Vital Liquids, Life-Force Healing Energy

The use of essential oils is one of the oldest and most potent forms of plant medicine, treasured by the ancient people and still appreciated today. Those who thoroughly use essential oils, swear by them. However, it seems as though most people still may underestimate their magical powers. They are so much more than just a pretty scent! If used on a regular basis, their power to improve mood, decrease stress, fight infections and counteract the aging process is truly amazing. Lets take a closer look to observe the interaction between these vital liquid oils and our bodies.

First, it’s important to understand what roles essential oils play in nature. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries the distinctive pure scent, or essence, of the plant. Created by photosynthesis, the aromatic vital liquid enables the plant to shield itself against predators as well harsh environmental conditions while strengthening its immune system and repairing damages made to the plant. The fact that essential oils have the ability to help us as well shows our distinctive bond with plants. Once inhaled through the nose, the oils stimulate the olfactory organs which are linked to the areas of the brain that control emotions. The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

They work systematically on an energetic level (vibrational frequency) and a physical (chemical) level in the body. Essential oils contain light molecules giving the ability to evaporate easily into the air. These are considered “volatile” organic molecules. Each drop of essential oil contains oxygen as well as thousands of various molecules and chemical constituents. These volatile molecules can be beneficial for the lungs and the body in general. The molecules are picked up into the bloodstream and travel very easily to the rest of the body. Essential oils are fat-soluble liquids which enable them to travel very fast and very effectively through the fatty membranes of every single cell the body, making their way through the body’s microcosm and improving the functioning of the organs. These precious molecules and the cells within our bodies speak the same language. Very high quality aromatherapy oils have the balanced chemical profile which exactly matches nerve receptors in a human body, making it possible for the body to beneficially use the information contained in the molecules. Many essential oils are known antibacterial and antiviral agents. They support the immune system while they destroy bad bacteria, viruses and pathogens. They also fight free radicals, promoting youthfulness. It’s also interesting to know that bacteria and viruses do not become resistant to essential oils. Because they are not processed and chemically altered like a drug, each batch of a natural essential oil will be unique, preventing bacteria and viruses from developing resistance.

More and more studies are proving that mental stress is a leading cause for illness and depression. A rich healthy diet of natural whole foods and methods using essential oils should never be underestimated or overlooked as a preventative daily method in order to maintain good health. In addition to all their benefits, essential oils promote calm deep breathing. Something that most people forget to do! Shallow inconsistent breathing slowly starves the organs of fresh oxygen. The incredible scents also help us slow down our thoughts, relieving everyday stress. Keeping essential oils on your desk at work, purifying the air using oil burners, infusing your hot bath and using products made with pure essential oils are some of the ways you can benefit from the wonders they offer. Essential oils shouldn’t necessarily be restricted to the home. Keeping a practical sized pot pouri in the cup holder in the car may have a surprising effect on reducing impatience and road rage while driving. Burning oils while studying or working helps ease mind, increase concentration and fight mental fatigue. To say the least, essential oils are by far the most beautiful and gratifying way to help maintain life-long optimum health and joy.

Free Radicals and Anti Oxidants

Free Radical damage has come to be the primary cause of aging in humans. What are free radicals? They are simply oxygen molecules that have lost an electron and become unstable and reactive. The main contributors of free radicals are cooked oils, pesticides, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and excessive sun exposure. How does this relate to our skin? Free radicals inhibit the production of collagen; a natural protein molecule that gives our skin a youthful, supple appearance.

Antioxidants are considered to be nutrients that prevent and reverse free radical damage. They come in the form of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, and tocotrienols. The best way to prevent skin damage and slow the aging process is to apply skin care and ingest foods that are rich in antioxidants. The skin- our bodies largest organ, will absorb nutrients faster than if we were to ingest them. Therefore using skin care that is rich in antioxidants is our best defence against aging.

What are parabens?

Health conscious people today are starting to educate themselves more and more about beauty products that are hazardous to our health and well being.
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. However, these common yet harsh and potentially harmful additives are increasingly known as something to strongly steer clear of. Mainstream cosmetic companies still use these harsh preservatives to facilitate their production as they are cheap, mass produced and easily accessible. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms. Cosmetics that may contain parabens include makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, among many others.

