Aromatherapy is the ancient art which harnesses the potential energies of aromatic plants, flowers, leaves, bark of trees, plant resins to work on the human body through one of its most powerful senses-smell, along with touch to bring about a harmony of mind and body. It involves the olfactory system which in turn influences the nervous system.

It is an art, which is traced back to many ancient civilizations like Greek, Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, and Roman. However it was in 1928 that a French chemist Gattefosse pioneered the term Aromatherapy.

Today aromatherapy is used as an art of healing, beautifying and relaxing. It aids in restoring balance and harmony to a life constantly sabotaged with stress and pollution.of the environment.

Aromatherapy involves the use of pure essential oils, which are the vital life force, energy and potency of a plant. It is important to use only pure oils since many synthetic substitutes are available in the market.Essential oils penetrate the skin very easily. They are best used with carrier oils and not neat.Essential oils are used in a variety of ways, such as bathing, vapour inhalation, massage etc. however it is important to store these oils in tightly capped dark glass bottles.

Base or carrier oils

They are used to dilute the essential oil and help in carrying the oil over the skin surface evenly. They also help in absorption. Some popular carrier oils are

Sweet almond oil: It is heavy and has high nutritional value. It is good for ageing, dry, lifeless skin.

Wheat germ oil : It is rich in vitamins E, A, F, & B. it is an anti-oxidant

Jojoba oil : It is excellent for dry, sensitive and allergic skin. This oil is good for oily skin.

Sesame oil : Is heavy, rich and great for lightening dark skin.

Essential oils

They are plant hormones and made up of a complex chemical structure. The most commonly used oils are Lavender, Tea Tree, Geranium, Sandalwood, Neroli, orange, lemon, basil, clary sage, juniper berry, rose mary etc. these oils have a Yin or Yan effect. It is interesting to note that though these are called oils, they are not ‘oily’ in the regular usage of the term.Hence we find that essential oils can be used for all skin types, whether oily, dry, ageing or normal.

The most popular way of using these oils is through a special massage technique known as the ‘Shiatsu’ massage. However these oils can be effectively massaged into the skin, taking care to use them in the right proportions since they are highly concentrated.

Dry skin:

Dry skin needs extra care. It is prone to premature wrinkles and flakiness. Often reducing use of make-up and avoiding toners having an alcohol base can prevent this dryness. The oils of geranium, sandalwood, wheatgerm and jojoba can be used in a base of sesame or sweet almond oil.

Cleanser for dry skin – Gently massage a mixture of sesame oil and sweet almond oil into skin and wipe off with a large pad of damp cottonwool

Moisturiser for dry skin  Mix together 1 tablespoon of –honey, almond oil, water. Add two drops of oil of neroli or pure rose oil. Stir well and store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator. Use within a week of preparing it. You could add juice of quarter of a lemon for a mild bleaching and astringent effect. You need just a small amount (quarter teaspoon) to moisturise face and neck.

Pack for dry skin  Mash half a banana, add a teaspoon of honey and add two drops of any two of either oil of chamomile, lavender, sandalwood or rose. Now to this add either a spoon of wheat germ powder or rice flour or almond powder (made by grinding a handful of almonds). Mix well and apply well into skin using massage movements. Leave on for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water. Your face will glow!

Oily skin

One needs to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins, whatever the skin type. Oily skin needs frequent rinsing with plain water. The safest astringent is a few drops of fresh lime juice dabbed onto the face three times a day.
Oily skin too needs to be massaged with an oil consisting of a base of avocado or jojoba oil to which three to four drops of tea tree, lavender, lemon have been added. After massaging for a few minutes wash off with a good face scrub made from powdered dry herbs such as bitter neem, basil (tulsi).

Oily skin needs to be moisturised with a light moisturiser in which you could add a few drops of lemon oil.

Pack for oily skin  Mix together a spoon of rice flour, few drops lime juice, a spoon of either carrot, cucumber or orange juice. Add more liquid if required. To this add two drops of tea tree oil and two drops of either rose mary or lavender.

Normal skin

It must be treated on par with dry skin.

Ageing skin

A mature skin needs extra care. A good massage on damp skin is beneficial. The same ingredients as in dry skin may be used. Oil of rose and sandalwood work wonders.

Puffiness may be reduced by massaging face lightly with a mixture of water, few drops of any base oil and two drops of oil of geranium and juniper.

Problem skin

It is prone to pimples and acne—oil of lavender, tea tree, rose mary are excellent. Rub few drops of lavender, tea tree, and sandalwood directly on affected area after washing it. On it apply any prickly heat powder. Leave for at least an hour or overnight. Rinse face well. Try not to use soap but you could use a face scrub made of herbal powders.

Oils for calming and sedation

Oils such as lavender and neroli are sedative. Try a late night bath with a few drops of these oils in the water.However, exercise caution while purchasing oils. Be sure of your source. Do question your beautician on the purity of oils. Do not store premixed oil for more than 3 to 6 months. Pure oil can remain in a good condition from 2 to 5 years or more depending on the oil.

Go ahead then and indulge your senses- after all, Aromatherapy is a sensual science. Do you smell bliss?

Aromatherapist and Yoga Expert