A lot of people had been patronizing aromatherapy since it relaxes and rejuvenates our senses, cultivating the inner part of us to feel the calm breeze of the therapy. But most of us often decide a bit off late on what kind of essential oil to pick. Let citronella oil serenades you in its own way. Citronella Essential Oil has been widely used as ingredients in food and beverages. But its subtle qualities attract those who are patronizing aromatherapy since ages.

Though this essential oil had been known moreover as an insect repellent that drives away insects especially mosquitoes that could cause malaria or dengue, its magic never ends there. It is also great in clearing the mind as well as refreshing the rooms and softening the skin simultaneously fighting against gushy skin and sweat problems with feet. Its smell has a great combination of lemon and sweet aroma that tickles your olfactory sense. And have you ever wonder where it came from? It is carefully extracted through steam distillation of chopped partly dried or dried or even fresh grass. It creates general strength and invigorating effect on the body. Being very helpful in fighting against flu, colds and some infections and has extenuating qualities.

Nevertheless, this essential oil blends well with bergamot, geranium, lemon, orange, lavender and pine. It is non toxic but proved to produce irritation, dermatitis or sensitization in skin thus extra care must be observed at all times. This is not advisable to use by small children and pregnant women. As per advice, a qualified aromatherapist must be consulted prior to using of this oil especially when you are not that particular with this object to avoid further accidents.

And it is believed to be diaphoretic so it induces sweating thus producing unnecessary toxins from your body hence creating slight detoxification. The stimulating effect of this oil stimulates good circulation of blood, stimulates immune mechanism and the metabolism of the body resulting to a much better digestion and a body with good resistance against illnesses.

And no matter what, it is never a mistake to take a try about new things but of course with extra care. Relaxation is a price you must give to your body and mind in return to the toxic and hectic activities in your daily routines. Remember, when your mind and body surrenders, there’s nothing you can do, so better be careful in treating your body and mind as it reflects on what you are. Be delighted with this magic citronella essential oil.

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Have you ever considered using Aromatherapy in a spa or at home? Today holistic and natural healing techniques are increasingly being used by people worldwide. This particular form of therapy uses natural oils extracted from flowers, barks, stems, leaves, roots, or other parts of plants. These oils are used for healing, relaxing, and energizing through massage and inhalation techniques.

Natural Healing

The word Aromatherapy comes from the fusion of two words, scent and healing or cure. The alternative form of medicine is gaining momentum and has a variety of applications including pain relief, mood enhancement, and increased cognitive function. The variety of essential oils has its own healing properties.

Ancient Origins and Benefits

The alternative healing techniques with essential oils traces its origins in various ancient cultures including Greek, Persians, Romans, Indian, and Chinese. This form of therapy through scents and aromas is not just about good smells, it has many benefits. Some of them are as follows:

* Relaxation and stress relief.
* Boosts the immune and respiratory systems, and improves circulation.
* Some of them are skin-care agents.
* It reduces muscular aches and increases muscle relaxation and tone.
* Aromatherapy spa and wellness products can improve digestion and can also alleviate constipation.
* Tension headaches can be relieved.
* These therapy products can help heal grief, depression, and anxiety.
* The alternative therapy can be used for relieving menstrual cramps, improving sleep, enhancing lymphatic drainage, and is good for acne treatment and even sore throat.
* Essential oils are good for warts, rashes, insect bites, cuts, and coughs.
* Some essential oils are good for irritable bowel syndrome and nausea.

How It Helps

Aromatherapy combines the physical and emotional effects of gentle massage with the medical and therapeutic properties of essential oils. The essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from roots, leaves, and blossoms of plants. Essential oils are the purest essence of plants and are completely natural. There are a number of essential oils available, each with its individual healing properties.

The essential oils stimulate the scent receptors in the brain. This triggers a response in the part of the brain affecting the heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, memory, and hormone balance. The alternative healing method can be used for bathing, massage, and poultice to heal various conditions of the mind and body.

Inhalations and infusions can have positive effects of calming and easing your negative emotions as well as for the body. When the oils are used for massage, it is mixed with base oils which are from grape seed, almond, or coconut. Oils can be blended together in proper proportions; this is done by professional therapists. It is all very scientific and has to be done correctly and safely.

