You are currently browsing all posts tagged with 'massage'.
Displaying 11 - 20 of 37 entries.

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

  • Posted on August 20, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil). For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks. How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy. OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor. Oils to avoid during pregnancy include: Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal OILS RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCY The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for pregnancy include: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the “to be avoided” essential oils. Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Bergamot: Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Chamomile: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion.

Cypress (ok after 5 mos.) Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.

Eucalyptus: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.

Frankincense: Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming

Geranium (ok after 3 mos.) Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit: Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention.

Lavender: Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin: Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli: Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy. Petitgrain: Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood: Antiseptic, sedative

Sandalwood: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Tangerine: Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree: Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.

Ylang Ylang: Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

About the author:

Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia laromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

Continue reading Aromatherapy and Pregnancy »

Care to leave a comment?

Love is in the Air: Sensual Aromatherapy

  • Posted on August 8, 2007 at 12:51 pm

Since the olfactory nerves (the nerves in the nose) are directly connected to the limbic system of the brain, their stimulation by the aroma of essential oils causes immediate, although perhaps subconscious, physical and emotional responses.

The limbic system of the brain not only controls our drives of hunger, thirst, and sex, but more subtle responses of emotion, memory, creativity, and intuition as well as reproductive cycles. Olfactory membranes contain millions of nerve endings causing the sense of smell to be the most acute of all senses.

Inhaling oils triggers a chain of internal reactions with a wide range of results from the release of endorphins (powerful mood elevating substances) to boosting the immune system. Within the limbic system resides the regulatory mechanism of our highly sensitive inner life, the core of our being. Here is the origin of our sexuality, the impulse of attraction and aversion, motivation and
our moods, our memory, and creativity.

Smells work in the limbic system to release neurotransmitters. Encephaline reduces pain, produces pleasant, euphoric sensations, and creates a feeling of well-being. Endorphins also reduce pain, stimulate sexual feelings, and produce a sense of well-being. Serotonin helps relax and calm. PEA (phenylethylamine) the chemical believed to be responsible for the ‘rush’ felt when falling in love is found in both rose water and chocolate.

The pituitary, also known as the master gland of the endocrine system, is responsible for controlling hormone production of other glands. There is an association between an underactive pituitary gland and a decreased interest in sex. Essential oils have the ability to stimulate the pituitary gland. Oils that stimulate the pituitary and, therefore, are considered an aphrodisiac are
clary sage, jasmine, patchouli, and ylang ylang.

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are capable of enhancing sexual pleasure or sexual desire. Certain essential oils can be considered aphrodisiacs since they have the potential to affect the circulatory, hormonal, and the nervous systems. The best aphrodisiac will make use of the brain, since this is where the sexual center is located.

A blend of the erogenous, stimulating or calming, and euphoric essential oils would make a well-rounded aphrodisiac synergy. Jasmine is the most sought after fragrance in the perfume industry because it has a very erogenous effect on humans. Other oils that have been considered as having aphrodisiac properties are clary sage, black pepper, ginger, fennel, frankincense, geranium,
hyssop, juniper, myrrh, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Our erotic life is much influenced by odor. Pheromones, hormone-like substances in one’s personal odor, influence partner choice in humans as well as in animals. Since many essential oils contain pheromones, they affect our sensuality.

Personal attraction and aversion are always influenced by odor. Without the ability to smell there would be little attraction. We may be attracted or repulsed by people we meet while being completely unaware that this is partially because of the way they smell to us in a subconscious way. A scent can be bonding or used in identification in both people or animals. Did you ever see
a Black Angus cow pick out her calf among a hundred little black calves’ As many as 25% of the people who experience smell disorders also lose interest in sex. Therefore, keeping your sinuses healthy could be the hidden key in creating a healthy sex life.

Fragrances can bewitch the most sober people. With a few essential oils you can create your own very personal, natural perfume that may not only improve your health, but attract that special person. To create a special perfume use jojoba which is a nondrying skin-care oil that allows a fragrance to linger longer. Fill a small bottle nearly to the top with jojoba oil, and add the essential oil of your choice (15 to 20 drops).

Use the natural gifts supplied by nature for their sensual and seductive proprieties. Create your own love potions that stimulate your senses and enhance a romantic atmosphere. Whether you use essential oils in a loving massage or in a diffuser to project their fragrant invitation to love and romance, they are a most enjoyable way to increase your sexual energies and arouse your most intimate feelings. To boost libido try 2 drops black pepper, 3 drops ginger and 2 drops sandalwood in your diffuser. For sexual dysfunction put in the diffuser 4 drops rose and 3 drops ylang ylang. For a fantastic massage, increase the number of drops of essential oil and add to 4 tsp. of a mix of sweet almond and grapeseed oil. Experiment and enjoy!

