Techniques used in aromatherapy -

Compresses

An aromatherapy compress is an effective way to treat muscular aches and pains, headaches, bruises and reduce inflammation. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of water and soak an absorbent cloth in the solution. Squeeze out any excessive moisture, secure with a bandage and reapply as needed. You can make a hot or cold compress, or alternate between the two. A hot compress can treat chronic pain such as backache, and a cold compress can help relieve acute injuries such as sprains.

Oils for aromatherapy compresses: For bruises and sprains, a ginger and lavender aromatherapy compress helps reduce swelling and increases circulation to the injured area.

Hot compresses are applied on old injuries, muscle pain, rheumatic pain, monthly period cramps, boils, and toothaches.

How to Make Hot Compresses

To prepare a hot compress, get about a pint of hot water (as warm as you can comfortably stand it), and mix approximately 4 drops of your chosen essential oil to it.

Next, place your folded piece of cloth, bandage or small towel on top of the water and let it become saturated. Then wring out the extra water and put it over the area to be treated.

Cover the warm compress with either cling wrap or a plastic bag as well as an additional towel on top to hold it in place. You may bind the compress gently if used in a difficult spot where it keeps falling off.

Keep the compress on and exchange for a new compress right away when it has cooled down to body temperature.

Cold compresses are applied to new sprains, bruising, swelling and inflammation, a fever and mild to severe headaches. They can also be used as a pick-me-up when tired.

How to make a cold compress

A cold compress is prepared precisely the same as the hot compress, but ice or chilled water is used rather than hot water. A cold compress is exchanged once it has warmed up to body temperature.

Using Essential Oils with Compresses

To choose your essential oil for use with a compress, have a look at the healing properties of the essential oils.