November 28, 2007

Aromatherapy Massages For Babies And Children

Baby Massage

In parts of the East and in many tropical countries, baby massage is regarded as one of the essential skills of motherhood, and is passed down from mother to daughter. Oiling, stroking and stretching the body is believed to help babies grow stronger by encouraging deep sleep, better feeding and the relief of colic. Research carried out by natural childbirth gurus would support this claim, hence the increasing popularity of baby massage. Indeed, many hospital maternity units now encourage parents to massage their babies.
 
You can begin stroking your baby lightly with plain almond or virgin olive oil (but not the 'extra' grade as this may be a little heavy for a new baby) after the first week after birth. Try to massage your baby every day, perhaps just before bathtime, and at least half an hour after a feed. As your baby grows a little older, he or she will take an active part in the massage, wriggling, kicking and gurgling in response to your touch. So make it a game between the two of you!

When massaging, Indian mothers sit on the floor with their legs outstretched to form a cradle in which they lay their babies. If you find this position uncomfortable, support your back with cushions propped against the wall. Alternatively, massage your baby whilst kneeling on a carpeted floor with your baby on a towel. Remember to cover your lap (or the floor) and the surrounding area with extra towels, just in case! Ensure that your hands and the room are very warm.

Massaging Children

Although children love being massaged, they may not lie still for more than ten minutes, twenty minutes at the most. They may wriggle and giggle at first, but after a while even a hyperactive child settles down. The best time to massage your child is shortly before bedtime, after a bath. This will ensure a good night's sleep for everyone!
 
For children over five years of age, you can use a low concentration of essential oils in the vegetable base oil if you wish. Otherwise, simply vaporize their favorite essences.
 
As you will discover, massaging babies and children is fun for both giver and recipient, so relax and enjoy it!

 

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 27, 2007

Aromatherapy Massage During Childbirth

Even though many women appreciate being massaged by their partner during labor, others prefer not to be touched. The way a woman will feel during labor is almost impossible to predict, especially if it is her first baby. Chances are that your partner will be only too pleased to receive your loving touch at this special time.
 
Being the final stage of pregnancy, essential oils can be added to the vegetable base oil if you wish. Lavender, chamomile (German or Roman), marjoram or clary sage can be massaged into the sacral area to reduce pain. Using the flat of your hand, make slow rhythmic circles all over the lower back. Although some women find that light stroking given during a contraction takes the edge off the pain, others prefer to be soothed and comforted with firmer strokes in between contractions. Some women find massage helpful at any stage of labor.
 
The same aromatic oil can be massaged into the abdomen using very light, circular strokes moving in a clockwise direction. However, most women appreciate this stroke in between contractions. Others find that very light fingertip stroking downwards over the lower abdomen and upper thighs helps to buffer the pain during a contraction.
 
Some women experience shaking legs at the end of the first stage of labor, and also immediately after giving birth. This can be helped by stroking the thighs from the upper part to the knee and back again. Press firmly down the leg, and lightly as you move upwards. Always keep your movements flowing and rhythmic.

It is important that your partner makes her likes and dislikes known to you, so do encourage her to ask for what she wants, for this is the surest way to discover how best to help.

Massage After The Birth

Gentle massage to the shoulders, neck, face and scalp can help alleviate the depression that commonly follows childbirth. Vaporise your partner's favourite essential oils into the room and apply a low concentration of essences suitable for her skin type. It is through caring and nurturing that she will begin to regain her equilibrium.
 
To help stimulate a good flow of milk, it is important to breastfeed your baby as soon as possible after birth. It is the instinctive sucking reflex of the baby that causes the milk to flow, as well as helping the uterus return to its normal size. Breast massage, in conjunction with adequate rest, nourishing food and copious amounts of bottled water, will help to promote the supply for as long as you wish to continue breastfeeding. Massage will also greatly reduce the likelihood of problems such as mastitis (inflammation and infection of the milk ducts) and the development of a breast abscess.
 
