Tips For Creating a Spa-like Environment at Home

You can't always travel to your favorite spa o that takes lots of time and lots of money. It's easy to create a spa environment at home and it doesn't have to be expensive. If you have lots of time, follow all these tips. If you have minimal time, choose the tips that appeal most to you.

In the bathroom:

o Towels - Some towel manufacturers have a "spa" towel line, such as Chris Madden at JC Penney. The Chris Madden Spa Towels are a thick waffle weave and at one time they had a matching spa robe. Think thick, soft and super luxurious to remind you of the towels at a fine spa. You might roll or stack a group of towels decoratively in a basket or on a shelf.

o Candles - Aromatherapy candles can have a variety of benefits. Lavender for restful sleep. Citrus for invigorating. Eucalyptus for clearing sinuses. There are also a variety of blended candles scents. Choose a scent you enjoy or choose a blend that has the benefits you are looking for. Place them around the room and light them (safely, of course) when you want to turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary.

o Music - I keep a portable CD player in the closet in my bathroom. When I want the full atohome spa experience, I play a relaxing CD. I have 2 that I like just for this purpose. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy - Hydrotherapy Soothing Music for a Healing Bath. Gentle ocean sounds combine with soft instrumentals for a "just chill out" feeling. I especially like track #3. I also like Aromatherapy Music for Relaxation by Musical reflections. There are 6 tracks on this disk and each one is named after different aromatherapy oils.

o Hydrotherapy - The healing power of water. Take a bath. Plan to soak for 20 to 30 minutes uninterrupted. Longer soaks can dry out your skin. Shorter soaks aren't relaxing. Add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil or your favorite bath salts. Play relaxing music, light candles, have plush towels and comfortable pajamas or a robe waiting. If you have a jetted whirlpool tub, even better. If you don't, you can still enjoy a hot soak.

o Shower - If you don't have time for a bath, a shower can have similar benefits. When we remodeled our bathroom, my husband installed a combination heater/fan. When I'm ready to turn my bathroom into a spa, I warm the room up for a few minutes to take the chill off, especially in cold weather. I sprinkle a few drops of essential oils into the shower and the steam activates them to scent the entire room. In the evening, I might use lavender oil. In the morning, something more energizing. If I'm congested, I use eucalyptus oil. I'm immediately transported back to a spa experience when a eucalyptus steam rooms comes to mind. Caution - the oil can make the surface of the shower slippery. I try to sprinkle the oil on surfaces where my feet won't need traction.

o "Spa treatments" -

- Exfoliation - A loofah or dry brush is a great tool to add to your home spa. Use the dry brush before your shower or bath. Use the loofah in the shower or bath. If you don't have either of these, a washcloth can exfoliate skin in a pinch.
- Scrub - Buy a great smelling scrub, or you can even make your own with basic ingredients found in your grocery store, like seat salt or sugar, olive oil or nut oil, fruits and other ingredients.
- Facial - Use high quality, natural products to give yourself a mini-facial. Cleanse and tone, then apply a mask. When the mask is rinsed off, moisturize.
- Hair - Now is a great time to try a deep conditioner while you are soaking in the bath or taking a spaolike shower. Apply conditioner or hair mask, put your hair in a shower cap and let the conditioner work. Rinse according to the directions.

o Beverage - A glass of wine or champagne is the standby for relaxation in the tub, but there are other choices for the at-home spa too. A cup of herbal or green tea is wonderful. I love Teavana teas. You can also try fruit or herb infused water. Add cucumbers, mint, citrus fruit, berries, even watermelon to a pitcher of water. Or try a blend of your favorites. Chill the water for several hours, the longer the better for more flavor infusion. Sip this during your home spa experience or anytime to stay hydrated without added calories.

In the bedroom, you'll want to emulate your favorite features of a fine hotel room:

o Sheets - Choose high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets for the most luxurious feel. It's worth spending a little bit of money here for the best quality. Egyptian cotton gets softer with washing and wear, but can fade a bit.

o Pillows - Choose whatever kind of pillows you are most comfortable with, but have lots of them in different shapes and sizes. Not only does this look cozy, it's comfortable too. I like a variety of pillows o foam, synthetic and down to mix it up a bit. Maybe a bolster or two for added texture and comfort.

o Blankets/Comforter - Like the finest hotels, a down or down alternative comforter is luxurious, yet simple. You can find a duvet to add a pop of color, texture and to protect your investment. Choose a year round weight o one that will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Include a plush or cozy throw in a fabric like chenille or a soft yarn for added comfort on cool nights or to snuggle under while relaxing or reading.

o Candles - Avoid heavily perfumed candles to prevent allergic reactions. A lavender or lavender blend is a perfect choice to help you drift off to sleep.

o Loungewear or robe - You'll want to have some really soft and cozy lounge wear or a great robe to wear during your at-home spa experience.

o Music o Play music that relaxes and de-stresses you with a slow tempo.

In just a few easy steps, you can turn your bathroom or bedroom into a spa environment and have the benefits of a spa in your own home. Enjoy!

http://everythingspa.wordpress.com/

My name is Michele. I am a married mother of one son living in Syracuse, NY. I have decided to start this blog to share my love of spas and everything spa.

I visit spas on average four times a year, usually while on vacation. I prefer destination spas to day spas, mostly because of the amenities. I have found other sites that have spa reviews, but they are not always as comprehensive as I like. So I will aim to post comprehensive views about spas that I visit. If I have visited them long ago, I will provide a recap and a general impression.

