AromatherapyEssential Oils for the Body and Soul

If you’ve ever tried some aromatherapy on your skin, then you probably know its soothing benefits.  Somehow there is a profound connection between how you feel and the state of your skin.  Read on and find out how you can revitalize your skin with aromatic therapy.

Reaping the Benefits

There’s nothing like a rewarding soak in the tub after a long day at work or a cup of hot tea on a chilly winter afternoon or a relaxing spa after that quick massage.  Moments like these you can’t help but feel exhilarated.  Not only does it relax the senses, it also uplifts your mood and spirits.  Other benefits to taking part in aromatic therapy include the relief of physical distress, strengthening of the immune system, easing of muscular aches and pains, better sleep, decrease in stress levels and balancing of emotions.

Oils with an Essence

You won’t be able to find aromatic oils for your skin right away but nowadays more and more of these products are showing up online and some specialty shops.  Too many people are reaping the benefits of aromatic therapy that manufacturers are starting to notice a trend by adding essential oils to their products.

These essential oils are not only fragrant but they do have elements that are able to cure certain skin diseases.  But you don’t have to be afflicted to use these essential oils since you can still reap its soothing benefits.  The way it works is that these essential oils are dissolved in water so that it is easily absorbed by the skin’s sebum.  This treatment is being made to create lotions, mineral baths, massage oils and even body washes.

Know Your Skin Type

Just as there are different skin types, so too are essential oils.  Each type of oil gives its own particular benefit on a certain skin type.

If you have a ‘normal’ skin type then you’re in luck because almost all skin-safe essential oils are good for you.  The most universal of all aromatic oils is lavender because it is the most versatile and it works well with any skin type.

If you have dry and sensitive skin you will need to combine some oils together.  Some recommendations for this skin type include chamomile, geranium, patchouli, lavender, rose absolute, neroli, jasmine, sandalwood and carrot seed.  But if you have extra sensitive skin then stay away from high percentage oils and those that come with spicy scents like cinnamon.

If you have oily or ‘combination’ skin, you need to look for oils that decrease the sebum in your skin and at the same time create balance.  Go for the antiseptic essential oils like pink grapefruit, geranium, lavender, juniper berry, ylang ylang, myrtle, cypress and peppermint.

You will also need aromatic essential oils as your skin continues to age and it will definitely help in slowing down the aging process especially since these oils hydrates the skin and brings back its tone.  If you have aging skin then you will need oils like frankincense, carrot seed, patchouli, myrrh, rose absolute and sandalwood.

Get Some Aromatic Therapy

You can find aromatherapy products for your skin in some specialty shops but you can find more variety if you look for them online.  The keyword is ‘organic’ since aromatic therapy has its origins in organic products.  Some of the more popular brands that offer aromatic oils in their products are L’Occitane, Jakare, Decleor and Saffron Rouge.

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Massage is one of the great art forms of the world, as well as one of the most popular and soothing past-times in the world. Many spas today put a great deal of effort into creating a massage experience that not only stimulates the skin, but also the senses of sight and smell. Aromatherapy is the practice of combining touch and smell.

For those who know about aroma therapy, if you thought that there could be nothing better than an aroma therapy massage, then you’re in for a surprise. Take your aroma therapy session to the next level with aroma therapy massage oils. Besides enhancing the massage experience through touch and smell, it also provides other benefits such as stress reduction and improved mental focus. There are three main categories of aroma therapy oils. They are:

Synthetic aroma therapy massage oils

These are aroma therapy massage oils that are not 100% made from organic materials. They provide excellent lubrication for great massages, however they do have some cons. The main pitfall is that they leave a light film on your skin which may prevent your skin from breathing. The synthetic ingredients in the oils are not properly absorbed by the skin, and tend to clog pores. Also, because they are not all-natural they lack essential vitamins that your skin needs. Some therapists say that synthetic oils may even have a negative effect on your skin in the long term.

Organic aroma therapy massage oils

These are massage oils that are generally preferred by therapists and clients. They are preferred because they are all-natural and healthy for your skin. They are usually made from ingredients such as spices, medicinal plants, essential oils, and various herbs. Other benefits include muscle relief, increased blood circulation, and soft skin. There are a few types of organic aroma therapy oils to choose from –

1. Luxurious – these are great smooth oils, and are made from ingredients such as frankincense, orange, patchouli, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.
2. Grounding – these are typically made from cedar wood, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, and vetiver.
3. Soothing – these are made from ingredients such as bergamot, geranium, lavender, patchouli, and rosewood.
4. Unscented – for those who prefer a scentless massage experience, these are usually made from sandalwood, roman chamomile, cinnamon bark, and jasmine.