Massage your breasts once or twice a day throughout the nursing period. Cupping the breast with one hand, and massaging with the other, apply a light base oil such as almond or sunflower seed. Then begin stroking very gently with your thumb or fingertips from the periphery down to the edge of the areola. Before feeding your baby, however, it is important to remove any oil that may have seeped on to the nipples.

 

 

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 26, 2007

Aromatherapy Massage During Pregnancy

Gentle massage can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy. As well as soothing away tension and fatigue, it can alleviate minor ailments such as fluid retention, backache, aching legs and insomnia, all of which are common during pregnancy. However, do seek the approval of a doctor or midwife first.
 
Essences suitable for use during pregnancy can be vaporized as room perfume to enhance the experience of massage for both giver and recipient. It is advisable to avoid skin applications of essential oils during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. However, virtually any good quality vegetable oil can be used for massage, though some mothers-to-be have noticed that they develop fewer, if any, stretch marks by massaging with extra virgin olive oil. Although this is a heavy textured oil, if used sparingly it will be absorbed into the skin within half an hour of application.
 
If you are massaging a pregnant woman, most of the strokes can be safely employed. However, it is important to avoid deep pressures and percussion strokes such as pummeling and hacking. In the later stages of pregnancy, when the recipient is unable to lie on her front, you can massage her back whilst she lies on her side with her upper leg propped on a cushion. Or she could sit astride a chair leaning forward on to a pillow. Pay special attention to her legs, especially the thighs, which can become quite tensed during late pregnancy as a result of carrying the extra weight. You can gently and smoothly massage her abdomen by stroking the whole area in broad clockwise circles, with your strokes gradually becoming lighter and lighter until you are barely touching the skin. This has a soporific effect on both mother and baby.
 

If you are pregnant, it is important to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to help prevent tearing of the perineum during childbirth. To test the strength of these muscles, try to stop yourself from urinating mid-flow. If you can accomplish this several times consecutively you are in good shape. If not, practice the same squeezing and releasing action several times a day (not necessarily when you need to urinate), holding on to the contraction for as long as you can, without holding your breath or tightening your thighs and abdomen. With regular practice, you will be able to hold each contraction for a slow count to ten. It is by consciously relaxing your pelvic floor muscles at the moment of birth that you help prevent tearing the perineum. Moreover, strong pelvic floor muscles are a good insurance against painful menstruation, painful intercourse, difficulty in achieving orgasm, prolapses and incontinence later in life.

The Last Six Weeks

During the last six weeks of pregnancy, it is also helpful to prepare the perineum for childbirth by massaging the whole of the vaginal area with extra virgin olive oil after a warm bath or shower. Some midwives recommend stretching the perineum with your fingers. However, it is important to seek professional advice before attempting to do this.
 
Prepare your breasts during pregnancy by massaging with unrefined almond, sunflower or olive oil after your bath. Use your thumb or finger pads and massage with gentle circular strokes towards the nipple. Avoid using soap on your nipples as this tends to dry up the natural oils.

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 25, 2007

Two Important Aromatherapy Massage Tips

Timing

A full-body massage can take up to one hour to complete. However, if you have only ten to fifteen minutes to spare, it is better to give a shorter quality massage to just one part of the body than to whizz through the whole sequence. The head, face, neck and shoulders, the hands and/or the feet, or a back massage, which includes the neck and shoulders, are good short-time areas. Interestingly, by giving good massage to just one part of the body, the relaxing or energizing response will spread throughout the whole mind/body complex.

