Aromatherapy

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatics have been prized for centuries for their therapeutic, spiritual, and aesthetic benefits. The Ancient Egyptians, in particular, used aromatic herbs and infused oils for mummification. They specifically used myrrh and cinnamon for their anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antiseptic properties. One popular Ancient Egyptian blend called Kyphi, was formulated with over 15 different aromatics, including frankincense, juniper, and cardamom. This blend was used medicinally, ceremonially, and as perfume. The Greek philosopher Plutarch had the following to say about Kyphi: “Its aromatic substances lull to sleep, allay anxieties, and brighten dreams. It is made of things that delight most in the night.” To make note of the fact that aromatics such as Kyphi were traded for gold offers just one indication of how highly esteemed these botanicals were in ancient times.

Today, one need not search far for an array of products offering the benefits of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has become a popular trend among alternative medicine practitioners, holistic health advocates, and their ever-growing clienteles. Aromatherapy is the art and science of using pure extracts from aromatic plant materials, termed essential oils, to attend to specific health and wellness needs while utilizing a holistic framework.  As the scientists behind the practice, aromatherapists are constantly discovering and preparing new scent combinations that can help to naturally induce a state of balance in our lives and reconnect us with various aspects of our human experience. The focus areas for which we use aromatherapy to foster a healthy lifestyle are our physiology, our psychology (including our emotions), and of course our spirituality.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), is an excellent example of an aromatic plant that demonstrates the holistic framework of aromatherapy. Lavender is well known for its ability to soothe many of the bodily systems (e.g. digestive, muscular, and respiratory), calm the mind, and serve as a means to strengthen the energy centers (chakras) that communicate between the physical and non-physical bodies.

Aromatherapy, as a complete practice, draws on combining a variety of these aromatic substances into single fragrances. In its truest expression, aromatherapy is the practice of creating particular blends of fragrances in order to address an individual’s specific healing needs by helping to activate the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?

Essential oils are products of plant metabolism. Comprised of chemical constituents, essential oils mediate between the plant and its environment by attracting, repelling, and communicating to achieve homeostasis. Each essential oil may have well over 100 chemical constituents, yet very few impart the odor and taste. For example, true rose oil is comprised of over 250 chemical constituents, but only two percent of them make up the aroma, making it one of the most difficult oils to replicate synthetically.  Essential oils are stored in various parts of each plant, e.g. flowers (rose), roots (vetiver), fruit (lemon), and heartwood (sandalwood). Essential oils are extracted via distillation (steam or water), citrus oils via expression, and absolutes via enfleurage and solvent extraction.  Many factors contribute to the quality of the essential oil produced including cultivation, environment, type of herbage used (fresh, dried, organic), harvesting methods, as well as type and length of distillation.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

There is much discussion about how aromatherapy works. The first and perhaps most effective method is inhalation. When inhaling an essential oil, the molecules travel through the olfactory system to the brain, specifically the limbic system, which stores memory and emotion. Just as a familiar melody can evoke a particular event or period of time in our lives, scent can also act as a key that unlocks our past. For many, the aroma of pumpkin pie evokes memories of holidays and family. For me, the scent combination of lavender and rose transports me to my grandmother’s bedroom and immediately leads me to experience a sense of peace, safety, and most of all love. In addition to enhancing our overall wellness, inhalation of aromatics can also alleviate respiratory problems. Inhalation provides a direct pathway for these natural medicines to enter into the bloodstream through our lungs.

Some claim that essential oils are also absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin. It has been my experience that this application can be an effective one; although, the absorption time differs with each essential oil, client, and carrier oil. Combining aromatherapy and massage in this way creates a powerful synergy. The well documented therapeutic effects are varied and address multiple bodily systems such as circulatory, muscular, and glandular.

Essential oils also work in a powerful yet subtle way when used with the chakra system and other non-physical bodies by clearing, activating, and fostering a pathway of release. As we begin to work in the realm of the intangible, the journey of our soul becomes illuminated with clarity and purpose. We strive ahead with renewed vitality and dedication and ultimately the remembrance of our own divinity.

Aromatherapy is perhaps one of the most effective ways to manage stress. It provides the user with a gentle wellness treatment and an opportunity to initiate one’s own self-care. The available methods vary, ranging from bath products, body oils, room sprays (for environmental fragrance), creams, and diffusers. Working with essential oils can be wonderful, even for those with sensitivity to synthetically scented products. As essential oils are organic and derived from nature, the body receives their benefits easily.

Managing stress requires more than simply the purchase and application of a product. It requires us to take the time sit, inhale deeply, laugh heartily, and experience emotion as it arises within us. Choosing to be responsible for our own health requires us to listen to the best guide we have on hand – ourselves. This responsibility inspires us to listen to our own body and become accustomed to its signals, wants, and dreams while focusing on the need to connect, love, and at the same time release what no longer serves us. The more we breath in, breath out, and let go, the more we open up to free ourselves of blockages and claim our inner truths.

APPLICATION

SAFE APPLICATION

Before applying essential oils directly to the skin, it is best to conduct a patch test by placing 2-4 drops of essential oil on inside of elbow, place a band-aid over it, wait 24-48 hours, and remove. Check then to see if irritation has occurred. Repeat this process a second time to check for signs of sensitization.

NEAT APPLICATION

• Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) when applied directly to six major chakras – the crown, third eye (just about the middle of forehead), throat, heart, solar plexus (above navel), and sacral (below navel) chakras – is amazingly effective at producing a peaceful and calm state quickly.

