Aromatherapy Basics - Inhalation, Ingestion and Massage

Getting started with aromatherapy? Here's a little primer for the beginning to intermediate student of this practice, with some important notes about essential oil safety - There are three traditional methods of using essential oils for 'aromatherapy', which have been termed the English, French and German models.

The English model consists of what is now termed 'aromatherapy massage' - involving the dilution of essential oils in 'carrier' or 'base' oils and application topically to the skin. Because both the essential oils and the carrier oils are compatible with the skin, the essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream with subsequent physiological effect.

Topical application is the preferred method of use for many oils. However, MOST essential oils require significant dilution (often to less than 3% of the total volume) as they can cause skin irritation. Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil are two essential oils that can be applied 'neat' or without dilution; others, such as Cinnamon Oil and Oregano Oil should never be applied topically undiluted - they may be applied once highly diluted to the bottoms of the feet. A VERY small amount should be tested first.

The interesting thing about topical application is that essential oils tend to pass through the skin fairly readily, as they are lipotropic (fat soluble) and their molecular structure is fairly small. In this manner, their possible effects can be targeted - if one has digestive trouble, rubbing Peppermint Oil diluted in a carrier oil (a pure vegetable or nut oil) into the abdomen may help. In the same way, rubbing Chamomile Oil or Lavender Oil into the solar plexus (bottom tip of the sternum) may help relieve tension.

The French model consists of ingestion and 'neat' or undiluted topical application of essential oils. Perhaps these somewhat bravado methods are a result of the French producing some of the world's finest Lavender oils - also considered one of the safest oils in aromatherapy. As in the English model, essential oils will easily pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. Many individuals directly apply oils such as Frankincense, Sandalwood and Myrhh to their temples to enhance meditation, for example. This is a practice one should begin slowly with, being sure the body or skin does not show any adverse reactions to before proceeding. ORAL INGESTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS IS NOT RECOMMENDED EXCEPT UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A DOCTOR OR A QUALIFIED AROMATHERAPIST.

The German model is that of inhalation, where the oils will directly affect the lymbic system, and the intimately associated emotional and hormonal systems. Oils are often diffused in a cold-air diffuser, warmer or oil lamp - these tools disperse tiny droplets of essential oils in the surrounding air. When inhaled, the oils connect directly to the nervous system's chemical sensors. Certain oils that are high in sesquiterpines such as myrrh, sandalwood, vetiver and frankincense oils, have been noted to dramatically increase activity and oxygenation in certain areas of the brain when used this way.

With inhalation go slowly and start with a small amount - essential oils are effective in very low doses. You will know when you've had enough - we tend to notice a distaste for the smell or even a mild headache coming on if the concentration of certain oils in the air has gotten too high.

Inhalation is often effective for mood-altering effects of essential oils; Rosemary for mental 'stimulation', Lavender for relaxation, etc. These effects are a result of essential oil components on the lymbic system of the brain - which again is closely tied to the emotional centers.

Essential oil components from one plant may have synergistic effects with another. One may certainly blend essential oils in a diffuser or burner, adding a couple drops of each oil desired. Often a nice result can be had from mixing a brighter or sweeter oil (Rosemary, Basil, Orange) with one more earthy and grounding (Patchouli, Frankincense, Cedar). The effects are very personal - if you don't like the smell of a particular essential oil or combination of oils, there's probably a reason and they're just not for you! Your intake could be too high or the oil(s) may not be compatible with your body chemistry at that time.

A note about safety: Essential Oils are very powerful components of plants - they have the capability of being harmful if improperly used. Essential Oils can be very helpful for some cases, supportive in others, and have little to no effect in others. They are not intended to treat or cure serious medical conditions; there is no substitute for a consultation with a competent physician for any matters regarding your health, or anyone else. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breast feeding, it is critical you consult your physician before using any essential oil. Please be sure there are no contraindications of an essential oil for your condition before using! Almost all essential oils should be diluted to the range of 1% to 3% in your chosen carrier (or 'base') oil - Lavender and Chamomile Oils being notable exceptions (though diluting them will make them no less effective).

Remember - start slowly, pay attention to how an oil and it's particular application makes you feel, adjust accordingly, keep learning, and have fun!

About The Author
Misty Rae Cech, ND is a naturopath and yoga teacher practicing in Boulder, Colorado. She is the owner of http://www.anandaapothecary.com and http://www.synergyessentialoils.com

Recoup From Your Dynamic Lifestyle With a Spa Massage

Remaining on the go and delighting in the hot summertime warmth can take a toll on your body. After an evening sunset run, are your muscles, joints and tendons sore? When you're through with that afternoon swim, do your muscles hurt? A spa massage is the safest way to free your body of the irritation and discomfort that active summer activities bring on. It allows you to unwind and recharge your muscles to get you out and back to the sports you love.

Deep Tissue Massage, or Sports Massage, aren't exclusively for athletes. These types of healing massage give your muscles and tendons a chance to heal and keep them from getting injured. An esthetician at your local spa can concentrate and focus on particular problem areas and loosen up tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, knees and back.

Ever question why your muscles feel hard right after that extreme tennis game? Or why your muscles ache when you're done taking a bike ride? When your body is active, your muscles burn energy and produce lactic acid as a byproduct. The lactic acid can develop in your muscles when muscular stress constricts it from being excreted from the body during exercise. A massage from a spa masseuse allows the rapid recuperation of blood flow to boot the lactic acid from the body. Massage can release the lactic acid from your tendons and relax the developed tension. For those who want more pressure to help break up the knots and help relieve the hurt, a deep tissue massage is what you're looking for. It also includes trigger point therapy and myofascial release.

