An Overview:
The use of oils for medicinal and recreational purposes has been with us since the Egyptians of 8000 years ago, and although they were not used in the same refined way that we use them today, they were nevertheless applied to achieve similar benefits. Today we use oils that have been distilled and are in their purist form.

The Benefits:
A full aromatherapy massage has many benefits. A massage will relax your mind, stimulate your circulation and revive tired muscles while relieving tension. A massage is an ideal way to take time out and with this fact alone, must be considered essential in the busy and stressful world in which we live today, particularly around Christmas time for example.

Ways to use oils:

Massage is the most effective way of using oils but other methods can be very successful. Such as:

1. A few drops of your favourite oil in your bath water. The oil should first be blended with a carrier oil like Sweet Almond oil, as this helps to disperse the oil throughout the water.
2. Burning oils in a specially designed oil burner. Simply fill the vessel with hot water and place it over the flame adding up to six drops of your chosen oil depending on taste. Remember not to let the water completely evaporate as this will corrupt the new aroma introduced into your environment.
3. Inhaling oils can be a quick remedy for congested nasal passages or sinusitis. By inhaling the vapour released from a bowl of hot water containing a few drops of Eucalyptus oil, you will soon find relief from the heavy symptoms of a cold or flu.
4. As an ointment, relief of sports injures or such like can be acquired by administering to the injury with a soothing massage. Depending on which oils selected, the improvements can be felt quickly.

Precautions:
Never consider using oils unless you are absolutely sure of their merits and relevance. Oils used incorrectly can have a toxic affect on the body. If you're not sure then visit a qualified aromatherapist. Particular caution should be applied if you are pregnant, diabetic, epileptic or suffering from high/low blood pressure. Children can be treated by using a general rule of thumb of half an adult dose.

Essential Reading:
These books are a good source of information about Aromatherapy.
1. "Aromatherapy an A - Z" by Patricia Davies
2. "The Art of Aromatherapy" by Robert Tisserand
3. "The Encyclopædia of Essential Oils" by Julia Lawless
4. "The Aromatherapy Handbook" by Daniel Ryman