I was setting up for a day of treatments recently and I came to be thinking about which essential oils I use the most. I love to use essential oils in all of the treatments I offer and am a strong believer in the benefits of aromatherapy. When clients arrive for their treatments we have a chat about how they are feeling both physically and emotionally. Based on the information I am given I then select essential oils to blend with a carrier oil to use for their treatment. My clients love to smell the blends I create for them, and I really enjoy seeing the often instant uplift that occurs when I ask them to smell what I have blended to ensure they like it.
Essential oils interact with the body through inhalation and absorption. When we smell essential oils the olfactory nerve carries the smell to the brain which triggers a reaction, be it calming, uplifting soothing etc. When essential oils come into contact with the skin (via mediums such as massage oil, bath soaks, or creams) absorption enables them to work locally with the skin and muscles. A small amount of the essential oil may then be absorbed deeper into the body via the circulatory system, which means they can benefit other areas of the body.
I have quite a large selection of essential oils, but I definitely have favourites that I use again and again. So this blog is my top five essential oils, the benefits they offer, and what other oils I like to blend them with.
Black Pepper - This is my go to for clients who have aches and pains. It has a warming, relaxing effect on tense muscles and as such is great for easing pain and tension. Black pepper can help to reduce inflammation and is great for digestive health. I also find it very useful for clients who are experiencing stress and anxiety. I love to blend Black Pepper with: Frankincense, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit, Lavender or Sandalwood.
Lime - My favourite of the citrus oils (although I love them all). I use Lime all the time for my clients who are in need of a boost to their energy and mood. Lime is particularly good if the immune system is a little run down, so if clients mention they have been under the weather I reach for Lime. I love to blend Lime with: Other citrus oils, Rose, Lavender or Black Pepper.
Peppermint - I like to use Peppermint particularly for Reflexology. Peppermint can help to ease pain and congestion, it is a go to for headaches and it is great for digestive health. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. I love to blend Peppermint with: Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary or Tea Tree.
Lavender - This is the one I use for my clients who need to feel calmer and are in need of deep relaxation. Lavender soothes both the body and the mind, easing anxiety and stress; its anti-inflammatory properties are also good for muscle aches. Lavender is very well known for promoting better sleep, so if a client mentions sleep issues their blend will definitely include Lavender. I love to blend Lavender with: Rose, Peppermint, Citrus oils, Rose Geranium, Black Pepper, Ylang Ylang.
Rose - Rose is my essential oil of choice for the Holistic Facials that I offer. It boosts skin radiance and is good for all skin types due to the way it balances the skin's oil production. Depending on the clients skin type I blend Rose with either Apricot Kernel carrier oil or Vitamin E carrier oil.
So there it is! My list of my top five essential oils, definitely the most used oils in my treatments! If you would like a treatment, don't hesitate to get in touch. I offer Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, and Holistic Facials from my cosy treatment rooms which are located at Empower Fitness Studios in Alford. You can also order gift vouchers for treatments and pamper packages to gift to friends and loved ones here.
Please note: Essential oils must be diluted before being applied to the skin, as such when performing treatments I select a carrier oil based upon the clients skin type.
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