AROMATHERAPY
This page addresses the following topics:
* What is Aromatherapy? * What are essential oils?
(Includes a brief buying guide)
* How to use essential oils: Inhalation, Bath, Massage
* Blending: Four methods are discussed
* Benefits: Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual
* Contraindications: When NOT to use essential oils
* Professional Information
* What is Aromatherapy? * What are essential oils?
(Includes a brief buying guide)
* How to use essential oils: Inhalation, Bath, Massage
* Blending: Four methods are discussed
* Benefits: Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual
* Contraindications: When NOT to use essential oils
* Professional Information
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic essential oils to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. The vapours of the oils enter the nostrils and proceed to the limbic system in the brain. Here, chemical changes produce deep relaxation, stimulation, detoxification and other results, depending on the properties of the oils used. Another way that essential oils enter the system is through direct application to the skin, such as through massage. Oils must always be mixed with a carrier oil (olive, sunflower, grapeseed, almond are among the most common); lavender and ti-tree are the exceptions, and may be applied without dilution.
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
 Essential oils are the highly volatile liquids extracted from plant materials for their therapeutic qualities. The source of the oils can be any part of a plant, including leaves, stem, blossoms, bark, resin, root and sometimes the entire plant. Here is a brief buying guide.
Pricing. Sometimes a lot of plant material is required to produce even a single drop of oil, such as rose. Other oils, such as orange, are easily and cheaply produced. Make sure that the oils you purchase reflect this: rose oil should be much more expensive than orange or lemon. Packaging. Since oils are volatile and disperse easily, look for oils that are packaged in blue or amber bottles, are tightly sealed, and are stored out of direct light. All of these factors protect the oils from deterioration. They should be stored this way at home as well. Shelf life. Top note oils (see section on blending) have a short life, with potency diminishing after about six months. Base notes last a lot longer, two years or more. Buy your oils in fairly small quantities so you can have the freshest oils possible. Ask questions. Be comfortable asking questions and learn how to read labels. A reputable oil, in addition to the above factors, should have its Latin name on the bottle as well as its contraindications. HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS There are many ways to use aromatherapy and essential oils. Remember, therapeutic oils are more than just a pretty scent; they are medicine. If you like the smell of vanilla, you can enjoy a vanilla scented candle or bath oil. However, if you intend to receive therapeutic benefits, then you must use pure oils that are extracted for this purpose. Learn how to read labels and buy pure oils. Organic oils are also available. Some oils (rose, jasmine) that are very expensive may be sold in a 10% dilution with a carrier oil such as jojoba, and that is fine; it keeps the cost down and makes the oil more accessible.
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INHALATION Inhalation is the primary method of using essential oils. The simplest method is to add a couple of drops of essential oil to a tissue and inhale for several minutes. Yet another method is to add a few drops to a large pot of simmering water, throw a towel over your head and make a tent over the pot, inhaling deeply. This is very soothing for chest and sinus infections.
Other than direct inhalation, there are ways to diffuse oils into the air. A simple diffuser consisting of a candle and receptacle for water and oil is common and affordable. There are also electric diffusers and nebulizers, which disperse the oils very effectively, and can be found in health food stores. Some have timers, and continue to disperse the oils for hours. BATH There is something delicious about having a bath with essential oils. Oils, however, are not water-soluble. They must be pre-mixed to prevent them from settling onto the top of the bath and burning your skin once you get into the tub. One way to get around this is to mix the oils with a small amount of milk or honey, then add it to your bath. Remember that soap destroys the potency of the oils, so you may prefer to burn a diffuser beside your tub as you enjoy your bath.
MASSAGE Aromatherapy massage is another decadent treat. Allow a practitioner or a loved one to mix up a personalized blend of the essential oils, then relax and enjoy. You will get double the benefit, as both the massage and the oils will give you the result you desire, whether it is deep relaxation or invigoration. Remember, if you have cancer, please consult with a physician before getting a massage, and if you have varicose veins, you must be massaged above this area only.
I am trained in European Lymphatic massage, which is a gentle technique designed to detoxify the body. It is so relaxing you may even fall asleep! |
BLENDING
When oils are blended, there is a synergistic effect; that is, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is worthwhile to experiment with blending, and there are four methods I will discuss here.
