Complementary Therapy Self Help Guide. Aromatherapy

Transcription

1 Complementary Therapy Self Help Guide Aromatherapy is the use of natural, powerful essences (essential oils) which come from various flowers, herbs, spices, trees and shrubs etc and can be used in a number of ways. Each essential oil, e.g. Lavender, Rose, Chamomile has a number of therapeutic properties which have a positive effect on the mind, body and emotions. Depending on how you use essential oils, they enter into our system via the skin (massage, compresses, beauty products) or the nose (inhalation) when vapourised. Essential oils are often diluted and blended with carrier oils (e.g. sweet almond, sunflower, grapeseed etc) and then applied to the skin. Essential oils can be bought from local health food shops and Holland & Barratt, from around 2.50 per bottle and plus for more expensive oils. Most supermarkets sell the most common carrier oils e.g. grapeseed, sunflower for around 1 per 500ml bottle. There are also a wide range of aromatherapy suppliers on Ebay the online auction site, see Essential oils can also be bought from wholesalers, some of whom have low minimum order quantities e.g. 35 which could split with a friend or family member. Some examples of wholesale suppliers with low minimum orders are: Essential Oils Direct: Aura ( no telephone number supplied) The properties of some of the most common oils: BERGAMOT Uplifting Uses: - Digestive problems, depression, fever, fatigue, appetite regulator, piles, skin care (wounds, ulcers, scars etc), cystitis, aches and pains, analgesic, gall stones, stress **Never use before sunbathing, exposure to strong sun or sunbeds as it can cause skin discoloration** CHAMOMILE- Calming and regulating Uses:- inflamed skin, infections, eczema, dermatitis, healing wounds, allergies, tonic, analgesic, rheumatism, PMS, calms nervous system, depression and irritability, insomnia, anxiety, hysteria, menopausal conditions, neuralgia, period pains, headaches. Suitable for young children and those with sensitive skin. **avoid during first 3 months of pregnancy** CEDARWOOD Stimulating Uses: - dry eczema, alopecia, hair-care in general, insecticide, diuretic, acne, bronchitis, catarrh, cystitis, respiratory problems in general, urinary tract infections. **avoid during pregnancy** CLARY SAGE Relaxing and uplifting Uses: - Regulates menstrual cycle, menopausal conditions, period pains, post-natal recovery (caution halts flow of milk do not use if breast feeding), bronchitis, muscle relaxant, stomach cramps, griping pains, during convalescence. **avoid during pregnancy** 1

2 CYPRESS Stimulating Uses: - Rheumatism, menopause, poor circulation, diuretic, coughs, asthma, diarrhoea, liver conditions, nervous tension, fluid retention, repels fleas! **avoid during pregnancy** EUCALYPTUS Stimulating Uses: - Powerful antiseptic and anitviral, flu, sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma, rheumatics, coughing, croup, soothes respiratory tract, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, fevers, encourages formation of new tissue. **unsuitable for highly sensitive skin, babies and children** FRANKINCENSE Mood uplifter Uses: - purifies polluted atmospheres, cleansing on a psychic level, increases concentration, conducive to meditation, emotional upheavals, anxiety, grief, breaks links with the past, nightmares, uterine tonic, anti-ageing/mature skin, chronic bronchitis, wounds and scars. GERANIUM Relaxing and Uplifting Uses: - poor circulation, thins the blood, mental and physical stress, mastitis, dry eczema, chillblains, mosquito repellant, analgesic, antidepressant, astringent, regulates oil production of the skin, sedative, tonic, kidney stones, diuretic, lice, ringworm, shingles, menopausal conditions, PMS, blood disorders. JASMINE Uplifting Uses: - depression, lack of confidence, mood uplifting, calms nervous system, psychological and psychosomatic problems, period pains, chest problems, coughs, uterine tonic, aphrodisiac, post-natal depression, impotence and frigidity, lethargy. **avoid during pregnancy** JUNIPER Stimulating Uses: - digestive problems, stimulates appetite, strong antiseptic on urinary tract, diabetes, period problems, aching limbs, rheumatism, stimulates immune system, strengthens weak muscles, eczema, acne, psoriasis, heals wounds, dermatitis, aids detoxification, cellulite. **avoid during pregnancy** LAVENDER Relaxing Uses: - regulates nervous systems, aches and pains, rheumatic conditions, faintness, palpitations, stress and fatigue, depression, highly antiseptic, coughs and colds, high blood pressure, allergies, burns, insect bites, cuts, bruises, insomnia, eczema, acne, regulates scanty periods, cardiac regulator, asthma, bronchitis, regulates scanty periods, cardiac regulator, asthma, bronchitis, epilepsy, flatulence, dermatitis, diarrhoea, headaches, hysteria, flu, migraine, nervous tension, promotes healing, helps scar tissue, antibiotic, reduces pain in labour, diuretic, sore throats, general tonic. The keyword is balance. **avoid during first 3 months of pregnancy** sunbed** LEMON Fortifying Uses: - Highly antiseptic, fortifies the nervous system, cardiac stimulant, lowers blood pressure, diuretic, stimulates immune system, purifies the body of toxins, colds, sore throats, flu, sinusitis, tonic, decongests arteries, bites, may cause irritation to sensitive skin. **unsuitable for highly sensitive skin, babies and children** **avoid prior to exposure to strong UV light natural or MARJORAM - Calming Uses: - Insomnia, depression, anxiety, aching muscles and limbs, rheumatics, digestive aid, nervous stomach, asthma, constipation, irregular periods, constipation, chest complaints generally, sedative, nervous stress, mental instability. **unsuitable for those with very low blood pressure** **avoid during pregnancy** NEROLI Comforting Uses: - nervous complaints, palpitations, skin-care, anxiety, acne, anti-inflammatory, depression, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia, shock, hysteria, stimulates growth of new skin, bactericidal, improves skin elasticity, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, sedative, stress, stretch marks, 2

