Therapeutic Massage

Aromatherapy – Using Nature’s Aroma To Cure

Aromatherapy
makes use of the essential oils from the plants and other aromatic compounds to help soothe the human mind and cure certain illness. You can do it at home with the help of essential oils, perfume and cosmetics. When it becomes a part of pharmacology, it is known as clinical aromatherapy.

Aromachology studies the effects of different aromas on human behavior. Certain aromas are believed to have relaxing effect on our mind and body. Aromatherapy includes not only the use of essential oils, but also absolutes, hydrosols, infusion, phytoncides, and carrier oils. The absolutes are oils extracted by superficial fluid extraction, like the rose absolute. Hydrosols, like the rose water, are aqueous by-products after distillation. Infusions are the aqueous solutions of plant material. Phytoncides are the natural volatile organic compounds extracted from plants. Sweet almond oil is an example of carrier oil, used to dilute essential oils.

Aromatherapy can be done through inhalation. By taking baths, massages and compresses, the essential oils can be absorbed by the skin. Through oral rinses and gargles, they can be absorbed through the mucous membranes. Ingestion is another method of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy causes various therapeutic effects like the antiseptic effects, anesthetic effects, and psychological effects. Aromatherapy has its effects on the central nervous system and the metabolism. For home aromatherapy, you can blend neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, nutmeg, and peppermints in the base oils and add a few drops of basil in that mixture. For bathing purposes, you can add oils like lavender, and rose to the water. Aromatherapy can heal depression, insomnia, acne, joint pains, stress, cough, and other types of diseases. For the skin, aromatherapy best solves acne and dry skin problems.

Aromatherapy helps to enhance the skin and makes it glow. It gives a pedicure and manicure effect, and prevents skin wrinkles. The common essential oils used for aromatherapy are sweet almond, avocado, cocoa butter, grape seed, jojoba, olive, peanut, rose hip, sesame, sunflower and more. Make sure not to use ajowan, almond, arnica, calamus, garlic, melilotus, onion, mustard, wormseed, and wormwood, without proper supervision from the aromatherapy practitioner.

Aromatherapy – Using Nature’s Aroma To Cure / Sharon Albright

Sharon Albright is the owner of Aromatherapy Site. Read more articles on Aromatherapy and visit her recommended resources.

Spa chemicals – Use them at the Right Time and in the Right Manner

You are extremely elated and excited with the new addition of a spa or a hot tub in your home. A spa at home provides you the comfort of rejuvenating your de stressing yourself at your convenience. But in order to access the spa at your desired time, you should take due and regular care of it. You should acquire the right spa chemicals and use them in the right way so as you spa is available for use at all times while you do not fall ill at its cost.

In an initiative to keep the spa or the hot tub in topmost condition, you need to make use of specially formulated spa chemicals and liquids. These in turn will assure you of clear, clean sparkling spa water which will work wonders in enhancing your spa experience.

You do need to regularly check the pH level of your spa water which in a way aids the chlorine based sanitisers in killing bacteria and viruses. In case of a high pH level you have to bring it down to the ideal level of of 7.2 to 7.6 with Total Alkalinity of 80/140 mg/l (ppm). Ideal for you to use would be the Spa Chemicals phMinus while in low pH water conditions you could go in for Spa Chemcial phPlus which works towards raising the ph levels of the spa water.

Spa Water Sanitisers

• The Spa Chemical Bromine is also used as a sanitiser in hot tubs. People prefer to use Bromine as it does not emit a strong smell such as chlorine while is more effective at higher temperatures in getting rid of algae and bacteria.

• Chlorine tablets are equally popular but as a precautionary measure it is advised that you check the chlorine level in your spa water before using them.

• On other hand if you face the problem of surface foam in the hot tub or spa then you should use the Spa Chemicals No Foam product which is stabalised with Cyanuric Acid. Before ending a few words of precaution could prove to be of great value to dedicated spa users who are regular in maintaining their spa or hot tubs as the case may be.

• Keep your Spa Chemicals away from children’s reach while ensuring they are properly sealed • Follow the prescribed instructions for best results

• The Spa Chemicals have to diluted with the water and not the other way round

The Spa chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry and shady place so that they retain their effectiveness

Spa chemicals – Use them at the Right Time and in the Right Manner / cris

Spa chemicals ensure you get healthy and clean spa water whenever you use the spa for your rejuvenating or health purposes. A judicious use of spa chemicals in the prescribed manner is advised for best results which go a long way in enhancing your spa experience.

Foot Care for Senior Citizens

By the time you reach the golden years of life, your feet have served you well!  Pay them back by adjusting to their needs as you age.

Don’t expect to have the same sized feet throughout your life.  Feet tend to increase in length and width as you age.  This is due to the gradual collapsing of your arches through daily wear and tear.  You may need to re-measure your feet the next time you go shoe shopping to ensure you are still buying shoes that are the right size.  Note: Your two feet won’t necessarily lengthen at the same rate. 

You may also notice that the skin on your feet is thinner than it used to be and that the natural fatty cushioning that exists on the ball of your feet and pads of your toes has decreased.  This thinner skin means that you are more susceptible to injuries on your feet.  Be on the look out for bumps, blisters
, scrapes and bruises that could lead to foot ulcers or infections in your feet.  This is especially important from senior citizens who have diabetes, or who have reduced circulation in their lower extremities.  Poor circulation and neuropathy (damage in your nervous system) may make it difficult for your body to detect and treat infection.  Check your feet for minor injuries everyday, or have someone do it for you.  This kind of proactive care will go a long way when it comes to preventing foot ulcers, infection and amputation.

Gout is another problem that may affect the feet in old age.  It is mainly a concern for men over the age of 50.  Gout occurs when uric acid build-ups in the joints.  It can cause the joints of the foot (and particularly the big toe) to become red, sore and swollen.  For feet that suffer from gout or arthritis, rest and elevate the feet when possible.  Anti-inflammatory drugs may also help to reduce pain and swelling. 

Other foot problems that affect senior citizens include ingrown toenails (the nails tend to become particularly thick and brittle when we age), bunions (usually aggravated by long histories of wearing ill-fitting shoes), corns and calluses.  Invest in athletic or orthopedic shoes that protect your foot from scrapes and bruises.  Look for lace-up shoes that enable you to adjust the size of your shoe to accommodate the swelling of your foot.  Make sure your shoes don’t pinch or cramp the toes.  There is no such thing as a “break-in” period when you buy athletic shoes.  If the shoes hurt, then find another pair!

Foot Care for Senior Citizens / Danielle K. D.

Jane Barron works for OddShoeFinder.com,a free online website that helps people find mismatched footwear.If you are looking for different sized shoes, or information useful to polio survivors, people with diabetes foot problems, and people with foot size differences, visit: www.oddshoefinder.com