3 Things to Remember about Aromatherapy

If you are new to the idea of aromatherapy you will no doubt have trouble figuring out how to begin to try it. 

Going to a local store you might find a collection of lovely little bottles filled with scents and have no idea what to do with them! Maybe your trip to Bed Bath and Beyond included a walk by a row of vesicles spewing out a cloud of mist and you wonder briefly what is the meaning of life before you move through it and get back to towl shopping.

Here are three important things to consider before you decide to try aromatherapy for yourself.

1 - Aromas are highly personal

There are scent types so finding out what types you enjoy in important to get you started. The point of aromatherapy is to relax you or help you focus on things you are thinking about at the time. Consider these different categories and what they can do for you.

Citrus aromas:

Experiencing these tangy essence of citrus fruits and using these types of aromas can help you feel lively and energetic.  

Oriental aromas:

While experiencing an oriental aroma you will not mistake it for any other. Oriental aromas present a strong masculine base scent such as musk or ambergris, with a more gently warmer aroma that is more feminine. The true yin yang of the aromatherapy world. If you have ever entered a shop and fely mystery and intrigue or wonder if the shop is burning incense then chances are you are picking up this kind of aroma.

Floral aromas:

Indulging in floral aromas can make you feel appreciative and alive. They are sometimes single note from one particular flower, but usually the most satisfying experience is from the combination essential oils from different flowers to create a more soft and sensual appeal.  

Fruity aromas:

Different from citrus (think apple) fruity aromas are fresh and spicy.  Using fruity scents for your aromatherapy will please you senses with upbeat and fresh feeling. Think of peach, berry, or mango to get the idea. If you mix a floral with a fruity scent you will feel like spring is in the air even in the middle of winter.

Spicy aromas:

Thinking of nostalgia? Aromatherapy based with the wonder spicy aromas like cinnamon, cardamom, or even peppers. Most people find aromatherapy comforting and reflective.

Woody (Chypre) aromas:

Woody aromas, just as they sound, make you feel the most grounded and earthy. Mossy, Woody, and Fresh Outdoorsy are all ways people say they feel when using these types of aromatherapy. Sage and Paola Santos are some of the most sacred essential oils and aromas to turn to when you really need to relax or meditate.

Green aromas:

Green category aromas are the natural outdoorsy variety.  If you are missing your nature time, working too long hours on a computer screen, or wishing for some laing in the grass summer feeling look to these types of scents and especially essential oils that come from smaller woody plants.

Oceanic aromas:

Many aromas come from essential oils or blends from botanicals.  Although not natural per se, oceanic aromas are a blend of synthetic scents that seek to evoke mountain air, ocean spray or clean linen.  Most people feel clean and refreshed when these scents are used for aromatherapy.

2 - The wrong scent can cause you (and others) stress

Choosing the right aroma or essential oil, or find the perfect blend can take a bit of work.  If you experience any hesitation when experiencing aromatherapy then likely you are not using the right essential oils or fragrance.  Another issue is a partner or housemate (or workmate) who is troubled by the very aromas that support you. In these cases wearing a necklace with a chamber or lava stone stretch bracelet is an option.  This type of aromatherapy does not tend to extend to others but keeps you and your senses able to experience your aromatherapy without stressing out anyone else.

3 - Mixing scents can be very satisfying

So you know there are many , many types of lavender?  Their aromas are different too! Like many specialties you can end up with a lot of essential oils and blends that end up in our way actually decreasing your level of calm and zen that aromatherapy seeks to provide you with!  The good news is that although essential oils can be costly, you generally only use a small amount in a carrier oil like jojoba or almond and it is easy to make a small amount to experiment with. One easy and fun way is to purchase some empty roll on bottles that take a small amount of oil and not usually more that 10 -15 drops often much less) of your oils so as you discover you perfect support aroma you can always offer the types that are not perfect to you to a friend to see if it is fitting for them. A really satisfying way to try is to purchase pre-loaded or add gemstone chips as they help mix, look great and mystical, and give you and added metaphysical focus for the best aromatherapy experiences.

If you are ready to try aromatherapy and want some help to get started finding your favorite aroma types, you can try this quick inner zen and aromatherapy survey that will send you a downloadable set of scents and blends to start with (with recipes).   You will find that having your own aromatherapy will help you stay centered and please your senses making each moment worth enjoying.