3 dry and mature skin. ORANGE Mildly sedative Uses: - antidepressant, antispasmodic, constipation, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia, good in winter, wonderful with cinnamon on a burner in winter and great for correcting blends that go a bit awry! **avoid prior to exposure to strong UV light natural or sunbed** PATCHOULI Sedative Uses: - antiseptic, antifungal, fevers, scars, acne, eczema, burns, allergies, dermatitis, herpes, prevents premature ageing of the skin, aphrodisiac, tonic, cracked skin, insecticide, antiinflammatory, depression, tired skin, athletes foot. PEPPERMINT Stimulating Uses: - headaches, migraine, cleanses the blood, eczema, dermatitis, over heated skin, bruises, bronchitis, colds, flu, nausea, mental fatigue, nervous disorders, palpitations, shock, ringworm, poor digestion, congested liver, stimulates memory, repels insects. May cause skin irritation. **unsuitable for highly sensitive skin, babies and children** **avoid during pregnancy** PINE Clarifying Uses: - all chest, sinus problems, cystitis, rheumatism, flu, diuretic, circulation problems, water retention, fatigue, sore throat, arthritis, neuralgia, muscular pains. **unsuitable for highly sensitive skin, babies and children** ROSE Regulating and uplifting Uses: -PMT and PMS, menopausal problems, depression, tones the entire system, stress, aphrodisiac, acne, decongesting the tissues, bactericidal, regulates the entire female reproductive organs, frigidity, impotence, sterility, uterine disorders, tension, post natal depression, tonic for many organs, good for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Excellent for sensitive and mature/ageing skin and mild enough for young babies and small children. **avoid during pregnancy** ROSEMARY Stimulating Uses: - general tonic, cardiac stimulant, rheumatism, sprains and swollen ankles, improves circulation, antiseptic for respiratory tract, neuralgia, asthma, bronchitis, colds, nervous disorders, stimulates central nervous system, tonic for heart, liver and gall bladder, analgesic. **Unsuitable for those with high blood pressure** **avoid during pregnancy** SANDALWOOD MYSORE Relaxing Uses: - antiseptic for urinary tract, cystitis, fluid retention, eczema, sores, kidney antiseptic, regulates over long periods, hair care, acne, catarrh, coughs, depression, aphrodisiac, sore throats, chronic bronchitis, nervous tension, diarrhoea, insomnia, skin care, fatigue, impotence. TANGERINE Tonic Uses: - nerve tonic, aches and pains, rheumatism, fluid retention, cellulite, excellent in pregnancy, good for children and the very old, improves circulation, aids digestion, laxative. **avoid prior to exposure to strong UV light natural or sunbed** TEA TREE Stimulating Uses: - active against bacteria, fungi and virus, powerful immuno-stimulant, colds, flu, infectious diseases, cold sores, shingles, verruccae and warts, spots, athletes foot, glandular fever. **Can irritate the skin** VETIVERT Calming Uses: - bottled tranquility! Use one drop over your solar plexus when stressed/anxious. Protecting and comforting, an essence of the Earth, nervous tension, deeply relaxing. YLANG YLANG Calming and Invigorating Uses: - slows a too rapid heart beat, prevents hyperventilation, regulates nervous system, high blood pressure, impotence, frigidity, invigorating for the elderly, regulates sebum production/used for both dry and oily skin, insomnia, sedative, good for shock, anger, fear, anxiety. 3

