Description Aromatherapy is derived from two words. Aroma -- meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy -- meaning treatment. This word is liberally used on fragrance and body care products, but what is meant by "Aromatherapy" is often something quite different. Aromatherapy is a system of caring for the body and mind that uses concentrated botanical essences to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils are highly concentrated and may be 75 to 100 percent stronger than the plants they are derived from. While many masseurs and beauticians use essential oils as part of their work, Aromatherapy itself is a very different type of treatment. Essential oils are freely available to the general public, which creates a sense of anxiety in many people. This concern is heightened when the practitioner is not familiar with the human body or the effects of the oils they are using. Essential oils, when properly used, have a balancing action on the body. The oils do produce a definite physiological effect and should be used with respect. Essential oils work on the body on several levels: primarily through the sense of smell and through skin absorption. Scientific research supports the understanding that inhaling different aromas has a direct affect on brain activity. When you inhale essential oils, they trigger certain reactions from the limbic system, or control centre, of the brain. The limbic system is able to promote reactions in the nervous and hormone systems of the body. This may influence body temperature, appetite, thirst, calorie levels, digestion, stress, sexual arousal, nervous system and hormones. The limbic system also controls conscious thought and reactions, along with memory. Smell is not the only way that Aromatherapy works on the body and essential oils are also effective when applied topically. The oils are absorbed by the skin directly into the bloodstream where they allow different effects to take place. While some oils may stimulate, others will help to relax. For more detailed information on Aromatherapy, including how to prepare, purchase store, and use essential oils, see the dedicated Aromatherapy.
Choosing an Aromatherapist In Canada, there are no regulations pertaining to Aromatherapy. Legally, anyone can claim to be an Aromatherapist. Be skeptical. After all, you are about to trust this individual with your health. Important Items To Think About: - Have they been trained in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as the use of essential oils? In order to receive a certificate, did they have to pass an examination?
- Check their oils. Have their essential oils been through G.C testing for purity? If not, it is possible the oils are of a poor quality and may have negative effects on your body.
- Are they asking you about any medical illnesses, or if you are pregnant? If not, they may lack the proper education to safely handle essential oils.
- Is this person knowledgeable about natural therapies? Can they recommend you to another professional if they cannot help you?
- Can the therapist offer you simple health tips and stress reduction techniques to use at home? This will give you an extra boost to the treatment you may be receiving.
Ailments / Situations Where Used When employed by a properly trained practitioner, Aromatherapy may treat a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. It is steadily proving to be beneficial with a wide array of ailments, such as: acne, depression, eczema, fatigue, headaches, infections, insomnia, irritability, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), muscle pain, skin problems, stress and a weakened immune system.
Typical Session(s) There are many ways an aromatherapist may employ treatment. The most common form is by applying the plant essences to the body with a relaxing massage. Specialized treatments may include facials, lymphatic drainage massage, European massage, or consultations. The aromatherapist may also show you how to use essential oils at home in the bath, diffuser, as a compress or with a lotion or oil.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings - Essential oils are very concentrated, and should be treated with respect at all times. DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS if you suffer from any of the following conditions, unless under guidance by a qualified practitioner: AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, hypertension/high blood pressure, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, or pregnancy
- NEVER take essential oils internally, unless your medical doctor or family physician prescribes them for you. It is illegal in Canada for anyone else to advise you to take them internally. If the oil is accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
- There are an extensive series of guidelines pertaining to women who are pregnant or attempting to conceive. Many essential oils must be avoided during pregnancy. It is best to purchase a book specifically for pregnant women, or to consult a qualified practitioner.
- Never use essential oils on small children without consulting a qualified practitioner beforehand.
- With the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree, essential oils should not be applied undiluted to the skin. Blend essential oils with a carrier oil first, unless advised otherwise from a qualified practitioner. If pure oil comes into contact with your skin and results in irritation, wash with soap and water and dilute it further with a carrier oil.
- While using essential oils, please follow safety guidelines. The most common problem resulting from the application of essential oils is the belief that more drops will work better than less. In the case of aromatherapy, less is more...
- Though reactions are rare when using high quality oils, people with sensitive skin would be wise to start with a lower dilution of and work their way up.
- Using herbs over a long period of time (more than twelve weeks) is not recommended. Your body can build a resistance to the herb, making its therapeutic use counter productive. Prolonged, cumulative, exposure to certain natural chemicals may also result in irritation.
- Take care while using essential oils. They will damage many surfaces if accidentally spilled. If a spill does occur, absorb the oil using paper tissues and remove immediately.
- Do not apply essential oils around the eye area unless guided by a qualified practitioner -- it does not tickle. If you get oil into your eyes, wash the eyes thoroughly with cold water. Seek medical advice if stinging persists.
- If oil is accidentally spilled on clothing, wash it immediately in the normal way.
- Bergamot, Orange, and all other citrus essential oils make the skin more sensitive to ultra-violet light and should not be used before exposure to strong sunlight or tanning beds.
- The following oils are suspected of being toxic if used incorrectly: Aniseed, Calamus, Cassia, Fennel (Bitter), Mugwort (Armoise), Oreganum, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sage, Sassafras, Savory, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood.
- When in doubt, please contact a qualified practitioner. Always remember: less is more.
For More Information ... See Aromatherapy - Introduction
"MY BEST REMEDIES" -- TERMS OF USE
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
By browsing / printing any and all My Best Remedies articles / pages, you agree to the statements above.
To create link towards this article on your website,
copy and paste the text below in your page.Preview : |
