Internal Spring Cleaning
A Detoxification Essential Oil Treatment for Massage Therapists
The following article is by
Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060  
831-425-8218

In step with last month’s focus on the Immune System we want to continue to support this vital bodily function by clearing the Lymphatic system – an integral part of preventative medicine. The purpose of this treatment is to facilitate the draining of the Lymph through the physical movement of massage, while at the same time stimulating the body’s natural detoxification mechanism with essential oils. This will result in the removal of toxins from the body and an invigorated Lymphatic System.

We will accomplish this in several ways:

• Dry body brushing which sloughs off dead skin cells and stimulates circulation.
• Exfoliate the entire body using a blend of essential oils, Amazing Grains in a salt scrub. This will cleanse the skin by removing dead cells, oil and toxins while at the same time invigorating and fortifying the Lymphatic system.
• Massage the body with a blend of selected essential oils in carrier oil. This massage will provide physical stimulation to the Lymph System facilitating the flushing out of fluids along with the toxins they carry. At the same time the process allows the essential oils to penetrate the skin and enter into the body where they fortify and invigorate the Lymph System.
• Wrap the client to allow for warming the body, relaxation, and maximum contact time for essential oil therapy.
• Provide a face, scalp, hand or foot massage during the wrap.

Treatment:

1. Aromatherapy
• Select three to six Elizabeth Van Buren essential oils from the following list:

i. Angelica Root

ii. Bay Laurel

iii. Fennel

iv. Geranium

v. Grapefruit

vi. Juniper

vii. Lemon

viii. Orange

• These essential oils possess powerful detoxifying properties and have a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. Note: Elizabeth Van Buren tests each shipment of essential oils to insure purity. The result is the finest quality essential oils available today.
  
2. Shower
• Clean skin facilitates the absorption of essential oils.
3. Body Brushing
• With a dry body brush, start at the feet and lightly brush the entire body using long, smooth strokes, always brushing toward the heart.
4. Complete Body Exfoliation
• Prepare a therapeutic exfoliation scrub containing essential oils. Scrub Preparation: combine 20 to 30 drops of the selected essential oils, 1 oz. of Amazing Grains and 5 oz. of sea salt with 1 to 2 oz. of warm water.
• Working quickly and always toward the heart, apply the scrub lightly over entire body.
• Allow the client to shower to remove product.
5. Full Body Massage
• While client is showering prepare the massage table by spreading a large sheet over it.
• Prepare a blend of Elizabeth Van Buren Unscented Massage Oil (or Unscented Aromalotion) and the selected essential oils.

i. Preparation: add 20 to 30 drops of essential oil for every 2 oz. of carrier oil to be used. Elizabeth Van Buren Purifying blend can be used here.
ii. Note: effective blends may also be prepared using Juniper Tonic Massage Oil as a base in place of the Unscented Massage Oil.

• Provide a full body massage working from the extremities toward the heart. Begin with the client face down and massage the back. Turn the client and massage the front.
6. Wrap
• Aromatherapy: in a clean spray bottle prepare a spritzer using 4 oz. of spring water and 20 to 30 drops of the selected essential oils. Elizabeth Van Buren Rejuvenation Aromamist or Neroli Hydrosol can be substituted here.
• Spray the sheet with Hydrosol or spritzer to moisten it. You may choose to spray the client as well. Wrap the client with the sheet and cover with a heavy blanket for 15-20 minutes. The purpose is to keep the client warm and allow the essential oils ample contact time in order to have the maximum therapeutic effect.
• Provide a face, neck, scalp or foot massage during the wrap. Allow the client to relax on their own for 5 minutes.
7. Steam Shower or Jacuzzi Bath
• In a Jacuzzi bath add 20 to 30 drops of the selected essential oils to the bath water. Allow client time to relax with the Jacuzzi bubbles turned off.
8. Replenish and protect skin after treatment with Lavender/Aloe Aromalotion.
9. Finish treated skin with Rejuvenation Aromamist or Lavender Rose Aromamist. The spritzer prepared for the wrap can be substituted here.

Things to Remember:

1. Goal of this treatment
• Clarify the mind.
• Exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize the body’s surface.
• Detoxify the body from the inside.
2. Aromatherapy Knowledge
• Explain the benefits of each essential oil. Discuss which they like, make recommendations. Essential oil blends are most appealing when no single oil over powers the others. The best blends contain at least one base note, one middle note and one top note. As a rule of thumb use base notes, middle notes and tops notes in a 1 to 2 to 3 ratio and then adjust the blend as needed.
3. Note: Additional benefits can come from using the essential oil of Grapefruit during exfoliation, which in addition to fortifying the Lymph System combats cellulite. Suggest Orange, Juniper or Lemon for oily skin, Grapefruit for wrinkles and Geranium for all skin types.