Books on Emotional Aspects of Aromatherapy

Our sense of smell is deeply linked to our moods, emotions and feelings. To be able to use fragrances in the management of psychological ailments resulting from stress, hormonal changes and chemical imbalances, you need to be thorough with the effect of essential oils on our minds.

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils

I took a class with Gabriel Mojay in 2002, bought his book, and ever since, I have been using it as a reference, almost every day! Gabriel Mojay combines his great knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Aromatherapy and helps you understand the underlying causes of several physical and mental ailments. He gives an elaborate description of each essential oil, including its origin, botanical properties, history and its application in aromatherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He also describes in detail a long list of psychological ailments and the “5 Element Theory” to help you formulate an integrative approach towards managing the same. I have recommended recipes from this book to many of my clients who have been battling depression, anxiety and stress, and I found that the strength of essential oil blends increases manifold when combined with acupressure and traditional massage techniques. Even if you are a stranger to Oriental medicine, you will find it quite reader-friendly owing to the high quality illustrations on massage and acupuncture.

The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion 

This is another one of my all-time favorites from Valerie Ann Worwood. I have used this book so many times that it is already falling apart. If you want to understand the complex and intricate relationship smells and our mind, this book covers it from end to end. From addiction and anxiety to poor concentration and depression, Valerie explains how specific oils and blends work at a molecular level to change moods, improve self-esteem and bring happiness, harmony and peace into our lives. Every tip and recipe will bring you closer to a more positive frame of mind. The most interesting part of this book, however, is that helps you evaluate your particular personality type and find oils/blends that are best suited for you!

Vibrational Healing: Revealing the Essence of Nature through Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

This is an amazing resource for those who wish to complement their knowledge of aromatherapy with spiritual healing techniques such as Reiki, Reflexology and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Deborah Eidson, who is an experienced massage therapist, delves deep into the energetic properties of essential oils, and how they can be used to clear blockages, balance the chakras and regularize the flow of vital energy. I found her discussions on the spiritual powers of plants quite enchanting and she presents a convincing argument on how botanical extracts can be used for spiritual and organ healing as well as personal growth. I must say that this book has given me a fresh perspective on aromatherapy and has enabled me to help many clients who had deep-seated emotional issues or past traumas that were impinging onto their health and wellbeing.

Related Aromatherapy Articles:

Quick Reference Aromatherapy Books – Book Review Part 1

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

You don’t have to be a certified Aromatherapist to incorporate the benefits of essential oils in your daily life. By learning the basics of Aromatherapy, you can explore the magical qualities of essential oils and formulate your own blends. In this 3-part series, I am going to introduce you to some amazing books, which I have been using regularly in my practice. If you are passionate about the subject, you too can augment your knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy and help those around you!

Quick Reference Aromatherapy Books

Whether you are a professional aromatherapist or someone who likes to concoct their own blends, it helps to have an easy reference book at hand. Here, I recommend 3 books that have been my companions for many years. I quickly flip through them when I need to try out a new recipe and it always works!

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy ~ Valerie Ann Worwood

I have used this book for 15 years and it never let me down. From practical tips for travelers to great recipes for woman’s health, I have tried almost all the recipes from this book. While Valerie Ann Worwood provides a brief explanation on why to use certain oils for specific conditions, she mainly focuses on the execution of a recipe and its practical application. The simplicity of this book makes it the perfect choice for beginners. Every recipe is presented in a detailed step-by-step manner and there is no possibility of confusion or ambiguity, even for someone who has negligible knowledge of aromatherapy. Even for seasoned professionals, it serves as a quick reference guide when you want to look up a recipe for a common ailment in your everyday practice. I recommend this book for beginners because it is “complete” in the sense that it not only provides recipes for common health problems and beauty but also teaches how to use essential oils for your children, pets and garden. A precious resource for any homemaker!

