Because aromatherapy is made from natural plant extract the product is put on the skin with positive results. It provides the body with the right amount of moisture supplying both vitamins and minerals that will help the skin to heal as well as keeping it in that condition. When you have the opportunity to pamper your body with natural ingredients, you will feel good about it. Aromatherapy can benefit everyone because it is natural. Aromatherapy is not just used to treat your current condition but to treat the whole body in order to help with the condition. Anyone who uses aromatherapy can benefit from it.
Aromatherapy Bath Products

• bath soaps
• bath salts
• shower gels

These three different types of products are used based on your preference. Bath soaps can be used in place of your regular soaps. These soaps are a combination of aromatherapy oils that help to balance your skin. For example, a soap that is made from vanilla and oatmeal will offer a combination of exfoliates from the oatmeal and the smooth feeling from the vanilla. As you see they work hand in hand to treat the skin as a whole, not just the dry patches. You can combine other fragrances such as orange and cinnamon, Linden and Ylang. All of these combination will pamper your skin in a certain way. They will replace dead skin with moist smooth feeling skin. If your skin is too oily it won’t add more oil to your skin but it will leave you feeling clean.

Bath salts are great to relax in and make you feel rejuvenated when you have the time to use them. Use Chamomile and Marjoram to relax you after a hard day at work. Using more than one will help you in many different ways. Bath salts come in many different blends, including the amount of oil you need as well as foam or no foam. While soaking in the water your skin will absorb the much needed aromatherapy and leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed when you are done. To add to the moment, light an aromatherapy candle in the room.

Shower gels are great when you want to get the aromatherapy but don’t have the time for a nice long soak in the tub. Depending on what your skin needs you can find a shower gel to refresh your mind and soothe your skin in just a few minutes. Shower gels are a quick way to use aromatherapy and give you a brighter day.

No matter which one you choose you will be providing special treatment to your mind, body and spirit.

Looking for the right diet plan is possible if you have the time to do so. If you don’t you may not try so hard and your dream to lose weight will not happen. There is one type of diet that is becoming very popular and that is the Ayurveda diet.

Ayurveda diet teaches you how to manage your body, mind and spirit together. It’s easy to incorporate Ayurveda into any diet. This type of diet balances the system and feeds the soul. It helps you to get rid of all the bad things in your body. Bad things are not just from food but also from what we drink and breathe as well as the stress that we encounter every day. They all send a certain amount of toxins into our bodies. To avoid these toxins from accumulating in our bodies and not being able to deal with them as we age, using the Ayruveda diet helps to cleanse your system now. Over time these harmful toxins can make our bodies very ill and unable to fight the toxins that enter the body. It seems like an endless circle and as we age it becomes harder and harder for our bodies to fight these toxins. When you think about all the food that you put into your system; fried foods, dairy, processed meats, and junk foods, you can imagine over time what it will do to your system. If you can recall all those times you wish you hadn’t eaten so much at one time and how over full you felt, you know this couldn’t be good on your system.

The Right foods for Ayurveda Diets
Choosing the right foods to eat is very important in an Ayurveda Diet. It’s not like most diets that tell you how to cook the meals healthy. The selection of food is very important to an Ayurveda diet. When you are choosing your foods you may want to be open minded to some of the suggestions, especially if you are not use to eating healthy. Here are some tips to make your selection easier.

• You can add any spices or herbs to your meal to make it more edible to you. Herbs and spices are natural and should not include artificial flavorings.

• Use a variety of weekly menus instead of the same meals over and over. That way you will be more able to stick to this type of diet without getting burned out on the taste.

• Select foods that are Sattvic. This means pure, not just clean, but pure. The food you select should give your body a balance between nutritional requirements and the personal feeling of strength, energy, positive thinking, and improved life.

• Include something for each sense. You want to stimulate and energize every part of your body so include a variety of taste and smells.

• If foods are in season, use them to plan your menu around. Fresh foods have not been processed or filled with chemicals if you choose organic.

