Aromatherapy/Essential Oils

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Expert: - 11/17/2008


Question
Please can you tell me what precautions should be taken when using essential oils in massage.  thank you

Answer
Hi Dee - thanks for your question.
Here is a list of contra - indications for aromatherapy. These are hard and fast rules for anyone contemplating massage.

1.  Do not use during the early stages of pregnancy ( first three months) , especially if there is a history of miscarriage or gynecological problems.
2.   Do not use on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or encourage lymphatic drainage where there is a history of cancer.
3.   Do not use if there are any potential serious allergic reactions or broken skin.
4.   Do not use where there are are serious heart, circulatory problems.
Only ever use on patients receiving medical treatment after consulting with their doctor.
5. Do not use massage where there is an infectious disease present.

I would add a few little things to check before you start....

6.   Make sure your oils are unadulterated and not synthetic. Use your nose - if it smells too sweet or all the oils are one price then they are probably synthetic.
7.   For babies I only ever use chamomile or lavender and only after 3 -6 months.Their livers can't process oils easily at an early age.
8.   Check with the person you are to massage to see if they are allergic to anything.... some people can not tolerate certain citrus oils, some - jasmine. And especially those with a nut allergy should avoid the nut based carrier oils. Stick with grapeseed oil or some other non nut oil.
9.   Don't overdo the essential oils. Start with one or two drops of each. There are books that will tell you to use ten or twelve drops of an oil.Less is definitely more. One or two drops will work very well. Get to know the oils individually. Try one, and then try another and see how they work together - and most important, see how your client likes them.
10.   Tell your client not to wash for at least 6 hours - the oils need that long to soak right into the systems of the body.Tell them to drink plenty and wrap up warm as they will probably feel chilly and thirsty.This is quite normal.

Hope that's ok for you Dee.
best wishes
Judy  

Aromatherapy

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Judy Frayne

Expertise

I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !

Experience

I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress. I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves. Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying

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