Flowery
aromas, smelly oils, massage are all common answers, but what about
the chemical properties and the variety of ways to apply oils for a
therapeutic effect? You probably won't want to know anything about
the chemicals, but could be interested in the benefits these give
you. The problem with aromatherapy is that in some cases it is just a
smelly massage, however if you know what you're looking for,
aromatherapy can be so much more.
Sometimes
called 'clinical aromatherapy' this wording is used to demonstrate
the treatment can offer more than just massage. Some aromatherapists
also call themselves 'aromatologists'; this is an even more advanced
form of aromatherapy which covers more ways of using the essential
oils. In both cases, you'll know that you you won't be just getting a
smelly massage if you are looking for something more.
To
move away from the basic beliefs about essential oils it is necessary
to touch on what is in them. Essential oils are chemically complex
structures, which is why essential oils often have many attributes.
Take High Altitude Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia); it contains
mainly alcohols and esters, two of a variety of chemicals found in
aromatherapy oils. These chemicals help to make the essential oil
gentle in its action, anti-inflammatory, balancing to the nervous
system and emmengagogic (i.e. helps to regulate periods), along with
other properties. Interestingly, people always mention Lavender for
sleep but because it balances the nervous system it can be a sedative in small doses and a
stimulant in larger doses.
It
is because the essential oils are chemically complex that they can be
seen as more than just smelly oils. Rather than just being put in a
base oil for a massage, these oils can be placed in creams,
diffusers, compresses, bath bases and various other means in order to
create a therapeutic product. Indeed, it is because of this that
essential oils can be found in copious products in the shops. You can
find them in bubble baths, shampoos, shower gels, but more
surprisingly, also take a look at pharmaceutical products, such as a
vapour rub. It will probably contain Eucalyptus globulus and Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris). These are essential oils that together produce an
expectorant, immuno-stimulating, decongestant blend. If you placed 3
drops of each of these oils into an oil burner (taking appropriate
safety precautions if using a lighted candle) then the oils
evaporate into the air, resulting in inhalation of the product and
encouraging these properties. Alternatively, you can contact a
trained aromatherapist who can blend the oils into a cream or produce
a vapour stick for you to inhale – but why would you want to? In
this case, the price of a consultation and blend wouldn't be worth it
when you can just pop to the shop and buy a mass produced pot in the
shops.
However,
if you have another problem, one that doesn't have an off the shelf
answer, then maybe it is worth seeing an aromatherapist. An
aromatherapist can provide a bespoke product, tailored just for you
and in a way that is the easiest for you to use; there's no point
giving you a cream if you'd prefer an oil. Aromatherapists, like all
complementary therapists, have to be very careful about what they can
say they may be able to help with. This is a legal minefield, as laws
are designed to protect the public from being misled about possible
results or providing false hope. This means that if you contact a
therapist, they will probably say they can produce a product but
cannot guarantee its efficacy. If you visit an aromatherapist with a
particular problem than following a full consultation the
aromatherapist will discuss suitable options and suggest a treatment
plan.
So,
why would use an aromatherapist and not try to do it yourself? Well,
if its a complex issue, the aromatherapist will have the required
knowledge about the oils which will save you hours of trawling
through books and internet sites. They should be using therapeutic
grade essential oils – as tools of their trade, aromatherapists
should not be buying the cheapest, but rather the highest quality
oils . This ensures that the blends should provide the best possible
expected outcome and will not have been adulterated. Adulterated oils
either do not have the expected response (at best) and can provide
adverse reactions if used. Even if you have sensitive skin, using the
correct chemicals and quality of oils means that the essential oils
can still be used after a patch test on the skin. If needed, a
massage can be provided, which can be useful if relaxation is needed
or a particular area of the body is being treated.
In
the case of a chronic condition it is likely that numerous visits may
be needed and it can take longer to see any results. In this instance
the aromatherapist should regularly review any progress and amend the
blends as needed. For an acute problem, a couple of treatments may be
enough, so the cost may not be as much as you think it might be.
So,
the next time you've got a problem and you're looking for a more
natural approach perhaps its time to reconsider an aromatherapy
treatment and the possible benefits that it can provide. Why not
experience an individual solution for your individual problem?