1. Top, middle and base notes. This is taken from perfumery, and oils are classified according to these properties. Top notes are generally light and fresh, and evaporate most quickly. Citrus oils fall into this category. Middle or mid notes, are next and include some florals and evergreens. Base notes evaporate slowly, and are often the last scent to come through in a blend. The oils are often heavy and thick, such as patchouli.
2. Relaxant/Stimulant. Some oils have relaxing properties, while others stimulate the system. There are some in the middle as well, called balancers, that work well with either. This method allows for using oils that might otherwise be contraindicated, by cancelling out some of its properties with an opposite oil. It's also helpful when a person wants either a deeply relaxing or stimulating result.
3. Chemical components. If you have studied the chemistry of essential oils, some of which have two hundred chemical constituents, you can use these properties to blend compatible oils. This may be a little more technical than the average essential oil user will need.
4. Intuitive blending. I only recommend this if you have a good basic background in essential oils. You may choose oils, have the client choose oils, or use a card deck, such as Australian Aromatherapist Jennifer Jefferies' Aromatherapy Insight Cards to choose oils. It is still important to consider the contraindications of the oils and the health history of the client when blending from the intuition.
1. Top, middle and base notes. This is taken from perfumery, and oils are classified according to these properties. Top notes are generally light and fresh, and evaporate most quickly. Citrus oils fall into this category. Middle or mid notes, are next and include some florals and evergreens. Base notes evaporate slowly, and are often the last scent to come through in a blend. The oils are often heavy and thick, such as patchouli.
2. Relaxant/Stimulant. Some oils have relaxing properties, while others stimulate the system. There are some in the middle as well, called balancers, that work well with either. This method allows for using oils that might otherwise be contraindicated, by cancelling out some of its properties with an opposite oil. It's also helpful when a person wants either a deeply relaxing or stimulating result.
3. Chemical components. If you have studied the chemistry of essential oils, some of which have two hundred chemical constituents, you can use these properties to blend compatible oils. This may be a little more technical than the average essential oil user will need.
4. Intuitive blending. I only recommend this if you have a good basic background in essential oils. You may choose oils, have the client choose oils, or use a card deck, such as Australian Aromatherapist Jennifer Jefferies' Aromatherapy Insight Cards to choose oils. It is still important to consider the contraindications of the oils and the health history of the client when blending from the intuition.
BENEFITS
There are so many benefits to aromatherapy that it is worthwhile for everyone to have a few basic oils in their home. There are oils that will help each of the major systems in our body: circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, lymphatic, digestive, elimination, muscular. There are oils to help aches and pains, cuts and burns and insect bites.
In addition to the physical benefits, there are oils to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, worry, fear, guilt, anger and sadness. These mental/emotional uses are a mainstay of aromatherapy.
The spiritual component of a person can also be enhanced with aromatherapy. Issues of purpose, divine guidance, peace and wisdom can be addressed. There is no condition that cannot be improved on some level by aromatherapy.
In addition to the physical benefits, there are oils to relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, worry, fear, guilt, anger and sadness. These mental/emotional uses are a mainstay of aromatherapy.
The spiritual component of a person can also be enhanced with aromatherapy. Issues of purpose, divine guidance, peace and wisdom can be addressed. There is no condition that cannot be improved on some level by aromatherapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Not everyone can use every essential oil. This is why it is important to consult with an aromatherapist, or at the very least, educate yourself before diving into the wonderful world of aromatherapy. Some oils can NOT be used if you are pregnant or have cancer, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, or skin sensitivities. Other oils should not be used at bedtime; still others, never when going out in the sun. Do not ingest oils or use them internally. Keep oils away from children; the effects of swallowing a whole bottle of essential oil can be fatal. There are other rare contraindications, and all must be considered when using essential oils.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION
There are standards of practice and a code of ethics that must be followed by any recognized aromatherapist in British Columbia. In fact, there are specific guidelines and qualifications that must be met in order to use the titles "Registered Aromatherapist" and "Essential Oil Therapist", both in which I have been qualified.
In addition to the standards of training, there is also a requirement for continuing education credits. This keeps us updated and fresh, and allows us to grow in our knowledge and experience. If you are interested in finding out more about aromatherapy standards, please visit the British Columbia Association of Practicing Aromatherapists at www.bcapa.org
In addition to the standards of training, there is also a requirement for continuing education credits. This keeps us updated and fresh, and allows us to grow in our knowledge and experience. If you are interested in finding out more about aromatherapy standards, please visit the British Columbia Association of Practicing Aromatherapists at www.bcapa.org
