The Aromatic Bath

The relaxing and remedial properties of water and massaging oils into the body were recognized in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, when bathing first became a daily ritual.

A bath with essential oils is one of the simplest and most effective aromatherapy treatments. It can be stimulating or relaxing, depending on the temperature of the water and whether you choose oils with uplifting or calming properties. In the bath, the therapeutic action of the oils is two-fold: they are absorbed through the skin, moisturizing the dermis and entering the circulatory system, and at the same time their aromas are inhaled, stimulating the brain and increasing your sense of well-being. An aromatic bath can detoxify the body, help problems like cellulite, joint stiffness, general aches and pains, colds and headaches, tone and condition skin, and relieve anxiety and tension.

Running the Bath

Bath temperature and the time spent in the tub are important. A cooler bath is more stimulating and warmer water relaxes. Very hot water is damaging, however: it causes blood vessels and capillaries to expand and increases the heart rate. You should particularly avoid hot water if you have varcoise veins, haemorrhoids, high blood pressure or are pregnant. A 15-20 minute soak is long enough before skin cells over hydrate and swell with water. Wait until the bath is almost full before adding the oils, as they evaporate so quickly.

Oils for the Bath

Essential oils are the best way of making a bath both aromatic and therapeutic. They sink into the skin easily and at the same time impart their lovely herbal or floral fragrances. You can add drops of oil directly to the bath and they will float on the surface in a fine film and evaporate, giving you the full benefit of their aromas. Or if you want to absorb them more you can dispose them through the water by mixing with a base carrier oil such as sweet almond, apricot kernel, jojoba or evening primrose (these rich base oils all nourish and rejuvenate the skin in their own right).

Mix a bath oil with a combination of up to three essential oils, five drops from each, in 15 ml (1 tbsp) of skin-softening base oil. Choose oils with complementary effects so they do not override one another.

The Relaxing Bath

To calm yourself after a fraught day or to pamper yourself for a peaceful night's sleep, turn your bathroom into a private sanctuary. Keep the light as soft as possible, using aromatic candles if the lightis harsh, or you could use an eye mask. Introducing plants into the bathroom will help create an oxygenated atmosphere. Once in the bath, support your eyes and inhale deeply. Concentrate on your breathing, empty your mind and let the oils soothe away the stresses and strains. And a 15-20 minutes soak, get out and wrap yourself in a large, warm towel and rest quietly for a few moments.

Oils for Relaxation

Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sage, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Although these oils have predominantly calming effects, some can also be used to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, in particular lavender oil and also bergamot.

The Stimulating Bath

Best for the morning to get you started or to revive you before an evening out. Keep the water fairly cool and use an invigorating bath mitt to rub down and stimulate the circulation. When you've soaked, rinse yourself with water as cold as you can bear, either by splashing directly from the tap (faucet) or shower, or by adding more cold water to cool down your bath.

As you get out, either slap yourself dry to make the skin tingle or rub yourself vigorously with a towel.

Oils for Stimulation

Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme

Showers and Cold Rinses

Invigorating jets of water are ideal for getting the blood pumping and there's no need to forego the benefits of aromatic oils. Skin tends to be sluggish in the cold winter months but sloughing off dead dead top layers can help regenerate cells and allow moisturizers to be absorbed more easily. Showers are ideal for smoothing skin with exfoliating rubs using wet salt, a loofah or a mitt to slough off the top surface of dead skin cells. A dry friction glove or loofah is too harsh for most skins so soften first in warm water. Soft bristle brushes can also help to get the circulation going with gentle massage on problem areas like hips and thighs. To keep friction brushes and mitts fresh always rinse and hang up to dry.

Essential oils can be used under the shower: try a base oil mixed with invigorating essences poured on to a clean face-cloth or sponge and rubbed all over the body. To clear the sinuses and help coughs, sponge the chest with a mix of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. A cold shower after cleaning improves the circulation and tightens skin pores.

