Aromatherapy
What is aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy which uses the smell of natural plant and flower essences (not that of a really good meat feast pizza with extra mushrooms) to help ease tension, focus the mind, provide a little extra energy or to help you drift off to sleep. Different oils are believed to have different effects on the mind and body. This is achieved when tiny quantities of the oil are released and absorbed into the body through massage or inhalation. When you breath in a certain fragrance these tiny particles reach the nerves in your nose which are closely linked to the mood receptors in the brain.
How to use aromas:
Massage. One of the best and most therepeutic ways of using aromatherapy. Absorption by the skin and inhaled.
Air. Fill your room with soothing scents using an oil burner. Simply heat 3 or 4 drops of oil with water.
Bath. Add a few drops of pre-blended oil to your bath water.
On the move. Try sprinkling a few drops of oil onto a tissue and inhale throughout the day.
Inhaling. Inhaling vapour from oils is a great way to clear stuffy heads and release tension. Add 3 or 4 drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel and keeping your eyes closed and your face about 6 inches from the bowl breathe in deeply.
Rinse away. Add 4 drops of essential oil to a warm glass of water before pouring over your hair for a final rinse. Take care not to get it in your eyes though.
Popular oils:
Bergamot. (Citrus aurantium bergamia) An antiseptic and uplifting aroma. Good for the skin.
Citronella. (cymbopogon narclus) Known for its antiseptic, stimulating and uplifting properties. Good for bug control in the summer.
Clary Sage. (Salvia sclarea) Inspires peace of mind, soothing and relaxing. Good for insomnia.
Eucalyptus. (Eucalyptus globulus) Clears the mind, stimulates your senses, also an antiseptic especially good for insect bites.
Frankincense. (Boswellia cartreii) For relief of mental and emotional stress, meditation and protection.
Geranium. (Pelargonium graveolens) Restores balance to body and mind, calming and soothing. Used for relief of bruises and burns.
Jasmine.(Jasminium grandiflorum) Inspires passion, lifts your spirits and calms your mood. Aids the lower chakras and can help with psychic abilities and moon magic.
Juniperberry. (Juniperus communis) Loosens tired, aching limbs and unwinds your body and mind. Cleanses and purifies your environment.
Lavender. (Lavender angustifolia) Soothes nerves, dissolves tension, aids the heart chakra and has antiseptic properties. Can also help with spell casting.
Lemon. (Citus limonum) Lifts spirits and helps with past life regression.
Lemongrass. (Cymbopogon schoenanthus) Helps revitalise, relieves jetlag and a good disinfectant.
Mandarin. (Citrus reticulata) Relaxes a tired stressed mind.
Patchouli. (Pogostemon cablin) Stimulates and inspires passion, also an antiseptic.
Peppermint. (Mentha piperita) Lifts your spirits and refreshes the mind.
Rosemary. (Rosemarinus officinalis) Refreshes your senses. Relieves headaches and fatigue.
Sandalwood Amyris. (Amyris balsamifera) Aids the third eye chakra, reduces emotional and mental stress and invokes spirits.
Tea Tree. (Melaleuca alternifolia) Invigorating and stimulating to energise your body. Also an antiseptic.
Ylang Ylang. (Cananga odorata) Perfect for pampering, pure indulgence. Has a euphoric and sedative effect on the senses.