Buying Products

Aromatherapy products should be bought with care and authenticity and should be checked. The purity of the ingredients, origin, and production method are all important when you buy therapy products. You can buy the products in many varieties including aroma beads, essential oils, fragrances, bath products, candles, potpourri, herbal teas, and many others. Try this alternative form of holistic healing and enjoy its benefits.

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The joy of bringing a baby into the world is overwhelming a most exciting period in many lives. It is also a time of changing emotions, body shape and the unknown for first time mothers. Aromatherapy can be very important during this time.

When considering the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy there a several oils that should be avoided as they could harm both the mother and the baby.

Ensure that the oils you are using are pure essential oils, as adulterated blends or synthetic oils can have a less predictable effect.

OILS TO AVOID:

Any oil that has toxic in the description, along with the list below.

Arnica, Aniseed, Basil, Bay, Birch, Camphor, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Comfrey, Cypress,

Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Mugwort, Myrrh, Origanum, Pennyroyal,

Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Savoury, St John’s Wort, Tansy, Thyme< Wintergreen, Wormwood.

These oils aside, aromatherapy can be used very safely and be extremely beneficial to maintain the general health of the expectant mother, to aid in minimising the discomforts associated with pregnancy as follows.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Choose chemical and preservatives free fresh food. Eat small portions often during the day. Avoid heavy meals late at night and junk food. Ginger tea herbal infusion is a safe and effective remedy.

Peppermint tea is better avoided.

BACKACHE:

Lower back pain is common as the pregnancy advances due to the increase in weight of the baby and changing body shape. A massage with essential oils will bring great relief and help to tone the muscles. The lower back should be massaged lightly during the first four months, during this time though back ache is not always a problem, it is usually after the six month period and then a firm massage is perfectly safe.

Neroli or Mandarin oil at 2% to a base oil say Almond, Apricot or Olive Oil or Stretch Mark Oil can be used which contain these essential oils along with a rich cocktail of base oils that penetrates deep into the skin.

TENDER BREASTS:

As the breasts expand during pregnancy they need extra care and attention. Use a gentle massage again with Stretch Mark Oil or a base oil with 2% essential oil, Neroli or Mandarin. If breasts are swollen, make a cool compress out of rosewater and place over the breast while resting.

BREASTFEEDING:

Essential oils can be very helpful in easing some of the discomforts of breastfeeding. Insufficiency of milk and cracked nipples are two of the main reasons that many mothers abandon breastfeeding. Engorgement can sometimes be the cause as well. To promote th flow of milk Fennel, Caraway, Dill and Aniseed is widely used mostly in the form of herbal tea infusions, fennel being the most popular choice.

To reduce the milk flow Peppermint oil can be used on cold compresses – Use a basin of water with 4-5 drops of essential oil use clean fabric or a washer and immerse in the water, wring out then place on the painful area.

It is IMPORTANT to wash off all traces of essential oils before feeding the baby. It is dangerous to give the oils to the baby internally even relatively safe oils.

CRACKED NIPPLES:

Can be extremely painful and slow to heal. Calendula is the most healing plant known for this condition. Some Nipple Butters contains Calendula and is safe to use whilst nursing. Apply the butter immediately after feeding so that the nipples have the maximum time to absorb the beneficial properties prior to the next feed.

Products containing lanolin are often used for cracked nipples but some tests have discovered traces of toxins in the lanolin from sheep dipping, so wise to avoid these products.

HEARTBURN:

Avoid rich, spicy foods and heavy meals. A Peppermint, Fennel or Chamomile tea infusion can speed up relief. A gentle massage of the stomach with a soothing oil such as Lavender, Chamomile or Marjoram will assisst.A hot compress using one of these oils can be placed over the stomach as often as needed. Just 2-3 drops in a basin of water for compress and the same with 50ml base oil.

SLEEP PROBLEMS:

The baby kicking and other discomforts in the last few months of pregnancy makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. A relaxing bath with stretch mark oil 10mls or a total of 6 drops of either Neroli or Rose pure essential oil in a bath before bedtime. The water should not be too hot as this is stimulating rather than relaxing.

An aromatherapy massage with stretch mark oil, the combination of gentle therapeutic touch and relaxing essential oils will work both on the mind and body to reduce the level of stress, and sleep will follow quite naturally.

CONSTIPATION:

Eating of high fibre foods, including plenty of fresh garlic and drinking ample filtered or bottled water is important during pregnancy to avoid constipation.

