Aromatherapy for TherapistsA Therapist’s Review of

12 Essential Oils and 4 Conditions

Written by Jeannine Millan, RMT, Certified Aromatologist, Usui Reiki MasterPublished by Enlighened Hands ©2015 www.enlightenedhands.com

Aromatherapy for TherapistsA Therapist’s Review of

12 Essential Oils and 4 Conditions

Published by Enlightened Hands ©2015Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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Jeannine MillanRMT, CA, Usui Reiki Master,

Teacher and Facilitator

I am a Calgary based Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Aromatologist, and Usui Reiki Master. As a mobile therapist, I have enjoyed combining all of my areas of expertise for personalized, holistic treatments. More recently, I have been assisting new moms in preparation for how to cope with the constant changes and issues in their bodies which, I find as a therapist, quite rewarding. Over the years in my career, I have developed and presented numerous workshops for professional therapists and enthusiasts. Since 1999, I have introduced over 350 students to the healing benefits of Reiki, including several that have been initiated as masters.

While practicing in the aromatherapy field, I have taught over 400 students the benefits of the Aroma Detox Massage Technique, a practical therapy for spinal alignment and general detoxification for the body. Since 2011, I have focused on teaching massage therapists how to incorporate the benefits of essential oils into their practice. In 2013, I conducted two courses at the annual conference of the National Healthcare Practitioners of Canada that is the largest Massage Association in Canada. My career is actually just beginning as I intend to keep on teaching and learning about alternative healing methods for the future that I will share with everyone who is interested in learning about alternative healing.

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Aromatherapy .............................................................. 5

History of Aromatherapy ..................................................................... 7

Essential Oil Constituents .................................................................. 11

Review Questions .............................................................................. 16

Twelve Essential Oils ......................................................................... 17

Twelve Essential Oils Review Questions .......................................... 31

A Therapist’s Review of 12 Essential Oils and 4 Conditions ............34

Questions for 4 Conditions ................................................................ 53

Carrier Oils and Macerated Oils ........................................................54

Pregnancy Care .................................................................................. 58

Blending Protocols ............................................................................. 59

Carriers, Pregnancy and Blending Review Questions ....................... 61

Types of Applications ........................................................................ 62

Cautions and Contraindications .........................................................64

Review Answers ............................................................................65-67

Glossary of Terms .............................................................................. 68

Bibliography and Reference Materials .............................................. 69

Enlightened Hands Products for Sale ................................................ 70

Resources for Essential Oils and Packaging ...................................... 71

Contact Information ........................................................................... 72

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Introduction to Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the name given to the use of pure, mostly distilled essential plant oils applied in a controlled manner to improve the health and balance

of the skin, body, mind and emotions. Aromatherapy is also a treatment using these oils in their purest form. Essential oils for the use in aromatherapy are subtle, volatile liquids distilled from particular plants, trees, flowers, shrubs, grasses, fruits and herbs.

Essential oils are the life force of the plant and perform the same role as blood does in the human body. Essential oils are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body.

True essential oils are complete meaning no part of them has been extracted or tampered with. The “wholeness” of an essential oil is what gives them its normal-izing and therapeutic properties. If oil is not distilled properly or too quickly, many of the chemical constituents that deem it therapeutic grade, may be lost. High tem-perature and pressure during the extraction process along with contact of reactive metals such as copper or aluminium can easily destroy fragile aromatic chemicals.

Essential oils are chemically very complex, consisting of hundreds of different chemical compounds. Essential oils are very concentrated and much more potent than dried herbs. Distillation of an entire plant may only produce a single drop of essential oil.

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For example, Cypress requires a minimum of 24 hours of distillation at 265 degrees and only 5 pounds of pressure to extract most of its therapeutic active constituents. If distilling time is cut by only two hours, 18 to 20 of the constituents will be missing from the oil.