If you enjoy spas as much as I do, please share information at my blog! If you like what you see, tell a friend. You can contact me at cnyspagirl@twcny.rr.com.

The Research-Supported Benefits of Inahling Lemon Oil

May 3, 2011 on 10:52 pm | In Essential Oil Science | No Comments

Perhaps because Lemon essential oil is found the world-over, it has been an especially popular oil for research on the affects of “aroma” therapy. It appears to have an incredibly wide-range of benefits, with just this single oil alone in your diffuser.

Lemon oil is pressed from the peels of the fruit...

Effects on Stress and Pain Perception

A study published in Behavioral Brain Research, performed at Yamaguchi University in Japan, examined the anti-stress neurochemistry of lemon oil — the researchers actually evaluated rose, lavender AND lemon, and found lemon to be the most potent anxiety reducer.

The Japanese researchers discovered that the anti-stress action involved enhancement of the serotinergic (serotonin-related) pathways in the brain. Or, as described technically: “lemon oil significantly accelerated the metabolic turnover of DA in the hippocampus and of 5-HT in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. These results suggest that lemon oil possesses anxiolytic, antidepressant-like effects via the suppression of DA activity related to enhanced 5-HTnergic neurons.”

A study performed at the University of Siena, Italy, published in the journal of Brain Research, evaluated the continuous inhalation of Lemon oil for two weeks. Subjects had significantly reduced stress-related hormone levels, and significantly lessened perception of pain (seemingly more effective for females).

Effects of Mood Enhancement

A study published in the journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology, performed at Ohio State University, examine the effects of Lemon, Lavender, and plain water mist on mood. Researchers concluded: “Self-report and unobtrusive mood measures provided robust evidence that lemon oil reliably enhances positive mood compared to water and lavender regardless of expectancies or previous use of aromatherapy.”

Getting Smarter With Lemon Oil

In one study, Japanese office workers were exposed to Lemon essential oil from a diffuser, and 54% fewer errors were made in the tasks being performed. The scientific validity of this can be related to its proven ability to reduce the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, the primary information-processing neurotransmitter. This results in a higher amount of this chemical being available in our brains. In separate research, student’s test scores improved significantly when exposed to lemon oil vapor. It is suggested that inhaling lemon during study time might significantly improve test scores as well.

Just simple lemon in your diffuser can do wonders in the daytime. It has many other therapeutic uses too, which you check out on our Lemon Oil page…Enjoy!

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General Benefits of Owning A Home Spa

The prohibitive costs of spa therapies at commercial spas come in the way of enjoying a spa experience for many families. There also comes the time constraint factor. A home spa makes spa experience for the entire family very affordable and gives an opportunity for the family to get together and have great weekends without stepping out of the house.

In modern era, families don't get enough time to spend together. From a hard day at work to a plethora of TV soaps at home and a myriad of computer and video games for the kids, everyone is so busy in their own little worlds that there simply is no time or urge to get together, In fact, there always seems to be a reason to not get together. But a portable home spa can change this scenario completely.

As home spas are safe and enjoyable for the whole family, it doesn't take long for your new portable home spa to become the most favorite spot in your home. There is no better way to chill out after a stressful day at work than enjoying a relaxed evening in the home spa with your family.

A home spa will also instantly make your home the hub of your social activities. Your home spa can put an end to the debate amongst your friends as to where they should hold their weekend party. They will love coming to your house to enjoy the calm relaxing atmosphere that a home spa provides. A home spa will add a new dimension to your backyard barbeques, social parties, romantic evenings and make them all the more entertaining and memorable.

In addition to these family benefits and social benefits of owning a home spa, you will gain countless personal benefits too from your home spa, which include physical health benefits and mental health benefits. After a long stressful day at work, there is no better way to relax your stressed out mind, tired feet, stiff back muscles and aching body than soaking in your home spa in the comfort of hot water and letting the water jets massage your body from all sides.

The combined effect of heat, massage and buoyancy, called hydrotherapy, offers many physical health benefits, such as improved blood circulation, reduction in muscle strain and soreness and relief from those nagging aches in your shoulders, back, feet and neck - all these benefits promoting sound sleep.

A home spa can also be used for the purpose of taking aromatherapy in the privacy of your home instead of in a health spa or beauty spa. Aromatherapy is based on the power of the gentle fragrances of certain medicinal essential oils in calming your nerves and relaxing your stressed out mind. Such lingering fragrances can invoke fantastic imagery of flowery landscapes, pleasant memories, favorite foods or even desired moods. Aromatherapy uses this principle to provide you relief from your day-to-day worries.

Safe, enjoyable and effective for the whole family, the benefits of a portable home spa will help everyone enjoy an active lifestyle. Your family will love the good times they have relaxing in your home spa and the benefits they derive from the home spa.

Song Meng Tan maintains http://www.hydrospabusiness.com This content is provided by the author and it may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

The History of Spa

Coined from the Latin words sanus per aquam, spa literally means health through water. Because of this basic and very simple concept, it is not surprising that the great tradition of spa remains essentially unchanged.

In the old times, water was considered to be a natural force that can both create and destroy life. Because of this reverence for water, our ancestors believed in its healing power. Archaeological findings have placed our ancestors around water springs. Evidences of shrines which were believed to be of Celtic origin were also discovered near these springs.

