About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy for beginners

More and more people are becoming interested in aromatherapy and essential oils, and the beneficial effects they can have on their lives, but how do they begin? Be reassured - you do not need to have studied aromatherapy in depth before being able to use certain essential oils safely and effectively.

To help those taking their first steps into the wonders of aromatherapy, we have put together this Frequently Asked Questions page on aromatherapy for beginners. The article aims to answer a few of the frequently asked questions about aromatherapy:

First, however, a word of caution...

The essential oils supplied with Aroma4u™ products are 100% pure and natural, but even natural products can have side effects if not used properly, and some degree of care is needed when handling them. Essential oils should not (in general) be used directly on the skin. Do not take essential oils internally. Essential oils should be kept away from children, pets and the eyes. Essential oils are also very volatile and, therefore flammable - keep them away from naked flames. Aromatherapy products are never to be used in place of medical treatment. If you are pregnant, epileptic, suffering from high blood pressure or already taking medication, consult your medical practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist.

All the essential oils supplied with Aroma4u™ products are 100% pure (no synthetics or blends), are of the highest quality (for maximum stress-relieving effect) and have been obtained from a member of the UK Aromatherapy Trade Council.

For more information on the safety of essential oils, visit:

• http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/safety.asp

What is aromatherapy?

Although the term 'aromatherapy' didn't come into use until about the 1900s, the use of essential plant oils to promote physical and mental well-being and healing, has been practised since ancient times.

With essential oils less is more - that is a little can go along way. When applying the oils bear in mind that the strength of aroma perceived will depend on your sensitivity to that aroma, the size of the room, whether there is a window open, etc.

We are all aware that certain smells can trigger certain memories. Why is this? Our sense of smell is a powerful thing, and the most over-looked of our five senses. When we breathe in an aroma, the particles that make up the aroma bind to the part of the brain that governs our sense of smell and emotions, having an almost instantaneous effect on our moods and emotions. Inhalation is therefore the most direct route between our brains and the outside world.

Different aromas (young living essential oils) can have different effects on our moods and emotions, and essential oils, which contain the pure 'essence' of a plant and are highly aromatic, have been found to have both psychological and physical effects on our system.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated, natural plant products, long-recognized for their medicinal and mood-enhancing effects. They are produced from specific parts of particular plant species; for example, lavender essential oil is produced from the flower, grapefruit from the peel and eucalyptus from the leaf, and the range of essential oils currently available is enormous.

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What should I look for when buying essential oils?

Essential oils are widely available, from chemists, health shops, via mail order and on the Internet. For the best effects, always buy pure essential oils; products containing artificial ingredients will not provide the same degree of benefit. Check the bottle carefully before you buy - just because the labelling mentions the word 'aromatherapy' is not a guarantee that the oils inside are pure and natural. Be wary of any product that does not list its ingredients as being pure essential oils (especially if buying a blend of oils) or one that uses the word 'fragrance' on its label. Keep your oils away from direct sunlight and in the container in which you bought them.

How do I use essential oils?

Essential oils can be used in a number of different ways. The main ways are by inhaling their vapour or by absorbing the oils through your skin during an aromatherapy massage.

Inhalation

This is the most effective and quickest way to absorb the effects of essential oils into your body. Essential oils are highly volatile, which means that they will vaporise into the atmosphere even if you simply leave the bottle open or sprinkle a few drops on a tissue. In order to speed this up and enable you to inhale the aroma more quickly it is best to gently warm the oil.

Massage

This is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience aromatherapy. The essential oil (or usually a blend of oils) is diluted in a good quality carrier oil (such as almond oil, or a good quality olive or other vegetable oil) and then gently massaged into the skin. As a beginner, getting the right blend and ratio of oils can be difficult and it is probably best to visit a qualified aromatherapy practitioner to get the best effects, but you or a partner can still get benefit from a gentle massage at home. click here for some muscle tension remedies and/or blends for that romantic mood such as lavender oils.

How can I use aromatherapy to relieve stress at work

Unlike many other approaches to stress relief, essential oils can be used in the office (by inhalation) to help relieve work-related stress at its source.

Many types of aromatherapy diffuser are available, but make sure that they are suitable for use in an office environment.

A novel aromatherapy diffuser, specifically designed for use in the workplace is the Aroma Stress Buster™. This innovative aromatherapy diffuser is small and compact, can be attached to your laptop or computer monitor (and so doesn't take up desk space or require an electric socket) and releases aroma only into your personal space. Easily personalised to suit your own taste, its range of colours and messages make it an attractive addition to your working environment.

Simple essential oil remedies

*Use of good-quality essential oils only is recommended

Essential oils to aid work

*Use of good-quality essential oils only is recommended

Stress-relieving essential oils

Essential oils that can help aid work related stress.

*Use of good-quality essential oils only is recommended

References

1. The Aromatherapy Trade Council. www.a-t-c.org.uk/