Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Aromatherapy Weight loss

Aromatherapy weight loss. All of us will like to see ourselves well groomed and fit enough to look great and flaunt those athletic physiques among friends and relatives. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for the most obvious reasons; we simply can not maintain our body weight. For some people the dilemma of being overweight starts first in the mind: It is all psychological and once the mind is healthy, the slimmer body will automatically follow. Mentally, aromatherapy can help you to fight stress and lift your mood.

The connection between smell and emotion are thought to be extremely close. Taking a deep breath of pleasant smells triggers positive reactions in the brain, resulting in a sense of wellbeing and goodness. We are all very unique. If oil works well for one person it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work the same for the next person. The way the oils are used could also make a difference; one person might benefit more by using the oils in the bath, rather than inhalation, massage or burning the oils.

The same theory holds good in case of human weight; more you feel good and hale, the more will be the care towards your physical well being. A regular aromatherapy session may help you achieve weight loss campaign, by increasing your sense of well-being and relaxation.

However, aromatherapy cannot produce desired weight loss without you creating your own calorie deficit regime, either by eating a calorie-reduced weight loss diet, or by increasing calories burned through rigorous exercise, or more ideally by a combination of diet and exercise. Aromatherapy has proven to be very useful for this weight loss. This natural way of treating has no side effect at all as compared to other treatments.

Certain essential oils are very useful in weight loss trial, like Birch, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, and Fennel. Massage is probably the best method and oils must be used with base oils like sweet almond, which makes oil less strong and easy to use. Applying oil to those places were fatty tissues are more, will really help to reduce the fat level and make your physique well shaped.

Essential oils used here are not only sweet smelling but have also the capacity to make your digestive system good, that in turn also helps in weight reduction. How ever, one must see that the oils used should be in moderate amount and mixed with carrier oil before using. A calculated dosage, rigorous exercise-workout and a strict diet will go a long way in achieving a significant weight loss.

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Aromatherapy and Pregnancy


Pregnance. Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).

For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath, add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.

How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy.

Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy

Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.

Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:

Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal

Oils Recommended During Pregnancy

The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first. Good oils for pregnancy include:

Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine

If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.

Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy

Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:

Bergamot

Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Chamomile

Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion.

Cypress (ok after 5 mos.)

Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.

Eucalyptus

Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.

Frankincense

Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming

Geranium (ok after 3 mos.)

Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.

Grapefruit

Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention.

Lavender

Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.

Lemon

Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.

Mandarin

Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.

Neroli

Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.

Patchouli

Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.

Petitgrain

Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.

Rosewood

Antiseptic, sedative

Sandalwood

Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.

Tangerine

Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.

Tea Tree

Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.

Ylang Ylang

Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

Aromatherapy and Children

As in case of adults, aromatherapy works wonderfully in case of children too; a cool aromatic bath in a tub is always eagerly awaited by your children. Many essential oils can be used to treat many ailments and conditions of your growing children. How ever, care must be taken in treating children with essential oils, although there are many numbers of safe ones. If used in original concentration, oils may work adversely and cause skin burn and irritation.

Most common dosage for any aromatic oil would be one-third to one-half the adult dose, or a 1-percent dilution (five or six drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil), and don't forget that citruses may irritate the skin.

Chamomile, Melissa and fennel are usually used as massage oil, or taken as herb tea. These oils are known to soothe a variety of tummy-aches-and the problems that can lead to stomachaches, such as frayed nerves, anxiety and over excitability. More common problems like colic, gas pains, and nausea and food allergies are also treated by oils.

A chamomile, fennel and Melissa herb tea with licorice helps stop crying and fussing in infants with colic. Essential oils relieve muscle spasms caused when babies swallow air as they eat. Herbal gripe water is still being used all over the world to get rid of colic pains. A carminative water mix contains fennel, chamomile, caraway, coriander and bitter orange peel, all known to kill bacteria and relieve flatulence.

Most digestive problems are reduced by a simple tummy massage using one of the oils. Tummy-Rub Oil can be formulated as follows:

2 drops Roman chamomile
1 drop fennel
2 drops dill
1 drop Melissa
1 ounce carrier oil
Mix together and massage the tummy gently.

A suggested treatment for children before bedtime is a warm lavender and chamomile essential-oil bath. Most children just love taking aromatherapy baths, particularly if they have their own personal blends.

Popular fragrances include orange, grapefruit and tangerine-all antidepressants and relaxants. Nature's gentle but powerful relaxant teas such as Melissa, lavender and chamomile has the property to calm a nervous, over stimulated, over excited child, make headaches go away and gently induce sleep.

Placing a cool compress of lavender on the forehead will give much needed relief from a headache, sleeplessness or over exertion. Frankincense used as a vaporizer or as massage oil is safe and effective for respiratory congestion or infection. Other safe essential oils for children include mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine and petit grain. Tea of yarrow, catnip, peppermint and elder flower rare known to reduce the symptoms of measles, chicken pox or mumps; ginger with a touch of lemon juice is also effective.

The soreness of mumps is lessened by syrups and gargles made from teas of thyme, rosemary or sage. Antiviral oils made from Melissa and bergamot has proven effective against the mumps and chicken-pox viruses. For teething pain in toddlers and young children, give chamomile tea and rub the gums with a little diluted clove oil on your finger.

The following formula may be used for swollen tonsils, mumps and other lymphatic swelling in the neck area:

Neck Wrap
2 cups warm water
8 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the water with the essential oil. While the water is still warm, soak a soft cloth, preferably flannel, in the water and wring it out. Wrap the cloth around the neck. Cover with a towel to hold in the heat. Remove before it gets cold. Repeat as many times as you wish.

Essential oils are universal in nature, as they are known to work in every condition, in all times of the year. Essential oils prove very handy in times of distress and need; a few drops of essential oil are all needed to reduce the symptoms in children.