What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy encompasses the holistic application and use of essential oils to support the health and well-being of the individual. Although aromatic plants have been utilized by humans for thousands of years, aromatherapy as we know it today is relatively young.
Aromatherapy is amazing and dynamic because it can be utilized for so many things, from cleaning products to therapeutic inhalers to beautiful body butters that will nourish and support the health of the skin to medicinal products that can be used to support the body’s own healing processes!
Essential oils are derived from plants by distillation and evaporation allowing the “spirit” of the plant to release and provide us with its therapeutic benefits. We use these essential oils to attract, repel and to defend against microbes and enhance immunity. This reveals the symbiotic relationship humans have with plants.
Most essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil (jojoba, coconut, almond oil) because the oil itself is very potent and can cause irritation on the skin.
For Massage, depending on the client and what they are feeling that day, I have a few oils that I present and they choose according to their mood and their needs. Lavender is very popular and I use Lavender at the beginning of the session and have my client inhale 3 x to set the mood for calm and relaxation. Lavender is amazing as it is a popular and versatile oil. Lavender is believed to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, depression and helps with insomnia. On a side note, the lavender flowers is also used for culinary purposes (make sure to use and look for lavender flowers for baking/cooking.) It has a wonderful aroma and the baked goods taste amazing. After the inhalation, I proceed with the massage using Lavender essential oil adding a few drops to Jojoba carrier oil for the full therapeutic effect.
Another essential oil I use and clients seem to like is the Geranium oil. It has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also used a skin care oil that has beautifying effects, giving your skin a glowing look.
The Rose essential oil is another favorite, though it is on the expensive side. Depending on where you buy your oil, this oil is rich and intoxicating (in a good way). It has beneficial effects such as reducing anxiety, depression and stress levels. You can use this during a massage or in a bath. So fragrant and relaxing.
One more favorite is Rosemary which I actually use with a carrier oil to massage my scalp. Rosemary essential oil helps promote hair growth and cleanses the scalp. I also use this oil for the feet. It helps with circulation, aches and it feels energizing.
For my prenatal clients, there are essential oils to avoid such as Sage, clary sage, basil, and wintergreen, to name some. The key is proper dilution of the essential oil to carrier oil and to make sure that the essential oil is 100% therapeutic grade oil. Lavender and Rose that’s diluted, has a calming effect as well as it helps my clients who are experiencing insomnia and anxiety. Always check with your doctor before trying essential oil on your own. Don’t ingest or apply without proper dilution.
I shop around and look for quality essential oils. I like Young Living, Doterra and Mary Tylor. They offer therapeutic grade essential oils. Be sure to read information on the company to ensure quality grade essential oils.
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