After-bath Body Treatments

Moisturizing oils and lotions applied after the bath or shower help to nourish the skin, keeping it soft and supple. As we get older our skin dehydrates since the oil glands do not produce as much oil as in youth. Apply a body oil over, starting from the feet and working right up to the neck and the tips of the ears. Avoid talcum powders as they clog the pores and tend to have a drying effect.

Problem Zones

Hands and Nails take some rough treatment with everyday chores. The ideal time for a manicure or pedicure is after soaking in a bath when nails and skin are softened, making it easy to clean around the nail bed and to clip uneven nails without snagging. Fragile or flaky nails benefit from a rich, nourishing treatment: rub them with apricot kernel, wheat germ or jojoba oil. Restore hands with a soothing, moisturizing mix of 15 ml (1 tbsp) sweet almond oil and five drops each of patchouli, lavender and lemon.

Feet are often neglected until they hurt. Polish hard skin around heels and soles with a handful of damp salt or use a pumice stone. While in the bath, bend one knee, grip the toes and then work with the fingers massaging in an upward direction, from the toes to the heels and up the calves, in order to stimulate blood flow and relax tired feet. Massage a body oil into the feet after a bath, shower or pedicure.

For a deodorizing and soothing footbath add three drops each of cypress and lavender to a basin full of water. Chilblains can be treated with a massage blend of three drops of geranium and a drop each of lavender and rosemary in 15 ml (1 tbsp) sweet almond base oil.

Elbows can soon build up hard protective layers of grey unsightly skin. A good softener for tough elbows is a sweet almond oil and oatmeal scrub. Mix 45ml (3 tbsp) fine oatmeal and mix to a paste with fresh milk or yogurt. Smooth and rub over the elbows and any grey, goosey areas of skin around upper arms. Add six drops of fennel if arms are flabby. Another great elbow booster is the traditional recipe of cutting a lemon in half, squeezing out the juice and rubbing the elbows in the hollow of the lemon.

Massage for Digestive Disorders

When stress is manifested physically in the abdominal are, massage and touch can bring the sense of safety and comfort needed to relax and relieve mild digestive disorders and abdominal discomfort.

Emotional tension can cause us to tighten our abdominal muscles and reduce our breathing in order to avoid the experience of painful or uncomfortable feelings. If we are unable to assimilate those emotions, or express them appropriately, they can manifest themselves as physical disorders, particularly playing havoc with the digestive system. Massage helps to deepen breathing, allowing the muscles to soften and expand, and to restore harmony.

All the strokes shown on the abdomen in the Body Massage section are suitable when stress is felt in this area. Reflexology, shiatsu, hands-on breaching techniques, self-massage and passive movements can also bring relief to simple digestive disorders.

Shiatsu Elimination Point

An important shiatsu point for the release of intestinal congestion is the one found on the web of skin between the thumb and index finger. The exact location is indicated by its tenderness to pressure. This point is known as Large Intestine 4, or in Chinese terms as "the Great Eliminator".

• Press gently on this point for up to five seconds, then release the pressure gradually.
• Abdominal pain can be a warning that there is disorder in the system, so always consult a doctor if it is persistent.
• Peppermint essential oil is particularly useful for digestive disorders. For self-massage place your hands on your abdomen and move your hands in a clockwise direction to encourage digestive and bowel action.

Holding and Breathing

Still, calm holds over the abdominal area will encourage deeper breathing, allowing the release of pent-up emotions and stress. The following holds will all help to promote relaxation and eliminate tension, enabling the digestive tract to function properly.

If your partner is under extreme stress and is experiencing abdominal discomfort, the best position is to lie sideways with the knees drawn up slightly. Pillows under the head and between the knees will create a feeling of security. Place one hand over the lower back and the other on the belly, and encourage slow, deep breathing from the abdomen. When the abdominal muscles are relaxed, rub the abdomen with gentle clockwise strokes.