Among the many civilizations, the Romans are best known for taking care of their mind, body and spirit. Great buildings were built as spa centers or thermae, places were people can bathe and relax while discussing the latest philosophy, politics and arts. These spa centers come complete with several rooms for training and meeting. Some rooms were specifically used as saunas, libraries and stadiums.

Every Roman emperor was known to build his own thermae, each more lavish than the ones before. The well-known Diocletian bath was known to accommodate 6,000 bathers at one time. All important aspects of well-being are enhanced in these sauna centers.

Not only this, Roman legionnaires were also believed to have benefited from water treatments. The soldiers recovered quickly after dipping into hot springs, where all wounds and body aches were relieved from pain.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the tradition of spa waned. The spa centers were no longer maintained and they fell to disuse and disrepair. But the discovery of sulphureous waters reinforced the use of water for healing. People afflicted with skin diseases that cannot be cured by herbs and oils resorted to bathing in these sulfur-filled waters.

The Renaissance period gave rise to spa towns such as Spa in Belgium, Baden-Badenin Germany and Bathin England. Each of these towns re-discovered the healing power of water especially since most are located near natural thermal waters. Saunas and steam baths became popular once more, especially when Father Sebastian Kneipp developed water therapy combined with the use of herbal medicine at a German spa town in the 1890s.

As advances in technology improved the way diseases are treated, spas have become important and effective partner in promoting over all health and wellness. Many spa centers today offer programs that include stress management and fitness. The International Spa Association has even categorized the growing industry into ten domains, namely:

1. The Waters

2. Food Nourishment, Nutrition and Diet

3. Movement, Exercise and Fitness

4. Touch, Massage and Bodywork

5. Mind/Body/Spirit

6. Aesthetics, Skin Care, Natural Beauty Agents Physical Space, Climatology and Global Ecology

7. Social/ Cultural Arts and Values

8. Management, Marketing and Operations

9. Time, Rhythm and Cycles

Today's spas do not feature all the categories mentioned above as they prefer to specialize in a particular domain. Because of this, spas can now be classified into club spa, day spa, cruise ship spa, destination spa, holistic spa, medical spa, mineral springs spa, resort spa, sports or adventure spa, structured spa and home spa.

Combining modern techniques with old world tradition, spa has become the perfect blend of healing and relaxation. A spa ritual typically involves cleaning, heating, treatment and then rest. As spas become more and more in demand, people are going to spas for a multitude of reasons that include communing with nature, detoxifying, regaining inner balance, managing weight, learning about nutrition and most of the time- for having fun. These spa centers now provide treatments like floatation, ayurvedic, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, body scrubs and many more.

Thesa is an experienced writer and publicist. She has 12 years experience in writing well-researched articles of various topics, SEO web content, marketing and sales content, press releases, sales scripts, academic essays, E-books and news bits.

Body Detox - 5 Hydrotherapy Treatments That Can Help

Hydrotherapy treatments are a useful and enjoyable way to eliminate toxins. In this respect they are a great compliment to your detox diet. If you are going to a spa to detox, the chances are you will have access to one or more of these treatments. But even if you are doing a home detox, you can still incorporate them into your plan.

1) Aromatherapy Bath

This type of bath uses essential oils to provide both a therapeutic and relaxing effect. There is a wide range of essential oils that are available. Some are best used for their effect on the emotions; such as ylang-ylang while other have a more direct effect such as lavender and eucalyptus.

You should follow the manufacturer's instructions and add the required amounts to the bath. You only need a small amount, which is typically 5-10 drops.

2) Sitz Bath

Sitz baths are a good way to improve the circulation and so encourage the elimination of toxins. You sit in a warm bath with your feet resting in a bowl of cold water. After a minute you reverse the positions so you are sitting in cold water with your feet in warm water.

3) Epsom Salts Bath

Epsom salts are based on magnesium sulphate. They get their name from the town of Epsom in England where they were first extracted from the mineral rich water. They have been used since the Middle Ages in England as a way to eliminate toxins and sooth aching muscles and joints

4) Steam Bath

A steam bath aims to eliminate toxins by promoting sweating. Toxins are then brought onto the skin's surface where they can be washed away. It also encourages blood circulation.

5) Peat and Mud Bath

Peat and Mud baths are a favorite in many health spas. The product can be used as a liquid bath additive or a paste, which is spread onto the skin. It works by encouraging the elimination of toxic substances from the body. There are now products that are available for home use that are based on Peat.

Using a hydrotherapy treatment can help your detox diet by helping to eliminate toxins. It can also be a wonderfully relaxing experience.

Discover what foods to avoid when detoxifying your body at http://www.bodydetoxplan.com. Get some tips on the easy way to a detox cleansing diet [http://www.bodydetoxplan.com/detox-cleansing-diet.html].

