Essential Oils can be used as simply and effectively at home in a variety of ways, both for their scent and for their medicinal qualities. They can revive potpourris; they can be added to a bath, or employed in the treatment of minor first aid. Essential Oils may help prevent and relieve many common complaints such as headaches, colds, period pains, and aching muscles. In using them in a massage it is best to mix them in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, emu oil, jojoba, rose hip seed oil etc. In other words most if not all vegetable oils.
A few drops of essential oil can also be mixed into a bland cream or lotion, or added to a basic face mask, which might include oatmeal, honey or clay together with the pulp of various fruits. In some conditions, such as cold sores and athlete's foot, it is better to use an alcohol-based lotion rather than an oil or cream. This can be made by adding 6 drops of essential oil to 5 ml (1 tsp) of everclear alcohol (everclear is Ph balanced to the skin.) This mixture can be further diluted in a litre (1 3/4 pint) of boiled and cooled water, preferably distilled water, for treating open cuts or sores, such as those caused by chickenpox or genital herpes.
Topical Application: The feet are the second fastest area of the body to absorb oils because of the large pores, plus all the electrical meridians go through the feet so anything put on the feet can usually be tasted almost immediately. Other quick absorbing areas include behind the ears and on the wrists. To experience a feeling of peace, relaxation, or energy, two to four drops per foot are adequate.
A simple method of applying oils is to put them on to contact points (accu-pressure, accu-puncture points or nerve endings) in the feet or hands or anywhere on the body. Then a series of hand rotation movements at those control points create a vibrational healing energy that carries the oils along the neuroelectrical pathways. The oils help increase the frequency of this healing energy and serves to either help remove the blockage along the pathways or travel the length of the pathway to benefit the particular organ.
The method of applying oils to the rim of the ears works extremely well for emotional clearing - also for hearing problems. Chakra points are good for emotional and inspirational healing.
Hot and Cold Compresses: This is a very effective way of using essential oils to relieve pain and reduce inflamation. A hot compress can be made by filling a bowl with very hot water, then adding 4 or 5 drops of essential oil. Dip a folded piece of cotton cloth, into the bowl, squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth on the affected area until it has cooled to body heat, then repeat. Hot compresses are paritcularly useful for backache, rheumatism and arthritis, abscesses, earache and toothache.
Cold Compresses are made in a similar way, using ice cold rather than hot water. This type of compress is useful for headaches (apply to forehead or back of neck), sprains, strains, and other hot, swollen conditions.
Inhalations: The easiest and simplest way of putting the oils into the air for inhalation is to use a diffuser. Diffusers that use a heat source (such as a light bulg ring) will alter the chemical make-up of the oil and its therapeutic qualities. A cold air diffuser works well to break the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air covering thousands of square feet in seconds. The oils will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic properties of the oils kill bacteria and help reduce fungus and mold. Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics as well as help to create greater spiritual, physical, and emotional harmony. Diffuse the oils for only 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
Cloth: Put one to three drops of and essential oil on a paper towel, tissue, cotton ball, handkerchief, towel, or a pillow case and hold it close to your face and inhale. Do not use synthetic fabrics as the oils will melt the fabric.
Cautions: Essential Oils are extremely potent and stay in the body for approx. 21 days - the life span of the blood cells. It doesn't take much to accomplish your goal. Taking them everyday, internally, etc. can cause an overdose effect that probably will not do damage, however, it is a waste of oils and won't do you any good. Massage therapists should not use essential oils in more than 2 or 3 massages a day.
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