Aromatherapy
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the controlled application of essential oils to promote emotional and physical balance and well-being.
Essential oils can be used in many different ways. The most common ways of using the oils are diluted in a carrier oil, such as grapeseed oil, for massage, in a burner in water and using a tealight to fragrance a room, diluted in a bath or as an inhalation blend.
For example you could use the following blend in a burner to ease stress.
Make sure that you fill the bowl with water before putting in the essential oils and remember safety when using candles. Never leave unattended.
3 drops of grapefruit essential oil
2 drops of pine essential oil
2 drops of bergamot essential oil
Lavender is a much loved and well known essential oil and there are many ways of using it in the home.
It can be used as a skin polish. Put a few drops of olive oil and lavender essential oil into a handful of sea salt. Massage into the body to slough away dead skin cells.
Or to help induce sleep, put 3 or 4 drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or add 6 or 7 drops to a bath before bedtime. Always run the bath first, then add the drops of lavender and agitate the bath water before getting into the bath.
Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. The only exceptions to this are lavender and teatree essential oils. Lavender can be used on minor burns following normal first aid procedures, ie, immersing the area in cold water for 5-10 minutes. Then gently apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the area. One drop of teatree can be rubbed into the hands as an emergency hand cleanser. Or put a few drops onto a damp cloth and use to wipe door handles or telephones.
A professional aromatherapy massage using individually prepared blends is invaluable for stress-related conditions bringing feelings of great peace and total relaxation.
If buying essential oils to use in the home buy only from a reputable company and read the safety advice before using.