4 Essential oils can be used in the following ways: 1) Massage & Beauty Products: Massage is a wonderful way of using essential oils and you will gain double therapeutic benefit both from the oils and the massage! Depending on your requirements, blend up to three types of different oils and dilute in a base oil (e.g. sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, vitamin e or grapeseed oil *make sure you do not choose nut or wheat based oils if you have allergies*), lotion or cream of your choice. Apply all over your body (excluding the face as it is too strong) preferably after bathing. The essential oils can take up to 12 hours to be absorbed into the system and bathing after a massage washes them off your skin before they have chance to enter into your blood stream. Please see the list of health conditions where massage is not suitable. This is termed Contraindications to massage. If in doubt, do not carry out! Seek the advice of your GP or a suitably qualified Holistic or Complementary Therapist. 2) Electric/Candle Burners Add 6 10 (2 for children) of your chosen oil onto the hot plate. If using a candle burner, use with water. Replenish as required. If you can, it is useful to vapourise essential oils in the workplace or at home, both to help concentration, ease stress and during the winter months to help fight off infection. Choose essential oils suitable for your purpose. N.B *Never leave a lit candle unattended. *It is safer and more advisable to use a plug-in electric burner when around children. 3) Inhalation (Never use the steam inhalation method with asthmatics as it aggravates their condition) Add 2 to 3 to a medium bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and inhale the vapour for max. 10 mins. This is ideal for sinus/chest problems, coughs, colds etc, it is also detoxifier for the skin, don t forget to splash cold water on your face afterwards to close up pores. Alternatively, add 1 drop to a tissue for instant uplift! For children (aged 6 upwards), add 1 drop to a bowl of warm water, taking great care to check the temperature beforehand. 4) Compresses Dispense 3 to 6 of oil(s) (for children aged 1 and above, add 2 ) in a medium sized bowl of water, place a small piece of cotton material or bandage into the water and apply to the affected area. Warm/hot compresses are useful for certain arthritic conditions or during labour cold (add ice) compresses are useful to reduce inflammation e.g. burns, sprains. 5) Baths/Showers Add the appropriate amount of of essential oil(s) to a little bubble bath or shower gel (to help the oils to disperse in the water) or make up your own personal bottle! (See recommended dosages below). It is best to use bubble bath or shower gel, which is unfragranced, such as Simple so that you can appreciate the smell of your oils! 4

5 The following Recommended Dosages must be adhered to: - 10ml for one application MASSAGE In carrier oil/lotion BATH/SHOWER Mix with unfragranced Bubble/Baby bath FACIAL OIL Base oil or moisturiser 50ml or more for regular use 15ml 50ml 15ml 50ml 15ml 50ml 13 yrs to Adults drop Max 12 Sensitive skin & drop Max 6 Pregnant Women 6 yrs to 12 yrs 1 drop drop Max 6 1 to 5 yrs 1 drop drop wks to 1yr 1 drop drop 1-2 If you want to make larger quantities, e.g. 250ml or more, multiply the number of proportionately. Remember though, if you are not quite sure how the blend of essential oils is going to smell, it is best to make a small quantity first, to check out it is a pleasing aroma! A little useful tip, if you make a blend and it smells a bit strange, add 1 drop of sweet orange oil, it works wonders on correcting blends that have gone awry! Measurements: 20 of essential oil = approx 1ml 1 teaspoon = 5ml 1 dessertspoon = 10ml 1 tablespoon = 15ml Using Aromatherapy with Babies & Children: The following oils are mild enough for babies and children (from 2 weeks to 5 yrs old): Chamomile, Lavender, Mandarin and Rose. For older children (6 yrs to 12 yrs) the following oils are most useful: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Ylang Ylang. Oils to Avoid In Certain Cases: Unsuitable For Highly Sensitive Skin, Babies and Children: - Basil, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Juniper, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Myrrh, Peppermint and Pine. Epilepsy Avoid Fennel, Hyssop and Sage High Blood Pressure Avoid Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme Very Low Blood Pressure Avoid marjoram Pregnancy If there is a history or high risk of miscarriage avoid Roman Chamomile and Lavender for the first 3 months. The following oils should be avoided for the entire pregnancy: - 5

