About Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
What are Essential Oils?
How are Essential Oils used?
How do Essential Oils affect the body?
Methods of using Essential Oils
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using Essential Oils in health and beauty treatments.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the concentrated essence or “spirit” of plants — or the natural chemical compounds which make every botanical distinctive. Each plant essence has its own “personality”: a unique scent and special properties that can be used to promote a range of therapeutic and sensual effects in humans. Essential oils have the power to heal and can be used to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.
Essential Oils are sensitive to light, heat and air. Therefore, they should be stored in airtight, dark glass containers and kept at cool temperatures.
Essential Oils are widely used throughout Europe, and gaining popularity in the United States as natural remedies for a wide range of ailments.
How are Essential Oils used?
The benefits of Essential Oils are best derived by mixing the oils with another medium of delivery like water, oil, cream or lotion-then by using these blends through bathing, inhalation, massage or by adding to diffusers and aromatherapy lamps. Essential Oils should be used only by the drop, and like any medicine, Essential Oils must be kept out of the reach of children. In most cases, undiluted essences should not be used directly on the skin; they may cause irritation. Always dilute Essential Oils in a “carrier” base such as almond or other vegetable oil, before applying to the body.
Depending on the remedy, you can use an Essential Oil alone, or mix a few or several together in a synergistic blend. Specific oils blended together can enhance the power of the oils, amplify their energy, and deliver a more complex remedy than each of them used individually.
How do Essential Oils effect the body?
The molecules of Essential Oils are absorbed by the body through inhalation or when applied to the skin. Their therapeutic properties vary according to the specific oil or blend used.
Essential oils can be used to help heal a physical problem, to alter a psychological or emotional mood, to cleanse toxins in the air, and to evoke romance or facilitate meditative or spiritual states. Since ancient times they have been the core ingredients in the finest perfumes, sensual oils and lotions. Botanicals assist the body's own natural healing process. If you are unfamiliar regarding the therapeutic use of Essential Oils, seek out a qualified professional aromatherapist, or contact us.
Methods of using Essential Oils:
- Bath: Mix 3 to 9 drops of essential oil into a cup of sea salt or Epsom salt and add to warm bath water. Relax in bath for 20 minutes.
- Inhalation: Place 2 to 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale.
- Massage: Add 3 to 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of natural, unscented massage/body oil. Massage sparingly over body. Allow oil to penetrate for two to four hours before showering or bathing.
- Compresses: Add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil to a basin of water. Soak a strip of gauze or cotton in the mixture. Lie down and relax with compress applied to affected area for 20 minutes. Soak and reapply the compress several times.
- Foot baths: Add 4 drops of essential oil to warm water in a small basin and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Diffusers and lamps: Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding the proper amount of essential oils and method.