The Many Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a type of therapy that relies on the use of fragrances, smells or aromas, a fact made quite clear by its name. However, in the traditional sense it refers to the distilled essence of a plant, and not a synthetic version. Aromatherapy has many applications including the treatment of many emotional and physical issues as well as for simple relaxation. Below, you will find a few interesting and useful facts on aromatherapy and essential oils.
Many people suffering from colds, sinus infections and even asthma have found relief in aromatherapy techniques.
Use your favorite essential oil in the bath for a relaxing effect.
This is not only relaxing but also can help improve your mood and sooth achy muscles. For a unique experience try experimenting with different blends at bath time. You will also get that same fragrance throughout your body. Your aromatherapy session doesn’t require a lot only a few drops will do fine.
You can use essential oils to improve your mood, relax or help your mental acuity.
Aromatherapy can be complex as well as simple, depending on how it is viewed. Its simplicity lies in the fact that it is simply based on our desire to smell pleasant fragrances. The large number of plants that can be used in aromatherapy is what makes it complex. If you consider the fact that all these different smells can be combined to create new ones, then you come to realize that the possibilities are practically unlimited. However, to gain all the advantages of aromatherapy, you simply need a few fragrances that you enjoy.
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Which Aromatherapy Diffuser is Best For You?

Which Essential Oil Diffuser?

This is a question we get asked frequently. And the answer, of course, is "it depends." The best aromatherapy diffuser for you depends on your planned usage.

Nebulizing Diffusers - Zapping Germs

If you want to saturate the air of a room with your chosen essential oil or aromatherapy blend the nebulizer is for you. When someone in my family feels like they are "coming down with something", that virusey, achy feeling, I fill the glass nebulizer with our favorite anti-viral or anti-bacterial oils and let it run all night, filling my bedroom with really powerful oils. Odds are when I wake up in the morning, I'll be over whatever big bad bug was trying to attack.

For strictly therapeutic/medicinal/germkilling effects, I use one of our Amrita nebulizers. There are many brands on the market. All have a convoluted glass attachment, powered by an air pump. The glass breaks the oils into microscopic droplets, capable of remaining suspended in the air for up to two hours. The advantage of the Nebulizer is obviously that it does the most effective job of filling the air with microscopic particles of your chosen oil.

The disadvantages are twofold. First, most nebulizers are fairly noisy. They are, after all, powered by aquarium pumps. Some people don't mind the noise, reacting to it as a "white noise" background hum. Others find it bothersome. If noise is apt to be an issue, and your area is small, by all means choose the a "Tranquility" model.

Second: The nebulizing diffusers tend to require higher maintenance than any of our other options. First, putting the essential oil into the glass nebulizer can be a bit tricky. I finally gave in to reality and started using a pipette, after spilling oil while trying to pour from the bottle into the glass orifice. Also, the glass nebulizer (together with the attached Silicone tube) needs cleaning occasionally. I suspect I'm not the only one who has let the nebulizer stand with oils in it, allowing them to react with the oxygen in the air and get all thick and "gunky" The best way to clean them is to add high proof rubbing alcohol (90% works best!) to dissolve the accumulated oils, drain, and air dry.

Also, the nebulizer can not be used with the very thick, viscous oils... benzoin, vetiver, etc. They will totally clog it and won't diffuse unless blended with other, thinner, essential oils. Never use a carrier oil in the nebulizer, or an essential oil diluted in a carrier. It will ruin the glass nebulizer and void the warranty.

COOL MIST - For Kids

If you have young children who are prone to colds, ear infections, etc. the odds are you've been told to run a humidifier in their bedroom. The Cool Mist (sometimes called an "ultrasonic diffuser" or "ultrasonic nebuliser") functions both as an aromatherapy diffuser AND a humidifier. It holds a small amount of water that stays at room temperature just in case an active child manages to spill it - no danger of scalding. The essential oils and water are diffused by ultrasound waves, adding humidity to the air while filling the room with aromatics.

The advantages of this one are obvious. No breakable glass parts, the added humidity in the air. The machine shuts itself off when the water level drops too far, and can be set to cycle on and off. I'm told that children are often fascinated by the light. (Memories of my mother's LavaLamp...it has that sort of fascination!)

Disadvantages? If you live in a damp/humid climate you might not want to add extra moisture to the air in your home. And there are some who find the light an irritant. It may not be shut off while the machine is operating.

The AROMA STONE - Silent and Safe

One of these sits on my bedtable. I love it because I can add my current favorite 'go to sleep' oil or blend, plug it in and forget it.

I think it is one of the two lowest maintenance electric diffusers I've ever used, and the least obtrusive. Totally silent, and safe. Although it does warm the oils without any water added (although it is an option to add a spoonful of water with the oils) the unit heats only to "baby-bottle" temperature. The oils are not over-heated.

The amount of heat is so low I seldom think to unplug it before I go to bed, and in all honesty have left it turned on for two or three days. (I don't recommend that!) The unit warms so gently that there is no danger of its overheating.

Mine is very low maintenance. If I remember to wipe it out with a damp paper towel every morning, it stays sparkling clean. If I forget and leave it plugged in for too long so that the oil or blend becomes 'glued' to the base, a towel dampened with rubbing alcohol leaves it as good as new. While not totally unbreakable (it is ceramic, after all) mine has survived being dropped more than once with no problems.

The aromastone's small size makes it easily "packable" for traveling. I loathe the smell of the air in hotel rooms and always travel with my aromatics to make a strange room smell like home!

These are the advantages.

The disadvantages? It is not a powerful diffuser. It will not fill a large area nor give you a strongly scented area, but is perfect for the intimacy of a bedroom or bath. I would not choose the aromastone for diffusing germ killing blends...then I want a nebulizer. But for subtle and inobtrusive "set it and forget it" use, it is unexcelled.

