I get asked this question a lot from students – “why does one application method work over another?”. Or “Does one application method in aromatherapy work better than others?” Bottom line, it comes down to three factors – the purpose of your aromatherapy blend, the contents or ingredient list and user compliance. If someone does not take baths and only prefers showers, a “bath salt” might not be the best option. You may consider a shower gel.
Experience of Application Methods
Completing case studies as a student gives you first-hand experience, working with different personalities, different blending techniques and seeing varying results among application methods. You also get hands-on guidance from me as your instructor, helping you navigate your findings, questions, theories and intuitions to deepen your aromatherapy skills and knowledge.
As my students are completing their certification course case studies, their question of “why does one application method work better for some people, over others?” is an important one. This answer is simple, yet complicated. You already know that everyone is different. Some people are more responsive than others. Some are more sensitive. Some have superficial or situational needs. While others have more deep-rooted, hidden and buried emotional traumas, that need reaching in order to help them dissipate.
- In a nutshell, some people may respond to one application method over another for a couple of reasons. If someone is fat deficient, malnourished, feeling un-nourished emotionally or having a hard time digesting emotions and situations, they may crave or require a more fat-based blend (meaning in a carrier/massage oil) versus a water-soluble blend. If I or the client prefers a spray over a carrier oil blend, I use a liquid enzyme as my base, with either the essential oils emulsified in vegetable glycerin, or a Flower Essence remedy (which contains either glycerin or alcohol).
- Compliance – what is the user willing to use? If they don’t like “oily” products, then a roll-on with a carrier oil base, or massage oil, would not be the best option. Maybe a lotion or aromatic spray.
- Absorption rate varies per person. If the lymphatic system is highly congested, there are obstructions (such as scar tissue) or the person is “closed-off” emotionally and mentally, their absorption rate will be slower, thus spray applications may seem to be less effective. When in actuality, it is serving like a homeopathic, making small, but substantial headway while carving through the scar tissue, old wounds and congestion, a little at a time. This subtle approach is needed when someone is not ready to work on the emotions being brought to the forefront, they are sensitive or have a weak constitution.
Hence, this helps us understand why custom blends are so much more powerful and necessary. You can properly assess someone’s physical, mental and emotional needs, and match up the appropriate blend or blends needed to help them achieve their mind-body wholeness. Also, combine carriers in proper dilution ratios to achieve highest results.
Essential oils and carrier oils I like best to help someone when they feel stuck, or stagnant are:
- Essential Oils:
- Patchouli, Pogostemon cablin
- Sweet Orange, Citrus sinensis
- Pink Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi
- Lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Thyme, Thymus vulgaris
- Davana, Artemisia pallens
- Application Method of Use:
- You can add a total of 3-6 drops of any of the essential oils listed, in any combination to a diffuser
- Add a total of 18-25 drops of any of the essential oils listed, in any combination to a liquid carrier to make an aromatic spray.
- Add a total of 18-25 drops of any of the essential oils listed, in any combination to a carrier oil or lotion to make a massage or body oil.
- Add a total of 10-15 drops of any of the essential oils listed, in any combination to 8 ounces of Epsom or sea salt to make an aromatic bath.
- Add a total of 10-15 drops of any of the essential oils listed, in any combination to a liquid or oil base carrier to make an aromatic roll-on.
- Carriers & Bases for a body or massage oil, body cream or roll-on.
- Liquids:
- Liquid Plant Enzymes
- Hydrosols such as Rose, Lavender and/or Helichrysum
- Butters: shea butter or mango butter
- Oils
- Arnica Oil, Arnica montana
- Evening Primrose oil, Centhera biennis
- Hemp oil, Cannabis sativa
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- Rosehip Oil, Rosa rubiginosa
- Liquids:
Happy blending!
Disclaimers: Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prescribe. It is recommended that if serious health issues exist, you consult a licensed medical provider. JennScents does not assume liability or responsibility for the use and/or misuse of this information.
References: This blog may contain excerpts from JennScents Aromaversity Certification Courses and the JennScents Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide.
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