What is Aromatherapy?
Hello! And welcome to my new online aromatherapy journal!
If you’re reading this you probably know a bit about aromatherapy already or maybe you’re interested in knowing a little more...
As this is my first entry, I thought I’d begin by going back to basics to chat about what aromatherapy is, how it works and a few ways in which you can use essential oils at home. Along the way I also hope to demystify a few things!
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils to help support the body’s systems by encouraging balance and overall wellbeing. In very simple terms, essential oils are made up of volatile (aromatic) components which can be found in the flowers, bark, leaves, roots and fruit of all plants. These can be extracted by a number of ways depending on the nature of the plant. For example, citrus oils are commonly extracted by expression from the peel, oils from leaves can be collected by steam distillation and oils from more delicate materials such as rose and jasmine petals can be obtained through solvent extraction. Essential oils contain an array of therapeutic chemical compounds which vary depending on the plant they originate from and the way in which they are obtained.
Now, in order to feel the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, they need to enter and interact with the body.
Two of the easiest ways in which to receive the benefits of aromatherapy are through inhalation, such as diffusing in an essential oil burner, or through skin absorption, which includes massage or by using bath and body oils at home.
Which way is best? In my opinion this very much depends on what you are looking for help with. For example, if you’re feeling anxious or lacking focus, inhalation would be great way to experience aromatherapy. Smell is the fastest way in which essential oils can interact with the body through our olfactory system (our sense of smell) and combined with mindful breathing and taking a moment to pause and check in with yourself really compounds the benefits. Aromatherapy alone isn’t a quick fix after all.
Alternatively, if you are suffering with muscle tension or are looking for a more holistic way to manage eczema, receiving essential oils through direct contact with your skin would be best. This medium would make use of massage or self-massage and a carrier oil, which combined with essential oils have so many therapeutic cross-overs!
Essential oils are very safe to use, however there are a few important things to remember;
1. Never take essential oils internally such as eating or drinking them. This is because essential oils are very potent and can cause irritation to our delicate internal tissues.
2. With the exception of a few essential oils, they should never be applied undiluted to the skin (or into your bath!). Again, this is due to their potency which can cause skin irritation or sensitisation if not diluted correctly with a carrier oil. If you’re wondering what a carrier oil is, this is a vegetable, nut or seed oil such as sweet almond oil which essential oils can be diluted into. Carrier oils also act as a way in which to ‘carry’ the essential oils as they are absorbed through the skin.
3. Some essential oils are contraindicated with pregnancy, infants and certain medications. When in doubt seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist or do your research!
So, I’ve just touched (pun not intended) on a few areas in which aromatherapy can help with, but the list is potentially very long! Women’s wellbeing is an important area for me so I will do a post at a later date that will go a little more in depth.
Here is a summary of the most common things aromatherapy is cited to help with:
- Sleep
- Stress and relaxation
- Muscle tension
- Processing hard emotions such as grief and loss
- Skin complaints such as eczema, pregnancy stretch marks and reducing scarring
- Lifting low mood and anxiety
Did you know there are also some essential oils which have aphrodisiac effects!
A big part of my ethos as a clinical aromatherapist, is that a holistic approach is always at the centre of my treatments. By this I mean I will never simply recommend an oil and tell you this will “fix things”. Aromatherapy is part of the bigger picture of wellbeing, and when combined with other healthy habits such as mindful breathing and gentle movement you will feel benefits that span way beyond healing any current symptoms you may be experiencing.
Whilst I’d love to have you all come and visit me for an aromatherapy massage or bespoke essential oil remedy session, I also want to share a few simple ways in which you can experience aromatherapy at home. This may be more up your street if you’re short on time, money or simply want to incorporate it into your selfcare routines or slow living lifestyle.
Aromatherapy Body Oil
To create an aromatherapy self-massage or body oil you will need your favourite essential oils (obviously) and a carrier oil. Here’s a little recipe which uses a dilution of 1.5%.
50ml carrier oil such as sweet almond or coconut oil
15 drops total of essential oil such as a combination of lavender, geranium and ylang ylang. (If you are pregnant, frail or wanting to use this on a child please drop the ratio to 10 drops per 50ml carrier oil)
Mix up your blend in a little jar or glass bottle and mindfully massage over your body, avoiding the face. Store away from direct light and heat.
At Home Diffuser Blend
The simplest of all, all you need is some essential oils and a diffuser or essential oil burner.
Fill your diffuser with fresh water and add a total of 3-5 drops of essential oils such as rosemary and bergamot. Close your eyes, drop your shoulders, inhale, exhale... Smile!
There we go, aromatherapy 101! Thank you for reading all the way to the end! If you’ve learnt something new or have tried one of the blends above let me know over on Instagram @kitclancy_aromatherapy.
With love,
Kit x