AROMA LAMPS - for Mood and Ambience A ceramic aromalamp was my first (well, actually, my second) essential oil diffuser, and remains one of my favorites.

Please note: An aromalamp is sometimes called an "essential oil burner"... this is a misnomer, since the oils should never be "burned." The bowl MUST be filled with water, as described below.

Fill the bowl with warm water, light a tea candle under it, add a few drops of your favorite oil, and the room is quickly filled with the aroma of your choice.

I was taught years ago that diffusing the oils in warm water is an amazingly effective way to fill a room with the aromatic vapours. The molecules of essential oil "piggy back" on the molecules of water vapor, which disperse amazingly fast. This makes the aroma lamp almost as effective for therapeutic benefits as a nebulizing diffuser.

In my experience an aromalamp can cover a fairly large area. The water vapour will move where it wants. The "front" of my house is a large open area...kitchen, dining room, living room. An aroma lamp in one area suffices for all the rooms.

I don't recommend the use of scented candles. Most are fragranced with synthetics, and the ones created with true essential oils use far more oil that I can justify. When I want candle light, I light beeswax candles, lots of them, set in a circle, with an aroma lamp and its candle in the center. Beautiful warm ambience, the emotional blend of my choice, a feeling of true luxury! I think an aromalamp is unsurpassed when your focus is the emotional uses of the oils.

When I don't want to light a table full of candles, the dancing flame of the tea candle still adds to the ambience.

The aromalamp is silent, and attractive, with designs to suit every taste.

These are the advantages of an aroma lamp. The disadvantages?

1. You must be aware of the water level. An aroma lamp with a fairly small bowl can evaporate all the water before the candle burns itself out. Adding cold or cool water to the hot bowl almost invariably leads to broken glass!

2. If you allow it to burn dry, even if you don't break the bowl, cleaning it can be a challenge.

3. Of course there is always a risk when you have candles burning. Don't leave the room, don't use an aroma lamp around children, or mischievous pets.

4. And speaking of pets. You've put out the candle because you are leaving the room...but you didn't empty and put away the aromalamp. A thirsty dog, cat, or bird can do themselves terrible damage by drinking the water with the dissolved essential oil. Please be careful of your furkids or feathered kids!

Cool fans - Multi-use

The Spa Scenter is one example of a cool, fandriven diffuser.It is an excellent choice for all of the above uses. The drawer at the bottom slides out. You insert a cellulose pad, dampened with your oil or blend, and turn on the unit. A cold air fan blows the oil molecules out of the openings at the top, and the room is filled with the oil of your choice. The fan is, in my experience, quieter and less obtrusive than the larger nebulizers, although not as silent as the Tranquility or the AromaStone.

The Spa Scenter uses no heat, so is safe to use around children.

I find that it will diffuse over a larger area than my AromaStone, and it is safe to leave unattended.

The disadvantages? I don't think it fills any single need as well as some of the above named types of essential oil diffusers.

The nebulizing diffusers are more powerful when you have therapeutic needs. The aromalamp is more attractive when your need is for ambience or emotional uses only. The aromastone is quieter.

But for a "compromise" to address many needs, the Spa Scenter may be the best all-round choice. There are also smaller battery powered fan/diffusers, meant for a desk or office cubicle.

ON THE GO: DIFFUSERS FOR THE CAR

Two choices, one "passive" - a hanging clay pot (or other terra cotta ornament) that can hang from the rear view mirror, or an electric diffuser that plugs into the cell phone charger or cigarette lighter. The "plug in" is, I think, a bit more effective.

Each, of course, has its advantages. With a hanging terra cotta diffuser you are limited to one oil or blend, it's not easy to change from one to another. With the "plug in" car diffuser, you simply change the little cellulose pad that you apply the essential oils to. If you know you are always going to want the same air freshening blend in your car, the hanging clay diffuser might be simplest. If you sometimes want an air freshener, and other times want a "stay awake" blend (or an anti-nausea blend) then the plug in car diffuser would be your best choice.

PERSONAL DIFFUSERS - Inhalers (for privacy!) There are two types of personal aromatherapy inhalers that I am aware of. One is the very basic plastic one often sees over the counter inhalants packaged in; the other is a rather elegant purse accessory. Either will work well for immediate use, for relaxation, combatting a headache, or other physical or emotional effects.

There is one specific type of diffuser that I honestly don't recommend. It is a small "ball" that plugs directly into the wall outlet. It contains a cellulose pad that you moisten with the selected oil. I have had these overheat and scorch the pad. I wonder if they might constitute a fire hazard. Since the oils are heated to a high temperature, the oils degrade, and there is nothing to encourage the movement of the aromatic vapors throughout the room. The idea of low cost and light weight was appealing, but they truly are not a good value.

You may see these, and other diffusing options on Nature's Gift Aromatherapy Accessories page, at http://www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapyaccessories.htm

Marge Clark, author of Essential Oils and Aromatics, founder of http://www.naturesgift.com

Since 1995 your online source for clinical grade essential oils, aromatherapy accessories, and their effective and safe healing uses.

The Difference Between Sauna And Steam Bath

Today, millions of people are looking for unique and alternative ways not only to relax, but also to improve their health and well being. Two such alternative ways of getting fit and healthy is to use a Sauna or Steam Bath. Both saunas and steambaths are popular ways to alleviate stress and tension and benefit from other health promoting effects. When deciding whether to have a sauna or a steam bath, it is important to know the differences between each one and how they work.

