Aromatherapy And Essential OilsDon't you just love aromatherapy, the science of great smelling scents that make you feel better? They just seem to give you a sense of peace, calm you down in the midst of turmoil, and lift you out of a depressed mood. Isn't it amazing that your sense of smell can do that?The science and study of scent and essential oils are often used by massage therapists when giving a massage or other treatment to intensify the healing value of the massage. The sense of smell is a powerful one. Certain smells can take me back in time to particular moments in my life that I can recall with great detail. How about you? What about the smell of an apple pie or sugar cookies baking in the oven? Aromatherapy products use essential oils which are concentrated portions of fragrant plants that have been distilled from the plants. What are essential oils and how do they affect our feelings? Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy almost since the beginning of time for their healing and restoring powers. Some are known to: Calm the mind, emotions and nervous system Bring comfort from grief Take away feelings of depression Fight sleeplessness Aid in mental clarity and concentration Combat indecisiveness Give a more positive outlook Ease pain in muscles and joints Take away frustration and irritability Block out worries Relieve headaches Relieve nausea and motion sickness Ease anger Ease stress Give a feeling of well-being Some of the more popular essential oils are: Rose Lavender Vanilla Chamomile Clary Sage Sandalwood Lemon Peppermint Rosemary Eucalyptus Juniper Tangerine Geranium Ylang-ylang Vetiver Each of these essential oils acts in a different manner to bring restoration. These wonderful scents can be used in: Lubricants during a massage Lotions for the body and hands Soaps and shampoos Bath salts and oils Candles Potpourri Heating units Room diffusing units such as light bulb rings There are many imitation essential oils on the market. Stay away from them. They can cause allergies and do not have the healing properties that real essential oils have. They cost less but do not work like the real thing! Warning--Please make sure to read the label on every bottle of essential oil. Some are not to be used with certain medical conditions like a seizure disorder or dermatitis. Others are not to be used by pregnant women. Some may irritate fair skin or cause a sensitivity to skin in sunlight. Do not use essential oils directly on the skin. It is best to dilute essential oil in a carrier oil such as a vegetable oil, almond oil or herbal oil. The essential oils can even be mixed with distilled water to make a spritzer or air freshener. The therapist can have a candle burning or have a room diffuser plugged in with a calming essential oil during a chair or table massage. If you are giving a table massage, a few drops of essential oil that the client enjoys can be mixed with the cream or oil lubricant. The use of aromatherapy can calm and soothe your client and change his/her mood during the massage and he/she will not even realize and will think the therapist is a bit of a miracle worker!
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