Aromatherapy: An A-Z: The Most Comprehensive Guide to Aromatherapy Ever Published 

This is another very simple, yet comprehensive book that you can turn to when you need information about certain oils, recipes or terminology. Since the book is actually an encyclopedia, it is very easy to navigate. I have been using it in my practice for 12 years and every time I go through it, I can sense Patricia Davis’ intense passion for aromatherapy. Some tips and advice that the author has offered cannot be found anywhere else – they obviously stem from her intense knowledge of the subject. Every recipe is accompanied by a section on safety and side effects, so you don’t end up using them wrongly. I would highly recommend it for beginners.

Aromatherapy for Women: A Practical Guide to Essential Oils for Health and Beauty

This is one of my first aromatherapy books and that is what probably makes it so special. It is a short book, which makes it easy to refer and carry around. I found it extremely helpful during pregnancy, labor and even after that. The style is friendly and casual, and Maggie Tisserand makes a conscious effort not to intimidate the reader with too much detail and jargon. Right from teenage to menopause, this book has something in it for women of all ages. You will find easy and effective recipes for problems ranging from PMS and acne to childbirth and yeast infections. It would also make for a great gift for your mother, sister, wife, daughter or any woman who is dear to you.

Related Aromatherapy Articles:

Books on Emotional Aspects of Aromatherapy

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

What do you need to know about stress

Stress is often labelled the “bad guy” but then, what would we do without it? Stress is an essential life force that drives our mind and body to respond to any demand made on it. Any stressful situation that we face triggers a “fight or flight response” which makes us sit, stand, walk or run. If the mind and body are unable to cope with a given situation, it culminates into feelings of frustration, anger and fear, which eventually translates into stress. As the mind and body continue to work in overdrive in an attempt to save the day, these negative emotions keep piling up unless we find a way to release them.

Stress and your health

Every individual responds to stress in a different way. High blood pressure, muscle tension, tightness in the chest  and panic attacks are some obvious physical symptoms of stress but we can’t underestimate other symptoms like digestive problems, overeating or loss or appetite, sexual incompetency, menstrual irregularity and dizziness. If you find yourself confused, anxious, aggressive or tearful very often, it may be time to step back and re-evaluate your methods of dealing with stress. Prolonged stress saps the body of its energy reserves and lowers the immunity, which makes us vulnerable to various illnesses.

Stress Control

Our careers, relationships, finances and daily chores are actually stressors that test our tolerance and our ability to adapt and readjust to a particular situation – the lower our tolerance, the greater the stress. Therefore, it is not stress that is the culprit; rather, it is our response to it that dictates whether it is going to have a positive or negative effect on our lives. This knowledge empowers and enables us to channel our energies and learn to deal with stress it in a positive way.

Aromatherapy, being a holistic form of treatment, is an ideal way of dealing with stress related conditions.

Aromatherapy to the Rescue

Are you a workaholic who can’t unwind even after leaving the office? Do you tend to exaggerate your problems and worry too much over nothing? Do new places and people make you anxious and paranoid? Are you unable to control your anger and frustration when things do not go your way? All of us have moments when we feel out of control and wish we could handle things differently. Fortunately, we have nature’s essential oils, with their calming, relaxing, or uplifting qualities that not only help us cope with a stressful situation, but also improve our ability to respond to a stressful situation in a positive way.

Stress and Essential Oils

 Stress Relieving Tips

Essential oils not only shield you from the ill effects of stress but also enable you to approach life’s challenges with a new enthusiasm.

Use Aromatherapy to Handle Stress in 3 Simple Steps:

Morning: Start your day with stimulating essential oils that nourish the adrenal glands. Combine 3 drops each of Rosemary, Pine, Spruce and Geranium with 1 oz Carrier Oil and apply to the adrenal area. Thank your adrenal glands for all the support they give you.

Daytime: Use an aromatherapy spray with balancing essential oils to keep your spirits high. Combine 3 drops of Clary Sage, Litsea cubeba and Lavender with 1 oz distilled water, pour this blend in a spray bottle and spray on your face several times during the day.  Breathe deeply and feel your anxiety melt away.