The main difference between a sauna and a steam bath is that a sauna makes use of dry heat and a steam bath utilizes moist heat. Conventional saunas can use either wood, electric, or gas-fired heaters. Generally, saunas are rooms that are wood paneled.

The heat generated is provided by heated rocks. One will heat the room by putting a bit of water over the rocks to produce steam which will heat up the room. The temperature of a sauna can range from 140 to 200 F. Saunas are effective at promoting weight loss as they cause one to lose water through perspiration. One can burn up to 600 calories per session.

The sauna itself can be at risk of getting mold so it is necessary to clean the wood panels and benches with water and mild soap to prevent mold growth. The more modern saunas are known as infrared saunas. The infrared sauna uses infrared heaters that dispense radiant heat which heats the body instead of the air.

Steam rooms are rooms that are sporadically heated using a steam generator. Steam is sent into a nearly airtight room where it accumulates and creates a high humidity level.

Because the steam rooms are nearly airtight, they will hold the moisture that is created by the steam. In most instances, steam rooms are constructed with a ceiling that is slanted so moisture does not drip all over the people sitting in the room having a steam.

As well, the material used is similar to tile which makes it easy to clean. This humid vapor heat has a temperature that can from 110 to 120 F. Steam baths are effective at alleviating sore throats and breaking up congestion in the lungs and sinuses.

They also help alleviate respiratory conditions causing breathing difficulties. One disadvantage of a steam room is that they are more prone to mold and bacteria growth because of the high humidity. One who has a steam bath will have to regularly clean and disinfect it to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Sauna and steam baths both have therapeutic benefits that include: alleviating muscle tension, improving blood circulation, detoxifying the body, allowing one to relax and reduce stress, restoring and rejuvenating damaged skin, fighting off colds and the flu, relieving allergies and bronchitis.

The one you choose is a matter of personal choice. Usually one can sit longer in a sauna as it is not as steamy. Whether you choose a sauna or steam bath, you will definitely love the experience and benefit from an improvement in your health and well being.


Gain health benefits and improve your home with a sauna. Professionally-built infrared saunas make a great addition to your home and add convenience to your life.

Aromatherapy Diffuser

How to pick the right one
The aromatherapy uses essential oils for enhancing your mental and physical health and well being. These essential oils can be brought into use by inhalation, topical or taking orally.

The most rapidly effecting method is inhalation. For this purpose, a number of aromatherapy diffusers are now available in the market. They differ in shapes and sizes and methods of functioning.

Each one of them has some advantages over the others. When you have to choose from this vast range of diffusers, the most appropriate and suitable diffuser for yourself, the question arises ?How to pick the right one?.

The aromatherapy diffusers help in diffusion of molecules of essential oils into the air allowing you to get their therapeutic benefits simply while breathing in the vicinity. The range of diffusers includes aromatherapy nebulizer, electric oil diffuser, aromatherapy oil diffuser, aromatherapy night lamp, aromatherapy jewelry etc.

Picking up the right one from these becomes really difficult. However, if you look at certain aspects while choosing, you can easily make the right choice.
An important thing to consider before buying a diffuser is the area in which you plan to use it. Some diffusers like aromatherapy nebulizer cover an area of 500 to 1000 square meters while aroma stone essential oil diffuser is best suited for small areas.

The other thing you need to consider is the cost effectiveness, easy usage and maintenance of diffusers, like aromatherapy oil burners are very economical. Reed diffuser bottle collar and scentball diffusers are easy to use and maintain. Electric oil diffusers and reed diffuser bottle collar use very small amount of essential oils and last for longer time.

For an area where there are children, elderly, ailing people or pets, you should also consider the safety, cleanliness and quietness involved in the usage of diffuser.

Diffusers like aromatherapy diffuser fans, spa center and aroma stone essential oil diffusers and reed diffuser bottle collar are safe to use as they are either battery operated or naturally working. They don?t involve burners or candles and are free from risk of fire, burning and smoke. Also, these make very little or no sound.

You can also consider the aesthetic utility of diffusers. Aromatherapy candles add to the romantic ambiance of room. Reed diffuser bottle collar gives a modern, sophisticated look to the room. Such diffusers can be used in living rooms and bedrooms and will enhance the beauty of your room as well as benefit you with the aroma of essential oils.

Scentball diffusers and diffuser fans are so compact and easy to use that they can be taken along on travels. A more interesting group of aromatherapy diffusers is that of aromatherapy jewelries (pendants, lockets, rings, earrings, bracelets etc.).

Apart from personal use, they can also be an apt gift. These can also be useful to someone whose skin is sensitive to perfumes.
Thus, by considering the utility of different diffusers with respect to your needs, you can easily pick the right one for yourself.

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Essential oils that build immune

What are Essential Oils that Build Immune System?


The body's immune system is what's responsible for fighting disease and infection by the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Immunity is provided for in every cell, bodily fluids and hormonal processes.

It has many aspects, including that of hormones, lymphatic cells, blood transportation system, nerves, organs, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. When the body is congested and is under tremendous stress, the strength and efficiency of the immune system can be compromised. That is why the integrity of the immune system must be supported with positive life habits.

Along with the belief that prevention is better than cure, aromatherapy recognizes the fact that when the body?s vital force is strong, it can overcome disease organisms. The imbalances of immunity can actually be treated with essential oils that build immune system efficiency and integrity.

