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The Healing Power of Aromatherapy

Advice on how to use Aromatherapy Safely

As a trained clinical aromatherapist, I have known for a long time now the powerful affect of aromatherapy oils. New research has indicated that the smell of Jasmine is as calming as Valium

An article in The Telegraph (July 2010) reported on this research conducted by the Ruhr University in Germany. Professor Hanns Hatt said the results published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry can "be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy."

Fear of Flying

My friend was terrified of flying, so our trip to New York was going to be challenging. She usually took Valium, but I recalled from my training that an aromatherapy oil 'Neroli' was very good for calming heightened states of anxiety. I gave her 2 drops on a hankie and she inhaled this before we reached he airport and during the whole journey. She didn't take any medication - result! On the return journey, she started to feel anxious the day before the flight. So we repeated the same actions - allowing my friend to inhale the Neroli. The result was she, again, didn't use any medication - a first for her in all her years of flying.

Using Aromatherapy - Safety and Precautions

Some people view aromatherapy as being perfectly safe to administer at home, but I would always advise that you consult a trained aromatherapist before using them at home - especially if there are any serious health conditions, if using with babies/children or during pregnancy. The oils are made from nature (branches of trees, petals of flowers etc) but they can be potent and if used inappropriately or in excess - they can be toxic.

There is often the myth that aromatherapy treatment is just a nice massage - not so! A trained aromatherapist will be selecting the oils to use (after consultation) not only because of their smell but specifically to match and help balance the body - using the therapeutic qualities of oils that interact with the body systems:

• The nervous system - to help calm or help energy levels
• The circulatory system - to improve circulation and help lower Blood Pressure
• The muscular system - to help remove toxins and remove tension
• The respiratory system - to help clear nasal passages and improve breathing
• The integumentary system - to help improve skin conditions
• The immune system - to boost immunity regarding colds and viruses
• The reproductive system - to help alleviate the pains of PMS.

Finding a Trained Aromatherapist

Qualified, trained therapists will have completed a full year of training (or 2 years if part time) and their qualification will be recognised by a professional body such as IFPA. They will also have insurance to practise (this is usually displayed in the therapy room). If you are looking for a therapist - ask them to confirm they have these qualifications. Ask them how long they have been practising and can they provide home blends for you to use at home after the treatment.

We have a list of insured therapists on our register Therapies United that may be able to help.

Learning More About Aromatherapy

On our Indian Head Massage course, we teach some of the basics of aromatherapy oils/using oils however many of our students have asked to know a bit more.

We also run courses in Aromatherapy - for:

• Aromatherapy for beginners >>>
• Aromatherapy for children's Health >>>

Telegraph Article on Aromatherapy Research >>>

If you wish to reproduce this article, please contact Lorraine in the first instance.