health Sac on Aromatherapy
...equires a correct balance of time and temperature to release the most valuable molecules from the aromatic plant material without destroying them. This careful distillation can take a much longer time, but it allows the plant to release its full depth of aromatic complexity. Pure Essential Oils carry a tremendous amount of plant energy; therefore, even a very small quantity can have significant healing power. Alchemists regarded essential oils as the essence or soul of the plant and their distillation provided essential oils to natural pharmacies, known as Apothecaries, during the Renaissance! Origin and Cultivation The location grown and cultivation method affects an oils quality. The type of soil, amount of rainfall, sunlight, humidity, the whole environment plays a role in the quality of essential oil that is produced by the aromatic plant. Since these differences can be quite noticeable, we believe that this information should be included with every essential oil sold for Aromatherapy purposes. The following key shows the various cultivation methods: • Certified Organic Farming (CO): Certified by independent monitoring agencies to be grown without the use of any artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. They are distilled in organic facilities according to the highest therapeutic standards. • Organic Farming (O): Farms who practice organic cultivation, yet are not independently monitored. This is usually due to the lack of an agency in the area. Farms in these more remote areas are usually unable to purchase the herbicides and fertilizers due to their cost. Personal contact confirms that their cultivation is organic. • Selected Farming (S): Skillfully selected and tested for the highest possible quality...in cases where no organic monitoring agencies exist and without close personal contact, oils are chosen with care. • Wildcrafted (W): These are plants which are gathered in their natural environment and are essentially free of any artificial intervention. They are truly organic...touched only by the hand of nature! • Absolute (Abs): These are oils extracted through the use of solvents rather than steam distillation. Often a two-step process with an aromatic waxy substance called a concrete, from which the oil is distilled. The Spirit of Aromatherapy Pure essential oils carry an intelligence that communicates with a deep part of ourselves. The book of Genesis states, "And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life..." For those of us who hold to the Creation story, this account reveals the significance of breath taken in through the nostrils. This life force is also referred to as Prana. Aromatic molecules fit into our olfactory nerves in a very specific way and send impulses to the limbic system. The limbic system is thought to be the seat of memory and emotions. All of our life experiences may be coded by the aroma that was present during that experience. This is why it is common to recall memories, even distant childhood memories, when smelling essential oils. In this way, Aromatherapy may be used to release emotions held in our bodies from past experiences. It is challenging to describe an aroma. Aromas have stirred many poets to reach deep into their vocabulary to capture their essence. The process of describing an aroma is an exercise in what some call "whole-brain" thinking. In the brain, an aroma tends to stimulate the romantic, creative or right-hemisphere. Yet often our classic, rational, left-hemisphere is called on to describe and categorize an aroma. This process can create new connections or neural pathways which may also benefit other mental processes. It is not uncommon for those who develop a relationship with the oils to experience a heightened sense of subtle awareness. This can take the form of telepathy, serendipity and life changes. --- Brian Skinness Origin and Cultivation The location grown and cultivation method affects an oil's quality. We believe this information should be included on every oil sold! The following key indicates the cultivation method: • Organic farming (O): Farms which practice organic cultivation, yet are not independently monitored. Personal contact confirms their cultivation is organic. • Selected Farming (S): Skillfully selected and tested for the highest possibe quality in cases where no organic monitoring agencies exist and without close personal contact, oils are chosen with extreme care. • Wildcrafted (W): These are plants which are gathered in their natural environment and are essentially free of any artificial intervention. They are truly organic... touched only by the hand of nature! • Absolute (Abs): These are oils extracted through the use of solvents, rather than steam distillation. Often a two-step process with an aromatic waxy substance called a concrete, from which the oil is distilled. Statement of Purity The Essential Oils in this Catalog are Pure. They are not reconstituted, diluted or adulterated. There are no synthetic ingredients in any product. Everyday