With your partner lying down with knees raised, place one hand under the small of the back and ask that the weight of the pelvis be dropped towards your hand. Place your other hand over the abdomen so that its warmth helps to dissolve constriction in the muscles. Then ask your partner to direct breathing towards your hands and to imagine that each breath is helping the abdomen to expand and release tension. Keeping one hand under the pelvis, move hand to hold different parts of the abdomen.

Encourage deep but gentle breathing in the diaphragm and solar plexus region by placing one hand below the mid-back and the other over the top of the abdomen. This will encourage the release of tension that can lead to digestive problems. As the area relaxes, gently massage it with soft circular strokes of your palm.

Useful Essential Oils

For specific digestive complaints the following essential oils and blends may be useful:

• Constipation and pain: three drops each of ginger, orange, bergamot and clary sage
  
  
• Sluggish digestion: peppermint, juniper, rosemary
  
  
• Indigestion: drop of peppermint, three drops each of ginger, lemon and bergamot
  
  
• Flatulence: bergamot, fennel, ginger, lemon, marjoram, neroli, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary
  
  
• Colicky pain: bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, ginger, cypress, lemon, orange, peppermint, sandalwood
  
  
• Constipation: fennel, ginger, marjoram, neroli, orange, peppermint, rose
  
  
• Diarrhoea: cypress, chamomile, ginger, lemon, orange, peppermint

Relieving Abdominal Cramp

Pushing the knees towards the abdomen can help to relieve tightness there. With your partner's knees bent so the feet are flat on the mattress, adjust your posture so that you can lean your weight forward as you perform this passive movement.

Slowly push the knees towards the trunk of the body, taking care not to force them beyond their natural point of resistance. Help to lower your partner's feet to the mattress, then repeat the movement twice more.

Osteopathy for Pets

Osteopathy is a form of treatment based on the manipulation of the body's bony skeleton. The basic premise is that imbalance and disharmony will result from the changes that occur in all parts of the body when one part of its structure is altered. Osteopathy is not a complete system of medicine. The idea of osteopathy for pets might seem strange, but most pets are surprisingly amenable to this therapy.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy was developed in the late 19th century by an American, Dr Andrew Taylor still. He saw the skeleton as having a dual purpose. He saw the skeleton as having a dual purpose. The commonly recognized function was that it provided the physical framework for the body. By the action of the muscles that were attached to it, it allowed the mechanical movement of the body. The other, equally important, function was to protect the body's vital organs. Dr Still theorized that if the skeleton were out of alignment, the body it supported and protected would not be able to maintain a state of good health. The basis of osteopathy is that structure governs function.

Osteopathy is used alongside orthodox Western medicine. Osteopaths are trained to treat each patient as a complete structure, paying close attention to the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the function of the body. They look at a patient's history to decide if osteopathy is a suitable treatment. A thorough physical examination enables them to observe the ease and range of movement in the limbs and spine. By feeling the muscles and bones, the osteopath is then able to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

How it works

Osteopathy on pets uses soft-tissue massage techniques and joint manipulation to make adjustments to the damaged neuromusculoskeletal structure. The techniques used on pets and humans are very similar. Manipulation techniques make corrections which repair the damage and allow healing to occur. After the initial, treatment the osteopath will monitor improvements by sight the changes that occur in the diseased area and in the body.

Osteopathic massage increases blood flow, which speeds up the elimination of toxic waste products that build up in the damaged areas. It increases the oxygenation of the tissues to relieve pain and stiffness.

The most common joint-manipulation technique used in osteopathy is the high velocity thrust. Contrary to popular belief, although this causes popping noises, it does not realign bones and joints. It does, however, slightly separate the joint surfaces momentarily. This separation stretches the joint capsule and gives it greater freedom of movement. As the joint capsule is stretched, tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide come out of solution from the joint fluid and these are responsible for the popping sound.

