Therapeutic applications for aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an incredibly versatile therapy. The therapeutic use of essential oils is so varied, that many people limit the benefits that can be gained as they don't fully understand the wide variety of different applications.
Essential oils can be added to natural base creams, lotions and gels in order to tailor-make your own skincare preparations. This ensures that you're giving your skin exactly what it needs and that you know what you're putting onto your skin is pure and unadulterated.They can be added to vegetable base oils for massage. There is a huge variety of base oils to choose from, which enables you to create a light or rich, therapeutic oil for your massage, according to your skin type and the condition that you're treating.
You can use them to create your own bath and shower gels, shampoos, and body scrubs. Make sure you choose SLS free options if you want to reduce your chemical intake and have a more natural end-product.
They can also be used to make your own skin nurturing face masques, therapeutic hot/cold compresses and for natural home fragrancing - the list is almost endless!
One of the most powerful therapeutic uses of essential oils however is perhaps one of the lesser known applications. Aromatherapy Inhalations can be an extremely effective way of treating health problems. Symptoms often respond very quickly with inhalations as the oils' effects are felt almost instantly.
Aromatherapy Inhalations
Inhalations can be used for a variety of complaints. They are particularly helpful for respiratory infections, sinus problems, and viral infections. They can also be helpful in treating mental exhaustion, emotional distress, anxiety, and sleep problems.
The combination of steam and essential oils is also a great way to give yourself a mini Spa Facial - which leaves your skin glowing and clear of excess oil. This is particularly useful for oily/combination skin, where spots and blackheads are a problem.
The reason that inhalations are such an effective way of using aromatherapy oils, is that the steam inhaled transports the oil directly into the blood stream (often past the site of infection) via the blood rich lining of the lungs. The essential oils can then work on the microbes causing the infection internally, and impart their medicinal qualities "en route" as they travel through the mouths, down the throats and into the lungs. Their pain killing, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic properties therefore work from the inside out and the outside in! In addition to this the oils are renowned for lifting the emotions, and as our level of immunity is closely linked to our emotions their uplifting effect can help to treat the "whole person" by boosting the spirits as well as fighting infection.
Instructions for use
Take a large bowl and fill it with boiling water. Add your essential oils and immediately place your head directly over the bowl. Place a towel over your head and over the bowl to help seal in the steam. Inhale with your eyes closed for at least 5 minutes. Try to alternate breathing in through the nose and then the mouth so that the therapeutic oils pass over any potential site of infection.
Oil blends for common ailments
Cold/Flu: 4 drops of Tea Tree, 4 drops Bergamot, 1 drop Thyme, 1 drop Eucalyptus or Ravensara.Sinus Congestion: 4 drops of Tea Tree, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Eucalyptus/Niaouli and 1 drop Peppermint.Sore throat/Tonsilitis: 5 drops of Sandalwood, 4 drops Pine, 2 drops ThymeMental Exhaustion: 2 drops of Rosemary, 1 drop Pappermint, 2 drops NeroliAnxiety: 2 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops Neroli, 4 drops Bergamot, 4 drops LavenderSleep: 4 drops of Marjoram, 5 drops Lavender, 2 drops Neroli, 2 drops Chamomile.Oily Skin: 2 drops of Cypress, 4 drops Geranium, 4 drops Lavender.
Note: Afterwards you can leave the bowl near radiator or heat source if safe, and let the oils continue to vapourise into the room. Alternatively you could use the same oil combinations in an oil burner, diffuser or for making up your own room or pillow spray.
Base Formula is a leading aromatherapy and essential oil supplier. They have been supplying aromatherapists worldwide with premium grade essential oils, carrier oils, cosmetic bases and aromatherapy supplies since 1996. Their extensive aromatherapy range has everything you need for providing a range of professional beauty and holistic therapy treatments and also for making your own natural skincare products. They are the Federation of Holistic Therapists' (FHT) preferred aromatherapy supplier and offer FHT members 10% discount off all products. Base Formula are also registered members of the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC) and are committed to their voluntary code of practice for product quality, safety, labelling and packaging. They only supply oils of the purest quality which are subject to regular testing and verification at independent laboratories. Base Formula use responsibly sourced, fair trade ingredients and environmentally sound packaging. Their are made in England and are paraben and synthetic free. They are vegan friendly and are not tested on animals. Visit http://www.baseformula.com/ to view their full range of products or http://www.baseformula.com/section.php/120/1/essential-oils to buy their premium, aromatherapy grade essential oils.
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