In the last few years, the FDA&C Act (Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) has received many inquiries on the safety of parabens as used in cosmetics. As a result, a number of studies have been put into effect to assess the risks of continuous exposure to parabens. One study, in 2004 detected parabens in breast tumors. They have been shown to act in similar ways to estrogen and cause imbalances in the body.
At the present time, it has been concluded that the studies cannot prove a direct danger in consuming products containing parabens. This is mainly due to the very low levels (between 0.01% to 0.3%) that are added to the cosmetics and also, unfortunately, the studies left several questions unanswered.

Common sense can also play a strong role. Given the fact that the average women uses numerous products on a daily basis and additives like parabens are esily absorbed through the skin every day for many years, they can be accumulated in the body over time and therefore are very likely to slowly deteriorate our health. The type of lotion you put on your skin should be as important as the food you put in your belly. Both are absorbed into your body and bloodstream. Therefore, the products we choose to use on our hair and skin should be selected just as consciously as the food we choose to eat. There are alternatives!

Sun Protection

Exposure to the sun has a terrible damaging effect on the skin, and the face is one of the most exposed areas of the body. In order to protect the skin, you need to use a commercially produced sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Use a waterproof sunblock, or reapply after swimming.

To soothe mild sunburn, gently spread one of the following over the affected area: mashed cucumber, plain yogurt, grated raw potato, cotton balls soaked n milk or 1 egg white beaten with 10ml witch hazel and 10ml honey, then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. Take care not to rub the skin when drying it. Gently apply rich moisturizing cream to the burnt area.

Skin Care

Cleansing

Cleansing should be the first step of your skincare routine. It removes the dirt, old make-up, and sweat that accumulate on the skin every day. Cleansing should be thorough, but it should also be gentle. A light formula is ideal. Warm it in the palm of your hand first, then massages it gently into the skin before wiping it off with a soft facial tissue or cotton ball. Never drag the skin.

Face Mask

This mild treatment is perfect for types of skin to cool and sooth the skin. It is often used as a treatment for itchy skin.
Steam facial to deep-clean clogged pores
A weekly steam treatment will make sure that your skin is kept free from blackheads and blemishes. It is particularly important for oily skin, but do not perform a steam treatment more than once every two weeks if you have dry skin, which tends to be more delicate.

Face scrub

Facial scrubs cleanse the skin by removing dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells. Since most scrubs are slightly abrasive, they can be irritating to very sensitive skin. As a rule, they should not be used more than two or three times per week (and even less often if your skin is dry). There are many wonderful herbal scrubs as oatmeal, apricot and tamarind. Rinse well and apply a moisturizer after the scrub.

Moisturizing

The final step in your spa facial routine is moisturizing, which should be both rehydarate and nourish the skin to keep it soft and supple. Moisturizer keeps water locked in the skin cells by helping reinforce the thin, oily layer on the surface of the skin. This film is vital in preventing moisture from being lost through the skin, and in keeping the skin smooth, supple, and youthful. Applying moisturizer is also a good opportunity to massage the skin, which helps to stimulate blood circulation and increase muscle tone.

Protecting the skin

Most of the common skin problems are caused by the cumulative damage inflicted by UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Both kinds of UV rays stimulate the formation of free radicals, which injure both the outer and inner layers of skin. The result is not only tried, old-looking skin, but an increased risk of skin cancer. Antioxidant creams can help protect the skin from free-radical assault. They also work in synergy with vitamin E and C helping to restore collagen, the tissue that provides the scaffolding beneath the outer layer of the skin. Herbal skin-care products derived from rice bran oil, sheer butter, wheat protein and almond protein can help keep skin looking more youthful. For added antioxidant protection, look for skin products that also contain high potency vitamins C and E.

Regimen for dry skin

People with dry skin should avoid exposure to harsh soaps and detergents, which further deplete the body of its natural, protective oils. Stick to fragrance free, superfatted soaps made from natural ingredients including rice bran oil, aloe, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. Chamomile is also an excellent cleanser that will not dry our your skin. After showering or bathing, always use a moisturizer to avoid that dry, tight feeling. Aloe and rice bran oil products are good choices.

