Aromatherapy is the inhalation and topical application of essential oils from aromatic plants. These oils are extracted from the flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, stem, seed, berry, rind and rhizome of the plant and are used to relax, balance, rejuvenate, restore and enhance body, mind and spirit.
The use of resins, oils and fragrant plants have been used for ceremonial, medicinal, or enjoyment purposes since pre-recorded history. Greeks and Romans used aromatic oils for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Aztecs, Incas and Mayans used aromatic plants and oils in ceremony and daily life.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Aromatherapy works on the principle that it strengthens the self-healing process by indirect stimulation of the immune system. The essential oil component molecules enter the nasal passages where they stimulate the olfactory nerve. When this happens messages are sent directly to the limbic system, located in the brain. The inhalation of the essential oils triggers changes within the limbic system which in turn can stimulate physiological responses within the body via the nervous, endocrine or immune systems.
Due to their effect on the brain and the subsequent sedating or stimulating of the nervous system, essential oils can also indirectly raise and lower blood pressure and possibly aid in normalization of hormanal secretions. When applied topically, essential oils can provide anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, or anti-inflammatory properties.
HOW DO YOU USE THEM?
One of the simplest ways to use Aromatherapy is to spray or drop an essential oil onto a cloth or spray a mixture of oil and distilled water into the air. A light bulb ring made of ceramic is also an effective method but some oils loose some of their benefits when heated. Using oils in baths is an effective and pleasant way to relax and receive the therapeutic effects. Add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil, or a blend of oils to the surface of the water which has already been run. Add no other oils or foams.....soak and enjoy the vapours. Oils can be used in compresses at a ratio of 5 to 10 drops per 100ml of warm water. To use as an inhalation add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapour for a few minutes. One of the most popular uses of essential oils is in massage therapy.0000
Whether you use Aromatherapy for cosmetic, massage or olefactory
purposes, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil or water.
CARRIER OILS FOR MIXING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Pure essential oils are too strong and concentrated to be applied directly to the skin and should ALWAYS be mixed with carrier oils. Dilution also makes the more expensive oils go further. Non-aromatic oils are the best carriers to use because they don´t interfere with the effect-iveness of the essential oils.
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Extra virgin or cold pressed sweet almond oil is the first choice of many aroma-therapists as a carrier oil because of it´s suitability for all skin types. Almond oil is diluted with 10% of Avocado or Wheatgerm (unless the user is allergic to wheat), is good for people with dry skin, and can help relieve itching, soreness and dryness. Bitter almond oil is never used with sweet almond oil in aromatherapy due to the risk of prussic acid forming.
GRAPESEED OIL
A good second choice carrier especially for those whose skin seems not to absorb other oils quickly.
If you only own one essential oil, let it be lavender. Know as the "universal oil" lavender can help with just about anything! It helps lower blood pressure, calms the mind, slows inflamation, eases pain, helps fight infection, helps tone the cardio-vascular system, prevents scarring and relieves headaches.
