How to use Aromatherapy

There are several ways to utilize the essential oils used in Aromatherapy:

Massage
Baths
Compresses
Inhalations
Vaporisation
Perfumes

The use of massage with aromatherapy is maybe the most effective way of delivery. With the skin being the largest organ on the body it works to keep out contaminants, but some oils do absorb through the skin, which is why medicine makes use of skin patches for the delivery of some medicines. When you use massage you utilize two Alternative modalities simultaneously, Aromatherapy and Touch, getting the most beneficial combination.

Using the oils in baths is again very effective……as you use it on the skin and through inhalation of the moist air and vapors. Water itself has a very therapeutic effect and combined with essential oils enhances the healing powers of both.

Compresses use the therapeutic effect of the water and inhalation in a lessened way from the bath. It is placed on the area most needing the treatment, therefore concentrating the direction of action to just the vicinity needing healing. This method of application is best used in treating such conditions as: muscular aches and pains, varicose veins, sprains, bruises, menstrual cramps and respiratory congestion.

Inhalations have been utilized for centuries…today we use vaporizers on children with stuffy head colds and croup. Inhalations can be utilized for the treatment of a variety of respiratory disorders as well as emotional states. They are most effective for treating nasal or chest congestion where there is an excess or deficiency of mucus. (E.g. Sinusitis, bronchitis, hay fever, post nasal drip etc.)

Vaporization is the use of essential oils in room freshening methods. Air fresheners are excellent examples. Many know the use of vaporizers in a child’s room at night to keep the air moist and the breathing passages clear. This is an often ordered treatment by the doctor.