The other techniques used are passive movement and articulation. These gently and painlessly stretch the soft tissues to result in greater joint and limb mobility. Passive movement involves the osteopath moving the pet's limbs while the pet relaxes and makes no physical effort. Articulation takes this a stage further, and uses the pet's limbs as levers to stretch the soft tissues. In all techniques, the osteopath monitors the pet's response and makes adjustments to its treatment plan accordingly.

Availability

Osteopathy is now recognized as a valid treatment for animals, although there are as yet no recognized schools of veterinary osteopathy. If you wish to have your pet treated osteopathically, it must first be examined by a vet. If the vet also thinks that treatment would be beneficial, a qualified human osteopath will work on your pet under the vet's direction.

It is important that the vet and the osteopath co-operate with each other. The vet's notes, diagnosis and schedule should be made available to the osteopath, and the osteopath should discuss the treatment, benefits and outcome. Failure to liaise effectively can result in an inappropriate treatment being given. Osteopaths may use other therapies in their treatment of human patients, but by law they are not allowed to use techniques other than osteopathy on your pet without the permission of the vet.

When to use Osteopathy

In the absence of scientific research it is difficult to evaluate the value of osteopathy in pets. However,where vets have referred pets for osteopathic treatment, the results have been encouraging. Osteopathy seems to be particularly useful to alleviate any joint pain arising as a result of road traffic accidents and degenerative diseases.

Although the theory of osteopathy is valid for all species, it is important to remember that cats, in particular, do not like being handled by strangers. Their reluctance to co-operate with osteopathic treatment is a great drawback to its use, except when the cat is trusting enough to relax and allow manipulation, in which case good results can be obtained. However, if the cat refuses to co-operate, do not force it, but postpone the treatment session to another date. Alternatively, you may wish to consider a different therapy after discussing the options with your pet.

Allevaite Menopause with Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Although a large percentage of women have no problems with the menopause, many do experience some discomfort.

Night Sweats

These are best tackled through preventative treatment. Try taking an aromatherapy bath with the relevant oils each night before bedtime. Alternatively, try massaging the oils in a suitable carrier base into the body.

Hot Flushes

Put 20 drops of the same blend of essential oils in 1 litre (1 3/4 pints) of spring water in a screw-topped bottle. For the lid, shake well and transfer some into a purse-size spray and some into a small bottle that you can carry around with you. As soon as you feel a flush coming on, drink two mouthfuls of the water and spray your face and neck. Vitamin E is also said to be effective.

Water Retention and Bloating

To reduce water retention and cellulite, the relevant essential oils should be added to a suitable carrier base and applied daily to the affected areas. The same oils can also be used neat in the bath.

Hair and Skin

The condition of the hair and skin can be affected by the hormonal changes of the menopause. Both will become thinner and drier, and it is a good idea to adapt your daily care regime to compensate.

Hair

For hair dryness, use a good conditioner. You may like to add appropriate essential oils to give extra shine. For thinning hair, try a daily scalp massage with essential oils.

Skin

This not only becomes drier, but is more prone to wrinkles. Try a product containing essential oils or prepare your own mix.

Haemorrhaging

Occasional and sudden bleeding can occur when you least expect it. Although essential oils can reduce the amount of blood loss, as far as we know, they do not seem to stop it happening. As a preventative measure, try using styptic and/or astringent essential oils if you are prone to haemorrhaging.

Heart and Circulation Problems

In developed countries, arterial disease is the commonest cause of death for women over 50, killing one in four. This is almost twice as high as the death-rate from cancer.

There are as yet no essential oils known to treat problems with the heart, and it is advisable to check with your doctor and your family history to see if you are at risk. In the meantime, you can help to prevent heart and blood-pressure problems by giving up smoking, avoiding fatty foods and drinks high in caffeine, eating a low-cholestrol diet and taking enough regular exercise. There are also some carrier oils reputed to reduce cholestrol levels.

