Be Creative with Subtle Aromatherapy

By Theda Renee Floyd, PhD, RN, HHP

Subtle aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to affect the subtle energy field.  In doing so, the subtle aromatherapist relies on the subtle, energetic, or vibrational qualities of essential oils rather than their physical properties.  As imbalances in the body’s subtle energy field result in physical illness and disease, subtle aromatherapy can be used to restore health on the physical level by restoring balance on the subtle level.  Thus, subtle aromatherapy can be categorized as a form of vibrational or energy medicine. 

Because of the versatility of essential oils, they can be used in many different ways.  When you use essential oils for their subtle properties, you will need far less than when you are looking for a physical effect.  As a general rule, the smaller the amount of oil used, the more potent is its subtle effect. 

Some applications of essential oils that can be properly described as subtle aromatherapy are chakra therapy, aura therapy, distance healing, planetary healing, meditation, setting sacred space, anointing, and the use of oils to support healing and personal growth on emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.  These are by no means all of the possibilities, and you may find yourself guided to others.  You can use essential oils for their subtle effects in any way you like.  You need not be tied to any conventional method of application.  You can use your intuition and your imagination—you can be creative. 

What does matter very much in subtle aromatherapy, however, is your intent.  Each time you use an essential oil for subtle or spiritual purposes, begin with a clear idea of what you intend to achieve and how you want the oil to help you with this.  Invoke the help of the plant and its guardian spirit or Deva, and let the plant know why you need its help.  Be sure to express your gratitude to the plant and its guardian spirit as well.