Macomb County Massage Therapist Discusses Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils

Macomb County Massage Therapy
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You can treat a wide Variety of physical problems with aromatherapy. Almost all essential oils have antiseptic properties and are able to fight infection and destroy bacteria,fungi,yeast,parasites, and /or viruses. Many essential oils also reduce aches and pain,soothe or rout inflammations and spasms,stimulate the immune system and insulin and hormone production,affect blood circulation,dissolve mucus and open nasal passages,or aid digestion-just to name a few of their amazing properties.

Aromatherapy can also have considerable influence on our emotions. Sniffing Clary sage, for example,can quell panic,while the fragrance released by peeling an orange can make you feel optimistic. Since your mind strongly influences your health and is itself a powerful healing tool,it makes aromatherapy’s potential even more exciting.

Essential oils are so small in molecular   size that they can quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin and are lipid soluble and capable of penetrating cell membranes,even if the membranes have hardened because of oxygen deficiency. According to Jean Valnet,M.D. essential oils can effect every cell in the body within 20 minutes.

Essential oils have a bio-electrical frequency that is several times greater than the frequency of herbs,food,and even the human body, and are made up of the same elements as the human body;hydrogen,nitrogen,oxygen,carbon,and sulfur. The oils also contain amino acids,the building blocks of protein.

Medicinal properties of aromatic compounds:

  • Terpenes and sesquiterpenes; antiseptic,antinflammatory,stimulating. found in a majority of oils citruses,flowers,leaves, seeds,roots and woods. Some oils in this group; cypress,ginger,sandlewood.
  • Phenols:stimulating strongly antibacterial, can be skin irritants,clove,oregano,some thyme.
  • Aldehydes: calming,sedating,antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cinnamon,cumin,lemon scents.
  • Alcohols: toning energizing,anti-bacterial,anti-viral.with pleasant uplifting fragrances, geranium,rosewood,rose,tea tree.
  • Ketones: dissolves mucus and fats, heals wounds, includes some toxic factors. oils in this group: sage,hyssop,peenyroyal,jasmine,peppermint.
  • Acids: anti-inflammtory,antiseptic,moisturizing. Mostly found with alcohols to create esters. birch,rosewood,niaouli.
  • Esters: balancing,relaxing,soothing,anti-spasmodic,antifungal with fruity aromas. Oils in this group: lavendar,bergamot,clary sage,ylang ylang,marjoram.
  • Coumarins: calming and uplifting,blood thinning,photosensitizing,some toxic properties. Oils in this group: bergamot,angelica,citruses.
  • Oxides: expectorant. Oils: eucalyptus,bay,hyssop.

Macomb County Massage Therapist Discusses Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils

Guidelines for safe use:

  • Keep oils out of the reach of children.
  • Most citrus oils are photosensitive and may cause a rash or dark pigmentation on skin exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Oils with high phenol content(oregano,thyme,clove,lemon grass and others) may damage contacts and irritate the eyes.
  • Epileptics and those with high blood pressure,and or pregnant, should consult their health care professional before using essential oils.
  • Do not add undiluted oils directly to bath water,use a bath gel for all oils, without a bath gel base,the oils can cause serious discomfort.( especially peppermint)
  • Keep oils away from flames,sparks or electricity,some oils including orange,fir,pine,and peppermint are potentially flammable.

As a massage therapist, I have enjoyed learning to use essential oils and their benefits, with indications and contra-indications. While at Total Health systems I was trained by Susie Bagswell,M.T.,  a special use of oils, to detoxify the body and help boost the immune system,incorporated into a massage session.

Macomb County Massage Therapist Discusses Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils

Article References:

  • Aroma Therapy Healing for the body and soul, author Kathi Keville.
  • Reference Guide for Essential oils Compiled by Connie and Alan Higley, 7th edition
  • Jean Valnet,M.D., The practice of Aromatherapy: a Classic Compendium of plant Medicines and their Healing properties.Rochester,Vt: Healing Arts Press,1980

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