Bunmi Aboaba, a Recovery Coach who specialises in Food Addiction, explains why crystals and essentials oils could change your life for the better…
An Unhealthy Relationship with Food
Poor body image, low self-worth and esteem, going through emotional distress, not feeling enough. These all play havoc with the type of foods we eat. From overeating to restrictive eating, from bingeing on highly processed foods to complete restriction of food groups; these and many other food-related issues are becoming all too frequent in today’s lifestyles, and all this is a reflection of our core beliefs about ourselves.
Undoubtedly, our relationship with food is in direct correlation to the relationship we have with ourselves. Self-acceptance and self-love are the keys to moving forward with a good relationship and healthy habits around food.
Weight loss plans are failing because the root cause, the relationship with self, has not been addressed. I hear many stories where a person thinks they would feel amazing when they lost weight, only to discover they still felt that gnawing dissatisfaction with self.
I am a firm believer in alternative therapies and the two things I always keep in my “wellbeing toolbox”, and which work brilliantly in relationship to food, are essential oils and crystals. Both help to achieve balance and reduce cravings and disordered eating behaviours by helping to alleviate stress and tension. They can also help you to address the root causes.
Crystals
The healing properties of crystals have helped people across the ages. They emit a vibrational energy that gets to the underlying issue of a problem or challenge and gently shifts the energy and the body to a more positive state.
You can choose a combination or just one crystal that really appeals to you and place in a small pouch and carry it in your purse or pocket. It’s also a lovely reminder to stay well.
Below are some of the best crystals to incorporate into your life:
Amethyst
This is one of the most powerful stones for healing and providing insight into the self. It has been used for thousands of years to help with addictions – including alcohol and food cravings.
Not only is it beautiful, it helps you make good decisions that will benefit you in the long run, avoiding those instant gratifications that don’t feel so great later (yes, we’re talking to you, junk food!)
Amethyst is connected to the Third Eye chakra, providing insight into the central office for our intuition. It will help you see yourself more clearly and trust your gut. You’ll feel better about your food choices and more at one with yourself with the energy of amethyst around you.
Clear Quartz
Quartz is known as a purifying crystal; it helps flush out toxic thinking and confusion to aid clear thought. When we have clear thoughts, we see ourselves and the world clearly. It keeps us committed to our goals.
Rose Quartz – stone of unconditional love
If you are constantly criticising yourself about your weight, your body image, lack of self-worth, then this is the crystal for you.
I love this stone; it’s my go-to stone when I need to give myself an extra dollop of unconditional love – it truly handles the inner agonies.
It radiates gentle, soothing vibrations that regulate your emotions and restore your emotional nature after overwhelming events
Rose quartz calms your nerves and helps with self-love and self-acceptance. It will open the gateway to your heart allowing you to be a vision of love and beauty.
Agate
There are many different forms of agate, and most are both pretty and powerful.
Moss or Aquatic agate is known to calm the wearer by raising the energy of the heart. Aquatic agate also helps the wearer self-analyse and feel comfortable from within.
Turquoise
If you struggle with loving yourself as you are, then Turquoise is the stone for you.
I consider turquoise to be a self-mastery stone and it’s ideal for healing any underlying issues that lead to obesity and binge-eating disorders. Binge eating is really a result of frustration with self and confusing thoughts and feelings which are dealt with badly, by dumbing them down or stuffing the feelings with food.
The biggest gift of turquoise is helping us know that every part of us is an element of our Divine self, to be understood and embraced. Turquoise encourages us to accept ourselves, warts and all. It can help release regrets and find self-acceptance which is vital.
Essential Oils
Below are some of the best essentials oils to incorporate into your life:
Peppermint
You probably love the scent of peppermint, but may well not know that inhaling this uplifting scent can help curb hunger pangs. Studies show that peppermint essential oil stimulates the brain’s satiety centre, which will prevent overeating. It will also aid indigestion.
Bergamot
If you eat when you are angry, sad, or feeling stressed, bergamot can help reduce those feelings; lifting your spirits so that you can avoid eating when you really aren’t hungry. This sweet-smelling essential oil is a natural anti-depressant, as well as being packed with polyphenols, similar to the ones found in green tea, which incidentally help your body burn more sugar and stored fat.
You can inhale bergamot slowly until negative feelings subside, or dilute it in some olive oil and use it as a massage oil by gently rubbing it into the back of your neck or feet to relieve stress.
Stress Away
Stress Away is an essential oil blend containing cedarwood, vanilla, lavender, copaiba, lime, and ocotea in a coconut oil base. It was designed to combat stress and relieve nervous tension, but it also works well for those who wish to lose weight as these types of feelings often lead to overeating.
So, if crystals and oils are not currently included in your wellness toolbox, I highly recommend adding them.
