Ways to Use Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

I have found that even though some people are aware of essential oils and their use in aromatherapy, many do not realize the vast number of ways essential oils can be used in aromatherapy.  I am constantly thinking of creative and innovative ways to market aromatherapy here in the U.S. and have discovered that aromatherapy can, in fact, be incorporated into many areas of your life!

Apart from the usual aromatherapy lotions and oils, aromatherapy comes in the form of candles, bath oils, shampoos and natural perfumes.  Essential oils can also be used to clean your home.  And don't forget weddings and travel too!

To learn more read:

Different Ways of Using Essential Oils in Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy Awareness Week

Aromatherapy Awareness Week is recognized both in the U.K. and Australia, albeit at different times of the year, but as far as I am aware there is no such event in the U.S.  In 2010, the U.K. marks Aromatherapy Awareness Week between June 7th and June 13th while Australia marks Aromatherapy Awareness Week between October 6th and October 13th.

My only reasoning for the lack of such an event in the U.S. is because both the U.K. and Australia are at similar "stages" in the progress of the recognition of aromatherapy as a valid therapy whereas the U.S. is, to some extent, still trying to "catch up".

Aromatherapy Awareness Week basically increases the awareness of aromatherapy to the public and demonstrates ways in which aromatherapy is used.  Personally, if such an event existed in the U.S. I would be all for it because since moving to the U.S. from the U.K. I have found that aromatherapy means different things to different people and a lot of people are still trying to understand the true power, potential and validity of aromatherapy, particularly in health care settings.

If you practice aromatherapy in the U.S. what do you think of the idea of an Aromatherapy Awareness Week?  Do you think it would benefit you - and more importantly aromatherapy - or do you think it would simply be a distraction from the practice of aromatherapy?

Let me know your thoughts by posting a comment below! :)

U.K. Hospital Offers New Mothers Aromatherapy for Labor Pain

Its something those trained in aromatherapy have always known - but actually seeing aromatherapy in practice in health care was a rare event until recent years.  In the U.K. that is.  I am not so sure that aromatherapy is used as widely in the U.S. in true health care as in the U.K., partly because of the complicated issues surrounding health care insurance.

However, health care in the U.K. is set up slightly differently and the National Health Service (NHS) is starting to incorporate aromatherapy use into more "serious" medical practices.  BBC Bristol reports that expectant mothers under North Bristol NHS Trust, at Southmead hospital and at Cossham Birth Centre (from Fall 2011), are receiving aromatherapy treatments for labor pain, anxiety, muscle pain and pregnancy related sickness from trained midwives.

Some of the essential oils that are offered by North Bristol NHS Trust trained midwives include:

• frankincense - to calm
• lavender - for anxiety and insomnia
• peppermint - for nausea
• clary sage - to ease labor pain
• bergamot - to strengthen immune system.

These essential oils are used under the guidance of midwives who have completed aromatherapy training.  It appears that the U.K. medical service is finally recognizing aromatherapy for its true healing practices - and there will be a new generation of babies who enter this world to the aromatic fragrance of essential oils! :)

For more information on the useof aromatherapy and essential oils in pregnancy read:

Essential Oils for Pregnancy

Follow Up: Essential Oils for Travel

My post on Monday May 10, 2010, Take Aromatherapy on Vacation, Travels and Holidays, inspired my latest article!

If you want to know more about which essential oils to use for:

• travel sickness
• jet lag
• stomach upsets
• sun burn
• insect bites

read Essential Oils in Aromatherapy for Travel and learn why peppermint, ginger and lavender essential oils are invaluable to take on vacation - no matter where in the world you are traveling...

Take Aromatherapy on Vacation, Travels and Holidays!

As we approach mid-May, thoughts for many people turn to vacations and holidays or exotic travel trips!  But it doesn't really matter how far you travel from home - it may be just a weekend break camping locally or a 5,000 mile trip to the other side of the world - aromatherapy can be a useful tool to have along for the ride!

Many essential oils used in aromatherapy can form the basis of an essential oil "first aid" kit for travel which can help with some of the familiar - and some unfamilar - problems which arise on vacations and holidays.  Here's a few common travel problems which aromatherapy can help with and a couple of suggested essential oils to take with you:

• travel sickness -peppermint and ginger essential oils
• jet lag - grapefruit, lemon and geranium essential oils
• mosquito bites and repellent - tea tree and geranium essential oils.

Its probably a good idea to take lavender essential oil too, as lavender oil is good for nausea, sun burn and upset stomachs.

As always, blend all essential oils in a lotion or carrier oil base before using, and reduce quantities for use with young children.

I also find that when I am traveling that it is useful to take along familiar lotions and potions such as my shampoo, soap and scent sprays which I make with essential oils.  Hotels often have "standard" soaps and lotions which may be irritating to the skin.  If you have room, it is also nice to take along some aromatherapy candles which set a pleasant ambience in a hotel room - or are useful insect repellents when camping (if you choose the right essential oil based candle!).

Based on my experience of traveling, I put together some basic aromatherapy lotions for the Sedona Aromatherapie store, with some aromatherapy travel kits - and travel sized aromatherapy candles.  Visit the travel section in the Sedona Aromatherapie web store to learn more.

In the meantime, happy traveling!  And watch for more aromatherapy travel tips throughout the summer, as I come across them!

Aromatherapy Connections on the World Wide Web

I recently did a post, Using the Internet as an Aromatherapy Resource, as a way of accessing aromatherapy information, research and studies online.  However, I also thought it was worth mentioning the value of the internet and the world wide web as a networking tool for aromatherapists.  Where it was once only possible to connect locally with like-minded aromatherapists, it is now possible to connect with aromatherapists from all around the world and to share information - all without living your home in many instances!  It doesn't matter if you are in Australia, up a mountain in Europe, or on the beach, if you can get an internet connection, you can connect with aromatherapists from all around the world!

Social networking sites such as Face Book and My Space, and the micro networking site, Twitter, have contriibuted greatly to the ease in which aromatherapists can share information.  Learn about the different ways aromatherapy is used, and the different rules and regulations of different countries, by simply joining up with one of these networking tools.  I currently have aromatherapy connections in Australia, across the U.S. and Canada, the U.K. and other parts of Europe simply through social networking on these social media web sites.

Although not as common or as popular as social networking, there are a few online aromatherapy forums, usually aimed at the beginner or hobbyist, through which you can connect with others in aromatherapy too.  It is advisable to check the validity of information exchanged on these forums, but I have also picked up some useful tips and information, in addition to contributing my own experiences on these forums.

Most reputable aromatherapy organizations usually have a web site and/or a social networking page too, so you can often find links to aromatherapy articles and studies by signing up for these web sites or checking them regularly.

Of course, nothing replaces the face-to-face contact and interaction with other aromatherapists, but the world wide web has presented me with opportunities I would not have had in the past - and makes me feel less alone in the world with some much needed support from other aromatherapists!

If you would like to connect with me on the internet:

Twitter - follow me @girlychat
Face Book - Sharon Falsetto (personal page) - please send me a friend request and add a comment or too about aromatherapy, as I don't automatically accept all friend requests, if I don't "know" you!
Face Book Business Pages - Sedona Aromatherapie, Chocolate Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Wedding.