Aromatherapy
What
is Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
is the use of essential oils that have been extracted from many different
varieties of plants i.e. flowers, seeds fruit. These oils are very concentrated
every essential oil has its own healing properties and unique smell. Any one
essential oil could contain several different chemical compounds. The essentials
oils are volatile and evaporate if left opened. Up to 3 essential oils are used
in order to promote healing on several levels i.e. Mind Body Sprit. With several
ways in which to use essential oils i.e. Massage Bathing Compress and Inhalation
they are very versatile to use. The essential oils are absorbed in minute
quantities through the skin and by inhalation of the aroma.
History
A
Frenchman Rene Gatefosse first coined the word Aromatherapy in 1937, while
working in a laboratory he burnt his hand, he put it into the nearest liquid
which happened to be Lavender essential oil within a short time his hand had
healed and left hardly any scarring, with being a chemist he realised that the
healing qualities of Lavender oil was better than other synthetics that were
around at the time this led him to research other essential oils i.e. Tea-Tree
Eucalyptus.
What
can it be used for in Multiple Sclerosis
Aromatherapy
oils can help relive many symptoms of MS, for Circulation (Rosemary) Fatigue
(Juniper Sandalwood) Stiff Joints (Lavender) Stress (Bergamot Neroli) Muscular
aches and pains (Cypress Lemongrass) it may also help the immune system
(Tea-Tree).
What
does Aromatherapy massage entail?
When
you decide to try a massage it is very important that you go to a Qualified
Therapist. They will take a full case history this will help them to
decide which essential oils would benefit you best. Although we can never claim
to cure we are able to help relieve your symptoms i.e. Stress, Fatigue, Aching
muscles. Once the Therapist has decided on the appropriate essential oils for
you they will ask you to undress down to your underwear, you will then be asked
to lie on a couch covered with towels, your dignity will be protected at all
times. The blend that the Therapist uses could be made up of base oil (Sweet
Almond) and up to 3 essential oils that will reflect your needs at that time.
While making up the blend the Therapist would try to include an essential oil
that would treat the body as a whole i.e. Mind Body Sprit. The Aromatherapist
will start by massaging one part of the body at a time i.e. Leg, Arm, ensuring
your dignity at all times the massage will take between 30 minutes to one hour,
once the massage is finished the Therapist will leave you to relax for a few
moments then you will be asked to redress and sit down while you have a glass of
water, you are given a sheet with aftercare advice in which you can refer to if
you experience any problems (This is very unusual) after the massage you may
feel Nausea, Headache Tiredness have Excessive Urination some people feel
energised other may feel relaxed but tired, this will all be explained by the
Therapist at your consultation.
It
is recommended that you have one treatment for six weeks and then the therapist
will change your essential oil blend and decide if you need further treatments.
Usually once per week is found to be of benefit to people with MS but this can
be discussed at your consultation.