Holistic AromatherapyDating back more than 3000 years, there is much more than just what soothes the senses in the art and science of aromatherapy. Human physiology evolved from the physiology of plants and there is an inherent synergy in the way our bodies respond to plant-based remedies.
Origin and BenefitsAromatherapy has its roots in organic chemistry and each pure, organic essential oil has an inherent chemical profile which can be measured and documented. This chemical profile dictates the therapeutic benefits of each oil. And these healing properties include a spectrum of benefits to the body, mind and spirit. They can be analgesic or pain relieving, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, sedative, calming, uplifting or stimulating. In fact, the therapeutic values of a variety of essential oils work to benefit specific body systems such as the circulatory system, respiratory, digestive or central nervous system.
Organic Chemical Properties and PurityThe chemical profile or measurement of purity can be documented through something called a gas chromatography report (GCR). The GCR outlines and assures the purity of the oils. If the essential oil in its pure, organic original state has been 'cut' with other ingredients - to increase quantity and manufacturer's profits - the inherent therapeutic properties of that oil have also been altered. This adulteration will show up in the GCR and using the oil for therapeutic purposes will bring questionable results. Though Aromatherapy has been around for ages, it just now emerging as a science and is still largely an unregulated industry. There are many manufacturers and practitioners who are simply unaware of the tools at their disposal to assure safe and therapeutic results.
How Essential Oils Are UsedEssential oils can be blended to address specific physical, emotional, and mental dis-ease. They can be used daily to support health and well being or combined specifically to work with conditions which are chronic or acute. The human body assimilates essential oils easily and there are a number of different mediums through which aromatherapy can be offered.
DiffusionEssential oils can be diffused directly into the air or combined with purified water to create a spray which can be easily transported from place to place. When oils are dispersed into the air, they enter our body through the olfactory system - our nose. The small molecules of oil which have been sprayed or diffused combine with oxygen molecules and enter our brain through a small interface located deep in the nasal cavity. So as we breathe in the oils, their healing properties are delivered directly to dissolve into the lipid rich tissue of the brain. This is one of the quickest most efficient ways of receiving the benefits of essential oils. Essential oils can also be used 'neat' - without combining them into a carrier medium - in a cold air diffuser. This is a device which diffuses the oil in a fine spray into the surrounding air - a wonderful way to assure germ control during times of illness or the method can be used to simply alter the atmosphere in a favorite room.
Using Essential Oils 'Neat'Essential oils can also be applied directly to the skin. Although using them 'neat' or without blending them into a carrier such as lotion or oil is not recommended in most cases. There are a few oils which can be tolerated when used neat in very small doses - one drop on the end of a cotton swab. For instance, Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils are sometimes used this way to help heal blemishes and Frankincense can be used at the base of the skull in this way to prevent a headache.
Oils and LotionsOne of the most luxurious ways to benefit from the healing properties of essential oils is to custom-blend specifically to your needs and add them to a carrier cream, lotion or oil to be massaged into the skin. Essential oils can also be added to a neutral carrier oil to create a perfume for everyday wear which also has inherent healing benefits for the wearer.
Types of TreatmentAromatherapy can be offered in a few different ways. After an initial consultation in which the main concern to be addressed is defined, the aromatherapist can create an essential oil blend specific to that need for home use. This type of consultation is often combined with a therapeutic massage. In this setting a cream or oil specific to the recipient's needs is blended and used to massage the body, with the remainder sent home for post-appointment use. This is called Aromatherapy Massage and it offers a way of receiving immediate benefits from the essential oils along with a way to continue to address the concern after the session is finished.
What to ExpectAn initial aromatherapy consultation usually takes about a half hour. In the consultation, the practitioner will sit and discuss your overall health and specific concerns. A blend may be made during the consultation to be taken home or used in an aromatherapy massage session. If there is no subsequent massage scheduled or the concern being addressed requires some thought and reflection, the practitioner may arrange to have the blend ready for you the following day.If the blend is being used in an aromatherapy massage session, the area in which the session is offered is arranged to promote a feeling of relaxation and peace. It is normally quiet with only the addition of soft music. The recipient can focus on themselves, going deep within, and take a break from daily stress and tension.
The therapist uses the aromatherapy lotion or oil to massage tension out of the body beginning with the recipient lying face down between sheets on a massage table. Feet, legs, shoulders and back are worked gently and firmly with the lotion or oil. Then the recipient turns face up and the second half of the session begins. The therapist moves on to work with the neck, shoulders, facial muscles, scalp, arms hands, legs and feet again. The therapeutic benefits of the essential oils are delivered directly into the blood stream via absorption through the skin and the result is a feeling of total and complete inner peace and relaxation.
Falling asleep or entering a deep meditative state of mind is a common response to receiving this kind of healing session. This can be an indicator of a number of different factors. Most of us do not get enough rest, and the act of lying down for even short periods of time can prompt a state of deep relaxation. Add to that the relaxation created by the essential oils and the massage, and the stage is set for the body to go into a restorative mode. Sleeping or meditating through a treatment is absolutely natural and OK.
Once the massage is complete, the person receiving is invited to take a few minutes to absorb and integrate the work before beginning to sit up. It is common to experience a deep sense of peace and relaxation following a treatment. At least an hour of free time is recommended following the appointment to allow for full receipt of the benefits and a gradual reentry into the world. Eating a healthy meal, taking a leisurely walk, or sitting quietly are activities which often serve as a good transition to resuming whatever is planned for the rest of the day.
Holistic Aromatherapy ClassesAromatherapy can be explored in a powerful three-hour class entitled Introduction to Aromatherapy for Healthcare Providers. This course is designed as an introduction to aromatherapy for those in the healthcare field who want to use essential oils safely and effectively for self and patient care. Lay people who want to learn about essential oils are also welcome.Participants learn safety precautions specific to common health concerns and drug interaction, receive information on how to assure the purity of essential oils, discover how to combine essential oils for therapeutic results, create an essential oil product targeting a specific therapeutic effect and take home a detailed introductory manual for future reference.
There are no prerequisites; anyone can learn this simple and profoundly healing discipline. The class provides comprehensive information, hands-on experience in blending essential oils and a detailed manual for future reference.
Hallie is Nationally Certified in Holistic Aromatherapy and an NCBTMB approved continuing education credit provider. She teaches the Essential Oil curriculum at Finger Lakes School of Massage and offers introductory aromatherapy classes in Rochester and the surrounding areas upon request and requires a minimum of at least 6 students to hold a class. The curriculum is portable and can be tailor-made for special interest groups and organizations wanting to offer the benefits of this healing modality to members, employees and clients.
Click here to download PDF schedules of current information, dates and times for introductory classes:
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