Aromatherapy treatments are complicated by the fact that many of the oils used in the treatment of circulatory problems are those to avoid during pregnancy. However, lemon essential oil at 2% dilution can be used to gently massage. Tension can also be a contributory factor, so try a relaxing bath using stretch mark oil or 6 drops total of neroli or rose.

STRETCH MARKS:

Massaging daily is an excellent way to reduce the risk or intensity of stretch marks during

pregnancy, Massage provides stimulation of the tissues underlying the superficial layers of the skin, using gentle strokes it is both effective and safe in pregnancy. Gently make small repetitive circles all over the tummy, thighs and breasts using a stretch mark oil regularly.

Continue massaging these areas after the birth for at least four months until your weight has returned to normal. Avoid stretch mark oil on the nipples if breastfeeding.

SWOLLEN ANKLES:

Swelling (Oedema) of the ankles and legs is often a problem in the latter months of pregnancy. If severe you should consult your Doctor in case there is a kidney problem, but mild puffiness of the ankles usually after standing or at the end of the day, can be effectively relieved by massaging the legs with one tablespoon of base oil to 2 drops of Geranium. Ideally this would be more beneficial carried out by a professional but you or your partner can apply the oil with firm strokes always moving from the ankles towards the thighs.

A cool to warm foot bath with 2 drops each of Benzoin, Orange and Rose can help reduce the swelling.

Rest the feet higher than the head on raised cushions or pillows.

Avoiding salt, stong tea, coffee will also help to reduce swelling, drinking plenty of bottled or filtered water is also advisable.

VARICOSE VEINS:

During pregnancy the bulk and weight of the growing baby can cause pressure on the veins and arteries of the lower abdomen, causing circulatory problems and the veins to dilate. One of the best oils for circulation is Geranium, but this should be very dilute for pregnancy. No more than 4 drops to one tablespoon of carrier oil, massaging the legs with a gentle upward movement. Do not work directly on the veins or apply too much pressure. You can also add 4 drops to your bath.

LABOUR;

To create a relaxing atmosphere in the labour room, use several drops of Lavender in an atomizer or Rose, Yang-Ylang or Neroli to fortify you as the labour progresses. Any of these oils can be used in a massage blend for the lower back to aid contractions.

POST NATAL:

Some women can suffer from post-natal depression for up to a year after childbirth, some more severe than others. A bath with jasmine and ylang-ylang can help them feel better 3 drops of each. Or a massage with 5 drops each of Geranium, Orange, Chamomile..

To ease perineal pain Organic Bath Herbs, a collection of wound healing and anti-bacterial natural ingredients and essential oils with powerful antiseptic and healing benefits for internal wounds and stitches.

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

The simple touch of massage movements can help to relieve many of the stresses and discomfort of pregnancy, back massage in particular is very welcome during labour.

Aromatherapy techniques can be used very safely and beneficially to maintain the general health of the expectant mother. It aids with various discomforts during this time.

The positions to work in need to be adapted to suit her comfort, she needs to be well supported.

- Check the oils to be avoided

- Use lower concentrations of essential oil to base oil 1/2 to 1% is desired.

- Stokes should be lighter than usual for a massage.

- The back – massage can be done on a chair after the fourth month of pregnancy as it becomes uncomfortable to lie on her stomach, a chair or a pillow wrapped in a towel for her to hold in front for support.

- The abdomen – as the weight of the uterus can constrict the important blood vessels is the pregnant women is laying flat on her back, so she must be supported with plenty of pillows, bolsters or rolled towels to make her comfortable. Under the knees should be supported with cushions. After four months a gentle massage all over the abdomen can be very soothing, very often the developing baby responds to the massage given to the mother. Very often if the baby is lively and kicking causing discomfort to the mother will calm down and be quite for some time after. Babies whose mothers have received regular massages during pregnancy are usually very peaceful when they are born.

- The legs – Gently stroking the legs from the ankles to the knee to begin, then continue with firmer pressure is very soothing. It can relieve swelling, varicose veins or cramp. (See varicose veins for further information). Gentle stroking around the ankles is also appreciated. Avoid any reflex movements on the feet.

- Head – With both hands at the back of the neck at the base of the cranium, apply slow, light, circular pressures with your fingertips in an upward direction to release tension and to finish the massage.

Allow a 15 minute rest and then gently help her get up.

Claire O’Dwyer the person behind the product leads our panel and comes with a wealth of knowledge in all facets of the professional spa, beauty and aromatherapy industry. Aromatherapy being an integral part, the science, the art of using essential oils in treatments.

