Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and hydrosols (micro molecules of essential oils) to promote personal emotional and physical health and harmony. The concentrated essences are distracted from plants usually by a process of distillation in which the plants are heated in water in a pot called a still so that their aromatic oils are released from the plants as a vapour and this vapour is then cooled and returns to a liquid state.
The essential oil retains the values and characteristic scent of the plant.
Aromatherapy is a combination of the sciences of chemistry, botany and physiology with the art of essential oil blending.
The healing effects of organic chemical components are achieved by inhalation or the direct application of essential oils and hydrosols.
Central themes of the practice of aromatherapy include:
The connection between mind and body
The powerful effects of botanical remedies on human health.
As a part of nature, essential oils tools of a healing science as by application and inhalation, they seem to affect ones entire being and promote vital health and wellness.
The practice of aromatherapy as a mode of healing has become well received and as with all forms of science, the more it is practiced the more discoveries are made.
Recent developments in aromatherapy include the development of strict standards of education, practice and certification for aroma therapists.
Essential oil quality
The quality of an essential oil is influenced, by the age of the plant the harvest time, the soil and water conditions, therefore it is of utmost importance that the aroma therapist acquires the oils from a reliable source. For use in aromatherapy only, pure natural un- manipulated oils are acceptable.
Essential Oils and the Human Body
Aroma therapists have an understanding of the human body and its interrelated systems. Essential oils are used through inhalation and application in order to treat their patient.
Inhalation Through inhalation the molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream via the bloodstream via the lungs and nostrils. The vapour also travels to the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible among other things for feelings, and emotions.
Applied Externally essential oils are use to balance skin conditions, as well as to treat muscles and internal organs.
In the beauty therapist area- they are used to treat skin conditions, relax muscles and to promote general feelings of wellness and joy.
They are mostly diluted in carrier oil such as Sesame Oil, or Macadamia nut oil or Apricot Kernel Oil and others, or 1-3 drops in a healing bath or in a vaporizer or hot towels used in facials in a beauty salon or SPA.
Blending oils
The skilled cosmetician/therapist will work with her clients to select individual oil or develop a blend of oils that will suit their specific profile .The essential oils must work well together aesthetically and to deal with the condition presented as well as the underlying causes.
When addressing muscle pain for instance the therapist/cosmetician may create a blend of essential oils designed not only to relieve the muscle tension, but also to act upon the clients mentally and emotionally in order to address the stress or mental pressure that has resulted in the muscle tension.
Self Care with Aromatherapy
Essential oils can be used by application or inhalation at home for tending to: colds stress, muscular pain minor first aid needs and beauty and body care.
If these oils are to be inhaled a diffuser is recommended.
The inhalation of essential oils is thought to trigger memories and emotions which in turn stimulate a positive response within the entire system. E.g. the fragrance of Oranges is reminiscent of summers and free time then the fragrance of orange will stimulate feelings of joy, carefree relaxation, freshness and pleasure. Because of the composition and combination of many essential oils a massage or inhalation of a specific essential oil or combination of oils can produce a relaxed or stimulated effect or calm state and state of complete well being. Since inhaled essential oils travel throughout the body via the bloodstream, their regular use can positively affect the harmony of the entire body.
The use of Essential Oils by Application
They are commonly used in baths, body and face care products for home care
And in Beauty Salons and SPAS during massage therapy, facials and head massages as well as in warm compresses as mentioned before.
Using Essential Oils in daily life: (at home and in the Beauty Salon/SPA)
Bathing Add 5 drops of essential oil to a tub of warm water. Swish the water with your hand to mix well. Soak yourself for 10-20 minutes.
Body Lotion or Oil
Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of essential oil to an unscented body lotion or oil and massage into the body.
Facial Tonics
Dr. Baumann Bionome SPA (face and body tonics)
Mint Body Tonic-Stimulating, refreshing, decongestant, anti spasmodic
Orange Body Tonic- Uplifting, fresh, anti spasmodic and gives feelings of joy.
Rose Body Tonic-Soothing calming, gives feeling of well being.
Candles
Light a candle and wait for the wax to start melting. Add 1-2 drops of your chosen essential oil to the melting wax. (Avoid the inflammable wick)
Cotton Balls
Put 1-2 drops of essential oil on the cotton balls to diffuse the scent. Lavender promotes restful sleep.
Diffusers are used to promote wonderful fragrances and good feelings in any room.
Drawer and shelf liners
Place several drops favourite essential oil on cotton balls rub down the liners. Avoid any contact with the clothing or linen until the oil is dry.
Bay Basil and Pine are good for kitchen cupboards.
Pot Pourri
Revive the faded fragrance of your favourite pot pours with 3 drops of essential oil (Stir to disperse oil.)
Room Spray
Use 4 drops per cup of warm (not hot) water buy a plant mister to diffuse the essence into the air. Avoid contact with wooden furniture.
(Consult your Skinologist or Beauty salon/SPA expert)
Essential oils and Common Problems:
- Acne Bergamot, tea tree oil, geranium lavender and lemon grass- Use in a facial massage or cold compress
- Backache Chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender Melissa, rosemary-Aromatherapy massage
- Cellulite, Orange and grapefruit- Apply 2-5 drops to bath oil and mix in with sesame oil or Apricot kernel oil and firmly massage affected areas.
- Colds and coughs Eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, sandalwood. Gentle neck massage, inhalation and adding to bathwater
- Dandruff Lavender rosemary, cypress. Use for a scalp massage and in shampoos
- Depression Lavender, orange, Melissa, geranium Use in body and foot massage and add to bath water
- Eczema, Lavender, sandalwood, cypress geranium add to bathwater (after patch test)
- Headaches, Lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary, Chamomile, - Massage shoulders, neck, scalp and face gently
- Insomnia, Lavender, neroli – Have a gentle back massage, add 2-5 drops to bathwater or add 2 drops to a cotton ball and wipe over pillow
- Muscular Pain-Lavender, rosemary, marjoram, eucalyptus- Massage affected area use cold or warm compresses
- Nausea, Lavender, orange, peppermint- Inhale 2 drops in a tissue
- Stress, Lavender, lemon-grass, orange, neroli, jasmine. Enjoy a body, neck and facial massage and add essential oils and soak in a bath for 15-20 minutes
- Varicose Veins, Cypress and geranium- Apply a gentle massage around veins and use a cold compress
Adding essential oils to your life offers a myriad of applications for, health, wellbeing, healing and not to forget the sensual experiences in life
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