Six Scentsational Bath and Body Experiences
Vasu Nargundkar

Fragrant healing herbs and the essential oils of plants and flowers have been used as an integral part of holistic healing traditions, including Ayurveda, for centuries. The senses can act as a powerful means to create balance in mind and body, and the sense of smell works to create balance through aromas. Here are six delightful ways to use healing scents.

Aromatherapy cleansing bars can make washing a pleasant ritual. Look for gentle vegetable glycerin based bars that won't dry out your skin. Keep a medley of fragrances on hand to match your mood - cooling sandalwood, soothing jasmine, uplifting rose, calming lavender, refreshing sweet orange.

For a truly luxurious experience, try a full-body warm oil massage. In the morning, a massage can invigorate you and get you ready to breeze through a hectic day. An hour before you go to bed, a massage can help you unwind and relax, help prepare you for restful sleep. Aroma massage oils have a two-pronged effect - the soothing mind/body comfort of the massage itself and the healing scent of the essential oils. Get a readymade blend - essential oils available in a base of almond or olive or coconut oil for massage - or blend your own by mixing in 5-10 drops of your favorite aroma oil or blend for every 2 oz. of the base massage oil.

Herb or aroma oil infusions in bath water are a time-honored way to pamper yourself. Try blends instead of a single oil - the synergy will make the effect exponential. Use rosemary and peppermint for an invigorating pick-me-up in the morning. Or lavender and ylang ylang for a soothing experience. Or the exotic combination of frankincense and sweet orange to feel renewed. Make sure the essential oils are well integrated into the bath water before you step in. If you're using herbs, wrap your favorite potpourri of fragrant dried herbs and spices in muslin and toss into your bath as it's running. Dried rose petals and buds, lemon and orange rind, lavender, rosemary, mint - you can experiment with all of these and more.

All-natural aroma candles that use pure essential oils can make bath-time a serene interlude. Make sure you buy natural candles that use vegetable wax or beeswax. Light the candles a half-hour before you step into the bath to give the healing aroma time to diffuse in the room. Aroma lamps that diffuse essential oils are good alternatives. Remember to observe usual precautions with lit candles or lamps.

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Bath Salts Guide: Our guide will teach you how to make your own bath salts at home.

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Pure rose water makes a refreshing toner. Spritz on to your skin for a cooling, soothing experience, especially in summer. Or dab some on cotton-wool and place over closed eyes for ten minutes to relieve tension and calm frayed nerves.

For more information on ayurvedic aromatherapy, please visit http://www.mapi.com. Note of caution: Essential oils are potent, concentrated substances that can burn or irritate your skin. Start by looking for readymade bath and aroma products that contain essential oils or have a professional help you make customized blends. Experiment to find those that work best for you. Remember to dilute essential oils before they come in contact with your skin.

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You might also enjoy reading Simple Soapmaking: Make your own fragrant handmade soap the simple way!

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Also see Conquer Your Cellulite: An easy to understand, step-by-step cellulite reduction plan that really works.

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Copyright Vasu Nargundkar, 2001 Vasu Nargundkar is the editor of Total Health News and other ayurvedic newsletters published by Maharishi Ayurveda. To sign up to receive your copies free by email, please visit http://www.mapi.com. Practical info, lots of tips, recipes more!

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