About the Author

You can visit Peggy Carey, “The Zest Lady” at www.a-1essentialoils.com for a FREE Essential Oil User’s Guide or if you would like more information about the oils recommended e-mail peggycarey@pngusa.net.

Peggy Carey is pursuing a PhD in Parapsychic Science and is working on obtaining certification as a Nutritional Consultant. She is an Aromatherapy/Wellness Consultant, and holistic health instructor and writer.

Written By: Peggy Carey

Continue reading Love is in the Air: Sensual Aromatherapy »

Care to leave a comment?

Live In Fragrance With Aromatherapy Skin Care

  • Posted on July 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm

One must not be careless with ones skin. Being the biggest body part, it needs as much care too. Even if you feel that you have perfect complexion and lustrous skin at this age, you must know that it may not last forever. Being an owner of beautiful skin still requires you to properly care for it. The rule goes simple the longer you keep your skin go without care, the faster it will onset for damage. For the best care of your skin, Aromatherapy is emerging as a good skin care choice.

Aromatherapy is not a new phenomenon. It is being used for skin care since thousands of years. In the ancient age, the Egyptians and the Romans used the Aromatherapy oils for skin care. Beautiful ladies have made it their secret companion to acquire beautiful and shinning skin for ever.

Aromatherapy skin care oils comprise of effective qualities to endorse and sustain the healthy and youthful skin for you. Though in the modern age, all that was natural is being replaced by cosmetic. The novel chemical processes have produced artificial versions of the naturally scented oils. These oils can have good fragrance but not that good therapeutic quality.

Aromatherapy is a very easy process and does not demand much effort from your side. It is so easy to be done at home. It encompasses simple ways that do not need you to come outside your house and contact any high profile parlors. With Aromatherapy you can treat your skin suitably by not wasting any extra dollars from your pocket. Aromatherapy makes your skin look fresh and healthy without costing any extra bit of pains either physically or financially.

There are so many factors that keep affecting your skin. They change the color and even the texture of your skin drastically. Some unwanted allergies, stale make-up, incompatible cosmetics and exposure to sub can very severely damage your skin. Aromatherapy not only controls all these unwanted affects but also helps your skin fight them well.

For attaining the best results, you should get started with Aromatherapy skin care at an early age. You will yourself feel the best results. Your skin will last for a good long period of time.

There are many therapies that work together collectively in Aromatherapy skin care. For this you can get the essential training from an expert or can learn it yourself reading some good articles from health and fashion magazines. On the Internet also there are many websites that provide genuine and useful information about Aromatherapy skin care.

You can use essential herbs and oils with freshening aroma. Mix them well in your bathtub. Then, get a magnificent dip in the tub and relax. Relax as much as you can. Leave off all the worries and tensions of your routine life. Think yourself as a princess relaxing in her castle; or, a free bird diving in the blue sky at her own wish. Aromatherapy skin care will work in a wonderful way to melt away all your stress. It will pamper you and make you fresh and ready for the new day.

For best results in Aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin. It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth. Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.

After all this, it is also essential to steam your face. Do some treatment with fingers on your facial skin, while standing in the shower for some extra time. This will open your blocked pores and will remove the dead skin. Aromatherapy skin care will definitely improve the effect of your selected facial treatment.

You should not forget to cleanse your face well. Aromatherapy skin care will help you to do away with unwanted bacteria and leave your skin scented with the fragrance of natural herbal scent. And just after this, put a masker on your face. One great fruit masker that suits well to all types of skins is the papaya facial. To reduce fine lines and puffiness to revitalize your darkened skin around eyes, use cold compresses as part of Aromatherapy skin care.

Aromatherapy skin care is very effective and quite easy to do. Just collect the essential oils and other material and you can get started for it at your home itself. You can buy a kit from a nearby store or on the Internet. It does not take much to get started for the Aromatherapy skin care. And the results that it gives will bring you on the seventh cloud of joy. So, what keeps you waiting?

About the Author: Brought to you from http://www.goodaromatherapy.com by Jay Morganson

Written By: Jay Morganson

Continue reading Live In Fragrance With Aromatherapy Skin Care »

Care to leave a comment?

