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A romatherapy is an inherently gentle practice. While essential oils hold great power and potency, they also are gentle enough for all populations, including the frail and elderly. In this article, we'll discuss gentle aromatherapy treatments that address conditions prevalent in adults 75 and older, as well as condition-specific combinations of essential oils based on their physiological and psychological effects. Selected Application Methods The aromatherapy synergies discussed in this article are for older adults with thin, delicate skin and possibly compromised kidney, liver, and cardiovascular function. You can safely apply any of the synergies described in this article (unless noted otherwise) through full-body massage, shortened massage of selected body areas, hand and arm massage, foot massage, aroma mist, or diffusion in the client's living space. Every client's health picture is different, so choose an application method based on the individual's needs. For example, one client may enjoy a full-body session while another may be in a hospital bed with tubes running to various machines, making a short foot massage the best option. Maybe you'll touch a client's hand, talk to them softly, and diffuse aromas into their room, or sit with them and offer an aromatherapy hand and arm massage. Use your best judgment about what the client will safely enjoy and err on the side of caution. Application of Aromatherapy Massage For full-body massage, massage of selected body areas, hand and arm massage, or foot massage, add six drops of an aromatherapy synergy to one ounce of natural massage oil or cream. Avoid lubricants that contain mineral oil, lanolin, fragrance, or dye, as these ingredients interact negatively with essential oils. Apply the aromatherapy lubricant with massage techniques appropriate to the client's level of health. Use a plain (no aromatherapy) lubricant on the client's face if you offer face massage—older adults have thinner skin and are often prone to sensitivity. Application of an Aroma Mist Combine 6–12 drops of an aromatherapy synergy with one ounce of water in a bottle with a fine-mist top. Show the client how to spritz the mist in a high arc over their head and shoulders, and then have them inhale deeply and slowly as the mist falls around them. Make sure your clients understand that they should avoid spraying directly onto their faces. Some essential oils might absorb through the thin skin of the eyelids and irritate the eyes. Application of Aromatherapy Through Diffusion When we diffuse essential oils, we spread them into the air of a living space, where we inhale their aromas and enjoy them. A nebulizing diffuser converts volatile plant oils into tiny particles and disperses these particles into the air as a waterless mist that remains suspended for about 80 minutes. Nebulizers produce light aromas and work well for general stress relief and sleep disorders. Electric diffusers disperse plant oils in a mist of water and produce more aroma than nebulizing diffusers. Electric diffusers are inexpensive and easy to clean. Choose cold mist diffusers that won't expose essential oils to heat. You can set diffusers with timers to release oils for 15 minutes every 60–90 minutes. This timing works well when diffusing essential oils for sleep disorders. Add 6–9 drops of an essential oil synergy to a diffuser following the manufacturer's directions. Aromatherapy Benefits for Selected Conditions The effects of aromatherapy come from the changes that occur in the body, mind, emotions, and spirit of people exposed to essential oils. From our work as massage therapists, we know that an effect is the L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 39 Aromatherapy is the art and science of using natural plant extracts for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Please note that there are technical differences between plant products based on how producers extract them from the plant. However, for ease of communication, we'll refer to all plant extracts as essential oils. Clary sage Bitter orange