Two of my favourite ways to manage my mental and emotional health is aromatherapy and meditation. Aromatherapy is the use of specific oils from plants for physical, mental and emotional health. Guided meditation is a practice of breathing and body relaxation along with visualisation to help develop relaxation skills for physical, mental and emotional health.

Aromatherapy inhalation is the best way for the chemistry of the essential oil to enter the body and bring it’s many benefits. Aroma anchoring is a way of connecting particular aromas to a relaxing feeling. Anchoring is a method of training the brain to associate a particular aroma with relaxation. Some people feel relaxed when they smell lavender. Others feel relaxed when they smell roman chamomile, tea tree, lemon or marjoram. There are so many oils to choose from depending on individual tastes.

In my upcoming six week aromatic meditation course with I will guide participants through a breathing and body visualisation, followed by a guided reflection on the way each essential oil helps support us, mentally, emotionally and energetically. The essential oils that will be covered on the 6-week block of classes are Peppermint, Juniper, Orange, Basil, Grapefruit and Cypress. Participants also receive an aroma-inhaler, choosing one of three blends. This inhaler can use anytime you need a boost.

For more information and to book on a place on this meditation group, contact Tracy from Relax From Stress Holistic Centre on 086-2202734 or visit www.relaxfromstress.ie.

Published in the Connaught Telegraph newspaper on 31 October 2017