Aromatherapy is a method of therapy where you experience the aroma of essential oils. You can use essential oils in three ways: through smell, by applying directly to skin, and by ingesting. All of these methods can be used to help with minor aches and pains, headaches, relaxation, sleep, and to calm anxiety, just to name a few.
Aromatically: you can use essential oils through smell by putting a few drops in your diffuser, placing a drop in your hands while inhaling, and wearing in a necklace, ring, or other jewelry as a personal fragrance. Topically: by applying directly on your skin through massage, applying a drop to targeted areas, and adding a few drops to your lotions and moisturizers. Ingesting: by adding a few drops to your water, applying under your tongue or by taking a capsule or oil bead. To cure a headache you can take a few drops of peppermint oil and rub them into your temples by using a circular motion. You can also place a drop of peppermint oil under your tongue. I like to do this while lying down and listening to soft music for relaxation. Our initial response when we get a headache is to tense up, so listening to soft music while lying down helps to relax your body and mind. You can't always do this, however, as you may be working or otherwise occupied, so putting a drop under your tongue, and on your temples is the quickest way to nip it in the bud, while also refraining from looking at a computer screen or cell phone, if possible. To help calm anxiety it is important to find an oil that grounds you. Essential oils with wood scents, such as Cedarwood, helps calm worry by grounding us and creating a sense of harmony and balance. Spruce, Frankincense and Chamomile, also help promote an overall sense of calm and helps us deal with anxiety and stress. To help you sleep I like to use Lavender in my diffuser at night mixed with a drop of Frankincense and soft orange. This gives off an overall aroma that promotes relaxation and a restful night sleep by instilling a sense of calm and peace throughout the body and mind. A drop of Frankincense helps the lavender and orange reach their full aromatic potential.
During the day I like to use a few drops of essential oil in my necklace and on the back of my neck, while at night I like to use the Lavender, Orange and Frankincense in my diffuser. There are a couple things to consider when using essential oils. Make sure that the oil you're using is 100% pure oil and safe to apply directly to skin. There are also certain oils that are specifically designed to be ingested, while others are specific for diffusers and others to apply directly to skin. Make sure you read the labels carefully before using them. I will be expanding on this topic in the future so stay tuned! What is your favorite essential oil fragrance and how do you use it?
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