On this page you will find all the information you need to know in order to practice aromatherapy safely including general safety, massage technique, storage of oils and methods of use.
General Safety
Do not take essential oils or blend orally. These oils are designed to be absorbed through the skin.
If you suffer from epilepsy, sensitive skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are using homeopathic remedies, seek advice from your GP before using essential oils.
Essential oils are flammable so clean up spillages carefully and take care if using an oil burner. Essential oils will also damage plastic, painted or polished surfaces.
Citrus oils (eg. orange, lemon, bergamot, etc) can be photosensitising. If you intend to sunbathe or use a sunbed, we recommend you leave at least 4 hours between application and sun exposure. Also, avoid citrus essences on the skin if you have symptoms or a history of melanoma, pre-melanoma, senile patches, large moles, warts, extensive dark freckles or skin cancer.
Keep bottles out of reach of children. Whilst essential oils are safe when used correctly, misuse can be very dangerous.
Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oil (ie. daily over a three month period) as your skin may become sensitive to the oil.
If you suffer from epilepsy, it is advisable to avoid the essential oils of rosemary, fennel and sage as there is a remote chance that these essences could trigger an attack. Avoid steam inhalations if you suffer from asthma.
Oil Storage (Essential and Carrier)
Essential oils are sensitive to light and should always be stored in a dark glass bottle and out of direct sunlight. They are sensitive to heat so must be kept in a cool area. Ensure that the bottle cap or lid is secure as oxygen can deterioate your oil. Labels should not be removed from bottles as oil identity is paramount both for dating purposes and also ensuring the right oil is used! In theory, most essential oils will keep for years with the exception of citrus oils and bergamot which can deterioate in six to twelve months. Some oils get better with age for example, frankincense and patchouli.
Carrier oils can be stored safely in plastic bottles. Some oils have different characteristics to others ie. some may appear sludgy, some transparent but if your oil smells offensive and is cloudy, then discard immediately. Carrier oils may last longer in the refridgerator but consider removing them and allowing to reach room temperature before commencing any massage!
Once essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil they will deterioate much more quickly and should only be kept for around two months.
Oils To Avoid If You Have Allergies or Sensitive Skin
Avoid the following essential oils if you have highly sensitive skin or allergies. Even if you consider yourself to have 'normal' skin it is advisable to use these in low quantity.
Allspice (Pimento), Aniseed, Basil, Bay, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Celery Seed, Roman and German Chamomile, Cinnamon, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Costus Root, Fennel, Ginger, Hops, Juniper, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Nutmeg, Orange, Parsley, Peppermint, Pine, Sage, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.
I recommend a patch test is done before using any essential oil if you suffer from any allergy or skin problem. Rub a small amount of the oil mixture on the underside of your wrist and leave for 24 hours. If the skin reacts, don't use.
For oils suitable during pregnancy please see 'Essential Oils'
Massage Technique
Effleurage (Stroking)
Effleurage is used to improve circulation and is usually applied to the whole body. This technique is essentially a stroking movement and movement should always be towards the heart. Effleurage tends to be used at the start of the massage when you apply the oil to the body and also as a gentle way to end the treatment.
Petrissage (Kneading)
Petrissage is carried out on the fleshy, muscular parts of the body. The action consists of squeezing and releasing handfuls of flesh in a broad circular motion. Petrissage helps to rid the tissues of adhesions and reaches the deeper layers of muscles.
Friction
This technique should only be used after you have relaxed your partner's muscles with the previous strokes. Friction makes use of the thumbs to break down fatty or rheumatic nodules. With the thumbs pressed down hard on the skin, tiny circular movements are made over the surface being treated progressing in a series of straight lines over the muscle. It is important to press onto the underlying tissue so that the skin is moved with the pressure.
Methods Of Oil Use
Aromatic Baths - Sprinkle four to eight drops of essential oil to your bath water and agitate to disperse. If the essences are added whilst the water is running, much of the aromatic vapour will evaporate before you get into the bath. If you prefer, the essential oils can be added to a carrier/base oil which is wonderful if you have dry skin.
Foot and Hand Baths - Five to six drops of essential oil can be added to a bowl of hand-hot water to relieve excessive perspiration, athletes foot, aches and pains or just to ward off chills. Soak for about ten minutes then rub in a small amount of the same essential oils mixed with a couple of teaspoonfuls of vegetable oil into the warm, dry hands or feet.
Hip Bath - Run a warm bath to hip level and add two or three drops of essential oil to the water. Agitate the water to disperse. Sit in the water for five minutes. This is great for healing the perineum after childbirth or for treating vaginal thrush.
Compresses - A compress is a great way to treat bruises, muscular pain or reducing pain and congestion. A cold compress is excellent for headaches, fever and bruising. Hot compresses can help period pain, toothache and muscular pain. To make a compress, add about five drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water and place a towel or other piece of fabric into the mixture. Wring out the excess water and place the fabric on the treatment area.
Gargles/Mouthwashes - A single drop of lemon essential oil into a cider vinegar carrier is an excellent gargle for a sore throat. Having suffered with recurring painful tonsilitis, I can recommend this treatment wholeheartedly. Adding peppermint or sweet fennel will sweeten breath.
Inhalations/Vaporisation - A steam inhalation is a great way to clear the nasal passages, as is placing five to ten drops of essential oil such as peppermint or eucalyptus onto a tissue and inhaling. Steam inhalations can also be used as a deep-cleansing facial. Add two to four drops of essence to a bowl of almost boiling water and inhale the vapours for about five minutes. Vaporisation can be done using an oil burner. This is great for creating a wonderful ambience in your home or for dispelling cooking smells. It can also help purify the air if their has been an illness in the house, for example colds or flu.
Neat Application - Only in certain situations should neat essential oil be added directly to the skin. Tea tree is excellent on spots and lavender can be applied to very minor burns.
Massage Oil - Essential oils intended for massage should be added to a good quality vegetable base oil before use. I prefer grapeseed or almond oil, but olive, sunflower and jojoba oils are equally as good. For a single full body massage, mix four drops of essential oil to 2 x 5ml spoons of base oil.