Eye care

Tired, worn-out-looking eyes can make you look old before your time. Fatigue, pollution and allergies are all possible causes of red, sore eyes. To give tried eyes a lift, place fresh cucumber slices over each eyes. Lie down in a dark room for 30 minutes. Your eyes will look and feel less sore and puffy.

Body Care Tips

Exfoliating

Exfoliation the process of using a gentle abrasive agent on the skin - is the simplest way to cleaner, softer, smoother body. It is also the perfect way to prepare your body for most other spa treatments and relaxation therapies. Exfoliation works by removing the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This unblocks the pores, which are then able to absorb creams and oils much more efficiently.

Exfoliation is particularly good for cellulite, by boosting the circulation and for removing the hard skin that builds up on the feet, knees and elbows. Sea salt's coarse texture makes it ideal for exfoliation and for stimulating the circulation. Sea salt contains about 97 percent sodium chloride, plus important trace elements, such as calcium, zinc, iron, and magnesium that can be absorbed through the skin and act as catalysts for many vital biochemical reactions.

Hand and Feet Care

People who suffer from chapped hands should wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when you wash dishes or do other household chores and always apply hand cream. If your nails are constantly peeling and chipping, or they have white spots, you need to include more calcium in your diet. If your nails are dry and splitting, a hot oil treatment can be very beneficial. Warm half cup almond oil in a small pot. Pour into a bowl and soak the fingertips of each hand for about 15 minutes. Rub remaining oil into cuticles, hands, and on the soles of the feet for a smooth, satiny feeling.
If the soles of your feet are hard, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften the hardened skin before rubbing them with a pumice stone. Use smooth, continuous strokes.

Body Massage

The two most obvious benefits of massage are increased circulation and flexibility. From a physiological point of view, massage increases the lubrication between muscle fibers and allows the muscle to move optimally. Muscle fibers are designed to work independently of each other. Aging is largely a process of dehydration. When muscles dehydrate, the fibers stick together and the muscle becomes stiff or ridged.
As fluid is reintroduced, the muscle softens and regains its flexibility. As circulation increases between the muscle fibers, nutrients reach the cells and toxins are carried off more efficiently. Degenerative diseases like cancer and muscular sclerosis are anaerobic and can not live in an oxygenated environment. Because blood carries oxygen to the cells, circulation is necessary for optimal health. Massage increases circulation, hence, increases oxygen to the cells.
Massage gives one a feeling of comfort and relaxation. A clinical study at the University of Miami School of Medicine, shows that massage increases mental alertness and accuracy in mathematical calculations. Massage also increases beta waves in this study which shows that one is more relaxed after a series of massages. This relaxed state lasts longer as the cumulative benefits of more massage at regular intervals are experienced.

Stress Management

The stressful period in our lives often results in sheer adrenal exhaustion, lowered immunity, digestive disorders and discomfort.
The stress response, via the stimulation of adrenal hormones, affects the metabolic rate and water balance. Adrenalin stimulates the heart, increasing blood pressure and heart rate; it constricts blood pressure and increasing the blood flow to the muscles and the brain and decreasing it to the digestive tract. Adrenalin also raises blood-sugar levels and stimulates the liver to release more glucose ad cholesterol into the blood.
Increasing the intake of B group vitamins, together with vitamin C and magnesium, is crucial during periods of stress as these nutrients are all swiftly used up. Herbs such as lavender and chamomile have a wonderfully relaxing action on the nervous system and can help sooth frayed nerves.
Other important stress management techniques include meditation, or similar relaxation practices, and exercise. Many studies support the mood-enhancing effect of exercise on the mind, and intense aerobic work-outs are now used to treat depression and anxiety. In periods of stress, we need to avoid all stimulants including caffeine, sugar and cigarettes.
Breathing exercises are especially useful to control rapid, shallow breathing, which is a common symptom of anxiety; yoga would be a superb way to learn and perfect your breathing techniques.
Lastly, hands-on therapies such as massage shiatsu and reflexology are also some calming considerations to help soothe inflamed nervous system and restore a sense of equilibrium. Spending one to two hours of our time being cared by using the tactile therapies is a safe and truly delightful way to address stress management.

Concept Of Aromatherapy

Benefit of Essential Oils
Different oils elicit different physical and emotional responses. Some calm us; some excite us. Some make us happy; some make us reflective. Some enhance our spiritual side; some increase our desire for carnal pleasure.

