| Aromatherapy is one of the spa treatments that are | | | | Carrier Oils: These are typically oily plant matter that |
| very common and popular. It is known as a form of | | | | dilutes the essential oils for use on our skin. An |
| alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials | | | | example would be grape seed oil or sweet almond oil. |
| know as essential oils and other compounds for | | | | Vaporizers: This is usually the high oily content of |
| calming and rejuvenating the mind and for healing | | | | plant based materials that are dried, crushed and then |
| purposes. Aromatherapy is used as an aerial diffusion | | | | heated to extract and the inhaled in a direct inhalation |
| for refreshing surrounding areas that are appealing. | | | | manner. A glass vial worn on a chain as a necklace |
| This spa treatment can be used as a direct inhalation | | | | would be an example. |
| for perhaps respiratory reasons, disinfection, and | | | | There is no scientific evidence or any collective data |
| decongestion. There are also topical applications of | | | | that claims aromatherapy is effective in healing. But |
| essential oils used in massages, baths, and | | | | for most of us that have experienced some form of |
| compresses and in therapeutic skin care. Here are a | | | | aromatherapy, it certainly has helped and is a |
| few of the components that are used in | | | | pleasurable experience. |
| aromatherapy: | | | | There are safety precautions with the use of |
| Aromatherapy in theory is believed to treat or | | | | compounds in aromatherapy. Essential oils are highly |
| prevent disease by using essential oils. Some believe | | | | concentrated and can irritate the skin so they should |
| it is the influence of a chemical reaction of the brain | | | | not be in direct contact with the skin. Some concerns |
| through our sense of smell. Others say that it is the | | | | over long term use are also a precaution as they |
| oils themselves, as being the life force of the plants | | | | may create allergies. Essential oils are usually diluted in |
| that will balance the energies of the body and | | | | carrier oils in order to use topically. Be sure to follow |
| promote healing. It is also a theory that | | | | the recipes and understand the safety precautions. |
| aromatherapy helps in eliminating negative vibrations | | | | Always supervise children when they are helping with |
| from the body's energy field. | | | | your recipes and keep these spa supplies securely |
| Essential oils: These oils are fragrant oils extracted | | | | out of their reach. It is also best not to use |
| from plants through a process of steam distillation. | | | | aromatherapy on or near your pets, especially cats. |
| There are other ways these oils are extracted but | | | | Their systems can not tolerate even short- term |
| distillation is the most common form. | | | | exposure to the ingredients of aromatherapy. It is |
| Absolutes: These are fragrant oils extracted from | | | | best they are not in the same area as your therapy |
| flowers and the flowering plant tissues. | | | | treatment. |
| Herbal distillates or hydrosols: This is the watery like | | | | Aromatherapy is a wonderful and simple way to start |
| left over of the distillation process. Herbs make | | | | a homemade spa project and there are many |
| distillates for culinary uses, medicinal uses and for skin | | | | different essential oils that are available to make it a |
| care. An example would be rosewater, lemon balm. | | | | delightful and rewarding experience. You will want to |
| Infusions: This is the watery extracts of various plant | | | | try several fragrances and recipes once you are |
| materials. An example would be infusion of | | | | hooked! Enjoy! |
| Chamomile. | | | | |