Essential Oils

What Is Aromatherapy + Massage Techniques

With a little know-how, aromatherapy is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve your health.

You might have seen that aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular due to its various benefits, dive into this article to discover how to use essential oils to relieve stress, fight off illness, and more.


This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

Aromatherapy Tips & Guide For Beginners

Aromatherapy History and Origins

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You’ve probably read the term aromatherapy almost everywhere on the internet, but have you ever wondered where this term came from?

It was invented in 1937 by the French perfumer and chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, after claiming that lavender essential oil healed a burn incident he had.


Although, this does not mark the beginning of aromatherapy, it began 3500 years BC when it was used for religious purposes, medicine, and perfume.

What is aromatherapy used for?

If you wonder how aromatherapy is done and what it is used for, then this section is for you.


Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to improve the health and well-being of its users. It has positive psychological and physical effects on us humans.


It is performed through inhalation, foot bath, massage, or as a topical application. Of course, there are ways to perform these methods, you can’t apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin, and certain essential oils are better not inhaled.


Inhaling certain essential oils benefits us by stimulating the smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages to the part of the brain that controls emotions.


This is why aromatherapy is thought to benefit us by relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, and restoring both mental and physical wellbeing.

Aromatherapy Massage Techniques

An aromatherapy massage is used for different reasons, including releasing muscle tension, pain soothing, and improving mood.

Types of massages include:

Swedish Massage

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Hot Stone Massage

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Prenatal Massage

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Deep Tissue Massage

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Difference between Swedish massage vs deep tissue massage

Swedish massage

  • intended to release muscle tension
  • promote relaxation
  • light to firm pressure
  • relieves stress

Deep tissue massage

  • intended to aid in muscle recovery
  • focuses on the deeper layers of muscles
  • slow, forceful strokes
  • promotes correct muscle function

Aromatherapy Frequently Asked Questions

Are aromatherapy diffusers safe for dogs?

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Dogs have a strong sense of smell, therefore, whatever seems light to us will definitely be overwhelming to them.


Using an aromatherapy diffuser in a confined space for a long period of time will definitely have a negative impact on your dog’s health. It is best if the diffuser is used in a space that the dog cannot access.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

Studies have shown that aromatherapy improved the quality of life. It relieves pain, sore muscles, anxiety, and depression.

Where to apply essential oils for anxiety?

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  • Spritz calming essential oils on your bedding, couch, or blanket.
  • Apply to wrists, back of the neck, and behind ears.
  • Use as steam.
  • Check out this article about essential oils.
  • Add lavender buds to a small organza bag, and place it near your bed or in between your clothes. You can find these bags here.

Is aromatherapy safe for babies?

It is not recommended to use an oil diffuser around a baby since their body is still developing.

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Never apply undiluted oils to the baby’s skin or even to their bath, essential oils are so concentrated and will cause harm to the baby’s skin.

What are some aromatherapy products?

To conclude

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help reduce stress, promote sleep and improve mood.

Essential oils are volatile liquids that contain the aromatic compounds of plants. These compounds are what give plants their unique smell. The volatile nature of these oils means that they can be inhaled or applied topically for therapeutic purposes.

This form of therapy has been around for centuries and was used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans as well as in traditional Chinese medicine. It is now used by people all over the world to help them relax, feel more energized, or relieve physical pain.


You can find essential oil blend recipes here.


Let me know in the comments what are your favorite essential oils to use for reliving stress!

Essential Oils For Skin and Hair

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through the link.

Are you wondering if you can use essential oils for skincare? Or what essential oils to use for your skincare routine? If so, then this guide is for you!

What are essential oils and how can I use them in my skincare?

Essential oils, or EO for short, are a natural way to help you relax, sleep, or heal. They’re natural extracts that are taken from plants and roots.

They can be used in many different ways. You can use them for aromatherapy, massage therapy, to make your beauty products, or to add fragrance to your home.

There are many benefits associated with using them, such as reducing anxiety and depression, improving moods, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Flowers for essential oils
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Essential Oils and Skincare

In this section, we will explore the best essential oils for skin and hair, their benefits, how to use them, and some precautions.

We will also talk about some of the cautions that you should be aware of when using them on your skin.

EO are one of the best natural remedies for skincare.

They carry a lot of benefits and can be used in a variety of ways to get the desired results.

Woman Applying Essential Oil on Her Hand
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Here are just a few of the many ways they improve the health of your skin:

  • Promote cell regeneration
  • Fight acne
  • Reduce the appearance of scars
  • Prevent wrinkles
  • Reduce redness and irritation

Their benefits for skincare are wide-ranging, so you’ll want to find the right product for you.

You want to use a product made with essential oils, but you also want to choose a gentle product for your skin.

It’s important to use a good quality product and to try out different products to see which ones work best for you.

