Aromatherapy 101©
AROMATHERAPY 101: Your Home Guide To Practical Aromatherapy
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a branch of herbology that involves the therapeutic use of essential oils to enhance ones entire well-being. Essential oils are botanical extracts such as lavender, rosemary, mint and sandalwood, which are obtained from living plant and fruit material i.e. leaves, twigs, bark, berries, seeds, flowers and roots.
Essential oils are high volatile concentrated plant extracts that are not oily, but are called oil because of their chemical composition. The essence of a plant is its vital life force or that which makes the plant grow and is captured during the extraction process. The essence of a plant is the backbone of aromatherapy. Each essential oil has its own personality and healing capabilities.
Aromatherapy is the art, science and technique of blending and applying essential oils to influence positive changes in your life. Aromatherapy is made up of five elements and allows for easy integration into any lifestyle.
Five elements of aromatherapy:
Essential oils are carried around the body via the circularity system. They enter the blood stream through topical application via the skin or through the inhalation via lungs. In additions to being multi-faceted in their healing capabilities essential oils have an affinity to different body systems.
Examples:
Non-invasive and multi-faceted aromatherapy is an excellent choice for all age groups and for exploring self-nurturing techniques. Essential oils and the practice of aromatherapy can be incorporated into any life style.
It's worth noting: Everything we take into our bodies food, drink, supplements etc. and apply to our bodies/skin shampoo, moisturizers, makeup and perfumes, whether synthetic or a man made chemical or natural occurring chemical - as found in herbs, all have to be processed, metabolized, stored and excreted.
Top
Aromatherapy Terminology
Aromatherapy like any other science has its own language. To build your aromatherapy glossary each month you will receive four new terms and definitions.
Contra indications - the essential oil used may trigger a certain unwanted response, i.e. raising or lowering blood pressure, stimulation or sedation etc.
Properties Abilities - what the essential oil(s) can be used for.
Application - how to apply.
Blending - mixing instructions. Dilution = how many drops of essential oil to use in carrier.
Vegetable Carrier Oil - used to dilute concentrated essential oil and is readily absorbed into the skin taking essential oils with it: sweet almond oil, Jojoba oil and apricot oils are all good vegetable carriers.
DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO SKIN - DO NOT INGEST
Always dilute essential oil(s) in vegetable carrier oil before use. There are two essential oils in the science of aromatherapy that can be placed directly on the skin with out dilution (always use caution) Lavender and chamomile.
All other essential oils must be diluted with vegetable carrier oil unless otherwise stated. Keep away from eyes pets and small children. Keep away from naked flames, sunlight and intense heat sources.
If irritation, redness or rash occurs discontinue use, for accidental ingestion or contact with eyes or irritation persists immediately seek medical attention.
If pregnant or nursing avoid use or seek advice from certified Aromatherapist and or health care professional. Do not use on newborn infants.
Do not substitute essential oils for prescribe medication, before making changes in your health care regime seek advice from your health care professional. Use only as directed - read contra indication(s) on each essential oil data sheet.
Top
|