The following is a list of commonly used essential oils and the response they are believed to evoke.

Basil: Promotes peace and happiness
Bergamot: Promotes restful sleep
Black pepper: Increases alertness
Chamomile: Promotes sleep and tranquility
Cinnamon: Increase energy and awareness
Clove: Promotes healing
Dill Sharpens the conscious mind
Eucalyptus: Promotes healing
Geranium: Promotes happiness
Ginger: Increase energy
Jasmine: Promotes love, sex, and sleep
Lavender: Counteracts insomnia
Lemon: Promotes health, healing, and energy
Lemon grass: Purifies the body
Nutmeg: Increase energy
Orange: Increase joy and energy
Peppermint: Sharpens the conscious mind
Rosemary: Promotes longevity
Sage: Improve memory
Thyme: Promote good health
Water lily: Promotes peace and happiness

Aromatherapy In Shower And Bath
Today's fast-paced living often allows little time for more than a quick shower. However, you still can enjoy aromatherapy shower by using natural soap with essential oil to clean the body but not dry out the skin. Then stand under a warm shower until you feel thoroughly relaxed. Body brush or a loofa can be used for exfoliating.

Therapeutic Spa Shower
Alternating hot and cold showers helps to stimulate the blood supply to the skin and restore lost tautness and vitality. Such spa showers are even said to help prevent premature aging of the skin and eliminate fatigue.
Take a warm shower until your skin is warm.
Switch the temperature to cold and hold the shower about 3 inches from the skin's surface. Quickly move the shower head over your whole body, directing over your face, down your arms and legs, over your torso, abdomen and back. The whole process should take no more than 30 seconds.
Repeat steps 1 and 2, then get out of the shower and pat off the excess water. Do not rub the skin, and dress warmly as soon as you are dry.
A bath helps keep body and soul together. A bath is one of the most wonderful ways to use aromatherapy. Sea salt added to bathwater helps removes toxic substances from your body. It cleanses the whole system. Minerals contained in sea salt help strengthen the immune system. Pour the mixture of sea salt and 5-10 drops of essential oils into the tub water. Stir well to allow the salt to dissolve. Enjoy your own creation of a fragrant ?sea water? for about ten minutes.

Steam Inhalation
This is an excellent way to treat throat, chest and sinus problems. Pour some boiling water into a bowl and add 10 drops of essential oil. Eucalyptus oil, in particular, is an excellent decongestant and a powerful natural antiseptic. Cover your head with a thick towel and breathe in deeply. Continue for about 10 minutes. Caution: do not use this method if you have asthma.

Foot Bath
Prepare a foot bath in a large bowl. Cold water will stimulate circulation and be refreshing on hot summer day when you feel heavy and tired, but don’t use cold water when your feet are already cold. A hot foot bath helps relax the whole body and helps soothe women with gynaecological problems, like cramps and weak or missed periods, as well as poor circulation.

Aromatherapy Massage
Basic massage methods can relax and rebalance your system. Massage is not just a treat or whimsy; it really does help you feel better. Even the most basic massage, done without any training or instruction, helps to stimulate the circulation and dilate the blood vessels. You can see this happening when the area that you massage reddens. The improved blood flow helps to reoxygenate the tissues, bringing nutrients to the site and taking away toxins. It also boosts the lymphatic system and can reduce fluid retention. The heat produced by the massage and the extra blood flow helps to relax muscular tension. Regular deep-tissue massage can be extremely helpful if you are under stress, particular if you combine it with therapeutic properties of sedative aromatherapy oils, which are readily absorbed into the skin during the massage.

Create a Room for Aromatherapy
One of the most enjoyable elements of going to a health spa is being in comfortable, sumptuous surroundings, so make sure you spend some time setting the scene at home. Turn the lights down low in the bathroom and light candles to enhance the atmosphere. Our sense of smell has a strong effect on the balance of our emotions and can be used to relieve anxiety, depression and mental fatigue. To make your bathroom and bedroom smell sweet, use an oil burner with a few drops of relaxing essential oil, such as geranium, jasmine or lavender. All you have to do then is lie back and inhale the therapeutic scent as you enjoy your spa treatments. Some important points to remember when using essential oils.