Vaginal Dryness

This can cause both emotional and physical discomfort. There are no known essential oils to increase vaginal fluid. Vitamin E is reputed to improve vaginal secretion, and daily application of sunflower oil all around the vaginal opening may also help.

Self Massage With Oil

You may not think so at first, but giving yourself a head massage with oil can be as nourishing as receiving it from someone else. It is definitely worth trying, for it is very rewarding and is something that can easily be incorporated into your normal pampering and body-care routine. As oils have such a therapeutic effect, it would also be an ideal opportunity to extend the massage to other parts of the body, rubbing and smoothing oil on other areas, such as your arms, legs and feet as well as your face and neck. Always work up towards the heart when massaging other body parts.

Getting Started

Preparing the space for yourself is as important as if you were preparing it for someone else. In western culture we are not used to self-massage and reactions such as futility, doubt and dissatisfaction are common to begin with. Giving positive attention to creating the right atmosphere sends a strong message to your subconscious mind that you are worth it. This is a good opportunity to play self-healing or affirmation tapes, while relaxing background music will give you something to focus on if you feel bored. Wear something loose and comfortable and that won't matter if it gets marked. Prepare everything else you may need for your pampering session. This will include a few towels to wrap yourself or your hair in, plenty of tissues, some water or herb tea and maybe some reading material and beauty preparations. You also need to have all the oils ready to hand plus a suitable mixing bowl and comb.

Warm up a little oil in the palm of your hand and apply it to the top of your head. Loosely ruffle your hair and work it in. Then apply some oil to the sides of your head and work this in. If you have long hair, you may need to lift it up and work outwards from the roots to the tips. Apply more oil, working from the front to the back of the head. Using the pads of your fingers, go on to make circular strokes across your scalp with medium pressure. Work methodically from the front to the back, covering the whole head. You should feel your scalp more underneath your fingers. When you have finished, cover your head and leave the oils to sink into your hair and scalp to do their work. This can be anything from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Using a warm towel around your head accelerates the penetration of the oils into the hair and scalp. Wrap it around your head "turban style" and use the time to catch up with yourself and relax.

To continue working with oil you can follow the basic self-massage sequence. However, because of its slippery nature there will be more "give" with oil, and you will have less of a grip than with dry massage, so the experience will feel very different. With oils your strokes are likely to be smooth, gliding over the skin in a continuous movement.

After you have finished with your hair, you may want to use up any remaining oil on your face and neck. Place your hands on your face and gently smooth the oil into the skin with small circular strokes, being particularly careful around the eyes. Move to your neck and glide your hands up and out to the sides. You can leave the oil to soak in or wipe it off with a tissue.

Remember that when giving self-massage you are both the giver and the receiver. As the giver you are your own therapist, so be sympathetic and understanding to how you feel inside. As you massage you could inwardly thank the different parts of your body for serving you so well each day. You may also notice how your thoughts stay away or become negative, worrying or busy. When this happens, bring your attention back to the self-massage. As the receiver, you have the opportunity for self-empowerment and healing. If it hurts, you can instantly lighten the depth of your touch. Alternatively you can apply pressure for much longer than is conventional if it feels good to you. You also know exactly where it hurts and can find the precise location of any knotty and painful spots.

As you massage, make sure that your strokes give you pleasure, adjusting the pace so that it is faster, slower, deeper, or more loving. Be responsive to your own needs and be flexible in your approach. A basic guideline is to recognize that the body has a wisdom of its own and that if something feels good, it is likely to be doing you good.

The Principles of Shiatsu

Shiatsu can be traced back over 5,000 years to its roots in ancient Chinese forms of medicine such as acupuncture and acupressure. However, it is a modern Japanese therapy, which fuses traditional Eastern practices with Western techniques of Osteopathy. Literally translated, the name means finger pressure - Shi (finger) and Asu (pressure) - although elbows, knees and feet are also used to press along the body's networkof meridian lines of pressure points, releasing blocked channels of energy. It is a holistic method of alleviating pain and promoting health in the whole body.

