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Aromatherapy: Guidelines for Safe Use of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
Although the definition of ‘aromatherapy’ can be misleading, it is generally agreed that it is the therapeutic use of essential oils. The operative word is therapeutic and this is important to understand if one is interested in understanding the safe use of essential oils in aromatherapy. The first thing to realize is that aromatherapy is a practice that is exercised by licensed practitioners as well as patients themselves. There are aromatherapists that administer the oils to individuals that request them, but it is not necessary to go to one of these as long as one knows some of the general guidelines to choosing and using aromatherapy.
The application of aromatherapy varies. It can be administered to one by inhalation of the essential oils, which is the most common use, and then it can be applied to the skin and absorbed. But, there are some that question whether the method of skin absorption is indeed aromatherapy, since it is not taken through the nostrils and breathed in. Regardless of the debate, it is important to understand that the aromatherapy can either invigorate or excite one or it can subdue and relax one. Depending on the essential oil used, and the chemistry of the individual using it, the effects will differ.
Another thing to consider when deciding on aromatherapy is the severity of the ailment. Obviously, if one is suffering from a serious illness and expects this treatment to relieve them, then it is important to consult one’s primary physician for consultation. Aromatherapy can be very effective for accomplishing such things as soothing, relaxing, healing and the like, but it should never be viewed as an alternative to traditional medicine, especially if the ailment is of a serious nature.
An important thing to remember as a guideline to safe aromatherapy is not to use undiluted essential oils on the skin. This can cause irritation, photosensitivity and is not recommended. Of course, there are exceptions to this. Assuming you do not have sensitive skin, it is acceptable to use undiluted oils, such as lavender or tea tree (which are nonirritating). These can be used on burns, insect bites, pimples and other skin eruptions. It is possible to simply use diluted oil on the skin to treat such irritations. All one has to do is gently massage the oil into the soles of your feet. This causes less irritation.
Also, check for skin sensitivity if you are considering skin application. For instance, many are not sensitive to pure essential oils but are sensitive to synthetic versions of essential oils. It is important to find out which is the case. As well, some people may be allergic to say chamomile tea, but not necessarily allergic to its oils. So, do not be put off by an allergy to a plant when it is not the oil that one is allergic to.
Another thing to remember is to be aware that some essential oils serve as irritants to the mucous membrane (the lining of the digestive and genito-urinary tracts). But, all essential oils can be irritating to the eyes so keep them away from them. As to mucous membrane irritants, these include allspice, savory, cinnamon, spearmint, clove, thyme and oregano.
Do not take essential oils orally for therapeutic use. There are exceptions and when specifically directed follow the instructions of the product. But, typically they should not be eaten or drank.
Be especially cautious about taking aromatherapy as a therapeutic during pregnancy. For those women who are prone to miscarriage, the stimulating effects of the therapy can be a hazard, especially for women in the third trimester.
Aromatherapy should also be done with caution when the patient is elderly, convalescing or a sufferer of asthma, epilepsy or heart disease. The effects of Aromatherapy could potentially be serious in some cases, so it is best to be safe than sorry.
Lastly, overexposure to aromatherapy, whether it is application to the skin or inhalation could result in nausea, headache, skin irritation, emotional unease or what is often called a ‘spaced out’ feeling. If one experiences any of these, simply leaving the area where the essential oils are present in the air or washing the skin should relieve the symptoms. But, if there are any real concerns, contact you physician and ask his or her advice. These are just some guidelines for the safe use of aromatherapy with essential oils.
Health News:
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Aromatherapy is no cure for what ails you - Skin and beauty- msnbc.com
One of the most rigorous studies of aromatherapy showed no significant change in heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones or immune function after sniffing two top scents.
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets- msnbc.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance?
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets - MSNBC.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance? ... Selling smells via the Internet Japanese ...
Healing herbs: Nature?s medicine (and perfume!) - GreenDAY - MSNBC ...
The pure essences of plants or herbs, essential oils are the backbone of aromatherapy, a healing modality that relies on the power of scent to promote healing.
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Aromatherapy Bath and Body Works is head and shoulders above everyone. I have looked into their quality specifications, their products, and what they are trying to do, and I really ...
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aromatherapy - Google News
aromatherapy - Google News
Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ... - Best ...
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Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ...
Best Syndication, CA - Aug 18, 2008
You could go to a store and buy an aromatherapy bath product, or you could make your own at home. Herbal and aromatic baths are an ancient tradition, ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business - Arizona Daily Star
Aromatherapy a sweet business
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - Aug 16, 2008
By Jennifer Sterba Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the ...
How to look fabulous when you fly - Mirror.co.uk
How to look fabulous when you fly
Mirror.co.uk, UK - 22 hours ago
Overcome jet-lag by rubbing the Tisser and Aromatherapy Travel Ease Roller ball, £4.50, from Waitrose, on your wrists. The aroma of its organic essential ...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ... - PR.c...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ...
PR.com (press release), NY - Aug 18, 2008
This unique Dry Personal AromaTherapy System can often bring relief in seconds from a single puff! ?While Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in ...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses - Chiropract...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses
Chiropractic Economics, FL - Aug 13, 2008
A study published in the September issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing says aromatherapy massage with music can help reduce anxiety levels in emergency ...
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Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by New York C...
New York College of Health Professions, a premier undergraduate and graduate College of Holistic Health, has developed and released a proprietary line of personal AromaTherapy products that has had a remarkable effect on many patients suffering from Migraine Headaches and other common ailments. [PR.com - August 18, 2008]
Beautorium Keeps Getting Greener and Greener (PR.com)
From anti-aging to pregnancy and baby, from body care to hair care, from aromatherapy to makeup, Beautorium is a luxury of ?green? solutions for modern skin care and beauty needs. The beauty doesn?t stop there. Get ready for three more cult beauty brands to join the mix: Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics, John Masters Organics and Weleda. Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics Hailing all the way from ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business (Arizona Daily Star)
Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the community.
Want to Relax? Try Pure Lavender Essential Oil (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - It seems that lavender, or the scent of it, is everywhere - candles, hand lotions, shampoo, bath gel, air freshener, even laundry detergent. It's the most widely used and best-selling essential oil. Why is lavender so popular?
Dogs get special treatment, training at Brother of the Wolf (Courier-Post)
Training canine companions may be a vocation for some, but it's an art form for Dawn Watson.
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