Essential Oils

Essential oils are have been used for thousands of years in various cultures for medicinal and health purposes. In 1910 French chemist and scholar René-Maurice Gattefossé was badly burned during an experiment in a perfumery plant. “Both my hands were covered with a rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped “the gasification of the tissue”. This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day.” Gattefossé was later amazed at how quickly his burn healed and with very little scarring. This started a fascination with essential oils and inspired him to experiment with them during the First World War on soldiers in the military hospitals.

The particles in essential oils come from distilling or extracting the different parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels. In ancient times Egyptians made essential oils by soaking the plants in oil and then filtering the oil through a linen bag. Essential oil benefits come from their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These healing oils are rapidly growing in popularity because they act as natural medicine without any side effects. Ready to harness the power of the world’s most proven therapeutic compounds?

I use a variety of essential oils in my practice, however I am guided by the idea that the optimal materials for healing come from your immediate surroundings. We resonate with local indigenous plants. We are in tune with them and they are the best healers for us. My philosophy is to use oils made from plants indigenous to Japan. Below is a list of twelve of my favorite.

Kusunoki - Camphor Tree

For nervous depression where great agitation precedes a loss of energy and stamina and a feeling of deep despair. Stimulates circulation, metabolism, and digestion. Is also a strong disinfectant & decongestant. Anti-inflammatory, pain relief.

Sugi - Japanese cedar

Cedarwood strengthens the kidneys enhancing feelings of steadiness, stability, security and protection. It quiets the mind that is going over and over the same details. Cedarwood breaks up congestion emotionally and physically.

Koyamaki - Umbrella Pine

It acts as a tonic to the whole system boosting the emotions, bringing upliftment and strength to negativity, sadness, nervous exhaustion & stress. It is invaluable for muscular aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, fluid retention and cellulite.

Hinoki - Japanese Cypress

Hinoki oil creates a wonderful sensation of peace and relaxation. Hinoki is a pure wood that absorbs and removes poisons, bacteria, and pollutants from the system. Hinoki oil

is improves the quality of the environment around us.

Getto - Shell Ginger

For treatment of fractures, rheumatism, arthritis, bruising, carbuncles, diarrhea, colic, cramps, nausea, hangovers, travel and sea sickness, colds and flu, sores on the skin, sore throat, catarrh, congestion, coughs, chills and fever.

Hakka - Japanese Mint

Hakka is like a rush of fresh energy into the system. It allows us to relax instead of letting anxiety build up in our body or mind. Just as hakka strengthens the digestion on a physical level, it enhances our ability to “digest” new ideas and impressions.

Shiso - Perilla

Perilla essential oil has been used in Japan for centuries. It is good as a cough suppressant and expectorant, making it invaluable for all types of respiratory afflictions. It is used for lung disorders, viral infections like colds and flu.

Yuzu

Yuzu oil has a refreshing and uplifting effect on the body whilst calming the mind. It is a very effective oil for use with stress, burn-out, nervous tension or anxiety, where it helps to bring a soothing and calming effect to the emotions.

Shoga - Ginger

Ginger is for dynamic individuals who have lost their drive & ambition and have become apathetic and confused. It burns away illusions, replacing them with clarity and vision. Ginger stimulates the digestive tract & circulatory system.

カモミール - chamomile

Chamomile helps people who have periods of indifference followed by irritable outbursts directed at those dearest to them. In Latin chamomile means “caring for the womb” and emphasizes its centuries-old use for female complaints.

Kuromoji - Spicebush