Evening: Mix 5 drops each of Lavender, Frankincense and Mandarin in ¼ cup of salts and add this mixture to your bath. Seize the day as you soak in this aromatic bath and let your worries drain away because tomorrow will be a new day!

Try these methods of essential oil application for stress to relax and cleanse your mind of toxic thoughts – you and those around you will experience the benefits immediately.

Reference: Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils, Gabriel Mojay

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

Many of my students and clients ask me about the origins and background of aromatherapy.  Is it new? How long has it been around us? Who discovered it?

I thought this summary of the history of aromatherapy  can give you a better idea on how old aromatherapy is and how long humanity has been using nature’s aromatic plants.

Aromatherapy is derived from two words: Aroma – meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy – meaning treatment.

Aromatic plants were  used by the most ancient civilizations, we could say that aromatherapy is at least 6000 years old. An Egyptian  medical papyrus considered to date back to around 1555 BC contains remedies for all types of illnesses and the methods of application are similar to the ones used in Aromatherapy and Herbal medicine today.

The Egyptians used a method known as infusion  to extract the oils from aromatic plants and incense was probably one of the earliest ways of using aromatics. Frankincense was burned at sunrise as an offering to the sun god, Ra, while myrrh was offered to the moon. The Egyptians were experts at embalming using aromatics to help preserve flesh. The Egyptians used to be massaged with fragrant oils after bathing.

The Greeks continued the use of aromatic oils and used them medicinally and cosmetically. A Greek physician, Pedacius Dioscorides, wrote  Materia Media, a book about herbal medicine and for at least 1200 years it was used as the Western world’s standard medical reference. Many of the remedies he mentions are still in use today in Aromatherapy.

The Bible has several mentions to the use of aromatic substances, both in the Old and New Testaments:

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

The Romans took much of their medical knowledge from the Greeks and went on to use and improve the ability of aromatics. Rome became the bathing capital of the world. After bathing the Romans would be oiled and massaged. The Romans started to import new aromatic products from East India and Arabia through the opening up of trade routes.

During the crusades the knowledge of aromatic oils and perfumes spread to the Far East and Arabia. It was a physician called Avicenna who lived from A.D 980 to AD 1037 who is understood to have first used the process known as distillation to distil essence of rose. It probably took many years to perfect the process . The Arabs also discovered how to distil alcohol around the same time making it possible to produce perfumes without a heavy oily base.

There is a strong possibility that the ancient Chinese civilizations were using some form of aromatics at the same time as the Egyptians. Shen Nung’s Herbal book is the oldest surviving medical book in China.  It is dated about 2700 BC and contains information on over 300 plants.  The Chinese used aromatic herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense to show respect to God.

Traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda has been practiced for more than 3000 years and it incorporates aromatic massage as one of its main aspects.

The invasions of South America by the conquistadores brought about the discovery of more medicinal plants and aromatic oils. The Aztecs were well known for their plant remedies and the Spanish were amazed at the wealth of medicinal plants found in Montezuma’s botanical gardens.

The North American Indians also used aromatic oils and produced their own herbal remedies.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on bacteria in humans.

A French chemist, René  Maurice Gattefossé, began his research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning his hand in his laboratory and applying lavender oil.  He was impressed by how quickly the burn healed. In 1937 he published the book Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales, a book about the anti-microbial effects of the oils and coined the word Aromatherapy. He went on to set up a business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics. Around the same time another Frenchman, Albert Couvreur, published a book on the medicinal uses of essential oils.

A French medical doctor, Jean Valnet, discovered Gattefosse’s research and began experimenting with essential oils.  He realized the enormous potential of essential oils when he used them in treating wounds during the war.  In 1964 he published his first book  The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties

Around the same time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist developed a unique method of applying these oils to the skin with massage. Micheline Arcier, now living in London, studied and worked with Maury and Valnet and their combined techniques created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over the world.

