A
single essential oil is usually made up of hundreds of different
chemical components in major, minor and trace constituents.
Each individual component brings its own set of properties to
the oil. It's the combination of these constituents, which gives
each essential oil its characteristic smell.
Aromatherapy works by synergistically using the properties of
all the chemicals in the essential oil for their correct application.
Infact the side effects of any one particular harsh chemical
is balanced by the other chemicals, even though they might be
trace chemicals.
Aromatherapy
works through
A)
Inhalation -
the molecular structure of an essential oil is very minute lungs
through the olfactory nerve, from where they diffuse across
tiny air sacs (alveoli) into the surrounding blood capillaries
and eventually find their way into the systemic circulation
from where they exert their therapeutic effect.
B)
Skin absorption -
the skin is a two way street capable of both absorption and
excretion for e.g. rub a small piece of cut garlic on the soles
of your feet…. within 5 minutes you will have garlic breath.
The tiny molecules of essential oils pass through the hair follicles,
which contain sebum, an oily liquid to which essential oils
have an affinity. From where the oils diffuse into the blood
stream or are taken up by the lymph or interstitial fluid (a
liquid surrounding all body cells) to other parts of the body.
Aromatherapy works on the simple basic principle of enjoying
the fragrance. If the fragrance is disliked the treatment will
not be beneficial. It combines the feel good aspect along with
the therapeutic aspect.
The essential oils along with having a therapeutic effect on
the physical body, also have different effects on the psychological
and spiritual self. They help in curing the mind, body soul
thus making it a holistic form of healing.
A single essential oil is usually made up of hundreds of different
chemical components in major, minor & trace constituents.
Each individual component brings its own sets of properties
to the oil. It is the presence of these components which gives
each essential oil its characteristic smell these components
which gives each essential oil its characteristic smell.
METHOD
OF USE
MASSAGE:
with an aromatherapy massage you get the benefit of the essential
oil as well as that of the massage. It is found that the effect
of touch can be very valuable to calm the person and soothe
the nerves.
To make therapeutic massage oil you need to blend up to 31%
of essential oil into a base/carrier oil
BATH:
the warmth of a bath not only relaxes a person, it also enables
the skin to absorb the essential oil better. The blended oil
should be added once the bath has been run as the heat will
encourage evaporation. Only the non irritant essential oils
like lavender & german chamomile can be added directly to
a bath, all other oils need to be first blended either in the
required base oil or in a cupful of full fat milk.
BURNERS
AND VAPORISERS:
these can be used to deodorize, fumigate or simply create a
special atmosphere. Inhaling the vapours can also be therapeutically
beneficial. Put a little water in the top part of the burner
and add 7-10 drops of essential oil to it before lighting the
candle below.
INHALATION:
a stream inhalation is an excellent way of treating coughs,
colds, sore throats and for cleansing the skin. Put very hot
water in a bowl and add 3-4 drops of essential oil. Then lean
over the bowl, place a large towel over your head and inhale
the vapours.
SPITZ
BATH:
a spitz bath is an excellent way of treating haemorrhoids thrush
pruritus etc. Half fill a flat bucket of a small bath with warm
water add 4-6 drops of blended essential oils. Swirl the water
and sit in it for 10 minutes. Similar treatment can be used
as hand baths & foot baths.
COMPRESSES:
depending on the ailment a hot or cold compress is an effective
way of treating many local complaints. To make a hot compress
pour hot water into a bowl & then add the essential oil.
Place a cotton towel in the water and squeeze out the excess
water and place immediately on the infected/painful area. A
hot compress is very effective in problems such as skin infections,
abcesses & boils, muscular or joint problems, arthritis,
rheumatism, strains, sprains, backache etc. To make a cold compress
add a few ice cubes to cold water in a bowl (& continue
like a hot compress). A cold compress is very effective for
certain types of headache and also if the area feels hot &
inflamed. |
