Compresses: a technique for aromatherapy
Compresses are effective in the treatment of a variety of muscular and rheumatic aches and pains as well as bruises and headaches. To prepare a compress, add 5 drops of oil to a small bowl of water. Soak a piece of flannel or other absorbent material in the solution. Squeeze out excess moisture (although the compress should remain fairly wet) and secure in position with a bandage or cling film. For acute pain, the compress should be renewed when it has reached blood temperature; otherwise it should be left in position for a minimum of two hours and preferably overnight. Cold water should be used wherever fever or acute pain or hot swelling requires treatment, whereas the water should be hot if the pain is chronic. If fever is present, the compress should be changed frequently.