Aromatherapy Medicine (by KG Stiles)

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely no exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

In Webster's Dictionary Medicine is defined as anything that affects our well-being. Aromatic oils have an ancient history of doing just that. In this article I will talk about two methods known and practiced historically for their outstanding medicinal benefits. These two well-known methods are steam and the cooling vapors of a humidifier.

Here are a few ways to easily and simply apply these two methods for beneficial results:

Steam Inhalation - Add 4-8 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of steaming hot water, put a towel over your head to capture the steam. Close your eyes and inhale until the water cools or until you stop smelling the oil. Repeat, if necessary, every 4-5 hours.

Steam inhalation relieves sinus congestion, coughs, colds, flu and sore throats.

Suggested oils to use: eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree.

Humidifier (Cool Mist) - Add 6-8 drops of essential oil to the water of your humidifier. Run overnight, or add the essential oils 2-3 times during the day, if running continuously. This is an effective method of using oils with a sick child.

Humidifier (cool mist) relieves fever and headache, calms and soothes anxiety when ill, kills germs, air freshener.

Suggested oils to use: lavender, lemon and peppermint.

Warning: Essential Oils can damage humidifier plastic and rubber parts.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilised essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please Note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free! Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic uses and benefits. The method applied can affect the results.

KG Stiles is a certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more.

Contact KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Centre, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, or USA (541) 941-7315

Web: http://kgstiles.com/essentialoilskitbasic.htm

Eucalyptus Essential Oil in Aromatherapy

Of the more than 600 species of eucalyptus currently identified, fewer than 4% are farmed for herbal or aromatherapy uses, writes Lisa Barger. The 3 species readily available in the US are Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus citriadora.

Eucalyptus is distilled from leaves that are either freshly picked or slightly dried.

Traditional Herbal Uses
Perhaps eucalyptus is best known as a nasal decongestant. Adding eucalyptus to hot water then inhaling the steam is a folk remedy that goes back millennia. But eucalyptus is actually used extensively in herbal medicine for other purposes as well.

Herbalists claim that eucalyptus is a potent insect repellent and several aromatherapy books offer specific formulas for homemade mosquito sprays.

Eucalyptus (properly diluted in a carrier) is sometimes prescribed as a liniment.
Additionally, it is sometimes recommended in cases of minor burns and blisters as well as small wound care.

Some studies have suggested that eucalyptus is a potent anti-microbial but others have shown little to to anti-microbial activity. (Remember, most aromatherapy books are ‘crafting’ books that simply re-phrase other authors' material. Before you rely on any essential oil for its alleged therapeutic effects check with a reliable science-based source.)

In Chinese medicine, eucalyptus is used to move lunch Qi and is considered a remedy for wind-heat.

Aromatherapy Uses
Eucalyptus has an extremely ‘medicinal’ scent and perhaps that's why it's often prescribed for use in sick rooms. It imparts a moist, cooling sensation to nose.

Eucalyptus is used by aromatherapists to revitalise and energise. It's also used to ‘clear’ a room and is often diffused in a home to cleanse the building of a previous family's energy.

Blending With Other Essential Oils
Eucalyptus has a biting medicinal scent that is usually used as a single-note oil due to its ability to overpower other essential oils. In very small amounts it can sharpen the scent of woody oils like cedar or fir; it is also frequently added to lavender or tea tree.
Eucalyptus is considered a top-note.

Safety & Warnings
Though legally defined as a poison in some countries, eucalyptus is generally (though not without controversy) considered safe when used topically or diffused for aromatherapy.

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specialising in natural health education. Learn more about aromatherapy by taking a free online class at her website,
http://www.LisaBarger.com

Doctors Turning to Aromatherapy for Help

More doctors are beginning to look into the medical properties of aromatherapy in the treatment of diseases.

Kazunaga Kawabata, who heads a clinic in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, became interested in aromatherapy about 10 years ago. He was looking for an alternative medical treatment for people with poor blood circulation and several other conditions.

At the time, some aromatherapy salons were claiming the therapy could cure disease.

Aromatherapy is the massaging into the body of essential oils extracted from flowers, leaves and fruit. There are more than 200 oils, which are often used in combination to treat different problems, including headaches and insomnia.

‘There was no scientific evidence apart from the oil's fragrance making people feel better,’ Kawabata said. ‘As I am a doctor, I wanted to clarify the effects.’

