• Rain drop therapy - Gary Young developed it. This gentle massage method of "dropping" essential oils on the spine and back. The oils used are: Basil, Birch or Wintergreen, Cypress, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme and Valor.
• Olfactory Aromatherapy - involves the release of fragrances from essential oils into the environment by direct inhalation and/or diffusion.
• Massage Aromatherapy - involves the use of essential oils in the process of massage therapy. 7-10 drops (1.5-2%) in 25ml (1floz) of carrier oil, for a full body massage(Adult dose).
Less is better, try using less than the recommended amount.
• Cosmetic Aromatherapy - involves the process of combining essential oils with facial, skin, hair and body care products.
• Meta-Aromatherapy - uses essential oils in combination with bodywork and psychotherapy based on clients' own metaphors, derived from the precise, physically linked, location.
• If you need peppermint oil but do not have the time to get some: spearmint oil can be used in its place. That goes for all of the other oils.
• A Compress is a folded piece of material or lint applied hot or cold to the body.
• HOT essential oils for relieving chronic pain, period cramps etc.
• COLD essential oils for reducing swelling, sprains and headaches.
• Incense is a aromatic herb or wood made into a fine powder to be burned for enjoyment of its pleasant fragrance; used as an offering at rituals or during religious ceremonies.
Aromatherapy Massage Oil
1. 7-10 drops (1.5-2%) in 25ml (1floz) of carrier oil, for a full body massage. (Adult dose.)
2. Use a firm, non- yielding surface and cover the person with towels after massaging each body part.
3. Massage for up to 90 minutes. Benefits physical and psychological problems.
Good for muscular fatigue and aching, nervous tension, and anxiety.
Aromatherapy Ointments and creams
1. 5-20 drops (0.5-2%) in a 50g (2oz) jar or tub.
2. These require a cream base, preferably one made from a cold pressed vegetable oil.
Apart from the Essential Oils, other beneficial ingredients may include wheat germ or Calendula at 10-20%.
Higher dose of 2% may be used for bruises, sprains and rubbed on the chest and back for respiratory problems. In the case of sensitive or inflamed skin, the lower dose applies.
Aromatherapy Compress
Compresses or poultices are an age-old way of drawing impurities out through the skin, to soothe irritation or relieve congestion. They were one of the first treatments in medicine, and their history goes back thousands of years. Traditionally, the most common compresses were made from mustard seed, fennel or linseed, and were particularly popular when treating colds and skin problems. Compresses or poultices with aromatherapy oils can be used for a concentrated facial treatment, but should not be considered for delicate or sensitive skins. Hot compresses are used for cramping pain, cold are used for swellings and burning pains.
1. Dry ingredients such as wheat germ, bran or herbs are mixed with the selected aromatherapy oil and warm water into a stretchy paste.
2. The mixture then is sandwiched between a square of muslin gauze to form a compress.
This treatment is very effective during a facial or in a back treatment.
3. Place damp eye pads over the eyes before a facial compress is applied.
4. Mold the compress to the skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. The compress may be placed under warm steam, but it should not be warm enough to cause sweating of the skin.
Another Compress
1. 3-5 drops in about one pint of water.
2. Add Essential Oil to a bowl of hot or cold water.
3. Put a face cloth onto the water and wring out.
4. Apply to desired area for 5 minutes.
5. Repeat up to 4 times.
Aromatherapy Steam Inhalation
1. 2-3 drops in about a pint of water.
2. Add Essential Oil to a bowl of near boiling water.
3. Drape a towel over the head and lean over the bowl, trapping the steam under the towel.
Take care! Steam can scald.
4. Breathe in the steam for about 2 minutes.
5. Repeat up to 4 times in a day.
Good for bronchial and sinus congestion, coughs and bronchitis, colds and flu and sore throats.
Aromatherapy Bath
1. 4-6 drops (Adults.) 3-5 drops (13-16 yrs.) 2-4 drops (10-12 yrs.) 1-3 drops (7-9 yrs.) 1-2 drops (4-6 yrs.) 1 drop (under 5's.)
2. Add the Essential Oils to a warm bath.
3. Swirl the water before getting in.
4. The room should be warm, and the doors and windows should be closed to allow for inhalation of the vapors.
5. The body should be immersed in the bath for at least 10 minutes, and the ideal temperature of the water is about 100 F.
6. The odoriferous molecules of the aromatherapy oil stimulate the nerve endings that are an extension of the limbic portion of the brain which is responsible for our feelings of pleasure, contentment and well-being. They also connect with the hypothalamus, which sends chemical messages to the pituitary gland which controls every endocrine gland in the body. This affects the thyroid, adrenals and ovaries, and by this indirect route, the aromatherapy oils can exert a powerful influence over the hormonal secretions of the body. A familiar example of smell affecting the body functions is when our digestive juices begin to flow when the odor of cooking is detected. An excellent way to relax. Good for overworked muscles, stress, tension and insomnia. A good way to use the Oils if a massage is not possible.
Aromatherapy Vaporisation
1. Depends on the size of the dish or burner. Generally, in a burner you need 6 drops.
2. Add Essential Oils to a burner containing water, or a dish of water that can be safely warmed. Electric versions do not need water. Good for mood enhancement and upliftment.
Also for disinfecting the air, to improve breathing and to help a headache.
Products that may contain aromatherapy
Essential oils can be used in: lotions, facial toners, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, steam inhalation, room freshening, general household freshening, bug repellent, bath, massage oils, compresses, perfumes and other natural products.
|
