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anam_cara2011-01-12 11:21 am
sakurablossom) wrote in anam_cara2011-01-12 11:21 am
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Natural Healing - The Magic of Aromatherapy
You can harness the healing and uplifting qualities of plant fragrances to help you relax, unwind and even treat minor ailments.
You can find out simply and pleasurably just how beneficial aromatherapy can be by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the next bath that you take. You will notice the difference immediately. As you smell the relaxing fragrance of the oil surrounding you, its peacefulness and tranquility will lift your spirits, promote relaxation and soothe stress.
Aromatherapy is the art of healing with "essential" oils - distilled essences that have been extracted from plants. These can be used in massage and inhalation techniques, added to bathroom products such as soap, skin creams, bath gel and shampoo, and also used to create room fragrances.
Aromatherapy also involves the use of incense (in loose, powdered form or as joss sticks), potpourri, steam inhalations, scented candles and fresh flowers. You'll learn how to use all of the above to raise your mood, treat ailments and improve your sense of well-being.
How it works
Through the nose
* When we smell a fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning joss sticks vaporizes the oil so that we can breathe in its molecules more easily.
Through the skin
* Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream to take immediate effect.
Relaxing in a soothing, fragrant bath will improve your mood as well as your skin.
Getting started with aromatherapy
As your aromatherapy knowledge builds up, you'll no doubt want to start buying yourself the oils and other equipment you need to put your new knowledge into practice.
Essential and blended oils
The most commonly used aromatherapy "equipment" is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores and shopping malls.
Some stores sell ready-blended massage oils. These don't need to be diluted, but aren't suitable for use in vaporizers.
* Undiluted oils can seem expensive, but you need to use only a few drops in most applications. Undiluted oils can be used in vaporizers, steam inhalations and baths, and can be diluted in a carrier base, such as avocado oil or unscented shampoo, for use in massage, shampoo, toning and moisturizing.
* Dilute up to 10 drops of oil in 30ml of carrier base before using it on your skin.
Rub your massage oil into tired muscles to feel an instant benefit.
Scented candles
Candles scented with essential oils are a great way to get relaxing, stimulating and sensual aromas into your atmosphere.
* Scented candles work better on your mood and emotions than on your body. Their effects are subtle and work well over a long period of time, such as a quiet evening at home, rather than providing quick results.
Scented candles fill your surroundings with gentle, relaxing aromas.
* Fragrances such as citronella and lavender are excellent insect repellents. Use candles scented with these aromas while you're sitting outside on warm summer evenings.
* A more intense way to fragrance your environment is to use essential oil in a candle vaporizer. To do this, half-fill the vaporizer bowl with water, and add up to five drops of oil. Light the candle beneath the bowl.
Joss sticks and incense
Another excellent way to fill your room with uplifting scents is to burn incense or "joss" sticks.
* The fragrances used to make joss sticks and incense are usually very expensive to buy as oils. This is simply a more economical way of enjoying their benefits.
* Light joss and incense beside a scented candle, vaporizer, or other joss sticks to blend different aromas.
* As joss sticks burn, they will leave behind hot ash. Always be sure to place your joss stick on a surface that will not be damaged, or buy a special holder that will catch the ash as it falls.
Decorative glass beads, a potted plant or window box, or a small glass of sand all make ideal joss stick holders.
* Incense is especially useful for creating a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga.
You can find out simply and pleasurably just how beneficial aromatherapy can be by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the next bath that you take. You will notice the difference immediately. As you smell the relaxing fragrance of the oil surrounding you, its peacefulness and tranquility will lift your spirits, promote relaxation and soothe stress.
Aromatherapy is the art of healing with "essential" oils - distilled essences that have been extracted from plants. These can be used in massage and inhalation techniques, added to bathroom products such as soap, skin creams, bath gel and shampoo, and also used to create room fragrances.
Aromatherapy also involves the use of incense (in loose, powdered form or as joss sticks), potpourri, steam inhalations, scented candles and fresh flowers. You'll learn how to use all of the above to raise your mood, treat ailments and improve your sense of well-being.
How it works
Through the nose
* When we smell a fragrance, we take its healing molecules into our bodies. Heating essential oils and burning joss sticks vaporizes the oil so that we can breathe in its molecules more easily.
Through the skin
* Essential oils applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream to take immediate effect.
Relaxing in a soothing, fragrant bath will improve your mood as well as your skin.
As your aromatherapy knowledge builds up, you'll no doubt want to start buying yourself the oils and other equipment you need to put your new knowledge into practice.
Essential and blended oils
The most commonly used aromatherapy "equipment" is essential oil. You can buy small bottles of oil from many stores and shopping malls.
Some stores sell ready-blended massage oils. These don't need to be diluted, but aren't suitable for use in vaporizers.
* Undiluted oils can seem expensive, but you need to use only a few drops in most applications. Undiluted oils can be used in vaporizers, steam inhalations and baths, and can be diluted in a carrier base, such as avocado oil or unscented shampoo, for use in massage, shampoo, toning and moisturizing.
* Dilute up to 10 drops of oil in 30ml of carrier base before using it on your skin.
Rub your massage oil into tired muscles to feel an instant benefit.
Scented candles
Candles scented with essential oils are a great way to get relaxing, stimulating and sensual aromas into your atmosphere.
* Scented candles work better on your mood and emotions than on your body. Their effects are subtle and work well over a long period of time, such as a quiet evening at home, rather than providing quick results.
Scented candles fill your surroundings with gentle, relaxing aromas.
* Fragrances such as citronella and lavender are excellent insect repellents. Use candles scented with these aromas while you're sitting outside on warm summer evenings.
* A more intense way to fragrance your environment is to use essential oil in a candle vaporizer. To do this, half-fill the vaporizer bowl with water, and add up to five drops of oil. Light the candle beneath the bowl.
Joss sticks and incense
Another excellent way to fill your room with uplifting scents is to burn incense or "joss" sticks.
* The fragrances used to make joss sticks and incense are usually very expensive to buy as oils. This is simply a more economical way of enjoying their benefits.
* Light joss and incense beside a scented candle, vaporizer, or other joss sticks to blend different aromas.
* As joss sticks burn, they will leave behind hot ash. Always be sure to place your joss stick on a surface that will not be damaged, or buy a special holder that will catch the ash as it falls.
Decorative glass beads, a potted plant or window box, or a small glass of sand all make ideal joss stick holders.
* Incense is especially useful for creating a very spiritual atmosphere for meditation, prayer or yoga.