Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul. -Oscar Wilde
We were created to experience and savor the world through our senses. Being aware of our surroundings by drawing on these natural human gifts can be greatly therapeutic.
We can use the simple pleasure and power of practices like aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy, nature therapy, and touch therapy to enhance our well-being. These therapeutic arts have been used for thousands of years—because they work!
Here’s how:
1. Aromatherapy
Essential oils have been used medicinally for nearly 6,000 years with its roots in places like Egypt, where they used perfume as a holistic therapy.
Aromatherapy is easy to incorporate. You can use an essential oil diffuser, burn a scented candle, or add a mix of oils to your bath.
Your preferred choice of oil and scent will depend on your moods and physical needs. Use lavender to relieve anxiety and stress, rosemary to activate memory, basil to stimulate the brain, peppermint for mental clarity and sharpness, and sage for fatigue and stress
2. Music Therapy
When you crave more than the sounds of silence, music can be your savior. Listening to and playing music can help you relax and channel your creative energy.
Using music as a healing medium dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by biblical scriptures and writings from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, India, Greece, and Rome.
Since then, music therapy has been used to relieve stress, and to aid in mental, emotional and behavioral problems. It can even help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is often used to help elderly clients deal with memory loss associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
3. Touch Therapy
Touch is a powerful, life-enhancing physical sense that has also been used as a healing method for centuries, particularly through the healing art of massage.
But you don’t necessarily need to go out and spend your hard-earned cash on a fancy massage every month. You can feel the power of touch when simply stroking the hair of your children, holding hands with your friend, kissing your lover, or even hugging a stranger in need.
4. Nature Therapy
Nature is our greatest gift, from the lush, expansive countryside to the shining seas. And you can use every sense to appreciate its awesome beauty.
Spending time outside in nature is not only therapeutic—it’s essential. And this also doesn’t require any of your hard-earned cash. You don’t need to book a vacation to the beach or the mountains to appreciate what Mother Nature has bestowed upon us.
Look up at the blue sky, splash around in the rain, listen to the waves hit the shore, smell the flowers in the garden, enjoy the sweetness of a fresh piece of fruit, and feel the warmth of the sun seeping into your skin.
5. Hydrotherapy
Another ancient practice, hydrotherapy uses water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. Hot water relaxes the body and has been used to treat arthritis, poor circulation, and sore muscles. Meanwhile, cold water can stimulate blood flow and get you moving.
All you need is a proper bath. It’s a great way to meditate through all of your senses: play with your sense of sight by bathing in candlelight. Submerge yourself in scented warm water (see aromatherapy above), play some soft background music, maybe grab a relaxing book, and a cold refreshing drink and let the warm water melt away any stress.
Experience the World Through Your Senses
Your senses are there, now take advantage of them. Pamper yourself with a massage, invest in some essential oils, go to a concert, or simply take a bath or a walk through the park to get in touch with your senses and awaken your awareness.
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