Submitted by: Duncan Bain

Essential oils enter the body in two main ways. Most commonly they enter via the nose and our sense of smell identifies the smells and sends messages to the brain via the olfactory glands. This is where the therapeutic process begins. The effects such as relaxation or refreshment, of stimulating memories or giving a sense of relief or well being, can differ from one person to another. Some oils, such as Geranium, are known as “adaptogenic” and can have different effects on the same people at different times.

Getting the smell of oils to the nasal passage can be done by putting a few drops on a tissue, a few drops well stirred into a hot bath, using a water based candle oil burner or an electric diffuser that can fan the smells around a room.

Essential oils can also be absorbed dermally, via the skin after a massage. The massage can vary from a simple hand or shoulder massage, often used with the elderly or patients who are quite sick, to a full body massage.

How are essential oil blends for massage made?

The essential oils must not be used on the skin directly but must first be mixed with a carrier oil. The most popular are sweet almond or grapeseed but others such as calendula, peach kernel, apricot etc are used as different carriers also have their own properties such as tissue repair or skin enrichment.

When blending essential oils into a carrier oil for massage use a blend of no more than 3%. That is a maximum 3 ml of essential oils to 100ml of carrier oil. There are approximately 20drops to 1ml.

All essential oils have differing characteristics as they are made up of different compounds. Read up about the oils and decide on two or three that will be suitable for the requirements you have. Information on all the essential oils and carrier oils is available from Natural Touch Aromatherapy website.

Try and use oils with different “notes” associated with their smells. There are top, middle and base notes. A top note is typically a citrus oil which has a bright, instant aroma the hits as soon as you smell the blend. A base note is typically a wood based oil such as sandalwood which has a beautiful much more subtle smell that takes time to permeate the blend.

Are there any safety issues?

When used properly essential oils can benefit everyone. However there are some important guidelines that should be followed. If treating someone who is pregnant, or the elderly with sensitive skin, or young children use only a 1% blend. Try a little of the blend on the back of the patients hand first to see if there is any adverse skin reaction before proceeding.

Most importantly, whether using the oil blends yourself or on someone else there are “contraindications” to be aware of, and these are why, I believe, some essential oils should not be available via retail to someone who may not be aware of the dangers.

Some essential oils are “abortifacients” and should not be used in aromatherapy. Some oils, even some of the popular ones such as Rose and Lavender are “emmenogogues” (can regulate menstrual flow) and therefore should not be used during pregnancy or at least in the 1st trimester. A fuller list of these oils is available from Natural Touch.

There are other oils that can be contraindicated with epilepsy, high blood pressure etc. Remember, never take essential oils orally, be careful not to rub your eyes with oily fingers and keep well out of the way of children or those not capable of reading instructions.

How do I know I am buying pure Essential Oils?

Adulteration of oils is becoming more widespread. Remember most essential oils come from agricultural areas, many in third world countries. The vast majority of oils are bought for the perfume industry and only a small percentage bought for aromatherapy. In aromatherapy the physical make up of the oil is all important and it should be absolutely true to nature. The perfume industry does not require this as they are most intent on getting the perfect smell.

It takes four tons of rose petals to give 1kg of Rose Otto which even at wholesale prices may cost in excess of 7000 per kg. That is a lot of money and with the large perfume companies putting pressure on margins, always trying to drive down cost prices, it is an understandable reason to cheat and replace say 10% of the product with some other cheaper substance. The change in smell is hardly, if at all, distinguishable but the therapeutic values can be destroyed.

Some aromatherapy and essential oil producers now test their produce by Gas Chromatography methods and guarantee 100% purity. If you are at all sceptical of an oil’s origin or purity ask for a certificate showing the oils components or similar evidence to support quality.

How can I find out more about aromatherapy?

Lastly, for those of you wishing to learn more about aromatherapy and perhaps even get a qualification at varying levels there are colleges throughout the country running courses under the umbrella of bodies such as ITEC, VTCT, NVQ, BTEC etc as well as a number of correspondence courses.

About the Author: Duncan Bain has been involved with

essential oils

for many years and is a Director of Natural Touch

Aromatherapy

. He has visited many of the countries where his

100% pure essential oils

are produced and is committed to buying direct from source, ensuring monies benefit local economies whilst at the same time ensuring quality of product.

Source:

isnare.com

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Hands-On Health: The Healing Benefits of Massage

by

Nicky Pilkington

The healing power of human touch is a positive experience that many people enjoy through therapeutic massage or bodywork. The effects of a good massage go much deeper than the skin’s surface. Massage can:

1) Help improve circulation of the blood and lower blood pressure. 2) Act as a detoxification system by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic system. 3) Help to improve muscle tone and prevent muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity or illness. 4) Reduce emotional stress and promote a sense of well-being. How can something as simple as this hands-on therapy have so many positive benefits? A tense or painful muscle is one which is often chronically contracted. In an acute situation such as recent injury, the muscle can be in actual spasm. This contraction or spasm decreases the flow of blood to the muscle, which leads to a decrease in the nutrient and oxygen supply to the cells of the muscle and related nerves. A chronically contracted muscle will build up lactic acid, a sign of fatigue. This oxygen shortage and lactic acid buildup irritates the nerve cells, which perpetuates the contracted muscles. Massage can help remove the lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from the cells and reverse this process, interrupting the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain. There are a multitude of massage styles which are beneficial, depending upon the individual’s needs and preferences. They include: Swedish Massage: this is the basic “relaxation” style of bodywork, which uses long strokes, squeezing and kneading. The Swedish practitioner helps to improve circulation by working to loosen or relax the superficial layers of muscle. This type of massage is particularly useful for muscles which are already sore from stress or a tough workout, as it is often more gentle than other styles. Sports Massage: this form of massage works on a deeper level of musculature or connective tissue. This style fits more with the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. The therapist uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique increases flexibility, encourages muscles to work at their fullest capacity, and speeds up the healing process by reducing swelling following an injury. It is especially indicated for athletes and “week-end warriors” who suffer from tight or sore muscles. Shiatsu and Acupressure: rather than being simply relaxing, this form of bodywork tends to be invigorating. Fingers, thumbs, fists and elbows are used to apply pressure to points along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the energy pathways of the body. The focus of this type of therapy is on relieving blocks in the pathways and rebalancing the flow of energy. Reflexology and Zone Therapy: reflexology works on the assumption that parts of the feet (as well as parts of the ears and hands) correspond to other parts of the body’s anatomy. In other words, stress or illness in a certain part of the body may show up as a painful or sensitive area on a specific area of the foot. Reflexologists apply pressure to the side, top or bottom of the feet to help reduce dysfunction in other parts of the body. Not all techniques work for everyone, so make sure to inquire about the philosophy and style of the massage therapist you call. If your massage isn’t as satisfying as you had hoped, don’t give up. Try another therapist! Massage therapy schools are a cost-effective way to test out different styles of massage; senior students generally work for lower fees while they complete their internship. There are a few conditions in which massage would not be a good option, such as marked inflammation, fever, significant swelling or very severe pain. But for the garden variety aches and pains that most of us experience, as well as for the general stresses of life, massage is an outstanding way to treat ourselves to a positive, revitalizing experience.

Find out more about

General Health

at

healthandfinesse.com

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com