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Relaxation is the most desired benefit of aromatherapy. People crave respite from the stresses that fill our daily lives. Unfortunately, the world keeps piling on the anxiety while pulling us further away from what grounds and balances us. Aromatherapy is a way to reward ourselves simply and effectively with fragrant, natural substances that nourish mind, body and spirit.
Essential oils that help us achieve a state of relaxation include: chamomile, benzoin, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang. To select the oils that produce the response in you want, smell each one individually and notice the physical and emotional responses it evokes. Try using the oils that resonate with you in the following aromatherapy applications.
Much workday stress is associated with commuting to and from our jobs: a harrowing drive on a congested freeway, or time spent in a crowded bus or train. Commuting often causes us to begin and end the day on an anxious, unhealthy note.
An aromatherapy spritzer (a mixture of essential oils and pure distilled water in a spray mister or atomizer) can be misted lightly on the face and neck to help lessen anxiety by helping re-focus energy on our own well-being rather than on the chaos around us.
This recipe contains oils that are both relaxing and refreshing, thereby producing an overall balancing benefit. Whatever oils you decide to use, avoid those that may make you feel less alert -- chamomile, jasmine or ylang ylang. For every fluid ounce of distilled water add the following oils:
* 3 drops lavender oil
* 1 drop clary sage oil
* 1 drop geranium oil
* 1 drop frankincense oil
Shake the mixture vigorously before application.
The sensitive skin and tissues of the feet contain many nerves and blood vessels that readily absorb the healing effects of essential oils and carry them throughout the body. A foot massage can be easily performed on oneself and is a perfect stress reducing activity.
Begin you luxurious foot treatment by soaking in a very warm foot bath, enhanced with the addition of minerals such as Borax, Epsom salt, baking soda, sea salts and French clay powders. Add herbs and flowers such as rose, chamomile, lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus. These will release their therapeutic scents and look beautiful floating in the water. Also add a few drops of relaxing and soothing essential oils to complete this indulgent blend. Here's one suggested recipe:
* 2 tablespoon sea salt
* 1 tablespoon Epsom salts
* 1 tablespoon sodium bicarbonate or baking soda
* 1 tablespoon French white clay powder
* 1 tablespoon rose petals
* 1 tablespoon lavender flowers
* 8 drops lavender oil
* 4 drops rose oil
* 4 drops cedarwood oil
* 2 drops patchouli oil
Mix the essential oils evenly throughout the dry mixture. Dissolve the mixture in two gallons of hot water, making sure the oils are dispersed.
After soaking the feet, rinse them well and follow up with a delightful foot massage using this cooling cream.
* 4 fl. oz. almond oil
* 3 fl. oz. warm mint tea or chamomile tea
* 1/2 oz. melted beeswax
* 21 drops lavender oil
* 8 drops peppermint oil
* 6 drops spearmint oil
Melt the beeswax and almond oil together in a double boiler. Add the warm tea to the wax and oil mixture in a thin stream, whisking vigorously. Remove the mixture from heat and immerse the bowl in a cool water bath to make the cream congeal, again whisking vigorously. As the cream begins to form add the essential oils drop by drop and whisk them into the mixture.
Aromatherapy helps us counter the stress and tension in our lives with aromas that inspire us to pause and take note of what's most important. If our work rewards us for maintaining a state of stress, we need to reward ourselves in turn with the relaxing and soothing effects of essential oils. Make relaxation a part of your self-care routine with aromatherapy.
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