Massage
Massage is probably the most effective way to use essential oils as it involves all aspects of aromatherapy. For emotional needs, the act of touching another person with care can, in itself, impart much healing value especially if the person has become touch-deprived which often happens with a serious illness such as cancer. To make a massage blend, mix the essential oils in a carrier oil or base cream using the following guidelines – for every 10 mls (about 2 teaspoons) of carrier oil or 10 gms of base cream, add 5 drops of essential oil(s). This will give you a dilution ratio of around 2-3% which is an internationally accepted safe and effective amount. That ratio is for normal healthy adults. It is advised to seek professional advice when dealing with the health impaired, or young children.
arthritis:Thyme
children: Lavender
headaches: Lavender
mild upper respiratory ailments & infections: Ezi-Breathe, Basil,
Eucalyptus, Tea Tree
menstrual pain: Clary Sage
muscular aches & pains: Black Pepper, Ginger, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary
peripheral circulation: Cypress
sleeplessness: Lavender
stress: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Patchouli, Vetiver
Selecting a carrier or base oil:
A full body massage will require around 20 mls. A specific area massage such as feet and hands, neck and shoulders, will only require about 5 mls (a teaspoon). A high quality, medium viscosity (thickness) vegetable (plant) oil is recommended. Examples are sweet almond, soyabean, canola, macadamia, apricot, or a blend of several of these. A mineral base oil is not recommended due to its ‘barrier’ action. Animal oils are not recommended for ethical reasons.
Base Creams:
Creams are appropriate to use where massage may be either unsuitable or contra-indicated. Essential oils in a cream base such as Springfields Unscented Jojoba Cream can be easily and quickly applied with a wipe action and a minimum of skin contact. There are no ‘oiliness’ problems.
Inhalation
Inhilation is particularly effective for sinus and respiratory congestion or infection. Add 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of very warm to hot water. Ensure the water is not so hot that it will burn the nasal or respiratory passages. Cover the head partly with a towel and lean over the bowl to inhale the vapours. Keep the eyes closed and have some tissues handy for the inevitable watery discharge. A mini-inhalation can be done by placing 2-3 drops of essential oil on the palms of your hands and rubbing them vigorously together, then placing the hands over the mouth or nose and breathe in. Breathe in through the nose (and out through the mouth) to reach the nasal areas. Breathe in through the mouth (and out through the nose) to reach the chest area. This treatment can safely be repeated several times a day.
Vaporiser or Oil Burner
The main use of a vaporiser is to create a particular environment and to influence the emotional state of those people within that environment. Fill the dish or bowl of the vaporiser with water. Add 6-8 drops of essential oil. Light the candle underneath to create heat to warm the water. In the case of Springfields Electric Oil Burner, simply plug it in.
Water vapour carries essential oil droplets into the air where they are detected by the people. Electric vaporisers that use water will deliver more effective dispersal of the aroma. It is important to regularly clean your vaporiser to prevent and carbon buildups and to prevent excessive essential oil residue in the bowl. A vaporiser is not an efficient inhalation method. A vaporiser will not deliver any significant physical effects.
children (calming): Calm Kids
concentration (study/work): Mind Power, Lemongrass, Rosemary
coughs & colds: Ezi-Breathe, Tea Tree+Lavender blend
headaches: Lavender
mild upper respiratory infections and ailments: Ezi-Breathe, Basil,
Eucalyptus, Tea Tree
rejuvenation: Rejuvenate, May Chang, Orange
sleeplessness: Sweet Dreams
stress: Sanctuary, Serenity, Calm Kids, Sweet Dreams
Bath Therapy
The warmth of a bath is a wonderful therapy in itself which is greatly enhanced by the addition of essential oils. A warm aromatherapy bath is great for tired or sore muscles, for general relaxation, and for a specific calming effect.
Fill the bath to the desired level. Mix 6 drops of essential oil with 6 drops of Springfields Dispersant. Add the mixture to the bath and agitate the water to disperse the mixture.
*Springfields Dispersant (also known as a solubiliser) is essential in that it disperses or mixes the essential oil through water. The use of a Springfields dispersant is important to prevent skin contact problems with neat essential oil and to ensure efficient body coverage.
children (calming): Sweet Dreams, Calm Kids
headaches: Lavender
muscular aches & pains: Black Pepper, Ginger, Marjoram, Rosemary
sleeplessness: Sleepy Lavender Bath Soak
stress: Restful Rose Bath Soak, Sleepy Lavender Bath Soak
Foot Baths
Footbaths are great for treating the feet as well as being a substitute for those people who are unable to take a normal bath. The feet are very sensitive and will effectively absorb essential oils. Use the same amount of essential oil as with a normal bath. Use marbles in the bottom of the bowl to give a most enjoyable foot massage and relieve tired feet.
Compress
A compress is a very effective way to treat aches and pain (muscular, joint, cramping, headaches, etc). The effectiveness is due to the combination of heat and occlusion. Fill a bowl with warm water. Add 6 drops of essential oil to 6 drops of Springfields Dispersant. Add the mixture to the water. Fold a cloth into a strip or pad and immerse it in the water. gently wring out the cloth and apply it to the desired area. Hold the cloth firmly in place. As the cloth cools down with contact with the skin, put the cloth back in the water and repeat the process as often as required.
Gargle
This is an effective way to treat infections of the mouth or throat. Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil with 3 drops of Springfields Dispersant. Add the mixture to half a glass of water. Rinse around the mouth, gargle and spit out the water. Note – the mouth will probably experience a tingling sensation. This will pass in a few minutes. The taste will also be a little unpleasant. Do not swallow the water, although if some water is swallowed, there is no health risk.
Sprays or Misters
This is an effective way to disperse essential oils onto a specific skin area (such as the scalp or feet) or into a specific environment. To make up a 100 ml spray bottle – mix 10 drops of essential oil to 10 drops Springfields Dispersant in the bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Add water to the desired level. Shake well before the first use. Note – this method will not work without a dispersant as the essential oils will float on top of the water and not reach the spray mechanism. Sprays can be used as fresheners for both patients and their environment, or to deliver a specific essential oil to a specific area that can not be touched.
Topical Application
Generally speaking, essential oils are not applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. However, there are some noteable exceptions such as –
burns, small cuts, abrasions, insect bites: Lavender
wound treatments: Lavender, Patchouli, Palmarosa and other essential oils (see clinical research section)
acne and pimples: Tea Tree
corns and warts: Lemon