Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to relax, balance, and stimulate the body, mind, and spirit. Although traditional aromatherapy is where oils are blended for the specific needs of each person, it's more common and practical for the oils to be pre-blended, which means they have been chosen, mixed and sold to help with a specific purpose; such as to unwind or de-stress.
When we use aromatherapy oils they're blended in a carrier oil such as almond or coconut to dilute it before it's applied to the skin. Almost all facial oils are blended using essential oils due to their healing properties and fragrant natural aromas. Facial products that use fragrance instead of essential oils are more likely to cause a reaction due to synthetic ingredients, which is why it's always important to buy oils made from 100% natural ingredients.
So how can you benefit from aromatherapy at home?
Add oils to your skin and haircare
Doing so will enhance the benefits. If you use a fragrance-free shower gel or shampoo because you find that they are milder on the skin, why not try adding a few drops of essential oils into the bottle? Picking the correct essential oil for you will not only smell great but also it will bring with it a heap of benefits.
Bathe with essential oils
Add a bath oil to your bath so you can soak in the relaxing blend of essential oils and their carrier. You can also add pure essential oils to your bath just make sure you do this after the bath has stopped running otherwise the oils will of evaporated before you even got in!
Massage
Find your perfect body oil and do your own body massage, massage is great for circulation and improving skin conditions. The essential oils will also help you to feel relaxed or uplifted depending on your chosen blend.
Steam Facial
Fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils, the steam vapor will help to unclog blocked pores and cleanse the skin, it will also help with any sinus congestion especially if you use eucalyptus.
Mist your environment
Use a pillow mist spray before bedtime to create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. The oils will help to relax and unwind promoting a good nights, restful sleep.
Use an essential oil diffuser
Choose your favorite essential oil and shake a few drops into the water on your oil diffuser. As the water heats up it will release the water vapor into the air filled with the scent of your chosen oil, filling the room with its amazing scent. Alternatively use a reed diffuser as no heat is needed and the reed helps diffuse the scent from the bottle to the air.
Aromatherapy candles
Aromatherapy candles are wonderful for meditation and relaxation. Make sure the candle is made with pure essential oils, natural beeswax or organic soy. Candles made from synthetic wax tend to smoke back and release undesirable toxins into the air.
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