Of all our five senses, the sense of smell is powerful in the way that it can
instantly transport the mind to another place. I remember starting school
and how the blend of chalk, floor cleaner, timber, and other students all
melded together to make an unmistakable aroma that when I chance upon the
smell now it still has the power to evoke a particular period of my life.
Aromatherapy is the art of blending essential oils. Despite what you may
think aromatherapy is not some modern day creation designed to feed our
consumerist tendencies - it has been around for many years and can have a
profound effect on the mind, body and spirit.
Essential Oil Basics
Aromatherapy is completely natural as the
essential or fragrant oils are extracted from plants. It is a kind of
natural physical and psychological healing method that can either be
massaged into the skin or inhaled. Plants like rosemary, juniper, sage and
lavender were first experimented with for medicinal reasons in ancient
China.
In the sixteenth century aromatic herbs
were used to ward off the Black Death. In the nineteenth century the art
of perfumery began through the creation of natural fragrances (perfumes)
from plant oils. With the increased emphasis today on returning to a more
natural way of life, aromatherapy has become revived and further developed
as a stress relief and healing method but also as a way of adding depth to
an occasion or situation.
What is it about Essential Oils?
The main ingredient in any aromatherapy
product is essential oils. Essential oils are the liquid essence of the
original plant. A very concentrated substance which is incredibly potent,
essential oils come in small bottles and can be applied to the skin only
once they have been diluted using a carrier oil like almond oil. If you
are inhaling essential oils, then you need only use a few drops diluted in
water, as too much of it can be harmful.
What Can Essential Oils Do?
There are many ways that you
can use aromatherapy to heal and enhance your life and how you incorporate
it into your daily life depends largely on your personal preferences. Some
people like to use aromatherapy candles or incense, and breathe in the
scent of various fragrances to create a particular mood or environment.
The scent is said to set off a chemical reaction in the brain, creating a
mental state of relaxation. Other types of oils, salts and lotions can be
used on the skin, creating the same relaxing effect except on a physical
level. Others use aromatherapy as a way to look and feel younger and more
vibrant.
Aromatherapy is a great way to encourage relaxation. So next time you feel
uptight or tense think about burning a scented candle and focus on
inhaling the scent and as you do so feel your whole body relax and soften.
Whether you make it a habit and do it every night, or wait until a long
Sunday to loosen up your senses and muscles, choosing aromatherapy is an
easy way to unwind. With natural ingredients and a beautiful fragrance, it
is a great natural way to celebrate life.
The secret is to make sure that you buy good quality essential oils and
products and not just any old oils.
Tips For Creating Your Own Home Spa
Aromatherapy Oils To Help You Sleep
A few drops of lavender on your pillow is a great choice if you are having trouble sleeping. Other oils that enhance rest and relaxation include marjoram, orange, mandarin and chamomile. A bath with a few drops of these oils before bed is another way to encourage a restful and refreshing night's sleep.
Creating Your Own Home Spa
Use this checklist to create your own home spa:
- clean cotton towels and face cloths
- candles
- diffuser
- quality pure essential oils
- carrier oils to blend with your oils
- dark glass bottles - to use for mixing your blends
Aromatherapy In The Bedroom
Organize to regularly refresh your bedding (preferably every month) by completely stripping the bed, including the underlay and spritz your mattress and pillow with an aromatic blend (a few drops tea tree mixed with water in a spray bottle is a good one to use because of the antiseptic nature of this oil). Wash your sheets and pillowcases and hang out your other bedding in the sun to air. You can also spray the floor beneath the bed too.
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