Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and similar aromatic compounds from plants, for the purpose of improving a person's mood, cognitive function or health. Preliminary scientific evidence is growing in all these areas. Aromatherapy has been used by many cultures since mankind has discovered the value and healing properties of plants.

What are essential oils and how are they used? Essential oils are the liquids distilled from plants (including scrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds). Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. They have been used medicinally to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, as well as to balance mood, lift spirits, or to dispel negative emotions. Essential oils have also been known to stimulate the regeneration of tissue, nerves, and even carry nutrients to, and oxygenate living cells.

It is very important to get your oils from a source that makes “therapeutic-grade” essential oils. This means that the oils are of the highest quality and purity and distilled in such a way as to preserve the chemistry of the oils within the plant. Oils that are not therapeutic-grade quality will not achieve therapeutic results. Young Living is the company from which I purchase and sell oils. To order oils or to find out more about Young Living Essential Oils please call me (406) 860-4207.

Oils can be used in three main ways:

• Topically: Most oils can be applied directly to the skin.
• Inhalation: There are several ways of doing this (through a diffuser, steam inhalation, or just simply smelling the oil).
• Ingestion: Some oils may be ingested. Be careful with what you ingest, though, not all oils can be taken internally.

There are many methods of application some of which include:

• Massage (topical): Use 1-3 drops in a 1 T of vegetable oil and apply to skin.
• Bath: Epsom salt baths are highly effective in aiding and supporting the body in detoxing. Epsom salts aid the elimination of waste material from the skin as well as reduce muscular aches and pains by aiding the elimination of uric acid build-up. Epsom salts support and enhance the bodies’ immune response by stimulating lymph and blood circulation. Use 5-8 drops of essential oils per cup of Epsom salts.
• Foot and Hand baths: Foot and Hand baths can be utilized in the treatment of: arthritis, athlete’s foot, poor circulation, low energy, stress, nail fungus and other skin disorders of the hands and feet. Dosage: 5-7 drops of essential oil in a basin of warm/hot water. Let feet or hands soak for 10 - 15 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salts for added benefit.
• Water spritzer: simply add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to a glass 5 oz spray bottle, then fill the rest with water. Shake well before use.
• Diffusion: To get the most benefit out of diffusing your oils, use a cold-air diffuser. The heated diffusers damage the beneficial molecules that the therapeutic-grade essential oils can provide when diffused without heat. Young Living (the brand of therapeutic-grade essential oils that I use and recommend) has a great diffuser that is very efficient. Call me to order or ask questions.
• Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of essential oil to a few cups of boiled water. Then cover your head with a towel, keep the eyes closed, and breathe in the steam deeply.

What is an aromatherapy treatment like? In my treatments I always use therapeutic-grade essential oils made by Young living Essential Oils (www.youngliving.org). I can combine the use of these oils into your massage or almost any other spa treatment or type of bodywork.

Please let me know if you are interested in me using essential oils in with your therapy. I do not always use them, as some people are sensitive to the sometimes strong scents of the oils.

After talking with you about your particular health concerns or ailments, I will choose which oils I feel would be most beneficial to you. Usually people are not allergic to oils but if you know of or suspect any allergies or sensitivities, please let me know prior to the treatment.

Remember, I am not a doctor; therefore I do not diagnose or claim to cure any illness. If you have any major health concerns, please consult with your doctor.

Please call to schedule your aromatherapy treatment or to find out more about Young Living Essential Oils: (406) 860-4207