Aromatherapy for the Parents of Teenagers

  • Posted on July 3, 2007 at 12:50 pm

If you are the parent of a teen, you are certainly aware of how much your family dynamics have changed in recent years. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that you were the center of your children’s universe. Remember when you were the one they came to when they had bruised shins and broken hearts? Well your once-little baby is now approaching adulthood, testing his or her independence, and at times your patience.

You may find yourself struggling with many dichotomies. For instance, while you are aware of and respect your teen’s growing demands for privacy, you may have concerns about his or her friends and interests. Or you may want to establish strong boundaries, and yet at the same time you want to help your teen become independent.

So while your teenager is facing a profound transition in life, you as a parent are as well. Now is the time to evaluate issues not only with your children, but also with yourself. What are your boundaries? Are you a secure and trusting person? Are you someone with whom your teen can and wants to communicate?

If you feel you need guidance with some of these issues, there are many great books on the market about raising teens. Establish a support system with other parents in your community. You can also find wonderful support systems via online parenting communities and chat rooms.

Meanwhile, the use of aromatherapy on a daily basis will help you stay balanced, gain more insight, open yourself to trust your teen, and communicate your feelings and life perspective in a compassionate and calm manner. Below are several aromatherapy recipes to help you survive the teen years!

Each recipe below should be prepared in a 10ml bottle. Pour the essential oils first and then add organic vegetable oil to fill.

********
Blend for Tranquility
********
This blend will help you to remain balanced. It will calm your mind and emotions when you experience symptoms of stress and nervous tension.

-6 drops Sandalwood
-7 drops Lavender
-5 drops Marjoram
-2 drops Rose otto

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bathwater and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

********
Blend for Boundaries
********
This blend will help you feel more grounded, centered and assertive when a need arises to establish new boundaries with your teen.

-6 drops Rosemary
-5 drops Cypress
-6 drops Cedarwood
-4 drops Sandalwood

Massage the solar plexus and lower back. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

********
Blend for Emotional Security and Acceptance
********
This blend soothes your emotions and enhances a profound sense of emotional security and comfort while accepting the natural steps of your teen’s growth.

-3 drops Rose
-5 drops Sandalwood
-5 drops Orange
-4 drops Pine

Massage the solar plexus and abdomen. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

********
Blend to Open Communication
********
This blend supports and opens communication with others while releasing any anger, resentment, guilt or frustration held within the body and mind.

-4 drops Lavender
-5 drops Sage
-4 drops German Chamomile

Massage the throat, neck, and shoulders. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp

http://www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at http://www.aromalchemy.com.

About the Author

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Written By: Francoise Rapp

Continue reading Aromatherapy for the Parents of Teenagers »

Care to leave a comment?

Aromatherapy Treatment Alternative Medicine

  • Posted on June 21, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

About the Author:

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Written By: Bryan Josling

Continue reading Aromatherapy Treatment Alternative Medicine »

Care to leave a comment?

Aromatherapy Candles To Enhance Your Mood

  • Posted on June 15, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Candles provide a glowing history as an object of exoticness and reverence; its use is as old as the human history itself. Many great civilizations and modern societies have held candles as an instrument of radiance; its radiance properties surpass any other similar objects. Candles have long been used as a ‘mood-setting’ addition to a room or occasion and now more innovative aromatherapy candles enhance that goal.

Aromatherapy practice uses natural essential oils that are absorbed through massage, ingestion or olfaction (also called sensory). Aromatic oils are also use to make candles, which candles have a physiological or therapeutic effect on mood through their fragrance. How ever, scented candles should not be confused with aromatherapy candles. Scented candles simply contain a fragrance, most probably artificial, whereas aromatherapy candles contain natural essential oils.

Probably, one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. A bowl of floating lavender aromatherapy candles to accompany your bath will help you relax after a long day. A small candle on your dining table will sway your desolate mood in to feeling of satisfaction.

