Aromatherapy is a non-evasive and natural way to treat ailments of the body, mind, and soul. A mainstay in holistic healing, Aromatherapy has been practiced in various cultures dating back over 5000 years. The Chinese and the Egyptians are believed to be the first to use this method of healing. Aromatherapy uses the essential oils of many different plants for emotional and physical healing. One method of Aromatherapy is introducing the oils into the bloodstream through massage.
The oils are extracted from the plants in many ways. One common way is using pressure to pull the oils from the plant. Using a still that acts much like a pressure cooker, the plants are heated under pressure. The oils in the plant burst and evaporate. The oil and the steam are collected as they rise to the top and are pulled through cooled pipes. They then condense back into water and liquid oil as they cool. The oil is then skimmed from the surface of the water and used for Aromatherapy. These oils are called essential oils.
When you first start out in Aromatherapy, you will want to start out simply and learn as you go. Picking the correct oil is important and there are a number of things to remember regarding your safety.
The first thing to do before you choose any oil is research. Oils can be purchased in many places but be careful of what you are buying. Look closely at the label to be sure the oil is pure. Some companies put additives in their oils that are not good for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember that this is something that will be rubbed into your skin. You only want the purest oils you can find.
You will want to pick the correct oil for your ailment. You will need good carrier oil and your essential oils. Only a few drops of the essential oils are needed for an aromatherapy session. This will vary by the type of oil and what you are treating. Carriers dilute the strong oils so that they will not harm you. It is recommended that you do extensive reading and research before mixing your own oils. Some of the easier to use carrier oils are Almond, Hazelnut, Peanut, and Sunflower oils. Sheabutter is a good carrier oil for lotions.
Each essential oil has its own unique characteristics. Some oils can treat a wide number of maladies. For feelings of anger and anxiety, you might want to try Bergamot, Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, or Sandalwood oils. For depression and loneliness you should try Bergamot, Ginger, Jasmine, Rose, or Chamomile oils. The use of such oils as Basil, Cypress, Lemon, or Peppermint is said to help with memory and concentration problems. For feelings of stress or panic try Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, Mandarin, or Sandalwood oils.
Never buy oils in containers that are stopped up with a rubber stopper. When the oils touch the rubber they will react and your oil is useless. Remember that perfume oils and fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils. These should never be used for Aromatherapy, as they will most likely contain chemicals. Essential oils are the "essence" of the plant that is all you want or need when finding a good Aromatherapy oil.
There are a few safety tips to keep in mind as you choose your oils. If you have an allergy to peanuts, do not use Peanut oil. Quite often we may have allergies that we do not know we have. Always do a patch test before using any new oil. Pick a place such as your elbow to apply a small dot of oil and cover with a bandage or band-aid. Leave the oil there for 24 hours to see if your skin has a reaction. If a rash or bumps form, do not use that oil.
If you are pregnant or nursing you should seek the advice of a professional Aromatherapist before trying any aromatherapy. If you have health concerns such as epilepsy or asthma, you should also seek professional advice. These oils are often very pleasant smelling, take extra care to keep them out of the reach of any children in your home.
One last thing to remember when choosing your oils is that not every essential oil out there is good for you. Onion, Camphor, Horseradish, and Pennyroyal oils should never be used in Aromatherapy. When you first begin, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. This will help you avoid some common pitfalls and get the very best from your Aromatherapy sessions.
