Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The method used to apply the essential oils can absolutely effect the results you receive. So the following is a look at some of the various ways to use and apply essential oils especially if you are just discovering essential oils and aromatherapy.



Direct Application

Apply the essential oils directly on the area of concern using 1-6 drops pf oil. More is not necessarily better since a large amount of oil can trigger a detoxification of the surrounding blood and tissue.

Such a quick detoxification can be somewhat uncomfortable. To achieve the desired results, 1-3 drops are usually adequate. A few guidelines for direct application are as follows:

The feet are the second fastest area of the body to absorb essential oils because of the large pores. Other quick absorbing areas include behind the ears and on the wrists. 3-6 drops per foot are adequate.

When massaging a large area of the body, always dilute the essential oils by 15 -30% with a base oil such as expeller pressed almond or jojoba oil.

When applying essentail oils to infants and small children, dilute with a base oil. Use 1-3 drops of an essential oil to 1 Tbs. of base oil for infants and 1-3 drops of an essential oil to 1 tsp. base oil for children 2-5 years old.

DO NOT MIX oil blends. Commercially available blends have been specially formulated by someone who understands the chemical constituents of each essential oil and which oils blend well.

The chemical properties of the essential oils can be altered when mixed improperly, resulting in some undesireable reactions.

Layering individual essential oils is preferred over mixing your own blends. Layering refers to the process of applying one essential oil, rubbing it in, and then applying another essential oil. There is no need to wait more than a few seconds between each oil as absorbtion occurs quite rapidly.

If dilution is necessary, the base oil may be applied on top. The layering technique is not only useful in physical healing, but also when doing emotional clearing.

Vita Flex Technique

A simple method of applying essential oils to contact points (or nerve endings) in the feet or hands. Then a series of hand rotation movements at those control points create a vibrational healing energy that carries the essential oils along the neuroelectrical pathways.

The essential oils help increase the frequency of this healing energy and serve to either help remove any blockage along the pathways or travel the length of the pathway to benefit the particular organ.

To reduce any discomfort, the fingernails should be cut and filed as short as possible.

Always DROP the essential oils into the palm of your non- dominant hand and use the dominant hand to stir the oils in clockwise direction three times before application. This method will increase the electrical frequency of the oils and significantly improve the results. To prevent contamination of the oils, do not touch the top of the bottle with any part of your body.

Apply the Vita Flex Technique as follows: Starting with the fingers on their tips, curl the fingers up and over onto the nails. Increasing pressure is applied until the fingers are curled almost completely over onto the nails. Pressure is then immediately released to creat the spark of energy and send it on its way.

The curling should be one continuous motion, not jerky, with medium to heavy pressure being placed on the contact point. Never press and hold while performing this technique. This may be done several times on the same spot to obtain the desired results.

Some leverage can be achieved by placing the thumb of the same hand around the other side of the foot or hand on which the Vita Flex is being performed. This allows the hand to operate in a fashion similar to a pipe wrench, which increases pressure on the pipe as it is twisted.

Raindrop Technique

The raindrop technique is a simple application of dropping certain essential oils like little drops of rain from about six inches above the body along the entire length of the spine. It is also a tremendous boost to the immune system as it releases toxins and kills viruses and bacteria that have accumulated along the spine.

Auricular Technique

A method of applying essential oils to the rim of the ears. This technique works extremely well for emotional clearing. Some physical benefits can also be obtained from this technique.

Perfume or Cologne

Wearing the essential oils as a perfume or cologne can provide some wonderful emotional support, and physical support as well; not just a beautiful fragrance.

COMPRESSES

Basin

Fill a wash basin with two quarts of hot water and add the desired essential oils. Stir the water vigorously then lay a towel on top of the water. Since the oils will float to the top, the towel will absorb the oils with the water.

After the towel is completely saturated, wring out the water (leaving much of the oils in the moist hot towel) and place over the area needing the compress. Cover with a dry towel and a hot water bottle or a heating pad. Finally, put a third towel on top and leave on location for 1-2 hours.

Massage

Apply a hot wet towel and a dry towel on top of an already massaged area. The moist heat will force the essential oils deeper into the tissues of the body.

INHALATIONS

Diffuser

The easiest way and simplest way of putting the essential oils into the air for inhalation is to use an essential oil diffuser. Diffusers that use a heat source (such as a light bulb ring) will alter the chemical make-up of the oil and its therapeutic qualities. A cold air diffuser uses room air temperature air to blow the oil up against some kind of nebulizer.

This breaks the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air, covering thousands of square feet in seconds. The essential oils with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti- viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of the essential oils, as well as negative ions, kill bacteria and help to reduce fungus and mold.

Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics as well as help to create greater spiritual, physical, and emotional harmony. Begin by diffusing the essential oils for 15-30 minutes at a time and gradually increase these periods as you become accustomed to them. Thus, single oils, or a single and a blend, may be mixed with a diffuser, but remember do not mix the blends.

Cloth or Tissue

Put 1-3 drop of an essential oil on a paper towel, tissue, cotton ball, handkerchief, towel, sheet, or pillowcase and hold it close to your face and inhale.

Hot Water

Put 1-3 drops of an essential oil into hot water and inhale. Again, heat reduces some of the benefits.

Vaporizer or Humidifier

Put oil in a vaporizer or a humidifier. The cold air types are best since heat reduces some of the benefits.

Fan or Vent

Put essential oil on a cotton ball and attach to ceiling fans, air vents, and car vents.

BATHS

Bath Water

Begin by adding 3-6 drops of essential oil to the bath water while the tub is filling. Because the individual oils will separate as the water calms down, the skin will quickly draw the oils from the top of the water. People have commented that they were unable to endure more than 6 drops of an essential oil.

Such individuals may benefit from adding the essential oils to a bath and shower gel base first. The number of drops can be increased until the desired effect is achieved. Soak for 15-20 minutes.

Bath and Shower Gel

Begin by adding 3-6 drops of essential oil to an ounce of a bath and shower gel base and add to the water while the tub is filling. Adding the essential oils to a bath and shower gel base first allows one to obtain the greatest benefit from the oils as they are more evenly dispersed throughout the water and not allowed to separate.

Wash Cloth

When showering, add 3-6 drops of essential oil to a bath and shower gel base first before applying to a face cloth or lufa sponge to effectively cover the entire body.