He asked 10 people sensitive to the cold to inhale lemon oil. Ten minutes later, he found their skin temperatures had risen by 2 degrees on average. He also found traces of limonene, the oil's fragrant substance, in their blood.

‘I have found through a series of experiments that the fragrant substance is absorbed through the lungs and skin into blood vessels, causing various pharmacological reactions,’ the doctor said. ‘Therefore, the oil should not be treated as general merchandise, but its use should be studied.’

In July 2004, the Kawashima Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward opened an aromatherapy outpatient department. An aromatherapist, who is also a midwife, massages patients with a combination of several oils to improve their condition, and works with Mihoko Ikoma, the hospital's vice director, to provide treatment.

‘We're asking patients to go to salons for healing and come here to improve symptoms like numbness and dizziness,’ Ikoma said.

At first, the hospital expected most of its patients to be pregnant women, but they found many women in their 40s and 50s going through menopause and people with chronic fatigue also wanted to be treated.

Nobumasa Shiba, director of orthopedic surgery at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, became interested in aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis in knee joints, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away.
About 1 million people in Japan have the degenerative condition.

To test the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy for patients, Shiba carried out an experiment on those aged 40 or older who had had physical symptoms for more than three months.

The 36 patients massage lavender oil, effective for pain, and rosemary camphor oil, to improve circulation, into their knees in the morning and evening for two weeks.
Most of them said their symptoms, including pain, had lessened.

‘It still needs to be clarified what was effective and how, but I had not expected such a good result,’ Shiba said.

Voluntary Self Regulation of Aromatherapy Inaugurated on 1st December 2006

The renamed Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health published a consultation document 'Exploring a Federal Approach to Voluntary Self Regulation'. This received mixed responses but the general concensus is that there is value in exploring a federal approach to the regulation of complementary therapies and a working group has been set up to explore various options.

At the AAPA AGM in November Members agreed that at the very least federalisation was necessary for multi disciplinary therapists. Of those present over 90% practised more than one therapy with reflexology and massage being the main ones. It was also agreed that federalisation would also help the public by providing one contact number for registration matters. Members also agreed that the day to day affairs of their professions should, however, be managed by those professions and not by a multidisciplinary quango where only one therapist represented several thousand therapists and other professions took responsibility for the registration and disciplinary matters of aromatherapists. It was this view they asked the AAPA to take forward in discussions.

The Voluntary Self Regulation of Aromatherapy was inaugurated on the 1st December 2006 and the first meeting of the new Aromatherapy Council is on the 6th December. On the 19th December the Council will be officially launched at a party at the House of Commons. There is still work to be done as the Council determines its role for matters like education and the AAPA will report back on this as soon as the Council has met. The Aromatherapy Consortium has been officially dissolved as it only existed to introduce regulation and has now achieved its objective. Asssociations will, however, continue to meet regularly in a newly formed Forum which is not part of the regulatory structure. Associations have traditionally been the driving forces in the development of the profession and it is hoped that the Forum will continue this role.

Accreditation
The role of accreditation of colleges and individual therapists is currently carried out by Associations. The AAPA considers it is important that associations continue with this work within a regulatory system which dip samples and checks on the methodology of associations to ensure the authenticity of their accreditation of colleges, individuals, qualifications and adequacy of training.

Web: http://www.aromatherapyuk.net

Healing with Pure Essential Oil Geranium

Effective research and clinical evaluation has been done in Germany on the main chemical components found in Geranium oil. Clinical results were found for alcohol geraniol found in Geranium oil.

The results of these studies show successful treatment for autonomic nervous system imbalances.

The autonomic nervous system is known to stimulate our hormonal production and response.

Autonomic nervous system balance is an essential key for healthy functioning of the body, mind and emotions.

Manifestations of autonomic nervous system imbalance include common symptoms of headache, hot flushes, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, depression and anxiety.

‘Vegetative dystony’ is the term used to describe autonomic nervous system imbalance and its accompanying symptoms.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil medical vocabulary for imbalances of the autonomic nervous system practically does not exist in North American medicine.

However both Germany and Japan, two modern day industrial giants, acknowledge the condition and use the term ‘vegetative dystony.’

Our modern day lifestyle promotes our living in a chronic condition of stress and subject to an increasing array of environmental toxins. These two conditions are cited as primary causes for autonomic nervous system imbalances and resulting hormonal disturbances.