Claire is a highly successful trainer of beauty therapists and others seeking to use aromatherapy. Her holistic perspective to treatments demonstrated in her workshops, teaching specialised treatments of all aspects of the beauty salon and spa.

Before founding Maraju in 2002 Claire O’Dwyer owned and operated salons and days spas for over 18 years. She then did further training in London and the USA, worked with the Cunard luxury cruise ship line as Spa Manager where she noticed that demand for natural plant products and natural/native therapies far out weighed the traditional treatments.

Returning to Australia and knowing that Australia had many unique oil bearing plants, she set about with her partner a chemist, in formulating a range of native Australian skin care products.

After many requests for natural skin care for pregnancy the latest range of maternity products was formulated keeping in mind that during pregnancy a women also wants to feel femine and attractive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_O_Dwyer

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Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine method that is believed to positively affect the health and mood of a person. Aromatherapy is developed from essential oils that are cold-pressed or steam distilled. The oils are extracted from fruits, flowers, roots and bark. These oils used in aromatherapy have been used for centuries in order to heal the mind, improve the body, soothe the psyche, and revive skin tone.

Methods of Massage with Aromatherapy

Using aromatherapy with a massage can relieve stress and relax the body and soul. Aromatherapy massage is an easy process and can be effectively completed by mostly anyone. It is a method of applying oils to distinct places in the body and working them into the body.

Aromatherapy massage uses the natural flow of the body which and is carried out towards the heart.

Effleurage, which incorporates gentle strokes that allow essential oils to enter the pores of the skin, is the most effective movement during the aromatherapy massage. The method involves the use of the whole hand of the masseuse, not just the finger tips, varying between firm and gentle pressure and long and short strokes; this technique allows an even and effective spread of the aromatherapy oils over the body.

If aromatherapy massage is being used on children use gentle movements but still vary the length of strokes in order to establish a comforting experience. The benefits of effleurage in aromatherapy increases blood flow, provide muscle relaxation, soothe nerve endings, and relieve stress.

Petrissage, which is an imitation of kneading dough, should be done gently and slowly. This methodical movement in combination with the aromatherapy massage with essential oils is especially effective in areas of fat accumulation and the back. On target spots, it may be helpful to apply pressure with the thumb. Aromatherapy massage incorporating the petrissage method will release toxins trapped in the body, improve muscle relaxation, and increase blood circulation.

Head massage, after applying aromatherapy with essential oils is completed by massaging the scalp with the fingertips. It is beneficial to people who have pain from headaches and migraines, begin by working the aromatherapy with essential oils into the neck moving upward to the base of the scalp. Use your fingers to work in the aromatherapy oils all over for the most effective benefits.

If done properly, aromatherapy massage will comfort the mind, heal the body, and lower stress levels.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils at Home

Depending on your preference of aromatherapy essential oils, it is possible to combine with the base oil on your own. Types of aromatherapy essential oils that may be combined are eucalyptus, rosemary, neroli, lavender, peppermint or nutmeg. Adding these aromatherapy oils to water in a bath or a dispenser that will release them in the air can create lasting benefits.

For more information on preparing essential oils at home, please visit our website on all about aromatherapy massage and discover some vital tips and advices towards a fulfilling and relaxing aromatherapy session including out top aromatherapy product recommendations.

You can also get more useful tips and advices at Health Omni.

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Workouts are helpful in getting into shape to make you beautiful. Workouts tone up the body by counteracting the sag of unused muscles and overstretched skin. Workouts help in restoring the elasticity of muscular tone which is vital for a good shapely body.

Workouts are useful in reducing the bad cholesterol(LDL) levels in the blood which contribute to the thickening of the artery walls by depositing fat on the walls which might lead to heart attack. Regular workouts also stimulate the formation of good cholesterol(HDL) which carry the extra cholesterol to the liver where it is transformed into bile and excreted through gall bladder.

Studies show that moderate workouts in fact suppresses appetite and physically inactive people eat more than those who are active. Moderate workouts make you breathe full increasing the oxygen intake resulting in proper oxidation which makes you feel energetic. Such workouts help release a substance called endorphin which has morphine like qualities making you feel good. Women who exercise regularly have less menstrual problems

The other benefits of workouts are that they boost the metabolic rate which is useful in burning excess fat, increase joint mobility to protect against arthritis, improve the blood circulation thereby improving health, help in getting good sleep which is vital for a healthy body, help the body secret more insulin to reduce the risk of diabetes, strengthens the bones and delay the onset of osteoporosis, boost the immune system to fight common infections like cold and other infectious diseases, build muscle, and also lower the levels of leptin, the hormone responsible for weight gain. Regular workouts also reduce anxiety, improve the frequency and quality of sex, improve the overall quality of life and can increase the life span by adding a few years.