 Imbalances can be treated with circulatory essential oils like diuretics, diaphoretics, circulatory regulators or venous tonics, while disinfecting and blood purifying oils can get rid of toxins and pathogens.
There are several essential oils that build immune system integrity by strengthening, stimulating and acting as antibacterial and antiviral agents.

The essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary, sage, pine, thyme, tea tree, peppermint, juniper, bergamot, ginger, lavender, lemongrass and myrrh can help restore and strengthen the immune system.
Essential oils of lavender, basil, marjoram, petitgrain, bergamot, geranium and neroli can help relieve stress and balance psycho-neuro-endocrine function.

Lemon, juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils can help the efficiency of detoxifying organs. Tea tree, niaouli, rosemary, thyme, sage and cajeput essential oils help stimulate the elimination of excess mucus.
The auto-immune function can be aided by essential oils of chamomile, lavender, clary sage and geranium.
Coriander essential oil is a tonic for the spleen.

Bergamot, cajeput, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, niaouli, camphor, clove, pine, rosemary, sage, tea tree and pine help support the fight against pathogens.

Chamomile, yarrow, ginger, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, lavender and sandalwood can help reduce fever or inflammation.

Building health is the best insurance against several illnesses and that can only be attained with a strong and efficient immune system. Using any of the aforementioned essential oils, whether individually or as part of a blend, can easily help the strengthening and stimulation of the immune system.

One such recipe for a blend of essential oils that build immune system efficiency is as follows:
3 drops lavender3 drops tea tree2 drops bergamot2 drops ravensara2 drops eucalyptus10 drops Calophyllum oil (Caulophyllum inophyllum)1 ounce calendula-infused carrier oil

This basic immune tonic blend can be used daily as a body oil for baths or as part of a health-maintenance program. This blend can also be used to treat colds, coughs and the flu.

A lot of other different blends can be made to an individual?s unique needs and specifications. Each person?s body has different needs and may react differently as well. An aromatherapy blend to help the immune system must be designed to meet these needs.

With the list of essential oils and their respective actions listed above, one can easily make an essential oil blend to help strengthen their immune system and ultimately strengthen their health.

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Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

There are many uses of eucalyptus oil, but the most part, eucalyptus is widely used to treat congestion and respiratory problems . Eucalyptus essential oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma.

Sinus pressure can be relived naturally by simply massaging a small drop of Eucalyptus oil onto your temples and on your ?third eye? or where your nose meets your forehead, being careful to avoid contact with the eyes. Eucalyptus oil will also provide relief to sore muscles when added to massage oil. Besides, it is also used to treat skin irritations such as insect bites, blisters, irritations and other wounds.

Here are the top ten uses of Eucalyptus oil :

Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic gargle. Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic agent. Its powerful germicidal properties effectively kill staphylococcus bacteria and have been used to treat tuberculosis.As a stimulant, Eucalyptus oil can increase cardiac activity. Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to relieve fevers that arise from infectious diseases. Useful in cool compresses; applied to the forehead, back of neck, over the kidneys and pelvic region. Only a small amount is needed otherwise may produce a chilling effect.Tick repellent. Preliminary research shows that Citriodiol spray, containing eucalyptus, may reduce the number of tick bites and thereby tick-borne infections, although additional studies are warranted.Several animal studies report that eucalyptus applied to the skin can reduce pain.Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be helpful in aiding with parasite infestations. Eucalyptus oil treats respiratory tract and is useful for sinusitis and head colds.Can ease rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pains and aches.Eucalyptus radiata is an anti-microbial oil and has been studied for its action against viruses. When applied externally, Eucalyptus oil can provide relief in asthma.

Even though Eucalyptus oil has many benefits, you should be very careful when using it.

If used internally in large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. The symptoms are : drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness.

If you meet one of these symptoms after you used the oil then you should immediately seek for medical assistance.

Eucalyptus oil is very stimulating ,so do not use it on anyone who is pregnant or suffers from high blood pressures, heart disease, hypertension and epilepsy.

But if you use this oil wisely, then you can enjoy many benefits of eucalyptus oil. No wonder this oil is recommended as a key ingredient in home first aid kits.

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From Uses of Eucalyptus Oil back to Eucalyptus Essential Oils

 

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Aromatherapy in Your Beauty Routine

~ Use 2-5 drops of essential oils in a mixture of equal parts Epsom or sea salts and vegetable or carrier oil, and massage all over the body before stepping into the shower or tub. The salts will exfoliate and detoxify, while the oils will soften and moisturize the skin.

~ Add 2-5 drops of essential oils to a handful of Epsom or sea salts, and dissolve in the tub. Jars of bath salts with essential oils added can be made and kept for future use or given as gifts.

~ Use up to 5 drops of essential oils in 1 oz. of bath gel. Pour under running water for bubble bath, or use a sponge or cleansing puff in the shower.

~ Essential oils can help with many skin conditions, including dry skin, wrinkles, cellulite, and acne. Use up to 12 drops essential oils per ounce of facial cleansers, cr?mes, and lotions.

~ Purify skin by using essential oils in a facial steam. Boil 2 to 4 quarts of water, pour into a heat safe bowl. Add 2 to 4 drops of essential oils to the steaming water, and position face over the rising steam with a towel tented over the head to hold in the steam. Be sure to keep eyes closed, as essential oil vapors will irritate the eyes.