For every mood and moment, there is an aromatherapy candle. Some of these top-rated essential oils might be found in aromatherapy candles:

Sage: This oil helps with insomnia and relaxation; Chamomile: Exciting oil used for relaxing, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety; Rosemary: An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation; Grapefruit: Freshly uplifting and refreshing Eucalyptus: A strong oil which helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system; Ylang Ylang: Soothing oil as a good antidepressant that helps you relax and sleep; Geranium: Its sober effects help with relaxation while also being uplifting; helps balance hormones in women; Peppermint: Sweet aroma helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches; Lemon: Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes you senses;

As with any health product, you should understand what you are using when burning aromatherapy candles. You must know which type of oil is used in your candles. Certain essential oils can be harmful; it is always advised to be careful. Any type of candle can be formulated to serve as an aromatherapy candle, whether it’s a floating, pillar, gel, votive or even jar candle. Even though the doubts around the effectiveness aromatherapy are still present, all of us do know that candles and aromas are effective for evoking mood and emotions. You will notice candles labeled as “aromatherapy” candles range greatly in price; the price ranging from a low to high cost depending on the quality and availability of oil. Several factors effect the price such as types and qualities of wax, additives or purity, as well as other factors related to manufacturing. How ever, one main ingredient which can make or break the success of a candle as well as the price is its fragrance. You can make your own aromatherapy candles too at your home! The best waxes for aromatherapy candles are of course a bit more expensive. Many natural waxes such as soy, palm and beeswax burn cleaner and do not emanate soot and are not petroleum or polymer based such as paraffin or gel waxes. More natural cotton or zinc core wick should be used instead of leaded wick because of health hazard issues. Instead of adding dye to color the candle, include natural substances like herbs and flower petals. Always use pure essential oils for fragrance. This is definitely expensive, but worth it plus you can mix and match your own blends. Palm wax or palm/beeswax blend candles are always better, because they burn so long and clean and they blend quite easily with your oils. Essential oils should be added after the wax has melted and started cooling to preserve the integrity of the fragrance as they easily breakdown and evaporate. Decorating your candle can be as easy as tying a ribbon around it to adding pressed flowers to it. Make several small motiffs or round candles and add to a basket for a great gift idea. Candles attach emotional importance to any occasion and moments; a great aromatherapy candle has that great ability to enhance the mood and ambience of any environment.

About the author:

Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia laromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

Continue reading Aromatherapy Candles To Enhance Your Mood »

Care to leave a comment?

Change Your Mood with Aromatherapy

  • Posted on June 9, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Contemporary healers, therapists, and marketing gurus are grabbing hold of a phenomenon that insects and animals instinctively understand: the power of aroma.

Scientists pursue aromachology (the study of scent and its ability to change human behavior) for its role in everything from medicine to marketing, migraines to memory loss, and relaxation to revitalization.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to treat ailments. These conditions range from physical conditions to emotional problems. The essential oils of aromatherapy are extracted from aromatic plants and herbs–from the flower, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rhizome, or leaves–generally through a process of steam distillation. These oils may be inhaled or massaged into the skin, after combining with a vegetable, nut or seed oil.

Massage with essential oils is most commonly used to alleviate skin ailments and muscle pain or tension. Lavender, orange, marjoram, and chamomile are particularly effective aromas in the use of massage.

Essential oils can be inhaled with the help of a vaporizer, an electric diffuser or an aroma lamp.

–>How does it work?

Our sense of smell is more complex than you might think. Your nose contain thousands of olfactory nerves. While your tongue has the ability to taste sweet, sour, salt, and bitter, it is your sense of smell that creates all the delightful flavors you experience. The olfactory bulb is part of your brain’s limbic system, which is not under conscious control. The limbic system controls digestion, libido, and emotions.

So, it’s not your imagination that scents evoke emotion. Aromas actually trigger the release of chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of well-being. Scientists say your body’s response to an aroma takes just four seconds.

–>Which Essential Oils are Right for You?
Essential oils are available in natural and synthetic forms. Natural essential oils are not oils but non-oily, non-water-soluble substances, which dissolve in alcohol and combine with true oils. Pure, natural essential oils may be as much as 70 times more potent than the plant source itself.

Some synthetics are derived from natural products. The exact formulation of an essential oil is virtually impossible to reproduce in the laboratory. Even the smallest variation can produce significant changes in the oil’s effect. Some synthetic oils fall into the category of artificial fragrances, entirely made of petroleum products. These products generally do not produce the same therapeutic effects as essential oils.

