Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Aromatherapy

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AromatherapyAromatherapy is an ancient healing art using the fragrant, therapeutic powers of essential oils to relax, restore good health and emotional well-being.
The pure essences of aromatic plants are mixed specifically to suit individual needs. These are established by a confidential consultation.
Through gentle massage the minute molecules of the essential oils penetrate via the skin. The oils then enter the blood capilliaries and lymph vessels and are transported around the body. Oils are also inhaled through the olfactory nerves. The effects can be uplifting or relaxing, depending on the oils used.
Before defining aromatherapy, one has to consider the context in which this modality is to be used. Is it to be therapeutic or cosmetic? In this context we will be speaking about it as being Therapeutic.
The Association of Aromatherapists Southern Africa (AOASA) defines aromatherapy as: "The Fragrant art of using especially selected aromatic oils for therapeutic purposes."
The criteria for health are met by therapeutic aromatherapists, who take into axccount all aspects of the person's health, in a holistic, rather than a mechanistic way. That is, we believe that a person is more than the sum of his or her parts.
The therapist and the essential oils used in treatment, addresses the physical, mental and emotional dimensions of every individual person treated.
Therapeutic aromatherpy is a professional health practise and therapists who are registered members of AOASA have made a commitment to the Association's Code of Practice and Ethics.
Aromatherpy is not new, According to historical evidence it has been practised for the last 5,000 years, in many countries around the world. The efficacy of this modality is self-evident. The fact that it has survived for so long, and continues to grow exponentially in the past 20 years, is some indication of its efficacy. Therapeutic Aromatherapy is recognised as being one of the most natural, effective and holistic treatments available today.


Therapeutic Aromatherapy is multi-dimentional. This means that it has a positive effect, either by stimulating or sedating every body system. Whilst essential oils are potent anti-microbial agents, many are safe enough to use during pregnancy.
Therapeutic aromatherpy is non-invasive. This means that the essential oils are transported into the body systems by their own natural pathways, that is through the skin and by inhalation. It must however be remembered that essential oils are the volatile chemical constituents of fragrant plant matter and that the extracted oils are very concentrated and must therefore be used in dilution. Pure cold-pressed vegetable oils such as sweet almond or grapeseed facilitate the absorption of the essential oils via the skin and into the circulatory system.


Important Guidelines
 Do not take essential oils internally.
 Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
 Do not use essential oils in or near the eyes.
 Babies, toddlers, pregnant women, the elderly, frail persons, and immuno-compromised persons should use oils in low dilution only.
 Consult a qualified and registered therapeutic aromatherapist for guidance.
What to Expect in a Treatment ?

During your treatment, the aromatherapist will use essential oils mixed into a carrier oil. These essential oils have been extracted from odiferous plants and are extremely concentrated so are always diluted. It is recommended that you do not put on make-up or perfume before the treatment so that the full benefits of the essential oils can be enjoyed. Bear in mind too that although oil is not used on the scalp, some will get into your hair. Your aromatherapist will ask you a few questions about your health and life style to discover where you might have problems, e.g. back, allergies, cellulite, varicose veins, tension. If you are already being treated for a medical condition please check with your doctor before having aromatherapy. However, you might have no physical ailments and simply wish to enjoy a unique treatment to smooth away the stresses of everyday life in the warm, tranquil privacy of your aromatherapist's room. In this way, you are embarking on preventative healthcare as health is a profound sense of well-being, and not just the absence of disease.



The Massage

The aromatherapy massage is a method in itself. It was developed from a variety of body treatment techniques, which together form a unique touch therapy enhancing the effectiveness of the fragrant essential oils. Relax and enjoy! To benefit fully from you aromatherapy treatment, plan a tranquil day or evening to follow, drink lots of water and avoid bathing or showering for at least four hours afterwards. It is advisable not to have any intense activity or sunbathing following the treatment. Almost everyone can benefit from aromatherapy. Because essential oils work holistically, they can help us cope with depression and mood-swings, indigestion and constipation, PMS and menopause, rheumatism and muscular aches and pains. A full body massage is usually a minimum of 1hour duration.



Essential Oils which should not be used by the Public
Almond (bitter)MugwortTansy
Boldo leafMustardThuja
CamphorPennyroyalWintergreen
CalamusRueWormseed
CassiaSassafrasWormwood
Clove budClove leafSavin
HorseradishSouthernwood 


Essential Oils for Qualified Aromatherapists Only
BasilLovagePimento leaf
CamphorMarjoramSage
Cinammon BarkMugwortSassafras
Clove (bud & Leaf)NutmegSavory
CuminOriganumTarragon
FennelParsleyseedThyme
HyssopPennyroyalValerian


Essential Oils to Avoid During Pregnancy Oils listed in the previous two sections, plus the following: Oils marked with *** to be avoided in the first three months only.
Angelica rootCarawayLavender***
AniseedChamomile***Lemongrass
ArnicaClary SageMelissa***
Bay leafCypressNiaouli
BirchGeranium***Peppermint
BuchuJasmineRose
CajeputJuniperRosemary


Essential Oils which are Photosensitising do not sunbathe after using the following oils:
Angelica rootLemonNaartjie
BergamotLemon VerbenaOrange
CuminLimeTangerine
GrapefruitMandarin 


Essential oils which may Cause Skin Irritation
BasilLemon VerbenaPine
LemonMelissaThyme
LemongrassPeppermintTea Tree


Essential Oils Not to be Used by Epileptics
FennelRosemary (with care)
HyssopSage


Essential Oils to be Avoided by those with High Blood Pressure
HyssopRosemary
SageThyme


Essential Oils to Avoid Using with Homeopathic Remedies
CajeputChamomilePeppermint
CamphorEucalyptus 

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