WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
An Holistic form of healing
Aroma =
fragrance
Therapy = a
treatment designed to aid healing
Therapeutic
use of natural, pure essences from plants:- flowers roots, bark, berries,
leaves, stems for the well being of a person, be it emotional, mental, physical
or spiritual.
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Aromatherapy
is part of a growing band of therapies which belong to alternative medicine.
"Alternative" is an unfortunate term which only serves to widen the
gap between holistic health and conventional health care. In an effort to help
to bridge the gap, it shall be referred to as complementary or holistic.
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The art/
science of using essential plant oils in the holistic treatment of individuals.
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The use of
organic essences of aromatic plants for healing and the maintenance of
vitality.
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Uses
concentrated herbal energies in essential oils from plants in association with
–massage, compress, baths and inhalation to improve well being.
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An holistic
form of healing which works ~ the system
AN
INTRODUCTION TO AROMATHERAPY
The
aromatherapist seeks to help the whole person in maintaining a balance of
mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Aromatherapy
consists of:-
a combination of oils and their
actions
the benefits of massage
the personal input of the therapist
the active participation of person
seeking help
It is most
important not to attempt to treat a person with essential oils without first
studying the oils and their effect on the body. Even a small amount of
essential oil can build up to a toxic level in the body over a period of time
and some oils are very poisonous indeed. Deaths from essential oil poisoning
have been reported in the medical press, some of them quite recently.
Essential oils
are very readily absorbed through the skin. Whenever the oils are used in
massage, baths, skin preparations, or as compresses a certain amount of the
volatile essence is inhaled. This inhalation has a threefold effect:
An effect on the Mind
An effect on the body via the lungs
and bloodstream
An effect on the body via the mind
If an aroma
producing an effect on the mind is doubted then we should consider the effects
that glue-sniffing has for instance.
To reinforce
the theory of oils being absorbed into the bloodstream, modern medicine is now
using drug impregnated plasters as opposed to oral medicine for treatments of
conditions such as Angina, the menopause and even nicotine patches to relieve
the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking.
Aromatherapy
can be used to compliment other treatments, both orthodox and unorthodox.
Regular
aromatherapy treatment cannot only improve the general health and well being of
the client but also help to maintain it.
This treatment
is very personal, and through a concerted consultation and genuine caring for
the client results in a rapport being built up between the client and the
aromatherapist.
Every client
is treated as an individual with oils blended specifically for them and the
treatments varying to suit their needs.