J
ust as the tempestuous winds and rains of
a storm incite upheaval and destruction
in nature, the elements of stress, trauma,
loss, and grief can create turbulence and
discord in our everyday lives. We can utilize
all remedies available to us, including aroma-
therapy, to support and strengthen the energy
of the chakras when this happens.
To hold steady in the midst of chaos is to
reside in the eye of the storm. The ability to
keep oneself centered and grounded is the
power of the sixth chakra when it is balanced.
The sixth chakra, or third eye, is known in
Sanskrit as Ajna and is located on the fore-
head between the eyebrows.
Since this chakra is also known as the third
eye, it is associated with light and seeing --
both that which is physically visible and that
which is not. It is the site of our psychic con-
nections, clairvoyance, divine thought, and in-
tuition. Our sixth chakra supports the ability
of our imaginations to dream and visualize.
Through the practices of meditation,
pranayama, and yoga we are able to tap into
the essence of this energy center, and create
more peace and calm in our lives.
By combining the following exercises with
specific therapeutic essential oils (see sidebar),
we can bring balance to our 6th chakra and
further support and enhance our meditation
and yoga practices.
The Healing Power of Essential Oils
Pure essential oils (free of synthetic fill-
ers) contain high amounts of oxygenating
molecules and can have calming and clear-
ing effects on our mind and emotions. Smell
or olfaction is our most primal sense. As an
essential oil is inhaled, the aromatic molecules
instantaneously fill the nasal passages and
olfactory bulb. The olfactory system is con-
nected to the structures of the limbic region at
the center of the brain. These include regions
such as the amygdala, which is involved in
our emotional modulation. The limbic system
is responsible for being involved in regulat-
ing memory, creativity, motivation, and the
autonomic nervous system. A unique and
amazing characteristic of essential oil mol-
ecules is that they have the ability to bypass
the cerebral cortex, the “thinking” part of the
brain, thereby giving us direct access to our
feelings and higher self that exists beyond the
intellectual realm.
Palming the Eyes
Choose a seated or supine position. Rub your
hands together for 15-20 seconds, warming
your palms, and then rest your palms on your
closed eyes. Take 3-5 minutes to enjoy the
stillness.
ESSENTIAL OILS
FOR THE 6TH CHAKRAFrankincense Its warm, sweet, balsamic
aroma is spiritually elevating and
meditative. The energy of frankincense
adapts to a person’s spiritual state of being.
This oil can induce feelings of emotional
stability, enlightenment, and inspiration.Geranium This flowery, sweet, green,
and soft scent encourages solace and
steadiness and fosters a sense of peace
and well-being.Sandalwood The warm, rich, and woody
aroma of this tree’s oil encourages
insightfulness, wisdom, and unity.Notice what you see with closed eyes: Do
you notice any shapes, shadows, lights, pat-
terns, or colors?
IMPORTANT: When palming or using any
other essential oil technique, make sure to
avoid placing oils directly in the eyes.Child’s Pose (Balasana)
with Aromatherapy
Before entering into this pose, place a drop or
two of your favorite essential oil on a cotton pad
or a tissue and set on the mat, approximately
where your nostrils will be in child’s pose.
Begin in table top pose with the tops of
your feet on the floor. Allow the buttocks to
settle toward the heels and the torso to rest
on the thighs. If it is comfortable, lay your
arms by your side. Rest your forehead on the
ground or on a prop, such as a block or small
bolster. Relax your shoulders away and down
from the ears and reach your hands gently
backwards with palms up.
Sense the contact of the third eye with the
earth and allow your deepest wisdom to emerge.
Rest and restore while breathing in the
aroma of the essential oil. Feel your brain
relax as you soften your thoughts.Meditation and Affirmation
to Balance the Sixth Chakra
I now release the build-up of old pictures
and clear away the smog of small mind. I
cleanse the inner screens of my visual center
and start fresh with my focus on a symbol of
unity. I declare that the pictures I create and
energize are blessed by the knowing of my
being-ness of my Spirit. I destroy images that
are unworthy of my creative purpose. I am
patient with myself and with the manifesta-
tion of my ideas. My use of my creative mind
is in harmony with my purpose for existence.
I am a seer.
Imagine breathing in the image of a deep,
dark blue—the color indigo—around your
closed eyes.
When you have difficulty concentrating or
visualizing, have poor memory, are challengedwith brain fog, or just need a new perspective,
give yourself permission to take a “time out”
and reclaim the center of your head and your
6th chakra with these simple practices. Taking
just a few moments for yourself can do won-
ders for your body, mind and spirit.All clothing by Silly Yogi: sillyyogi.com
Hair and makeup by Tracey Giovanelli
Tracy Griffiths, BCPP, LMT, CAC is the co-owner
of the Life Energy Institute and a Board Certified
Polarity Practitioner Instructor. She is the creator
and author of Aroma Yoga®, a blend of conscious
movement, breathing exercises, and chakra medita-
tions combined with therapeutic grade essential oils.
Tracy leads the essential oils component of the Urban
Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) program in Los
Angeles and wellness should be easy and accessible to
everyone: myyl.com/aromayoga. Check our her free
meditation audio on aromayogaguide.com