No two practices go together better, than that of Bodywork and Aromatherapy. From setting a mood with the use of Candles, to creating a blend to use during a massage or reflexology session, aromatherapy is there.
Since the beginning of time, humans have always relied on a close relationship with nature. To survive, it was important to have the knowledge of plant life within the immediate area to have food, medicine, clothing and housing. Through the observation of animals, we have also learn what to use when we are sick. Sheep when ill will eat yarrow, while bears will eat wild garlic after a long hibernation.
As society has grown, so have problems with the environment. While we have become an urban society in life-style and in economic terms, we have become a rather disastrous to ourselves. This is shown by the ailments caused by pollution and stress that continue to grow by leaps and bounds annually. As a society, many have turned back to nature’s herbs and essential oils to help reverse the harmful effects of urban life.
Extracted from plants, shrubs, trees, flowers, seeds, roots, and grasses are these precious oils that are referred to as Essential oils. While aromatic oils promote plant growth, aid in the reproduction by attracting pollinating insects, repelling predators, the oils can also protect against disease. When we take this natural magic from nature to blend, these oils create the most enjoyable and wonderfully effective products that one can imagine.
Theses aromatic essences can be used for massage, skin, hair, deodorants and healthcare. When used in a diffuser or misted into the air, they can create a beautiful perfume. The essences bring the beauty of nature into our homes, offices and yes even our cars.
With all of my running off at the keyboard, I need to get to the reason for this entry. Ways that I have found to help my clients relax when they enter my office through the use of aromatherapy and essential oils.
Application
Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The method applied can effect the results you receive. First of all, please remember that almost no essential oil should be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. "Normal dilution" is 2.5%, ie, 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil. Less is more when we speak of these powerful healing essences.
Because client often ask, "how to dilute"..."blend” “drops”, etc, you will find the following dilution and measurement charts:
How to achieve a specific dilution:
For one fluid ounce (600 drops) of carrier oil:
| 1% of 600 | = | 6 | drops | |
| 2% of 600 | = | 12 | drops | |
| 2.5% of 600 | = | 15 | drops | |
| 5% of 600 | = | 30 | drops OR | 1.5 ml |
| 10% of one oz | = | 60 | drops OR | 3 ml |
Measurements/conversions (volume)
| 30 ml | 1 fl oz | 600 drops | 2 tablespoonsfull |
| 15 ml | 1/2 oz | 300 drops | 1 tablespoonfull |
| 5 ml | 1/6 oz | 100 drops | 1 teaspoon |
| 1 ml | 1/30th oz | 20 drops | 1/5 teaspoon |
Carrier Oils
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts.
Each carrier oil offers a different combination of therapeutic properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product. Carrier oils are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils "oxidize" and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don't go rancid.
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