PRESCRIBING AROMATICS
That there are general psychic and psychological reactions to different perfumes which can be considered as ‘normal’ ones allows aromatics to be considered a science.
Although laboratory tests may have demonstrated that the fumes from peppermint or thyme oil, for example, have the effect of destroying disease bacteria and microbes in other creatures, when it comes to human reaction there is an additional complex matter to take into account and that is the psychological responses of the individual. This factor demands that a degree of flexibility is considered in seeking to prescribe the appropriate healing oil.
It is important to study and follow the science but and also to allow for individual reaction. Any subjective response of an individual is due to their past experiences and previous associations, whether painful or pleasurable. Selective memory response and instinctive matters of preference and taste in regard to a natural appreciation of perfume further complicates the issue in the use of scent in psychotherapy.
The common use of well known oils in aromatherapy together with massage for the relief of physical symptoms is less demanding and recommendations follow definite guidelines.
Aromatherapists must conscientiously explore all the factors that could be retarding or affecting a patient’s natural healing response to any aromatic.
However we must also consider that any personal or subjective reactions have the potential to modify or intensify the direct stimulation of the brain cells caused by the aromatic fumes and emanations themselves. This is well known and factored into the work of psychologists, perfumers, aromatherapists and researchers in the subtle field of aromatics.
It is strongly recommended that in clinical application a fine range of the pure essential is used initially in trials before considering any blends in order to first clearly identify a patient’s individual reactions to each perfume. It is of utmost importance to seek co-operation of the individual and to monitor the degree and type of their response.
In home use, it is more practical to create a small range of the oils that you find most appealing before experimenting and extending your range of appreciation, or perhaps discovering a simple healing perfume that specially works for you.
Jasmine
Honeysuckle
NEROLI MEDITATION
The plant Citrus aurantium var amara produces the highly perfumed flowers we know as Orange Blossom. From these the essential oil Neroli is extracted and in aromatherapy used to assist people in recovering from shock. It also has anti depressant, antispasmodic and antibacterial healing properties.
Its scent has a universal appeal and has the capacity to lift the spirits, add joyful vibrations either to the one inhaling it scent, or to permeate the general atmosphere with positive, happy and beautiful influences. It is traditionally used in church ceremonies, christenings and weddings.
Many women choose it as a personal body perfume.
When using this wonderful natural tonic and elixir as a direct inhalant in preparing for meditation, there is no need to persuade yourself to take deep slow breaths of its perfume. This will tend to occur naturally. You will feel an almost immediate sense of upliftment, enough to call it a perfume that is ‘heavenly’.
The powerful and beautiful influence of the vapours of neroli need little explanation.
All that is required is to inhale its fragrance and experience for yourself the additional help in provides in elevating consciousness towards the realms of spiritual joy, emotion and beauty.
MASSAGE OILS
There are many different types of massage oils are available for consumers to select for personal use. These are chosen mainly for personal appeal and in response to general marketing.
It is advisable to check that the base oil is a natural plant source and not a mineral one. To this basic oil the strongly perfumed essential oils are added.
Be sure to read the labels to check that the product is not comprised of synthetic ingredients. Only natural essential oils should provide the perfume.
Professional aromatherapists usually create their massage oils for individual application in healing the many conditions which respond to treatment and for general purposes in relaxing muscle strain, and relieving stress. Specific essential oils are applied through massage and prescribed as inhalants for healing specific ailments of mind and body.
Oils suitable for massaging are limited as they ideally must have no perfume of their own and must provide a suitable texture that makes for easy application through hand massage.
The following are in general use for massage, for cosmetic purposes or as carriers for more highly scented substances:-
Almond oil
Apricot kernel oil
Avocado oil
Coconut oil
Grapeseed oil
Jojoba oil
Olive oil
Peach kernel oil
Soya oil
Aromatherapy in cosmetic application has some specific ingredients in the unique recipes devised by professionals for the purpose of skin care and treatment associated with aging.
Although clinics tend to protect their formulae, some of the most valued natural ingredients used are known to be honey, cocoa butter, aloe vera gel and melted beeswax.
Experiment until you find the oil that suits you best.
SCIENCE Explores the Sense of Smell
In 2004 Linda Buck and Richard Axel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. These scientists had discovered new information about odorant receptors and the function of the olfactory system.