• Feel free to experiment with foods. Nothing is worse than being on a diet that lets you have something one way. Experimenting will give you the opportunity to try new dishes without getting tired and giving up.

There is no time like the present to get started on your diet. No one can do this but you and if you want to make the change, your time is now.

This means that there are more manmade ingredients than natural ingredients. A true aromatherapy product will have positive effects on your body mind and spirit with each application. Relieve stress, sleep better, and increase your overall health both inside and out when using aromatherapy.

If you have ever had a message you may not realize that message therapists are probably using aromatherapy message oil because of the many benefits that you get from it. Aromatherapy message oils are made a particular way that can set them apart from other commercial oils that just add moisture to the skin and make it easier to message. There are several different blends with aromatherapy message oils and each one can offer a different result. It all depends on what they are made of as to how you will feel. For example, if you need comforting message oil you could try a combination of Rosewood, Sandalwood, Geranium and Clary. Each provide a special ingredient that, when joined together, can provide you with a comforting feeling.

A message has several benefits, such as increasing circulation, relieving tense muscles; reduce stress, relaxation, and more. The body responds to touch, good or bad. When it is a good touch, as in a message, it pampers your body and allows it to be free from the stress and strain caused by everyday events. The message oil plays an important roll in all of the effects of message. Without it, your skin may be too dry or to tense to loosen up the areas most effected. Message oils also hold an important role, depending on what blend you use as to how it affects you. You may be looking to relieve a tight muscle in the shoulder that may be causing you headaches and restricting you from turning your head freely. You may be suffering from poor circulation and need to stimulate the blood flow in the body using a positive affect. As you see, the message oil is as important as the message.

The more common choices of oils and what they each do are below.

• Jojoba Oil: Used for moisturizer on all types of skin, without causing acne. Its aroma is lightly sweet, but not overbearing.

• Hazelnut Oil: Increase circulation throughout the body and tones the skin.

• Almond Oil: This oil is non-greasy so it nourishes the skin and absorbs easily. Smells lightly sweet.

• Grapeseed oil: Is an important oil for several reasons. It is an essential fatty acid and the skin needs that in order to replenish the moisture in the skin but not overloading the skin with unwanted moisture. It contains vitamins that can make your skin feel restored.

• Wheat germ oil: probably the most common of all ingredients in message oils. It offers a young look to the skin, decreases scars and stretch marks, promote cell growth, increase circulation and decrease the amount of sun damage on the skin. It also includes vitamins and essential fatty acids.

• Apricot Oil: This oil can be used to decrease swelling, re-hydrate, and promote firm skin. Very moisturizing and helps to nourish the skin.

• Avocado Oil: This oil can help dry skin, and those who suffer with dry skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.

Some of these oils, such as Avocado or grapeseed oil work better when combined with other oils before applying to the skin. When combined they bring the most effective message oil you could ask for. Knowing which oils are better mixed will take some studying as there are several of them that require mixing. Some oils can only be mixed with one more oil while others can have multiple oil mixtures.

]]> http://www.thesamadhigroup.com/articles/types-of-aromatherapy-massage-oils/feed/ http://www.thesamadhigroup.com/articles/using-aromatherapy-oils/ http://www.thesamadhigroup.com/articles/using-aromatherapy-oils/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:13:59 +0000 admin http://208.43.208.246/?p=335 Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant extract for the mind, body and spirit. These extracts are called essential oils and can be extracted from flowers, plants, tree roots, and stems.

There are over ninety essential oils which can be used to improve your state of mind, relax you, calm a crying baby, relieve tension, heal and more. There is a process to aromatherapy from the time you find the plant to the time the extract becomes a product to use. Some examples of essential oils are

• Lavender
• Avocado
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Frankincense
• Lemon
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Sandlewood
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree
• Vanilla
• Violet Leaf

Some of these essential oils like Tea Tree come in different oils, such as Tea Tree -Common, Tea Tree - New Zealand and Tea Tree - Lemon. The same is true for Chamomile; German or Roman.

