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Articles by Wendy Mackay

Browse published articles attributed to Wendy Mackay, with full-archive search.

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By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy First Aid

Every home and workplace should have a first aid kit. But have you considered also having an aromatherapy first aid kit? Essential oils are perfect for dealing with many of the minor illnesses, injuries and other conditions we encounter everyday, and in a natural, gentle and holistic way. Some books will say you need to have 10 or even 20 essential oils to start your first aid kit. But in reality you could start with just a few. The following are some of the most useful – Tea tree - Tea tree’s strong medicinal aroma reflects its powerful bacterial andr

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

8,277 views5/5 (3)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy Methods of Use - Vaporisation

One of the most popular ways to use essential oils is by vaporisation. In other words, encouraging essential oils to evaporate into the air where they can be inhaled and the smell experienced throughout a room. This is sometimes referred to as "burning" essential oils, and candle operated vaporisers are often referred to as "oil burners". But the truth is that the last thing we want to do is to burn the essential oil. That would destroy the oil and, as anyone who has let an "oil burner" run dry will know, gives off a terrible smell.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,353 views3.8/5 (8)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy Methods of Use - Making Your Own Massage Oil

One of the basics of rules of aromatherapy is that they must be diluted to be applied to the skin. Making your own massage oil can be a wonderful way of using essential oils. Massage oils can also be used as body oils, as a way of moisturising and protecting your skin in a similar way to a body lotion. When making your oil you will need - · A bottle to make and store your completed oilrn· Carrier oil or oilsrn· Essential oil or oils

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

3,473 views3.4/5 (5)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Massage and Oils

Massage is a healing therapy involving manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. Massage can soothe muscle aches and pains, encourage relaxation, stimulate the circulation of blood and encourage the flow of lymph. Massage also has beneficial effects on the skin as well as calming and uplifting the mind. There are numerous styles of massage but essential to most forms of massage (most but not all) is the selection of an appropriate massage oil. While used primarily for lubrication, the oil selected can also have benefits for the skin, as well as assisting the massage itself.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,646 views4/5 (5)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

People get very conce ed about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time. There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,811 views3.5/5 (4)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

A Guide to Buying Essential Oils

Go into any new age or health food store or any candle or homewares shop and chances are you will see little bottles of fragrant oil. Anyone who has had any experience of aromatherapy knows how powerful these volatile oils can be and the wonderful effects they can have. But all oils are not the same. How do you know what you are buying? There are an enormous number of synthetic oils on the market, but true aromatherapy uses only the best pure plant extracts. These are true “essential oils” and are, in my opinion, the only ones to purchase.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,692 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy and Natural Skin Care for Acne

Lately I have been asked a lot about skin care for acne and whether essential oils can help. So here is some information about how to care for what can be a frustrating and demoralizing condition. Acne is the term used to refer to skin which has pimples and blackheads. It can range from just a few spots on the face, to widespread eruptions and can appear also on other areas of the body such as the back. Whilst acne is generally thought of as a teenagers condition, it can affect people of all ages.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,672 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Natural Cleaning With Essential Oils

Cleaning and maintaining your home using natural ingredients including essential oils rather than using toxic chemicals is a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way and it smells SO much better! My top 5 Essential Oils for use around the home are - Tea tree – for its antibacterial properties which have been renowned for decades Eucalyptus – fresh and invigorating and a boon if there are coughs and colds in the house Lavender – relaxing but still with antibacterial properties – a most versatile oil

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,942 views4/5 (5)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Blending Essential Oils - Part 2

Last month we talked about the reasons and advantages to blending essential oils. This time we will look at another factor to bear in mind when blending essential oils.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,668 views5/5 (3)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy Bathing

Bathing is probably one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your life. Bathing has a long history and references to baths have been found in early archaeological records. Hippocrates wrote that a perfumed bath and a scented massage everyday was the way to good health.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,980 views4/5 (4)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy in the Laundry

Doing the washing can seem like a thankless, never ending task. No sooner have you washed, dried, ironed and folded that mountain of clothes, then someone has refilled the laundry hamper and it all starts over again! Aromatherapy can’t make that mountain of washing go away (sorry!) but it can make the whole process of dealing with it so much more pleasant. Here are a few tips –

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,237 views4.5/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Blending Essential Oils - Part 1

Should I use each essential oil on its own or should I mix them? That is question that gets asked often here at Essence of Wellbeing. The simple answer is that you can do both! Essential oils can work well on their own but it is true that the effects of essential oils can be boosted by combining them. Mixing 2 or more essential oils can also create wonderful new aromas. That is one of the reasons why here at Essence of Wellbeing we created our own range of blends, to offer the benefits of these blends to those who do not want to get into blending themselves.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,675 views5/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Natural Care for Winter Hands

Have you noticed that your hands are drier at this time of year, when the days and nights get colder? Cold air outside and warm dry air inside can dry out and stress your hands leading to rough skin, chapping and even conditions like dermatitis So here are 10 Tips to treat your hands and turn rough paws into soft smooth hands. 1. Wear gloves wherever possible - protective rubber gloves for when hands go in water, gardening gloves for outside jobs and warm gloves when you are out in the cold for a while.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,194 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy for Coughs and Colds

Winter is a prime season for colds and flu. But aromatherapy and essential oils can help. Prevention is always better than cure. Help stop the spread of germs by using the antiseptic powers of essential oils around the home. Tea tree essential oil in particular is fabulous used as a disinfectant. Add a few drops to the water when washing floors. Sprinkle a few drops of tea tree essential oil on a damp cloth and use to wipe down light switches door handles, taps and other areas that are touched regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,036 views4.5/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Hydrosols

What are hydrosols?

