DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.
Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/918922
[ 62 ] • # dayspamagazine • january 2018 alternative health Oils are rarely applied directly to the skin (exceptions include lavender and tea tree oil, notes Solien-Wolfe), but rather diluted in a base or carrier prior to being used, which makes them easier to distribute and absorb. For massage, it's best to combine them with an oil- based product, such as jojoba, sweet almond, grape seed, olive or fractionated coconut oil, says Solien-Wolfe. But again, a little goes a long way. "The amount you use depends on the oil and whether the service is for the face or body," explains Fender. "As a general rule, you can use fi ve to ten drops per ounce of carrier oil—but some oils are powerful, and only a drop or two should be used." You don't want to overwhelm the client, so start light, adds Franklin Warren, senior new product development scientist at Performance Health. "You can always add more," he notes. Combining a few diff erent oils into a blend can be a nice way to off er multiple benefi ts at once. "One of the newest trends we're seeing is a request for a 'happy blend,' which can be anything citrus-based," reports Solien-Wolfe. Here are some of the spa industry's most popular extracts, and a few of the health issues they are believed to address. Chamomile: Eases anxiety, insomnia, menstrual cramps Eucalyptus: Boosts mental clarity and energy; relieves congestion Geranium: Eases PMS, hormonal imbalances, nerve pain Ginger: Relieves nausea, pain, digestive distress; physically warming Lavender: Eases anxiety; aids healing of burns, wounds, insect bites Lemon: Boosts energy, detoxifi es and cleanses Patchouli: Improves mood, relieves depression symptoms Peppermint: Relieves nausea, muscle soreness, headaches; boosts energy Rose: Eases anxiety and PMS; softens skin Rosemary: Boosts energy and mental clarity Sage: Eases anxiety, menstrual cramps, labor pain Tea Tree: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial Ylang Ylang: Improves mood, relieves depression symptoms A A 2013 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that aromatherapy massage with cinnamon, clove, rose and lavender essential oils improved menstrual symptoms, resulting in less bleeding and pain than abdominal massage using almond oil alone. A A review of fi ve studies found that inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger oils reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting in various conditions (The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, July 2012). QUICK FACTS © GETTY IMAGES OFT-USED OILS