Aromatherapy
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) |
Mugwort |
Tansy |
| Boldo
leaf |
Mustard |
Thuja |
| Camphor |
Pennyroyal |
Wintergreen |
| Calamus |
Rue |
Wormseed |
| Cassia |
Sassafras |
Wormwood |
| Clove
bud |
Clove
leaf |
Savin |
| Horseradish |
Southernwood |
|
Essential Oils
for Qualified Aromatherapists Only
| Basil |
Lovage |
Pimento
leaf |
| Camphor |
Marjoram |
Sage |
| Cinammon
Bark |
Mugwort |
Sassafras |
| Clove
(bud & Leaf) |
Nutmeg |
Savory |
| Cumin |
Origanum |
Tarragon |
| Fennel |
Parsleyseed |
Thyme |
| Hyssop |
Pennyroyal |
Valerian |
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
root |
Caraway |
Lavender*** |
| Aniseed |
Chamomile*** |
Lemongrass |
| Arnica |
Clary
Sage |
Melissa***
|
| Bay leaf |
Cypress |
Niaouli |
| Birch |
Geranium*** |
Peppermint |
| Buchu |
Jasmine |
Rose |
| Cajeput |
Juniper |
Rosemary |
Essential Oils
which are Photosensitising
do not sunbathe after using the following oils:
| Angelica
root |
Lemon |
Naartjie |
| Bergamot
|
Lemon
Verbena |
Orange |
| Cumin |
Lime |
Tangerine |
| Grapefruit |
Mandarin |
|
Essential oils
which may Cause Skin Irritation
| Basil |
Lemon
Verbena |
Pine |
| Lemon |
Melissa |
Thyme |
| Lemongrass |
Peppermint |
Tea Tree
|
Essential Oils
Not to be Used by Epileptics
| Fennel |
Rosemary
(with care) |
| Hyssop |
Sage |
Essential Oils
to be Avoided by those with High Blood Pressure
| Hyssop |
Rosemary |
| Sage |
Thyme |
Essential Oils
to Avoid Using with Homeopathic Remedies
| Cajeput |
Chamomile |
Peppermint |
| Camphor |
Eucalyptus |
|