This is an area of understanding that has been generally neglected by orthodox scientific investigation. It is a subject around which easily developed a cloud of mystique that tended to deter serious attention. But this has changed.
Since publication of Buck and Axel’s work in 1991 when their findings attracted considerable attention and were cited great numbers of times in research journals there has been increasing scientific interest in the subject along with intensifying public interest in aromas and aromatherapy.
This line of work culminated in the Nobel Prize for the scientists who were thereby rewarded for their work that continues, as does the general public interest in the outcomes.
Now with recognition given to the work of Buck and others demonstrating the involvement of a genetic factor with humans coding of odorant receptor genes, there is a growing sense of the important need to explore the subtle but important sensory function of olfaction.
HEALING through AROMATHERAPY
The science of aromatics and the science of breathing or pranayama are inter-related. There is no way we register scents and smells but by our breath. It is when we inhale our breath that we are able to distinguish different aromas and changes in the atmosphere.
Some aromatics in our environment are toxic and objectionable enough to interfere with our instinctive respiratory process. It is a factor that can cause asthma, hayfever and allergies. But through therapeutic use of natural essential oils and quality scent and perfume, we can also heal respiratory ailments, substituting safe, natural and attractive inducements to help inhale more deeply and to re-establish our healthy state and eagerness for life.
The science of aromatherapy is based upon two main factors affecting treatment. The first is the psychological factor and the benefit directly to the brain and nervous system when a perfume is first inhaled. The other is through directly massaging essential oils into the skin. From the skin, oils are absorbed and relocated by what seems yet a mysterious process, to the part of the body in need of correction.
Aromatherapy is coming to the fore now that modern scientists have established a satisfactory basis for its acceptance as a legitimate therapeutic method of altering and correcting irregular conditions of the body, emotions and the mind.
The skill and training of an aromatherapist first is directed towards developing the ability to select the appropriate aroma and determining the manner of treatment application. It is essential to have sound knowledge of body physiology, sufficient to allow massaging skills to be applied to appropriate muscle groups and sensory or nerve ganglia. The most subtle skill lies in olfactory sensitivity as well as an ability to teach basic principles of breath control. Add to these requirements a further skill that will help to achieve success in healing, is the experience and understanding of people. All in all it is easy to conclude that aromatherapy it is a demanding profession.
Find a good aromatherapist and you will want to visit the clinic for treatment time after time as it is a totally pleasant therapeutic method that encourages a feeling of total well being.
AROMATHERAPY – USING ESSENTIAL OILS
We have the benefit of the availability of the finest essential oils and produce the world offers on the market for those interested in perfumery and in use of oils in aromatherapy. They are in regular use in beauty parlours, healing clinics, churches and homes. Our practical use of perfume and incense is varied and interesting, not forgetting the personal use of in both male and female toiletries.
When we want to screen unpleasant odours we can use one of the many, but often unpleasant chemical sprays on the market. Or we can use natural scents such as eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and thyme and many others that have a beneficial nature and do not cause allergic reactions. It is good to walk into a home and our first breath is a pleasant one that sets a good atmosphere.
In Australia one of the most popular is the outdoor burning of lavender or sandalwood sticks to reduce the smells at barbeques. It proves helpful in reducing insect problems and also offers a particularly pleasant atmosphere.
Those who use incense for meditation find Church incense is often the best source of sacred and quality resins that are used in devotional or church ritual.
In aromatherapy, healing oils such as peppermint are used in aromatherapy with great success in massaging sore muscles around the spine and inhalation of lavender demonstrates positive relief of nervous strain and stress.
In therapy it is interesting to study the subtle healing influences of the essential, or pure, natural oils when they are applied externally or inhaled. They are now regularly used in naturopathic clinics and by physiotherapists, aromatherapists and in conjunction with massage in beauty parlours.
Many scientists are attracted to research into the effect of essential oils upon the brain and are exploring their potential for psychological benefit as an alternative treatment to controversial psychiatric drugs. In conjunction with their positive findings are also the tests that demonstrate the negative results of inhalation of various toxic smells and fumes. This indicates the care we should employ when deliberately or even unconsciously inhaling the atmospheres of our immediate environment.
So enjoy the delights and have confidence in the benefits of inhaling the perfumes of nature’s wealth of influence in pure, vital, essential oils.
Seek further information from your aromatherapist.