Dealing With Muscle Tension

You may come across areas of the body that feel stiff, taut, grainy or even lumpy. Small nodules under the skin are caused by bunched-up muscle fibres and an accumulation of waste products. Sometimes these are so hard that beginners mistake them for bones! Soothe away any tension you may find by stroking the surrounding area. Once the area is sufficiently warmed and relaxed (after about five minutes of gentle rubbing and kneading), you can apply thumb pressure directly on the taut or lumpy area. Be sensitive to your partner's responses and ease or deepen the pressure accordingly. When applying the pressure, it helps if both you and your partner exhale with a long sigh whilst the pressure is being applied, and inhale as the pressure is released. Avoid causing intense pain. Instead, your partner should experience what can only be described as 'therapeutic pain', a dull sensation which will elicit a groan of relief. There is a world of difference between 'therapeutic pain' and that which causes one to shriek (and thus causes the muscle to contract even harder to protect itself). The only way to understand how freeing the sensation of 'therapeutic pain' can be is to experience it for yourself.
 

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 24, 2007

Aromatherapy Massage Techniques

The basic sequence you are about to learn is a modified version of a professional aromatherapy massage. It is based on five massage movements: stroking (using the whole of the hand), kneading (rhythmic squeezing), pulling (a firm lifting stroke), friction (using the ball of the thumbs or heel of the hands), and feathering (light fingertip stroking). More vigorous strokes such as hacking and pummeling are rarely used in aromatherapy, though they do have a place in sports massage.
 
Even if your first movements may seem uncertain, the more often you practice, the quicker you will gain confidence. Initially, you could try out the strokes on your own leg. Once you have developed a feel for massage, practice the strokes on your partner, preferably a person who is happy to try out the strokes on you too. By practicing on each other, you will begin to develop a sense of how massage should feel, and what feels good to you should also feel good to your partner.

However, it can be daunting to attempt a full-body massage at the outset. Far better to practice on just one area of the body, preferably the back, where you have a large area to stroke.

Tips For Giving A Good Massage

  • Never give massage while feeling anxious, angry, depressed or irritable. Your partner will pick up your feelings and will begin to feel equally distressed.
  • Ensure that your partner is not wearing spectacles, contact lenses or any jewellery that will impede the massage.
  • Never pour the massage oil directly on your partner's skin; instead, pour a small amount into the palm of your hand, to warm the oil, then rub your hands together before applying. You need just enough to provide a comfortable slip. Too much oil will cause your hands to slide all over the body part, thus hindering any beneficial firmness of touch and sensitivity to areas of tension. Too little oil will create uncomfortable friction as a result of dragging the skin.
  • Ensure that your hands are warm. Cold hands will shock your partner and may even cause their muscles to contract.
  • When applying the oil in long smooth strokes, try to keep the whole of your hands in contact with your partner's body, moulding to its contours just as if you were sculpting clay.
  • Generally speaking, strokes towards the heart should be firm, whereas strokes moving away should be much lighter.
  • Try to keep in contact with your partner's body throughout the massage, even when you need to apply more oil. Keep one hand on their back, arm, foot or head, for instance. Ideally, the massage should feel like one continuous flowing movement. To break contact mid-flow will feel most disconcerting to your partner. However, it is fine to break contact once you have reached a natural break in the sequence, for instance when you have finished working on the back of the body and you wish your partner to turn over.
  • Add interest by varying the pressure from very light to very strong. It should be lighter over bony areas, such as the shins and knees, but quite firm over large muscles such as those either side of the spine and the buttocks. But never apply pressure to the spine itself. Generally, slow movements are calming; fast movements are bracing; very slow and deliberate movements can be erotic. However, the moderately slow movements employed by most aromatherapists tend to relax or stimulate according to the state of the recipient. In other words, aromatherapy massage has a balancing effect on the mind/body.
  • Work with the whole of your body, not just your hands and arms. For instance, when you are kneading, move gently from side to side in time with your hands; when applying the long smooth strokes on the back or legs, lean into the movement, using your body weight rather than just your arm and shoulder muscles. The more relaxed and fluid your own movements, the more relaxed and at ease your partner will become.
  • The key to working with the whole of your body is to become aware of your breathing. For instance, when gliding over the legs or the back, exhale slowly as you lean into the stroke; inhale as you release the pressure on the return stroke. Try not to hold your breath while doing the gliding strokes (a common mistake) as this creates tension in the whole of your body, especially in your hands. This tension will then be conveyed to your partner.
  • Remember that sensitivity combined with the sheer joy of giving massage, no matter how basic, far outweighs a full routine of complicated strokes if they are carried out in a mechanical manner. The intent that goes with touch makes all the difference to its effect.

