Therapeutic Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient, natural holistic therapy.

This is an opportunity to receive a unique combination of essential and carrier oils designed to meet the needs of the particular client. It is applied in a skilled, safe and gentle way to the skin to stimulate the lymphatic drainage system and help to restore optimal natural balance within the body.

Essential oils come from plants and consist of natural but potent chemicals with therapeutic effects when used with knowledge and care. A session is deeply relaxing and a full body massage would be approx. 1 hour and twenty minutes. A full or partial massage treatment can be very successfully combined with a sound therapy of singing bowls and soma monochord.

Christina is a member of The Allied Health Council in relation to Therapeutic Aromatherapy and has a practise number. She is also trained in the ‘M’ Technique which is a very gentle massage technique designed for the very frail and dying.

Articles

Aromatherapy is an ancient, natural and holistic therapy. The common view is to perhaps regard it as something deeply relaxing and a special treat to experience once in a while. What perhaps aren’t appreciated are the essential oils themselves. What a privilege it is as a trained therapeutic aromatherapist, to work with the finest essences of plants to assist the various systems of the body and mind to work optimally.

Most of the oils share common properties such as anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Some have pain relieving qualities, others have more decongestant qualities, anti-spasmodic and diuretic qualities. Some are quite simply a nerve tonic. The list is huge and it is the skill of the trained therapeutic aromatherapist to know which oils to select and how to blend them in the correct dosage to treat the individuals’ condition effectively.

The oils work through the olfactory system (inhalation) and through skin absorption and are then carried through the circulatory system to every cell in the body. At cellular level, the body takes in what is required and the rest is eliminated.

The aim of the aromatherapy massage is to aid oil penetration, relax the body, improve circulatory and lymphatic systems as well as stimulate reflex areas and meridians. Through this gentle but effective massage technique, blood supply is improved, nerve impulses are unblocked, stress and tension are relieved and toxic wastes flushed out. The body can be helped to reach its optimal state of balance thus also optimising its natural healing ability.

Essential oils must never be used undiluted on the skin. They must always be diluted in a cold-pressed vegetable oil which acts as a ‘carrier’ oil. This is then readily absorbed. Not only does one receive the precious qualities of the essential oils but also the nutritional qualities of the carrier oil in terms of vitamins, minerals, lecithin and other valuable constituents.

Essential oils vary in fragrance, colour and thickness. They may be extracted from different parts of the plant such as roots, bark, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits and resins. The oils also vary in price considerably. Eight million jasmine flowers (approx. one ton) are required to make just under a kg of oil. To make 1kg of rose oil, 2,000 – 3,000 kg of rose petals are required. The petals also need to be picked drenched with early morning dew! It goes without saying that only the best quality essential oils are used for therapy work.

Cephalic oils such as basil, peppermint and rosemary can stimulate the brain whereas oils such as neroli and melissa can calm emotions and induce deep relaxation. Neroli is excellent for exam stress, especially for teenagers but also is extremely effective softening scar tissue since it has cell regenerating properties. The more mature person would perhaps benefit from Marjoram to relieve stress and it is also excellent for easing grief. Patchouli, Rose, Ylang Ylang and Jasmine are all known for their aphrodisiac qualities. The list is endless but what might be useful in this article is some information on our local indigenous essential oils which perhaps are not so well known.

Helichrysum is one of South Africa’s best kept aromatic secrets. Of the more than 600 species of Helichrysum in the sunflower family, 244 are native to South Africa. The name is derived from the Greek words helios (sun) and chrysos (gold). Ancient Greeks used this plant to heal wounds of soldiers injured in battle. The range of Helichrysum oils available is wide and the properties of each unique, so here are two examples.

Helichrysum splendidum (Cape Gold):

This is best known for its skin healing properties. It is particularly helpful in treating burns, scar tissue, psoriasis and sun-damaged skin. It is used in face and body products to filter UV rays and is useful in the treatment of sinusitis, muscular and joint pain. It also helps to address negative emotional issues such as anger, frustration, stress, depression and lethargy.

Helichrysum odoratissimum (Imphepho) also grows in the Cape:

In traditional healing, the leaves and stem are used as incense to invoke the goodwill of the ancestors. The smoke is also inhaled as a protective cleanser. The Essential oil is excellent for the treatment of muscle pain and reduction of swelling. It is also effective for allergies, colds and flu. It is known to reduce headaches and clear the mind. It also assists in reducing the muscle spasms of menstrual pain.

We are fortunate to have many local treasures here in the Cape such as Cape Snowbush, Cape May, Cape Chamomile and Blue Mountain Sage among others. No doubt there are many still to discover.