Aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular as a powerful well-being tool and has shown the potential to lift mood, reduce anxiety, induce calm and support restful sleep.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy are the extremely concentrated volatile oils of plants, usually extracted by steam distillation from the flowers, leaves, seeds or twigs.
The molecules in the oils can either be inhaled with the aroma or absorbed through the skin. With so many amazing essential oils, each with different properties, benefits and risks, it can seem like a minefield if you are new to this healing art. However, if you choose the right oils, aromatherapy can add a whole new dimension to your life.
Focusing on finding your inner calm, here are some simple tools and recipes for bringing the fragrant power of aromatherapy into your hands as part of a regular well-being routine.
MONTHLY
Aromatherapy Massage
I would personally recommend that everyone treat themselves to an aromatherapy massage once every month or two as part of a self-care routine. The deep relaxation that comes from the massage, the inhaled fragrance and absorption of the essential oils is incredible, not to mention having a quiet space totally for yourself for an hour.
While I was training as an Aromatherapist I would return to my office job on a Monday every month having had a full weekend of giving and receiving full-body massages. My colleagues always knew when it had been an ‘aromatherapy weekend’ because I looked so relaxed and chilled out. I always felt AMAZING after those weekends. An aromatherapy massage still does that to me many years later, every time.
You can go to a spa, a clinic, or there are some superb mobile Aromatherapists who will even bring a portable massage couch, oils and towels to your home.
WEEKLY
Indulgent Bath Soak
Soaking in a hot bath indulgently scented with fragrant essential oils is the perfect way to relax and unwind before bed.
The recipe suggestion below would make a wonderful night-time calming blend that smells amazing. Stir together in a small dish and pour under running water into a hot bath:
- 1 tablespoon Almond oil
- 3 drops High Altitude Lavender
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Bergamot (FCF)
- 1 drop Rose Geranium
Your night-time bath blend could include any of Lavender, Frankincense, Geranium, Chamomile, Bergamot (FCF) or Vetiver. 8 drops in a tablespoon of base oil and swirled into the bath.
For your own safety, always dilute essential oils in a base carrier oil such as Almond or Olive Oil, or in an un-fragranced liquid soap. They are very concentrated and because oil doesn’t mix with water the little droplets can burn your skin when neat.
NIGHTLY
Fragrant Home Diffuser
Create a fragrant haven at home that has calming and mood uplifting properties too.
To diffuse essential oils safely I would recommend getting yourself a plug-in electrical diffuser. You add water to the diffuser and around 6 drops of essential oil. The diffuser creates this into a mist that is evaporated into the room. They are much safer than the ones that you burn a tea-light underneath and don’t destroy the precious oils by burning them.
There are so many oils to choose from and fragrance is so personal that you will need to experiment, but a couple of blend suggestions below would work well together. Both are suitable for evening use and should leave you feeling calm and relaxed. There is no need to add a base carrier oil to the diffuser. The pure oils just in water are better for this.
Calm blend
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Rose Geranium
- 1 drop Ylang Ylang
Pre-sleep blend
- 2 drops High Altitude Lavender
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
- 1 drop Vetiver
- 1 drop Chamomile
DAILY
Take with you – roll-on blend
Much as it is wonderful to have a bath with essential oils or an aromatherapy massage, when you are at work or out and about then something a little more accessible and easy to apply can be very useful when you are feeling frazzled, overwhelmed or fragile. For these moments keep a roller-ball bottle in your bag with your favourite blend.
Emotiv Aromatherapy Mood Shots are aromatherapy blends designed to create your own personal sanctuary wherever you are. Easy to apply on-the-go, they come with a drawstring bag for travel. An oasis of calm, a shot of energy, a moment of mindfulness, there is a blend for you.
Whatever your chosen blend, take a moment for a ‘time-out’ ritual by quietly rolling the blend onto your wrists, neck and back of your hands. Breathe deeply and slowly, inhaling the aroma.
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