 

 

 

 

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 23, 2007

Aromatherapy Massage Cautions

  • Never massage a person who is suffering from fever or an infectious illness. Massage induces heat in the skin, muscles and joints which will exacerbate symptoms. More often than not, however, the person will feel disinclined to receive massage; an instinctive safety reaction.
  • Never give firm massage directly over varicose veins.
  • Never massage a person who suffers from thrombosis or phlebitis. Blood clots may become dislodged with the possibility of provoking a stroke.
  • Never massage directly over skin rashes, skin ulcers, boils, swellings, bruises, sprains, torn muscles and ligaments, broken bones and burns. In any case, it is unlikely that the person would allow you to do so because any amount of pressure or friction will cause a great deal of discomfort. Even though massage is a marvelous pain reliever for arthritic and rheumatic complaints, never massage directly over swollen or inflamed areas (inflammation and swelling tends to flare up and die down at intervals) as this may cause further pain and tissue damage. However, regular massage over the vunerable areas at other times, when the pain and inflammation have subsided, will help to reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
  • Always seek medical approval before massaging anyone suffering from a serious condition, such as advanced heart disease or cancer. In most cases, however, massage is an excellent therapy for soothing body and mind.
  • Never massage a pregnant woman without first seeking the go-ahead from the woman's doctor or midwife.
  • If something hurts, abandon the movement and move on to another area of the body.

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 22, 2007

Aromatherapy Massage - Creating A Healing Space

Choose a peaceful room with a relaxing or uplifting atmosphere; certainly not a space screaming with busy zig zag patterns or garish color clashes. Color therapists tell us that jarring or harsh color vibrations can affect us even when our eyes are closed. Equally, do not work in a room which emanates a morbid feeling, perhaps as a result of being decorated in murky hues. Most therapists would agree that neutral colors or pastel shades are far more conducive to relaxation and healing. The majority opt for soft greens, blues, pinks or mauves. However, there are a few therapists who would disagree with the pastel theme, preferring a single uplifting hue such as sunshine yellow or a warm peach. But whatever the color scheme, do ensure that the room is spotlessly clean and uncluttered. It also needs to be very warm. It is surprisingly easy to become chilled when deeply relaxed, especially when the skin is coated in massage oil. Chilled muscles contract, causing a release of the stress hormone adrenalin, something you are trying to soothe away in the first place.
 
Give the massage in natural daylight if possible or under a soft lamp or candlelight. Harsh overhead lighting will remind you both of an operating theatre or a visit to the dentist! Even professional aromatherapists prefer to avoid too clinical a setting. Indeed, the healing power of aromatherapy stems from its ability to nurture all the senses, not just the sense of smell. A vase of fresh flowers, a potted plant or a bowl of fruit will enhance the healing space.
 

If you live in a noisy area, you may wish to block out background disturbance by playing relaxing music at low volume (the sense of hearing becomes especially acute when we are relaxed). Tapes or CDs of suitable music specially composed for relaxation or massage are available from good music shops, complementary therapy centers or New Age outlets. Although musical taste is highly subjective (just like our aroma preferences), specially composed music for relaxation has an unobtrusive air, a flowing quality whose rhythm deepens the relaxation response. If, however, your partner is one of the exceptional few who finds any form of music a distraction, do respect their wishes and turn it off.

