The healing scents of essential oils can reduce anxiety, ease minor aches and pains, and even get you (or your spouse) in the mood. Although you can schedule a massage or facial that combines these oils, you can also enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy oil for the mind and body at home.
It's important to know what's involved when you use essential oils for aromatherapy so that you can perform an effective treatment correctly and safely. Aromatherapy practice begins with learning how to use these oils and the benefits of each of them.
The following are ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy:
A. Inhalation
B. Topical use
A. Inhalation
1. Use of a diffuser
Using a diffuser is a helpful way to infuse the fragrance of your preference in any environment quickly. Some diffusers work with water, and some work with heat, so be sure to follow the instructions, including how much essential oil to use.
2. Consider evaporation in a dry state
On a cotton ball or tissue, put 2-4 drops of essential oil and let it sit close to you in a nice container.
3. Build a treatment with steam
Specifically, this technique is useful for calming cough, respiratory and sinus infections, or allergy problems.
In a bowl of hot water, place 3-7 drops of essential oil, set your face over the water, and put a towel over your head to catch the steam. When you inhale the vaporized oil through your nose, keep your eyes closed.
4. Make a bottled spray
Deodorizing a room, setting a mood, or turning a space into an aromatherapy session can be done with a simple spritz or spray with essential oils. In a spray bottle, add 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (or a mixture of 1-3 essential oils) and one ounce of water and shake. In your bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere you want, spray liberally.
You may also gently spray it on your pillowcases or towels.
B. Topical Use
1. Few drops in a bath
Although a bathing ritual can be a self-soothing therapy, it can help you more by adding essential oils. To properly integrate the oil into the bathwater, this procedure would require using a dispersant.
With one teaspoon of whole milk, vegetable oil, or honey, mix up to 12 drops of your essential oil of choice and then add to the water just before you step in.
2. During self-massage, apply to your skin
Your body acts as a diffuser in this method as it heats the essential oil and releases its fragrance into the air. Mixing it with a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil is the first step.
Diluting the essential oil, especially during extended use, helps to prevent an allergic reaction. For example, citrus oils, if applied directly, will make your skin more receptive to the sun.
Use about 20 drops of essential oil for each ounce of a carrier when mixing. If you choose to use water instead of carrier oil, before applying it to your skin, ensure that you shake the mixture well.
If you need soothing massage oil, lavender oil or patchouli are great choices.
3. Mix with your lotion for the body or lips
Here is another technique where your body's heat allows the essential oil to diffuse, enabling you to inhale its scent.
Mix 6-15 drops of your preferred essential oil to one ounce of unscented body or face lotion (use half quantity if you have sensitive skin) and mix thoroughly before applying.
In a Nutshell
Many people tend to believe that essential oils are innately safe because they come naturally. However, bear in mind that this powerful oil should be used with care and caution.
If you are unsure, it's advisable to get in touch an essential oil expert about using aromatherapy oils in Malaysia. Remember to use a carrier solution to dilute your oil and ensure that you buy essential oils from a trusted source in Malaysia.