The benefits to using aromatherapy are endless. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to deal with something in a more natural manner because the aromas help your body to relax and get it together so you can handle any situation. The aroma stimulates a reaction in the brain and then the brain tells the body how to handle it. Aromatherapy can be found in bath products, hair products, candles, warming scents for the home or the auto, cosmetics and more. Using aromatherapy products is not done any different from the regular products. You can use just one essential oil or a combination of essential oils in order to achieve the product that you need at the time. For an example, you may bath a baby at bedtime in lavender because of its calming affect and it will make him or her able to sleep better at night. Some combinations may include Lavender and Chamomile or Vanilla and oatmeal. They each bring something to the product that sets them aside from the others.

When making your own aromatherapy yourself make sure you use extreme caution because using too much or using the wrong combination may be harmful and could result in complications. If you are not sure don’t try it until you are.

Before you begin blending your own aromatherapy, you will need to know the most common mistakes people make when trying it for themselves. Below you will find a list of the most popular Do’s and Don’ts of aromatherapy.

1. DO read up on the warnings and safety of making your own aromatherapy before you begin.
2. DO buy from a well known source that has a steady supply that is replenished regularly.
3. Do be careful when you are selecting your essential oils. Be ware of those companies or individuals that try to sell perfumed oils or oils that have been weakened.
4. Do learn what each essential oils job is so you will be familiar and knowledgeable about what you need to buy.
5. Do only buy essential oils that come in glass jars with screw down lids.
6. Don’t purchase from someone who will sell at trade shows or in markets. Their products may be weakened down oils.
7. Don’t use essential oils that someone gives to you unless you trust that person to be honest as to when they bought them. You don’t want old oils, especially if you are just starting.

Enjoy using your aromatherapy products. The benefits that you will receive from the aromatherapy are priceless. Making your own aromatherapy products is rewarding in several ways. After you get the hang of making them you can give them as gifts too.

Aromatherapy can be used in several different ways; promote circulation, relaxation, and inhaling aromas can help your mind, body and spirit. We can find aromatherapy in many products, such as

• skin products : lotions, soaps, after body sprays, perfumes
• candles : including warming scents and scents that go into an auto
• hair care products such as shampoo and conditioners

Aromatherapy is in more than what we imagined and the benefits of each are endless. Giving aromatherapy to someone is a personal way to show your appreciation, support, love and compassion without saying a word.

Health and beauty can be achieved using aromatherapy oils and aromatherapy skin products. There are several ways you can help your skin by using products listed below.

• Facial cleansers with any type of skin, including the T-Zone. They help to naturally cleanse the skin and enhance the beauty. You can find facial care products right in your kitchen cupboard or you can purchase your facial cleansers.
• Lotions are available for any skin type. You may have dry itchy skin or oily skin. Everybody’s skin is different and can benefit from the effects of an aromatherapy lotion.
• Body wash is also available in aromatherapy. The purpose of a body wash is to cleanse impurities from the skin and leave the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. In some cases it will replenish the oils that have been taken away and promote good skin cell growth. Because aromatherapy oils are absorbed so easily in the body it will be beneficial to use an aromatherapy body wash during the cold winter months.
• Lotions can also be great for aromatherapy. After taking a nice shower you can dry the skin off lightly and then apply some aromatherapy lotion. Different kinds of aromatherapy lotions are available to help any kind of skin type; oily, dry or normal. These lotions can come in a variety of fragrances as well.

Aromatherapy is good for your skin in so many ways. Because it is natural your body will not reject it. Aromatherapy lotion can be carried around for quick relief of dry skin. Each one will offer a different healing component that would be ideal to customize to suit your needs. Skin care is very important in several ways; reduce premature aging, reduce scars and marks, promote good circulation, and to decrease your chances of extremely dry skin which can be very uncomfortable and noticeable.

