Aromatherapy

People are very susceptible to scent and will often react to a smell emotionally.  Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils to affect the emotions and psyche and help elicit feelings and responses that are calming, soothing, revitalising and balancing.

History

Since ancient times, mankind has used essential oils for their many health benefits. For thousands of years throughout the Eastern countries of the world essential oils were widely used for therapeutic purposes, as well as for embalming, anointing and making perfume.

Egyptian papyrus manuscripts record the use of medicinal herds, oils, and incense as long ago as 2000 BC. The opening of Tutankhamun 's tomb revealed a secret store of Myrrh and Frankincense, and Hippocrates, the Greek 'father of medicine' was said to appreciate the benefits of a daily aromatic bath and scented massage as a way to good health.

Early in the twentieth century, a French chemist, Dr Rene-Maurice Gattefosse began studying what he later named 'aromatherapy '. When Dr Gattefosse burnt his hand in a laboratory accident, he immediately plunged it into a container of liquid, which happened to be Lavender Oil. He was amazed at the rapid healing and lack of scarring he suffered. He continued to experiment with oils, expounded the antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties of essential oils, and how to use them. By the 1960’s French Biochemist, Madame Marguerite Maury had brought essential oils to the attention of the cosmetics, health and beauty arena , focusing on the rejuvenating properties of essential oils.

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Essential Oils Today

Essential oils are substances that are extracted from seeds, roots, resin, flowers, trees, stems, bark and fruit. Essential oils are volatile, highly concentrated substances extracted through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing.

Essential oils comprise between .01 % and 10 % of a given plant source, which means several tons of plant materials are required for just a few hundred pounds of oil.

Essential oils are made of compounds that have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic and immune-stimulating properties. On average, an essential oil contains over 100 compounds - amongst them are terpines, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, ketones and sesquiterpenes.

A tremendous amount of raw material is necessary in the manufacture of pure, natural essential oils. It may not be surprising, therefore, to discover that some products available on the market today have been mixed with chemical substances, or diluted with lower-quality, commercial-grade oils, in order to save on production costs. It is essential to identify a source of pure, high quality, oil to achieve the best results.

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How Essential Oils Work

The art of aromatherapy is the use of aromatic essential oils to benefit the body’s emotional and physical well being. Science has discovered that the sense of smell plays a significant role in overall health.

When an essential oil is inhaled, its molecules enter the cilia in the nose and are transported via the olfactory system to the limbic system of the brain. The brain then responds to particular aromas that affect emotional and physical balance.

When essential oils are applied externally, they are absorbed by the skin and then carried immediately through the body, where they deliver healthful benefits. This can be simply and effectively demonstrated - try rubbing Garlic onto the bottom of your foot - you will very quickly have the odour on your breath. Or, place a drop of lavender oil on your cheek. You should be able to taste it within 10-15 seconds. Science has shown that essential oils can actually penetrate cell walls, transporting nutrients and oxygen to the inside of cells.

Essential oils act as natural chelators. In fact, when diffused throughout a room, essential oils can rid the air of dust and other harmful particles.

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How do I use Essential Oils

Undiluted lavender oil and tea tree oil may be applied directly to skin, but it is recommended that you  dilute all other essential oils. This is especially important for first-time users, children and those with sensitive skin.

Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated substances, and just a little goes a long way.

Essential oils are well suited for use in conjunction with all body work, including massage therapy, reflexology, acupressure, facials, etc.

Test essential oils by applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to a selected skin area. If irritation or burning occurs, dilute the area with Massage Oil and discontinue use.

Applications

Massage: Mix approximately 7-15 drops of essential oil with I tablespoon of  Massage Oil (2-4 percent dilution) and apply amount desired for massage. Increase or decrease proportionately for larger or smaller amounts.

Diffusion: Place 2-5 drops of essential oil in water on an oil burner.

Cooling skin treatment: Add 7-15 drops of a 'cooling' essential oil like lavender or Roman chamomile to 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel. Mix well and apply to skin.

Compress: Add 4-6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water. Soak small towel and squeeze out excess water. Apply to affected area.

Bath: Draw bath, then add 10 drops of essential oil. Agitate water in a figure-eight motion. Soak for 15 minutes. If desired, add I tablespoon of Massage Oil as water is running

Inhalation: Place 6—8 drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head, lean over the bowl and inhale for five minutes. Be careful not to let essential oil irritate eyes.

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Precautions

READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES AND MUCUS MEMBRANES. (Flush with olive oil or milk in case of contact)

USE ESSENTIAL OILS EXTERNALLY; DO NOT INGEST.

KEEP ESSENTIAL OILS AWAY FROM CHILDREN

DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS BEFORE USING TOPICALLY. Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile oils and may cause reaction if not diluted.

STORE ESSENTIAL OILS CAREFULLY Keep away from heat, light, dampness and electromagnetic frequencies.

TEST OILS ON SMALL SKIN AREA TO DETERMINE SKIN SENSITIVITY.

AVOID SUNLIGHT OR SUN BEDS AFTER APPLYING ESSENTIAL OILS.

AVOID APPLYING ESSENTIAL OILS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PERSPIRING OR USING A SAUNA.

IF PREGNANT, TERMINALLY ILL OR UNDERGOING DRUG THERAPY, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS. (Essential oils are not meant to take the place of a qualified practitioner.)

TAKE A PERIODIC BREAK FROM USING ESSENTIAL OILS. Use oils for six days and then rest for a day, or use oils for three weeks and then rest for a week.

IF TAKING HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES, WAIT AN HOUR BEFORE AND AFTER USING ESSENTIAL OILS.

Flower remedies may be used with essential oils at any time.

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Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

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