AROMATHERAPY

For many centuries aromatic oils have been extracted from plants and used medicinally, for pleasure, as well as to embalm bodies. The French cosmetic scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse first used the word aromatherapy in 1937. Although his main interest was cosmetics, Gattefosse realized that the essential oils he was using not only had antiseptic properties, but were also able to relieve pain. He discovered that oils applied to the skin are absorbed into the body and carried around in the blood.

Aromatherapy oils are essential oils extracted from plants.

Aroma Families

When you start using aromatherapy oils you will find that you have a huge and possibility confusing choice. Some of the more popular oils are listed below. You might like to select your first oils from different families:

Citrus: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange

Floral: geranium, chamomile (Roman), rose otto (or rose phytol), lavender






Herbaceous: chamomile (Roman), lavender, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree

Camphoraceous*: eucalyptus, cajeput, rosemary, peppermint, tea tree

Spicy: coriander, black pepper, ginger, cardomom

Resinous: frankincense, elemi, myrrh, galbanum

Woody: cedarwood (Virginian), sandalwood, pine, juniper berry, cypress

Earthy: patchouli, vetiver






*Homeopaths disagree about the effect of aromatherapy on homeopathy. Some believe there is no interaction, some believe that oils from this family can neutralize homeopathic medicines, and others believe that all aromatherapy oils can neutralize homeopathic medicines. If you are using aromatherapy at the same time as homeopathy, discuss this with your homeopath.

Caring For Your Oils
Most essential oils, including bergamot, will keep for several years. The other citrus oils may deteriorate within nine months. Once oils have been blended with a base oil (see Massage post), they keep for about two months if stored correctly in dark coloured glass bottles, at a cool temperature, in a dark place.

What Are Essential oils?
Essential oils are the aromatic liquid found in plants. They are sometimes known as essences or volatile oils and, as the latter name suggests, they evaporate very quickly if left in the open air. Essential oils are contained in different parts of the plants, including the flower petals (rose), leaves (eucalyptus), seeds (caraway) and bulbs (garlic). The price reflects the amount of oil that is available for extraction in any particular plant, and this varies greatly.

A number of methods are used to extract the oil from the plant, and the quality of the oil depends to some extent on the method used. One of the oldest methods is distillation in which the plant material is exposed to steam. The steam is then condensed to hot water and the captured essential oil is distilled from the water. A number of other solvents, including carbon dioxide under pressure, can also be used. Certain oils are extracted by applying pressure - for example, oils from citrus fruits are obtained by squeezing the peel.

Buy your oils from a reputable company because adulteration is common, and the label should state that the oil is 100 percent essential oil. The word aromatherapy is often applied to products that have an aroma but contain very little, if any, essential oil. Although pre-diluted oils seem to be less expensive, they can work out to be more costly than undiluted oil. They are not strong enough to be used by the drop to perfume a bath, for example, and a whole bottle is likely to provide insufficient essence for more than one massage.

The Benefits Of Aromatherapy
At a basic level, you can use aromatherapy to help you relax or to provide stimulation and invigoration. The symptoms of short-term acute illnesses, such as coughs and colds, will also often respond well to simple aromatherapy. However, for more chronic problems the help of a professional aromatherapy is recommended.

Conditions that can be treated with the help of a professional aromatherapist include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Painful muscles and joints
• Digestive disorders
  
  
  
  Aromatherapy oils can be used in your bath to enhance a good night's sleep.

• Respiratory conditions including asthma
• Menopause and vaginal yeast infections
• Skin conditions, including cold sores and athlete's foot
• Circulatory problems
• Headaches

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own condition, or ask your doctor's advise.

