Your Guide To Green

Aromatherapy is both an ancient art and a modern science. It has been practiced for thousands of years in China, India, and Greece and is based upon the essential oils coming from plants, shrubs, leaves, trees, and flowers. The scented candles that we see everywhere are just the beginning.

True essential oils are medicinal by nature and they have properties that are anti-viral and anti-bacterial and some are even anti-fungal. Others have anti-inflammatory or analgesic qualities. Not only are essential oils known for their medicinal properties but for their particular ability to influence one's moods and uplift the spirit.

Essential oils have an effect on the olfactory and limbic systems, which are strongly linked to emotional responses. The olfactory system has nerve connections that run from the nose to deep in the brain, which creates a direct link to the emotions. Essential oils also have a direct effect on other systems of the body, including digestive, emotional and behavioral responses.

How do I mix and apply my oil blends?
Essential oils are very potent and should not be used directly, but rather mixed with a carrier oil. One drop of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil is a good mixture. Jojoba oil and Grapeseed oil also are commonly used carrier oils, however the carrier oil can be any vegetable or nut oil. So, in the examples given below, add one drop of each oil in the blend to the carrier oil and mix well.

Once mixed, apply the essential oil blend to all reflex points or pressure points on the body. A good general rule is to massage the oil blend into your feet. This will ensure your entire body will absorb what it needs. As you will see below, you also may apply the blend to the local areas of concern and other recommended areas.

Following are examples of some conditions and the essential oil blends most commonly used to address them:

1. Anxiety, depression or nervous condition - Lavender, Melissa, Bergamot and Frankincense. Also use at the inside of wrist and forearm and behind the ears and temples.
2. Sleeplessness - Melissa, Lavender and Roman Chamomile. Additionally apply to the foot reflex points and on the inside of the arm near the wrist.
3. Sluggish Stomach - Peppermint and Lavender applied to the stomach in a clockwise motion.
4. Dry or Aging Skin - Frankincense, Rose, Rosewood, Clary Sage and Vetiver are excellent for cell regeneration and rejuvenation.
5. Skin Acne - Juniper, Lavender and Helichrysum.
6. Joint Aches and Pains - Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile and Lavender.
7. Spiritual Connection or for Meditation - Sandalwood, Frankincense, Spikenard. Apply to temples, back of ear and earlobe and the inside area of the wrist. Apply the blend on the feet for grounding purposes.

How do I find good quality essential oils/aromatherapy?
Utilizing the Internet, look up aromatherapy, organic or therapeutic essential oils and then look for the use of their Latin names -- this usually is a sign that a company may be using therapeutic grade essential oils. Of course you can always call the company and ask them if they, or their oil sources, do gas chromatography or (GCMS) testing to ensure certain purity. We only use the highest grade essential and carrier oils in our services at The Zen of Beauty Transformations. We have done the legwork for you and can assist you in finding high quality oil sources.   

How do I find practitioners who use high quality essential oils in their therapies?
Find a good quality aromatherapy distributor or company (on the Internet if you do not have a local place) that carries organic essential oils and ask them for the name of one of their practitioner customers in your area. This is one good way to ensure that you are receiving the treatment of your choice with the highest quality aromatherapy products and thus the best therapeutic affect. You also may contact The Zen of Beauty Transformations and we can assist you in finding the highest quality products and services.

Aromatherapy is widely used in beauty and therapeutic care for both the skin and the body and the Greek physician, Hippocrates, claimed, “The way to good health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day.”