Subtle: aromatherapy for your home

A romatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical and psychological well-being. It was identified as a form of complementary medicine in the 1920s. Yet the roots of Aromatherapy are ancient and form part of the fragrance traditions and classical systems of medicine of many world cultures.

Aromatherapy today is based on the use of pure, diluted essential oils. Essential oils are volatile (easily evaporated) substances that occur naturally aromatic plants.

An aromatic essence cannot be considered a true essential oil unless it has been produced through a process of either distillation or cold expression.

There are numerous ways that one can employ essential oils to fragrance a room, and take advantage of their ability to relax and clarify. Essential oil 'burners' are now commonly available in shops, and involve the vaporization of oils from heated water. Alternatively, one may float a few drops of essential oil on a saucer of water near a warm radiator.

Using essential oils to fragrance different parts of the home is an important tool in Feng Shui Aromatics, an approach to subtle environmental fragrancing. This is based not only on the study of the scientific properties of essential oils, but on their energetic actions according to traditional Oriental medicine. It involves working with essential oils in terms of their effects on the Chi, the Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements.

Fragrance itself has a deep impact on the Metal Element, the Element that encompasses the Lungs, the nose and the sense of smell, interestingly, the Metal Element is also the home of the Chi (vital energy) as well as the P'o (the 'bodily soul', or instinct). From this traditional Eastern perspective, it is therefore easy to understand how fragrance can have such a deep effect on both inner and outer levels. This effect can be used within the home in much the same way that one uses form, color, and space in Feng Shui.

Essential oil fragrancing according to the Pa Kua

The North is ruled by the Trigram K'an ('the Abysmal'), which represents the fathomless potential of Water. Strengthening this direction in the home enhances our capacity to progress on our life's journey, especially in terms of our career. Beneficial essential oils are those that help to deepen our connection with the mysterious spring of our own life force: such as cypress and geranium. In so doing, they help to enhance our resourcefulness, independence and ingenuity.

The Southwest is ruled by the Trimm K'un ('the Receptive'), which represents the nurturing strength of Earth. Kindling this direction in the home helps to cultivate an atmosphere of gentleness and warmth, and of giving and receiving. Helpful essential oils are those that enhance our personal relationships and our capacity to engage in mutual support: jasmine and sweet marjoram, for example.

The East is ruled by the Trigram Chen ('the Arousing'), which represents the explosive power of Thunder. Reinforcing this direction in the home helps to bring to the fore our enthusiasm and spontaneity, as well as to inspire us to actively work on our health. Choose refreshing, invigorating essential oils that serve to vitalize and mobilize: rosemary and lemon, for example.

The Southeast is ruled by the Trigram Sun ('the Gentle'), which represents the changeable and penetrating nature of Wind.

Improving this direction in the home fosters communication and affection, as well as intuition and creativity. Beneficial essential oils are those with the potential to enhance our emotional sensitivity and intuitive awareness, while at the same time augmenting our inner strength: select neroli and rose.

The Center, or Tai Ch'i, is not ruled by any of the eight Trigrams, yet occupies the heart of the Pa Kua. Strengthening this direction in the home promotes unity, harmony, and a spirit of cooperation, and is generally beneficial in all environments where group projects are important. Appropriate essential oils are stabilizing and harmonizing, bringing out the qualities of the Center and the Earth Element: oils such as cardamon and vetiver.

The Northwest is ruled by the Trigram Ch'ien ('the Creative'), which represents the immaterial world of Heaven. Reinforcing this direction in the home promotes clarity, stability, and productivity. Beneficial essential oils are those that not only increase our vital energy, but help us to re-establish our connection to the spiritual source of life: frankincense and cedar wood, for example.

The West is ruled by the Trigram Tui ('Joy'), which represents the transformative and reflective qualities of the Lake. Energizing this direction in the home helps to bring about joy and enthusiasm, and is especially beneficial for children and all creative endeavors. Appropriate essential oils are those that promote gaiety and lightness of spirit, and, when required, a serene capacity for inner reflection: choose bergamot and mandarin.

The Northeast is ruled by the Trigram K'en ('Stillness'), which represents the steady, contemplative energy of the Mountain. Reinforcing this direction in the home not only enhances our inner strength and stability, but our capacity to concentrate and study. Select those essential oils that imbue a sense of equanimity, quietude and contemplative insight: oils such as sandalwood and spikenard.