ESSENTIAL OILS IN MASSAGE

For direct use on the skin, essential oils must be diluted. Use a good, pure vegetable oil as the base, such as coconut, apricot kernel, jojoba (actually a liquid wax) or sweet almond. If your skin tends to be very dry, add about ten per cent of avocado or wheatgram oil to the blend - avoid the latter if you are allergic to wheat. The essential oils are added at one or two percent; assuming 20 drops to 1ml, this means using one or two drops per 5ml (1tsp) of base oil.

All the above suggestions for bath oils apply equally to aromatherapy massage. Another area of use is in skincare itself. Some essential oils have a balancing, healing effect on the skin; frankincense, lavender, neroli, rose and sandalwood in particular can all be massaged into the skin regularly. It may be easier to mix them, at the same dilution, into your favourite skin cream; make up small amounts at a time, and vary them after a while.


Carrier Oils:

* Almond Oil - very easily absorbed by the skin, is very smooth, has little smell, keeps well, contains vitamin D and has beneficial effects on hair, dry skin and brittle nails
* Apricot kernel Oil - light, contains Vitamin A, particularly good for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging
* Avocado Oil - heavy, rich in nutrients, very good for dry aging and sensitive skins Evening Primrose Oil - helpful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, only keeps for about 2 months after opening
* Grapeseed Oil - light, good for oily skin, one of the least expensive oils
* Hazelnut Oil - penetrates the skin very easily and is deeply nourishing Jojoba Oil - light, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for spots, acne, dandruff and dry scalp
* Olive Oil - can be used in a pinch, but has a strong smell which may compete with the essential oil
* Peach Kernel Oil - light, contains vitamins A & E, very good for the face
* Soya Oil - easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E
* Sunflower Oil - contains essential fatty acids, rich in vitamin E, has a slightly nutty smell
* Wheatgerm Oil - contains vitamins A, B, C and E, firms and tones the skin, reduces blemishes, can help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, has a strong smell

Essential oils can be powerful tools to help your body heal itself. Essential oils support the healing process and can kick your body into action. Essential oils have specific properties that can aid recovery from...

* Weight loss or weight gain
* Muscle toning
* Sinusitis
* Stress and anxiety
* Cold and flu
* Digestive disorders

Massage can be catered to be...

* Invigorating and refreshing
* Relaxing
* Stimulating
* Cleansing

Benefits of massage include...

* Boosts circulation
* De-toxing
* Tonifying
* Deeply Relaxing
* De-stressing

Tension Relief

Combine 6 drops lavender, 4 drops chamomile, and 2 drops of vetiver in four ounces of a carrier oil. For self-massage, rub this into your temples.
Indigestion

Combine 4 drops each of peppermint, marjoram, fennel, and basil with one ounce of a carrier oil. Gently massage stomach and abdomen.
Muscle Cramps

Combine 3 drops each of chamomile, birch, rosemary, ginger, and lavender in 1 ounce of a carrier oil.
Severe Backache

Combine 3 drops each of chamomile, ginger, birch, rosemary, and 12 drops of lavender in 1/2 ounce of sweet almond oil. For minor backaches you can cut these amounts in half.