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Article Series: Aromatherapy
Teach Me Some
Aromatherapy Benefits
Essential
Oils in Aromatherapy:
How To Use Them Safely
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.
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: 2006
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