|
Getting Started with Aromatherapy
Beginning 'bona fide' aromatherapy, beyond burning a scented
candle or soaking with a pleasing pre-packaged bath salt blend,
can be a little daunting to many people. All those little
bottles of pricey liquids, electric contraptions, and
fancy-sounding blends - how does one actually use essential oils
to improve their health, happiness and well-being? It's easier
than one might think - getting started can open a whole new
world of fun and effective natural remedies that can lift your
mood, calm your nerves, and support healing of a great many
common ailments.
The basics of aromatherapy are simple, once a few fundamental
concepts are understood. Aromatherapy is the practice of using
essential oils - the aromatic compounds of plants, extracted
through steam distillation or other methods. The oils act as the
chemical messengers and protectors of the plant kingdom. Each
essential oil can contain hundreds of different 'volatile'
(easily evaporated) compounds, most of which are very compatible
with the physiology of the human body. What's so wonderful is
they can also do for us what they do for plants - act as
chemical messengers through affecting our smell sense and limbic
system, and defending the body against foreign invaders by their
anti-bacterial and anti-viral actions. In this article, we'll
focus on the mental and emotional effects of aromatherapy, and
address the physiological aspects at another time.
Essential oils are best used in one of two simple ways: through
inhalation, where the oils can directly affect certain areas of
the brain, and through topical application, where the oils are
easily absorbed into the bloodstream. (Note: Oral ingestion can
be an option, but only under experienced medical supervision -
further, SOME OILS CAN BE TOXIC, and other even seemingly
harmless oils should not be used under certain conditions. If
you are pregnant, or have specific medical needs, consult a
knowledgeable practitioner before continuing!)
Inhalation of Essential Oils
Essential oils when inhaled directly effect our limbic system,
the brain's emotional centers. Many oils have been found to
sharpen concentration, reduce tension and anxiety, and even
reduce depression. How can we reap these magnificent benefits?
There are a few simple, cost-effective ways to prepare essential
oils for inhalation - and experience these wonderful effects:
the 'handkerchief method', making your own 'smelling salts', and
making your own aromatherapy 'mister'.
The handkerchief method is pretty straightforward - put a drop
or two of an oil or blend on a tissue and inhale (careful with
some oils though - peppermint, for example, can burn the
sensitive skin around your nostrils if put in direct contact).
You can even leave the tissue (or 'handkerchief, or piece of
cloth, or cotton, or whatever) in a room or your workspace and
the oil will continue to evaporate and have its effects.
Making your own 'smelling salts' is similar, though your
preparation will last a while longer. To make the salts, fill a
small vial (dark glass with a good cap is best) with natural sea
salt and drop essential oils into the salt. The amount of oil is
not too critical - enough that there is detectable aroma, and
not so much that the salt gets completely wet. Just unscrew the
cap and inhale from the bottle whenever you need a lift, or,
like the handkerchief, leave the vial open in your space,
letting the aroma slowly fill the area.
A 'mister' can be used infuse a room with aroma - just add
essential oils to water in a small spray bottle, shake (before
each use) and spray!
Here are a few easy recipes for the inhalation method (Note: in
all recipes, the number of drops of oil and/or amount of carrier
can be used as a ratio, which you can increase or decrease as
you need):
For uplifting the mood and brightening the mind - 4 drops of
Rosemary Cineol, 3 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Lemon and 1
drop of Peppermint, OR 3 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Bergamot and
1 drop Sweet Orange.
For calming anxiety - equal parts of Roman Chamomile, Bergamot
and Orange, OR 3 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli and 1 drop
Bergamot.
For creating a harmonious atmosphere - 3 drops Jasmine, 1 drop
Ylang Ylang and 1 drop Sandalwood, OR equal parts Geranium,
Patchouli and Bergamot.
Aromatherapy Massage
Now for the topical application method. Usually this is
described as aromatherapy massage - ideally, this is done with a
partner, but self-massage will work as well. Creating your own
massage oil is a straightforward process - just dilute 10 - 20
drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. There are a
variety of carrier oils available, though Sweet Almond is a
great all-around oil and is recommended for general aromatherapy
massage. As for the massage, itself, any technique will do - let
your intuition be your guide. When you wish to get a little more
advanced, do a little further research to create synergy with
certain essential oils and certain acupressure points.
The same blends for inhalation can be used for massage, though
here are a few more fun recipes:
For a sensual massage, per ounce of carrier oil, add - 8 drops
Sandalwood, 6 drops Rose, 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Ylang
Ylang.
For opening the heart, try 4 drops Spikenard, 4 drops Lavender
and 2 drops of Rose.
Finally, for sheer relaxation, use 6 drops Lavender, 4 drops
Neroli and 2 drops Bergamot.
Don't be afraid to create your own blends! You will certainly
find particular oils that you enjoy - and aromatherapy is like
that. It is the oils you find most enjoyable that are likely
those that are most effective for you. My only recommendation is
to change the ratios of oils you are blending very slowly. Start
with one drop of each oil in a small vial, mixing them and
allowing a few minutes for them to blend before adding more oil
1 drop at a time. In general, citrus oils ( Orange, Bergamot,
Lemon, Lime) tend to bring alertness while calming at the same
time. Herb oils (Peppermint, Rosemary) tend to be invigorating,
while floral oils tend to be relaxing (Lavender, Chamomile,
Jasmine, Neroli). This is only a guideline - many oils have
complex properties and will affect individuals differently - use
your nose as a guide.
Conclusion
Getting started with aromatherapy is easy, and with these simple
ideas, you will be able to create essential oil preparations
tailored to your needs and enjoyment. This can lead to a
lifelong appreciation of these wonderful gifts from nature.
|
Categories 