Aromatherapy skin care products can be purchased anywhere but be careful when buying from large chain stores or buying from private vendors. The large chain stores buy in quantity which can decrease the amount of the natural aromatherapy and include more of the commercial aromatherapy oils. Private vendors who sell aromatherapy oils may weaken the oils in order to increase the quantity at the sell. Another thing you need to be aware of is you can’t be sure how old the aromatherapy oil is when you purchase it from a private vendor. The best way to purchase good aromatherapy oil is to do some research. Buy only from those companies that are reputable and have a large amount sold already. Read some of the feedback on their website to see what the main problems are with the company, if any. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about products. Aromatherapy can cover a wide range of products that help the body in several ways. It’s always good to know what you are buying before you buy it.

A full-body oil massage is nourishing, provides stamina, relieves fatigue, gives more restful sleep, balances our doshas, enhances the luster of our skin and upon completion, promotes a longer life and nourishes all parts of the body.

Some of the benefits of Ayurveda oil massage are better circulation, calming of the nerves, toning of the muscles, increased mental alertness, and lubrication of the joints. Ayurveda massage is usually done in the morning before your bath or shower. You can use an herbalized massage oil, aroma massage oil or cured sesame oil. In ayurveda, healing herbs are important. Herbalized oils contain a carefully chosen blend known for their ability to balance the mind and strengthen the physiology. Daily massage with the herbalized oil has two powerful benefits; the wisdom of the herb and the bodies response. Some of the herbs you will find in herbalized massage oil are:

• Winter Cherry : known as a powerful adaptogenic, aids the body in it’s natural ability to withstand stress and helps to balance the mind and emotions

• Country Mallow : helps to strengthen the physiology

• Sensitive Plant: helps to regenerate the nerves.

Aroma massage oil delivers balance to the mind and body. The healing of blended aroma’s, the warmth of the massage relaxes the body and stimulates circulation and provides detoxifying results. Ayurveda recommends blending different base oils and aroma’s depending on what you want to balance. Some examples are; Geranium Rose and Sweet Orange aroma oils are relaxing and fragrant, Coconut Oil and Lavender is effective in cooling down the mind, body and emotions, for a “pick-me-up” use Rosemary or Basil. You can make your own aroma massage oil using the following recipe:

1. Start with 4 fl. oz of base oil like jojoba oil, almond oil or a light olive oil
2. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil.

Instructions for ayurveda massage: Have the oil warm, apply lightly to the whole body, wait about 5 minutes to allow the skin to absorb the oil, massage the skin with the whole hand, palm and fingers, use more oil and spend more time massaging the feet, base of the fingernails, palms of the hands and where nerve endings are concentrated. Use straight strokes on straight areas such as the arms and legs, circular motions on round areas, such as the head and joints. After the massage, relax for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the body to absorb the oil and for the massage to balance the body, mind and spirit, followed by a relaxing shower or warm bath.

It may be hard to squeeze in an Ayurveda message frequently but when you do the reward can last a long time because of the effect that it has on the body.

Ayurveda addresses our quality of life by all factors that have influence in our lives.

Ayurveda is everything you come in contact with; your family, your diet, your work, or relationships and this has an effect on your well-being. One principle of Ayurveda is that the mind and body are connected and that the mind has an influence over our health and well-being.

Ayurveda is a state of balancing the mind, body and spirit and that health is more than the absence of disease. We each inherit three principles called doshas. According to Ayurveda, these three principles create our physical and mental characteristics. Most of us have two doshas that are most likely in our nature and one dosha that is less significant. The doshas are:

• Pitta
• Vata
• Kapha

Usually one of the three will tend to be dominant. If the Pitta dosha is the most dominate in our nature, we tend to be determined, smart and muscular. When balanced we are a good leader, intelligent and warm. If unbalanced, Pitta can make us aggressive, critical and irritable. If the Vata dosha is most dominate in our nature, we tend to be quick in our thoughts and actions, thin and light. When balanced we are lively, enthusiastic and creative. If unbalanced, Vata can make us anxious or suffer from irregular digestion and insomnia. If the Kapha dosha is most dominate in our nature, we tend to think and move more leisurely and stable and have a heavier frame. When balanced we are loyal, sweet and calm. If unbalanced we are resistant to healthy change, congestion, and weight gain. We can tell a lot about someone by these characteristics. Most people do not realize that these characteristics are noticeable and there is a way to balance them. Our ways can be corrected if they are in balance. Most people are not aware of Ayurveda and how it helps the body naturally. Balancing your body is a great way to have a positive, rewarding, successful lifestyle just by taking a few minutes for yourself.

Change is a constant part of our lives, and using the principles of Ayurveda, we can identify the dosha which is most influencing our mind and body and use this influence to make healthier choices, bringing our body and mind back into balance. It’s common to have a blended characteristic but most likely one is dominate. When you recognize the dosha that is most influencing your body and mind, you can achieve balance by reducing stress, eating nourishing food, deep breathing, yoga, tia chi, massage, aromatherapy, and meditation. Seek professional counseling on ways to help you with balancing your mind and body.

Every country, every class and every creed has its own unique folk and herbal remedies to ease pains and help with health problems. Herbal remedies can be a viable alternative for people who want to incorporate more holistic fundamentals into their lives and move away from synthetic drugs and invasive surgeries. Herbal remedies are more than just an old wives’ tale. The herbal remedy is the foundation of pharmaceutical industry that we know today.

Herbal remedies exist for almost any affliction you can imagine. The ingredients found in them are both common and not-so-common. Some of them sound too silly to be true but have been used with valid results for years and years. For instance, have you ever thought of peppering your socks? An old skier trick, used to warm up cold feet, is to fill the socks with black or cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper will permanently stain your socks red but your feet will be just fine with a good washing. Smoking cigarettes may be bad for your health but using tobacco-based home remedies certainly is not. Home remedies that involve tobacco have been around as long as the plant itself. A paste of tobacco and water provides quick relief for insect bites and stings. Native Americans blew tobacco smoke into the ear to relieve the intense pain that often accompanies earaches.

If you have ever watched a dog or cat eat grass out of the yard to quell an upset stomach, you have seen an herbal remedy in action. Animals possess a natural instinct to heal themselves. Humans have learned much of what we know about herbal remedies from watching animals. Just licking the grass often provides enough relief for the animal to get back to their normal playful selves. Common herbal remedies can often be made from plants and flora indigenous to your own back yard. One lawn pest is a frequent component in herbal remedies. Dandelion is high in vitamin and mineral content. It can be used as a diuretic, a bitter and a digestive aid. Dandelion stems also contain a white sticky substance that is an excellent herbal wart remover. The potential for finding herbal remedies in your own lawns is high. Be sure to conduct thorough research in regard to using herbal remedies that you make yourself. Seek the guidance of a trained physician or holistic health professional before whipping up a concoction or a tincture of your own. In order to achieve maximum results, the herbal remedy must be prepared and dosed correctly.

Herbal remedies are prepared in a number of ways. One of the most common ways to prepare an herbal remedy is as an herbal tea. A small bag of herbs is placed in boiling water, allowed to steep and then consumed for the desired effect. Tinctures, salves, poultices and creams are common methods of preparation for topical herbal remedies. As the use of herbal remedies grows so does convenience. Many herbal remedies are now available in tablet or capsule form. Medicinal herbal remedies are still considered alternative medicine despite the fact that they have been used successfully for much, much longer than modern medicine. The profound effects and benefits of herbal remedies are very significant to its history and practice.

Herbal products run the gamut from household cleaners to eco-friendly bug spray to natural pain relievers and sleep aids. Herbal products are offered for a wide range of uses and afford many benefits that their synthetic, sometimes toxic, counterparts do not. Finding the right herbal product to fit your needs is easy to accomplish. The choices of herbal products are virtually endless.

Herbal products for the home provide a safer alternative to the more traditional cleaners and disinfectants. Household cleaners are often corrosive and caustic. Repeated use can cause irreparable damage to furniture, surfaces and home appliances. Herbal products take a kinder, gentler approach to cleaning. Herbal products are better for the environment and much safer to have around young children and pets. Herbal products for the home have recently gone main stream. Most big name department stores and grocery chains carry at least a few herbal products on their shelves. The desire for such items has established a sound consumer market for easy-access herbal products.

Personal hygiene herbal products also make up a large segment of the consumer market. Skin and hair are often sensitive to all the perfumes and dyes in soap, hair and skin products. Allergic reactions to the harsh ingredients in traditional choices are common among people with sensitive skin. An added benefit of these herbal products is frequently a medicinal property of some kind. Oatmeal soap is a good natural cleaner but it also treats acne and dry skin. Herbal bath salts serve a dual purpose by providing an aromatic treatment and soothing sore muscles. Skin and oral care herbal products are a fast growing market too.

Approximately 25% of the prescription drugs sold in the United States are plant based. In China, medicinal herbal products are considered primary health care treatments and are often prescribed by health practitioners. In Germany, over a third of graduating medical students have received formal training in the use of medicinal herbal products. The use of herbal products to treat symptoms, mental health has flourished and gained popularity in the last few years. Syrups, teas, tinctures, capsules and dietary supplements are just some of the medicinal herbal products that are available. Health food stores, pharmacies and drug stores carry a fairly wide selection for their herbally-aware customers. Medicinal herbal products can be used to treat a broad spectrum of health issues.

Herbal products of any kind offer a green alternative to the mass-produced, manufactured options to which we have grown accustomed. Using natural, environmentally friendly herbal products is a small step for the world and a big step toward a reducing the toxins in our surroundings. Anything we can do to enhance our health and our daily lives in a more natural manner is a giant step for us all. The benefits of herbal products cannot be ignored.

Japanese gardens that are traditional use all natural materials and focus on spiritual beauty. Zen gardens incorporate swirls, straight lines, stones, wood and other non-living things to help with meditation. The gardens can also include water such as a pond or fountain too. The philosophy of Zen gardens is a combination of Shintoism which reveres nature and Buddhism which reveres life and Zen which seeks to find reality in all things that are in nature. Zen gardens are used for meditation and in the west they are considered tools for relaxation and concentration. They calm the nerves and aid in imagination by using a variety of techniques to produce certain effects. Water, plants and stones together create harmony.

Zen gardens are a place to escape and find tranquility in a hectic life. The first step in creating a Zen garden is to decide how large it is going to be. One needs to assess the available space and decide if the garden will be part of the backyard or smaller to fit on a desk. A mold needs to be created to hold the sand or gravel which will be the matrix of the Zen garden. A weed retainer needs to be placed in the mold using a black plastic bag will work fine. The major appeal of Zen gardens is their cleanliness and keeping weeds out is a must. Pour the sand or gravel in the mold and keep it as level as possible. One can use things such as old mossy logs, rocks with colors, shapes and textures or any other item to make the garden visually stimulating. Zen gardens also include natural colored items such as wood, rock and vegetation. One needs to place things so they are not cluttered and they appear simple and peaceful. Raking the gravel or sand to make a water ripple effect is also a good idea. One can use different patterns to accentuate the garden and it can be changed anytime.

There are some things to avoid when creating a Zen garden. Most pets do not mix well with a Zen garden and the same is true for children. The Zen garden is supposed to be a place of peace so make sure the garden is located somewhere appropriate. Weeds can also ruin a Zen garden so take precautionary measures to avoid them.

Here are some supplies that might be needed to make a Zen garden. A form to place the Zen garden in, whether it is big or small and nails or screws to keep it together. Sand and stones are also needed, make sure there is enough for the size garden you have. Rocks and logs or polished pebbles are also other amendments that can be added. Lastly, one will need a rake, proper lighting and a lot of patience.