Aromatherapy for beauty and health

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Aromatherapy for beauty and health: complex guide

I. History and basics of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, art and science of using essential oils to improve physical, emotional and mental health, has a rich and diverse story, which is rooted in ancient civilizations. Understanding its origin and basic principles is necessary for effective application.

A. Ancient roots of aromatherapy:

  1. Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians were one of the first to use aromatic substances in religious rituals, medicine and cosmetics. They used oils, such as Mirra, Ladan and Cedar, for embalming, treating wounds and improving the appearance. The methods of oil extraction were primitive, but their understanding of the healing properties of aromatic plants was impressive. Documents, such as Ebers Papyrus, indicate the use of aromatic substances for the treatment of various diseases.

  2. Ancient India: Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, includes the use of aromatic herbs and oils for balancing a dosh (energy types) and maintaining health. Ayurvedic texts describe the use of sandalwood, turmeric and other aromatic plants to treat skin diseases, improve digestion and increase overall well -being. The concept of prana, vitality, is closely related to the use of aromas to stimulate energy and vitality.

  3. Ancient China: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also uses aromatic herbs and plants to treat various diseases. Fooking, massage with aromatic oils and the use of grass tinctures were ordinary practices. The concept of qi (vital energy) underlies TCM, and aromas are used to regulate the qi flow and restore the balance in the body. Examples include the use of camphor to improve blood circulation and ginger for a warming effect.

  4. Ancient Greece and Rome: The Greeks and the Romans adopted and improved knowledge about aromatic substances from the Egyptians and other cultures. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended the use of aromatic herbs to treat diseases and maintain health. The Romans used aromatic oils in baths, massages and perfumes. They believed in the cleansing and healing properties of aromas and used them to create an atmosphere of luxury and well -being.

B. Modern aromatherapy:

  1. Rene-Moris Gattefosse: The French chemist Rene-Moris Gatthefoss is considered the father of modern aromatherapy. In the 1920s, he accidentally burned his hand in the laboratory and, without thinking twice, dipped it in the nearest container with lavender oil. It was struck by the healing rate and the absence of scars. This experience prompted him to explore the healing properties of essential oils, and he introduced the term “aromatherapy” in 1937 in his book “Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végégétales”.

  2. Jean Valne: The French doctor Jean Valne used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers during the Second World War, when the antibiotics were deficiency. He found that essential oils have antiseptic, anti -inflammatory and wound healing properties. His work contributed to the further development of aromatherapy as a therapeutic method.

  3. Margarita Mori: The biochemist Margarita Mori made a significant contribution to the development of aromatherapy, especially in the field of cosmetic and psychotherapeutic use. She has developed a method for applying essential oils to the skin with massage, which made it possible to improve the absorption and efficiency of oils. It also emphasized the importance of an individual approach to aromatherapy, taking into account the unique needs and features of each person.

C. The basic principles of aromatherapy:

  1. Holistic approach: Aromatherapy considers a person as a whole, given the physical, emotional and mental state. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the root cause of the problem, and not just at the relief of symptoms.

  2. Essential oils: Essential oils are concentrated extracts of aromatic plants. They contain complex chemical compounds that have various therapeutic properties. It is important to use only 100% pure, therapeutic quality of essential oils to ensure efficiency and safety.

  3. Methods of application: Essential oils can be used in various ways, including:

    • Inhalation: Inhalation of essential oils allows them to quickly affect the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for emotions and memory. Inhalation can be carried out using a diffuser, aroma lamps, a steam bath or just applying a few drops of oil to the fabric and inhaling the aroma.
    • External application: Application of essential oils to the skin allows them to be absorbed in the bloodstream and have a therapeutic effect on the entire body. Essential oils should always be diluted in basic oil (for example, almond, coconut or jojoba) before applying to the skin to avoid irritation. Massage with essential oils is an effective way to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension and stimulate the lymphatic system.
    • Internal application: The internal use of essential oils (for example, adding to food or drinks) should be limited and carried out only under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist or doctor, since some oils can be toxic with improper use.
    • Compresses: Compresses with essential oils can be warm or cold and are used to treat various diseases, such as headaches, muscle pain and inflammation.

  4. Individual approach: The choice of essential oils and methods of application should be individual, taking into account the needs and features of each person. The reaction to essential oils can vary, so it is important to start with small doses and carefully monitor the reaction of the body.

II. Essential oils: properties and application

Understanding the properties of specific essential oils is the key to the effective use of aromatherapy. Each oil has a unique chemical composition that determines its therapeutic properties.

