Aromatherapy For Mind, Body, Skin and Anti Aging

The healing powers aromatherapy essential oils have been known for centuries, but it is only recently that it's benefits has been recognised as complementary therapies with medical professionals.

The home use of this alternative treatment has also increased with the awareness of their wide range of benefits to the body and mind.

I have studied Aroma Therapy alongside my degree as beauty specialist. I was facinated by the power of pure essential oils and have long incorporated them into my life. There is an oil for just about every little problem. My long time favourite is Lavender as it has the most all-round use and is safe enough to use even on babies.

Aromatherapy for Anti Aging

For anti aging essential oils can be used in several ways:

• Stress-related issues like anxiety, insomnia, depression and headaches
• Skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Skin imperfections like wrinkles, scars and stretch marks
• Overall health and wellbeing

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essentials oils by bathing, burning, massaging or using neat to treat the body and mind.

For true Aromatherapy it is important to use pure essential oils that are obtained from the bark, roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and resins of trees and plants.

Synthetic oils have no therapeutic value and may only benefit in deodorising a room when burned.

The essences of pure essential oils are extracted through different methods. The most popular method used today is distillation. The plant is placed in a deep vat and steam is passed over it. The essence evaporates along with the water. Once it is cooled the oils is separated from the water.

Other methods are effleurage, maceration and expression. The extraction method does not make a difference in the quality of the oil, however a plant can be processed in different ways to obtain different aromatics.

How To Use Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy treats mind and body together. The cent of the essential oils used can have powerful effects on the emotions while the chemistry of the oils affects the body.

Aromatherapy is often used along with traditional herbal medicine in treating and preventing many common conditions for the whole family.

Aromatherapy for Mind & Body

Bathing

One of the most simplest ways to use essential oils is in the bath. The oils enhance the relaxing effect, but also can be stimulating and treating skin conditions depending on the oil used.

Simply add 5 to 10* drops of your chosen oil in to the bath when its full. You will find that the oil will disperse with the steam. The oils also can cling onto your skin. Be careful if you have sensitive skin and don't use more than 10 drops.

To make a moisturising bath oil, mix a teaspoon of vegetable oil like sweet almond oil or olive oil and a few drops of essential oils and add to the bath.

For a foot bath use 5 to 6* drops of essential oils.

Massage

Aromatherapy massage is the most common way professionals use aromatherapy. It is also a great way to make use of the therapeutic benefits of essentials oils at home, either on yourself or on a partner, friend or child.

With massage the essential oils are able to penetrate deep into the skin and are quickly absorbed by the bloodstream.

To make a aromatherapy massage oil, mix a larger amount of carrier oil, like sweet almond, apricot oil or wheatgerm oil with a small amount of essential oil. A mixture of 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to 2 - 3 drops of essential oil is a standard dilution.

Children, pregnant or breast-feeding women, sensitive skin may need a lighter dilution, while some conditions may require a stronger dilution.* If not sure always use less at first.

Vaporisation

Essential oils easily vaporise when heated and release their aroma. Vaporisation, also called burning, can be used in several ways depending on the oils used. This may be to cent a room, for relaxation purpose or to kill germs in the air in case of infectious illness.

The classic aromatherapy burner uses a candle to heat the oils. A little water can be used to slow down the burning of the oil. Electric diffusers are also available which are more suitable for the use at night or around children.

The amount of oil used depends on the size of the room. Start with about 3 drops, you'll be surprised how strong the aroma can be.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is especially valuable for the use of respiratory conditions. Just like in a bath, add a few drops of essential oils into a bowl of hot water. Lean your head over the bowl and breath in the aroma slowly deep into the lungs. Use a towel over your head to trap in the cent. This method can also be used for a facial steam.

Different Oils for Different Moods

Here is a selection of essential oils that have different influences on our physiological and psychological wellbeing.

Relaxing

Dill
Camomile
Petitgrain Orange
Lemongrass
Jasmine
Lavender
Hyssop
Eucalyptus
Melissa
Geranium
Rose
Clary Sage

Balancing

Yarrow
Cedarwood
Camomile
Angelica Root
Myrrh
Patchouli
Ginger

Stimulating

Angelica Root
Dill
Rosewood
Rosemary
Mandarin
Sweet Orange
Coriander
Palmarosa
Sweet Fennel
Tea Tree
Nutmeg
Sweet Basil
Marjoram
Geranium
Parsley
Aniseed
Sandalwood
Clove

Cosmetic Aromatherapy

Essential oils are used in many cosmetic products due to their rejuvenating benefits.

