Healing Journeys with Suzie Daggett
Have you ever walked into a place where the aroma is so marvelous, so pure and yet so simple that all you wanted to do was bask in the essence of the room? That was my experience in visiting a new business in Nevada City, called Floracopeia. Floracopeia was founded by David Crow, L.Ac., who is an author, acupuncturist, and expert on medicinal plants and indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge. David travels world-wide, studying, teaching and leading retreats on the benefits of essential oils and natural medicines. He works with essential oil distillers around the world, supporting organic farmers and agro-forestry projects by purchasing their high-quality aromatic products. He is also the cofounder of The Learning Garden in Venice High School in Los Angeles (www.thelearninggarden.org), where the students and community enjoy the benefits of one of the country’s most successful school gardens. Rexanne Diehl, a graduate of the local California College of Ayurveda, is the manager of Floracopeia. Among her many responsibilities is educating the public and professionals on which essential oil is best for them.
David, what was the impetus to start Floracopeia?
Floracopeia grew out of my clinical practice, where I used essential oils as part of my Chinese and Ayurvedic medical treatments. After the publication of my book, "In Search of the Medicine Buddha," I started traveling extensively, offering a variety of workshops and presentations. The classes featuring the essential oils, either for therapeutic or meditative purposes, always drew large audiences; Floracopeia developed in response to this demand. In a sense, the company is simply the creation of all the people who have come together to enjoy these aromatic treasures and to support the ecological projects they come from.
What are the benefits of the products for healing?
Essential oils work on many levels. They have a long history of use as powerful botanical medicines with antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, immune-enhancing effects, to name a few. When we inhale the vapor of eucalyptus oil for respiratory problems or apply frankincense oil to the skin for wound healing, we are utilizing the molecules of the trees' immune system to assist our own. Jasmine and roses produce aromatic compounds in a biorhythm that follows that cycles of the moon, so when we inhale those fragrances we receive cooling and calming lunar influences that help relax the mind and spirit. In some cases, such as using fragrant steam for simple upper respiratory conditions, essential oils are the best treatment; in almost all cases they can be used beneficially as adjuncts to other treatments such as massage and acupuncture. Essential oils are being used now by allopathic clinical medicine as well, such as using lavender for speeding recovery after surgery, and using relaxing fragrances during MRI's.
Rexanne, how did your training as an Ayurvedic practitioner prepare you for your work with Floracopeia?
Ayurveda introduced me to the five element theory, which conceptualizes the body as composed of earth, water, fire, and air moving through channels of space. Knowing the inherent qualities of these elements allows a practitioner to assess an imbalance within the body and mind. For example, if a client has an over-stimulated nervous system, we say that the air element's qualities of lightness, movement, and instability are creating nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. We would treat those symptoms with oils extracted from roots, which are full of the earth element and its heavy, stabilizing, and calming qualities.
How can you determine which essence is correct for clients?
By using the traditional diagnostic and evaluation methods of listening, observation of physical signs and symptoms, and asking questions. I draw upon my education in Ayurvedic medicine, my studies with David Crow, and my ongoing learning from working with the oils. The client's personal preference for fragrances is also a primary factor.
Rexanne - What do you get out of the work you do?
I receive much gratitude from clients, who tell me about their success stories using the oils. I enjoy knowing that these oils increase the quality of people's lives, and at the same time are helping support organic farmers all over the world.
David - What do you get out of the work you do?
I enjoy the benefits of right livelihood, seeing that in a small way my actions can create positive change in the world. From the holistic principles of natural medicine, I have gained some insight into why the world is out of balance, what can be done to bring it back into harmony, and how we can prosper by doing work that is ecologically sustainable and spiritually nourishing.
Floracopeia is located at 206 Sacramento Street, Ste. 304, Nevada City, 530-470-9269 www.floracopeia.com
Healing Journeys is a column written by Suzie Daggett for the Grass Valley Union newspaper. Suzie interviews a variety of health practitioners most Fridays in the Wellness section. Click here to read past articles. Enter "Suzie Daggett" in the search box to get listing of all articles. |
