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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