• One drop of Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) or Sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oil applied to the third eye chakra area is great for mediation purposes.

METHODS OF USE

Essential oils can have numerous effects upon the body. The definitions of key terms listed below offer a glimpse into the pharmacological effects of essential oils.

Expectorant  – aids in the removal of excess mucus or phlegm, usually simulating or relaxing, e.g. Eucalyptus globulus
Febrifuge – reduces fever, e.g. Lavendula angustifolia (Lavender)
Stimulant – stimulates different systems within the body, e.g. Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) stimulates both the lymphatic and digestive systems
Sedative – calming and soothing, e.g. Boswellia carterii (Frankincense)
Antiphlogistic – reduces inflammation, e.g. Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile)
Antiseptic – destroys and prevents development of microbes, e.g. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)
Tonic – increases vigor and liveliness in the body system, e.g. Pinus sylvestris (Pine)

MASSAGE OILS

Use a standard therapeutic 2-½ % dilution – this is the equivalent to 15 drops of your essential oil or essential oil synergy of  3-5 essential oils per 1 ounce of carrier oil.
Apricot kernel, almond oil, and jojoba make excellent carriers oils for your blends.

CALMING MASSAGE BLEND

6 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
5 drops of Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
3 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
In 1 ounce of your favorite carrier oil.

APHRODISIAC MASSAGE BLEND

5 drops Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
7 drops Sandalwood (Santalum album)
2 drops Rose (Rosa damascena)
1 drop Jasmine absolute (Jasmin sambac)
In 1 ounce carrier.

BATH
Blend the essential oils with (1-2 tablespoons) or without a carrier  (add 5-7 drops of synergy blend) to add warm bath water preferably when the person is in the bath and swish the water to disperse oils in water.

GOOD-NITE
4 drops of Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
1 drop Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile)
2 drops Sandalwood (Santalum album)

INHALATION

For inhalations try 2-3 drops on a pillowcase or handkerchief inhaling throughout the day or night.
Also try a clay candle, pottery, or nebulizing diffuser, which actually disperses the essential oil molecules into the air (medicinal effect).

UPLIFTING INHALATION

10 drops Lemon (Citrus limonum)
15 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
7 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Use as instructed above.

*This blend could also be used to make a room spray. Just add the essential oil blend to 2 ounces of distilled water in a colored glass bottle and insert pump. It works great as an environmental fragrance and will travel easily.

SAFETY

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use essential oils internally.
• Some essential oils can cause skin irritation, so dilute prior to use. If irritation (like redness, swelling, or itching) does occur, wash area with unscented soap, place a few drops of vegetable oil or unscented cream on skin, and allow skin to breathe.
• Sensitization of skin often occurs with use for those who have general skin sensitivities and/or allergies or when skin is damaged. Skin sensitization shows same signs as irritation.
• Sensitization of the immune system may occur rarely, for some even after first application yet usually only after prolonged use of the same oil or similar oils.
• Some essential oils can be photo-toxic, causing increased sensitivity to light (i.e. When taking Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), for example, avoid UV rays for 12 hours after skin application).
• ALWAYS USE WITH CAUTION IF: PREGNANT, DIABETIC, EPILECTIC, HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH HOMEOPATHY
• Essential oils are not water soluble. If essential oil should accidentally end up in your eye, place one drop of vegetable oil into eye then dip a cotton swab in your vegetable oil and trace the outline of your eye with the cotton swab.
• Avoid extended use of the same essential oils.
• If you are interested in working with essential oils, please consider many of the educational prospects available.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING

• Common name
• Country of Origin
• Knowledgeable staff
• Latin name
• Method of distillation
• Part of plant

The bottles should be amber or blue to deflect UV rays and should contain reducer droppers to prevent evaporation and oxidation.

Author’s side note: Due to the increasing methodology available for adulteration (the alteration of pure essential oil using many different techniques), I passionately advocate the use of therapeutic grade essential oils from trustworthy and knowledgeable sources in order to support the demand for efficacious and superior quality essential oils. Otherwise, we must accept both (1) the responsibility of fueling the demand for inferior quality essential oils and (2) the uncertainty of results from the use of such oils.

Over 90% of the essential oils produced are supplied directly to the fragrance and flavor industry. Because of this, many essential oils are standardized as the effort of some to improve the scent quality of the oil. In view of the holistic paradigm, we see that for an essential oil to be pure and natural, it needs to be whole. Even minute compounds alter not only the chemical makeup of the essential oil but the application and the effects, as well.  One can support holistic aromatherapy by purchasing non-standardized, therapeutic grade essential oils. In the words of my teacher and friend, Jade Shutes, “Please buy from a reputable supplier. It can make all the difference in the world.”

To conclude this exploration into the vast world of aromatherapy, I leave you with the words of Dr. Edward Bach, author of Heal Thyself: “As long as our souls and personalities are in harmony, all is joy and peace, happiness and health. It is when our personalities are led astray from the path laid down by the soul, either by our worldly desires or the persuasion of others, that conflict arises. This conflict is the root cause of disease and unhappiness.”

SOURCES

Health & Healing by Andrew Weil M.D.
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay
Aromatherapy Scent & Pysche by Peter and Kate Damian
Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia
Subtle Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis
Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham

This information is not intended to replace the advice and support of any health care professional.

© Adora Winquist  2001-2011 Rhiamon Energy Essentials™