Giving a Shiatsu Session

If your partner closes their eyes, this can make the session a special time to relax and switch off from the world. There is no need to talk during a treatment as the communication of touch can say so much more. One of the fundamental principles of Shiatsu is to have simultaneous touch from both hands. With a two-hand connection a circuit is created, bonding the giver and receiver. To keep this link, one hand is stationary - the support hand - and plays the role of listening to and comforting your partner, while the other hand - the messenger hand - moves and does all the work. The amount of pressure from both hands will vary depending on the area of the body you are working on. The messenger and support hands changes roles many times throughout a shiatsu session. What you are trying to achieve is two points of contact merging and feeling like one to both therapist and partner.

Even as a beginner use your senses of looking, asking, listening and touching. Listen to your partner's needs and ask about symptoms before giving a treatment. Your motivations to help can be felt by your partner through the hands, transforming the simplest techniques into a caring bond. Before giving a shiatsu treatment, clam your own mind, as any tension will transmit itself to your partner.

The Hara

The Hara is one of the most powerful energy centres of the body. In Shiatsu terms it is known as Tanden, and is located below the navel in the lower abdomen. It is the physical centre of the body and features prominently in all shiatsu treatments. The Hara incorporates the Yin (Earth) force flowing up the front of the body, and the Yang (Heaven) force flowing down the back merging into the lower abdomen. By focusing all movements from this centre you can give harmonious and supportive treatments. Develop an open-posture principle in which your Hara is physically and energitically behind all your movements. This enables weight to be used instead of force. The simple rule is if you're not feeling comfortable and relaxed your partner will become aware of his.

It is very important to remember your own breathing when stretching and applying pressure. Breathe in deeply and exhale as you move into a stretch, encouraging your partner to do the same.

Healing Energy

The aim of Shiatsu is to balance the body's "Chi" energy levels. The rocking, kneading and stretching techniques are most effective in unblocking the congested areas. If your partner has a low energy level, and is generally fatigued, then slow, deep, static and perpendicular pressure will be more effective in strengthening the energy flow. Holding certain points for one to ten seconds is a general guideline but use your intuition as to how long you hold.

Practical Points

A shiatsu session normally lasts up to an hour. It is advisable to wear loose clothing so that your movements aren't hampered. The receiver is also clothed, but should avoid wearing bulky or constricting clothes that would impede contact with the body. Generally, the therapist works on the whole of the body and having discovered your problems may suggest simple practical exercises for home use to help the process of recovery. The effects of shiatsu may be felt immediately or later on in the same day, but if painful reactions are later experienced then your practitioner should be contacted. There are no two people with similar mental and physical complaints and the number of sessions will depend upon the individual's needs.

Shiatsu helps to keep open the communication between body, mind, emotion and spirit.

The Main Techniques

Palming

Palming is the simplest and most widely used technique in Shiatsu. Palm pressure is gentle but firm, creating a supporting and soothing effect on any tense or vulnerable areas of the body.

Allow your hands to be relaxed so that your fingers can follow the contours of whatever part of the body you contact, then lean your body weight through your palm, holding and waiting for the connection between your two palms. Lean back and without breaking contact, slide your hand along the body and lean forward again, creating stationary and perpendicular pressure.

Rocking

Use rocking on large areas to relieve tension. Placing your hands apart with palms down on your partner's body, rock slowly forward and back. The rocking should come from your own centre of balance, the Hara, which should control the movement.

Thumbing

Thumb pressure is far more precise and penetrating than palming, and is used for working the points along the meridians. Place your thumbpads on the points. Use your extended fingers for support, so that the thumb remains straight. Lean your body forward so that most of the pressure is transferred through the thumbs. Make sure your nails are quite short to practice the technique or you may hurt your partner.