The Massage Surface

Most professional aromatherapists use a purpose-built massage couch, which is ideal when doing a great deal of massage as it helps prevent back strain. However, it is more likely that you will have to work at floor level. Even though this can be hard work for the person giving the massage, it is actually better for the recipient because it will be easier for the giver of massage to apply beneficial pressure using their own body weight.
 
If you suffer from a weak back or poor muscle tone, but do not own a massage couch, it may be easier to give full-body massage on a solid wooden table - the old-fashioned farmhouse kitchen type is best. Ideally, it should be only a little wider than an average size single bed; otherwise it will be difficult to reach across in order to massage certain parts of the body. However, if you are very short or exceptionally tall, you may find that the table is at an awkward height. Professional couches are often custom built so that the top of the couch reaches to just below hip level.
 
Whether you are to give massage on the floor or on the kitchen table, a few blankets or perhaps a folded double-size duvet covered with towels will provide the necessary comfortable padding under your partner. You will also need one or two towels (a bath sheet is the best size) to place over your partner's body for warmth. It is necessary to expose only that part of the body you are massaging at the time. No matter what some of the glamorous massage manuals may indicate, professional massage therapists never leave a person completely uncovered, not only for reasons of warmth and modesty, but also because it can make the person feel vulnerable and isolated.
 
Massage can be given on a bed, but only if it has a firm mattress. If it is too soft, your partner will sink into it, and the mattress will absorb the beneficial pressure intended for their body. However, it is essential that you get on the bed and kneel beside your partner in order to carry out the massage, otherwise you will be forced to bend too much, which will cause discomfort to your back.
 

Similarly, when giving massage at floor level, never stand and bend from the waist. Apart from impeding the all-important flow of the massage, this will put an enormous strain on the lower back. Instead, kneel beside your partner. However, when giving back massage, some of the strokes can be performed whilst sitting astride your partner's thighs if you feel comfortable in this position. The floor space where you intend to give the massage should, ideally, be carpeted to protect your knees. Alternatively, cover the area with a thick rug or a couple of blankets.

The Massage Oil

Prepare a suitable massage oil for your partner's physical and emotional needs. You will need about 1 to l 1/2 dessertspoonfuls of oil for a full-body massage, perhaps more if your partner has very dry skin, a great deal of body hair or is very big. If you intend to massage only one part of the body, the face, feet or hands, for example, you should need no more than one teaspoonful of oil. Put the oil into an attractive dish and place nearby, taking care not to knock it over as you work.

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 21, 2007

The Giver And Recipient Of Aromatherapy Massage

The Giver

Giving massage has its rewards too. As well as the enjoyment of knowing that we can help another person, we can lose ourselves in its rhythm and flow, and thus share in the recipient's experience of relaxation or elation. In other words, the giving of massage can be experienced as a form of active meditation.

To develop this concentration, you will need to attune to the needs of your partner. Although there are tangible signs of muscular tension which you can learn to recognize a good massage therapist also uses their intuitive faculties to sense which parts need soothing or revitalizing. In order to build up this sensitivity, try not to talk too much during the massage. It is a great pity that some people chatter compulsively because they are afraid or embarrassed by silence or even of being touched. Yet it is usually during the quiet moments that subtle healing energies come to the fore. With practice and a genuine desire to help another, most of us can develop our healing potential.

It is also important to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Remove jewellery and make sure your nails are cut short. Ask your partner to remove the necessary jewellery and clothes, but do respect their wishes if they feel happier wearing a pair of briefs, for instance.

The Recipient

To benefit fully from massage it is important to learn how to receive massage passively and with full awareness. If you constantly chatter and fidget, this is difficult to achieve. Instead, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, then exhale with a sigh and relax into the experience. Concentrate your attention on your partner's touch and enjoy the sensation; allow your body to go heavy and limp. Allow your arms or your head, for instance, to be lifted and moved by your partner, rather than trying to help. Do speak up, of course, if something hurts, or if you feel cold or uncomfortable. Also, if your neck starts to feel stiff when you lie on your front, turn it to the opposite side.