The problem with workouts are that they become a boring routine after some time and so the trick is to plan it in such a way that it ceases to be a boring affair.

Learn weight loss tips to know how to plan your beginner workout routine program to make it a success. www.myweightlossexperiment.com/beginner-workout-routine-program.html, www.myweightlossexperiment.com/index.html

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What does aromatherapy means? Aroma means smell or fragrance and therapy means treatment. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach that has accentuated effect on the mind, body and even emotions.

And it’s the use of variety of essentials oils. One of those essentials oils is the Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil. It is derived from the inner dried bark of the cinnamon tree bark through the process of steam distillation. Its warm, sweet and spicy aroma tickles every sense. It has been sought throughout the ages for its inevitable effect on both mind and body. This promotes healthy cardiovascular and respiratory functions and it acts as an antiseptic. And due to its strong aroma, it is widely used in performing aromatherapy massage. Because of its strong component, it must be diluted to other carrier oils.

Cinnamon bark has been the most useful among the other parts of the cinnamon tree. And due to its chemical component, it may cause skin irritation that’s why it must be used with some other oil in order to minimize its irritating content.

This essential oil proves to be beneficial to blood circulation, no wonder, aromatherapists had been using it when blood circulation needs improvement. And when a person is in pain, cinnamon bark essential oil can be used as a massager to alleviate the pain because it has anti-inflammatory component. And it is also believed to boost brain functions. Using this oil in aromatherapy performance has its vast effect on relaxing the mind and body of a certain person who wants to have some refreshments after hard days of work. Rejuvenating the spirit and indulges the senses, undeniably using this oil for massaging makes a person just want to relax and sleep.

Aromatherapy combines the soothing, healing touch of massage with the therapeutic properties of the cinnamon bark essential oil. Aromatherapy provides health and body care on a completely natural basis, and the excellent qualities of the oils lend them best to an incremental experience that they want to experience it again and again.

After a stressful day at work, it’s much better to undergo an aromatherapy massage to your favorite massage parlor using the cinnamon bark essential oil. Be captivated by its natural wonders that would leave you breathlessly relaxed and a body in good condition ready for the fight with the stressors the next day. Reward yourself with a chance to feel rejuvenated after the attack of tons of work and pressures.

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As consumers become wiser, their attention is directed towards biological products, be they food or beauty treatments. This trend was inspired by aromatherapy, a cure which uses natural oils extracted from plants to treat various affections of the skin and the hair. Manufacturers of professional hair care products have resorted to these miraculous essences to help their customers obtain good-looking and healthy locks.

Before you waste your money on artificial hair care articles that will eventually ruin your hair, you should try these professional shampoos and conditioners containing natural oils. Although the price is smaller than you would expect, the treatments are far more effective than any other cures you might have used before.

Lavender oil is frequently used in aromatherapy due to its soft perfume which enables clients to relax and to combat insomnia. Besides being one the most efficient pain relievers, lavender oil is the best ingredient for hair growth. When applied on the scalp through gentle massage movements, the oil purifies the surface of the scalp by removing the dead skin and facilitates the appearance of new capillaries.

Castor oil activates the circulation of the blood and thus, hair grows longer and stronger as it receives a large quantity of oxygen. In addition, dead hair follicles are stimulated to produce new capillaries; therefore, castor oil is the ingredient that is most often recommended in the treatment of alopecia.

An increased sebum secretion causes hair to become too oily, whereas the low activity of the sebaceous gland makes the hair dry and frail. Oily hair can regain its vitality and shine through products based on lemon and tea tree oils. On the other hand, olive and jojoba essences can restore grease to dry hair and repair split ends.

All professional products have replaced the artificial and rough cleaning ingredients with natural essences like the ones mentioned above. Unlike commercial outputs, biological treatments will gently repair your hair by restoring the balance to the sebaceous gland. This way, the hair gradually repairs itself while you can rest assure that old affections, such as, dandruff and alopecia won’t bother you anymore.

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