Aromatherapy in Action: Facial Massage
Because of
their strong anti-bacterial effects,
aromatherapy oils are very
beneficial to the skin condition,
especially oily and problem skins.
The oil should be applied after
cleansing and light steaming (for
hydration not elimination), and
applied with a light pressure point
massage. After the massage, a gel
or cream masque would be
indicated (clay-based will absorb
the oil and be too stimulating). A
Dr. Lucas Pulverisator can be
utilized with the aromatherapy oil
for rehydration, and the benefits
sealed in with a light moisturizer.
Although clients with oilier skins
may be a little wary of using any
essential oil, including aromatherapy
oils on their skins, it
should be remembered that
aromatherapy oils are made up of
molecules such as alcohols,
phenols and terpenes and
because they are so quickly
absorbed, little trace of them is
actually left on the skin.
Aromatherapy in Action: Bath Treatments
A very
effective way to use aromatherapy
oils is in a warm bath. The room
should be warm, and the doors
and windows should be closed to
allow for inhalation of the vapors.
The body should be immersed in
the bath for at least 10 minutes,
and the ideal temperature of the
water is about 100oF. The
odoriferous molecules of the
aromatherapy oil stimulate the
nerve endings that are an
extension of the limbic portion of
the brain which is responsible for
our feelings of pleasure, contentment
and well-being.
They also connect with the hypothalamus, which sends chemical
messages to the pituitary
gland which controls every
endocrine gland in the body. This
effects the thyroid, adrenals and
ovaries, and by this indirect route,
the aromatherapy oils can exert a
powerful influence over the
hormonal secretions of the body. A familiar example of smell
affecting the body functions is
when our digestive juices begin to
flow when the odor of cooking is
detected.
Aromatherapy in Action - Compresses
Compresses or
poultices are an age-old way of
drawing impurities out through the
skin, to soothe irritation or relieve
congestion. They were one of the
first treatments in medicine, and
their history goes back thousands
of years. Traditionally, the most
common compresses were made
from mustard seed, fennel or
linseed, and were particularly
popular when treating colds and
skin problems. Compresses or
poultices with aromatherapy oils
can be used for a concentrated
facial treatment, but should not be
considered for delicate or sensitive
skins.
Dry ingredients such as wheat germ, bran or herbs are mixed with the selected aromatherapy oil and warm water into a stretchy paste. The mixture then is sandwiched between a square of muslin gauze to form a compress. This treatment is very effective during a facial or in a back treatment. Place damp eye pads over the eyes before a facial compress is applied. Mold the compress to the skin and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. The compress may be placed under warm steam, but it should not be warm enough to cause sweating of the skin.
Aromatherapy in Action - Warm Facial Infusions
The use of the Dr. Lucas Pulverisator is a very effective way to rehydrate and soothe the skin with aromatherapy oils. The Dr. Lucas should be filled with distilled water in the inner container, and allowed to heat up. The front glass beaker should be filled with a herbal infusion, such as chamomile, and a few drops of the selected aromatherapy oil. As the water in the inner chamber heats up, steam will be produced, and the pressure from the steam sucks up the infusion and mixes it with the warm steam to form a gentle and moist pulverisation. This should be directed at the skin for 5 to 7 minutes, thus providing a marvelously hydrating and soothing application, which incorporates both gentle moisturizing and inhalation of the vapor.
Aromatherapy is not a new technique. The massage treatment with essential oils dates back to ancient China and Tibet. As we study and learn more about aromatherapy, it is possible to “read the body and skin” to discover even more ways to help our clients in their daily health and beauty care.
REFERENCES:
1. Daniele Ryman, Using Essential
Oils for Health and Beauty, 1986,
Portland House/Windward
2. Eve Taylor, Clinical
Aromatherapy Class Notes, 1987,
The International Dermal Institute
3. Jean Valnet, MD. The Practice
of Aromatherapy, 1980, Destiny
Books
The International
Dermal Institute®