 

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 20, 2007

The Beginnings Aromatherapy Massage

Throughout history therapeutic touch in some form or another, be it native shamanic or something much more technical, has been used to heal the sick and distressed. The healing power of massage was recognized and recorded by the physicians of ancient China, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome. And while most Eastern cultures have enjoyed a long tradition of massage therapy in this respect the West suffered a severe setback in the Middle Ages when the Church branded massage as a sinful 'pleasure of the flesh'.
 
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, massage made something of a come back when the Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling introduced his own style of massage which synthesized ancient Chinese techniques and passive gymnastic movements. Ling's methods were spread from his native Sweden by disciples and became immensely popular throughout Europe. Even to this day the term 'Swedish Massage' is used in tribute to Ling, and denotes a style of massage whose strokes are less vigorous than the deep tissue frictions and pummeling employed at the Turkish baths. Most other forms of massage which have developed since the nineteenth century (including aromatherapy massage) are at least partly influenced by the Swedish system.
 
Yet despite the current upsurge of interest in massage therapy, there are still those who cannot free themselves from the notion that massage is solely for tired sports enthusiasts or for clients of the dubious 'massage parlour'. Indeed, touch therapy is often undervalued, underused and sometimes grossly misunderstood.
 
In truth, massage is an advanced and conscious form of our instinctive and innate ability to offer healing through the laying-on-of-hands, whether it be the stroking of a furrowed brow or the rubbing of aching shoulders. In this respect, stroking and caressing may be just as important to our health as food and cleanliness. Indeed, psychologists tell us that tender loving touch, especially during infancy, is vital to our emotional and physical development.
 
When touching takes the form of skilled but sensitive massage, not only does it relax and revitalize an ailing or tired body, it is also a way of communicating warmth, reassurance and a sense of self-worth. And when combined with the mood-enhancing properties of aromatic essences, we are nurtured on every level of our being, including the intangible spiritual level which may be embraced through our aesthetic appreciation of fragrance.

Filed under Aromatherapy Massage by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

November 19, 2007

Blending Essential Oils - A Few Tips

There are no rigid rules, only possibilities. For this reason, no two aromatherapists will offer the same prescription to a person suffering from a given set of symptoms. Even if they come up with the same essential oils, chances are that the proportions of each oil in the aromatic prescription will be different. Indeed, it seems that the possible blending permutations are limitless! Nevertheless, it is still possible to offer a few guidelines which, no doubt, you will eventually surpass.
 
Generally speaking, 'families' of essences tend to blend well together, albeit in a rather conservative way; for instance, herbs (clary sage, lavender, marjoram, rosemary), citrus (bergamot, orange, lemon, lime, mandarin), flowers (rose, ylang ylang, neroli), spices (coriander, ginger, cinnamon), resins (frankincense, elemi, gal-banum), woods (sandalwood, cypress, cedarwood). Other compatible aromas are spices with citrus (coriander and bergamot), resins with flowers and citrus (frankincense with rose and lemon). Woods and resins are a good match too: frankincense and cedarwood is a classic.
 
You could also try marrying wildly differing personalities, such as pungent black pepper or ginger with rose otto; the ancient and mysterious frankincense with the common or garden lavender; the bitter-sweet neroli with a hint of earthy vetiver or patchouli; the sweet scent of ylang ylang with the sharp scent of lemon, or whatever combination your developing sense of smell may suggest.

 

Odour Intensity

Certain essences are highly odoriferous, which means they will predominate your blends unless used in tiny amounts. Take the piercing aroma of lemongrass, for example; the oil is categorized as a top to middle note. This means it is highly volatile and will evaporate much more speedily than oils which resonate further down the odor scale. Yet add just a fraction too much lemongrass to a blend containing the less volatile middle to base notes, say, cypress and sandalwood, and the lemongrass will take over. However, if the blend is not used up immediately, the more tenacious sandalwood and cypress will eventually win through - even though their aromas are masked at the outset. So a highly odoriferous oil is not necessarily a base note, as is commonly believed; rather, it has an intense, though sometimes relatively short-lived, aroma.
 