There are many varieties of Geranium oil available. Geranium oils from Madagascar are by far the finest available and most researched for their therapeutic effect of balancing hormones.

The Bourbon variety of Geranium oil from Madagascar is considered by many to be the most desirable for hormonal balance.

Geranium Bourbon has an especially heady and sensual aroma that will energise your senses. The Geranium graveolens variety from Bourbon is my personal favorite geranium oil in a blend!

Considered the poor woman's Rose Oil Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) has a fresh, slightly rosy scent and is excellent as a stand alone oil. As with other Geranium oils from Madagascar Rose Geranium mixes well with many oils and its effects are similar.

Geranium oil is known to be useful in regulating physical, mental, and emotional imbalances.

Geranium oil has an especially calming and uplifting effect on the emotions. It is helpful for relieving depression, nervousness and fear.

Definitely a first-aid oil every woman should consider having on hand.
Geranium's tonifying action helps relieve nervous emotional conditions like anxiety, confusion, depression, lethargy, enegy swings and tearfulness.

Geranium oil gently balances extremes.

When you are feeling out of sync try Geranium oil to gently reconnect with yourself.

Geranium oil is an effective aid for re-establishing your body's own natural rhythms.

Women have used Geranium successfully for years to relieve premenstrual conditions and to smoothly navigate the menopausal period.

Geranium has been used to treat an assortment of symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, premenstrual tension and a variety of menopausal conditions.

Geranium oil relieves congestion - especially of the breast tissue and improves circulation.

Excellent for stimulating and cleansing the lymphatic system Geranium oil promotes a healthy immune system.

Promotes detoxification and is helpful for overcoming addiction, constipation, indigestion, fluid retention.

May relieve phlebitis and inflamed haemorrhoids.

Geranium is excellent for all skin types! Its regulating properties make it useful for balancing too oily, dry or combination skin types.

Geranium oil soothes sensitive or irritated skin.

Useful for treating the following skin conditions: ringworm, acne, burns, bruises, shingles, herpes, eczema, dermatitis.

In Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of healing practiced in India, the sweet and slightly spicy aroma of Geranium oil is ideal to regulate and pacify all the Doshas. Vata, Pitta and Kapha bodymind types respond well to the balancing effects of Geranium oil.

Symptoms of Vata imbalance are premenstrual syndrome, constipation, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and worry.

Symptoms of Pitta imbalance are high blood pressure, anger, frustration and emotional upsets, inability to go with the flow.

Symptoms of Kapha imbalance are high cholesterol, low metabolic forces, slow to lose weight, fluid retention, stagnation and blockage, lethargy and depression.

Blend With: Clary Sage, Rose, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lavender and Chamomile.

Caution: Geranium can lower blood sugar and should be avoided in cases of hypoglycemia. Due to its hormonal effect avoid Geranium during pregnancy.

Please Note: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronising your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA. PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils.

Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Centre, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, or USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo

Web: http://kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html

Essence of Goat
by Noel Cunnington

Anyone involved in Aromatherapy owes a deep debt of gratitude to René-Maurice Gattefossé. Not only the author of the term 'Aromatherapy' but also the architect dedicated to building his vision; a vision that will continue as we can see, long after he has 'left the building'.

René-Maurice Gattefossé, born 1881, died 1950, was a chemist and perfumer working in the Provence region of France and lived principally in Lyon. Lyon is a lovely city East of Paris where there is glorious food, wide streets and shop upon shop of magical temptations. Another reason Lyon is poignant is that it is home to the Lumiere Institute dedicated to the Lumiere brothers, the inventors of cinema. As a film-maker I'm sure you can appreciate how holy this city is to me, but to have had Mr Gattefossé live and work there is truly a magical coincidence.

So who is Mr Gattefossé. In the late 1800's in France there was a lot of research and development into essential oils, mainly with regard to the perfume industry. In 1910, there was a laboratory accident where Mr Gattefossé burnt his hands very seriously. After extinguishing the flames on a nearby lawn, he returned to the lab and plunged his arm into a vat of Lavendula Angustafolia (True Lavender). By his account, the pain was immediately relieved and over the next week, accelerated healing occurred until, two weeks later, the wound was healed completely with no visible scarring at all.

