The ABC’s of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils (The Basics)
Cee Cee H. Caldwell-Miller, MA, CLC,
The Wellness Architect
Hello Wellness Seekers, for the next month few issues I want to share with you my EXTREME LOVE of Aromatherapy and the benefits to adding essential oils to your self-care wellness plan. My hope is that you will fall in love with essential oils like those that I have, not a day goes by without me using the wonderful treasures that the earth has blessed us with. Let get started with our Journey of the Senses!
Let us look at the world of Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for the mental and physical well-being of the user.
Essential oils, which are the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely by the end user. Absolutes, CO2s and Hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy as well. Although essential oils, CO2 extracts and absolutes are distilled by different methods, the term essential oil is sometimes used as a blanket term to include all natural, aromatic, volatile, plant oils including CO2s and absolutes.
An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word “oil” are not oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.
In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy promotes the use of other complementary natural ingredients including cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, sugars (an exfoliant), clays and muds as a part of your self-care regimen on a consistent basis.
Products that include synthetic ingredients are frowned upon in holistic aromatherapy. It is important to note that perfume oils/fragrance oils are not the same as essential oils.
When using essential oils, please consult an aromatherapist to make sure you are including essential oils into you treatment plan in a safe and effective manner.
Come back and I will share with you the applications and benefits of aromatherapy for your personal use.
Remember that: “Your Health is Your Wealth” and it is about time you put yourself first because, Self- Care is far better than Health-Care.
Here is to your Journey to Wellness!
I am your Wellness Partner, Ready and waiting to SERVE!
Cee Cee speaks and facilitates workshops on the following topics: Being A Healthier U (Living Your Best Life From The Inside Out), The ABC’s of Business Basics, Success Principles, Passion and Purpose, Authentic Living, Wellness In The Workplace, Time Mastery(Whose Time is it anyway) and The Art of Relaxing, Relating and Releasing (stress mgmt.).
For more information or to schedule Cee Cee “The Wellness Architect” Caldwell-Miller” for your next company or business event/conference or for coaching, visit bit.ly/ahealthieru
www.realliferealfaithmagazine.com
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