Massage is probably the most common way of using essential oils, and they are used this way therapeutically in Aromatherapy.
As it combines two of our senses: touch and smell, it has an instant physical and mental benefit. The warm skin-on-skin friction from massage causes the oils to be absorbed more quickly and makes them more aromatic. This same friction increases blood circulation, stimulates, relaxes muscles, lowers heart rate and blood pressure and makes us feel better than you can imagine.
You will need:
The right essential oils
Carrier Oil
A warm room
Peace and quiet (take the phone off the hook and turn off the TV)
Loose clothing - easily removed
Towels for wrapping yourself in or using as a pillow
Mix up enough aromatherapy massage oil and place it in either a plastic squeezy bottle or a bowl you can dip your fingers in.Glass is too slippery to hold when you have oily hands.
Note:Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before they are applied to the skin.
A basic guideline is:
For Body Massage: 15 drops of essential oil in 60ml (2fl.oz/12 tsps) of carrier oil.
For face/foot massage: 5 drops of essential oil in 30ml (1fl.oz/6tsps) of carrier oil.
When preparing your oils, first measure out your carrier oil then add the essential oil, drop by drop then shake or stir to blend. Generally it is best not to use more than 3 essential oils at one time for massage. Using more can result in individual aromas fighting one another rather than blending together.
Try not to mix more massage oil than you need each time so that the oils stay fresh and uncontaminated. However, if you do over estimate, the left-overs can be stored in a dark glass screw top bottle away from direct sunlight.
The best carrier oils for massage are Sweet Almond, Sunflower or Safflower. These can be used on body and face, but if you want to treat a specific skin problem then use a carrier oil specifically for facial skin care.
Remember, do not bath or shower for two hours after an aromatherapy massage, to allow the essential oils to be totally absorbed.
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