What is Bergamot?

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is a citrus fruit that is native to southern Italy, tropical parts of Asia and the Ivory Coast. This citrus  fruit probably gets its name from the town of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where it was commercially grown for the first time.

Bergamot is rarely consumed as a fruit or fruit juice. It is primarily cultivated for its essential oil, which is obtained through cold compression of the fruit’s rind. Apart from its medicinal and therapeutic applications, the oil is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics as a flavoring agent for Earl Grey Tea.

Bergamot Essential Oil – Uses in Aromatherapy

Bergamot essential oil, with its clean and refreshing citrus fragrance, is an effective antidote against depression, anxiety, urinary tract infections and nervous indigestion. The oil has a balancing and toning effect on the nervous system which makes it effective against psychological disturbances as well as painful spasms. Bergamot is also used in the treatment of all kinds of infections owing to its strong antiseptic properties.

Bergamot Essential Oil for Nervous Indigestion:

Some people respond to emotional turmoil with overeating while others tend to starve themselves sick. The former results in flatulence, indigestion and colic, while the latter results in weakness and loss of immunity. Dr. Jean Valnet mentions the use of Bergamot for loss of appetite, but Patricia Davis cites that “its effect on the appetite is more regulating rather than stimulating”.  Therefore, Bergamot is just as useful for anorexia nervosa as it is for compulsive eating.

Use Bergamot oil for indigestion, gas and flatulence. Follow this recipe:

Combine 1 teaspoon carrier oil with
2 drops of Bergamot essential oil
2 drops of German Chamomile essential oil
2 drops of Fennel essential oil

Massage the entire abdominal area with this blend, preferably at night just before going to bed.

Bergamot Essential Oil for Urinary Tract Infections:

UTI or Urethritis is characterized by immense burning and discomfort during urination and a constant urge to urinate. If left untreated, the infection may spread upwards of the urethra to the bladder and even the kidneys. For individuals who are prone to recurrent bouts of Urinary Tract Infection, Bergamot is an effective remedy owing to its natural antiseptic properties.

Bergamot essential oil blends amazingly well with Lavender and Tea Tree oils, which are powerful disinfectants by themselves. Mix 3 drops each of these oils to 1 cup of organic, plain yoghurt and prepare a sitz bath by filling a tub with enough warm water to cover your hips. Add the mixture to it, swish it well and sit in the bath for about 10 minutes. Repeat this everyday for at least a week to get rid of the nasty symptoms.

To prevent recurrence, prepare a genital rinse by mixing 3 drops each of Bergamot and Lavender oils to a teaspoon of salt and dissolving this in an 8oz bottle of filtered water. Use a bit of this rinse every time you go to the bathroom to keep infection at bay.

It is recommended that you drink lots of water to flush out the microbes and cut down on sugary and processed foods as these encourage the growth of bacteria and yeast in the urinary tract. Please note that these treatments may complement, but not substitute a medical prescription. If the infection does not show signs of improvement or is accompanied by fever or blood in the urine, consult a physician immediately.

Bergamot Essential Oil for Depression and Anxiety

According to Gabriel Mojay, “Bergamot oil helps us to relax and “let go””. This means that Bergamot encourages the release of locked-up emotions that eventually lead to depression, anxiety and insomnia. The coolness of citrus also negates “hot” emotions like anger, frustration and irritability.

To kick start your day on a positive note, put 5 drops of Bergamot oil on a dry washcloth and place this on your chest while taking a hot shower. Inhale the vapors and feel the positive energy charge up your body. With each deep breath, all those feelings of depression, anger and frustration will simply melt away.

Even when you are not at home, keep a bottle of Bergamot essential oil handy. Place a few drops on a piece of paper towel (it works better than a tissue) and sniff it from time to time to refresh your mind.

