Mastering Essential Oils Special Part 3: Compresses and Steam Inhalation

Aroma is more familiar to us than ever before. But are you actually making the most of it?
Do you use it in a diffuser?
That is certainly fine on its own, but learning other ways to use it might make aroma even easier to incorporate into your life!

So, I will introduce all the methods I know here.
Please find the method that is perfect for you.

For Part 1: Aromatic Bathing, click here
For Part 2: Aroma Baths, click here

3: Compresses and Steam

This is a method that combines the appeal of aromatic bathing and aroma baths.

① Hot Compress

Fill a basin with hot water and add 1 to 2 drops of essential oil.
Soak a towel in the water and wring it out.
*At this time, it is best to scoop up the essential oil floating on the surface of the water.

Apply the towel to areas where you have muscle tension or pain to warm them.
It improves blood circulation and feels great.

Be careful of burns, and you can use it until it cools down.

Apply it to the affected area for stiff shoulders, lower back pain, or menstrual cramps.
For eye fatigue, apply it to the eyes, but be careful not to let the essential oil come into direct contact with your eyes.

② Cold Compress

This is the water version of a hot compress.

Apply it to areas that feel hot.

When you have a fever, it is more effective to apply it to areas where lymph nodes are concentrated, such as the armpits or the back of the neck.

Use both hot and cold compresses while being careful not to cause skin irritation.

③ Steam Inhalation

This is a method of applying steam to your entire face.
Recommended for sore throats, runny noses, or nasal congestion.
Doing this before washing your face opens up your pores and improves blood circulation, so it is also effective for beauty as a facial sauna.

Fill a basin with about 1 liter of hot water (around 80°C is recommended) and add 1 to 4 drops of essential oil.

Cover your head with a dry bath towel, close your eyes, and let the steam rising from the basin hit your face. *Since the eyes cannot metabolize, be sure to keep them closed.
A good guideline is to perform this about 20 to 30 cm above the basin.

By closing your eyes and breathing slowly, the aromatic components reach your brain through your nose, and the effects of the essential oil will help you feel even more relaxed.
It is also good for respiratory discomfort.

Start with about 3 to 5 minutes.
Keep it to a maximum of about 10 minutes.

Please feel free to enjoy aromatherapy by incorporating methods that are easy for you to use.

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