This is what we now call a 'definitive experience' with the oils. Being a man of science, Mr Gattefossé sought to understand what had happened and discovered that high grade essential oils had medicinal properties that lesser grade or crude essential oils did not. He was the first to be ceased by the vision of what he called 'Aromatherapy' and dedicated the rest of his life to furthering our understanding of just what therapeutic grade essential oils can do.

I doubt he would realise that some day I would write this article and pass on his website address http://www.gattefosse.com

Where does the Goat come in?

Gattefossé's Aromatherapy
Anyone involved in Aromatherapy owes a deep debt of gratitude to René-Maurice Gattefossé. Not only the author of the term 'Aromatherapy' but also the architect dedicated to building his vision; a vision that will continue as we can see, long after he has 'left the building'.

This book was published in 1937 but reaches much further back in time. Mr Gattefossé had access to scientists who had been working for many years with essential oils. And in turn, these scientists would have had contact with the generation of scientists before them. Ultimately this book spans a period of potentially 150 years and thus gives us an excellent overview of where the current understanding of essential oils has come from.

Incidentally, Mr Gattefossé and his family are responsible for developing a technique for the production of a stable and duplicatable perfume product. His technique had a major influence on the French perfume industry as well as shaping its reputation for high quality.

‘Gattefossé's Aromatherapy’ is a compilation of his own research and experiments and the many Doctors and scientists working independently at the time. Essential Oil protocols used or developed during that time are presented along with case histories supporting said practices. There is an detailed index and extensive bibliography at the back of the book.

Mr Gattefossé writes that it was traditional to tether a goat near a person with consumption or Pulmunary tuberculosis, the belief being that the strong smell of the goat chased away pathogens. Looking at this custom as a scientist, he and his co-workers developed methacresyl phenylacetate which in fact is the chemical a Goat exudes, eg. Essence of Goat. He tested this 'essence' probably in several hospitals within the Lyon area and discovered the urban myth to be true and that the substance was indeed a powerful antiseptic for the lungs.

This book is devoted to those with a scientific bent in an historical context. The reader who has to know where and why about things. At times a bit of a struggle for me with my Year 12 Chemistry being taxed, but none-the-less a valuable couple of hours spent digesting what can only be described as the first book on Aromatherapy .

New 'On Your Clothes' Aromatherapy Patches

A new aromatherapy patch, which is designed to stick onto clothes, not the skin, has been launched into the British natural health sector.

Called Moody's, the patches are available in five different essential oil combinations. Each is designed to provide immediate mood-enhancing benefits to offset a variety of everyday 'complaints' such as stress, anxiety, bad memory and lack of sleep. Using non-marking, low-tack adhesive, the patches can be placed near the chest and on the inside or outside of a garment such as a shirt or jacket. They can also be used safely on fabrics such as bed sheets or other surfaces such as car dashboards and computer screens. The resulting aroma can last for up to 12 hours and aims to provide an instant lift in the wearer's mood and spirits.

The patches have been designed and developed by Italian wound-care market leaders, Bouty. Under the company's consumer plaster's brand name, Cerox, Bouty has already achieved strong sales with the new patches through both specialist Italian pharmacy outlets and mass-market retailers over the last six months.

Moody's will be exclusively distributed in the UK by Ozonex Ltd. Colorama Pharmaceuticals has been appointed to supply the independent pharmacy sector.

Says Ozonex, Managing Director, Jonathan Savitt, 'We've had strong and favourable feedback on these clever little patches. Mums tell us they're really soothing at the end of the day when they're feeling worn out, for instance. For the rest of us, because they easily slip into a handbag or wallet, we can use them literally anywhere.....even on PC monitors and car dashboards. Ozonex feels sure there's a large market here for nervous flyers, pre-exam students and road-rage drivers as well as frazzled or sleep-deprived parents or other adults.'

Each Moody's patch uses a combination of essential oils such as ylang ylang, lavender, marjoram and rosemary to soothe, calm or relax. Patches are available for: Weariness, Restlessness, Stressful Lifestyles and Forgetfulness. There is also a Restful Nights patch to promote better sleep.
The patches are supplied individually foil-wrapped in boxes of six at a recommended retail price of £2.50. Boxes are suitable for euroslot or shelf display.

Marketing support for the new Moody's Range will initially include striking floorstand merchandisers and POS leaflets with product giveaways available in some regions.

