Clinical Aromatherapy at Aroma Cd'A Massage

Aromatherapy
Does the smell of Cinnamon bring warm memories of Granny’s hot Cider? Anise or Fennel might remind you of the black licorice your dad used to share with you as a child. Rose has a very distinct aroma, impossible to forget. Patchouli oil might remind us of that someone in High School who seemed to bathe in it (less is more). Isn’t it funny how scents always remind us of something? Well that is only the beginning of the definition of Aromatherapy. There is a very clear explanation for the connection our minds make with scents.
(For more interesting facts on Essential Oils and their use click HERE)
(For added detailed information on the uses of Essential Oil click HERE
(For various types of Essential Oil Blends click HERE )
What is Aromatherapy?
In 1928 a French perfume chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, burned his hand while working in his lab. On instinct, he submersed it into a nearby bowl of Lavender Essential oil. Amazed by the rate of healing and lack of infection, blisters and scars, he began researching these chemicals as more than just fragrances. Today, he is given credit for coining the term “Aromatherapy”. His book is a historic treasure among Aromatherapists across the world. “Aromatherapy” can be simply defined as the use of pure Essential oils and hydrosols or floral waters for their therapeutic effects on the body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy has been growing in popularity in recent years, so much to the point it is printed on labels which do not even contain anything natural in them at all. Unfortunately, the term has been abused and misrepresented. True Aromatherapy involves pure plant essences, not synthetic fragrance. However, because of the link between olfactory and memory, one could easily claim that a Mango scented candle from Glade has therapeutic properties for them. Here we will discuss Aromatherapy as understood in relation to pure Essential oils.
Aromatherapy, the name implies therapeutic benefits through smell. While actually, there is so much more to it than scent alone. Essential oils can also be absorbed through dermal tissue and into the bloodstream. The most common applications are massage, bath, and hot or cold compresses. Some essential oils have been used internally as well, however this is not recommended without the supervision of a qualified professional Aromatherapist.

What are Essential oils?
The term “essential” is applied to essential oils because they contain the essence or fragrant part of the plant. The word “volatile” in Latin means “to fly”. It applies to essential oils because they evaporate quickly & easily & “their constituent molecules possess enough inherent energy to allow them to lift up into the air naturally.” Also, they can pass through air or water.
The Egyptians’ use of aroma dates back to 4500 BC. It is thought that they burned aromatic resins as a sacrificial offering to the gods. They embalmed their loved ones & pets with essential oils such as clove, nutmeg, & cinnamon. To obtain an essential oil of Cedarwood, they would heat the plant material in a clay vessel that had an opening covered by a screen of woolen fibers. The fat in the wool captured the essential oil & it was then squeezed out.
Essential oils come from all different parts of plants, herbs, fruits, roots, leaves, barks, etc. Some examples of oils and in which part of the plant they are found:
Bergamot — citrus aurantium var. bergamia— fruit peel
*photosensitizing, skin sensitizing
Ginger — zingiber officinale— root
* avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding, s photosensitizing, skin sensitizing, counterirritant, orally toxic, mucous membrane irritant
Juniper — juniperus communis— berry
*avoid if pregnant/breastfeeding, nephrotoxic, mucous membrane irritant, skin sensitizing
Neroli— citrus aurantium var. amara— flower
*phototoxic, skin sensitizing, mucous membrane irritant, may cause relaxation or drowsiness.
Rosemary — rosmarinus officinalis— herb leaf
*avoid in 1^st trimester of pregnancy, asthma, epilepsy, hypertension

(For General safety precaution information click HERE)

How are essential oils used?
Because of their complexity, Essential Oils are best when used one drop at a time. “Less is more” is the key to successful Aromatherapy. Often Essential oils are packaged in small 1 to 10 ml. amber bottles. This doesn’t seem like much but when using the oils sparingly, they go a long way.
Essential oils can be dropped onto a tissue or cotton ball and inhaled. Hydrosols can be misted into the air from a spray bottle. A few drops in a little water can be diffused in a candle diffuser. There are Electric diffusers available that take a few drops and fragrance the air nicely.

Massage
Essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil before used in massage. A 2% dilution is recommended for most people. This should be adjusted for individuals with sensitivities, serious illness, and for the very young, elderly, or frail. Adding Aromatherapy to Massage Therapy makes for an enhanced therapeutic experience as the massage is already improving blood and lymph circulation, encouraging deep breathing, and relieving stress and tension. Essential oils with their anti-inflammatory, nourishing, and rejuvenating qualities, can only make for a more effective massage session. Ask about customizing your massage with a personal synergy.

Skin care
Essential oils can be very nourishing and toning to the tissues. They can encourage new cell growth and heal and sooth irritated skin. Many natural skin care products on the market today already contain pure essential oils as their active constituents provide a multitude of therapeutic antioxidant benefits.

Bath
Aromatherapy Bath Salts are available for home use. Or just a few drops can be added to a full bath and swished before submersing yourself for a wonderfully soothing bath. Be careful not to use skin sensitizing oils in this way. Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Manuka, Rose, and Neroli are all very gentle and not likely to cause a reaction. If you find an Essential oil has triggered inflammation to the skin, get out and dilute the oil with an unscented lotion or oil. Soap and water will not work.