Once a week, add 3 drops each of Bergamot, Frankincense and Lavender essential oils to your bath water and soak in this rejuvenating aromatic bath.

Whenever you are feeling down and out, the fresh, citrus burst of Bergamot will help relieve stress and promote a positive outlook towards life.  By re channeling negative emotions, Bergamot helps restore optimism, motivation and hope.

How do you use your Bergamot essential oil? Do write in to share how it has worked for you!

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

If you treat sleep as an indulgence and not a bare necessity, it’s time to rethink your priorities. Do your body a favor and give it the rest and recuperation that it so needs. Need a little push? Help is at hand with the SERENO range from Aromandina.  We have a couple of basic tricks on how to fall asleep naturally.

Create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere at home with these super-effective aromatherapy blends containing Lavender, Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram, Sandalwood and Palo Santo..

• Use Sleep Time Essential Oil in a diffuser in your bedroom to set the stage for a deep sleep.

• Put 2 drops of Sleep Time Essential Oil on a tissue and tuck it under your pillow case.

• Add SERENO Andean Bath Soak to your bath.   An aromatherapy bath is a great opportunity to seize the day, let the tension of your body melt and to visualize that all your worries go through the drain.  Tomorrow will be a new day!

• Spray your pillow and face with SERENO Body Mist for a night of restful sleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night, just spray your face a couple of times and breathe deeply.  This will help you go back to sleep again.

• Massage the back of your neck, the soles of your feet and your solar plexus area with Sleep Time Body Oil to release all the stress and anxiety. We tend to store our tension, irritability and frustration in the solar plexus area.  A soft massage on that area will help relief that accumulated stress or repressed emotion.

These are simple steps, won’t take a lot of your precious time and you deserve it!

Night – Night!

 Related Aromatherapy Articles

How to use essential oils: Shower method of essential oil application
3 STEPS TO A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP!
Massage Treatment for Anxiety and Stress Relief with Aromatherapy
Can’t Sleep? Try a Footbath Tonight
More Sleep, More Power

Lack of Sleep could lead to weight gain

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

All-natural Aromatherapy Shampoos

Your everyday shampoo may contain harmful chemicals, which can cause skin irritation and allergies.  Instead of subjecting your hair and scalp to the harmful effects of chemicals, prepare your own organic hair cleanser for healthy and fragrant hair. Look for a fragrance-free shampoo that is free of toxic ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), diethanolamine (DEA) or momethanolamine (MEA), and use the following recipes according to your hair type.

Here are some cool recipes for you:

• MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO FOR DRY HAIR
  

1  8oz bottle of unscented shampoo:

20 drops Geranium Essential Oil
40 drops Lavender Essential Oil
20 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

Add the oils and shake well.

• CLARIFYING SHAMPOO FOR OILY HAIR

To an 8oz bottle of unscented shampoo, add:

20 drops  Bergamot Essential Oil
16 drops  Cypress Essential Oil
16 drops  Clary Sage Essential Oil
28 drops  Lemon, Essential Oil

Add the oils and shake well.

• SCALP TREATMENT SHAMPOO 

1  8oz bottle of unscented shampoo:

20 drops Eucalyptus Radiata Essential oil
20 drops Peppermint Essential oil
20 drops Rosemary Essential oil
20 drops Cypress Essential oil

Add the oils and shake well.

• STRENGTHENING SHAMPOO FOR HAIR LOSS

1  8oz bottle of unscented shampoo:

20 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
30 drops Rosemary Essential oil
12 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
18 drops Thyme Essential Oil

Add the oils and shake well.

•  SHAMPOO FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS
  

40 drops Lavender Essential Oil
28 drops  Lemon, Essential Oil
12 drops Spearmint Essential Oil

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

I recently read an interesting article (http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/bathroom-clean-safe/ ) that describes how your bathroom space is a potential breeding ground for germs, mold and mildew, which not only cause foul odor, but put you at a risk of infections and allergies. Even a reasonably clean-looking bathroom has disease-causing organisms hiding in inconspicuous places that often escape our attention.