Industry research shows that, of the 20% of the UK population who now use complementary medicines, 21% use aromatherapy products. [Source: Thomas, Coleman and Nicholl, Oxford University Press, 2003]. Although recent trials by Dr Neil Martin bf Middlesex University captured headlines by claiming that aromatherapy offered no curative benefit, Dr Martin did reveal to the British Psychological Society Annual Conference that research showed one clear effect from aromatherapy - that of 'alleviating mood'.

Contact Jonathan Savitt at Azonex:
Tel: 020-8728 7667
Web: http://www.moodyspatches.co.uk

Kevala.com, the holistic therapy college that trains students all over the world via home study, has announced a first in aromatherapy training.

The college's new aromatherapy diploma course, currently the only one of its kind in the world, meets national occupational standards in the UK and complies with the Aromatherapy Council’s core curriculum, as well as offering the option of accreditation by the Aromatherapy and Allied Practitioners’ Association.

Following the Kevala tradition of home study with full tutor and administrative support, the diploma also allows students to qualify for a listing on the Aromatherapy Register. This gives graduates the right to call themselves a ‘Registered Aromatherapist’, by attending six weekend workshops at the college’s residential facility in Torquay, Devon.

'It is very exciting that Kevala is providing the first distance learning course, which meets the National Occupational Standards and the Aromatherapy Council standards, and that we are able to promote it,' said Joyce West, Chair of the Aromatherapy & Allied Practitioners’ Association.

Led by Carole Preen, the diploma course has the advantage over college attendance of flexible learning to suit busy lifestyles. Carole is well known in the world of complementary therapies as a regular contributor to Today’s Therapist and Positive Health magazines, and is secretary to the Aromatherapy Consortium.

'We have been offering holistic therapy distance learning courses for over fifteen years and our unique approach allows students to choose how far they want to go with their studies,' says Kevala Principal Peter White. 'It still gives us a real buzz to develop and release new courses that are unique like the new aromatherapy diploma and it’s a pleasure to be working with the foremost body for aromatherapy in the UK.'

For more info visit http://www.kevala.com

Associate Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy

The Associate Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy is accredited by IFPA and IAM. Anatomy and Physiology needs to be acquired before Module 5.

ADCA Module 1
Foundation level for all students
* Aromatherapy massage, its principles and benefits
* The properties and effects of 12 of the most popular essential oils
* Methods of extraction, storage and blending and the use of carrier oils
* History of aromatherapy and massage together with the philosophy of holistic healing
* Introduction to botany, plant cell function and photosynthesis
Attendance on the foundation module is enough for those who wish only to use essential oils safely at home, to help their family and to enhance their own life. 10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 2

ADCA Module 2
* Comprehensive appreciation of body analysis for assessment of clients
* Selecting and blending essential oils for a personal treatment plan
* Choosing appropriate oils, creams and lotions for the aromatherapy treatment of specific ailments and conditions
* Extended massage principles are demonstrated and practiced thoroughly
* Introduction to plant families and therapeutic and physical properties of essential oils and their pharmacological effects on the body
* Properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied
* Introduction to hydrolats
* Hygiene, health and safety and professional practice management
15 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 3.

ADCA Module 3
* Specific techniques in massage including foot reflex massage.
* Information on plant families and essential oils is expanded
* Organic chemistry and essential oil components awareness
* Toxicity, essential oil purity and safety
* 15 carrier oils are discussed in depth
* Allergy and substance sensitivity.
* The properties and effects of 15 essential oils are studied.
10 case studies and 5 essays should be completed before Module 4.

ADCA Module 4
* Differences between plant medicine and orthodox medicine
* Comprehensive study of common ailments, including those arising from care for the elderly, pregnancy and paediatrics, depression, special needs and massage with cancer patients
* Olfaction and its psychosomatic effects
* The properties and effects of 12 essential oils are studied.
* Techniques of neck and shoulder massage and relaxation are included in this module.
5 case studies and written homework should be completed before Module 5.

ADCA Module 5
* Rudiments of business and management procedure are taught and cover some of the aspects of starting up and running a successful clinic including the client/therapist relationship.
* First Aid is included
* The exam is on the final day, both practical and theory. Successful students will be entitled to wear academic dress appropriate to this level and append the letters ADCA to their name.

The course is assessed by
* 2 and a half hour written examination
* 2 and a half hour practical assessment
* 100 hours of case studies
* Continuous assessment by homework and class work

Web: http://www.penny-price.com

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