Aromatherapy

Archive for December, 2006

Aromatherapy is the use of scented essential oils that are distilled from plant materials. These materials can include the leaves, bark, berries, fruit or flowers. These essential oils are then used to promote improved health plus physical and mental well-being. They can be used in a variety of ways from inhalation to bathing. One of the most popular uses is through massage.

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. It is believed that Hippocrates himself used scented massage. Much later, in the 1930s Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, came up with the word aromatherapy to explain the use of essential oils in therapy. He became inspired by their use after burning his hand and using lavender oil to treat it. It was a treatment that left him with no scars. During the Second World War essential oils were used as antiseptics. But it was years later still that Madame Marguerite Maury began to promote their use in massage therapy.

In aromatherapy massage the essential oils are used to alleviate discomfort, quell pain or merely to relax. Based on what the purpose of the massage is the therapist will decide what essential oils to use. Then by mixing them together in what is referred to as carrier oils, a scentless base, they will use up to five oils to get the desired result.

The first thing the therapist will do is to ask you why you are there. This is usually done in a short interview, though it can take up to thirty minutes, where it will be determined what you are hoping to achieve through your session. You will be asked if you have come because of particular problems, sleeping issues for example or headaches. You will also be questioned about your health and diet. With your answers the massage therapist will ascertain your needs and then prepare the right combination of essential oils to prepare you for a body massage. At this point the therapist will leave you alone to disrobe. You will then lie down on a table, usually padded for your comfort, and then cover yourself with a sheet or blanket that is there to offer you both warm and privacy. Once you are ready the therapist will return to begin your massage.

There are several massage techniques that can be used during the approximately sixty minute session. The therapist will usually use Swedish massage. This is a soft tissue massage. Then there is shiatsu, which uses the thumbs for deep pressure massage to reach deep down to the ligaments, nerves and tendons. As well, there is effleurage massage, which is gentler, slower, and more rhythmic. These are all put together, so the client does not notice the changes. They just lie there and relax under the trained hand of the therapist.

During the session the therapist will use the mix of oils to give the client relief from various concerns. The oils will definitely be affective on any skin conditions that may be a problem. But they will also be inhaled while the client is relaxing during the massage and this will stimulate other reactions. The oils can be soothing or stimulating based on the desired results of the session.

Many studies have proven that the relaxing effects of massage can be very beneficial. They can ease stress and with the increased blood flow, and therefore oxygen flow, the body and so the mind feels better.

Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from aromatherapy massage. Already used in Eastern and African cultures, infant massage is not only health promoting but can also help the bond between parent and child. With the right combination of essential oils a parent can learn to use massage to alleviate colic or constipation. You can also help baby sleep better; longer and deeper sleep will help make a healthier happier infant. Massage also develops baby’s sense of non-verbal communication. Studies have shown that infants who receive regular aromatherapy massage sessions from their parents cry less, develop faster, and have better weight gains often with superior motor and intellectual skills.

The advantages of aromatherapy massage to one’s health and well-being definitely make it an alternative worth exploring!

Massage; it’s the opportunity to be pampered with an hour of full body relaxation therapy. The numerous centers that you can go to will all do it differently. They’ll have their own plan on how to make you feel the most refreshed. But all of them will have one thing in common. They’ll use massage oils to improve your feeling of well-being.

Massage oils that are scented offer a double benefit. First, the massage oil itself has the benefit of allowing the massage to be done with the least amount of friction of the skin. This obviously is much more comfortable. Then you will have to choose whether you want to use heavy or light massage oil. Are you looking for something to ease your discomforts, improve skin condition or help awaken your partner’s interest?

Secondly, the scents offer a healing benefit. Human beings are deeply affected by the odors around them. Not only do smells bring back memories of special moments in our pasts, but also they recall to us things that brought is happiness or perhaps regret. Our sense of smell directly affects the part of the brain that deals with our emotions. This means that in our day-to-day life the fragrances around us affect our moods. Since the purpose of a massage is to relax or be revitalized the scents used in massage oils will defiantly have an effect on the way we feel when it’s done.

