There are many advantages of using essential oils. One advantage is the many ways essential oils can be administered in. The two most popular methods of administration are topical application and inhalation. When applied topically and inhaled the essential oils are almost immediately absorbed into the bloodstream. Inhaled oils don't have to go through the digestive system to enter the blood stream.
When oils are applied topically the skin's own sebum helps the oils to enter the bloodstream, or they may be absorbed by the lymph and intestitial fluids. Two examples of topical applications are with compress or aromatic massage. In either case, a skin patch test should be conducted before the oils are applied on the skin.
Aromatic compresses are essentially essential oils mixed with water and applied to the skin with a strip of gauze or a piece of flannel. Compresses can be hot or cold. Hot compresses are made with water that is as hot as can be tolerated. The hot compress is used to reduce muscular and rheumatic pain. It can also be used to draw out boils and splinters. Cold compresses are made with ice water. It's uses include treating sprains, swelling, fever, and relieve stress. Both methods are very effective.
From a holistic point of view, aromatic massage is a good way of administering essential oils. Massage is another example of a topical skin application. Already mention above when oils are applied to the skin they absorb quickly into the body. A typical massage blend would be 15-30 drops of essential oils to 50 ml carrier oil. It would be 1-3% dilution of the essential oil and for a whole body massage you want to dilute the oils more. For a local massage a 4% dilution is normally recommended.
The oils used in aromatherapy massage should be cold pressed vegetable oils, like jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis, avocado, Persea Americana, Sweet almond, Prunus amygdalus, apricot kernel, Prunus armeniaca, and safflower, Carthamus tinctorius.
Mineral oils would stop the essential oils to enter the body. 5% wheat germ oil, Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum will keep the massage oil blend from oxidizing.
Aromatherapy massage is very gentle and relaxing. It is very healing and can be used for relaxing purposes, encourage blood circulation, and help with lymph flow. The massage is also useful in easing aches and pain. Massage will also help in eliminating toxins and toning the body.
Inhalation is a very popular method of administering essential oils. The volatile molecules of the oil are absorbed via the mucous membranes into the bloodstream, sine if the molecules will enter the blood through the lungs via the air sacs. Some of the conditions that can benefit from inhalation is; respiratory tract problems, throat infections, tensions, anxiety, coughs, headaches and depression.
Steam inhalation is a very effective in treating respiratory problems such as coughs, sore throat, colds and sinusitis. Fill a medium -sized bowl with boiling water and add 6 drops and inhale for about 5-10 minutes. Steam inhalation can be contraindicated in asthma since the steam can make the condition worse.
Another way to administer oils is to disperse them in the air as a fine mist. This method is known as Aerosol Air Dispersion. Absorption through the respiratory system is one of the most effective means of absorbing the oil in the body. This is because nearly 21 liters of blood per minute can be regenerated in the lungs. Inhalation in this manner can be effective means of revitalizing, oxygenating, and detoxifying.
Before administering of the essential oil it is advisable to to always consider what is suitable for each person. I always recommend to follow appropriate dosage and to research contraindication of the essential oils before administration. To fully enjoy the benefits of the properties of the essential oils they need to be applied properly.
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