The use of aromatic plants and their extracts to enhance physical and spiritual well-being goes back to the night of times. Aromatherapy is a treatment approach that favours this well-being using essential oils made of plants’ active ingredients.
How is the essential oil absorbed?
The essential oils can be absorbed either through the skin or through the olfactory system (inhalation). The most effective applications such as massages or baths combine the two modes of absorption. When absorbed by the skin, the essential oils reach the body’s vital organs via the bloodstream. Essential oils molecules are very small and rapidly enter the blood to be carried throughout the body. Olfactory absorption carries the essential oils’ perfumed molecules to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain related to instincts. Since odours have a direct impact on this part of the body, essential oils can trigger emotions, sensations or feelings.
The use of essential oils
Pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and should not be used directly on the skin. It is preferable to dilute them in an oil base or cream. To verify an oil’s purity, make sure that it doesn’t leave a oily deposits on the skin. Essential oils take six to eight hours to be completely absorbed, it is therefore recommended to let them penetrate the skin without rinsing it. Keep the oils away from light and heat, and make sure that they are kept in a tinted glass bottle.
Pro tips :
Relaxing aromatic bath : Dilute 6 to 10 drops of WA essential oil in 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of neutral base oil (grape seed oil) and incroporate the mixture to your bath water for a moment of total relaxation. Ideal to soothe tense muscles, stress, anxiety, insomnia and migraines.
Decongestive body massage : Mix 6 to 9 drops of LIB essential oil in 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of neutral massage oil (grape seed oil), gel or cream. Ideal to relieve overwork, aches, rheumatism and arthritis.
Purifying facial mask : Mix 2 to 3 drops of Ô essential oil in 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of the mask of your choice (make sure that the product doesn’t already contain essential oils). Ideal to help with mental fatigue, dull complexion, wrinkles and acne.
Energizing oxygen therapy : Apply a drop of UP essential oil on the cotton ball and insert in the inhalation mask. Install the mask on the client’s face and start the oxygen inhalation process. Ideal to ease circulation problems, loss of vitality and drawn or tired features.
Whether they are used at home or in institute for professional aromatherapy treatments, essential oils can bring so many benefits on the physical or mental well-being. Why go without them?
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