Some scented massage oils are going to go their best to affect the way you feel. These scents come in the essential oils used with massage. What is an essential oil? They are those dark fragrant bottles of mystifying natural healing agent that are made from plant materials such as flowers, leaves, bark, berries or fruit. These can are found at either your local grocery store or any health shop. They are surprisingly not overly expensive for what they are able to do.

With so many scents to choose from how do you decide what to use during your first massage or the ones after that. Many professionals will suggest you begin with one of the citrus scents. This is because citrus is a known fragrance, not too overpowering and gives you an overall feeling of well-being. It will lift your spirits. One of the more popular of the citrus scents is bergamot. With a sharp scent this oil reduces stress, relieve anxiety and helps prepare you for a good nights sleep. Another citrus scent is mandarin, available in green or red, with slight differences depending on which you use. Green mandarin, which has a tartier scent, is energizing and uplifting. Red mandarin is a more complex smell, a favorite of citrus lovers and gentle enough to be used by children or pregnant women.

Lavender is another very popular scent. It’s stronger than the citruses but is the next most used scent. Lavender will calm the nerves in part because it acts as an anti-spasmodic. This makes it also work for stress reduction. Lavender has also been found to be useful in eliminating headaches. Rosemary is a stronger scent with a somewhat medicinal smell that is often used for men as it reminds them of their aftershave. It helps with ease aching muscles. Many scent seem to be preferred by one gender while the scent of vanilla seems to please both men and women. It helps promote a lessening of tension, gives you a calming feeling and is also known for its ability to help dissolve strong feelings of anger. Roman Chamomile, good for relaxation, has a lovely fruity scent. There are so many aromatic scents to choose from when getting a massage that it would take months before you’d have to repeat your choices. Don’t forget that scented massage oils can also be a turn on before lovemaking.

As the therapeutic massage proceeds often the massage therapist will suggest using a blend of five essential oils that would be instilled with the calming scent of lavender. The use of multiple scents increases the potential beneficial affects of the massage and so enables the therapist to ensure that the client leaves feeling relaxed, comfortable and having enjoyed the invigorating scents surrounding them.

Spring is here and soon we will see the insects that come back with the warm weather. Mosquito bites are a nuisance but with the threat of West Nile Virus, it’s essential we use protection when we are outside. There are plenty of repellents on the market but most of them have the chemical DEET. People who normally wouldn’t use chemicals are using them because they are more afraid of the diseases that insects carry then they are of the chemical.

There are other choices when it comes to insect repellants. Natural repellants don’t last as long as the artificial ones but they are safer. You should reapply natural repellants about every 30 minutes. These natural aromatherapy products are perfect if you are going to be outside for a short time watering the garden, or taking a walk. It’s important that you don’t spray any insect repellent on any cuts, rashes, open sores, and keep them away from the eyes.

Essential oils can be used as a natural repellent. We already know about citronella oil, which is rose geranium, can be effective against mosquitoes. Citronella is also volatile and is found in candles, lotions, sprays, towelette wipes and gels. Did you know that clove is also effective as a mosquito repellent? Clove oil should be used sparingly because it can cause a skin reaction. Other essential oils that are helpful to sue are lavender, cedar, peppermint, tea tree oil, castor oil, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.

Of course, the same warning applies; you should never apply essential oils directly to the skin. They should always be diluted. Test on patches of skin to see if you have a reaction to any particular oil.

How do you make your own insect repellent from essential oils? There are ways you can make sprays as well as lotions. To make your own spray (you can buy spray bottles nearly everywhere) and you can blend essential oils with vodka, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, or olive oil. The ratio is 10 to 1, alcohol to oil ratio. The bottle should be shaken well before each use.

Making a lotion is just as easy, use two ounces distilled water, two ounces of olive oil and 120 drops of one of the essential oils we have listed above. Putting the water in a deep bowl, begin using a wire whip and beating rapidly as you slowly drizzle the olive oil into the bowl. After you have mixed the oil and water, add the insect repellent oil. Citronella is the most effective for use in insect repellent.