Using Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy can be applied in a number of ways:

• Aromatic baths: for pleasure, to enhance restful sleep, for skin problems or painful muscles, for relaxation or for stimulation. Sprinkle up to eight drops of essential oil onto the surface of the bathwater and agitate the water to disperse the oil. If you have sensitive skin, use only one or two drops. If you have dry skin, you may wish to dissolve the essential oil in a base oil, such as sweet almond, but this will leave the bath greasy. For relaxation, have a warm bath, at about body temperature, and use chamomile or lavender. For stimulation, have a cooler bath and add pine, rosemary or eucalyptus. You can also use aromatherapy oils with hydrotherapy (see previous post). If you prefer to have a shower, put two or three drops of oil onto a facecloth or sponge and rub it over your body as you shower.
• Sauna: clear your airways by inhaling the vapours from the oil. Mix just two drops of essential oil into about 600ml (just over 1 pint) of water and pour onto a heat source. Do not be tempted to use more or the aroma will be overwhelming. Appropriate oils include eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint or pine. It is best to avoid sweet-smelling oils such as rose and geranium. (Caution: saunas are not suitable if you have any heart or lung disorders)
• Inhalations: to clear the nasal passages when you have a cold, place 5-10 drops of an oil onto your handkerchief or pillow, or put a few drops onto dampened absorbent cotton wool and place this on a radiator. This will also freshen a stuffy room. To make a steam inhalation, place a couple of drops into about 500ml (just under 1 pint) of hot, but not boiling, water and inhale the steam.
• Massage oils: essential oils need to be diluted in a base oil before they can be used in a massage. Many oils are suitable for a base, and common examples are olive, almond, safflower or sunflower. These should be labelled either 'unrefined' or 'cold pressed'. Remember to test them if you have sensitive skin (see below). Base oils generally keep for about nine months in a refrigerator or other cool place. Massage oils are usually diluted at a rate between 0.5 and 2 percent using the weakest mixture for sensitive skin. For 0.5 percent you will need one drop of essential oil in 10ml (2 teaspoons) of base oil, and for 2 percent you will need 2 drops of essential oil in 5ml (1 teaspoon) of base oil. For a full body massage you will need about 30ml (6 teaspoons) of oil, or a little more for hairy or dry skin. (For massage techniques, see previous post)

Safety First: Testing Your Skin
Even if you do not have sensitive skin, it is good idea to do a skin test before using any oil that you have not used before. If your skin is sensitive such a test is essential. Mix one drop of the essential oil that you wish to test in a teaspoonful of a base oil that you know does not cause a reaction. Rub some onto an area of the skin that is particularly sensitive, such as behind the ear, the front of the wrist or the inside of the elbow. Do not cover or wash the area for 24 hours and then check to see if the skin is red or feels itchy. If not, the oil is safe for you to use.

Light And Colour Therapies
Light and colour therapies are based on the belief that light and colour can influence the sensory system of the body since they can be seen through the eyes. Many people say they feel much better on a bright day than on a dull one, and this is thought to be the result of the influence of light on the body's energy. In winter, especially in colder countries, the lack of natural light is thought to lead to depression, fatigue and overeating. People most deeply affected can develop seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which may respond to light therapy. Normal daylight provides a full spectrum of colour, plus ultraviolet and infrared colours that cannot be seen by the human eye. Colour therapists believe light and colour change the internal balance of the body, and they work with colours to restore disturbed balance.

Cautions

• Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oils to the skin (apart from lavender oil for minor burns and cuts)
• Keep essential oils away from your eyes.
• Never take essential oils in a sauna or diffuser. Severe allergic reactions of the skin and respiratory system can occur with large exposure to oils. Read instructions that come with the diffuser.
• Keep oils away from varnished surfaces.
• Citrus oils can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight: avoid these shortly before exposing your skin to sunlight or a sun bed; if you have had a melanoma or other skin cancer; or if you have age spots, large moles, warts or many freckles.
• Avoid using the same oil for longer than three months without taking a break of about two months, because it is possible for your skin to become sensitive to the oil. If you have sensitive skin always test your skin before using any oil that you have not used before.
• If you have epilepsy, avoid the essential oils of rosemary, fennel and sage.
• Extra precautions are necessary if you wish to try aromatherapy with children or pregnant women.