What is Aromatherapy?

 Aromatherapy is the enhancement of body, mind and spirit with aromatic, botanical essential oils.  The essential oil of each plant contains both medicinal and aromatic characteristics. This oil remains potent and stable when properly extracted from the plant. Used according to proper guidelines essential oils heal and balance at physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels.

Aromatherapy utilizes the antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils. The scent of essential oils travels to the limbic system to balance mood and emotions. These properties work together to assist the body’s natural healing energy.

Aromatherapy massage combines the sense of touch, smell and the therapeutic characteristics of essential oils. The massage oil is mixed to meet individual preference and need.

Therapeutic aromatherapy is a complementary treatment.

History of Aromatherapy Treatment

Papyrus writings by the Egyptians dating back to 4,500 B.C. document the use of aromatic plants and oils for their medicinal properties, to stabilize mood, enhance cooking, in perfumes and cosmetics, and as part of religious ritual. Knowledge passed from the Egyptians to the Greeks to the Romans.

During the Crusades, essential oils were used by physicians to treat wounds on the battlefield.   With the fall of the Roman Empire, the writings were translated into Persian and Arabic. Over the centuries as cultures interacted research and information was exchanged adding to the knowledge of the properties and beneficial applications of essential oils.

The art of aromatherapy in today’s society is a viable therapy to complement allopathic medicine.

Introduction to Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

 Description

Essential oils are derived from plants. They are a highly volatile, extremely concentrated liquid comprised of chemical compounds obtained from the plant. Essential oils are usually lighter than water and often referred to as essence.

The composition of essential oils breaks down into: Terpenes, Alcohols, Phenols, Aldehydes, Acids, Esters, Oxides and Lactones.

All essential oils are antiseptic; many are antibacterial, antiviral and/or fungicidal.  They work to strengthen the body’s immune system. As well as their medicinal properties, essential oils have an effect on emotions through the sense of smell.

Essential oils are widely used by the food, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

Aromatherapy oils are extracted from many parts of a plant:

leaves  – eucalyptus

bark     – cinnamon

roots    – vetivert

rind of fruit – lemon, bergamot

berries – juniper

wood   – sandalwood, rosewood

flowers – jasmine, neroli, ylang ylang

rhizomes – ginger

Several oils may be extracted from the same plant; orange oil from the orange rind, pettigrain from the orange leaf and neroli from the orange blossom.

Quality

The quality of essential oils is determined by the quality of the raw material, geographic location and climate, the manner of collection of the raw material and the method and conditions of extraction from the plant.

Essential oils should be stored in dark bottles away from direct sunlight and heat.

They should not be mixed with carrier oils prior to use as they could oxidize. Left over

mixtures should be discarded.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Procedures

Direct Application  

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used in direct application as severe burn could result.

Essential oils should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.  Many oils are emmenagogues which stimulate menstruation. Frankincense and Lavender are examples.

MASSAGE has the immediate effect of relaxation.  Essential oils added to carrier oils and applied during massage are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and their penetrating action affects the body’s organs. The olfactory system reacts to the aroma to assist with relaxation and create emotional equilibrium.

Mixing The Oils

When preparing a blend remember that Less Is Best. Maximum amounts are given.

Full body treatment:  10 drops essential oil to 20 ml. carrier oil

A 3% concentration is made by dividing the amount of carrier oil by 2

Use lower concentration of 1% for young children, the frail and sensitive skin. Divide the carrier oil by 4, i.e. (20/4 = 5)

Carrier Oils

Use only 100% pure unrefined cold pressed vegetable, nut or seed oils. Do not use Mineral oils.

Grapeseed Oil is hypoallergenic; sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil are excellent for dry, dehydrated skin but should be used with caution if nut allergies are present.

Jojoba oil dissolves sebum and leaves the skin feeling silky.  Jojoba oil is usually not used on its own but added to grapeseed oil – 15 ml. grapeseed oil + 5 ml. jojoba oil = 20 ml. carrier oil.

Aromatherapy Bath Salts

Aromatherapy bath salts are a wonderful tool for helping you relax and rejuvenate the body. With just the easy addition of a scent to ordinary salt, the bath time experience can go from ordinary to extraordinary, becoming one way to eliminate stress and fatigue which has accumulated within your body.

Aromatherapy Bath

Adults: Add a total of 6-10 drops of essential oils to a full bath just before getting into the tub. Gently swish the oils through the water. A fifteen to twenty minute bath allows the oils to be absorbed into the body.

For dry skin mix the oils into 5 ml. of carrier oil before adding to the bath water.

Children, Frail, Sensitive Skin: Use only 2-3 drops of essential oils.

Babies less than two years: 1 drop of essential oil in 5 ml. carrier oil in a small baby tub. Use only Lavender or Roman Chamomile.

Foot Bath

4-5 drops of essential oils added to a foot bath will relieve tired, aching feet.

Refreshing: peppermint and lemon

Soothing: chamomile, rosemary, juniper or geranium

Antifungal: tea-tree

Compress (hot or cold)

Add 2-6 drops of essential oils to a large bowl of water. Gentle mix the oils in the water. Place a cotton washcloth on top of the water, squeeze out the excess water and place on the area to be treated for 10-20 minutes.