Lavender is another oil that is commonly altered and easily mimicked in the lab, however, this is perfume grade only. In France, lavender produced commercially is often distilled at very high pressure for only 15–20 minutes although this oil costs less and is easily marketed since it is of poor quality and should not be used for therapeutic purposes. Lavendula officinales requires 175-250 pounds of the flower to produce one pound of pure oil, while Rose oil requires over 4,000 pounds of rose petals to produce one pound of pure Rose oil.

“An essential oil is a product obtained from natural raw material, either by dis-tillation with water or steam, or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by mechanical processing, or by dry distillation. The essential oil is subsequently separated from the aqueous phase by physical means.” Quote from the ISO, International Standards Organization.

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History of Aromatherapy

The term “aromatherapy” has actually only been around since the 1930s, however, the use of aromatic oils has been recorded in history since the beginning of time.

EGYPT During the ancient times, Egypt was famous for using the oils in religious ceremonies, coronations and national celebrations. Incense was burned before the opening of the shrines and at funerals as it was believed that the burning of oils would avert spirits from bodies of the dead. The embalming process was elabo-rate and they used myrrh, pine resin and oakmoss to stuff the cavities of the dead. In their belief system they had to ensure the body would be in reasonable state when you returned to human form some 3,000 years later after transmigration.

GREECE The ancient Greeks furthered the use of aromatics with a study of oils by Theophrastus who documented an inventory of the Greek imported aromatics.

He also was quoted here: “It is to be expected the perfumes should have medicinal properties in the view of the virtues of the spices. The effect of plasters and of what some may call poultices prove these virtues, since they disperse tumours and abscesses and produce a distinct effect on the body and its interior parts.”

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Essential Oil Constituents

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Essential oils have many chemical constituents that are the basis of all essential oils where each have a different effect when applied or inhaled. All essential

oils will have more than one of these listed below within their chemical make-up but it’s the percentage of each one that determines what the main benefits are of that particular oil. There are 7 main groupings of the constituents which includes: Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, Keytones, Esters, Aldehydes, and Oxides. There are more groupings but within the context of this eBook we will cover these seven.

ALCOHOLS Monoterpene alcohols are the most beneficial and safest of the constituents to use.

The properties connected to them are: • Strong antibacterial• Antifungal• Antiviral• Vasoconstrictor• Tonic and generally stimulating• Sedative properties

Although the last two sound conflicting in benefits, the properties of alcohols can boost their psycho-neuroendocrine-immune system that in turn creates a state of relaxation.

Some of the essential oils that contain Monoterpene alcohols are: Citronella, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosewood and Tea Tree.

The properties of sesquiterpene alcohols are rather varied and hard to group as easily as the Monoterpene.

In general terms these are some of their known properties:• Anti-inflammatory• Antiviral• Anticarcinogenic• Tonic for nerves and muscles• Reduces congestion in veins and in the lymphatic system• Moderate antimicrobial effects• Inhibits growth of bacteria

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Twelve Essential Oils

Basil, Methyl Chavicol type

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Plant Part Used: Leaves Extraction Method: Steam distilled

Description: An annual herb, Basil grows 20-50 cm (8-20 inches), and when in bloom the purple-white flowers appear in clusters, pointed green leaves. Well-loved plant of Mediterranean countries, India and Asia. Common Uses Physical: Basil can help clear the sinuses, promotes digestion and stimulates circulation, especially in the respiratory system. Used in sports blends for its abil-ity to reduce inflammation and as an antispasmodic for trigger point work.

Mental and/or Emotional: Noted for its ability to strengthen faith and for clarity of thoughts and ideas. Excellent for studying as the scent is clear and strong. When inhaled or diffused during study and then sniffed during the exam, it can assist one in remembering the material. This essential oil helps the throat and heart center open as you move away from fear and insecurity.

Spiritual: Noted for warding off evil spirits people planted it around their homes. It is also considered to be a money oil place a drop in your wallet to attract more of the same.

Cautions: Can be irritating to sensitive skin, and cautions during pregnancy.

