What is Aromatherapy?
The use of essential oils extracted from plants to help balance and heal the mind, body and spirit.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic plant extracts collected through a process of steam distillation. Aromatherapists also use essences extracted by expression of fruit peel of citris and absolutes obtained by enfleurage and solvent extraction. (i.e. Rose and jasmine absolutes are used in the aromatherapy). Orange-flower water and lavender water are fragrances produced during oil distillation.
Ways to use Essential Oils
Common methods of using oils include inhalation, vaporization, massage, bathing, and compresses. Essential oils (except in rare exceptions) are not to be applied to the skin in an undiluted form, or taken internally.
Steam Inhalation:
Add a two drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Covering your head and bowl of water with a towel, inhale the healing vapours.
Vaporization:
Four to five drops of a single oil or combination of oils are sufficient. To scent a room place the drops in a vaporizer or in a small container of water set on a radiator. You can also place a drop or two onto a light bulb. For individual therapy you can place a drop or two of oil onto a tissue or pillowcase.
Baths:
For relaxation, pleasure, stress relief, or soothing achy muscles, a soak in bath water that has been treated with a few drops of essential oils is very effective.
Personal Care:
Treat yourself by adding aromatic oils to your skin lotions, face creams, and mild shampoos.
Massage:
Essential oils are blended into a base oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil.
Compresses:
Applying essential oil compresses is an effective way of relieving pain and reducing inflammation.