Another good tip, adding a few drops of your insect repellent oil into your shampoo or your liquid soap, it will offset the perfumes and fragrances that have been added that attract insects. Remember whether you use lotion or spray it looses its effectiveness when rubbed by clothes, evaporation, absorption of the skin, sweat or rain, and, windy conditions.

Other essential oils that can help repel insects are:

Canola oil, considered safe for human consumption, it proves to be an irritant to some insects.

Catnip oil, mix one cup of water, one cup of isopropyl alcohol and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of catnip oil. This should all be mixed in a spray bottle and shaken well before using.

Cedarwood oil, often used in repelling moths and other insects. This works best in small confines spaces but had little effect on larger areas.

Herbal sprays made from anise, sage, tea tree, geranium, thyme, mint, rosemary, and white clover can be used to keep insect off certain plants. It shouldn’t be used more than once a week and plants should be sprayed thoroughly on both the top and the undersides of the leaves.

Essential oils are used in various other ways, citronella oil is often used in animal collars, and tags are used on domestic pets to keep fleas and ticks away.

If you want to protect your family against chemical ingredients in commercial insect repellents, think about going the aromatherapy way and creating your own. Diluted essential oils are effective in repelling insects; you only need to use it a little more often than the commercial type.

In aromatherapy today lavender has become very popular as an essential oil that is used. It is known to do many things for people, from helping to relieve stress to the promotion of healing certain non-serious ailments. The plant itself is a small evergreen like shrub from which the oils are extracted. There are over 30 species of lavender, but the one that is used most frequently is the one named lavandula angustifolia. The oil itself is almost colorless. But the hue is detected as a pale-yellowish tint. And, the aroma is said to have an uplifting fragrance upon just smelling it.

Lavender was so powerful in ancient times that many writers were inspired to create tales about their mystifying aura. For instance, the Greeks felt that lavender was a potion that could conjure up their god of the underworld Hecate. Clearly this implies that the oil has a long history. Contemporary uses for the oils include, but not limited to, stress relief, the treatment of epilepsy, giddiness or fainting spells, relieving a toothache and application to the joints as a way of promoting limberness and reducing stiffness.

Because lavender oils have an amazing ability to affect more than just one area of concern, it is a popular oil to use. Some of its popular uses include stress relief. For relieving stress, lavender has been proven to help most effectively. Some of the methods employed for relieving stress are inhalation through a diffuser, bed pillow dropping and bath diffusion. When using it as a diffuser, it can help reduce stress levels by simply breathing in the vapors. Just a few drops on your pillow at night can help reduce your stress. The vapors are diffused in the air while you sleep which makes it easier to use as a therapy. Off course, diffusing it in a bathtub while taking a bath is clearly a perfect way to help with stress. Not only does the therapy consist of balancing out various chemicals in the body and brain that help regulate moods, but also the very act of laying down in a comfortably warm bath is obviously a great way to help with such a situation.

Not only do lavender oils help relieve stress, but they can also provide healing in the body. Lavender is known to help soothe and reduce the inflammation of insect bites and burns that result in skin irritations. By simply rubbing a concentrated dose of lavender oil on the infected area it can help promote healing of that malady. It is very likely that lavender oil would be a great addition to first aid kits, not only as a natural alternative to some of the chemically enhanced medicines typically used for burns and bites, but would also help with the high levels of anxiety that come with such ailments.

Lavender has also proven to be successful at helping patients who suffer from such minor joint problems such as muscular sprains, rheumatism and dysmenorrhea. A blend of lavender oils applied to the areas of pain, or even breathed in, can help sufferers of these aches and pains.

Lavender can even be effective in everyday skin care. For instance, it can be used as a means of reducing acne, inflammations caused by sunburns and a host of other minor skin problems. If blended with peppermint with a 1:1 mixture, it has been known to be a successful treatment against sunburn and sunstroke. In addition, it is even helpful for the growth of new skin cells. By mixing lavender with bergamot, it has been said to balance sebum production.

