Aroma oil therapy is the process of diffusing essential oils into the atmosphere either through direct application, burning or vaporizing. The medicinal effects of aroma oil therapy are unproven, but supporters of the practice, such as The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, claim it harmonizes and promotes health. The Mayo Clinic named aromatherapy as a possible alternative treatment to deal with the side effects of cancer. Starting your own aroma oil treatment may be a way to add scent to a room and decrease stress.
Step 1
Purchase a cold air diffuser. This is one method of dispensing vaporized essential oils.
Step 2
Set up the diffuser. The location of the diffuser is up to you. Cold air diffusers vary based on model and manufacturer. Many consist of an air pump, oil well and nebulizer. Attach the plastic tubing to the air pump and well. Set the nebulizer over the top of these units. Some devices will plug into a wall outlet, others may be battery-powered.
Step 3
Place 15 to 20 drops of an essential oil into the oil well. Anson Aromatic Essentials suggests you can invert an entire bottle of essential oil in the well, allowing it to drip out slowly. If the oil is thin, pour it directly into the well. Do not mix oils.
Step 4
Turn the unit on using the on/off knob for your device.
Step 5
Run the diffuser for short periods initially. This will help everyone become used to the effects of the aromatherapy. Use the diffuser for 15 to 30 minutes at first, and eventually expand the usage. A diffuser can run continuously once everyone is used to it.
Step 6
Clean the diffuser regularly. Disconnect the tubing and nebulizer. Place of each these components into a sink filled with soapy water. Fill the nebulizer with the soap mixture, and shake it to clean the inside chamber. Wipe out the inside of the oil well and the body of the unit with an alcohol cloth or towel. Let all parts air dry and then reassemble the diffuser.
Step 7
Select oils that soothe and provide healing properties. For example, the website Organic Facts recommends cinnamon for menstrual problems, such as cramping. While there is no scientific backing for this claim, health experts, such as The Mayo Clinic, support the use of aromatherapy to as a healing agent that affects the mood and allows the body to heal.
Tips and Warnings
- This is just one method of oil aromatherapy. Essential oil diffusion also works with herbal vaporizers, candles or as an additive to bath water. Finding the right process for you may take some trial and error.
Things You'll Need
- Cold air diffuser
- Essential oils
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Alcohol wipes
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