Aroma therapy massage oil blends

These are basically combinations of multiple essential oils. These include medium oils and light oils. Medium oils are absorbed by your skin gradually, and are usually used for harder massages intended treat stiffness and knots in the muscles. There are several fragrant types such as avocado, jojoba, and sweet almond. Light oils are for softer, quick massages. They are absorbed by the skin faster, so they are designed to keep the skin smooth for short periods of time. Types include grape seed oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil.

If you are fond of aromatherapy massages, ask your spa about aroma therapy massage oils. They are sure to have some in stock, and if they do not have good organic oils, you can always buy some in a different store to take with you during your massage sessions.

Aroma therapy oils will definitely be worth your while, and give you a massage experience that is soothing, therapeutic, and healthy.

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When you drop by aromatherapy or natural health and beauty stores, you are faced with choosing among the many ingredients you may employ to achieve a holistic treatment. Some of the items you may encounter include essential oils, carrier oils, fragrance oils and infused oils. Already confused? Read on to differentiate one from the other, and get to know each one’s uses.

Essential Oils

You might be surprised, but the so-called essential oils are not oily to the touch at all. Most of them are clear, but some come in amber or yellowish color, such as orange and lemon grass essential oils.

Essential oils are distilled, usually by steam or water, from various parts of the source plant such as leaves, stems, petals, roots and other parts. They are highly concentrated and contain no artificial fragrances. When applied to the skin or inhaled, the composition and scent of these oils can provide many physical and psychological benefits.

They are often sold in small bottles and can greatly vary in price, depending on the rarity of the plant, the amount of oil produced by the plant and other standards. Because they are in pure form, essential oils are often diluted with carrier oils prior to usage.

Carrier Oils

Since essential oils are very much concentrated and may cause severe irritations and other reactions in some people, carrier oils are used to dilute them. Carrier oils are derived from the fatty portions of the plant, such as the seeds, nuts and kernels. Sometimes called vegetable oils, each one of them carries different therapeutic benefits, depending on what is being sought.

Carrier oils got scents of their own, although they may not be as strong as those from essential oils. Some of the natural lotions, body creams, massage oils, bath oils and other skin care products are made from carrier or vegetable oils. The choice of carrier oils where essential oils are added to can make a difference in the properties, effects, color, scent and shelf life of the final product.

Fragrance Oils

While essential oils are natural because they are made of the distilled essences of the plants where they came from, fragrance oils, on the other hand, are artificial scents – they contain artificial substances and are diluted with carrier oils. You might have also encountered items like perfume oils or potpourri oils, but they are basically just the same as fragrance oils, considering how they were made.

Unfortunately, fragrance oils do not carry the same therapeutic benefits offered by essential oils. Many scented cosmetics, candles, skin-care products like lotions and soaps, and others only contain fragrance oils or other synthetically-made fragrances. You have to read the labels carefully if you intend to use only natural ingredients in achieving relaxation and holistic caring.

Infused Oils

Infused oils are simply carrier oils infused with herbs. They are especially intended for certain plants that simply do not have much essential oils in them, or when it is virtually impossible to find essential oils extracted from those plants.

The good thing about using infused oils in aromatherapy than just plain carrier oils is that the combined therapeutic benefits of the carrier oils and the herbs infused into them are achieved. Infused oils are generally oily to the touch, depending on the consistency of the carrier oils used.

Unlike essential oils, infused oils can go rancid over time, just like carrier oils.

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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.

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If you haven’t taken advantage of the benefits that you can gain from aromatherapy, it is never too late to start learning so that you can apply what you have discovered in the process. You may have already heard of the concept. Although these days, there are many ways of relaxation and healing techniques that are being introduced, this one remains to be popular because this is easy to follow, plus the fact that this won’t cost you much.

The process utilizes botanical oils. These are extracts and essences from sources such as herbs, trees and flowers. The type of essences that you have to use in order to benefit from such source depends on what you want to cure and your reasons for undergoing the procedure.

Tracing the Roots

This procedure can be traced back in the 1920s when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, coined the term after witnessing how the lavender oil can cure skin burns. Now this has become a branch of herbal medicine that applies the medicinal properties of the oils and essences from various herbs and plants. And the idea is now being applied in most countries around the world, especially in parts of Europe and North America.