True cosmetic aromatherapy used different pure essential oils in different heavy essences to treat skin conditions and rejuvenate the skin. Lighter essences are able to penetrate deeper into the skin where can act on a cellular level, while heavier resin-based essences treat the skin in the dermis.

Certain essential oils have the ability to stimulate cellular granulation, which is the first stage of healing and keep the skin looking youthful.

These anti aging essential oils are:

• Rose
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Frankincense
• Myrrh

Aromatic Oils

Like massage oils, essential oils for the skin should be diluted with a carrier oil. Sweet almond oils or apricot oil are he best carrier oils to use on the face as they are non-commodogenic (won't promote commedones/blackheads).

Skin oils are more suitable for dry and dehydrated skin types. Use as required.

Aromatic Mist

This is the more preferred option for oily and combination skin types. Add a few drops of essential oil to purified water in a spray bottle. Shake before use.

An aromatic mist can be very refreshing and be used as a "pick me up" when out and about.

Anti Aging Essential Oils for the Skin

Here are the best aromatherapy oils to treat skin conditions:

Rose

Promotes skin health, keeps skin soft and prevents lines. Suited for all skin types particular dry, dehydrated, sensitive, aging, mature skin.

Lavender

Great for oily and blemished skin as antiseptic. Prevents scarring, promotes tissue regeneration

Camomile

Soothing for sensitive skins, anti-inflammatory, excellent to treat many skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema

Neroli

Antibacterial, antiseptic, promotes the formation of new cells, gentle toning and astringent, ideal for combination skin

Tea Tree

Skin disinfectant, ideal for oily blemished skin and to treat acne conditions

Different Oils for Different Skin Types

Other essential oils that are beneficial for the skin types below:

Mature Skin

Lavender
Jasmine
Tangerine
Frankincense

Sensitive Skin

Lavender
Camomile
Sandalwood
Rose
Neroli
Jasmine
Orange

Oily Skin

Ylang Ylang
Lemongrass
Patchouli
Juniper
Bergamot

Dehydrated Skin

Camomile
Rose
Sandalwood
Neroli
Frankincense
Lavender
Tangerine

Blending Oils

The essential oils can be blended together to either enhance the effect or just for a different aroma.

Here are a few recipes for therapeutic use and for skin conditions:

(blend 2 to 3 drops to 1 tablespoon carrier oil)

Migrane

Lavender/Peppermint/Marjoram

Fatigue

Rosemary/Basil/Geranium/Thyme/Marjoram (blend any two)

Anxiety

Basil/Camomile/Jasmine/Lavender/Vertivert/Neroli/Marjoram/Ylang Ylang (use any 2 to 3 oils)

Stretch Marks

Tangerine/Manderine/Neroli

Cellulite

Cypress/Juniper/Fennel/Rosemary (use any 2 to 3 oils)

Varicose Veins

Cypress/Geranium

Sunburn

Lavender/Camomile

Chapped Skin

Lavender/Sandelwood/Rose/Jasmine (use any two oils)

Acne

Camphor/Lavender/Bergamont/Geranium/Rosemary/Lemon/Lemongras (use any 2 to 3 oils)

Contra-Indications

Pure essential oils are very strong and powerful. They should be used in neat form on the skin as they could cause discolouration's and burns. (Exceptions are the soles of the feet where the skin is thicker). Essential oils get absorbed by the skin and into the blood stream. The use of too much oil can actually make you quiet sick.

Even though essential oils are very aromatic and smell divine, they should not be used as perfumes undiluted.

Essential oils are a dry oil and would stain clothing.

Aromatherapy can be invaluable for women during pregnancy and childbirth, however care must be taken as certain oils can be in fact harmful for mother and baby.

Several oils can strengthen uterine contractions and are obviously contraindicated until the relevant time at labour. These oils are basil, sage, pennyroyal, cedarwood, camphor, thyme, wintergreen, hyssop, aniseed, cypress, fennel, juniper)

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