Hippocrates the Father of medicine knew the power of aromatherapy and essential oils when he declared “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage daily”
Aromatherapy is an amazing holistic therapy that can be used in almost every area of your life, Stress, Anxiety and Depression are just some of the areas that aromatherapy is incredibly effective. Olfaction is unique amongst the senses in its direct connections to the neuro endocrine and limbic structures of the brain.
When we detect the smell of an essential oil, that oil has already entered into our lungs & olfactory system and is stimulating the release of chemical responses throughout our bodies. The response is determined by the aroma that is inhaled, the use of oils such as lemon have been shown to reduce typing errors when vaporised in offices, oils such as fennel can stimulate digestion and a whole plethora of oils can be successfully utilised for easing stress, anxiety, depression as well as boosting the immune system.
The choice of essential oil(s) to use is very much a personal choice, I suggest that you take a little time to smell a few oils and allow the different aromas to guide you to the essential oil(s) that are most suited to you. Below are a few oils that have a wide spectrum of uses.
Bergamot FCF (Citrus bergamia) is an uplifting oil that works very fast and effectively. Bergamot can ease anger and irritation and can defuse aggravation. Apply a drop neat at the first signs of a cold sore and it will stop it in its tracts. Add 8 drops to a tissue which is placed in with your tea bags to make delicious Earl Grey tea
Chamomile German (Chamomillia matricaria) a calming soothing oil that is ideal for times of tension or sleeplessness. Such a gentle oil that it is safe to use on new born babies, this is my number one of for calming and promoting sleep in young children, also great for teething, tantrums and nappy rash.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara flos) ideal for insomnia, irritation and depression a beautiful sweet floral aroma that nurtures and rebalances ragged nerves. Wear as a perfume when feeling down or nervous,
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) a wonderful meditative oil that promotes calmness & deep breathing, use at night especially if you experience disturbed sleep or nightmares. Perfect when feeling uptight, anxious or flustered. Great for children that experience night terrors. My number one choice for asthmatics
Sandalwood Australia (Santalum spicatum ) is a deeply calming nurturing oil that can ease irritation and help us see past petty annoyances allowing one to find other solutions. An effective remedy for both throat & urinary tract infections gargle
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Promotes calmness and tranquillity, ideal for agitation, anxiety, irritation and headaches. Can be applied neat to the skin to heal open wounds, cuts, bites & burns. Apply one drop to each temple at the outset of a headache and feel the tension melt away. This oil is a first aid box in a bottle.
Vetivert (Vetiveria zizanoides ) a deep calming earthy aroma that is ideal for anyone that tends to be “off with the fairies” ” not in their bodies, disconnected”,. Vetivert is grounding, very nourishing ideal for dehydrated skin it is calming to the nervous system has a great cooling effect when applied to the skin. Often people prefer to mix this with lighter oils such as Bergamot FCF or Sweet Orange to lift this aroma a little.
The reason aromatherapy is so effective is that there are so many ways that you can utilise the oils to gain maximum benefit, Personally having a regular aromatic bath at night is my sanity saver, others do not enjoy bathing so use a vaporizer or receiving a massage would be more appropriate, below are a few suggestions
Bathing with Essential oils is an ideal way to promote relaxation and sleep. It is a good idea to mix your essential oil (s) with a little (5ml) of carrier oil (sweet almond/ avocado/ Jojoba etc) I use an egg cup or shots glass to mix the carrier oil with the essential oils before pouring into a drawn bath. Use Approximately 8 – 10 drops in an adult bath.
An electric vaporizer that requires no water is ideal to use in your bedroom to promote calm and tranquillity and to help to assist with quietening the mind so that sleep can be achieved Sandalwood and Frankincense are two of my favourite oils for this, I am not a fan of candle burners as the idea of a naked flame unattended would be enough to keep me awake all night, if you do not have an electric vaporizer I suggest you use a candle burner in your bedroom a few hours before going to bed and the put out when you get into bed. Alternatively you can apply 3 drops of oil to a tissue and tuck this into your pillow slip. Add stimulating oils during the day to help you stay alert and focussed idea to use when working on a computer oils of Basil & Rosemary are great for mental dexterity
Receiving professional aromatherapy massage on a regular basis is a wonderful way to address stress, anxiety and depression, if your budget does not stretch to this then self massage is also recommended, add 5 drops of your chosen oil(s) to 10 mls of carrier oil such as sweet almond/ Jojoba/ Apricot kernel etc, remembering to always work up your legs never down to assist with circulation and prevent varicose veins
Joanne Lang is the Principal of Eclipse Living Essence Aromatherapy Centre which is a specialised one stop aromatherapy business we offer the highest quality training, treatments and products. I started the company in 1993 after a number of years of training & practising on my friends and family, the significant improvement to my health as an asthmatic were astounding, the benefits to my two small children incredible. I feel that the best aspects of aromatherapy are that it is empowering to the user, gentle to the environment and it really works.
4 / 32 Ardross Street
APPLECROSS, W.A 6153
Phone: 08 9316 4650
Mobile: 0411 725 870
Email: Joanne@aromatherapyaustralia.com.au
Website: http://www.aromatherapyaustralia.com.au/
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