A Therapist’s Review of 12 Essential Oils and 4 Conditions

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Sore Muscles Bone and Joint

Headaches

Headaches

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Headaches

This affliction is common and likely everyone has experienced a headache. We will discuss the basic differences in headaches, migraines and how the essential oils can help relieve some of the symptoms.

Headaches can occur due to a wide variety of causes such as: stress, muscle tension in the neck, allergies, constipation, coffee intake, sinus pressure, TMJ dysfunction, atmospheric pressure changes, cervical structure problems and hormonal imbalances.

Over 85% of the population will experience a headache within the year and 38% of adults will have a headache within 2 weeks. Migraine sufferers which includes 10% of our population, include 25% who need to seek medical attention for their attacks.

The pain from a headache comes from the outside of the brain because the brain tissue does not have sensory nerves. The pain comes from the scalp and its blood vessels and muscles around the scalp and head when they become tense or stretched.

After putting essential oil on hands, prepare to do the Headache Application

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

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Relaxation and Stress Reduction

What client does not need stress reduction? However, some are not comfortable just relaxing in a treatment as they can’t seem to let go. The oils will help achieve this. In Western culture, stress is one of the major health problems to date. Stress is responsible for many illnesses and/or if a condition is long term. Also, stress can amplify a situation whereby the condition is harder to treat.

“Stress is defined as a negative differential between a series of demands and ability to cope with them.” (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy) See the reference list at the end of the manual.

Everyone has a level of stress they can manage and that can change daily depending on the physical and emotional health of the individual. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls the body’s response to stress and it has two parts: the sym-pathetic nervous system which controls the fight or flight response and the parasym-pathetic that induces relaxation and helps the body compensate for times of higher arousal. This is accomplished by lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and tension.

Stress is unique in that it is multidimensional as the mind, body and emotions are involved. Therefore, when dealing with stress, you need to involve all the above for best results.The mind aspect is easy, as they come to you for a relaxing treatment

Apply essential oil onto back for Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Sore Muscle Issues

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Sore Muscle Issues

There are a number of muscle issues that can be addressed, however, we will stick to strains and sports overuse with lactic acid.

Strains are considered to be an injury to the muscle-tendon unit. The symptoms are mild to intense localized pain or stiffness and pain on resisted stretching. The usual treatment of RICE, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation and massage can reduce swelling and re-engage range of motion. Depending on the acute-ness of the injury, you would use anti-inflammatory oils first, then as the injury’s swelling is reduced you can switch to the more warming or stimulating oils in your sessions.

The oils most effective in dealing with non-serious strains are: Birch, Basil, Lavender, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Clove Bud, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Black Spruce. These are quite effective for promotion of healing damaged muscle tissue. Apply a blend with a carrier onto the area affected and work the blend into and along the entire muscle-tendon unit.

Send your client home with a small amount of the blend to continue application 2x a day until your next visit. Co-ordinate the ice-pack or heat pack advice with the appropriate oil blends.

Use carrier oil on hands then apply to client

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Bone and Joint Issues

There are several conditions regarding the Bone or Joints and we will cover Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Regarding the bone and joint issues in Aromatherapy, the certain essential oil properties that apply are in reference to analgesics, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatics, detoxifiers, and rubefacients.

AnalgesicsMany essential oils that are anti-inflammatory and rubefacient are also con-sidered analgesics. Analgesics reduce the feeling of pain and are these oils: German chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Sweet marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sweet birch and/or Wintergreen and Thyme.

Anti-inflammatory With respect to swellings and inflammation, German chamomile, Everlasting and Yarrow oils are the best. These are non-irritating to the skin while others like Clove bud, Thyme and Cinnamon are good for inflammation but are skin sensitizing.

AntirheumaticsThe oils that are known to relieve rheumatic issues are: Black pepper, German

Use carrier oil prior to putting essential oil affected areas

Bone and Joint Issues

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Carrier Oils and Macerated Oils

Carriers This section will cover cold pressed oils, vegetable oils, fruit and nut oils, Vitamin E and Macerated oils.

