Relax

Aromatherapy in the Bathtub November 19, 2013Relax0 Comments

For years I bemoaned the fact I was never given a ‘spa’ experience. The idea of a day spent lounging by a pool in a large fluffy robe really appealed to me. So when given the opportunity to visit one I couldn’t believe the whole experience left me disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the space was lovely and I did enjoy the treatments I had, but the environment itself was noisy, overcrowded and not very conducive to relaxation. That’s when I had my ‘eureka’ moment! Why not create my very own spa experience in the comfort of my own home? It almost sounded too good to be true, but it works and I now treat myself to a ‘spa’ experience everyday!

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Using Aromatherapy blends in my home allows me to create my own personal sanctuary where I can relax, unwind and rejuvenate. Essential oils have many different properties and work synergistically with the mind, body and spirit. When I feel the need to de-stress after a difficult day there is nothing quite like a long, hot soak in the tub. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, clary sage, marjoram, neroli, frankincense, ylang ylang and rose, work to quiet the busy mind and bring about a sense of wellbeing and peace. When using essential oils they must always be diluted in base oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or grapeseed, otherwise they will simply float on the surface of the water causing irritation when coming into contact with your skin. If you don’t have base oil, use ¼ cup of milk instead. Hey it worked for Cleopatra!

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My favourite de-stress blend is 2-drops clary sage, 2-drops frankincense, 2-drops neroli and 1-drop lavender in 1 ½ Tablespoons of jojoba oil. The aroma is absolutely divine and in no time at all I feel my cares melting away. Frankincense has a natural affinity with the respiratory system so its use encourages slow, deep breathing. Neroli is particularly beneficial for anxiety, while clary sage is comforting, warming and sedating. To enhance the experience my phone is switched off, the lights are low and soothing music is playing. This particular blend encourages deep sleep so is ideal for the end of a busy day.

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Going to the spa is not just about relaxation, though, and a lot of attention is given to skin care and beauty regimes. Fortunately Aromatherapy is one of the best beauty programs you can invest in. Essential oils such as lavender, neroli and ti-tree are cell regenerators, while geranium, rose and chamomile are hydrating and good for balancing sebum production. Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin and can assist in bringing the tone back to slack, wrinkled skin. Don’t forget you will also be receiving the nourishing benefits of whatever base oil you use. Jojoba is rich and indulgent, while grapeseed is light and astringent and rosehip is wonderful for dry skin. In no time at all your skin will be soft, glowing and positively radiant!

Incorporating essential oils into your bathtime means you not only benefit from the gorgeous aromas, but as your skin absorbs the oils they bring balance to you on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Of course there are days when I just don’t feel like myself but I know Aromatherapy will give me the emotional hug I need. A great blend for that feel-good factor is 3-drops jasmine, 2-drops sandalwood and 2-drops mandarin in sweet almond oil. These wonderful oils keep me grounded yet uplifted, and work to promote deep feelings of self-love. Now there may be a misconception that baths are generally better in the evening, but with the right essential oil blends they can be a great way to start your day. Adding a mixture of 3-drops rosemary and 2-drops sweet orange to a warm bath always gets me off on the right foot! Muscle aches and pains can easily be relieved by a blend of 2-drops chamomile, 2-drops lavender and 2-drops marjoram.

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The best way to create your own special spa experience at home is to experiment with different aroma blends, but keep in mind that only 7-drops of essential oil should be used per bath, less if you have sensitive skin or are using sensitizing oils such as peppermint, orange, lemongrass and black pepper. Ideally the blend should be added to the bath after the taps are no longer running to prevent the oils from evaporating too quickly. Benzoin helps to ease worries, however it will stain enamel so avoid it in the bath. Remember oil is slippery so always take your time getting in and out of tub! Aromatherapy is a simple and fun way to bring the relaxing, feel-good elements of a spa into the privacy of your own home!

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With love from Teach This

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