You can find some here Phatoil Essential Oils

Here is a list of some of the best EOs for oily skin:

  • Rosemary
    Blooming Jasmin Flowers
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  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Geranium
  • Neroli
  • Jasmine

Here is a list of some of the best EOs for dry skin:

  • Lavender
  • Chamomile
  • Rose
  • Cedarwood

Here is a list of some of the best EOs for acne-prone skin:

  • Tea Tree
  • Lavender
  • Lemongrass
  • Geranium
  • Rosemary
    Essential Oil Bottle and Flowers
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Here is a list of some of the best EOs for sensitive skin:

  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Jasmine
  • Frankincense

Here is a list of some of the best EOs for aging skin:

  • Rosehip
  • Sandalwood
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Rosemary
  • Clary Sage

Here is a list of some of the best EOs for pigmentation:

  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Frankincense
  • Carrot Seed
  • Lemon

Even though these oils are natural, they carry the potency of traditional medication.

Ask a doctor before using them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, an older adult, or younger than 12, and do not try to treat any medical condition on your own.

There are some precautions that you should take when using essential oils though such as not applying them directly to the skin without diluting them first and considering doing a patch test before applying to the skin or any fabric.

Health Benefits of Using Essential Oils

They are natural and have a wide range of health benefits. They are said to have a positive effect on the mind, body, and soul.

Woman with essential oil bottle
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Some of the health benefits of EOs are:

  • Relieving stress and anxiety
  • Aiding in sleep quality
  • Relieving muscular pain
  • Boosting immune system functioning
  • Treating fungal infection

Relieving Stress and Anxiety, and Aiding Sleep Quality

Lavender EO is one of the best known for the calming and relieving effects it has on the body and mind. This oil will help relieve stress and anxiety, and will also aid in sleep quality.


Lavender essential oil
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Okay we know it’s beneficial but how can it be used to relieve stress and anxiety, and to aid in sleep quality?


Well, there are multiple ways in which lavender oil can help improve your health.

  1. Inhale. Apply a few drops on a cloth and inhale directly.
  2. Steam. Apply a few drops to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam deeply.
  3. Massage. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil of your choice and gently massage into pressure points such as your temples, wrists, and forehead.
  4. Spray. Spray a mixture containing lavender essential oil onto your clothes before starting your day.
  5. Humidifier. Add a few drops to the water tank of your humidifier, after you have checked the manufacturer’s directions.
  6. Bath. Add a few drops to your body wash. Or you can find the “Relaxing Blend Shower Steamer” from this list of Wellness Tools

Boosting Immune System Functioning and Treating Fungal Infection

It is not difficult to boost your immune system functioning using essential oils since many of them have antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties.


girl sick and sneezing in bed
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Here are the best EOs to boost immune system functioning:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Peppermint
  • Cinnamon
  • Oregano
  • Clove
  • Lemon
  • Frankincense
  • Ginger

How do you boost your immune system using these oils?

 

  1. Massage. Dilute a few drops of eucalyptus EO with a carrier oil of your choice and gently rub on the bottom of your feet.
  2. Diffuse. Diffuse 3 drops of eucalyptus, 2 drops of frankincense, and 1 drop of peppermint essential oils regularly.
  3. Steam. Apply a few drops of any EO of your choice from the list above to a bowl of hot water, place a towel over your head, and inhale the steam deeply.

Essential Oils For Haircare

Are you noticing an increase in hair loss as a result of your lifestyle habits?


Are you experiencing an increased amount of hair thinning as you grow older?

Well, essential oils might be of help!


The best way to incorporate essential oils into your haircare routine is by adding them to your conditioner.


essential oil bottle
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Here are some of the best EOs for hair growth:

  • Tea Tree
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Rosemary
  • Cedarwood

Essential Oils and Pregnancy

pregnant woman


The ultimate question is: IS IT SAFE TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS WHILE PREGNANT?


The simple answer is: it depends.


Depends on what, you might ask.


Well, it depends on a few factors as follows:

  1. Quality. It is highly recommended to use a high-grade essential oil.
  2. Amount. Start with one drop of essential oil to test your tolerance and gradually increase the quantity if needed.
  3. Use. First and foremost, essential oils must not be ingested. Secondly, applying undiluted essential oils directly onto your skin is not recommended as they can cause skin irritation and rash.
  4. Ask. Before using any essential oils you must consult with your doctor first.

You can find this book very useful, it has everything the soon-to-be mother needs to know about essential oils! 


Essential Oils for Maternal Wellness by Stephanie McBride


Essential Oil Guide

Here is a basic essential oil dilution formula that you can follow for any skin condition or type. However, you can find a detailed guide for beginners that walks you through the essential oil journey step by step: Everyday Essentials Beginners Guide

Essential Oil Dilution Guide


Essential oils blend recipes

Relaxing blend:
3 drops lemon
2 drops lavender
1 drop rosemary

Anxiety reliever:
2 drops mandarin
1 drop rose 
1 drop lavender
1 drop vetiver

Stress reliever:
2 drops bergamot
2 drops patchouli
2 drops ylang-ylang

Deep sleep:
4 drops lavender
2 drops peppermint
2 drops eucalyptus
1 drop lemon


Conclusion

Essential oils are a great way to enhance your beauty regimen, prevent illnesses, or simply relax.


From hair growth to boosting your immunity, you can’t miss out on the benefits of these magic plant potions!


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