Each essential oil is comprised of different hormones and vitamins, which combine to create different effects. Furthermore, the effects of each essential oil can vary depending on the botanical species and where it is grown. The effects of particular aromas also vary among cultures and individuals, so the results of aromatherapy are not universal. Still, aromatherapists have developed a roster of scents with relatively predictable effects:

Aphrodisiacs
Jasmine, ylang ylang, patchouli

Energizers
lemon, basil, bergamot, sweet orange, peppermint, eucalyptus,
tangerine

Hair Care
(dry hair) cedarwood
(normal hair) lavender, ylang ylang
(oily hair) rosemary, lemongrass

PMS
cedarwood, clary sage, fennel, geranium, nerali, Roman chamomile

Relaxation
lavender, myrrh, cardamom, cedarwood, German chamomile, clary sage,
frankincense

Skin Care
(all skin types) Lavender, geranium, ylang ylang
(dry skin) rosemary, rosewood, carrot seed, sandalwood, peppermint,
rosemary
(oily skin) basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemongrass,
ylang ylang, sage

Susie Cortright is the founder of http://www.momscape.com and Momscape’s Natural & Organic Living Channel. She is also the creator of Free-Article-Bank.com, featuring free, quality articles for your website, ezine, newsletter, or blog.

Copyright Susie Cortright – http://www.momscape.com

Written By: Susie Cortright

Continue reading Change Your Mood with Aromatherapy »

Care to leave a comment?

Use Aromatherapy to Promote Joy in Your Home

  • Posted on June 3, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Aromatherapy has been around for at least 4,000 years, and is known to have been used by the ancient Egyptians for massage, healing, and embalming. But its uses for making our homes enjoyable places to live are just as applicable today as they were during Egyptian times.

Scents and Sentiments

Although its not generally known, our sense of smell is the one we human beings use more than any other. We have to open our eyes in order to see; our ears hear only sporadically; we need to eat something to taste it; and we need to touch something to feel it. But we don’t have to do anything in order to smell. With that in mind, we should be able to enjoy any room in our homes just as much with our eyes closed as with them open.

Human Reaction to Scents

Our olfactory senses have a profound impact on our emotions and can arouse powerful memories. For instance, just close your eyes and remember about how you felt the last time you smelled fresh bread baking in the oven. On the other hand, being constantly bombarded by unpleasant scents will make people irritable and more likely to act out in anger.

Human beings have strong reactions to scents, and some people are more sensitive to scents than others. A homes occupants eventually get used to their homes odors, and often aren’t even aware of them. After all, humans are territorial by nature, and the scent of our home is reassuring to us. But scents can also be used to enhance the positive feelings we want to encourage within our homes.

If you want to promote harmony and good feelings in your home, for your family and for visitors, you must introduce scents that support pleasant memories and behavior while ridding your home of offensive odors that can have a negative effect.

Which essential oils will bring about the most desirable effects?

Aromatherapists recommend using only natural oils, rather than synthetic ones, even if those artificial oils have been derived from natural sources, because the exact formulation of an essential oil is virtually impossible to reproduce in the laboratory.

Essential oils help with virtually every human condition, and aromatherapists have developed a wide array of scents to help their clients cope with whatever situation they may be facing in their lives. Therapists formulated essential oil aphrodisiacs, energizers, and oil combinations designed to help with relaxation, hair and skin care, and even the symptoms of PMS.

Your home should be a place harmony and good feelings, and the use of aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in your quest to bring peace and joy into your interior living space.

Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

Reprinted from: http://www.ezinearticles.com

Written By: Jeanette Joy Fisher

Continue reading Use Aromatherapy to Promote Joy in Your Home »

Care to leave a comment?

Aromatherapy for Emotional Security

  • Posted on May 16, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Self-improvement is about finding balance and happiness in our daily lives. The most important area in which we can achieve balance is in our own emotional security. After all, we cannot find true balance in relationships, our work environment, and even spiritually until we achieve self-acceptance, self-control, understanding and compassion. And while many of us believe we have a balanced sense of self, our insecurities often creep silently into our life, leaving uncertainty and regret in its wake.

Emotional security is a subtle yet profound issue because without it you can develop unhealthy behaviors and attitudes, like codependency, control, neediness, demand, low self-esteem and more. It can also affect specific areas of our lives, including our relationship and career success.

Being emotionally secure leads to a healthy life in general because there are no unhealthy attachments, you are secure to be alone or in the company of others and you do not require validation from others. You are more willing to take risks because you have the confidence you need to achieve success in every aspect of your life.

There are ways to overcome insecurity. Engage your friends and loved ones in communication about your feelings and how they can help you to feel more at ease. Working with a coach or therapist may help discover the root of your insecurities. Numerous self-help books are available to help those who struggle with insecurities and low self-esteem. It is also important to indulge in nurturing therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. Not merely “guilty pleasures,” these kinds of therapies are an important way to demonstrate your self worth.