Unbelievably, lavender is also useful for respiratory and digestive problems. For instance, such ailments as bronchial problems, hay fever and asthma can be treated with it, as that, it has that calming effect which relaxing muscles helping one breathe better. This also is true for the digestive system. If applied to one, it can help with nausea, vomiting and flatulence. As well, lavender is thought to be a helpful essential oil for the production of bile. With this in mind, it is may be associated with the metabolizing of some fats. Yes, even the circulatory system can benefit from the use of lavender. It is said that it can help reduce blood pressure and inhibit palpitations. These, and probably many more, are just some of the popular uses for the essential oil lavender.

Tea tree oil has been used throughout history for many purposes. It comes from the plant named melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. It is popular even today because of its effective healing properties. Tea tree oil can be found in many different forms. It is sold in bottles as an essential oil and can also be found in a number of personal care products.

Aromatherapy is one of the most popular ways in which tea tree oil is used. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils as a way to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. In this practice you put a few drops of tea tree oil into your essential oil lamp and light the tea light underneath. As the oil warms up the vapors from the essential oil start to fill the room. With every breath you take you will inhale the soothing vapors. Inhaling the vapors of tea tree oil lifts depression and exhaustion, breaks up congestion, soothes a sore throat and minimizes symptoms of a cold or flu.

Another practice of aromatherapy is to apply the tea tree oil directly to your skin making sure always to use a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. This is because the essential oil is so concentrated that it may cause skin irritation if it’s not diluted. Use the oils to massage your temples, forehead, feet, or any other part of your body that feels good. If you’re really smart you’ll get someone else to massage you. You’ll experience emotional relaxation, increased circulation, and healing properties to your skin (not to mention a free massage).

Diluting the tea tree oil is not always necessary when using it on your skin. Some people still choose to dilute the oil maybe to soften the aroma a little or because they have extra sensitive skin. If you use too much of any essential oil it can be overpowering making you or others around you sick. Usually one to three drops should be enough if you’re using it for skin care, massage, or inhalation.

Tea tree oil is mostly used in aromatherapy because of its physical healing properties. These include the ability to help with acne, arthritis, athlete’s foot, burns, dry skin, oily skin, cuts, infections, cold sores, warts and boils. Tea tree in your shampoo will help to moisturize your hair and keep dandruff away (or clear it up).

Because it inhibits the growth of bacteria, some people use a mouthwash or toothpaste with tea tree oil. Keep in mind just a tiny bit of the oil is needed to get the desired effect. And never ingest tea tree oil because it can be very harmful, especially for children.

But wait, there is more to this miracle oil. There are still more uses for tea tree oil than those that already shared with you. Remember that tea tree oil is a disinfectant. Because of this, it’s great for using around the house. Add a few drops of oil to a spray bottle and use it as a natural air freshener. If you smoke, tea tree oil is great to use because it’ll take away the smell of it. Also try spraying it in your car to get rid of any foul odors.

Use it when you’re cleaning your kitchen or your bathroom instead of other harsh cleansers, which can contain toxic chemicals and carcinogens. If you’re fighting mold add some tea tree oil to a bucket of water and wipe away. Use it to clear mold from walls, floors, showers and anywhere else that it grows. Because they sometimes stay damp, bathroom towels may have a tendency to get moldy also. Use a few drops of tea tree oil when you wash them and it will get rid of the musty smell and the mold.

Tea tree oil has also been known for killing lice or clearing up cradle cap. As with any medications around children you have to be careful. Only a tiny bit is needed and make sure they don’t ingest any of it. But compared to some of the other remedies on the drug store shelf, tea tree oil is a much safer choice.

Are you ready to put tea tree oil to good use? It is an all around useful essential oil for everything from plaque to athlete’s foot. It’s definitely one that you should keep handy at your house. But just like with any other type of cleaning or disinfectant solution, always use it with care.