Aromatherapy from the Eastern Lands – Recipes for Japanese Uplifting Blend Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is a delightful and ancient practice (wonderfully adapted to zeitgeist) that uses the power of fragrant essential oils (herbs in ancient times) to promote physical, mental and overall well-being. In Japan, this practice has evolved into a unique and harmonious form to what we know today as Japanese Aromatherapy.

In this article, we'll explore the world of Japanese Aromatherapy in simple words, learn how it can bring balance and tranquility when practiced and some popular Japanese uplifting blend recipes.

Understanding Japanese Aromatherapy

Japanese Aromatherapy, or "Nihon Kaori Chiryo," combines the ancient wisdom of Japanese culture with the health-based properties of aromatic plant oils. The fundamental of this practice lies in the belief that scents too have the power to influence our emotions, soothe our bodies, and thus enhance our overall health.

Key Aspects of Japanese Aromatherapy

1. Natural Ingredients

Japanese Aromatherapy (much like Indian Ayurvedic practises) emphasizes on the use of natural and organic essential oils extracted from plants including lavender, cedarwood, and some citrus plants. These oils are believed to hold the essence of nature's healing touch.

2. Balance and Harmony

At the crux of Japanese culture is its concept of balance and harmony and it is often referred to as "Wa". Aromatherapy is seen as a way to restore balance by addressing physical and emotional imbalances.

3. Meditative or Yogic Practices

Aromatherapy in Japan often involves meditative (or other solemn) practices. Relax and take a moment for yourselves to inhale the fragrant scents deeply, allowing them to relax and be in the present moment.

Benefits of Japanese Aromatherapy

1. Anxiety Reduction

In the hustle and bustle of modern stressful lives, Japanese Aromatherapy can be a soothing balm. Scents like hinoki cypress and others are used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

2. Better Sleeping Habits

Many people in Japan use aromatherapy and fragrances to improve their sleep quality. Essential oils like chamomile and sandalwood are known for their sleep or rest inducing properties.

3. Enhanced Mood

Aromas like yuzu and citrus can uplift the mood and increase positivity. In Japanese culture, yuzu baths are quite popular to drive away boredom and bring in cheerfulness.

4. Pain Relief

Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can help relieve minor aches and pains when used in massage or inhalation. It can also induce a cooling effect.

The Art of Shinrin-Yoku

Japanese aromatherapy is incomplete without mentioning Shinrin-Yoku. Shinrin-Yoku isn't an intense workout; it's a slow and contemplative walk or journey. One simply strolls at a leisurely pace and stops to appreciate the beauty around. Japanese Aromatherapy integrates this practice by making use of the scents of the forest into the experience.

Experts recommend diffusing essential oils from trees like cedar or pine to enhance the forest bathing experience, thus bringing the calming and grounding effects of the forest indoors for those who can't visit natural woodlands regularly.

In short, Shinrin-Yoku embodies the essence of Japanese Aromatherapy by blending the healing properties of nature's scents with the serenity of the forest, thus offering a deep connection to the environment and promoting overall well-being.

Practical Applications of Japanese Aromatherapy

Japanese Aromatherapy can be incorporated into daily life in various ways:

Aromatic Baths: Adding a few drops of essential oil to the bathwater creates a relaxing and fragrant experience.

Aroma Diffusers: Diffusers can disperse the scent of essential oils throughout a room, creating a calming atmosphere.

Massage: Aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of touch and scent for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Inhalation: Simply inhaling the aroma from a tissue with a drop of essential oil can provide quick relief from anxiety and congestion.

Japanese Uplifting Blend Recipes With Essential Oils

Here are five Japanese uplifting blend essential oil recipes along with instructions for each. While inhaling the aroma of the blend try to appreciate every aspect of your surroundings.

Recipe #1 - Japanese Citrus Oils Uplift Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (carrier oil)
• 3 drops yuzu essential oil
• 2 drops tangerine essential oil
• 1 drop mandarin essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the carrier oil and essential oils in a small glass bottle.
2. Close the bottle and shake gently to blend the oils.
3. Apply a few drops of the blend to your wrists or neck for an uplifting and refreshing aroma.
4. Inhale deeply to boost your mood and energy.
5. Store the blend in a cool, dark place.

Recipe #2 - Zen Garden Harmony Blend

Ingredients:

• 3 drops hinoki cypress essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add the essential oils in a diffuser.
2. Diffuse this blend before meditation or when you need a sense of tranquility.
3. Diffuse it in your home garden.
4. Sit in a meditative stance and inhale the aroma.
5. Appreciate the marvel of nature.

Recipe #3 - Sakura Blossom Delight Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil (carrier oil)
• 3 drops cherry blossom (sakura) essential oil
• 2 drops rose essential oil
• 1 drop geranium essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the carrier oil and essential oils in a small dish.
2. Gently swirl the dish to ensure the oils are well combined.
3. Apply a small amount of the blend to your neck, and earlobes or on a handkerchief for a delightful and uplifting floral scent. It is reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
4. Inhale deeply to evoke a sense of springtime with cherry blossoms.
5. Add more amounts of oils and store the blend in a cool, dark place.

Recipe #4 - Green Tea Zen Harmony Blend

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil (carrier oil)
• 3 drops green tea essential oil
• 2 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 1 drop cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the carrier oil and essential oils.
2. Gently mix the oils.
3. Apply a few drops of the blend to your palms, wrists or the back of your neck for a calming and revitalizing experience.
4. Inhale the soothing aroma to find balance and connect with the surroundings.

Recipe #5 - Galvanizing Sunrise Blend

Ingredients:

• Aroma diffuser
• 3 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 1 drop sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add essential oils to the diffuser.
2. This oil is ideal for diffusion in the morning at homes.
3. Inhale the aroma of the blend deeply to soak in the morning essence.
4. Be in a meditative stance to experience the warmth of nature and start the day with positivity.
5. Make more of this blend and store it in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Japanese uplifting blends with essential oil incorporates the refreshing citrusy notes of yuzu and bergamot, as well as the grounding scents of hinoki cypress and pine, forging a connect with one’s surroundings. They can help create a harmonious and positive atmosphere while helping you experience to the soothing essence of Japanese aromatherapy.

Try and enjoy these blends as part of your daily self-care routine to not only promote a sense of well-being and balance, but also to connect to your surroundings.