A. The main essential oils and their properties:

  1. Лаванда (Ang auction lavandy): One of the most universal and popular essential oils. It has soothing, relaxing and antiseptic properties. It is used to relieve stress, improve sleep, treatment of burns, wounds and skin irritations. Suitable for all skin types.

  2. Tea wood (Melaleuca alternifolia): Powerful antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral agent. It is used to treat acne, fungal infections, cuts, scratches and insect bites. It should be used with caution, as it can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin.

  3. Roman chamomile (anthemis nobilis): It has soothing, anti -inflammatory and anti -allergic properties. It is used to relieve stress, improve sleep, treatment of skin irritations, eczema and psoriasis. Suitable for children and people with sensitive skin.

  4. Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Stimulates, refreshes and anesthetize. It is used to relieve headaches, improve concentration, relieve digestion, treatment of nausea and seasickness. It should be used with caution, as it can increase blood pressure and cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

  5. Eucalyptus Globulus): It has antiseptic, expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties. It is used to treat respiratory diseases such as colds, flu and bronchitis. It is not recommended to use children under 2 years old.

  6. Lemon (Citrus limon): Refreshes, cleanses and has antiseptic properties. It is used to improve the mood, improve concentration, purification of air, treat acne and clarify the skin. Phototoxic, therefore, the effects of sunlight should be avoided after applying to the skin.

  7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis): Stimulates, improves memory and concentration, has antioxidant properties. Used to improve hair growth, treat muscle pain and improve blood circulation. It is not recommended to use pregnant women and people with epilepsy.

  8. Incense (Boswellia carterii): It has soothing, anti -inflammatory and regenerative properties. It is used to relieve stress, improve meditation, treatment of skin diseases, such as wrinkles and scars.

  9. Sandalum tree (Santalum album): It has soothing, antiseptic and anti -inflammatory properties. It is used to relieve stress, improve meditation, treatment of skin diseases, such as acne and eczema. It is an endangered look, so you should choose oils obtained from sustainable sources.

  10. Ilanga Odorata: It has relaxing, antidepressant and aphrodisal properties. It is used to relieve stress, improve mood, treat high blood pressure and increase libido. It should be used in moderate quantities, as it can cause headache and nausea.

B. Ways to use essential oils:

  1. Inhalation:

    • Diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to the diffuser and turn it on for 30-60 minutes. Use the interval mode (for example, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes turned off) to avoid oversaturation.
    • Aromalampa: Add a few drops of essential oil to the Aroma lamps of water and light a candle. Make sure that the water does not boil.
    • Steam bath: Pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Cover your head with a towel and inhale steam for 5-10 minutes.
    • On the fabric: Apply a few drops of essential oil to the fabric or cotton pad and inhale the aroma during the day.

  2. External application:

    • Massage: Dilute the essential oil in basic oil (for example, almond, coconut or jojoba) in a concentration of 1-3% and use for massage.
    • Bath: Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a bath with warm water. Mix oil with an emulsifier (for example, honey or milk) so that it is better to dissolve in water.
    • Compresses: Add a few drops of essential oil to warm or cold water and moisten the fabric in it. Attach the compress to the sore spot for 15-20 minutes.
    • Lotions and creams: Add essential oils to your favorite lotions and creams at a concentration of 0.5-1%.

  3. Internal application:

    • Only under the supervision of a specialist: The internal use of essential oils requires expert knowledge and should be carried out only under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist or doctor. Some oils can be toxic with improper use.

C. Precautions:

  1. Dilution: Always dilute the essential oils in the basic oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.

  2. Allergy test: Before using new essential oil, conduct an allergy test. Apply a small amount of diluted oil to a small area of ​​the skin and wait 24 hours. If irritation does not appear, you can use oil.

  3. Pregnancy and lactation: Some essential oils are not recommended to be used during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils.

  4. Children: Some essential oils are not recommended for children. Use essential oils for children only under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist.

  5. Photo -toxicity: Some essential oils (for example, citrus fruits) are phototoxic, that is, they increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Avoid exposure to sunlight after applying such oils to the skin.

  6. Storage: Store essential oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposure to light, heat and air.

III. Aromatherapy for beauty

Essential oils can be a powerful tool to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails. They have antioxidant, anti -inflammatory, antiseptic and regenerating properties that can help solve various cosmetic problems.