Most commercially available cleaning products contain chlorine and other toxic ingredients that pollute the environment and may pose a hazard for children and pets.  If you are an eco-conscious individual who likes to do things the natural way, you can try substituting some of these products with essential oils.

Certain essential oils possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make them very potent disinfectants. What’s more, they are safe, affordable, environment friendly and leave your bathroom smelling clean!

Mold and Mildew

The constant moisture in bathrooms encourages the growth of fungus, especially in hard-to-reach corners – these fungal spores can cause respiratory problems and skin allergies in some people.

To keep your bathroom space mold-free, make a bathroom spray:

In a 16 oz spray bottle combine:

12 oz distilled water
4 oz white vinegar
10 drops each of Cinnamon Leaf, Tea Tree, Niaouli, Basil and Lemongrass essential.

Shake well. Spray the area liberally with this mixture and scrub.

After the areas are clean, use this versatile spray in all areas of your bathroom as a maintenance routine.

 Shower curtains

Shower curtains are a perfect place for germs and fungus to thrive because they are usually damp. Vinyl curtains even release toxins into the environment, which can be harmful if your bathroom is inadequately ventilated. Try switching over to fabric curtains and toss them in the washer at least once a month.

You can add 10 drops of Tea Tree and 10 drops of Lemongrass oil as an additive to kill bacteria and fungal spores.

Shower Heads

They may look innocuous on the outside, but the minute holes on shower heads are home to bacteria and mold. These contaminate your bath water as it flows through the openings and may be ingested. Detach the shower head occasionally and give it a thorough cleaning.

Mix 5 drops each of Lemongrass, Cinnamon Leaf, and Niaouli with ½ cup of baking soda.

Dilute this in 1 liter water and immerse the shower head in this solution.  Let it soak for an hour to loosen the dirt particles before scrubbing it with an old toothbrush. Rinse with very hot water.

Toilet

To get a squeaky-clean toilet, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 15 drops of Tea Tree and 15 drops of Lemon essential oil. Sprinkle all over the seat and bowl, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub with a bowl brush. As an everyday routine, you can just sanitize the toilet seat by spraying it with the bathroom spray and wiping with a paper towel.

Bathtub and sink

The soapy scum that forms on bathtub and sink surfaces looks unsightly and can put you at the risk of injuries. A paste made with ¼ cup baking soda, 5 drops of Lemon oil, 10 drops of Basil oil and some dish washing liquid is strong enough to cut through the slick layers. Sponge the surfaces with this mixture, rinse and finish off with your multipurpose bathroom spray.

With these simple aromatherapy home recipes, your bathroom will always look and smell divine.

Related Articles:

How to get rid of your carpet germs with essential oils

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.

Source: http://frugaldad.com

Boost your Bottom Line With Aromatherapy! – Part II

Aromatherapy, is easy to implement in all your spa treatments. Try these following ideas to enhance your facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and all your spa  treatments. Not only will the use of Aromatherapy address more of the needs of your clients it will also feel absolutely divine and set you and your spa apart from the others.

What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy in Spa Treatments?

• Immediate relaxation
• Address conditions hard to reach at other levels, for instance emotional conditions that may underlie a physical symptom
• Increases guest loyalty, scents access the deep parts of the subconscious where a great deal of decision making is done
• Stimulates feelings of euphoria and happiness

 Easy Ways to Implement Aromatherapy in Your Spa Treatments

• Use an Aromatherapy burner or diffuser in your treatment room
• Use an Aromatherapy mist during any of your treatments
• Use Aromatherapy massage oil in any of your treatments

I have outlined some steps I have personally used and tested that use Essential Oils in spa treatments. They have always produced the WOW factor and bring clients back again and again.

