I have worked as an aromatherapist for nearly 5 years now and I love it just as much now as I did then. I am always learning new things.
So what is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment as we look at the whole person. So the mind, body and spirit is balanced. We don’t just look at and treat the symptoms but the root of the problem. Aromatherapy has been used for 5,000 years and can be traced back to the early Egyptians where they actually used frankincense oil to mummify their gods.
Essential oils are used during aromatherapy treatments which are aromatic oils which are extracted from plants, such as the petals, leaves, bark, twigs, seeds, resins or the roots. Each essential oil has its own therapeutic properties which are used to treat the client. They can be used either by massage, inhalation, and vaporisation, in the bath or as a compress.
How Essential Oils Work
Essential oils are very strong and shouldn’t be used neat on the skin, they must always be diluted in a carrier oil or cream. They should be used by trained aromatherapists because if used incorrectly they can cause more harm than good, and should never be taken orally. The oils enter the body in 2 ways either through skin absorption and/or through the air sacs in the lungs.
Essential oils easily enter the body through the skin as they are passed through the hair follicles, sweat glands into the deeper layers of skin and then either enter the bloodstream or lymph and tissue fluids where they are carried around the body to carry out their healing effects where needed. Applying essential oils during massage is a great way as this can speed up the absorption process and feel relaxed at the same time by having an aromatherapy massage.
When inhaling the essential oils when the molecules reach the lungs they pass through tiny air sac walls and into the blood capillaries and can enter the bloodstream within minutes. Again the essential oil molecules travel around the body to carry out their healing.
Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils
Essential oils have many therapeutic properties and can be used to treat many conditions, each essential oil has more than one benefit so they can either be used on their own or in a blend of 3 different essential oils, all of which must be in a carrier oil.
Some of the therapeutic properties of essential oils:
· Analgesic (pain reliever)
· Antidepressant
· Anti-inflammatory
· Antiseptic
· Antiviral
· Balsamic
· Circulatory Stimulant
· Detoxifying
· Digestive
· Diuretic
· Expectorant
· Hormone Balancer
· Immuno-Stimulant
· Relaxant
· Rubefacient
· Sedative
· Uplifting
As you can see essential oils have many therapeutic properties, using aromatherapy the essential oils can be blended for each person’s individual requirements.
When Not To Use Essential Oils
With certain medical conditions essential oils shouldn’t be used or certain oils must be avoided as they could be damaging to your health. For example some essential oils can raise or lower blood pressure, be sensitive to the skin, shouldn’t be used on children or during pregnancy, therefore it is always best to contact an aromatherapist prior to use.
Some Conditions Which Can Be Treated Using Essential Oils
The list is exhaustive as to which conditions can be treated using essential oils, but below I have picked out the most common I have come across in the my years as working as an aromatherapist:
Skin Conditions
· Reduction of stretch marks
· Help clear spots and acne
· Psoriasis
· Eczema
· Dry skin
· Burns
Circulatory System
· Aid poor circulation
· Encourage blood to repair damaged muscle tissues
Lymphatic System
· Reduce oedema
· Reduce cellulite
· Improve lymphatic circulation
Muscular System
· Inflammation around joints
· Heal and relieve muscular pain
· Muscle spasms
· Repair damaged muscle tissues
Nervous System
· Improve memory
· Headaches and migraines
· Anxiety
· Stress and stress related problems
Respiratory System
· Asthma
· Chest infections
· Bronchitis
Digestive System
· IBS
· Indigestion
· Constipation
Urinary System
· UTI’s
Reproductive System
· Balance hormones
· Menopause
To summarise aromatherapy is an ancient form of medicine and is still widely used today to treat holistically using wonderful essential oils which are natural, however should never replace conventional medication as subscribed by your GP, but can be used to complement.
Coming Soon from Aroma Senses
I will soon be offering consultations where I can make either an oil or cream blend with essential oils which will be made personally for you and for your own specific needs. These can either be carried out on a face to face basis or by email.
Information will be on my website soon!!
Alison Beavan MCThA