July 4, 2009
Victoria helped implement the In-Care service for hospitals.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant oils for wellbeing and healing, having positive effects both psychologically and physically.1 Essential oils are derived from flowers, leaves, bark, roots and other plant parts. The oils are produced in a number of ways from steam distillation, enfleurage, cold compression and solvent extraction. The
result is a highly potent and concentrated liquid. Therefore, essential oils, when applied to the skin, should be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed oil and may also be blended into other mediums such as aloe vera gel, macadamia ointment and clays.
The history of essential oils and aromatherapy dates back thousands of years to 3000BC. The ancient Egyptians utilised essential oils for many purposes; to protect the skin as healing unguents to embalm, and of course as perfumes.
The use of aromatherapy in a therapeutic sense re-surfaced in the early 20th century when a French chemist named Gattefossé, having burned his hand badly managed to heal the burn by plunging his hand into a beaker of lavender oil. He subsequently researched and wrote about the efficacy of essential oils and their ability to heal. More recent studies by Dr G Schwartz, professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Yale University shows that essential oils have the ability to reduce blood pressure and have an effect on the nervous system. Many oils have antiseptic qualities; some are cicatrissant, soporific antibacterial and even analgesic.
Dr Jean Valnet wrote prolifically about the therapeutic use of essential oils in 1964 and was a highly respected doctor and aromatherapist in France. Another well respected French doctor and aromatherapist is Dr Daniel Peneol who practices aromatic medicine and teaches aromatherapy worldwide. Dr Peneol is passionate about the discovery and research of new Australian essential oils, which he finds most effective in a therapeutic sense. This is encouraging for the reputation and recognition of Aromatherapy in Australia.
The healing effects of essential oils can be applied in areas in your home or office through the use of vaporisers, spritzers, baths or massage. The combination of applying aromatic oils together with massage has long been recognised and proven to be a most effective way of alleviating stress and anxiety through the simple process of inhalation
and absorption.2 Combined with the knowledge and experience of the therapist, aromatherapy is a beneficial tool to be utilised in conjunction with other therapies.
How to use Essential Oils
Vaporiser Fill the bowl with water, add 3-9 drops and light the candle. Be sure to keep an eye on it to make sure the water does not burn dry and never leave a naked flame unattended.
Massage Mix 5 -10 drops to 10 ml of a vegetable base oil (e.g. Almond, Olive).
Baths Add 5 -10 drops to a base carrier oil and add to a pre-run bath.
Spritzer Add 3-12 drops to 250-500ml of purified water in a glass bottle with a sprizter nozzle, shake well before each use.
Creams/Ointments Add 5-10 drops to 10ml pure base cream or Aloe Vera gel.
- Hudson R. The value of lavender for rest and activity in the elderly patient.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 1996: 4; 52-57. - Massage Therapy, Adam J Jackson (Optima 1993)