Aromatherapy Applications Massage A massage is great, but an Aromatherapy Massage is even better! By adding essential oils to a massage oil or lotion, the massage can take on a new dimension of therapeutic possibilities. For example, to help combat respiratory problems like coughing and congestion, add a bit of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to your carrier oil. To help relieve stress and tension, Lavender Essential Oil is a good choice. The list could go on and on, and the only way to really learn about them is to begin using them. The use of Essential Oils also makes the massage experience even more pleasant! All that's needed to start is to add a little Essential Oil to your base vegetable oil. Try just a few drops at first, you can always add if you want to increase the strength. A great beginning group of oils for any massage therapist would be; Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Orange, Rosemary, Lemon, and Geranium. After becoming familiar with a few oils, you will find it a pleasure to periodically add to your choices! The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage everyday. -Hippocrates- Bath Relax and enjoy an Aromatherapy Bath by adding a few drops of your favorite Essential Oils! Fill the tub with warm water, then add your oil just prior to your entering. You might want to use your hand to stir the water a little. Close the doors to keep the aroma in the room while bathing. The warmth from the water will gently encourage the evaporation of the oil and envelope you in its aroma! It is delightful to notice the different "levels" of the oil as it evaporates. Try adding the soft light of candles to set an even more relaxing mood. An Aromatherapy Bath is also a loving gift that you can give someone! For extra moisturizing, combine Essential Oils with a Carrier Oil, such as, Sweet Almond or Jojoba before adding to the bath. Jojoba is an excellent choice for making a bath oil since it does not leave a "bath-tub ring." Use about 5-10% Essential Oil in your Carrier Oil. This is a good idea if you prefer to use "spicy" Essential Oils, like Cinnamon or Clove, since they could be irritating to sensitive skin. Inhalation With a drop or two of Essential Oil on your palms, rub them together to produce a little heat, then cup your nose and inhale. The Essential Oils can either be neat (undiluted), or diluted in a carrier oil. It is advisable to dilute the oils to prevent any irritation to sensitive skin. Inhalation is excellent to use for a short quick burst of aroma! Sauna Take advantage of the cleansing nature of a sauna or steam room by using essential oils. A convenient and recommended method is to dilute several drops of essential oil in a small spray bottle filled with water. Spray on the rocks, in the air, or even on your body! Essential oils, like Eucalyptus or Niaouli, are excellent to use in a sauna to help clear respiratory congestion. Use some caution since most essential oils are flammable. Compress Add a few drops of essential oil to the basin of water. Dip a folded cloth into the water then ring out any excess before applying to the affected area. Please note that heat will intensify the affect of essential oils. Facial Steam Excellent for facial skin care and for the respiratory tract. Place a few drops of essential oil into a basin of steaming water. Gently stir the water to disperse the oil. Place a towel over the basin and your head. Move your face over the aromatic steam with your eyes closed. Breathe deeply and let the aromatic steam open and cleanse the pores of your skin! Environmental Fragrancing There are several ways to enjoy the aroma of essential oils in your home and office. From a simple light bulb ring to the more sophisticated nebulizer units. Using essential oil aroma is a more healthful way to fragrance any room and offers an alternative to the use of synthetic aromatic chemicals. In addition to the aroma, the oils can be selected to enhance a mood or stimulate a discussion. Diffusing lavender before bedtime is a wonderful way to relax and prepare for a good night's sleep. Rosemary and lemon are more energizing and can help you stay awake while cramming for an exam. Jasmine and YlangYlang tend to heighten the feelings of love and romance! Use your imagination and have fun exploring many different oils and combinations. First Aid Many essential oils have some very practical applications. Lavender is known to reduce the pain and swelling of small burns. We keep a bottle in the kitchen in case we touch a hot pan. Tea tree is excellent first-aid for cuts or bites to avoid infection. Canker sores often disappear overnight after applying a drop of tea tree oil. Peppermint oil is an excellent choice to rub on the back of your neck if you have a tension headache. It is also useful to cool "hot flashes" and reduce nausea. Natural Perfumes Essential Oils and Absolutes are Nature's Perfume. The aroma from a Natural Perfume is fresh and alive, and has the added therapeutic benefits associated with your personal