Aromatherapy with therapeutic massage

Aromatherapy is a pleasant, remarkably simple, and effective method for alleviating various ailments using natural plant essential oils. These oils are utilized in massages, baths, inhalations, and absorbed through the skin by dispersing them into the surrounding air.

Throughout history, dating back to ancient times, people have employed essential oils for various purposes, with therapeutic effects being of primary importance. Both the Bible and ancient Indian and Egyptian texts, as well as ancient Chinese recipes, contain descriptions of essential oils. They are documented in ancient literature, legends, and poetry. An intriguing example of aromatherapy is the use of rose petals by Cleopatra, who suffered from insomnia, filling her pillows to ensure a good night's sleep and beautiful dreams. Modern research has confirmed the relaxing and sedative properties of rose oil.

Many well-known traditional medicinal practices rely on the direct or indirect application of essential oils. It is known, for instance, that during major epidemics, glove makers did not succumb to the diseases as they habitually perfumed their leather gloves, especially in the Middle Ages.

History also tells of an English medieval town that avoided a cholera epidemic because the entire population was involved in cultivating and distilling lavender. Many years later, Frenchman Gatefosse confirmed the antiseptic properties of lavender oil by treating wounded soldiers during World War I. Gatefosse is, in fact, the creator of the term "aromatherapy" and wrote the first book on the subject.

Classic aromatherapy involves the application of natural plant essential oils in massage, baths, and air.

Aromatherapy Massage 

A general massage of the entire body and/or, depending on the treatment goal, a localized massage. In all cases, oil blends are used, dissolved in natural plant oils. It is recommended to use oils that are beneficial for the skin or popular edible oils. They must be fresh and, most importantly, odorless. For massage, essential oils are dissolved in oil at a ratio of 15-30 drops of oil blend per 50 milliliters (about 1/5 to 1/4 cup of oil). For one massage, approximately 2-3 drops of oil blend dissolved in a tablespoon of vegetable oil are used.

Aromatherapy Bath 

A 15-30 minute immersion in warm water with 10 drops of oil blend added to the bathtub. For foot or hand baths, reduce the amount of oil accordingly. After the bath, do not rinse the skin, only pat it dry.

Localized Aromatherapy Bath takes the form of an aromatherapy compress where a towel or cotton soaked in a solution of 5-10 drops of oil in half a cup of warm water is applied locally.

Aromatherapy in the Air 

Classic inhalations or diffusing/evaporating oils in the room where the patient is present. Aromatherapy inhalations can be done either over a bowl of hot water with 5-10 drops of oil blend added, or by holding a cloth with 5-10 drops of oil blend close to the mouth and nose. Typical air aromatherapy involves diffusing oils dissolved in water using a heated aromatherapy lamp. Depending on the room size, use up to 10 drops of oil blend per session (once or twice a day, for example, in the morning and evening).