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Six Scentsational Bath and Body Experiences
Vasu Nargundkar
Fragrant healing herbs and the essential oils of plants and flowers
have been used as an integral part of holistic healing traditions,
including Ayurveda, for centuries. The senses can act as a powerful
means to create balance in mind and body, and the sense of smell
works to create balance through aromas. Here are six delightful ways
to use healing scents.
Aromatherapy cleansing bars can make washing a pleasant ritual. Look
for gentle vegetable glycerin based bars that won't dry out your
skin. Keep a medley of fragrances on hand to match your mood -
cooling sandalwood, soothing jasmine, uplifting rose, calming
lavender, refreshing sweet orange.
For a truly luxurious experience, try a full-body warm oil massage.
In the morning, a massage can invigorate you and get you ready to
breeze through a hectic day. An hour before you go to bed, a massage
can help you unwind and relax, help prepare you for restful sleep.
Aroma massage oils have a two-pronged effect - the soothing mind/body
comfort of the massage itself and the healing scent of the essential
oils. Get a readymade blend - essential oils available in a base of
almond or olive or coconut oil for massage - or blend your own by
mixing in 5-10 drops of your favorite aroma oil or blend for every 2
oz. of the base massage oil.
Herb or aroma oil infusions in bath water are a time-honored way to
pamper yourself. Try blends instead of a single oil - the synergy
will make the effect exponential. Use rosemary and peppermint for an
invigorating pick-me-up in the morning. Or lavender and ylang ylang
for a soothing experience. Or the exotic combination of frankincense
and sweet orange to feel renewed. Make sure the essential oils are
well integrated into the bath water before you step in. If you're
using herbs, wrap your favorite potpourri of fragrant dried herbs and
spices in muslin and toss into your bath as it's running. Dried rose
petals and buds, lemon and orange rind, lavender, rosemary, mint -
you can experiment with all of these and more.
All-natural aroma candles that use pure essential oils can make bath-
time a serene interlude. Make sure you buy natural candles that use
vegetable wax or beeswax. Light the candles a half-hour before you
step into the bath to give the healing aroma time to diffuse in the
room. Aroma lamps that diffuse essential oils are good alternatives.
Remember to observe usual precautions with lit candles or lamps.
Here's a unique idea - using essential oils to nourish facial skin
before you apply moisturizer. The blend I've seen combines lavender,
lemongrass, sandalwood, fennel, geranium rose and wheat germ in a
base of almond oil. A little of this blend goes a long way. The best
way to apply it? Barely moisten your palms with warm water. Pour just
2 or 3 drops of the oil on one palm, then rub your palms together to
distribute the oil well. Pat your face gently with your moistened
palms for light, even application of the precious oil.. If you're
blending your own, use no more than 5-6 drops of essential oils to 2
oz. of base oil.
Pure rose water makes a refreshing toner. Spritz on to your skin for
a cooling, soothing experience, especially in summer. Or dab some on
cotton-wool and place over closed eyes for ten minutes to relieve
tension and calm frayed nerves.
For more information on ayurvedic aromatherapy, please visit
http://www.mapi.com.
Note of caution: Essential oils are potent, concentrated substances
that can burn or irritate your skin. Start by looking for readymade
bath and aroma products that contain essential oils or have a
professional help you make customized blends. Experiment to find
those that work best for you. Remember to dilute essential oils
before they come in contact with your skin.
Copyright Vasu Nargundkar, 2001
Vasu Nargundkar is the editor of Total Health News and other
ayurvedic newsletters published by Maharishi Ayurveda. To sign up to
receive your copies free by email, please visit http://www.mapi.com.
Practical info, lots of tips, recipes more! |
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