ESSENTIAL OILS: RECAP

Thank you to everyone who participated in our event this past Sunday-we plan on more events soon! As a recap and for those who missed out, here are a few notes from Nikki on essential oils, how to use them and safety guidelines, as well as some extra tips: 

Lets take a moment to think about the plants from which essential oils are extracted.  Plants are essential to human life.  Without green plants we would not breathe or eat.  The bulk of our food comes from plants, which synthesize it out of air, water, soil and sunlight.   

Like us, plants are alive--they move and breathe.  They have intrinsic strengths and vulnerabilities.  Essential oils are the plant essences which function to attract pollinating insects, repel pests, and prevent damage from fungi and bacteria.  These aromatic essential oils support the health and life of the plant.

Our bodies recognize, read and follow the natural healing properties and instructions of plant essential oils.  So, the plant kingdom offers us a medicinal tool kit in the form of concentrated essential oils that our bodies understand. They not only reduce symptoms, but also support the body's own ability to heal and correct chronic imbalances.

Why do some plants have smell?

Some attract insects and animals for pollination and seed dispersal and tend to have sweet, tempting fragrances. Others need to defend themselves against being eaten by bugs, environmental dangers/hazards, or bacteria and fungus, so those aromas are unpleasant.

Each essential oil carries a unique, therapeutic signature that represents the vital force the plant has developed to ensure it survives and thrives.

The effects of essential oils on the body range from physiological, mental, emotional and energetic. They can be felt energetically, inhaled or applied topically.  

How to Use Essential Oils:

There are various ways that one can apply essential oils for therapeutic benefit.  The safest and most commonly used methods involve skin absorption of essential oils through massage, ointments, compresses, and baths, as well as inhalation.  

To use Aromatically—inhale directly several times from the bottle.  Repeat throughout the day, as needed.  DoTerra's "Breathe" blend, which we have at the Backrub, is an excellent blend to use in this way for respiratory complaints.  (Don’t inhale "hot" oils, such as cinnamon and oregano, which can irritate nasal membranes.)  

To Diffuse--use a diffuser, or an oil "burner" (the Backrub carries several styles of these) or put on cotton balls in air vents of your home or car.  An alternative is to float a few drops of essential oil on a saucer of water near a source of warmth, such as a radiator.

To use Topically—Compresse:  add essential oil, diluting it at least 5-50% strength (between 5 to 15 drops of oil in 1 ounce of water) to hot or cold water, mix gently, soak a washcloth in mixture, wring it out, apply.

Last, but not least, get an Aromatherapy Massage! During an aromatherapy massage, the aromatic molecules of the essential oils exert an influence through their inhalation. Essential oils pass easily through the skin into the general circulation of the body.  The physiological benefits of massage are enhanced by the therapeutic, aromatic properties of the essential oils.  

Safety Guidelines:

-Dilute. Less is more.-Children’s and Senior skin is very delicate, requiring lowered dilution rates than healthy adults.
-Don’t expose skin to direct sunlight or tanning beds after application of Citrus oils, such as Lemon or Grapefruit, for up to 12 hours.
-Use sparingly around pets. Cats do not have the enzymes in their livers to detoxify essential oils like humans do. Birds can react strongly to essential oils. Never force aromatherapy on a pet.
-Regulate your personal use of essential oils. Prolonged, daily use of the same oils is not recommended. Prolonged (months to years) use of the same oils applied on the skin, could lead to sensitization to that oil, making it impossible to use any further. Alternating oils with the same actions can reduce your risk of sensitization.
-Use extra caution with dermal irritant oils such as Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Black Pepper, Wintergreen. Especially if use results in redness, bumps, excessive heat or burning sensation. Use these oils in low dilution.  Vegetable or nut oils can be good carrier oils for diluting.

While essential oils are the tools of a gentle therapy, they have the power to reach deep into the psyche, relaxing the mind and uplifting the spirit.  

There was much more discussed on Sunday evening so if you have any questions or are interested in discussing essential oils further, please contact us! inquiries@greatbackrubs.com

For answers to questions on essential oils, Nikki can be reached at the Backrub on Tuesdays 9:30am-3:30pm and Saturdays 9:30am-2pm.  She can also be reached directly at 612-599-5082, or nikkiwell@gmail.com.

NOTE: The advice shared in this blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help. Kindly understand that essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems. Thank you for your sharing with others.