A. skin care:

  1. Acne: The essential oils of tea tree, lavender, lemon and rosemary have antiseptic and anti -inflammatory properties that can help fight acne. Add a few drops of essential oil to the basic oil (for example, jojoba or grape seeds) and apply to the affected areas of the skin.

  2. Dry skin: Lavender essential oils, Roman chamomiles, sandalwood and geraniums have moisturizing and soothing properties that can help improve the condition of dry skin. Add a few drops of essential oil to the base oil (for example, almond or avocado) and apply to the skin after a shower.

  3. Burnic leather: Essential oils of lemon, tea tree, grapefruit and cypress have astringent and antiseptic properties that can help control the production of skin fat. Add a few drops of essential oil to a tonic or face lotion.

  4. Sensitive skin: Lavender essential oils, Roman chamomiles and roses have soothing and anti -inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and redness. Use essential oils in a very low concentration (0.5-1%) and always conduct an allergy test before use.

  5. Wrinkles and aging of the skin: Essential oils of incense, roses, sandalwood and Mirra have antioxidant and regenerating properties that can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and slow down aging processes. Add a few drops of essential oil to the cream or face serum.

B. Hair care:

  1. Hair loss: The essential oils of rosemary, lavender, cedar and thyme have stimulating properties that can help improve blood circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair growth. Add a few drops of essential oil to the basic oil (for example, coconut or jojoba) and massage the scalp for several minutes before washing the hair.

  2. Bold hair: Essential oils of lemon, grapefruit and tea tree have astringent and antiseptic properties that can help control the production of skin fat and refresh the hair. Add a few drops of essential oil to shampoo or air conditioning.

  3. Dry hair: Lavender essential oils, Roman and sandalwood chamomiles have moisturizing and soothing properties that can help improve the condition of dry and damaged hair. Add a few drops of essential oil to air conditioning or hair mask.

  4. Dandruff: Tea tree essential oils, lavender and rosemary have antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help fight dandruff. Add a few drops of essential oil to shampoo or hair mask.

C. nail care:

  1. Brown nails: Essential oils of lemon, lavender and Mirra have strengthening and moisturizing properties that can help improve the condition of brittle nails. Add a few drops of essential oil to the base oil (for example, almond or olive) and massage nails and cuticle every day.

  2. Fungal nail infections: The essential oils of tea tree, lavender and thyme have antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help fight fungal nail infections. Apply essential oil to the affected nails several times a day.

IV. Aromatherapy for health

Aromatherapy can be an effective addition to traditional medicine to treat various diseases and maintain health.

A. Mental health:

  1. Stress and anxiety: Essential oils of lavender, Roman chamomile, incense and ylang-ylang have soothing and relaxing properties that can help relieve stress and anxiety. Use essential oils in diffuser, aroma lamp or massage.

  2. Depression: Essential oils of lemon, grapefruit, rosemary and ylang-ylang have stimulating and antidepressant properties that can help improve mood and increase the level of energy. Use essential oils in diffuser, aroma lamp or massage.

  3. Insomnia: Lavender essential oils, Roman chamomile, sandalwood and cedar have soothing and relaxing properties that can help improve sleep. Use essential oils in diffuser before bedtime or apply a few drops to the pillow.

B. Physical health:

  1. Headache: Peppermint mint, lavender and rosemary oil have painkillers and anti -inflammatory properties that can help relieve headache. Apply a few drops of essential oil on the whiskey or use to massage the neck and shoulders.

  2. Muscle pain: Essential oils of lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus and ginger have painkillers and anti -inflammatory properties that can help relieve muscle pain. Add a few drops of essential oil to the base oil and use to massage the affected areas.

  3. Respiratory diseases: The essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and lavender have antiseptic, expectorant and anti -inflammatory properties that can help in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as colds, flu and bronchitis. Use essential oils for inhalations or add to the bath.

  4. Digestion: Essential oils of peppermint, ginger and fennel have antispasmodic and windblast properties that can help improve digestion and relieve bloating. Add a few drops of essential oil to the base oil and massage the stomach clockwise.

C. Aromatherapy for children:

Aromatherapy can be a safe and effective way of treating various diseases in children, but it is important to use essential oils with caution and under the supervision of a qualified aromatherapist.

  1. Safe essential oils for children: Lavender, Roman chamomile, tangerine and tea tree (in a very low concentration).

  2. Methods of application: Diffuser, bath, massage (in a very low concentration).

  3. Precautions: Never use essential oils inside in children. Avoid the use of essential oils for children under 6 months. Always dilute the essential oils in the basic oil in a very low concentration (0.5-1%) before applying to the skin. Consult a doctor or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils for children.