6 Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Citronella, Cypress, Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme. Cause Skin Discoloration on exposure to sun/u.v light Bergamot, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Orange and any other citrus oils Essential Oil General Safety Never use E.O s near or in eyes Never take E.O s internally Assess suitability of E.O for each individual i.e. check that it is safe to use based on any existing health conditions or given the fact that they are children/babies, pregnant etc Always adhere to recommended dosages Only use E.O s bought from a reputable supplier Keep out of the reach of children, pets and anyone with special needs. Always ensure that the dropper is in place as this acts as a protective guard in the unlikely event that it is accidentally consumed. If you have sensitive skin, carry out a patch test by applying a small amount of the product on to the skin inside your elbow. Wait 24 hrs to test the reaction. In the case of allergic reaction, wash the skin with clean warm water. Seek medical attention. If the oils are accidentally consumed, drink full fat milk and seek medical attention. Avoid spillage of neat essential oils on plastic or polished surfaces E.O s are highly flammable and so must be stored away from heat sources in cool, dark conditions. IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHETHER A PRODUCT IS SUITABLE FOR USE DO NOT USE IT! Seek the advice of a qualified therapist. Contraindications to Massage In some cases, you will not be able to receive massage therapy at all, this is called a TOTAL CONTRAINDICATION. In other cases, you will need GP permission first, this is called MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATION. Finally, there is LOCAL CONTRAINDICATION this means that the treatment may need to be modified e.g. if a client had athletes foot or sunburn on their back, you would avoid that area completely. In the case of allergies, you would just need to use products which are suitable and which you are not allergic to. Here is a list of the conditions which are contraindicated: Total Contraindications Do not carry out treatment Contagious or infectious conditions inc colds, flu, athletes foot, impetigo etc Skin diseases Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol Fever/temperature Recent surgery/operations Internal bleeding Recent inoculation (wait 48 hrs) Seizures Cancer (unless palliative care & then with GP s permission) Pregnancy (first 12 wks) Medical Contraindications Obtain GP/Specialist s permission prior to treatment Cardio vascular conditions (Hypotension, Phlebitis, Hypertension, Hypotension, Thrombosis, Embolisms, Heart Conditions e.g. angina, pacemaker) Diabetes Gynaecological infections Medical oedema (fluid retention) Arthritis Acute rheumatism Osteoporosis Asthma Psoriasis/Eczema Local Contraindications Avoid area during treatment Scar tissue 6 months for minor surgery & 2 yrs for major surgery Varicose veins Sunburn Cuts, bruises, boils, warts, open wounds, abrasions Undiagnosed pain, lumps, bumps & swelling Pregnancy after first 12 wks, but still avoid abdomen & very gentle strokes only Inflammation Recent heavy meal avoid 6

7 Skin hypersensitivity Trapped, pinched, inflamed nerves (neuritis) High risk pregnancies Nervous/psychotic conditions Palliative care for the terminally ill If client is on strong medication If client is undergoing medical treatment Bells Palsy Peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation in parts of the body) Whiplash Slipped disc abdomen Fractures/broken bones Sprains Menstruation avoid abdomen Allergies to essential oils, base oils, talcum powder, creams/lotions used in therapy use alternatives Ital Therapies Complementary Health Project DISCLAIMER The above information is provided as a guide only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the above information is accurate and up to date, Ital Therapies do not accept liability in respect of any omission or error in the information provided. The purchaser should always satisfy her/himself as to the ultimate suitability and safety for an intended application. Some products or ingredients, even natural ones, can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Always try a test patch or discontinue use of any product or ingredient suspected to cause a problem. You should consult your physician or appropriate medical reference for any advice regarding specific health concerns or treatments. The information provided is for informational purposes, does not include all available sources, and is not intended to be a prescriptive or medical guide. Keep all products and ingredients out of eyes and away from children's reach. All references are provided for information and convenience only. Ital Therapies is not responsible for their availability or content, nor does Ital Therapies endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered. If you decide to access any of the third party references detailed in this leaflet, you do so entirely at your own risk. 7