WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is centuries old and has been in existence for 6000 decades or more. It is composed of the study and use of certain scents, usually embodied in certain essential oils or similar ingredients, in order to bring about positive changes in people.
Scientists think they work by sending chemical messages to parts of the brain that affect mood and emotion. Although these scents alone won’t take all your stress away, the aroma will help you relax.
Use all your senses
1. AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
Without stating the obvious, Aromatherapy Massage is one of the best ways to use aromatherapy essential oils. The oils will quickly absorb into the skin and bloodstream, any oil can be used during massage and every oil will have a different benefit to the body. Your massage therapist will choose an essential oil based on your specific needs whether it be to help with relaxation, pain management or improve mood.
2. APPLY TO THE SKIN
Simply apply an essential oil of your choice to the skin. Placing a couple of drops of oil behind your ears, soles of feet or on your chest and neck are all great places. For most essential oils, you will want to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. My favourite Carrier Oil being Sweet Almond Oil, however you can also use Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil or Argan Oil.
If you want to place an essential oil onto the skin without the carrier oil then the best and safest choice would be Lavender Essential Oil.
3. STEAM INHALATION
Simply inhale, put a a few drops of oil in a bowl of hot water placing a towel over your head and breathe in the aromatic essential oil. Placing a few drops on a tissue will also work. The use of Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Oil will all safely help to fight the common cold and respiratory problems such as bronchitis.
4. USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER
Putting 3-5 drops of essential oil in the diffuser will help the whole family to relax including the dog, it will also make your house smell fabulous. You can use any essential oil of your choice but keep in mind that some essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs to name a few peppermint, tea tree and Ylang ylang, cinnamon, sweet birch. A simple search on google will provide more detail if you are unsure. If you don’t have a Oil diffuser, you can purchase one at a reasonable price on Amazon.
5. USE IN A BATH
3-5 drops of Lavender or Rosemary oil are great choices when having a bath along with Epsom salts. Both of which will aid relaxation, relieve muscular tension, increase blood circulation and any arthritic or joint problems. I NEVER have a bath with out both oil and Epsom salts they are a lifesaver especially in-between massage sessions.
Each scent has a unique personality
Here’s a list of 10 popular essential oils and the health claims associated with them:
- Peppermint: used to boost energy and aid digestion
- Lavender: used to relieve stress
- Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
- Bergamot: used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
- Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
- Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
- Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
- Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
- Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more