Friday, October 06, 2006

Sensual Full Body Massage with Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is not just stimulating to the sense of smell, but it is stimulating to the body and mind. Using essential oils and massage can be a sensual act that you share with your partner. Many plant oils contain natural aphrodisiac properties and when used in massage oil, they can set a mood that is inviting to romance and love.

One of the most powerful natural aphrodisiacs is Patchouli. Patchouli has a strong woody scent and appeals to both men and women. You can use Patchouli by itself in candles or diffusers to let its aroma fill a room. When choosing aromatherapy candles, you may want to select natural Soy wax candles. These candles are made out of 100% pure Soy wax and they burn clean. This means that the candle will not leave any residue or soot behind after it burns. Patchouli oil may be added to the Soy for a wonderfully natural and exotic candle that will help enhance your romantic setting.

It is important that when you are creating a mood with natural exotic aphrodisiacs that you choose your scents carefully. This is especially true if you are using Patchouli and blending scents. Patchouli blends with Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Myrrh, and Clary Sage. Sandalwood is another popular aphrodisiac. You can blend Sandalwood with Basil, Geranium, Rose, Vetiver, Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Neroli, and Lemon.

You can choose either Patchouli or Sandalwood as your basic aphrodisiac oil. By adding either of these oils to one ounce of carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil, you can make an exotic perfume that you may apply. It is important that when you are going to have direct contact with essential oils, that you use them diluted. Essential oils are in concentrated form, and may be very irritating to the skin. You can also check to make sure that you will not have any sensitivities or allergic reactions to an essential oil too. Simply apply one drop of the oil to the nape of the neck, or the crook of the arm, then wait at least fourteen hours to determine if there is a reaction. If after fourteen hours, there is no reaction, it is safe to assume that the oil is safe to use.

A very exotic and sensual massage oil may be made by adding two drops of Patchouli, three drops of Geranium, and three drops of Rose oil to one ounce of carrier oil. A good carrier oil of choice may be Sweet Almond oil. Blend thoroughly and store in an amber bottle. This oil may be heated before using for a full body sensual massage. If you are pregnant it is important to make sure that you only use essential oils that are safe for you and your baby. You should always check the labels and make sure that the oils are ok to use. As long as the oils are safe, you can enjoy a nice warming massage by placing the oil in an amber colored jar, and by heating it by placing it in a bowl of hot water.

Friday, September 22, 2006

Relieving Sore Muscles with Aromatherapy

If you have ever experienced a stiff neck or pulled your back muscles, then you know first hand how painful sore muscles can be. Weight trainers, exercise enthusiasts and those who have jobs that require physical labor all experience sore muscles at one time or another. Many people don’t stop to think of the effects of sore muscles until after they have pulled one, but a sore muscle can play a negative impact on the performance of a worker.

Often children have a hard time expressing that they have a sore muscle. Young children may experience sore muscles after a day of rigorous play, and though children are extremely flexible, they may still experience sore leg muscles after a day full of running, swimming, or just playing outside. Sometimes, children experience various muscle cramps in their legs during the night. This is caused from growing and may at times be painful enough to wake a child from sleeping. During times like this, a child may greatly benefit from a nice warming massage oil that soothes and cools sore muscles.

Aromatherapy is a powerful tool that has many far-reaching benefits besides filling a room with fresh scents. Aromatherapy uses many essential oils from plants and herbs that naturally contain many therapeutic properties. Some of these plants were the earliest forms of medicine and are natural pain relievers. These plant oils may be combined to create massage oils that will penetrate deeply into the skin and treat the source of the pain directly in the body.

Adults benefit greatly from massages with herbs and essential oils that treat sore muscles and relieve the pain and tension from the body. Many people have work to do and unfortunately, when pain strikes; the work doesn’t magically go away. The best way to treat pain is when it first appears. You should also take steps to ensure that you don’t pull muscles when working. A great way to keep your muscles from being strained is to incorporate Yoga and other stretching routines into your daily exercise.

Yoga will keep your body flexible and supple and help stretch out your muscles. Avoid overexerting your muscles whether at work, when lifting, or bending. If you need to pick something up off of the floor, bending at the knees, and not at the back will protect your back from strain. Make sure when sleeping that you have an adequate mattress that will properly support your spine. One of the most prevalent reasons for unnecessary back and neck pain comes from a mattress that doesn’t offer enough support.

Here is a wonderful recipe for massage oil that will help ease the pain from sore muscles, that is simple for you to make. First, choose your choice of carrier oil, suggested oils include Jojoba oil, Macadamia Oil, or Sweet Almond oil, taking one ounce of carrier oil, add 5 drops of Sweet Birch oil and 5 drops of Peppermint oil. Blend thoroughly in an amber colored glass container. You may also add this blend to a hot bath and soak for 20-30 minutes.

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Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Aromatherapy and Pets: Flea Repellant

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using scent to stimulate the mind and emotions. Many plants and herbs that are used in Aromatherapy also have medicinally value. Thousands of years ago, many “medicines” were comprised of these herbal remedies and their various combinations together. These treatments were not only used to treat human ailments but were also used in the early forms of veterinarian care. Today, many people have neglected the value of many herbal remedies when it comes to the care of their pets.

