DAILY CONTENT:   Horoscopes   News     Natural Health     Health     Environment     Fitness     Womens News HOT TOPICS:   Aromatherapy   Angels   Dreams   Horoscopes   St. Germain   Numerology       [more topics...] OTHER SERVICES:   Search the Internet   Get our Newsletter   Visit the Newsgroup   See the Classifieds HELP SECURITY ABOUT MYSTICO CONTACT US		Aromatherapy is the art and science of using plant oils in treatments. It has its roots in the most ancient healing practices of humankind. for the plants from which we now derive essential oils had been used for thousands of years before the technique of distilling oils was discovered. Essential oils exert a subtle influence on the mind and body, and combined with the care of a sensitive therapist, offer a truly and gentle holistic way of natural healing. An important quality of the essential oils is the wide variety of ways in which they can be used. Essential oils can be used as massage oils as it is recognized as one of the important methods of treatment. It can also be used in baths. The water itself has many therapeutic properties and when it is combined with essential oils, each enhances the strong effect of the other. Also, essential oils can be used as compresses, hot or cold, for different conditions. It can be mixed in creams, body lotions or even a few drops in your pillow to help to get a good night sleep. Essential oils are quickly absorbed through the skin. Whenever they are used in creams, lotions, baths, compresses or massages, a good amount of the essence is inhaled. The aroma alone can have a subtle and real effect on the mind and in the body. Be carefull when using the essential oils. When they are properly used, they are very safe, but some oils present hazards that anyone using them should be aware of. Use a small quantity of essential oil for any form of treatment. For massages, it is usual to use a dilution of 3% of the essential oil in a vegetable carrier oil. For example, use 3 drops of essential oil for a teaspoon of vegatable carrier oil. For baths, great care needs to be taken as the oil is not diluted in the water but floats on top in an ultra-thin film. Be carefull in the quantity used as too much oil in the bath can irritate the skin, depending on your type of skin. The recommneded amount of drops to use in baths is 6 drops of most oils. Some oils like citrus oils such as the Lemon and Melissa oils need to be restricted to 2 or 3 drops only. Oils from spicy plants such as Clove and Nutmeg, should be avoided to be used all together. If preparing a bath for a young child or a baby do not exceed more than 3 drops. Remember to dilute the oil first before putting straight to the bath. If using essential oils for inhalations, 1 drop might be enough and the maximum is 3 drops. When preparing an inhalation, first add 1 drop to try it and if you feel that it needs some more, add a few more. Essential oils can also be used in electric steamer, in this case using only 1 drop of any essential oil.