The approach is popularly used at spas and holistic treatments. This is also being integrated on products used for relaxation purposes such as candles and different essences of massage oils. Through time, many people are discovering the effectiveness of the process. For most of its users, this has become an integral part of their lives as it can alleviate pains, fatigue and stress.

How Does It Work?

There are many things that essential oils can do to one’s body. It has the following effects depending on the type of oils used and its sources. The effects range from being tranquilizing, antiviral, anti-bacterial, adrenal stimulating and other pharmacological end result.

The matter is simple. You inhale the essential oil. Through your nasal cavity, its molecules enter your system. When it’s already inside your body, the limbic system in your brain gets stimulated. Such system is responsible for your emotions and memories. It is also directly associated with parts of your body that controls heart rate, your breathing and blood pressure. This is also connected with the hypothalamus, adrenals and your pituitary gland.

The oils help in maintaining the balance between your physiology and emotions. Such oils are extracted from different parts of the sources such as the leaves, flowers, branches, roots and even flowers and buds. The processes involved in creating this include stem and water distillation, cold pressing and steam distillation. You must be cautious in using the matter. You must take note that it can be harmful if you will take the matter orally. If this must be done, you must seek the help of a professional to carry out the process.

The Basic Uses

This method is known to relax one’s body and lessen tensions and stress. This has also been popular to treat different conditions such as bruises and burns, allergies, insect bites, headache, colds, flu, menopause, sprains, joint pains and a lot more. This can also help you regain your strength and energy and help you sleep if you feel restless or if you are suffering from insomnia.

As more and more people discover the marvels that aromatherapy can bring, this method will surely go a long way and its popularity will never cease to exist.

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It seems that there is an appropriate aromatherapy scent for your every need. No matter if what you need is to alter your mood, achieve a sense of well-being or relieve minor health conditions, there is a corresponding scent to do the job well. The following are 5 of the most popular scents.

Chamomile

The flowers of the chamomile plant look like tiny daisies but smell like apples instead. Grown for many years now because of its various healing properties, chamomile is best known for its calming effects, thus helping one to achieve a very restful sleep. It is also effective for relieving the symptoms of PMS, menopause and hyperactivity among kids. The oil from chamomile flowers can help ease muscle aches and tensions, headaches and joint pains. Drinking tea made from the petals helps stimulate appetite and calm upset stomach. Unlike other essential oils, chamomile is mild enough to help ease your baby’s colic, thus helping him or her achieve sleep.

Eucalyptus

With about 300 varieties, eucalyptus has long been a vital ingredient in cough medications because its scent, which helps open up and clear nasal passages. Eucalyptus oil is also used to scent mouthwashes, aftershaves, colognes and other household cleansers. The effects of eucalyptus on the mind and body include: relief from mental fatigue, improves mental alertness, lessen muscle tension and help boost the immune system. It is also a widely-used disinfectant and insect repellant. However, if used in large amounts, eucalyptus essential oil can be toxic. Also, while it is great for relieving the symptoms of sinusitis and lung congestion, it is not intended for use during an asthma attack.

Lavender

Lavender has long been associated with cleanliness ever since the Romans first used it as an additive to their bathwater. Today, it is still a favorite for scenting perfumes, soaps, air fresheners, fabric softeners, disinfectants and many others. Lavender is one of the safest and most widely-used essential oils, known to have an uplifting and relaxing effect. If used in large amounts, lavender can be stimulating. It also helps improve digestion, reduce swelling, ease muscle tension and is proven effective for treating minor skin injuries such as burns, cuts, scrapes, and rashes.

Peppermint

Peppermint is popular because of its powerful, mint and distinctive fragrance. It is a common ingredient in all sort of products like ice cream, liqueurs, mouthwashes, toothpastes, desserts, cosmetics, household cleansers and many more. Peppermint essential oil is used in liniments to increase blood flow to a body part, thus relieving muscle spasms and arthritis. It is also known to uplift the mood, relieve mental fatigue, improve alertness and enhance memory. Known to be able to kill many bacteria and viruses, peppermint is used for treating ringworm, scabies, herpes simplex and poison oak.

Rosemary

With its herbaceous, woody and camphorous odor, it is not surprising that rosemary has a wide variety of uses, from the ancient times until today. It became a staple during weddings and funerals in the ancient times. It was used as an ingredient in cosmetics as early as the 14th century. Today it is a popular ingredient in liniments, massage oils and bath products. Rosemary is excellent in improving blood circulation, relieving sore throat and lung congestion, and helpful in improving digestion.

It also helps relieve mental fatigue, uplift the mood and enhance mental alertness and memory when used as an aromatherapy scent.

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