Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are released in massage oil, candles, cosmetics, or vaporizers. The scent subtly affects the senses and calms or energizes the body and mind. A massage with scented oils is very effective, as it deeply relaxes tight muscles, reduces fatigue or improves mood.
Since smell is a highly personalized thing, certain plants are also more popular. For this reason, in practice mainly oils with nice smell are used. If we compare this to the practical approach in Ayurveda, which uses mixtures that sometimes have a strange smell, we can see that we are less concerned with health and more concerned with well-being. That's a shame, of course. On the other hand, I understand that no one wants to leave a massage wrapped in a cloud of weird smell. Fortunately, the vast majority of essential oils are distinguished by their good aroma.
I usually start by asking my clients what problems they are experiencing, which guides me in choosing the most appropriate essential oils. So everyone can find the best scent for themselves.
In aromatherapy massage, we use essential oils, which are added in small quantities to the base oil. I prefer to use almond oil or grapeseed oil as a carrier oil. Sometimes I get lucky and can buy very good carrier oil blends. It certainly does not make sense to use low-quality or even paraffinic oils for a treatment such as aromatherapy, as this would completely devalue the effects.
I have some mixes prepared in advance, for example an aromatherapy blend to reduce stress, or to invigorate tired muscles. I prepare some of the blends before the treatment, after talking with the client. As I mix some oils, I pay attention to the client's complaints.
But it is not easy to hit the right note. Some mixes just don't work. Not only do they not smell good, they actually stink. There are plants that do not like the company of others in the garden, as well as in aromatherapy. If we manage to choose the right combination, the effects of individual oils do not add up, but are multiplied. So it's not enough to pick a few oils that we know work to alleviate a particular ailment. We have to choose good neighbours who will smell good and work synergistically.
When choosing essential oils, we cannot ignore the seasons. I choose fresher scents in summer, warmer ones in winter. I often use warming oils for those who are cold. But as I said before, not every scent is for everyone. For example, some people do not like ginger, despite its many positive effects. Or lavender. Since lavender is a key ingredient in many soothing blends, alternatives should be considered when a client wants a soothing treatment without lavender. Fortunately, there are many other plants that have excellent sedative effects, for example chamomile, lemon balm or rose.
You might want to ask me what I like or dislike the most. You won't find chamomile in mine, for example. I can't tolerate it even in small amounts. I can't stand this smell and I can't even be in a room that smells like chamomile. On the other hand, I'm careful with mint, despite the fact that this flavour is so common and ubiquitous. Just like eucalyptus (and coffee), mint inhibits the action of homeopathic medicines. There are many plant secrets in the book of nature, which are known to some, and some are still shrouded in mystery. So we can conclude that aromatherapy should not be underestimated. In the right hands, it is a powerful tool for alleviating certain ailments.
コメント