Steam Inhalation Directions, Tips, and Benefits | Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

		Sign up for our Email Newsletter
		Call (212) 894.0767 to schedule an appointment. Easily access up-to-date health info & news. Subscribe to our RSS Feed.

Steam Inhalation Directions, Tips, and Benefits
Juliette Aiyana, L.Ac.

Steam inhalation therapy with essential oils is a simple and effective home remedy for headaches, sinus congestion, sinus pain and infections, respiratory ailments due to allergies, asthma, the common cold, influenza and bronchitis. Depending on the essential oils you use, steam inhalation can also calm the mind, nervous system and spirit.

What You Need:

Filtered water
Tea kettle or pot
Glass or Ceramic bowl- medium to large
Essential oils (see chart below to help you chose)
A bath towel

Optional:

Tissues
Washcloth

Directions:

Boil filtered or spring water in a tea kettle until it steams.
Turn off the heat and remove the kettle using a potholder.
Take care to slowly pour the steaming water into a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add a few drops of essential oil to the water.
Place the towel over the top of your head so that it drapes over the sides of your head.
Close your eyes, lean over the bowl allowing the sides of the towel to create a tent over the sides of the bowl.
Inhale and exhale through your nose.

You will notice the scent fades in about 3-5 minutes. You can perform this treatment over again if you like.

Optional:
As mucus loosens from steaming, clear your sinuses by gently blowing your nose into the tissues and discard them. As the water begins to cool down from hot to warm, place your washcloth in the water, ring it out and place it on your chest or the back of your neck. The warm compress will help release chest tightness and congestion, relaxes and loosens your neck muscles. Ahhhhhh.

How To Choose The Oils
For upper respiratory and sinus congestion try one of each or combine the following:

Peppermint 3-5 drops
Eucalyptus 3-5 drops
Camphor 3 drops

For Headaches unrelated to sinus problems:
Headache which are sharp or throbbing and may be combined with neck and shoulder tension try:

Cinnamon 5 drops & Myrrh 3 drops & Frankincense 3 drops

For stress headaches try:

Chamomile & Lavender, 5 drops of each

Relax the mind & calm the spirit with:

Lavender & Chamomile 5 drops of each - or -
Chamomile & Lemongrass 5 drops of each

Recommended Reading:

Curing Hay Fever Naturally - Bob Flaws
The Tao of Health Eating - Bob Flaws
Chinese Self Massage - Fan Ya Li

Read What People are Saying About Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs:

"A few years ago I pulled a leg muscle while running and the injury didn't heal on its own despite more than six months of rest. After just a few acupuncture treatments from Juliette the leg was as good as new and I was up and running again. Juliette was extremely knowledgeable in explaining to me what caused the injury and what I could do to minimize the chance of a recurrence. I would definitely use her again."
- Keith