Creating An Aromatic Paradise: A Simple Guide

Active Range of Motion (AROM) is a category of therapeutic exercises related to joint range of motion. It is different from the Passive Range of Motion (PROM) as it relies on muscles, tendons, and ligaments to control the movement of the joint. AROM is used in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and fitness. It is also one of the factors that indicate recovery from an injury, surgery, or serious condition. In childbirth, AROM refers to the artificial rupture of membranes, also known as breaking the water.

Choosing the right ingredients

When selecting your ingredients, it's important to consider the PG/VG ratio, as this will impact the taste and viscosity of your liquid. The most common ratios are 70/30, 50/50, or 30/70. Propylene glycol is a diol, an organic chemical compound used in various industries, including food, tobacco, and personal care. It doesn't alter flavours, provides a stronger throat hit, and is less viscous than VG. On the other hand, Vegetable glycerin, often derived from vegetable oils or coconut, is milder but more viscous. It tends to alter flavours and saturate the wick of the atomizer less quickly.

The choice between PG and VG, or a combination of both, depends on your personal preference and the desired vaping experience. If you prefer a stronger "hit" or throat hit, go for a higher proportion of propylene glycol. If you're looking for a liquid that produces a lot of vapour but with a less intense hit, vegetable glycerin is the way to go.

Flavourings are another important ingredient in your e-liquid. There are many varieties of food flavours available in the market, but it's crucial to select flavours specifically designed for vaping. Most flavours are not meant to be inhaled and may pose potential risks. The average dosage of flavour in an e-liquid is 10 to 20%, but it's important to adjust it to achieve satisfactory results. As a beginner, start with one or two flavours and use a small quantity, such as a 10ml bottle, to fine-tune your recipe.

Measuring the nicotine dosage

Calculating the Nicotine Percentage

The first step is to determine the desired nicotine percentage in your final e-liquid. This will depend on your personal preference and the strength you are comfortable with. The nicotine percentage is calculated by dividing the amount of nicotine in milligrams (mg) by the total volume of the mixture in milliliters (ml) and then multiplying by 100. The formula looks like this:

> Nicotine percentage = (Nicotine in mg / Total volume in ml) x 100

For example, if you have 12 mg of nicotine in a 10 ml mixture, the calculation would be:

> (12 mg / 10 ml) x 100 = 12% nicotine

Measuring Nicotine for Mixing

When mixing your own e-liquid, it is essential to use the correct amount of nicotine to achieve the desired percentage. Here's how you can measure the nicotine accurately:

• Use a graduated cylinder or syringe: These tools allow you to measure the volume of nicotine accurately. Graduated cylinders come with measurement markings, and syringes have measurement lines that help you draw the exact amount of nicotine you need.
• Calculate the required volume of nicotine: Using the nicotine percentage you calculated earlier, you can determine how much nicotine you need to add to your mixture. For example, if you want a 6% nicotine solution in a 30 ml bottle, you would calculate:

> Nicotine required = (6 / 100) x 30 ml = 1.8 ml of nicotine

• Add the nicotine to the base liquid: It is important to add the nicotine to the base liquid, such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), before adding any flavors. This ensures an even distribution of nicotine in the final mixture.
• Mix thoroughly: After adding the nicotine to the base liquid, mix it thoroughly. You can gently shake the bottle or use a stirring tool to ensure the nicotine is evenly distributed.

Safety Precautions

When working with nicotine, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:

• Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, when handling nicotine.
• Store nicotine in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
• Avoid direct skin contact with nicotine. If it comes into contact with your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Be cautious when handling nicotine, and always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Measuring nicotine dosage accurately is essential to ensure your e-cigarette liquid meets your desired specifications. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a customized e-liquid with the right nicotine strength for your personal use.

Preparing the e-cigarette base

When preparing your e-cigarette base, you can choose from various PG/VG ratios commonly available, such as 50/50, 70/30, or 80/20. For instance, a 50/50 base offers a balanced blend of flavours and vapour. If you're seeking a stronger throat hit with less vapour, opt for a higher PG ratio. Conversely, a higher VG ratio will result in more vapour and a milder throat hit.

You can purchase ready-to-use bases with these standard ratios or create your own custom blend by mixing PG and VG separately. When mixing your own base, ensure you use products specifically designed for vaping to guarantee purity and safety. Additionally, you can use food-grade glass or plastic containers for mixing and storage.

It's important to note that the desired vaping experience should guide your choice of base. If you prefer low-power indirect vaping with a tight airflow, a higher PG ratio is suitable. On the other hand, if you favour high-power indirect vaping with an open airflow, opt for a higher VG content.

Optimising e-liquid maturation

The maturation phase is critical to the development of the e-liquid's flavours. The steeping process allows the liquid to mature and the flavours to react with one another, resulting in a more balanced and harmonious taste.

To optimise e-liquid maturation:

• Allow the liquid to rest for a few days to a few weeks. The maturation time will depend on the type of aroma used. Fruity aromas with a single flavour may need 0-5 days, while "classic" flavours should be left for at least 2 weeks.
• Store the liquid in a firmly sealed bottle to prevent oxidation, which can cause flavours to lose their intensity.
• Keep the bottle in a dark place, as flavours are sensitive to ultraviolet light.
• Room temperature is ideal for steeping, as heat accelerates chemical reactions. Do not exceed 40°C.
• Avoid methods that may be unpredictable or harmful, such as leaving the bottle in a hot car or using a microwave.
• Stirring can also accelerate the steeping process.

It is important to note that the maturation time may vary depending on personal preferences, and there is no definitive answer to the question of how long to steep. The majority of people will prefer steeped liquid, as it allows the flavours to harmonise.

Using AROM in fitness

Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises are an important part of fitness and rehabilitation. AROM refers to the movement of a joint that is produced by an individual's own muscles, without the use of weights or resistance. This type of exercise helps to improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.

AROM exercises are particularly beneficial for individuals with weak joints. For example, an elbow flexion AROM involves moving the arm from a straight position to a bent position and back again, using only the person's own muscle power. This can be done in a supine position, lying on the back with palms facing upwards.

Another example of an AROM exercise is shoulder flexion, which can be found on the St. Luke's Sports Medicine website. This exercise helps to improve the range of motion in the shoulder joint.

In addition to improving flexibility and range of motion, AROM exercises also help to increase muscle strength and endurance. For elbow flexion AROMs, this can help to improve arm and forearm strength, flexibility, and coordination, while also reducing the risk of elbow injuries.

The number of repetitions for AROM exercises can vary depending on individual fitness levels and rehabilitation goals. However, a general guideline is to perform 10-15 repetitions per set.

Frequently asked questions