Organic Aromatherapy Oil
June 6, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Oils
Plant oils have become widely used through a scientific practice called aromatherapy. This practice has been used for hundreds of generations, most commonly for healing our general well-being.
Aromatherapy has been used since the times of ancient Egyptians. The first processes came from them using a machine that removed scented oils from plants. The process is called distillation, and it was primarily the tool used when the oils were extracted from hard material such as bark, roots, or twigs. After collection of the oils, they were then turned into what we now know as perfume, massage oils, wound ointments, or bath scents. Choosing the word organic for their practice type is saying the least. They did not have access to synthetic materials during their time, so it was unlikely to have anything but organic, although they probably did were not aware they were using organic means.
Oil extractions take place in a number of ways in today’s society. The types of extractions are: solvent action, simple distillation, and carbon dioxide pressure. Depending on which method is used, a specific type of aromatherapy oil is produced organically. These oils include: floral waters, carrier oils, CO2s, infused oils, essential oils, and resins.
Pesticides used on plants are what prevents plants from being considered organic. When there is an absence of pesticides, the plants are considered organic, and organic aromatherapy oils are started through distillation. This method prevents chemicals from soaking into the plants, keeping them out of the aromatherapy oils. This lays the claim that organic aromatherapy oils far outweigh the pros and cons of non-organic oils.
Although most organic aromatherapy oil users have deemed this method as being safer than using non-organic oils, it is not been scientifically proven. It is safe to say however that with organic aromatherapy oils there is less chance of having the oils compromised by the addition of chemicals from pesticides. However, users of aromatherapy oils find that organic aromatherapy oils are more effective for overall theraputic health.
With more and more people becoming ‘green’ conscious, it is common to see organic therapy oil vendors pressing for oils that hold more quality scents and affects, than using the basic formula. Yes, the oils will comply with the laws for organic farming, but they will bury their organic uses with the products that gain a larger value from such potent oils. After all, the choice belongs to you for the type of oil you wish to use, whether it be organic or non-organic. Keep in mind though, anything organic is going to come with a price. Organic aromatherapy oil crops are require different growing methods, which directly affects the end user price.
Aromatherapy Massage Oil
June 4, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy massage not only relaxes the body but also the mind. It’s an ancient art, practiced for thousands of years and still being actively practiced today. Aromatherapy has been associated with several branches of alternative medicine, and has even been considered a type of alternative medicine in its own right. It is also used to complement and enhance traditional medicine, and even herbal medicine. The focus of this article is aromatherapy as it pertains to massage, addressing its therapeutic benefits and the effects of massage oils.
The Basics of Aromatherapy Massage
Massages have been thoroughly covered in their own literature, so this article is going to focus on the proper way to use aromatherapy massage oils.
Imagine that you’re lying on your stomach or back, smoothing away tension with a good firm massage. Your aches and pains are being relieved at the hands of your masseuse, and the aromatherapy oils are entering your nose and stimulating your mind. There is nothing more soothing or relaxing, especially if you’re working against a hectic week or particularly sleepless nights. There are several different kinds of oils, which can either be used to soothe or energize. Used alone or in concert with another kind, they can have an incredible effect on mental health.
As relaxing as the aromatherapy massage oils are, they can’t completely replace the effect of a good and proper massage. With that said, below are some suggested guidelines if you decide to pamper yourself or a friend with a relaxing massage coupled with some aromatherapy massage oils.
Use smooth, gentle pressure while using aromatherapy massage oils. Hard pressure can be beneficial, but only if you know how to use it properly. Gentle movements are the most effective relaxants, especially in the long term. Don’t ever try to crack someone’s back; leave that for a professional massage.
Don’t directly apply aromatherapy oils; pour them onto your hands first, or use a soft towel. Remember not to use hard pressure on bones, and don’t try to massage areas that have been broken or fractured.
Along the same lines, don’t massage the abdominal area of someone with stomach problems. For safety, never use aromatherapy massage oils on someone who is pregnant. They can be very concentrated, and sink into the skin during a massage.
Since they can sink in, leave off using aromatherapy massage oils on any areas that are infected or injured. They could worsen the infection and make a slight injury potentially serious.
Used correctly aromatherapy massage oils are mentally and physically relaxing, and should be tried.