choice of oil. For example, the Essential Oil of Rose is hormonally balancing and promotes a sense of well being and confidence. Of course, there are a few oils that could be worn as "single notes", but the joy of blending can create a fragrance that is personal and powerful. Sandalwood is a lovely base note to blend the more exquisite florals, like Rose, Jasmine or Tuberose. This actually creates what are known as "Attars." After combining the Essential Oils into a personal Natural Perfume, many people add Jojoba Oil. This helps to extend the use of your perfume and it can be applied directly to the skin without being too strong, or irritating. Jojoba is a good choice to use with Natural Perfumes because it will not go rancid like a vegetable oil carrier will do. What is the history of Aromatherapy? The use of Aromatherapy actually predates written history. Combinations of resins, oils and fragrant plants were used in some form - for ceremonial, medicinal, or pleasurable reasons - in most ancient civilizations. Perfumes and aromatic plants were the basis for many of the early trade routes established among ancient civilizations. Some of the earliest documented uses of Aromatherapy were in Ancient Egypt. There, 3000-year-old papyruses have been discovered containing remedies for many types of illnesses; some of the methods of application are similar to the ones used in Aromatherapy today. The Ancient Egyptians used aromatic plants and their essential oils to create massage oils, medicines, embalming preparations, skin care products, fragrant perfumes and cosmetics. There are other written accounts of aromatic oil use in Ancient Africa, Mesopotamia, Greece, Babylon, and China. In fact, the Chinese Yellow Emperor Book of Internal Medicine, written in 2697 BC, is the oldest surviving medical book in China; it contains information on more than 300 plants and their properties. Greek and Roman civilizations later adopted the use of aromatic oils for both medicinal and cosmetic reasons. The Western world's standard medical reference for more than 1200 years was a book on herbals written by the Greek physician Pedacius Dioscorides. In fact, many of his remedies are still in use in modern Aromatherapy. Aromatics were used in early Rome, where massage with oil would often follow a typical bath. The Romans, who were also voracious explorers and conquerors, expanded trade routes to East India, Arabia, and beyond. This enabled them to add a wide variety of new aromatic products to their repertoire. Other examples of ancient cultures using some form of Aromatherapy abound. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, has been practiced for more than 3000 years and incorporates aromatic massage as one of its main aspects. Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans used aromatic plants and oils in ceremony and in daily life. The Aztecs specifically were well known for their plant remedies, and a wealth of medicinal plants was found in Montezuma's botanical gardens when the Spanish conquerors arrived. North American Indians also used aromatic oils, smudges, and aromatic plant-based remedies. The modern term Aromatherapy was coined in 1928 by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Decades later, another French medical doctor Jean Valnet, inspired by Gattefosse's research, published his own work in 1964, The Practice of Aromatherapy. In 1977, Robert Tisserand released his book The Art of Aromatherapy and was successful in capturing American interest in this ancient healing art. Through Valnet's, Tisserand's, and other scientists' work of the current era, the healing science of Aromatherapy has begun to be more widely known in the West. Today in the West, the popularity of Aromatherapy as an alternative or complementary therapy is growing rapidly. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, in the U.S. Aromatherapy is a $300 million dollar business, and they project it to be a $1 billion dollar business by the year 2000. (Health Foods Business 12/98, p.26) Already, in areas of Europe it is common to find mainstream doctors who practice Aromatherapy and health insurance companies that reimburse for treatments. What are the different types of Aromatherapy? The different types of Aromatherapy are cosmetic, massage and olfactory. Regardless of which type of Aromatherapy you choose, essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil or water. Cosmetic Aromatherapy combines essential oils with facial, skin, body and hair care products containing all natural ingredients. Massage Aromatherapy combines the healing touch of massage therapy with the aromatic benefits of essential oils. Olfactory Aromatherapy releases essential oils into the environment around you either by inhaling or diffusion. For inhalation, you can either dispense the essential oil into a handkerchief or spray a mixture of essential oils and distilled water into the air and breathe in. Diffusion is the evaporation of the aromatic components of an oil into the atmosphere using Aromatherapy