Aromatherapy Section Aromatherapy-the practice of using essential oils taken from plants, flowers, roots, seeds, etc., in healing. It is the "essence" of the oil--its chemical properties--that gives it whatever therapeutic value the oil might have. Remember, the information provided on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Need to relax? This section is devoted to helping you relax and refresh your mind, body and spirit. It's good to pamper yourself and essential to good health, for who doesn't feel relaxed after a hot languid bath or a good massage? I hope you find some information that is helpful. Take time out of your busy life and spend time on yourself. You deserve it! Patchouli Parts Used: leaves Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, cell regenerative, diuretic, fungicide, sedative, promotes scar formation, reduces fever, general body tonic. Uses: Patchouli is valuable in the skin care regimine for its antiseptic and antiinflamatory properties. It is useful for acne, eczema, dry, rough skin, wounds, sores and for its healing properties. On the hair it is great for dandruff, oily hair and to promote beautiful shine. Allergic reactions: Generally none, but if used to excess can cause drowsiness, although this can be a good relief for those with insomnia or stress related problems. more... Massage The Art of Massage There are a variety of massage practices, but they may not all be styles that you enjoy. How do you choose the massage that is right for you? One of the easiest ways to end up happy with the massage you select is to evaluate yourself on a masculinity/femininity scale. The more feminine, or yin, you are, the gentler your massage should be. The more masculine, or yang, you are, the more you’ll appreciate a deeper, more vigorous massage. This is true for both men and women, because both men and women have yin and yang aspects to their being. One problem is that most of us give someone the type of massage we like to receive. Don’t hesitate to tell your masseuse what you like, and to remind her as often as you need to. It’s important that you receive the kind of massage you will enjoy most. more... Aching Feet Regardless of whether you’re on the receiving end of a foot massage or you’re the one giving it, you both will experience many benefits, Even if you are simply massaging your own feet, it can still be a rewarding and satisfying way to end your day. more... Candles--Scents & Senses Almost everyone likes candles. They are pretty, can turn a room from dull to dramatic and just generally invoke a warm feeling. They also can provides scents to clear the air, freshen the mind, or warm the soul. But not all candles are created equal. There are differents sizes, types of wax, and dozens of scents to choose from. Expensive to cheap. They can certainly add that special touch to a romantic evening. Scented candles can be traced back to Colonial America when settlers discovered that boiling the distinctive grayish green berries of the bayberry bush produced a sweet-smelling wax that burned clean. more... Baths and Oils Water is nature’s greatest and most effective solvent. It acts as a liquid suspension, carrying a variety of minerals and chemicals, depending on its source. When we immerse our bodies in a warm bath, our skin rapidly begins to absorb chemicals that are suspended in the water. These chemical components can make their way to our bloodstream in as little as 2 to 15 minutes. It will take a normally healthy person from half an hour to three hours to eliminate most of these chemicals through the expired breath and urine. In unhealthy or obese people, this process may take up to 10 hours. That is why adding essential oils to a bath is such an effective aromatherapy treatment. more... Creating Your Own Massage Oils It's fun to experiment with your own blends of essential oils to create massage oils that are uniquely you. All you need is a clean glass bottle, a carrier oil and essential oils of your choice. more... * Should you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering any natural remedy. 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