5-7 drops pure essential oil, oil blend, or direct application oil 1-2 teaspoons carrier oil Alternatively, oil may be mixed well into 1-2 teaspoons of unscented body cream, lanolin, or aloe vera cream instead of carrier oil. Be certain it is mixed thoroughly.
In some cases, an aromatherapy remedy can be applied directly to the affected area, particularly in the case of muscle ailments. A word of caution: do not apply the remedy to an area where the skin is broken!
Many oils are not meant to be introduced directly into the bloodstream, plus, the danger of a negatively sensitive reaction to the remedy is increased.
Again, it is imperative that the responsible aroma therapist know well the properties of the remedy and the sensitivities of the client. Because of the increased danger of negative reaction, dilutions are often used for direct application.
If the oil is not an irritant, and the subject displays no negative reaction to inhalation or skin contact with the specific remedy, sometimes the blend is rubbed into the skin directly beneath the nose.
In this way, inhalation therapy can be accomplished without interruption of other daily activities. It is accomplished with every natural breath rather than through a treatment session.
At this point, it would be appropriate to introduce one of the creative innovations that has arisen through the actual practice of aromatherapy. Many aroma therapists love to see men approach them for consultation sporting mustaches.
Putting the inhalation treatment oil on the natural growth of facial hair beneath the nose not only allows the completion of inhalation therapy in a natural way but has the added benefit of keeping the oil away from direct skin contact.
Although there is always a mandate to be aware of client responses, and it is always necessary to observe the proper precautions and maintain a high level of responsibility, this type of administration often allows the aroma therapist to employ some components in a blend that would be ill-advised for direct skin contact.
Other direct inhalation methods include inhaling the fragrance of the oil blend directly from the bottle or soaking cotton balls or cotton swabs with the remedy, holding them beneath the nostrils and inhaling the scent.
This practice is undergone for up to twenty minutes at a time. Depending on need and the nature of the condition to be remedied, the process may be repeated several times throughout the day.
In following this method of application, it should be noted whether the blended oil includes any irritant ingredients. While direct contact to the skin is inadvisable with some essential oils, consider how much more of an irritation might be experienced through inhalation.
The nasal tissues can be very delicate and extremely sensitive. In some cases, especially when the ailment being treated is respiratory, it may be desirable to inhale the scent through the mouth instead of, or in addition to, the nose.
The downside of this is the possibility of an unpleasant assault on the taste buds.