Working with Essential Oils as Energetic Support

This post has been created as a companion resource for moments when I recommend working with essential oils as part of a personal session, a collective reading, or your own intuitive exploration. Essential oils can be engaged with simply and safely at home, yet they offer a surprisingly deep way to support emotional, mental, and energetic shifts.

Rather than thinking of essential oils as just pleasant scents, this post invites you to work with them therapeutically and symbolically, as vibrational modifiers that can support change across the whole energetic system.

What Essential Oils Are (and Why That Matters)

Despite their name, essential oils are not actually oils. They are highly concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants through processes such as steam distillation or cold pressing. These methods separate the essence of the plant, its most volatile, aromatic, and information-rich components, from the physical plant matter.

From an energetic perspective, this matters deeply. Distillation is an alchemical process: heat, water, and time are used to liberate the plant’s most subtle expression. What remains is not the body of the plant, but a meaningful aspect of its chi. its energetic signature, its divine blueprint.

Because of this, essential oils can be used symbolically and energetically in ways that go far beyond scent alone. While aroma already has a powerful effect through its direct connection to the limbic system (the part of the brain involved in emotion, memory, and instinct), essential oils also act systemically. Their molecular structure allows them to cross the blood–brain barrier, further supporting their ability to influence emotional states, stress responses, and internal regulation.

In Classical Chinese medicine teachings shared by Master Jeffrey Yuen, essential oils are described through a vast system of energetic actions that can include:

• Supporting the smooth functioningt of specific meridians (great if you have an understanding of your own patterns, information gladly provided by a good acupuncturist)

• Acting on a number of physical, mental and emotional patterns that can result from the blockage of chi flow

• A useful support for individuals wanting to connect with specific spiritual virtues as well as aspects of natal zodiac energy because of their correpondance to source level energy

• This is in addition to the various pharmacological actions that are being discovered and identified as the properties of these fascinating substances continue to be studied

  
  

Seen this way, essential oils function as condensed, mobile expressions of plant intelligence — able to interact with the emotional body, the nervous system, and the wider energetic field.

Three Practical Ways to Work with Essential Oils

The following methods are safe, accessible ways to work with essential oils when they are recommended as energetic support. Choose one method, or rotate between them depending on your needs and sensitivity.

1. Therapeutic Use in a Vapour Diffuser

Using a vapour (ultrasonic) diffuser is one of the most effective ways to work with essential oils therapeutically.

How to use:

• Add 10–15 drops of essential oil (or a blend) to a water-based diffuser.

• Turn the diffuser on and remain in the same room for the first 15–20 minutes, as this is when the volatile aromatic compounds are most concentrated and active.

  
  

This initial period allows the oils to be inhaled while they are at peak potency, supporting their interaction with the limbic system and energetic field.

Safety note:Avoid hovering directly over the diffuser or placing your face in the vapour, as this can irritate the eyes or airways and may lead to sensitisation over time. Instead, stay comfortably nearby, close enough to breathe the aromatic air naturally, without force or strain.

This method is particularly supportive for emotional regulation, nervous system settling, and creating an intentional energetic atmosphere within a space.

2. Inhalation via Cotton Ball or Tissue

This is a simple, portable method that allows for direct and intentional engagement with an essential oil.

How to use:

• Place 1–2 drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball or tissue.

• Hold it approximately 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) from your nose.

• Take slow, natural breaths — there is no need to inhale sharply or deeply.

  
  

This method works well:

• In the morning to set an emotional or energetic tone for the day

• Before meditation, journaling, or inner work

• As-needed throughout the day during moments of stress, emotional activation, or mental fatigue

  
  

Because the oil is close to the sensory pathways, this method can be especially effective for emotional processing and intention-setting.

3. Aromatic Personal Field Application (Indirect)

A third safe way to work with essential oils is through indirect personal field application — allowing the aroma to interact with your energetic field without applying oils directly to the skin.

How to use:

• Place 1 drop of essential oil on the corner of a scarf, the cuff of a sleeve, or the edge of a pillowcase (note: test this method first on a safe patch of fabric as some oils can stain).

• Ensure the oil is not in direct contact with sensitive skin.

• Allow the aroma to remain gently within your personal space as you move or rest.

  
  

This method is subtle yet effective, offering ongoing energetic support without overwhelming the senses. It is especially useful for those who are sensitive to strong aromas or who prefer a gentler, longer-lasting interaction.

A Note on Intention and Sensitivity

As with all energetic practices, intention matters. Before working with an essential oil, take a moment to acknowledge why you are using it, whether to support emotional release, clarity, grounding, or nervous system regulation.

Always listen to your body. If an aroma feels overwhelming, irritating, or unpleasant, discontinue use. Less is often more when working with essences.

Essential oils are not a requirement or a cure, they are simply one of many tools that can support awareness, regulation, and energetic movement when used consciously and respectfully.

If essential oils have been recommended for you as part of a reading, trust that the specific plant intelligence offered is aligned with what you are currently integrating.