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A Guide To The Effective Use Of Aromatherapy
from: Lorna FindlayAromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years
and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization
itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils
extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health,
emotional well being and beauty. Apart from the physical
benefits, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind
and emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and employed
in Aromatherapy have been described as their "critical factors"
- they are needed critically for the plants' biological process,
as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and
aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the
natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make
essential oils so valuable. Another reason why synthetic oils
are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents
are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils
are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices; woods and fibers,
usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction.
Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the
solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing
process and no traces are identifiable. Here are some of the
most common uses that are associated with essential oils: For
Massage: This is the most effective method of using the oils,
combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch.
The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted
with an odorless carrier oil, such as grape seed, sweet almond
or peach kernel. A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil
is a recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential
oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential oils are needed
in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part
of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants from the
skin layers.
For Bath:
Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise
to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is
well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which
further enhances the powers of the oils. For daily bathing, add
6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the surface of the
water, and then bathe yourself for about 20 minutes, whilst you
deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil
you use while bathing your children. For Compressing Add 5 to 10
drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece
of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the
cloth on the affected part.
For Inhalation Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of
steaming water then place a towel over your head and the bowl
and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Feel yourself
rejuvenated and free of tension. For Vaporization All essential
oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very
good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different
atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are
good for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind
when you need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils
diffuse slowly in your working room or living quarters. As
Perfumes It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by
skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different
combinations, which can be mixed with a carrier oil or
non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment. Storing Essential
Oils Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher
temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with
tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the
bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform
temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in
contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic
bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years
if properly stored, though the oils derived from orange, lemon
and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which
actually gets better as it ages. Mixing Essential Oils Blending
different oils in various proportions can yield you some
fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to
experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that
you use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number
of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get
unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil
to avoid cross contamination.
Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are
various; different oils have their own special applications and
benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another
in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any
essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead
and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.
About the author:
Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia
laromatherapy.co.uk
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