Cold Pressed OilsThe “cold pressed oils” term can imply that no heat is used in the processing but this is not necessarily true. It means that no heat was used in the pressing of the seeds only and that heat may be used either before or after the expressing of the seeds. The method of expeller refers to temperatures of no more that 100C that are used to refine the oils from the seeds or nuts. The facts you need to focus on are if the oils are extracted by mechanical pressing or are they chemically extracted for example (bleach). Cold pressed oils are considered safer than oils chemically extracted and heated over 100C.

VegetableVegetable oils refer to Nut or Fruit Seed Oils.

Almond, SweetThis oil is highly nutritious and has a good source of trace minerals and is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic). It’s great for chapped hands, as a skin care carrier and for massage.

Apricot Kernel OilThis essential oil has a light texture, is great for massage and is high in polyun-saturated fatty acids. This oil is easily absorbed into the skin making it the most ideal oil for essential oil application. It is used in treatment of mature, dry sensitive or inflamed skin.

Avocado OilThis oil is rich in many vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin A, D, lecithin, potas-sium and chlorophyll (which is higher in the unrefined version). This oil is not stable at high temperatures so do not cook with it or microwave it. This oil soothes the skin and is effective for diaper rash and eczema, climate damaged or aged skin.

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Types of Applications

Inhalation: Place 2 drops into the palm of the left hand and rub clockwise with the right hand then cup hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. You can place oil on a cotton ball or tissue to keep with you like when you’re on an air plane trip. You can also just sniff right from the bottle.

Diffusion: Essential oils will help oxygenate the air in your home or office, which in turn helps kill the airborne viruses and you can use several different methods. One method is to purchase a diffuser than can be either electric or made of crystal or pottery materials where the water is the carrier element and heated by a candle. Vaporisers and humidifiers can have 5-10 drops of your favorite oil added to the water or reservoir. Essential oils can be dropped in some vacuum cleaners if they have an air spout. You can place a drop on the bulb of a light in your bedroom or den if the light is of high wattage the oil will dissipate quickly.

You can purchase a diffuser and they come in many types and costs. The best is an electric type diffuser that will take 10 drops of oil and break them up into millions of smaller molecules and disperse them into the air. The air diffuser can usually affect the air in 1 regular sized room about 20 x 15 square feet. This is the most effective way to kill germs and to freshen up the home or office.

Oil and Blends Applications: When using any of the blends (concentrated) in your practice compared to using a carrier blended oil at 3%, the following will be the protocol. Add up to 3 drops of blend or single oil per leg, 2 drops per arm or hand, 1 drop per foot, 3 drops for abdomen and 2 drops for the chest.

Bath: Since oils and water do not mix well, you can use these solutions. Add to a non-scented bath gel, baking soda, skim milk or dry Soya powder, bath salts, Dead Sea salts and Epsom Salts. All are great to add oils into and the salts are good for muscle relaxing effects. Add to the carrier up to 10 drops of your blend or favorite oils. However spice and mint oils are not recommended since they can have skin sensitizing effects. Great oils for the bath are Lavender, Eucalyptus, most floral oils like Neroli, Ylang Ylang and most herb oils like Marjoram, and Rosemary. Check for skin sensitivities prior to adding into the bath if you are concerned.

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Enlightened Hands Products for Salewww.enlightenedhands.com

Please contact Jeannine Millan directly at jeanninemillan@gmail.com regarding questions, certificates and purchases or phone 403-229-4840.

Jeannine Millan RMT Certified Aromatologist (CA)

Usui Reiki Master

www.enlightenedhands.com(403) 229-4840

Written by Jeannine Millan, RMT, Certified Aromatologist, Usui Reiki MasterPublished by Enlighened Hands ©2015 www.enlightenedhands.com