Dos and Don’ts of Aromatherapy

There are certain things you should know about aromatherapy and the benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. You have to know the dos and don’ts to be able to enjoy using it.

First, it is best to read up on aromatherapy. You have to remember that there are over 90 essential oils and some of these should only be handled by an aromatherapy practitioner.

When you buy essential oils, make sure you only buy these from reputable suppliers. These should be stored properly and away from sunlight otherwise you will ruin the oils inside. Since these are also flammable, keep these away from fire hazards.

You should keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated which means that these can be harmful if not handled properly. This is why it has to be diluted first with a base oil before it is used. If ever you experience an allergic reaction, you should stop using it.

If you are using an essential oil for the first time, apply some in a small area of your skin and apply a bandage over it. If after 24 hours there is no allergic reaction, then it is safe for you to use.

When applying, make sure to keep this away from your eyes because it can cause eye irritation or even damage. If you happen to get this on your eyes by accident, wash it immediately using vegetable oil or milk and then get medical attention.

Since these come in small bottles, use only a few drops each time because this is the proper way of using it safely and wisely.

Some doctors will tell you blatantly not to use essential oils when you are pregnant or when you are nursing. To be sure, ask your doctor because some are safe to use during this period. This is different though when you have a medical condition such as asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure because this will only make matters worse.

Do not confuse essential oils with perfume oils because these are two different things. While perfume oils smell just as good or even better, remember that it does not have any therapeutic benefits.

Children should only use aromatherapy under adult supervision because some of the oils are safe to use while others are too strong.

You can mix essential oils. Don’t do it by mixing two oils in one bottle and shaking it. The proper way is to apply the oils on your hand then rolling this on your palms. You should know however that this can’t be done all the time and so you know which ones are safe to mix together or not, you can conduct some experiments or read up on it and by asking an aromatherapy practitioner.

Now that you know the dos and don’ts about aromatherapy, you will be able to use the essential oils safely without any problems. If you have questions, ask your doctor about it so you can be guided accordingly.

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries and people still use it because of its many benefits. By reading up on it or even taking a few classes, you can come out with your own concoctions to relive pain, stress or the common cold which are just some of the things that these essentials oils can for you.

Secret Benefits of Aromatherapy

Many people are familiar with the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy massage. It relaxes your body, helps increase circulation, and gives your skin a vibrant glow. However, what many people do not know is that aromatherapy massage is an effective treatment for many other things such as cellulite, stress, emotional problems, as well as for animals.

Aroma therapy massage for cellulite

Unfortunately, there are many people who treat their bodies well yet cannot escape the terror of cellulite. Particularly for people who used to be overweight, cellulite is extremely difficult to get rid off no matter what you do. Even if you have never been overweight you may have some cellulite; this is because hormones play a big part in the development of cellulite.

Besides exercise and a good diet to detoxify your body, aroma therapy massage is a great way to get rid of those unruly cellulite lines. It helps to breakdown and melt fatty deposits. An effective massage oil is a blend of juniper, sweet fennel, cypress, and a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba oil. Make sure to have long and deep massages for cellulite treatment.

Aroma therapy massage for stress

Everybody has experienced stress at one point or another. There is nothing more relaxing than a deep, aroma therapy massage at the end of the day. High levels of stress are not something to be taken lightly – it can lower your immune system making you more susceptible to diseases. For those who experience prolonged sessions of high stress, it may be a good idea to look into aroma therapy massage.

Aroma therapy massage for emotional problems

Many therapists use aroma therapy oils for emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, physical exhaustion, insomnia, and irritability. Many people have found that aroma therapy is a good way to calm nerves and boost mood. In fact, therapists have found that different blends of oils can trigger different moods. For instance, there are oils that increase energy levels, and some that alleviate pain in the body. Other scents that are popular for being able to lift the spirit are citrus scents such as grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange.

Aroma therapy massage for dogs

If you think that smells can be soothing and therapeutic, imagine what it would do for animals with a more sensitive sense of smell. Aroma therapy massage is now being used to pamper pets, particularly dogs. Over the years, it has been gaining popularity as a way to treat dogs emotionally and physically. Typically used to treat tick problems and anxiety, the natural smells in the oils have a visible effect on a dog’s health.

Oils used in dog aroma therapy are usually 100% all natural made from natural oils, plants, and herbs. Usually, lemon oil is also added and serves as an effective repellent. Rosemary is also a popular choice, which is used to treat arthritis. These oils can be massaged into a dog’s fur, or simply diluted in water and sprayed on.

With all these benefits, it is easy to see why so many people are addicted to aromatherapy massage. If you have any emotional problems, physical pains, or just want to give your pet a wonderful treat, get up now and find your way to an aroma therapy spa near you.

What is Aromatherapy

Ever heard of aromatherapy? Well, it is nothing new and a lot of people are using it. Basically, it is the practice of using essential oils to boost your psychological and physical well-being.

There are over 90 different types of essentials oils in aromatherapy. Evidence shows that this was first used by the Chinese centuries ago to enhance their well being while the Egyptians used it for cosmetic, fragrant, medicinal and spiritual purposes.

In the centuries that followed, aromatherapy spread from the Far East to Europe. There is clear evidence that shows that during the 14th century when million were afflicted with the Black Plague, herbal preparations helped some avoid the symptoms of this disease.

During the 20th century, separating such essential oils helped create synthetic chemicals and drugs which helped promote modern medicine.

So should we switch to aromatherapy? Not always because there are limits to what it can do for you. It is also not regulated that much compared to pharmaceutical products in the United States so you should be careful when you buy these from the store.

When used properly, you will experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Studies have shown that it stimulates the immune system, strengthens your resistance and helps you fight against certain diseases. It can ease abdominal spasm and constipation, helps you deal with cough, sinusitis or tonsillitis and even helps you relax when you are suffering from muscle aches and pain.

Another thing aromatherapy can do is improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also reduces stress, alleviate tension headaches and helps you deal with various mood swings.

Despite the different types of oils available, there are only two ways by which you can use it. The first is to inhale it by mixing the essential oil with some water and heating it using a candle or by applying it directly over your skin.

Aromatherapy has other purposes as well. Some of the essential oils are used as household and laundry cleaners. Citronella, serves as a good insect repellant. Believe it not, this can also be used to treat a cut or a minor burn.

The various oils in aromatherapy can be used individually or mixed together creating various concoctions. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error to create the right formula.

One last thing you have to know about aromatherapy is that not all of the essential oils are suitable for use. Some of these should only be handled by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner and these oils include bitter almond, camphor, horseradish, pennyroyal, rue, sassafras and wintergreen.

If you decide to keep them in your home, these must be kept away from children to prevent these from ever being ingested. Since you are dealing with oils, these are flammable so be sure to keep it far away from fire hazards.

You too can experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Before you buy it, consult first an aromatherapy practitioner and only get it from reputable retailers. When you examine the product, don’t get those that have a rubber glass dropper top because this will ruin the content inside the bottle.

To learn more about aromatherapy, read up on it from books and other research material online because believe it or not, some of the essential oils have similar benefits.