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Dorothy M Rowatt, S.A.C.Dip (Gentle Touch Aromatherapy): Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 12:04 AM
AROMATHERAPY
ESSENTIAL OILS
by Dorothy M Rowatt, S.A.C. Dip. (Gentle Touch Aromatherapy)
The healing, cleansing, preserving and mood-enhancing properties of essential oils have been used in medicine throughout history. The cleansing qualities of essential oils are also well-known to beauty therapists; herbs and spices are used by cooks for their preserving and flavour-enhancing qualities; aromatic candles and burners are used by a number of people for their mood-enhancing and anti-stress qualities.
When essential oils are inhaled, their signals are carried to the limbic system of the brain, where they are analysed. The molecules then pass into the lungs and on into the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body where they can help to bring about a number of benefits to the body, including sedating, stimulating, relaxing and affecting the emotions in a positive way.
However, as essential oils could damage the stomach lining, they should always be used externally. Therefore, they should be blended with carrier oils or creams and then applied only to the surface of the body.
Great care should always be taken when working with essential oils as many are hazardous and should not be used at all. Others are toxic so should be used diluted and for a short time only. Some oils can even cause skin irritation, so should only be used blended with a carrier oil at half the normal addition.
For those who are allergy prone or have very sensitive skins, a patch test should be carried out before use. Also, some oils, especially those from the citrus family should never by used before sitting in the sun as they can cause phototoxicity.
It is always best to stick to the use of the well-known and safer oils, unless you are well-trained in the use of essential oils.
SOME ESSENTIAL OILS THAT CAN BE SAFELY USED USE IN BLENDS
To make an aromatherapy blend, you can add 2 drops of an essential oil to 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. You can make up your blend in a small clean bowl, and then transfer it to a suitable jar or glass-dropper bottle that has been previously sterilized. It is best to make up small quantities at a time as blends do not keep for very long. It is also possible to blend together up to three essential oils. You can then apply the oil to any surface area of the body that is in need of the therapeutic properties of your chosen oils.
Here is a list of some of the better-known and easier to use essential oils:
CHAMOMILE
- soothing; calming; anti-inflammatory; mildly antiseptic; can help to relieve symptoms of nervousness or stress; helps to reduce pain in muscles and joints; balancing for the female system.
CLARY SAGE- anti-depressant; antiseptic; anti-inflammatory; soothing; calming; useful for the relief of symptoms related to the menopause.
EUCALYPTUS- refreshing; decongestive; antiseptic; anti-inflammatory; head-clearing.
GERANIUM- antiseptic; antidepressant; anti-inflammatory; diuretic; balancing; warming; relaxing; harmonizing.
LAVENDER- muscle relaxant; calming; balances the nervous system; antiseptic - good for disinfecting scalp and skin; alleviates discomfort from insect bites, especially mosquito bites - in this case it is better just to place one drop of the essential oil directly onto the bite.
MARJORAM- calming; useful for the relief of muscular stiffness, strains and sprains; antiseptic. Caution - pregnant women should not use marjoram.
ROSE- balancing; antidepressant; antiseptic; calming; anti-inflammatory.
ROSEMARY- invigorating; uplifting; stimulating.
TEA TREE- antiseptic; purifying; anti-fungal; insect repellent.
YLANG YLANG- helps to regulate blood-pressure; anti-depressant; antiseptic; calming.
Please note that this information is for your own private and personal use. You should not use aromatherapy oils on anyone else unless you are already a trained Aromatherapist.
A WORD OF WARNING
Most essential oils should not be used during pregnancy. Out of the above oils, only Lavender and Chamomile would be suitable in pregnancy but at a low dilution and only after the first four months. Marjoram should not be used by pregnant women and Clary Sage is sometimes used during Labour but can cause miscarriage during the pregnancy itself - consult your doctor if you intend using any essential oils while pregnant.
Those of you who are attuned to Reiki can just place your hands over the bowl with your prepared blend and allow the Reiki energy to flow into the oil. You can then use some of the blend and place the remainder into a glass-dropper bottle. This way you will have the added advantage of the therapeutic qualities of your essential oils along with the Reiki energy.
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Dorothy M Rowatt: Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 3:30 AM
CARNIVAL IN VENICE, 2012
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 is Martedì Grasso, also known as Mardi Gras and Shrove Tuesday.
This is the Carnival period and in Venice, Italy, it lasts for about two weeks ending on Martedì Grasso.
These are some photos I took during Carnival in Venice a few years ago.
Venice becomes a very popular place during Carnival - Venetians and tourists alike stroll around
the streets dressed in extremely elaborate
costumes.
The festivities also include open-air parades, a
variety of entertainments and street performances.
by Dorothy M Rowatt
Tera-Mai Reiki & Seichem Master/Teacher; Meditation Teacher; Angel Practitioner (Charles Virtue ACP); Holistic Therapist
Please visit my websites at:
For more information on Venice Carnival please go to the following link:
For Google images of Venice Carnival please go to the following link:
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