Aromatherapy is a vast and complex subject. True aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of genuine and pure essential oils. Essential oils are the tiny droplets or aromatic compounds found in the sacs, glands, and veins of various plant parts. These tiny droplets can be separated from aromatic plants using various extraction methods. This extracted liquid can have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. In addition, these oils can be stimulating, cooling or warming and invigorating or relaxing dependent upon the oil/oils used. The oils employ pharmacological, psychotherapeutic and metaphysical properties and are used for healing of the body, mind, and spirit on many levels.

Essential oils that are generally familiar are such oils as lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and any citrus oils. By having just these few oils in your home, you can utilize most basic properties of essential oils.

There are many ways to use essential oils. I will explain some of these ways to spur your creativity and use of these great gifts from nature.

INHALATION     Directly inhale the vapors by placing the oils on cotton balls, tissues or your hands and cup close to your nose. I like the AROMASTIK which is a handy plastic tube you can carry with you anywhere and inhale the oils by placing in your nostril. OR tent yourself over hot water in a bowl which a few drops of oil has been added....great for stuffy sinus from a cold or allergies. A DIFFUSER is the best way to improve air quality in any space. Use a diffuser for the bedroom for improving sleep or congestion, in sick rooms for reducing germs, at your work space for stress and uplifting moods, for general air purification, and they have been found useful in hospice and Alzheimer areas.

TOPICAL APPLICATION    Massage is ideally suited for the use of essential oils whether it be a full body massage or just hands, or feet, or maybe a face massage. Massage is enhanced by the use of essential oils. If you are unable to sleep try rubbing a relaxing lavender lotion on the soles of your feet. You may just relax enough to fall asleep.

MIST      Every morning and evening I mist my face with a cooling essential oil hydrosol from a spray bottle. It is soothing, moisturizing and gives me a pleasant lift. Plus my canine companion loves her regular misting too as she stands perfectly still while I spray it over her head and back. It seems to quickly relax her and she may take a nap. Misting is also an easy way to add fragrance to any room.

RETAIL     At my office, I have available for purchase; the handy plastic tube easily carried AROMASTIK in several custom scents or we can make one for you based upon need;a state-of-the-art bowl Ultrasonic Diffuser that uses no heat and economically diffuses the essential oils; carefully selected exceptional quality essential oils located from various sources; and scented eye pillows. I have done all the research for you and the fun part is choosing the oils and delivery system you might enjoy the most.

 

 

HOLISTIC AROMATHERAPY IN CANCER AND PALLIATIVE CARE

Because of my specialization in working with cancer patients at various stages in their journey, I want to include a short introduction to the use of essential oils in this setting. All essential oils used with cancer patients are low dose, safe and individually considered.

The main emphasis when adding essential oils to a healing regime is placed on creating a pleasing aroma that provides a soothing and relaxing intervention and the creation of a safe and healing space in which the patient can receive quality holistic care that is not diseased-focused.

Worldwide the three most commonly used essential oils for emotional support are: true lavender, frankincense and any oil from the citrus species such as lemon, lime, orange.

Some of the ways essential oils can be utilized are: foot baths, AROMASTIK inhalers, diffusers, mist or spritzers, topical skin preparations, wound dressings or compresses, mouth rinses and always through touch and massage. The predominant methods have been for the mental and emotional support achieved through gentle touch therapies with essential oils. (soothe our spirit, calm our emotions, bring feelings of peace)

Here is a list of common cancer related symptoms that may benefit by the therapeutic use of essential oils. Worldwide much research has taken place over the past 20 years in the use of essential oils in treating the following common side effects associated with cancer care.

Maintaining skin integrity after chemotherapy, radiation, or confinement to bed.

Persistent itch.

Dehydration and dry skin.

Wound healing.

Local Pain and Chronic Pain.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Mouth care, if used regularly.

Odor control.

Nausea.

Fatigue.   Sleep difficulties.

Anxiety, depression, and fear.

 

SMELL is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived.     Helen Keller

 

Smell and touch are noted to be our most primitive senses. They are powerful healers when used together with pure integrity.     Michelangelo