Cosmopolitan Spa Therapies
Aromatherapy:
A maximum of three oils in a blend is recommended lest the individual qualities of the oils are lost. Because essential oils are highly concentrated and extremely volatile, they are usually diluted with base oils such as almond, walnut or evening primrose oil. This inhibits the evaporation of the essential oil and encourages better absorption into the skin. While it takes a skilled aromatherapist to truly understand the properties of essential oils, it is generally possible to treat common ailments using only upto five oils. However, essential oils must never be taken internally except on the advice of a trained physician. Because of its relative ease of use, aromatherapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in complementary medicine and is widely used for pain relief.
Inhalation:
There are several ways in which essential oils may be inhaled. You could add a few drops of essential oils to a handkerchief and directly inhale its vapour, or add a few drops onto your pillow before sleeping to combat insomnia. Steam inhalation is another method commonly used. Using water as a medium, add a few drops of essential oil to a shallow tub of hot water. Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply. Although highly effective for treating respiratory problems such as congested sinus, throat and chest infections, steam inhalation is not recommended for asthmatics. Inhalation is an effective form of aromatherapy as essential oils are extremely volatile and are easily absorbed into the blood stream via the lungs and the nose. The vapour travels to the limbic system of the brain, which is the area of the brain responsible for the integration and expression of feelings, learning, memory, and physical drives. Each essential oil may contain as many as 100 chemical components, which when combined together, exert a strong effect. It is still not yet known exactly how essential oils work, but what is certain is that they affect our minds and emotions and leave no harmful residue.
Aromatherapy Massage:
Before an essential oil can be used as massage oil, it must first be diluted with a base oil. Care must be taken to maintain a correct proportion of oils, for the concentration differs according to the purpose for which the oils are used and the condition of the recipient. For instance, pregnant women and those with sensitive skin should only use diluted oils. More concentrated oils would be required for complaints of a physical nature such as muscle aches as compared to emotional complaints. In an aromatherapy massage, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and carried to the muscle tissue, joints and organs. However, the main effect of the oil still lies in its scent.
