LESSON 3 AROMATHERAPY WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY The selected

LESSON 3 AROMATHERAPY

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? • “ The selected use of essential oils and related products of plant origin with the general goal of improving health and well-being. ” • Essential oils are “products obtained from natural raw materials by distillation with water or steam or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by a mechanical process or by dry distillation. ” • Essential oils are administered by Inhalation, external application, or rarely by ingestion

HOLISTIC AROMATHERAPY • Combines aromatherapy with massage • Oils are usually diluted at low doses (0. 5%-2%) • Client is encouraged to participate in the selection of the oils • Oils are blended in groups to create an overall pleasant fragrance and effect on the body • Home use of the designed oil-blend is encouraged • Main risks of this type of therapy are dermatitis, and mucous membrane irritation.

MEDICAL AROMATHERAPY • Attempts to treat physical ailments • Administered topically, orally, sublingually, rectally, vaginally, or by inhalation • Concentrations of the oils are typically rather high • Focuses on the oils’ pharmacological properties • Risk of dermatitis, and mucous membrane irritation in addition to toxicity and drugessential oil interactions

CLINICAL AROMATHERAPY • Incorporated as a complementary approach in a medical environment • Management of anxiety, pain management, and wound care • Administered topically or by inhalation, and only rarely ingested or administered rectally

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Clary sage • Uses: • Antispasmodic • Relieves menstrual cramps • Aphrodisiac • Relaxing • Relieves anxiety/stress • Labor pain management

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Cypress • Uses: • Astringent • Antispasmodic • Treats respiratory complaints • Edema • Cellulitis • Menstrual pain • Muscle pain

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Eucalyptus • Uses: • Expectorant • Decongestant • Beneficial for cold/flu season • Clearing to the mind • Energizing • Bronchitis

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Fennel • Uses: • Digestive • Menstrual irregularities • Antimicrobial

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Lavender • Uses: • Calming • Reduces anxiety • Wound healing • Burns • Cell regenerative • Insect bites • Antispasmodic • Reduces itchiness • General skin care • Great for children

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Peppermint • Uses: • Relieves nausea • Analgesic for muscular aches and pains • Relieves and reduces migraines • Energizing • Antispasmodic

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Rosemary • Uses: • Indicated for respiratory congestion • Bronchitis • Colds and flu • Expectorant • Expands and deepens the breath • Energizing • Clears the mind • Sinus congestion • Circulatory stimulant

COMMON ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR BENEFITS Tea tree • Uses: • Supports/enhances immune system • Antimicrobial • Antibacterial • Antifungal • Antiviral

SCENT JOURNAL SAMPLED SCENTS: JOURNAL NOTES: • Lavender • What do you feel? • Tea tree • What thoughts come to mind? • Rosemary • Do you like the aroma? • Fennel • Guess the essential oil!

ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY • Purity • Proper dilution • Ingestion only under guidance from a healthcare professional

INHALATION • Diffuse in well-ventilated area • 30 minute intervals with regular breaks • Dilute properly

TOPICAL USE • Skin patch test for sensitive skin types • Remove oil with full-fat milk if irritation occurs • Known irritants • Cinnamon • Clove • Lemon grass • Photosensitive oils • http: //info. achs. edu/blog/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety

OILS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY • Aniseed • Hyssop • Thuja • Basil ct. Estragole • Mugwort • Wintergreen • Birch • Parsley seed or leaf • Wormwood • Camphor (note that this is not the same as ho wood/ho leaf chemotype linalool (cinnamomum camphora ct. Linalool), which has no known contraindications) • Pennyroyal • Sage • Tarragon • Tansy

OILS TO AVOID IN CHILDREN • Eucalyptus • Lemongras s • Peppermint

LOCAL RESOURCES • Mostly holistic aromatherapy in the local massage centers • Become and aromatherapist or otherwise broaden your knowledge by taking a class! http: //www. aromatherapyclasses. org/about-us/

QUESTIONS?

RESOURCES • American college of healthcare sciences. (2018). 3 common and dangerous essential oil mistakes. Retrieved from http: //info. achs. edu/blog/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-andsafety • Micozzi, M. (2010). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. (4 th ed. ). Retrieved from https: //kaplan. vitalsource. com • National association of holistic aromatherapy. (2018). Most commonly used essential oils. Retrieved from https: //naha. org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/most-commonlyused-essential-oils/ • National association of holistic aromatherapy. (2018). Safety information. Retrieved from https: //naha. org/explore-aromatherapy/safety#other