Nickie’s Nook: Oils and Books

Many people think that because I’m blind, I can suddenly hear, taste, feel, and smell better. The truth is, I can’t. That said, I do pay attention to my other senses more because I’m less distracted by my site. Also, I use my other senses and don’t rely on my vision. Why do I mention this? because I want to talk about the benefits of pairing more than one cents together. Specifically, our sense of smell, and our sense of hearing. Today, we’re going to discuss the benefits of pairing essential oils and music.

I like music, really, I do. But when you have migraines, music can be a two edged sword. I love the music, but if I’m not careful, music can make my pain worse. But when you pick the right music for what your body wants, music can encourage comfort..

I used to think I was just a whimp. It made sense that my migraines would react negatively to sound, but how could my Complex Regional Pain Syndrome react negatively to music. Then I had a few conversations with a kind and empathetic musician who explained that certain frequencies can agrivate pain. That started me on a quest to find the right music that helped increase my calmness and comfort. It also made me want to tell my friends that their responses to sound aren’t just in their heads

I started pairing music with oils and noticing that the effects were even more soothing. Please note that I’m not a music therapist or musician. I don’t have any musical tallent, and I’m not saying that music will treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any condition. What I am saying is that even with severe pain, it is possible to find music that can be soothing to the nervous system. And, as I’ve already discussed, essential oils can also be supporting and soothing to the nervous system. Music can uplift the mood, and essential oils can promote a positive atmosphere. In 2006, a study showed statistically significant improvement in pain and mood in those who listen to music over those who did not.

So how do you use music with essential oils anyway?

Basically, the sky is the limit. For example, you can listen to relaxing music while diffusing your favorite essential oil. You can also apply oils topically in a massage or if you’re really lucky get someone else to do that for you, well doing that, listen to your favorite music. I also use essential oils on an essential oil inhaler or a stuffed animal, and pair that with music.

What kind of music do I listen to?

Basically, again, the sky is the limit. If you’re trying to improve your mood, it is usually helpful to choose songs that are cheerful and make you happy. That said, when dealing with chronic pain, especially when it effects

the head, it’s useful to use music that is soothing. below, I’ve linked to a playlist of some of my favorite music for soothing my pain. I have also included a few guided image retracts that have been helpful for me in the past.

Oil and music pairings

With this playlist, I would generally choose calming and soothing oils. Specifically, oils, I’ve found my body reacts well to when I’m in pain. For example, I might use lavender, eucalyptus, and spearmint in a diffuser, because I have found that I like that when I have head tension. When applying oils topically, I might use copaiba Touch or frankincense Touch.

For a more upbeat set of music to lift my mood, I might choose oils like motivate, brave, citrus bliss, or citrus bloom just to name a few. and, of course, it’s impossible to go wrong with any citrus oil for an uplifting mood.

No matter which oil you choose, or which music you pair with it, I hope you’ll enjoy using multiple senses to improve your mood and your health.