Research has indicated that following a high-impact exercise, a spa massage is a extraordinary way to release muscle tension and accelerate your recovery to get you back outside and enjoying life again. Don't let stiff, sore muscles keep you from basking in the fabulous Las Vegas sun. Cast your mind at rest and get a massage that will help you maintain YOUR busy, and fun lifestyle.

If you are in Las Vegas, schedule an appointment with Sensations Skin & Day Spa Las Vegas.

Sensations Skin & Day Spa is a Las Vegas Spa specializing in relaxation and skin care therapies including Massage in Las Vegas, Facials, and Body Treatments.

Aroma Therapy Essential Oils - An Overview




There are many benefits of, the use of massage. These include relaxation in general, the increased circulation of blood flow, the easement of stress and pressure that has accumulated over the day and the enhancement of physiological and emotional state of mind.

These benefits are more extreme when the use of essential oils are included with the massage. The use of these oils for massage are known to comfort the body as well as the mind. Aromatherapy's primary function, to bring healing to the body and mind. Which employs the use of essential oils added to a base oil. When they are implemented, the oils are easily absorbed into the skin then into the blood stream. They may also be used by inhaling the sweet fragrances through your nostrils.

Making a Strong Point

The advantages of getting a massage are known to many, many people. Aromatherapy in the massage, strengthens the therapeutic benefits that go along with the massage. The essential oils that are used, greatly increases the particular outcome that you want from your massage. Aromatherapy techniques can be accomplished by the professional masseur, by an aromatherapist or the layman who has done the right research. Whichever the case, you have a few options to pick from. You may go to a spa or clinic. You may choose to have a therapist visit your home. You may choose to do it yourself, make sure you research plenty before you go this route.

The Freedom of Choices

When choosing the services of an aromatherapists or massage therapist, they will always have blends premixed for certain conditions or ailments with them. They may also blend essential oils per your request to use with your massage. They may also give you what is left over to take home with you. In the cases that you are seeking an aromatherapy massage for a particular problem, the professional will almost always have to mix up a special blend to alleviate your symptoms.

Aromatherapy in Your Home

If one may choose, the massage can be given in the safety of your home. The fact of the matter with the right research, you can prepare your own essential oils. If the oil is going to make your own oils here is a basic guideline; If you are using the oil on an adult, add 20 to 25 drops of essential oil for every two ounces of base oil. If the oil is to be used on a child, add 10 to 12 drops of essential oil to the base oil. If the oil is for a baby, add 5 to 6 drops of essential oil to the base oil. The total amount of drops is "TOTAL", so if you are mixing several oils, say three oils, don't put 20 to 25 drops of all three oils in base oil. Divide it up.

The Availability of Aromatherapy Materials

Aromatherapy products are sold almost everywhere. There are many companies that manufacturing essential oils today. The advantages of these oils are spreading, some include pain relief, cleansing and the the healing processes of the mind and body. There are many, many uses for which the therapeutic effects apply. Medical experts have seen that essential oils have lifted the depressive moods of cancer patients. In athletics, it is also being used to sooth tense muscles. As well as, energize the body.

There are different products being sold on the market today. As you do your research or shop around. You will find as you shop around that essential oil or aroma therapy elements are contained in massage oils, lotions,shampoos, candles, diffusers, oil burners, bath beads, plug ins, and a ton of other products. There are products developed for children as well as adults. Out of all these products that are on the market, most are safe aromatherapy products. In any case it is still safe to consult with a physician before using any products, just in case you suffer from some unforeseen medical condition. As far as the "Essential Oils", one can get information from a herbalist on the use of essential plant and root extracts.

To find out more information, visit me at Aromatherapy. Visit me at my Home Keys to Success, where Information IS the Key to Success.

Aromatherapy Massage Research Effects on Mood, Anxiety, and Relaxation

A pilot study addressing the effect of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety, and relaxation in adult mental health was conducted at the Lavender Day Hospital in West Sussex, UK.

The study was carried out over an 8-month period. The subjects' levels of mood, anxiety and relaxation were recorded using a visual analogue before and after each massage and then again 6 weeks after the last massage. Comparison was made between the HAD Scale results for each client and also the visual analogue scale results for before and after massage and also first massage and 6 weeks postmassage for the sample group.

Improvements were shown in six out of eight subjects' HAD Scale results. Improvements were also shown in all areas when comparing the visual analogue scale results.

Pure Essential Oils for enhancing mood, to relieve anxiety, and promote relaxation:

East Indian Sandalwood
High Altitude Lavender
Ylang Ylang III
Vetiver (Hydrodiffused)

Aromatherapy is Nature's Medicine in its purest and most essential form. Aromatic Oils are the very soul of a plant. Even a drop or two can produce significant results for your body, mind and spirit. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organically grown or wild crafted essential oils that have been tested for purity and are pesticide free.

You receive five FREE aromatherapy publications about using pure essential oils as a gift when you purchase PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy Products. Visit to Sign-up for KG's Health Mastery Ezine and Pure Essential Oils Blog.

Click to learn more & order East Indian Sandalwood http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/sandalwoodmysore.htm

Click for PurePlant Essential Complete Guide to Aromatherapy http://www.pureplantessentials.com

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years. She is the Director of PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy and a specialist in formulating aromatic blends for healthy living. KG can create the perfect synergy blend for you! More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, Ashland, OR (541) 941-7315. Mahalo!