equipment. Several different devises are used to fill the air space of a room. Some use heat as a means of "evaporating" the essential oils; this spreads the essential oil vapor throughout the room. Candle diffusers and ceramic or brass rings placed on light bulbs are commonly used. Other diffusers consist of an electrical air pump and glass nebulizer, which micro-ionizes the volatile oil, thus allowing for the most efficient form of inhalation How does Aromatherapy work? When inhaled, essential oils affect our bodies in several ways. The essential oil component molecules enter the nasal passages where they stimulate the olfactory nerve. This sends messages directly into the limbic system. The limbic system, located in the brain, is the seat of memory, learning and emotion. The inhalation of the essential oils triggers changes within the limbic system which in turn can stimulate physiological responses within the body via the nervous, endocrine or immune systems. Either stimulation or sedation of body systems or organs may occur. Certain essential oils may have certain effects. For example, due to their effect on the brain and the subsequent sedating or stimulating of the nervous system, essential oils can also indirectly raise and lower blood pressure and possibly aid in normalization of hormonal secretion. The inhalation method can be useful for respiratory symptoms. Local application of diluted oils on various points (i.e. spinal nerves, chakras, and meridians) is effective for certain conditions. Massage Aromatherapy provides relaxation as well as a physiological action through the nervous system. In addition, when applied topically, essential oils can exhibit anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-fungal, or anti-inflammatory properties. Although essential oils produce certain effects that can be counted on, they also adapt to the needs of different people. What is the difference between essential oils and hydrosols? The tools of Aromatherapy are essential oils and hydrosols. Essential oils, non-oily in texture, are obtained from plants by a process called distillation, where selected plant materials are heated with water (or steam, or both) in an enclosed still, so that their volatile components are released from the plant. The components vaporize and are then present in the steam. The steam/vapor then condenses back to a liquid state. Due to differences in density, the essential oil separates from the water. The separated water contains water-soluble essential oil components and is termed the hydrosol or hydrolate. The term essential oil also usually includes the group of mechanically pressed citrus oils. Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Scientists agree that essential oils may perform more than one function in living plants. In some cases they seem to be a part of the plant's immune system. In other cases they may simply be end products of metabolism. Essential oils can contain hundreds of organic constituents, including hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that work on many levels. They are 75 to 100 times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs. Is there a difference between fragrances and essential oils? Is there a difference in the quality of Aromatherapy products available on the market? Yes. True Aromatherapy is not simply the use of products containing fragrance. Only the highest quality of essential oils should be used in Aromatherapy. Pure essential oils from plants must not been adulterated with added natural or synthetic substances and must appear in the end product in quantities considered to be therapeutic. Hydrosols must be fresh and must be entirely made up of the water collected from the condenser after distillation. Other products, such as essential oils added to distilled water using a synthetic mixing agent, are sold as flower waters and are not hydrosols. The majority of essential oils produced in the world market are used in food and fragrance; these essential oils are usually adulterated with chemicals and synthetics, as well as preservatives such as dipropylene glycol. Even many commercially available products that label themselves as Aromatherapy products are actually compounded synthetic fragrances. These fragrances may duplicate the smell of the pure botanical, but they do not have the complex chemical components of the oil as it is created in nature; it is these complex components that actually determine an oil's true aromatic benefits. While synthetic fragrance oils are not suitable for Aromatherapy, they can work well for use in crafts, potpourri, soap and perfume, as long as they do not promote Aromatherapeutic benefits. It is always wise to read the ingredients when choosing products labeled as "Aromatherapy" and to purchase only from a reputable Aromatherapy source. What career opportunities exist for Aromatherapists? As stated in the section above on accreditation, a Diploma or Certificate from an Aromatherapy school is not a national certification and is not a 'lice...