Let's find out about them and learn how to use them to combat stress
Relaxing essential oils are highly prized substances of plant origin, extracted from roots, fruits, seeds, flowers and even resins.
Known since ancient times, they are used to create unique blends used in so many aspects of life.
Nowadays they form the basis ofaromatherapy; a form of alternative medicine that aims to solve ailments and improve physical and mental well-being through the use of natural essences.
Essential oils possess a dual route of absorption, dermal and inhalation.
The properties and applications of essential oils
The most immediate application of an essential oil isinhalation. A smell or scent can instantly evoke vivid memories of our past. The sense of smell allows us to relive experiences and emotions in a much more intense way than that evoked by an image or sound.
For this reason, essential oils are used to rebalance the psychic and emotional sphere.
The molecules of relaxing essential oils are also easily able to penetrate through the skin.
Applications in this case are mostly through massage. The use of the oil enhances the benefits of the massage itself thanks to the special essences that can rid the skin of toxins, relax and re-oxygenate it.
This type of absorption has an immediately visible beneficial effect on the skin, which will be revitalized and toned.
It is therefore essential to choose the most suitable oil according to the type of massage you want to achieve so as to amplify its benefits.
During massage, moreover, the two types of absorption meet. Smell is an important sense here, especially when, once the eyes are closed, the other senses are heightened. As the skin is enveloped in the sinuous movements of the operator and sprinkled with warm oil, memories brought by the scents of essential oils come to mind.
What type of relaxing oil to use and when?
Each essential oil possesses specific virtues, making it especially suitable when used for targeted purposes.
For example,lavender essential oil, which is soothing and has calming properties, is used for relaxing massages involving the face.
Bitter orange essential oil, on the other hand, is used for its draining properties and employed in massages to the lower body, especially the legs. For massages that make aromatherapy their main development, floral essential oils such as rosehip essential oil are used.
The use of essential oils in steam baths and saunas amplify their effects.
The heat of 'Hammam or sauna open the pores of the skin and, through moisture and sweating soften it so that the absorption process of the oils is more effective.
In the sauna essential oils are key to creating an immersive aromatherapy experience. Ice spheres are melted on the brazier with essential oils that, combined with music, transport one on a multisensory journey.
For a more relaxing mix, music, essential oils and calming treatments are used that focus on essences such as lavender,fir and mountain pine; those that are more energizing, on the other hand, make use of citrus or spicy essences. Finally,eucalyptus or various types of mint have a balsamic and detoxifying effect.
Essential oils can also take us on a mental journey: the melodies, colors, and scents of India can be evoked with oriental essential oils such as ginger, clove, coriander, cassia, and ylang ylang.