The following aromatherapy blends will support you during your drive to overcome your insecurities. These blends will help you gain a profound sense of inner peace and healthy detachment, allowing you to feel secure by eliminating any unhealthy needs you may have for validation and attention.

Prepare each of these blends by pouring the essential oils into a 10ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill. I recommend sweet almond, jojoba or safflower vegetable oils.

********
Inner Peace & Balance
********
This blend will help you to gain more insight about your needs and wants, and achieve the balance you need to become more self-accepting.

-7 drops Sandalwood
-3 drops Juniper
-3 drops Cypress
-3 drops Cedarwood

Massage the solar plexus and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

*******
Emotional Security
*******
This blends helps you become healthily detached from negative feelings like neediness, codependence and insecurity, and become emotionally independent and self-sufficient.

-5 drops Sandalwood
-4 drops St. John’s Wort
-2 drops Rose otto

Massage the solar plexus, heart chakra and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp

http://www.aromalchemy.com

About the Author

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at www.aromalchemy.com

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom’Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Written By: Francoise Rapp

Continue reading Aromatherapy for Emotional Security »

Care to leave a comment?

Nature’s Aromatherapy Cupboard

  • Posted on April 28, 2007 at 12:50 pm

Six common Essential Oils in the Healing Cupboard of Aromatherapy

The Art of Aromatherapy works with the Olfactory System – the sense of smell, and the Integumentary System – the skin, and is an excellent means of providing a natural alternative to ease many common conditions. All of the herbs we are discussing here, are common and found in most kitchens used for additional flavoring in your favorite recipes.

However, the pure essential oils of these herbs are used quite differently in Aromatherapy. A plants scent is produced by its special oils called essential oils. The essential oils are usually added to a carrier oil, When you practice aromatherapy, the only oils that should be used are all natural and 100% pure essential oils extracted from plants that have not been treated with chemical pesticides. We would like to advise you however, to please consult your health care professional for any questions or concerns with your health.

The first herb’s essential oil is Sweet Bay, and has a lively spicy scent. Sweet Bay is used in Aromatherapy to relax tight muscles, soothe sprains, lessen pain, to calm, promote restful sleep, improve digestion, improve mental clarity and memory, as a disinfectant, repels insects and the vapors help breathing.

Clove is our next herb’s essential oil. It has a hot and spicy scent and is used to warm the body, relieve pain, lifts the mood, helps relieve fatigue, serves as a aphrodisiac, vapors help breathing, is a disinfectant and repels insects.

Fennel is our third herb’s essential oil and it has a strong licorice scent and is used for warming the body, relieves pain; it contains oestrogen-like hormones, stimulates lactation in nursing mothers, helps to reduce cellulite deposits, has a purifying effect on the body and repels insects.

Ginger is our forth herb’s essential oil and has a spicy scent. It is used for warming the body, relaxing tight muscles, relieving pain, lifts the mood, and helps relieve fatigue, energizing and increases appetite.

Lemon is not an herb but is a common fruit and has a variety of uses in Aromatherapy. It is used to cool the body, depending on the amount used it can balance, calm or energize. Lemon lifts the mood, is refreshing, improves mental clarity and memory, helps reduce cellulite deposits, has a purifying effect on the body, stops bleeding from minor injuries, serves as a disinfectant and soothes insect bites.

Our last herb’s essential oil is Sage which has a spicy scent and is used to lessen pain, reduce lactation in nursing mothers, reduces perspiration, has a purifying effect on the body and serves as a disinfectant.

Most often these pure essential oils are combined according to an Aromatherapy formula and used in room sprays, lotions and massage oils for ease of use.

Often a drop or two of the pure essential oil can be added to a bath, which is especially good for any of the herbs that aid in relaxation.

If you have an interest in the use of Aromatherapy please contact a Certified Aromatherapist or consider purchasing pre-made products for the purpose you wish to use it for.

Disclaimer: The information contained within is not intended as medical advise nor intended to replace a relationship with a qualified health care professional. They are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your own research and with a qualified health care professional.

About the Author

This article was written for Earthly Herbs and may be distributed freely provided this biography line is included in full. Earthly Herbs provides a variety of handcrafted Natural Products ~ from the splendid Gifts of Nature. Visit them at http://www.earthlyherbs.com FMI: Email the Giles Family at info@earthlyherbs.com Author: Merrie Schonbach, Merries Internet Enterprises http://merriesintent.com

Written By: Merrie Schonbach

Continue reading Nature’s Aromatherapy Cupboard »

Care to leave a comment?