I first got started with Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Oils in the winter of 2016, essentially right after my vestibular something hit. I was looking for support. I needed a healthcare system. I need a piece of bliss in the chaos. A holistic support system was (and continues to be) a joyful gift that helped support my emotional and physical health in the storm.
Pure plant essential oils are a cheerful passion of mine that was illuminated and grown through my vestibular something experience. I explored many avenues to unfold what was happening to my body and how I could support my health. I was left with little encouragement from the medical doctors I’d seen, so it gave me a rather hard shove to start doing the work myself. I should explain that I absolutely believe that there are brilliant medical doctors out there. I can only speak to my experience and talking with many other Vestibular Warriors, that there seems to be a lot unknown about vestibular conditions. Deciding on a diagnosis felt like a guessing game. It was a common occurrence that a doctor would offer up medicine for my “vestibular problem”, which I think is something that shouldn’t be taken so lightly.
What about supporting my overall wellness in healing? That's where doTERRA essential oils entered my life.
Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of the plant. The distinctive scent from the plant is the essential oil. Its crazy cool, and as you can probably tell, I find it fascinating. I was thrilled to be doing something to elevate my wellness on my terms and to have some sort of control in the storm. That’s the feeling that made me dive in deep.
Rolling an essential oil on my spine in the morning is much more than simply a means to boost my immune system. It’s a statement about taking ownership of my health and being proactive rather than reactive. Every one of my decisions in the beginning with the vestibular stuff felt reactive. Reacting to every symptom, every feeling, every doctor’s appointment, every disappointment... I was so over it.
I no longer live in a reactive mode. I’m now very protective of my wellness and operate on the mindset that I can influence my health. That I should be acting to elevate my wellness every single day, because that is how I uncover my bliss.
Essential oils grounded that mindset for me.
As we enter the winter season, I like to sip plant-powered lattes throughout the day (made of Chaga, Rasa or Goodmylk) and focus on how I can really use my oils to support my immune system. This goes for the rest of my family too. Below I detail the oils that make a splash in my wellness routine, but keep in mind that there is a world of opportunity to find the essential oils that you gravitate towards. I'm always learning and elevating my wellness.
P.S. I share the oils I love most for Vestibular Warriors here.
my winter wellness favorites: THYME: cellular health; antioxidant; brain health FENNEL: digestive support; circulation; skin support FRANKINCENSE: healthy inflammatory response; mood support; cellular health; immune support ONGUARD: boost immune system; soothe occasional throat irritation
Ask anyone who has embraced a plant-base diet (and stuck to it) why they eat the way they do. There’s a great big reason. You know that feeling that you get when a good song comes on and you’re alone in the kitchen making dinner and you just start dancing? The dancing isn’t for anyone but you, and it feels amazing. It’s like nothing else in the world matters in those moments and you just feel alive. You’re glowing. That’s how I describe the gift of a plant-based diet. It gave me my glow (even if I’m the only one who can see it). I believe that diet is an ultra-personal decision. This choice has the power to make huge shifts in our bodies and our world and this is an important conversation and one that I’ve had with myself many times.
Embracing a plant-based diet over a decade ago was my fresh start. I had no idea the shift it would create in my life and I'm thankful for it every day. It gave me a new perspective on food as nourishment and at the same time released my mind and body of so much negativity. It quite literally shifted my energy. When my vestibular something hit, I embraced a plant-powered whole foods diet to support cleansing of my body. I didn't want to feed the root cause of my vestibular something, but rather fueling my health.
vestibular warrior supplements to level up
The amazing part about lifestyle shifts is that they are within our power to support the mind and body in healing. I believe in the power of food as medicine and I love my plant-based diet for the life it gives me. I believe in supplements to fill any gaps (my favorites are below), essential oils for mind and body support, and movement to strengthen and cleanse my body. I also believe there is a place for western medicine. Each of these components has played a part in my vestibular something treatment.
I know that a 20-40 minute sweat session + mediation a few days each week is therapeutic for my soul. I have less anxiety and tension sitting in my body when I workout, and I just function better. Also, it kicks those endorphins into gear. Woohoo. I also talk more about movement to retrain your body and find a grounded state in my Vestibular Migraine Guide.