~ Both men’s and women’s haircare routines can be enhanced with essential oils. Those with dandruff, dry hair, and thinning hair may find relief by incorporating essential oils into shampoos and conditioners, or by massaging the scalp with a diluted essential oil preparation. Adding a drop of essential oil to a dollop of shampoo or conditioner just before application is a quick and simple way to use aromatherapy in hair care.

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Affordable Way Of Battling Aging

Many individuals think that putting up an anti aging therapy is pricey and too tough. With these simple drills, starting an anti aging regimen can turn rather an easy conquest – and trouble-free at that.


How? The basics set out with these three things: A good, protein-rich diet, regular exercise, at least eight hours of sleep… and well, relaxation.

Let’s zoom in on relaxation. Reflexology, or the special art of reviving pressure points on your feet, can aid trim down stress. And if you are relaxed and stress-free, you will look much, much younger. Contrary to popular notion, there are actually approach to alleviate stress directly.

One of which is pressing your thumb into the solar plexus point located right below the ball of your foot. Another tip is elevating your head when you sleep. Adding an excess pillow reduces puffiness around your eyes by draining fluids that usually pool around the eyes. To boost your anti aging eye regimen, place a cold tea bag, a refrigerated cucumber or a chilled teaspoon over your eye areas. This will assist eliminate puffiness and thus cause you appear younger and more alert.

Another point to consider is to get perked up. Be enthusiastic and continue being lively. Anti aging has to start from within. Droopy eyelids and yawning barely show marks of youth. To have a smooth steady flow of energy throughout the whole day, try ginseng.

It offers a better wake-me-up than the quick jolt provided by caffeine boosts. Also, as the hand is a dead giveaway of one’s age, it is critical to cure your hands. Anti aging ranges to your hands too! To restore them, put on a good amount of cocoa butter lotion twice a day.

Finally, move with poise, grace and elegance. Right posture is significant. Avoid slouching and limping as these will make you seem worn out and aging.

Guest post by Agatha Harris

How Essential Oils Positively Affect the Immune System

Guest Post By Julie Manchester
The Merry-Go-Round of Disease

The role of a healthy immune system is to guard against disease, but a compromised immune system will likely give hints that it is not doing so well. Cues such as chronic inflammation, mucous build-up, skin lesions, and on-going fatigue all are signals that the immune system defenses are weakened.

Weakening these humoral and cell-mediated defenses, known largely as B and T cells, can result in the onset of disease. Once a body has acquired a disease, the capacity of the immune system to maintain wellness is reduced and thus a vicious merry-go-round is created.
Using Essential Oils for Immune Support

In these modern times, many are familiar with the stress-relieving qualities of essential oils as well as their antimicrobial properties. Such characteristics of essential oils are helpful in supporting a fully functional immune system; stress and microbes are known to weaken its army of defenses. Few are aware that essential oils can actually strengthen the capacity of the immune system directly to fight off foreign invaders.

Fighting off Disease

When we bang our leg, get a sliver in our hand or cross paths with infectious entities the immune system is recruited and responds with inflammation - a tool to heal damaged cells and tissue. This initial inflammatory response is vital to restoring the injured area, yet prolonged inflammation can lead to a number of debilitating and often painful diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer.

Research has established that essential oils have the ability to inhibit detrimental inflammatory processes that contribute to disease. Scientists are now investigating the actually mechanisms by which essential oils can enhance the immune system directly.

Melaleuca EO Helps Out

At the Laboratoire de Botanique in France (2006) researchers were able to identify that Melaleuca alternifolia was able to regulate the amount of inflammatory-causing secretions found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

In so doing, natural anti-inflammatory agents, known as cytokines, were still able to be created and thus able to boost the body's ability to protect and restore itself. This in itself is quite a finding, especially for individuals suffering from conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

Engulfing Pathogens with Niaouli

Once a pathogen gets into the cells, it is looking to replicate and destroy tissue, often resulting in painful infections. A branch of the immune system is designated to engulf cellular invaders and send lymphocytes (T cells) to destroy these foreign bodies.

At Jeonju University, Korea (2008), researchers found that niaouli essential oil (from an Australian evergreen) was able to enhance the effect of cell-mediated immunity (one of two major branches of the immune system). Researchers support clinical use of niaouli essential oil to control infectious diseases.

Ginger EO Controls Immune

The Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine in Italy (2008) found that Eucalyptus essential oil actually stimulates a component of the immune system known as macrophages. These immune cells are one of the primary defenses against pathogens invading our human cells.

Using in vivo (in rats) and in vitro trials, they were able to pinpoint that eucalyptus essential oil does indeed mimic our natural immune response. Researchers propose that such findings may drive develop of a new family of immune-regulatory drugs/treatments altogether. This could be quite helpful for those who have weakened immune systems due to contracted diseases and effects of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

In a perfect world where our planetary environment was well tended, our purpose was clear and community supported, and our foods were safe and saturated with nutrition, it is likely that few of us would suffer from disease and frequent sickness.

Yet, in these modern times of high stress, environmental hazards, individualism, and processed foods our immune systems are often compromised and in some cases malfunction. Recent research indicates that essential oils are able to boost the functions of the immune system as well as suppress certain components when misdirected. With such capabilities, essential oils seem indispensable and a gift to humanity.