Applying Essential Oils
Essential oils work best when applied correctly so that your body can absorb the benefits of the oil. There are several different methods of application for essential oils and the one best for you may depend on the oil you are using and the results you are hoping to achieve. Oils can be applied topically to your skin or through inhalation and diffusion using different tools.
Topical
Hypocrites, father of medicine quoted “The way to health is through an aromatic bath and aromatic massage”. Many oils are applied topically and can be absorbed into the skin through massage or bath oils. Oils are commonly blended to make roll-on lotions, sprays and creams. Or blended to create bath oils. When applying oils topically:
- Massage is best performed by a massage therapist so that the oil is applied correctly
- Spot treatments for localized pain is helpful with oils and can be done at home
- In the bath use oils with care and follow the instructions regarding mixing with water, milk, salts or any other product that dissolves in water
Inhalation
Depending on the strength of the oils required you may need to choose an active or passive method of inhaling and diffusing oils. For personal use, inhalers and jewelry are available to diffuse the oils. For your space, you can use a room or reed diffuser to help disburse the oils.
- Less may be more when using inhalation. For example, lavender, while a proven sedative, inhaling too much may turn into an opposite affect and become stimulating.
- Intermittent diffusion is more effective and safer as it allows the nervous system time to readjust, continuous diffusion can cause an over active liver.
Enhancing the application of essential oils
Traditional Chinese writing was in the form of images. To define the word Qi it was given an image of steam flowing from cooked rice. In the fourth century, the first Feng Shui Manual was prepared stating that Qi was not only in steam, but found in all living organisms; including people, land and air. This life force can be retained in water, it can be dissipated by wind and it flows through our bodies.
Some ways to enjoy Qi includes any form of breathing exercise including mediation, qi gong, tai chi. Or in the shower, steam room, steaming food and bathing.
Whenever we deal with qi there is a yin and yang connection. Qi needs this positive and negative (or male and female) connection to produce or create. To get steam we need to take fire and water in the right balance and at the right temperature
This experience can be heightened with Qi planning to manipulate by adding essential oil blends to your bathing rituals. Distilled essential oils are liquefied plant life forces that have been extracted from the plants. We can be given a boost of vital Qi every time we are immense in its steam (bath, shower, steam rooms), and every time we eat steamy foods we also get a power shot of the life force benefits of Qi.
By observing the interaction of the 5 Elements we apply the correct Essential Oil Blend.
Here is a true story of one such client who did just that.
Safety when applying essential oils
Essential oils need to be applied correctly to ensure your safety. Oils that aren’t safely applied may cause allergic reactions, irritation or interact with other medications. If you are not sure using an essential oil is right for you, contact your doctor before using. Remember the following to use essential oils safely.
- When using oils directly on skin (neat) always do a patch test first
- If you experience any irritation wipe off with vegetable oil and flush area with cold running water
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using any medications, or applying to a child seek your doctor‘s advice before using essential oils
- Avoid contact with eyes and rinse thoroughly if contact is made
- Should not be used for consumption, cooking or flavouring food
- NEVER INGEST
- If inhalation causes airway irritation move to fresh air and drink water
- Never run room diffusers continuously – 15 minutes on and off for every hour or two
- Oils are flammable and evaporate quickly at temperatures between 104-180 (40-80c)
- Do not dissolve in water or milk. It is popular to read that essential oils are safe to blend with full fat milk, or Epsom salts. It is simply not true and you can end up with undiluted oil on your skin causing a possible skin reaction
The following people should avoid using essential oils:
- Those under the age of three
- Those with Asthma, COPD or MCS
- Avoid oils when in first trimester of pregnancy
- All oils administered by Qi Planners come with a full use instructions and safety guidelines
