Essential of Aromatherapy

Ø      How to Find the Best Aromatherapist!

Ø      Safety and Warnings!

How to Find the Best Aromatherapist!

There isn't a spa in this country that doesn't offer aromatherapy facials, massage, and other treatments.  And aromatherapy is included in many wellness programs.  But aromatherapy practitioners aren't licensed in the United States.  Although certificate programs are offered at different institutes nationwide, there are currently no industry standards for aromatherapy practitioners.  Anyone can hang up a shingle.

One way to check a practitioner's degree of commitment to alternative medicine is to see if he or she is trained in other areas, such as naturopathy, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, or massage therapy.  Find out how long the person has studied and has been practicing.  Being more interested in whether he or she is an herbalist or an acupuncturist that if they have a certificate from an aromatherapy program is more important in the long run, as an aromatherapy certificate program could last anywhere from one month to a year.

• Ask friends.  Look for a practitioner by asking your friends about their experiences with aromatherapy.  Ask for as many details as they are willing to share.  Basically, you want to know if the experiences were good ones.
• Ask for referrals.  If you're working with a chiropractor, naturopath, herbalist, or physician who is interested in alternative medicines, ask for a referral.
• Notice if the first visit lasts at least a half hour.  Seek a practitioner who will focus on stress relief or body care, and will look at your overall health while incorporating aromatherapy.  
• Be wary of quick-cure promises.  You practitioner cannot promise a cure on the first visit.  He or she should provide essential oil recommendations only after taking a detailed history including diet, lifestyle and allergy issues.  You should see results from acupuncture within the first three to six visits.  

Safety and Warnings!

When it comes to using aromatherapy safely, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Don't use undiluted essential oils.  Many essential oils can irritate, burn, or cause photosensitive reactions.  A photosensitive reaction means that the oil makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, making it easier to burn.  Citrus oil are especially problematic in this regard.  Be sure to read the label on the bottle and note whether the essential oil is already diluted, since many commercial products come that way.
• • To dilute it yourself, add about 5 or 6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of a carrier oil.  Jojoba oil never goes rancid, making it a good choice.  It is more expensive than safflower or almond oil, which are also good choices.  Also adding a few drops of vitamin E oil to the mix can help keep the mixture fresh.
• One use when appropriate.  Skip aromatherapy altogether if you're pregnant since some oils (like pennyroyal) can prompt miscarriage.  If you have asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, open wounds, diabetes, rashes, or a neurological disorder, get approval for the use of aromatherapy from your health-care provider. 
• Keep your aromatherapy practitioner informed.  Be sure to inform your practitioner if you're taking any prescription medications. 
• Do the skin test.  Before you use any essential oil for the first time, dab a little of the diluted oil on your inner arm or the nape of your neck.  Wait for 12 hours to make sure there's no redness or itching.  If your skin does get irritated, apply vegetable oil directly on the outbreak.  Check with you physician if the rash doesn't clear in 24 hours.
• Watch for Allergies.  If you're sensitive to synthetic fragrances, you may be allergic to essential oils.  If you're allergic to chamomile tea, you might be allergic to chamomile essential oil.
• Never take an essential oil internally.  The most toxic are eucalyptus, hyssop, mugwort leaf, sage, tunsy, thujone, and wormwood.  If you have an aromatherapy book that tells you to take the oils internally, discard the book.  This is not something you should be doing on your own.
• Err on the cautious side with children.  Although essential oils are safe for kids, geranium and some of the citrus essential oils are photosensitive and can cause a serious sunburn when children are exposed to the sun.  It's best to avoid using those oils topically on children.
• Follow directions.  Read all label warnings on the essential oil packaging and use as directed.
• Protect your eyes.  Keep essential oils away from your eyes because they can cause irritation.
• Store for freshness.  Store your essential oils in a cool place or refrigerate the essential oils you buy.  Keep in mind, though that the shelf life for most oils is about two months.