This is in continuation to the previous articles:
AROMA THERAPY (Part-I),AROMA THERAPY (Part-II),AROMA THERAPY (Part-III)

Foot Bath

You can immerse your feet in a bowl of Luke warm water to which 2-3 drops of essential oil is added. This is a very refreshing experience after a hard day's work and if you have sweaty and smelly feet, then too this foot bath is very profitable.

Pot Pourri

Pot Pourri, as the name suggests is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, and grass and seed pods.

Few drops of essential oil added to the pot pourri and kept in a bowl would keep giving out aromatic fragrance for 4-6 weeks. Another more effective method would be to keep the pot pourri mixture after adding the essential oil in a closed container overnight so that the oil gets absorbed. The next morning the box can be kept open and the lingering aroma would fill the area.

Bed Time

Sprinkle 2-3 drops on the pillow cover or on a tissue that can be placed under the pillow or cushion cover and inhaled just before sleeping or while sleeping. This can be very useful in treating headaches, stress, and tension and in boosting confidence. Some of the essential oils act as an aphrodisiac too.

Compresses

Both cold and hot compresses are profitable.

Add 2-3 drops of aroma oil to a bowl of hot (depending on how much of heat you can withstand) or warm water and dip a hand towel or piece of cotton to enable it to absorb the mixture then squeeze out the excess water and place the towel or cotton on the area to be treated. Leaving the compress on the area for 2 hours is quite beneficial.

Oil like lavender is usually used. This provides relief when used over bruises, skin problems and premenstrual syndromes.

To make a cold compress, add 6 cubes of ice to a bowl with 2-3 drops of essential oil and dip a hand towel or a piece of cotton to absorb the mixture then squeeze out the excess water and place the towel or cotton on the area to be treated. Cold compress is highly helpful in treating burns, sore feet, hangover, sprains and headaches. After a facial the use of hot and cold compress alternately helps the skin.

Oral Intake

It is an accepted practice abroad to take essential oil orally as it is safe. However, care should be taken to take it only under the supervision or guidance of an experienced aromatherapy practitioner. Few oils can be taken internally in prescribed dosage for a particular problem like indigestion under the guidance of a qualified therapist only.

Beauty Treatment

Aroma oils have been used as an application for the skin from times immemorial. As they are highly soothing in treating and enhancing the natural beauty of the skin they can be safely incorporated in facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, scalp treatment, hair wash, hair treatment along with other creams and oils.

Rose, chamomile, lemon, lavender, geranium, sandalwood are some good oils for facials irrespective of the fact that beauty treatment is given to normal, mature, dry, oily, sensitive or problem skin. Either one of these or a combination of two could be used.

The carrier oils that are helpful in a beauty treatment are sweet almond, wheat germ, peach kernel, apricot kernel and sunflower. Steam facials with essential oils are also rejuvenating and help in improving skin texture.

Room Sprays

There is a call for protecting the environment and this is becoming a prime concern worldwide. Aerosols are being discouraged due to their ozone depleting properties.

Essential oils are natural and hence they could be used liberally to deodorise a room, freshen and scent your bathroom, living-room, bedroom, dining-room, office cabin, etc. Merely add 10-12 drops of aroma oil to half a litre of water and spray the mixture with the help of a spray bottle.

Oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine and rosemary are best for this application. Cupboards, wardrobes can also be disinfected. If a room smells of dampness or there are moulds in the hotel rooms, houses, offices or factories and shops the essential oil along with water can be sprayed.

Insect Repellents

Essential oils are excellent fragrant dispenser and non toxic insecticides.

Just 2-3 drops of essential oil can be used on pillow covers, mattresses or used mosquito mats (this can be electrically reused) or applied to the exposed skin after blending with carrier oil before going to bed to repel insects.

Lemongrass is best for flying insects, tea-tree for ants and fleas, thyme for crawling pests, camphor for moths and citronella for mosquitoes.

Preparing for a Massage

Be sure your nails are short and clean

Wear comfortable clothes

Remove all jewellery

Wash hands before each massage

Drink a full glass of filtered or spring water

Make sure you have everything to hand so there are no interruptions

A futon, a yoga mat or a large spongy mat on the floor is fine

Small tables close at hand

Carrier oil and pure essential oil mix in a bowl

Basin of boiling water to warm small bowl of mixed oil .Enough towels bath sheets and smaller towels

Eye bag

Box of tissues

Three pillows

A head rest

Heater to warm the towels

An essential oil-warmer burning with relaxing essential oils .Have a hot water bottle handy for under the feet

Have a glass of water to offer the person you are massaging

Set the mood for a snug, comfortable and relaxed environment

Make sure there is no draught

During winters, heat the room

Ensure dim lighting -no bright overhead lights

Play soft, soothing music

Unplug the phones or put on message bank and switch off mobile phones.

Put note on door DO NOT DISTURB