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,041 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy and Children

In my experience as an aromatherapist, I have found that most children take amazingly well to aromatherapy. They are refreshingly honest in their opinions and will quickly tell you if they don't like a particular aroma! They also respond quickly to the benefits of the oils. It is as if, because they have not yet been subjected to the many toxins and chemicals that most of us have been exposed to for years, their bodies have a clearer and quicker reaction. But there are some cautions that apply particularly to children and should be borne in mind to keep our precious little people safe.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,034 views3.7/5 (3)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Ear Candling

Since we began stocking ear candles last year, I have had many visitors to our showroom ask what they are and how you use them. So here is a rundown on the process known as ear candling - Ear candling, sometimes referred to as ear coning, is an ancient practice with references being made to the practice in ancient Egyptian times as well as in parchments from Asia. Contrary to the name of some brands of ear candles, there is no record of the practice being carried out in native American cultures.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,813 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

5 Reasons giving a massage can be a great gift this Valentine's Day

Looking for a gift to show that special someone how much you care? Something different to the usual flowers or chocolates? Why not consider offering to give them a massage? There are great benefits for giving a massage (or receiving one!). Here are just a few - Massage can be adapted for almost anyone Whilst a full body massage can be a wonderful experience, not everyone is comfortable with that level of intimacy or contact. Or they may have injuries or health issues that preclude that intense massage.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,791 views5/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy Perfumes

Essential oils have been used in perfumes for thousands of years. Historically some of the most exclusive and indulgent perfumes have contained the most precious and delicate natural essential oils. These days however, despite the marketing of perfumes including images of nature and flowers, many perfumes are more the product of a chemists laboratory than the product of mother nature. Making your own perfume from essential oils is fun and can result in a perfume that is truly natural and truly “you”.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,841 views4/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Aromatherapy for Sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the most common problems in today’s fast-paced world. Sleep deprivation can impact on many areas of our health including affecting our immune system and our ability to fight off illness, not to mention reducing our ability to deal with the effects of stress. And any new parent will tell you that being unable to get that good continuous nights sleep can seriously affect your ability to function throughout the day!

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

2,057 views4/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Using Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

People get very conce ed about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time. There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,770 views4/5 (1)

By Wendy MackayJun 6, 20111 topic

Letting Go After Divorce

At what point do you just let go after divorce? The emotional over whelm can become life consuming with legal issues, child custody battles and financial transitioning. What about the feelings of loss, how and when do you let go of it all? Divorce, as we all know, affects everyone involved. It’s not just the couple once in love, but children, parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers, teachers and on and on. Anger, frustration, feeling deceived or just plain hurting to the

Primary topic: Divorce

1,391 views3.5/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayMay 31, 20111 topic

Kathy's Story

Kathy was a happy-go-lucky child. Despite the constant moves from house to house, city to city every year or so she never had any problems making new friends and fitting into groups. She was out-going and enjoyed all sports activities never excelling in any one specific niche, but willing to try anything, and be a team player. School was more of a place to socialize than to study and whether through osmosis or general interest she got passing grades. Her average mid-income up

Primary topic: Divorce

1,153 views3/5 (2)

By Wendy MackayAug 24, 20101 topic

Releasing Anger and Resistance to Embrace Love

If you are experiencing negative emotions in regards to a specific person that you feel affected your life, I am here to share my story of how I was able to eliminate anger and resentment with my mother, and embrace love and acceptance for myself. You are responsible for your own emotions and how you perceive your environment and experiences. I urge you to learn to make the most of life by releasing all negative emotions, and embracing happiness, love, forgiveness, and all t

Primary topic: Divorce

2,518 views

By Wendy MackayRecently published1 topic

Natural Hair Care Tips

We all want shiny healthy hair. But can we achieve it with natural products and ingredients, or do we really need the whole range of shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and more that we see advertised every day? Well the answer is - “Yes” you can have gorgeous healthy hair and still keep it natural - Here are 5 tips for naturally shiny, healthy hair - - Feed your hair from the inside

Primary topic: Aromatherapy

1,554 views

By Wendy MackayJun 26, 20111 topic

Are you ready to recover from divorce?

Perhaps asking if you are ready to recover from divorce is a rhetorical question but so often what we say isn't really what we are feeling. We think we want to heal after divorce from the heart ache and yet the anger feels as though it's serving a purpose. In fact, anger does serve a purpose in releasing the tension and emotional turmoil that is felt when we aren't living in alignment. It is far healthier to release the anger than to hold it within. It is how we release it th

Primary topic: Divorce

1,231 views

By Wendy MackayApr 29, 20101 topic

Divorce - Not Me!

What Happened? This is likely a question you ask yourself over and over again after divorce. You thought you had a great relationship, the home, the kids, the pets, financial security. Where did it all go wrong? I can't tell you what happened, or where it began going wrong, but I can tell you that you are not alone. I don't mean you are not alone statistically (over 50% divorce rate), I mean that there are millions of single parents wondering the same things you are. The l

Primary topic: Divorce

1,143 views

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