V. The choice and storage of essential oils

The quality of essential oils is crucial for their effectiveness and safety. Learn to choose high -quality essential oils and store them correctly.

A. The selection criteria:

  1. Purity: Make sure that essential oil is 100% clean and does not contain synthetic additives, diluents or solvents. The label should indicate the botanical name for the plant (for example, Lavandula Angustifolia) and a country of origin.

  2. Therapeutic class: Look for essential oils that have a therapeutic class, which means that they have passed testing and effectiveness.

  3. Source: Choose essential oils from reliable suppliers that use stable agricultural and extraction methods.

  4. Package: Essential oils should be packed in dark glass bottles to protect them from light and oxidation.

  5. Price: High -quality essential oils are more expensive than synthetic flavors or diluted oils. Be careful with oils that are sold at too low.

B. Methods of extraction:

  1. Steam distillation: The most common method of extraction of essential oils. Steam is passed through the plant, releasing essential oils, which are then condensed and assembled.

  2. Cold pressing: Used to extract essential oils from citrus fruits. The peel of fruit is pressed, releasing essential oil.

  3. Anflaist: The traditional method of extraction of essential oils from delicate colors, such as jasmine and rose. Flowers are placed on a layer of fat, which absorbs their aroma. Then the fat is extracted by the solvent to get absolute oil.

  4. Solvent extraction: It is used to extract essential oils from plants that are not suitable for steam distillation. The plant is soaked in a solvent that dissolves essential oils. Then the solvent is removed, leaving absolute oil.

C. Storage:

  1. Temperature: Store essential oils in a cool place (not higher than 20 ° C) to prevent their degradation.

  2. World: Store essential oils in a dark place to protect them from light, which can cause oxidation.

  3. Air: Close the bottles with essential oils tightly to prevent air exposure, which can also cause oxidation.

  4. Best before date: The shelf life of essential oils varies depending on the type of oil. Citrus oils have the shortest expiration date (1-2 years), and oils, such as sandalwood and incense, can be stored longer (5-10 years).

VI. Integration of aromatherapy into everyday life

Aromatherapy can be easily integrated into your daily life to improve your physical, emotional and mental health.

A. Morning rituals:

  1. Awakening: Use lemon essential oils, grapefruit or rosemary in diffuser to cheer up and increase the level of energy.

  2. Shower: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil or peppermint in a shower cabin to facilitate breathing and improve concentration.

  3. Meditation: Use the essential oils of incense or sandalwood during meditation to calm the mind and improve concentration.

B. Daytime rituals:

  1. Work: Use lemon essential oils, rosemary or peppermint in a diffuser at work to improve concentration and increase productivity.

  2. Stress relief: Use lavender essential oils, Roman chamomiles or ylang-ylang in the aroma colon or apply a few drops on the fabric and inhale the aroma during the day.

  3. Skin care: Add essential oils to your favorite lotions, creams and facial oils to improve the condition of the skin.

C. Evening rituals:

  1. Relaxation: Use lavender essential oils, Roman or sandalwood chamomiles in a diffuser before bedtime to relax and prepare for sleep.

  2. Bath: Add a few drops of lavender or Roman chamomile to a bath with warm water to relax and relieve stress.

  3. Massage: Use lavender essential oils, Roman or sandalwood chamomiles for massage before bedtime to improve sleep.

VII. Aromatherapy and other therapy

Aromatherapy can be an effective addition to other therapeutic methods, such as massage, reflexology, acupuncture and psychotherapy.

A. Massage:

Massage using essential oils can enhance the therapeutic effect of massage, improving blood circulation, relieving muscle tension and stimulating the lymph system.

B. Reflexology:

Reflexology using essential oils can enhance the therapeutic effect of reflexology, stimulating certain points on the feet, arms or ears that correspond to various organs and systems of the body.

C. Acupuncture:

Acupuncture using essential oils can enhance the therapeutic effect of acupuncture, stimulating certain points on the body using needles or pressure.

D. Psychotherapy:

Aromatherapy can be used as an addition to psychotherapy to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. Essential oils can help patients relax and open during therapy sessions.

VIII. The future of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy continues to develop and expand as a therapeutic method. Studies show that essential oils can have a positive effect on various aspects of health and well -being. In the future, aromatherapy will probably be integrated into a wider healthcare system and used as an addition to traditional medicine. Further research, standardization and regulation are necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of aromatherapy.

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