STEP 1 – Have your room prepared – your Aromatherapy burner or diffuser should have your favorite Essential Oil or Essential Oil blend, remember, you are the one in that treatment room all day, so think about yourself, your guest will enjoy your choice.

STEP 2 – Create a relaxing Aromatherapy Mist to set the stage for relaxation.

Have you noticed how some guests can’t stop talking as they come into your room? Maybe they are afraid of losing their control, with this mist you can gently let them know that they can relax and trust in your caring hands.

Here is the recipe:

• 1 oz Bottle with Mist Sprayer
• Fill it with distilled water
• Add 5 drops of  each these calming Essential Oils
• You can blend up to 5 calming oils
  • Lavender
  • Palo Santo
  • Mandarin
• Before the treatment begins ask your client to close their eyes, breathe deeply and enjoy the mist.  Point the nozzle upwards so that the product falls on their face as a gentle rainforest mist.

STEP 3 – While they are facing upwards either during a massage, body treatments or while they have a mask on, use an eye pillow. First wrap the pillow with a tissue and put one drop of lavender or mandarin on the side of the pillow that won’t touch the face.  This calming scent will disconnect them and send them to nirvana.

STEP 4 – Combine some Essential Oils with a carrier oil so that you can massage their legs while you do a pedicure. You can also use the blend during a facial to massage your client’s arms, décolletage and hands while they have on a mask. Also use the blend as the oil for an Aromatherapy massage.

For a full body massage you will need 3 tablespoons carrier oil and up to a total of 10 drops of Essential Oil.

For a leg massage use 1 teaspoon carrier oil  and 2 or 3 drops of Essential Oil..

For hands, arms and décolletage massage use 1 tablespoon carrier oil to 4 drops Essential Oil.

Please remember that One Size Does Not Fit All – Don’t use just lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint. Be creative, and remember that your guests like to feel special and that you have listened to them and addressed their needs.

How to Customize your Spa Treatment

Always ask your client: How are you feeling TODAY?

Addressing the answer to this question will set you and your spa apart from the crowd and give all of your treatments that special customization.

When you have asked the critical question “How Are You Feeling TODAY?”, here are some Essential Oils you can use to address their needs they tell you in their answer.

Under the weather? 
Use some Eucalyptus – Ravensara – Tea Tree – these are antibacterial, antiseptic and can help boost their immune system

Sore Muscles? 
Peppermint, Rosemary, Pine – to improve circulation and for pain relief

Stress levels getting too high? 
Palo Santo, Frankincense, Bergamot – to help them be calmer and more relaxed

In need of emotional balance? 
Clary Sage – Ylang Ylang – Litsea Cubeba – perfect for those who are sad, suffer from depression and are going through hard times in their lives

Sluggish, trying to lose some weight? 
Fennel, Grapefruit, Cedarwood – to help move the lymph, help decongest and break down deposits of fat and water in the cells 

Tired all the time?
Rosemary, Peppermint, Pine, Cardamom – as a tonic to  their adrenal glands, great for guests who need to keep going after treatment

Need some feminine balance?
Geranium, Clary Sage, Rose, Jasmine – for those women days, if they suffer from PMS tell them to come every month for a relaxing treatment.  You can apply a thin layer of these oils diluted in carrier oil and cover with a hot towel. Can you imagine the feeling of relief?

And lastly:

STEP 5 - Help them use Essential Oils at home. Give them a couple of oils to start with, not only will they feel better but those who live and work with your guests will also notice the difference. Your word of mouth marketing is at work!

Call Aromandina at (678) 897-4869 or go to www.aromandina.com to order your Essential Oils today and start using them in your spa treatments!

 Related Articles:

Aromatherapy Use in The Spa Environment 
Four Steps To A Successful Spa Session
Massage Treatment For Pain Relief With Aromatherapy 
Women’s Joy – Massage Treatment 
Massage Treatment for Adrenal Support 
Massage Treatment for Anxiety and Stress Relief with Aromatherapy

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC

This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.