive oil.

These are just a few suggestions. For more information on any of these products, please contact me or visit my Young Living site and click "Product Information" on the left.


Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC  27511
919-270-5868

YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Summertime


There are several Young Living essential oil singles and blends that are very helpful in the summer. Listed below are a few suggestions to have on hand. For more detailed information, please contact me directly.

Insect Repellent:

Peppermint alone is great; mix several drops in distilled water and spray on exposed skin. Australian Blue and Palo Santo also repel mosquitoes.

Or, mix up this effective blend:

10 drops Citronella
10 drops Peppermint
10 drops Idaho Tansy

Mix thoroughly in that order and then add to 4 oz. distilled or spring water in a spray bottle. (Always shake the mixture before using.)

(Please note:  I can prepare blends for you if you prefer.)

To cover a larger area, try diffusing citronella in a Young Living diffuser.


Tick Removal:

Apply 1 drop cinnamon, oregano or peppermint on a cotton swab and apply to tick. Then wait for it to release its head before removing from your or your pet’s skin.


Other tips:
   
Peppermint:  Very cooling when applied to the back of the neck. Add a drop to a bottle or glass of water to increase energy. Apply to areas of pain for headaches (avoid eyes). Can be used as an insect repellent and can relieve itching.

Ginger or Peppermint: Can relieve motion sickness and other digestive issues.

Lavender: Use for sunburn, insect bites, allergies, cuts, scrapes, and itching. I also love Young Living LavaDerm, a spray that includes both lavender and aloe vera.

Purification: Greatly reduces swelling and itching due to insect bites.

PanAway, Deep Relief, Helichrysum: All are good for pain relief.

Use Purification, Thieves, or Peppermint for poison ivy or poison oak.

Purification or Melrose can be used for swimmer’s ear.  (DO NOT put the oils directly into the ear canal. Rub around the outer ear or put a drop on a cotton ball and place gently just inside the ear.)

Thieves products: Take Thieves Spray or Wipes with you to disinfect while traveling. The Waterless Hand Purifier is fabulous and does not dry out your hands.

For pets, use Animal Scents Shampoo and Ointment for healthier coat and skin.

These are just a few of the many ways to use essential oils this summer. If you have a question about what to use for another issue, please contact me.

Have a wonderful summer!



Joyce Phelps Stephens, NCLMBT #2272
110 Iowa Lane, Suite 201
Cary, NC  27511
919-270-5868
YLEO#401605

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter