Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing practice that uses the power of natural aromas to create a healthy state within both body and mind. New Zealand aromatherapy treatments are 100% natural and harness the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy oils and essential oils. Aromatherapy is often combined with massage, to ease tension or stress and to promote relaxation.

Follow these tips to give yourself some pampering aromatherapy in the comfort of your own home:

Finding the right scent for you can be a fun exercise. Not only should it smell delightful to you (not everyone will enjoy all types of essential oils), but it should also be useful in terms of its healing properties. All New Zealand aromatherapy essential oils are specifically suited to treating particular ailments or conditions. Do your research so that you get the most from your aromatherapy experience. Keep a number of essential oils on-hand and choose one based on your current mood. To get you started, you might want to consider:

• Cypress to treat coughs and asthma
• Patchouli for anxiety, depression and skin conditions
• Grapefruit for lack of energy or tiredness
• Lemon to freshen and invigorate
• Orange to awaken your senses and feel energized in the morning
• Pine for improving self-esteem and elevating your mood
• Rosemary for improving mental clarity
• Chamomile to feel calm and relaxed; to ease tension and irritability
• Lavender for depression, burns, acne, insomnia and headaches

Getting your mitts on some quality essential oils is the key to a good aromatherapy experience. Not all oils and scented candles are created equal, so it pays to check before you buy:

• The bottle: this should be made from dark glass. Light will damage an essential oil, as can storage in a plastic bottle. At home, store your essential oils in a cool, dark place to ensure a long product life.
• The label: check for words such as 'fragrant' or 'perfumed' which indicate something other than a pure essential oil. The genuine article will have the words 'pure essential oil' and will be 100% plant derived. The imposters have no healing properties.
• The price: genuine essential oils will be more costly than scented oils. Within true essential oils, prices range according to the availability of the plants from which they are derived.
• The best-by date: check for an expiration date, dust on the product, or other indicators that it has been sitting on the shelf for too long. As an essential oil ages, it loses some of its scent and healing powers.

Choose from a multitude of ways to pamper and relax yourself with essential oils. Even if you are not trying to treat an ailment or use essential oils medically, you will still benefit from aromatherapy in your home environment:

1. Candles are a great way to create a fragrant environment in your home and enjoy the subtlety of candlelight. The scents they emit can lift your mood, relax you after a stressful day or give you a wake-up for the day.

2. Oil burners are another way to get scents circulating in your home. Simply put a few drops of oil into water and light the tealight candle inside the burner.

3. An aromatic bath can be created with just a few drops of essential oil in your bath tub. The steam from the hot water makes inhalation of the aromas even easier. Relax and let the scented warm water envelop you!

4. Skin care products containing essential oils have the same therapeutic benefits as pure essential oils and have been used for thousands of years. Make your own or purchase a natural skin care range which incorporates essential oils.

5. Massage your partner or give yourself a foot massage using a base vegetable oil, such as almond oil, combined with essential oils. Massage of the oils into your skin is healing and relaxing for both mind and body. It is particularly good for treatment of stress. Professional aromatherapy massage is also a great way to relax.

6. Freshen your home by mixing one cup of water with 3-5 drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture in your home for a fresh, energised environment.

Now you're ready to feel refreshed and invigorated with essential oils, and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy every day in your own home.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand aromatherapy products and essential oils in the NZS.com directory.

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Lifestyle images from Flickr: Purple Flowers, Yoga and Wine.