Aromatherapy for Pleasure Week 6 Home use of Essential Oils

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Lets have a look at what we learned last week:- In Aromatherapy; Give three reasons for using a Carrier oil What are Carrier oils made from? Why is a mineral oil not used in aromatherapy massage? What precautions must you take when choosing a Carrier oil?

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Aromatherapy massage treatment Massage with essential oils that are diluted in carrier oil is probably one of the most effective ways of employing aromatherapy. It combines the effects of the essential oils with the important element of human contact A full consultation is always given to assess the clients needs and a ‘blend’ is made up

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Aromatherapy massage treatment Absorption of essential oils into the skin, the ability of them to enter the blood stream & the added effects on the olfactory system can have a profound effect on mind, body & spirit

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Aromatic baths Adding essential oils to the bath water is a useful way of using the oils at home Use 6-8 drops of essential oil in a blended oil, bath- foam or milk

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Inhalations The aroma of essential oils can have a subtle, but very real effect on the mind and the emotions This in turn affects the body as a small percentage will be absorbed through the alveoli in the lungs and will enter the bloodstream in this way Steam inhalations should be administered for no longer than 10 minutes

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Essential oils can be inhaled by using :- Massage with essential oils Aromatic baths Essential oil burners Light rings Steam units or bowls of hot water* * Asthmatics should never use steam inhalations

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Floral waters Hydrosols/Hydrolats They are the bi- product of the distillation process Can be helpful in the prevention & treatment of skin conditions e.g. acne Often used as skin toners Examples are rose, neroli, tea tree water

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Compresses Essential oils can be use effectively compresses for various physical conditions Simply, in a bowl of very hot or very cold water (which could have ice in it) drop neat essential oils on to the surface (about 5-6). Take hold of both ends of a small towel, dip the middle section of the towel onto the pooled essential oils. Twist the towel until all the excess moisture has been released and apply the compress to affected area

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Compresses Hot compresses Relieve pain Particularly useful for muscular & menstrual pain. Apply the warm compress to the affected area & apply a hot water bottle over the compress. Wrap up in a warm blanket

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Compresses Cold compresses Relieve swellings Good for swollen ankles, useful for headaches & migraine. Apply cold compress to the area & keep cool using an ice pack (bag of frozen peas is ideal) over the top

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Vegetable-based Creams Vegetable creams are an ideal medium for employing the use of essential oils, Cream that is going to aid the action of penetration of the essential oils (i.e. a topical cream) Vegetable-based cream such as Vitamin E or Calendula cream are highly recommended as they provide maximum penetration of essential oils

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Mineral-based creams Mineral-based cream with added essential oils gives the aroma but very little penetration into the skin Will provide a very pleasant- smelling cream Easy application Long lasting aroma

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Water-based creams A water-based cream with added essential oils will also give the aroma and very little penetration A pleasant aroma, no lasting effects, but a medium that is not greasy This provides easy application

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 Precautions! Never use undiluted essential oils on the skin Never use essential oils for internal use Asthma sufferers should never use steam inhalations Steam inhalations should be for no longer than 10 minutes Use no more than 10 drops in 20mls carrier oil for massage blends Use only 6-8 drops in a bath

Jane Barber /aromatherapy for pleasure week 6 To recap today’s lesson Today you have learned:- Different ways to use essential oils at home Which method do you think that you will use the most? Why?