Showing posts with label massage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label massage. Show all posts

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Becoming an "Oiler": How to Use Essential Oils

Thought it was time to share another "basics" post for my visitors who may not be familiar with aromatherapy. There are three basic ways to use essential oils: inhalation, topical application, and internal consumption.
Inhalation

The inhalation of essential oils heightens the senses and can trigger numerous desired responses in the body.

Below are several techniques used to inhale essential oils:

1: Direct inhalation-simply smell them.

2: Diffuse the oils using a Young Living diffuser which disperses the oil in a micro-fine vapor into the air. The Young Living diffuser will not heat the oils, thus ensuring full benefits, as extreme heat can damage important constituents in the oil.

3: Fill a humidifier with water. Put a tissue or small cloth, sprinkled with a few drops of oil, in front of the escaping steam. ( Do not put oil in your humidifier. It will float on top of the water instead of rising with the water vapor and may cause damage to your humidifier.)

4: Carefully pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of oil. Cover your head and bowl in a tent-like fashion with a towel. Breathe deeply and slowly.

Topical Application
Apply essential oils directly onto the skin where indicated. Dilute with V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or a pure vegetable oil (e.g., olive or almond ) before applying if dilution is indicated in the Application Chart. Dilution may protect against possible skin sensitivities. Key points of application on the body are:To apply topically on any of these areas, follow these simple steps:

1. Carefully tip the oil bottle and drop 2-3 drops in the palm of the hand or directly on the desired application area.

2. If dropping oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, use your hand to massage the oil in a circular motion into the skin. Repeat if desired.

Attention: Essential oils are very potent, and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or pure vegetable oil to the area to dilute. Please read label directions for each individual oil before using.

You can also create your own massage oil blends by mixing your favorite essential oils with V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or by using Young Living’s pre-mixed massage oil blends (e.g., Relaxation, Ortho Ease) to relax, uplift, soothe, and relieve.

Where to Topically Apply Essential Oils

Crown of head
Temples
Behind ears
Neck
Upper back
Abdomen
Over vital organs
Soles and top of feet
Ankles

Suggested internal consumption methods (Young Living Essential Oils labeled as a dietary supplement only! Never ingest any other brand of essential oils unless it is clearly labeled for internal use):

1: Put several drops of oil into an empty capsule and swallow with water.
2: Add 1-2 drops to a glass of water or rice milk.
3: Put 1-2 drops onto a piece of bread or add to your meals when cooking.
4: Add 1-2 drops onto a teaspoon of Blue Agave and swallow.
5: Drop directly onto the tongue and swallow.

Exercise extreme caution when using this method. Many oils are very strong and should be tested by pouring a single drop onto a spoon and tasting a small portion to determine the amount of oil to be used. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

Young Living essential oils are pure, which makes them powerful and effective. For the responsible use of essential oils, read the complete label on each bottle and follow the safety guidelines and tips found in the Essential Oils Desk Reference (see left sidebar to order).

Subscribe to the Oils For Wellness free e-newsletter to learn more tips and benefits of therapeutic essential oils! Young Living products may also be ordered through this site, just click Get Started Now once you enter the website to see product catalog.

Be well,
Jen

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

MckLinky Blog Hop: The Squirrel Spa


This weeks MckLinky theme is "Anything That Feels Good". Well, since I am a massage and aromatherapy practitioner, you can guess why I posted this photo!
MckLinky Blog Hop



Monday, September 1, 2008

The Gift of Comfort


Recently my mom, sister, and I went to visit my 87 year old grandmother who lives in a nursing home 2 hours away. One of the nurses had told us that Grandma was not wanting to eat and was feeling pretty low. We hoped a visit from the three of us would cheer her up. Grandma does not want flowers, balloons, stuffed animals etc, so I often feel at a loss as to what I can give her.

Grandma was in a blue state of mind when we arrived, lying motionless curled up in her bed. We talked a bit and coaxed her into sipping on a cup of soup. She perked up somewhat and wanted us to take her outside. Before the end of the visit, we asked her if she would like a massage. She indicated an enthusiastic yes, which surprised us because sometimes she doesn't want to "bother" us for a massage. Being that she has arthritis, back pain, and mild nausea we applied a few drops of PanAway and Ortho Sport massage oil that have a minty uplifting aroma. A note: do not use these oil blends if a person is taking aspirin, blood thinners, cortisone, or is epileptic because they contain wintergreen which has a cortisone type activity.

Her blissful sighs as my mom rubbed her back were so wonderful to hear. I was grateful there was something we could give her that brought her some happiness and showed how much we cared. I rubbed the oils gently up and down her thin, frail arms thinking about how many people lay in hospital, hospice, or even beds at home longing for this simple human connection. The sweet aroma of the essential oils filled the room, transforming the stale atmosphere as she enjoyed a foot massage punctuated by more peaceful sighs.

When applying oils to the ill, aged, or those in recovery, be sure to let them smell the oils you will be using before rubbing them on. Light gliding strokes are very soothing. Use just one or two drops of oil mixed with jojoba or a massage oil base. Lavender is always a good choice for basic relaxation. Diffuse citrus oils or blends rather than topical application to avoid skin sensitivities. Some patients cannot be moved to receive a back massage, but a gentle hand and/or foot massage will still be wonderfully effective.

Give the gift of aromatherapy and touch to someone you care about, it will mean more to them than words can say!