If blended in the correct proportions, a mixture of lemongrass, cypress and sandalwood will become an harmonious scent with no single essence predominating. The more tenacious essences will intermingle with the lemongrass - rather than being swamped by it - and will slow down its evaporation rate. Aromatherapists describe such a perfectly balanced mixture as a 'synergistic blend'. Quite apart from the aesthetic element, a synergistic blend is generally believed to be more efficacious. In fact, this intuitive understanding has been partially vindicated by science.
 
Generally, when blending highly odoriferous essences with less odor-intensive oils it is important to start with a tiny amount of the most powerful-smelling oil and to add other essences drop by drop until you achieve the desired fragrance. For example, when creating a massage oil blend, you could begin with just one drop of tagetes or galbanum to 25-30 ml of base oil (very much lower than a 0.5 per cent dilution!). The less odoriferous essences can be added afterwards, in concentrations of between 1 and 2 per cent. But it is advisable to add just one drop at a time, mixing well and smelling as you go. You may then find, for example, that three drops of lavender and six drops of bergamot essence, together with the single drop of tagetes or galbanum, make an harmonious brew. If you disagree, adjust the ratio of essential oils according to your own aroma preference.
 

When using highly odoriferous oils in applications other than for massage, such as baths, steam inhalations and compresses, unless the essences are first diluted in a base oil (not always appropriate) it is impossible to give precise quantities. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to use no more than a single drop, perhaps blended with a few drops of another compatible oil.

A Selection Of 'Possibles'

When choosing oils for yourself it is relatively easy to compose a therapeutic blend which also suits your aroma preference. When deciding upon oils for another person, however, the process can be a little more difficult - especially if you have a limited selection. Even so, it may be helpful to illustrate how an aromatherapist might approach the task.
 

Although every aromatherapist will have their own method for determining which oils to use, the initial consultation always involves taking a thorough case history, as well as establishing the current emotional and physical state of the client. The aromatherapist may then refer to a therapeutic cross-reference of essential oils and/or use their intuition and knowledge to pick out a selection of 'possibles' - usually between three and six oils. The client may then be given the opportunity to smell each of the chosen oils and to decide which they like best. If more than one essence is to be used for the treatment, the aromatherapist will then apply their skill and intuition in preparing a test blend. If the client is happy with the mixture, then the blend will be used for that particular treatment (different combinations of oils may be used in subsequent treatments to suit the ever-changing pattern of the mind/body). If the client dislikes the blend, a good aromatherapist will try one or two other permutations until they hit upon a blend which the client finds agreeable. Although this may sound rather hit-or-miss - or even 'client-dominated' - in my own experience, the method works extremely well.

Incompatible Aromas

Certain essential oils when mixed together seem to 'fight' or refuse to merge into an harmonious whole. Examples of incompatible aromas (at least to my nose) include ylang ylang/tea tree, fennel/clove, peppermint/fennel, cinnamon leaf/sweet thyme, Roman or German chamomile/myrrh, peppermint/orange, patchouli/ German chamomile. As an experiment, try mixing some of these sparring partners (or any other unlikely sounding blend you can think of) and judge for yourself. Should you actually enjoy any of the aforementioned mixtures, then do feel free to ignore my comments about their so-called incompatibility. Indeed, an individual's perception of what is 'good' or 'not good' is highly subjective, and should be respected as such. Although there may well be a biochemical explanation for the 'incompatibility' of certain essences, there is no need to hold a degree in chemistry to perfect the art of blending. It is enough to apply your own aromatic good taste.
 

Filed under Aromatherapy Oils by Online Aromatherapy Guru

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print
« Previous Page • Next Page »