After the industrial revolution and as science and knowledge had become more prevalent, the door was opened to using prepared commercial products for treating ailments, for both animal and human alike. Today, pharmaceutical companies abound and when there is any ailment, one looks for a “prescription” as a cure for all. Unfortunately, many people and pets are suffering from an over use of “prescription” medications. The body isn’t allowed to build up its own defenses in fighting off many germs, bacteria, and viruses and becomes dependent upon antibiotics. Now, many strains are becoming antibiotic resistant and the result is disastrous. Prescription medication does have its place in health and healing, but it should be reserved for the last resort, not the first choice to combat illness.

Herbs still hold great value in treating various conditions today. Many herbs range in their inherent properties and are useful as antiseptics, germicides, for purifying the bloodstream, as sedatives, stimulants and a host of more wonderful and beneficial properties.

Pets also, can greatly benefit from many of the benefits found in natural herbs and plants.

In fact, many of the plants that are beneficial to humans provide the same results in animals. This wasn’t news to our grandparents and their grandparents however. What is now deemed as “old wives tales” or “folk remedies” at one time served as the only physician or medicine available.

Parasitic insects such as fleas and ticks cause many of the ailments that plague pets. It is very important to realize how devastating these creatures are to the health of your pet. Powders, sprays, shampoo and conditioners, and collars are all used in an attempt to destroy these pests. Sprays are used to kill them in your pets sleeping area, however using chemicals may actually pose a hazard to your pet. Studies continually show that many of the remedies are in fact harmful to your pet. You should choose any commercial product carefully, and make sure that you read the safety instructions thoroughly before applying any product to your pet.

Often times pets can develop skin conditions such as rashes, or fungal infections. The same herbs that are effective in treating these conditions are suitable for use in your pet. Some examples of herbs that are effective on the skin include Black Walnut, Garlic, Echinacea, Barberry, Juniper, Saw Palmetto, Myrrh, Thyme, Plantain, Rosemary, and Goldenseal.

A wonderful herb that you should always have on hand for your pets is Tea Tree. Tea Tree is an antiseptic, anti fungal, and is powerful in aiding healing in wounds, cuts, and prevents infection. Lemon Tea Tree is a natural insect repellant and may be applied directly to your pet without fear of any harm.


Thursday, August 31, 2006

Aromatherapy Natural Anti Depressant

Depression is characterized by a loss of interest in the things that once brought joy and pleasure. It is a state of melancholy that may last for up to 2 weeks. Depression that lasts longer than two weeks is diagnosed as clinical depression and requires specific treatment. Many things may trigger depression, such as major changes, a death, divorce, a move, or simply becoming unsatisfied with life. Depression over situations or events that occur is normal and to be expected. It isn’t normal however, to stay depressed for an extended length of time.

Depression may cause someone to feel that their life is empty and not worth living. If you are dealing with depression, or if you suspect that someone close to you is depressed, you should not ignore these symptoms in hope that it will just “go away”. Depression can lead to a serious illness and the results may be devastating. It is important to seek out the root cause of the depression, otherwise healing will not be complete and you will simply be masking and treating the symptom and not the cause.

Depression is so devastating that it takes its toll on all those who are around the person who is suffering from this illness. This includes children, spouses, extended family members, and co-workers. People who feel depressed may not want to get out of bed in the morning. They also may begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol, in an attempt to cover up the pain.

Another form of depression is known as “Post Partum Depression”. This depression is a result of hormonal imbalances that occur between pregnancy, birth, and adjusting to life as a new parent. There are many factors that help to encourage Post Partum Depression. Many new mothers not only have hormonal levels that are readjusting, but they are also experiencing lack of sleep due to late night feedings. They may feel overwhelmed at the tremendous responsibility of having a new baby as well. It is important that new mothers have plenty of help and support, especially in the first couple weeks after childbirth, when the chances of having Post Partum Depression are increased.

Some signs and symptoms of depression include a sudden change or feeling of overwhelming sadness and despair, not enjoying or finding pleasure in the activities that once were a source of great joy, a loss of appetite or sudden increase in appetite, lack of sleep or suddenly sleeping more, physical fatigue resulting in sleeping all the time, or feeling so tired that you can’t accomplish your normal day to day tasks. A lack of concentration is also a sign, this occurs due to mental confusion and lack of clarity. And also, talk or excessive thoughts of suicide are a sign of depression.

Aromatherapy offers many benefits to those who are suffering from depression. Because many scents and aromas naturally help bring a state of happiness or euphoria, it is a wonderful way to help balance the chemicals in the brain. There are many other herbs that help balance hormones and improve mental clarity. Consider adding these herbs to your Aromatherapy treatments.

A wonderful massage oil that will help counteract depression and contains natural anti depressant properties can be made with 2 drops of Lavender oil, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, and 6 drops of Grapefruit blended in 1 ounce of carrier oil. This massage oil may be used daily to help bring the body back into balance.


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