Some of the conditions aromatherapy is used for include:
anxiety, stress or insomnia
muscular aches and pains
headaches
digestive problems
menstrual or menopausal problems
You can choose to be treated by an aromatherapist, or you can buy certain oils at pharmacies and health shops and treat yourself.
If you visit an aromatherapist, he or she is likely to give you a massage using essential oils that have been diluted in a vegetable oil or a lotion.
Alternatives to aromatherapy
There are a range of conventional treatments for the health conditions listed. Ask your doctor for advice.
Where can I find an aromatherapist?
The Aromatherapy Council can supply a list of members and training establishments, along with more information about aromatherapy. Only courses that involve at least 180 hours of training are included on the list. A practitioner should have some training in anatomy and physiology, as well as in the use of essential oils and massage.
Aromatherapy is increasingly widely available. Many health clubs, sports centres, beauty clinics and complementary therapy centres now offer aromatherapy massage. Nurses in hospices and nursing homes use it. It may also be possible to find a private practitioner who will come to your home.
What will happen during a treatment session?
If you decide to visit an aromatherapist, you will first have a detailed consultation. The aromatherapist will ask you questions about your medical history, diet, lifestyle and health problems. You can also ask any questions you might have. Your therapist should not make a medical diagnosis as they are not trained to do so, but he or she can advise you on a course of treatment.
Aromatherapists practise holistically (treating the whole person) and try to find treatments and oils that suit you physically and mentally. Your aromatherapist may recommend a single oil for you or a blend of two or three. If you are having a massage, your aromatherapist will mix the chosen oils with what is called a carrier oil. These light oils, usually obtained from nuts or seeds such as almond or grapeseed, carry the essential oils and provide lubrication for massage. You should tell your therapist if you have a nut allergy. You may also be given advice about home treatments.
Your first session may last up to two hours because of the initial consultation. You may find that one session is enough or decide to continue with regular treatments at intervals of one to four weeks. Each of these will probably last about an hour.
Using essential oils at home
If you decide to use aromatherapy at home, you should only use diluted oils. Some of the ways you can use them include:
putting them in your bath
adding them to steaming water for an inhalation
using them in an incense burner to give fragrance to a room
adding them to unperfumed creams, shower gels, lotions and shampoos
It's important that you get advice from your GP or a registered aromatherapist before using essential oils as they can also have harmful effects. You should always buy essential oils from a reputable source and in small amounts (5ml to 10ml) as you will only use a few drops at a time. Always store the oils in tightly-sealed containers in a cool, dark place. If kept for too long, the oils will lose their therapeutic properties You should treat them as you would conventional medicines and keep them out of the reach of children.
Is aromatherapy effective?
The evidence of whether aromatherapy can improve health problems varies a great deal. Several studies have looked at the outcomes of different oils and aromatherapy techniques on a variety of diseases and conditions. Some of these have been controlled studies and may have involved using a placebo (dummy) treatment and seeing how it compares with the aromatherapy one. Others are much smaller and therefore less reliable as evidence. The results of these experiments are not conclusive and have led to conflicting points of view over how aromatherapy actually works.
Research suggests that it may be more useful in reducing symptoms of certain conditions than others. Some conclusions are:
aromatherapy has mild and short-lasting anti-anxiety effects
it may help if you have a type of baldness called alopecia areata
it may help prevent bronchitis
tea tree oil can help relieve acne and fungal infections
However, much of this research has been inconclusive and more work is needed.
There does appear to be stronger evidence for the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of tea tree and eucalyptus oils. Some patients with cancer develop ulcers on their face and neck and these can smell extremely unpleasant. A small study found that using these oils got rid of the smell very quickly and improved the patients' quality of life.
Deciding on treatment
Before using aromatherapy, you need to bear in mind that in their concentrated form the oils can be very powerful. You should handle them carefully and always dilute them - three to five drops in a bath is enough, using more may irritate your skin.
Aromatherapy may not be appropriate for everyone. You should take extra care if you have conditions including:
food allergies
hay fever
asthma
eczema
sensitive skin
Aromatherapy oils can have side-effects, including nausea, headaches or an allergic reaction. Some of them, including citrus oils such as orange, grapefruit and bergamot, react with ultraviolet light and can cause your skin to burn more easily in sunlight.
You should not use essential oils neat on your skin. Exceptions are lavender oil and tea tree oil but only in small amounts and not for long periods. You should not use them on broken skin. You should never eat or drink the oils. Aromatherapy is also not suitable if:
you have epilepsy
your blood pressure is high
you have deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot, usually in your leg)
you are (or may be) pregnant or breastfeeding
Some essential oils may affect certain conventional medicines, including antibiotics, antihistamines, sedatives and medication used to treat epilepsy. If you are taking any of these, you should always check with your GP before using aromatherapy. Most homeopaths advise you not to use essential oils if you are taking a homeopathic remedy.
Further information
Aromatherapy Council
0870 774 3477
www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk
Aromatherapy Trade Council
01473 603630
www.a-t-c.org.uk
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