Train the Transition: Aromatherapy and Nervous System Regulation (ep 156)

<p>In this episode of the Pain Free Athlete Podcast, Dana Jones speaks with visionary alchemist, author, and aromatherapy expert Adora Winquist about using nature, scent, breath, and intentional practices to support nervous system regulation.Adora shares how nature became a sanctuary during her childhood and how her experiences with anxiety, depression, endometriosis, herbalism, essential oils, and energy medicine shaped her life’s work. She also explains how she adapted these practices for veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and wounded-warrior athletes.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, Dana and Adora explore the parallels between athletes and military personnel—including discipline, hypervigilance, ignoring pain, and suffering in silence. They discuss why skills that help us perform under pressure can make it difficult to rest and recover once the mission, competition, or immediate threat has passed.</p><p>Adora introduces the idea of “training the transition”: helping the nervous system move intentionally between focus, energy, recovery, rest, and readiness. She explains how aroma and slow breathing can serve as sensory cues that interrupt familiar stress patterns and help create healthier habits through repetition.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode</strong></p><ul><li>How Adora’s childhood connection with nature inspired her work</li><li>Her personal experiences with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and endometriosis</li><li>Why athletes and service members may become stuck in fight-or-flight mode</li><li>The connection between scent, memory, mood, and emotion</li><li>How essential oils can become cues for rest, focus, or recovery</li><li>Why readiness includes patience, clarity, sleep, and restoration</li><li>Adora’s work with veterans, active-duty personnel, and wounded-warrior athletes</li><li>The role of repetition and neuroplasticity in creating new nervous-system patterns</li><li>Why healing does not have to mean suffering in silence</li><li>How to begin “training the transition” with breath and sensory awareness</li></ul><p><strong>Try the breathing practice</strong></p><p>Inhale gently for a count of four, then exhale through the mouth for a count of six. Repeat at a comfortable pace and notice whether your body begins to soften or settle.</p><p><strong>Connect with Adora Winquist</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://adorawinquist.com/">https://adorawinquist.com/</a><br>Facebook: <br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/adoraOConnerWinquist/">https://www.facebook.com/adoraOConnerWinquist/</a><br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/adorawinquistmodernalchemist/">https://www.facebook.com/adorawinquistmodernalchemist/</a></p><p><strong>Dana’s Links</strong>:</p><p><a href="https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com/">⁠⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://form.jotform.com/232737566904162">⁠⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><em><strong>Podcast Disclaimer:</strong></em></p><p><em>The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>