Aromatherapy and its Benefits

The power of touch is something that is neglected in the modern way of living. It can be paramount to physical and emotional health. Aromatherapy is a natural and skilled method of treating the body as a whole. Whether you are a qualified practitioner, or a complete novice – aromatherapy will bring pleasure and relaxation to you in many ways. It is a very rewarding therapy and soothing to both the recipient and the person giving the treatment. If you are new to holistic therapies – aromatherapy is the prefect place to start! Learn as much, or as little as you want and develop your skill from what interests you most. There is always something new to learn with this therapy. Even as a qualified practitioner of ten years, I still find myself making more successful blends and finding new methods and information everyday. You will never be short of people willing to be your clients - especially when a massage is concerned!

Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit using natural product and method. There are different methods of using aromatherapy – each one can be beneficial in its own way. I must specify that essential oils can be dangerous and potentially poisonous. They should be used with utmost care and not without consulting a professional aromatherapy practitioner.

On purchasing essential oils it is important to research your source.  It is a good point of call to look at the price of what you are buying. A pure essential oil will be more expensive than one that has been blended with a carrier. Checking the label for the percentage information is paramount. Pure 100% oils are what you are looking for and they are the best and most reliable that you can buy. Adulterated oils will be told by the price or they may be called ‘fragrance oils’ or ‘perfume oils’. These are not the same and should not be applied to the skin as they can be irritants. They are however, fine to use in oil burners to give your home a pleasant scent. The beneficial qualities of these oils are unknown and are usually frowned upon by holistic therapists. They are usually combined with synthetics and chemicals – so proceed with caution.

On applying essential oils to the skin you must first blend them with a carrier oil. Good quality essential oils have an extremely high concentration (100%) and must not be directly applied. Carrier oils also serve to dilute the oils in order to have the correct quantity for a massage. Carrier oils have properties of their own that are health giving and vital to aromatherapy. I have listed some of the more popular carrier oils and their properties below. Oils are perfectly safe when blended and used correctly. However, there are exceptions to the rule – pregnancy women and epilepsy sufferers should be more cautious and some oils in particular should be avoided. Consult a professional if you are unsure.

Carrier Oils

Almond – A fantastic source of vitamin D. This oil is pleasant smelling and useful for all skin types. However, it is especially beneficial to dry skin and can be used alone as a moisturiser.

Avocado – This oil blends well but can cause problems as it has its own distinctive scent. Choose wisely when it comes to blending taking into account the aroma of your essential oils and how they will complement each other. This is an excellent carrier for dry skin and eczema.

Grapeseed – One of the most versatile oils to use as a carrier. It suits all skin types and mixes well with any oil that you choose to use. It also has a non greasy after feel and soaks in well during a massage.

Jojoba – Rich in vitamin E this oil is suitable for all skin types. It is sensitive enough to use on the face and has its own bacterial properties. This makes it a wonderful oil to use for somebody that suffers with acne or oily skin.

Wheat Germ – Most suits dry and mature skin. Useful for use on scar tissue and stretch marked skin. It is quite a dense oil and is easier to use if you combine it with lighter oil – such as grapeseed. This oil must not be used on people that have a wheat allergy.

Blending oils is an enjoyable process and one that you will become more adept with in time.  For massage it is common practice to blend one drop of essential oil to 5ml of carrier oil. A full body massage will require a larger blend – depending on the size of the person that you are treating.

Storing your oils is crucial to their longevity. A good quality and pure oil will arrive to you in a dark coloured glass bottle with a dropper and a firmly fastening lid. The lids must be tightly closed after use to prevent evaporation and they need to be stored out of direct sunlight and heat. Oils do not last forever – although their shelf life is actually quite long. Citrus oils tend to be shortest lasting. Others can last for a number of years. Oil past its best can be told by the cloudy appearance and the change in scent. If you only rarely use your oils – you should opt to buy them in small amounts as you need them.

There are literally hundreds of essential oils in the world – but only around ninety are circulated and commonly used for health benefits. Below I have listed the main properties and uses of the most popular and commonly used essential oils. They play the largest part in an aromatherapist’s practice and can be used in the home safely and effectively. This is the basic set that you would need to start your own aromatherapy kit.

Lavender

Perhaps one of the most widely known of essential oils, lavender is used in everyday products such as candles, pot pourri, bath products and wheat pillows. Lavender is a strong scent that can over power a blend if not used discreetly. However, its benefits are many. Mainly used to cleanse the spirit and physical being this oil is relaxing and healing. This oil is most universally used and is an essential part of an aromatherapy collection. Many people use it in every blend as it can benefit almost any condition.

