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| What is it? |
| AROMOTHERAPHY |
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| WHAT IS IT? |
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Aromatherapy is the fragrant art of using selected aromatic essential oils for therapeutic purposes. It is the fastest growing complementary therapy in the world, and is recognised as being one of the most natural and holistic treatments available today.
Aromatherapy can be used for a wide range of conditions. The aroma alone can have a subtle but memorable effect on the mind, and via the mind, on the body. Inhaling the oils also has an effect on the body, as some part of the oil will be absorbed via the lungs and will enter the bloodstream in this way. Essential oils are readily absorbed through the skin, and whenever they are used in massage, baths, skin preparations or compresses a certain amount of the volatile oil is absorbed.
STORAGE OF YOUR AROMATHERAPY OILS
Essential oils should be stored in a dark bottle made from glass. It should be labelled correctly and stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. Make sure that the container is closed properly as the essential oils are volatile.
Most essential oils will last for up to two years once opened. The citrus oils will not last that long as they are more volatile. Others, such as Sandalwood and Frankincense, will on the other hand mature with age.
CARRIER OILS
Essential oils in the pure state are too highly concentrated to be used directly on the skin. The essential oils are diluted in a base oil so that they can be massaged or rubbed onto the skin in the correct dosage. For every 30 ml of carrier oil, use 15 drops of essential oil. Base oils are vegetable, nut or seed oils, many of which themselves have therapeutic properties. Vegetables oils are obtained from the seeds of plants that grow all over the world. There are several different plants known to have oil-bearing seeds, but only a few have been produced commercially. Vegetable oils are usually produced from food and are therefore good sources of nutrients and energy.
Important points to remember when using these oils for massage blends:
- The oils should always be cold pressed so as to maintain vitamins and minerals.
- They should be stored in glass containers, preferably amber or blue glass. A good idea is to keep them in the refrigerator until shortly before they are to be used.
- Vegetable and nut oils turn rancid after a period of time and should be used within 6-8 months.
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