The Use of Aromatherapy Oils in the TEFL Classroom

Many of those reading this article would have had firstVapour Stream which uses a small fan to provide a
hand experience of the benefits of aromatherapyconstant flow of scented air via a cartridge and retails
perhaps by way of a visit to a professionalat £25.
aromatherapist or more likely by experimenting withBefore using oils always check for contra-indications
some of the better known essential oils purchased atas a small number of oils should not be used in cases
a local body health care shop. The purpose may haveof pregnancy, high blood pressure, etc.
been to effect a cure for a minor or not so minorHere are some of my own recipes you might like to
ailment or just enjoy the pleasure of a massage ortry out in various situations.
relaxing/refreshing soak in the bath tub.1. To ward off germs and colds so easily passed
In this short article I am not concerned with the generalaround the classroom especially in winter.
uses of essential oils, but rather how they can be3 drops of Lavender 2 drops of Eucapyptus 2 drops
specifically used in the ELT classroom as moodof Pine
enhancers, stress relievers and confidence builders by2. For exam classes beginning to feel the stressed and
offering a number of my own recipes that fellowstrains of the course
teachers might like to try out and experiment with.3 drops of Bergamot 3 drops of Geranium 3 drops of
Over a number of years research has been able toJasmine
demonstrate that essential oils can have a profound3. For exam classes the day or so before taking the
effect, not only on the physiology but also on theexam when nerves are clearly showing
emotional and spiritual plane. To give a few examples -2 drops of Clary-Sage 3 drops of Lavender 2 drops
orange is useful for those who have tired of meetingof Rose
obstacles and have become frustrated and perhaps4. For holiday courses where the students tend to be
lazy. Bergamot is appropriate for someone who setsover excited. To calm them down
high standards, is over-determined and perhaps cross3 drops of Camomile 2 drops of Sandalwood 2 drops
and critical of others, Myrrh can be used for someoneof Rose
who has for the moment lost confidence in their5. For classes where students seem apathetic and
abilities to succeed, or lemongrass may help theunwilling to participate freely
person who finds it difficult to assert themselves or2 drops of Grapefruit 2 drops of Rosemary 2 drops
express their wishes and purposes. Juniper would beof ginger
suitable for anyone suffering from stress or of a6. For classes that find it hard to concentrate
nervous disposition.3 drops of Cedarwood 2 drops of Frankincense 2
So how can we start using essential oils in the Englishdrops of Ylang Ylang
classroom?7. For classes that don't seem to bond together
Let's start with some methods of application.2 drops of Cinnamon 2 drops of Nutmeg 2 drops of
1. A bowl of water can be placed near a radiator toSandalwood
which the oils can be added.8. Just to provide a pleasant classroom fragrance
2. A small towel can be saturated in water. This is then3 drops of Lemon 2 drops of Bergamot 2 drops of
wrung out and the drops of oil shaken onto the towel.Lavender
The towel is then draped over the radiator which willOnce you have used essential oils to provide
release the scent into the room.fragrance and atmosphere in your classroom you will
3. A plant spray can be filled with water oils and theprobably want to develop your own recipes and begin
mixture liberally sprayed around the room.to get a feeling for which oils blend well together, the
4. Various vaporisers and burners can be bought fromproperties they possess and those that work best
Boots or similar for around £15-£20. Manywith your own particular class.
of them use electric power and so will not contraveneEnjoy the experience and have fun!
fire regulations. My own favourite is the Tisser and