Eucalyptus

Also commonly known for helping colds and blocked sinuses. Congestion can be cleared through inhaling this oil. Its use on the skin can be limited due to an irritant nature, but it is safe for external use. A grounding quality is felt on using eucalyptus and it can be used to warm or cool.

Tea Tree

A wonderful oil to use on infections and skin blemishes.  Refreshing and pleasant it is a very mild oil that can be used in more generous dilution quantities. Used in many well known products to treat infections such as cold sores and mouth ulcers.

Black Pepper

A strong scent that may not be to everyone’s tastes. However, its benefits are many and this oil is most commonly used on muscular aches and conditions. It can improve circulation and it always adds depth to a blend.

Geranium

Generally a safe oil to use and very useful to skin conditions of most descriptions. Can be a helpful oil to use in regards to menstrual or menopausal symptoms. This has a very floral scent and this can be overbearing. Women are most likely to benefit from using this in a blend.

Rose

This is a wonderful oil to have in any collection – but it does not come cheap. It is widely known to be one of the most expensive oils when you buy from a reputable dealer. An extremely beneficial oil that can help with many emotional upsets aswell as physical conditions. Depression can be lifted with use in a massage – as can insomnia. Most suited to mature skin due to its regenerative properties.

Ginger

This is a useful oil for sports massage and is commonly used as such. Also popular in use for stomach upsets and travel sickness.  A strong scent that can block out other oils in the blend. Choose other oils to combine with ginger carefully.

Sandalwood

This oil is wonderful applied into a carrier oil or used in a burner. It can be used to treat dry skin and eczema. A healing oil that brings with it a sense of peace and forgiveness. A useful oil to use if the person you are treating suffers with anxiety or anger issues.

Jasmine

A masculine oil that is widely used in lifting peoples spirits. It is generally safe to use but should be patch tested if used in high quantities.

Grapefruit

This oil, along with other citrus oils, can be used to treat oily skin, to uplift spirits, to re-energise tried muscles and can also help with stiffness after excercise.

Lemon

Widely used on oily skin. Can clarify your thoughts and refresh your spirit. However, use on skin should be limited. Avoiding the sun after this is important due to the sensitivity that may be caused. Citrus oils have the shortest shelf life, but you may find that you use more of them than any other oils in your collection.

Ylang Ylang

When used in a massage this oil can bring a sense of peace and can also dispel feelings of anger or resentment. A beautiful fragrance that can be used in most blends.

Frankincense

A safe oil that is useful for fatigue and mental exhaustion. Widely used to assist meditation. An earthy tone that stimulates and lifts.

There are many different methods of using aromatherapy.  Some are obvious and others are more unusual. I hope to explain the benefits of each.

The most popular and well known usage is through massage. Aromatherapy practitioners use this method most frequently. It involves blending essential oils with carrier oils and massaging this into a specific part of the body – or the whole body as a full massage treatment. This has been known to lift depression and is an effective way of healing a tired or aching body.

Adding essential oils to a warm bath is also an effective and luxurious way to benefit from the properties of essential oils. It is important not to add too much oil as the content is very strong in pure, unadulterated oils. Four to five drops is plentiful. Either one specific oil can be used – or make a blend with a select choice of oils beneficial to the ailment that you are treating. This method can also be practised in a foot bath or hand bath. A couple of drops in warm water will soak into the skin and help with circulation and skin conditions. My family have a small collection of oils by the bathside that we choose for our bathing depending on our mood that day. I have personal favourites that enable me to relax and unwind – but there are also oils that can re-energise and uplift. These are usually kept for morning baths!

Steam inhalation may be well known with people that regularly suffer from colds. Two drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of steaming water should be inhaled through the nose to alleviate blocked sinuses. This should be used with caution as more than two drops could make your eyes water or could possibly dry out your skin. You may have experienced a sauna that has eucalyptus in the heat source. This works along the same lines and has proven to be refreshing and healing. There are oils available to purchase in most chemists that are blended specifically for this purpose. You may know the name of Olbas Oil. This is an effective blend for steam inhalation when you are suffering from a cold.

Inhalation can also be achieved through one drop of oil on a handkerchief or tissue and inhaled when required.  At night time this can be done through placing a tissue with oils on into your pillow case. It may aid and assist you in sleeping well.

Essential oil burners can be found in most homes nowadays and are an effective way of using oils. Either simply to give your home a wonderful aroma or to give healing properties – they are pleasurable just the same. Up to ten drops can be placed in the top of a burner and water added to this.   

 I feel that a more natural approach is the most effective way of dealing with common ailments and conditions.  Aromatherapy is one of the most commonly known of holistic therapies and its benefits are renowned world wide. Whether you just want to relax and unwind, pamper yourself, or treat a physical condition – you can be sure that there is an aromatherapy blend that can benefit you.