What are the risks of aromatherapy?
Mar 20, 2017 · During the first trimester of pregnancy, aromatherapy may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid peppermint essential oil, as it may be expressed in breast...
What are the contraindications of aromatherapy?
Pregnant women and people with certain conditions, including epilepsy and high blood pressure, should consult their doctor before using any aromatic plant oils. Some oils can be dangerous during pregnancy and for people with certain conditions. Sensitivity to aromatic plant oils Undiluted aromatic plant oils used over sensitive areas, such as nostrils or on sensitive skin, …
What do you need to know about aromatherapy?
swelling. itchiness. Another consideration is the lack of regulation over essential oils and essential oil products used in an aromatherapy massage. Since many essential oils …
Are there any risks in using unsalted aromatic plant oils?
Health Risks Associated with Aromatherapy. The use of essential oils, when applied properly, is generally safe. The oils should not be taken by mouth or put on the skin without first diluting them in a bland carrier oil, typically a vegetable or nut oil. And, even when diluted, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the oil on their skin.
What are risks of aromatherapy?
Some oils produce toxins which can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system, especially if taken internally. Swallowing essential oils can be hazardous, and fatal in some cases. Individuals with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy: An allergy, or allergies.
What are the precautions of aromatherapy?
General precautions to takeKeep essential oils out of reach of children and pets. ... When diffusing, don't exceed 30- to 60-minute intervals. ... Only diffuse in well-ventilated areas. ... When in doubt, dilute the oil. ... Never use photosensitizing oils before UV exposure. ... Always wash your hands after using essential oils.More items...•May 9, 2019
What is a contraindication in aromatherapy?
Contraindications for Aromatherapy Massage: Babies and young children: only a quarter of the normal dose of essential oils should be used. 2 . Elderly people or someone on medication: Use only half the dose. 3. Epilepsy: certain oils should be avoided, eg.Sep 15, 2021
What are the safety precautions associated with pre blended oils?
Always keep undiluted essential oils or pre-blended mixes away from the eye area. They will also be damaging to delicate surfaces such as highly polished surfaces.
Can breathing essential oils be harmful?
“In fact, breathing in the particles released by the oils may actually trigger airway inflammation and asthma symptoms,” she says. “The strong odors emitted by essential oils may contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs are chemical gases that worsen air quality and can irritate the lungs.”Oct 28, 2021
Is it safe to inhale essential oils?
'. The answer is yes it is safe, but even more than that, breathing in essential oils can be good for you. Inhaling essential oils isn't just pleasant because of their gorgeous scents and aromas they release, but it can actually positively affect your mental and physical wellbeing too.Jun 4, 2020
What are the contraindications and cautions of aromatherapy?
Not all essential oils are suitable however for use in aromatherapy. Some oils are carcinogenic, phototoxic, hepatotoxic, neuro-toxic and renal toxic. Others can cause sensitisation and irritation and should not be applied to the skin.
What would restrict a aromatherapy massage?
Total ContraindicationsFever.Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem.Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication.Recent operations or acute injuries.Neuritis.Skin diseases.
Do essential oils interact with medications?
Unfortunately there aren't many studies on how essential oils may interact with different medications. But because they do contain high concentrations of active compounds that are metabolized by the body when ingested or applied topically, there is a very real possibility for dangerous drug interactions.Apr 19, 2018
What are oil precautions?
ESSENTIAL OILS ARE VERY BENEFICIAL, PLEASURABLE AND SAFE TO USE AS LONG AS A FEW COMMON-SENSE PRECAUTIONS ARE FOLLOWED: Avoid contact with the eyes or mucus membranes. Essential oils can sting when they get in the eyes or on mucus membranes. Rinse the affected area with a plain vegetable oil.
Which pre blended oil would be most beneficial on a client suffering from depression?
Best used for: Lavender essential oil can be useful for lowering anxiety, decreasing stress, improving mood, and helping you relax more.
What is the effect of using relaxing pre blended oils on the circulatory system?
Once the oils enter the bloodstream they have an effect on the cells of the body to trigger different responses, such as lowering the heart rate and blood pressure. When oils are pre-blended, they have been mixed to perform a specific objective, for example to invigorate or to calm.
What is aromatherapy?
Things to remember. Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical wellbeing. Aromatherapists blend therapeutic essential oils especially for each person and suggest methods of use such as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate the desired responses.
How are essential oils extracted?
Essential oils are extracted from plant material using steam or water distillation. Selected plant materials are heated with steam, water or both until the essential oil vaporises. The oil then condenses as it cools.
Where is aromatherapy practiced?
Although aromatherapy has been practised for centuries in various cultures, the modern version was developed mainly in France. Aromatherapy has not yet undergone as much scientific scrutiny as other complementary therapies, but itmay be effectivein helping with some complaints.
Can you swallow aromatic plant oils?
Aromatic plant oils are very potent and should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin. People with asthma and those prone to nose bleeds should use caution when inhaling vaporising oils.
Can eucalyptus oil cause skin irritation?
Sensitivity to aromatic plant oils. Undiluted aromatic plant oils used over sensitive areas, such as nostrils or on sensitive skin, could irritate or burn the skin. In some cases, there may be an allergic reaction such as a skin rash in susceptible people. Some of the oils that may cause problems include: eucalyptus.
Why do people use aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy massage is used for a variety of different reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood. These are also some of the basic benefits of massage therapy. Adding essential oils is thought to enhance such benefits. Some of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy include:
What essential oils are used in massage?
ginger. lavender. lemon. orange. peppermint. tea tree. Aromatherapy is often added to a traditional massage session as an extra service. The massage therapist might diffuse an essential oil in the room during your session or they might add a few drops of oil to massage lotion and apply it directly to your skin.
Can you use essential oils in aromatherapy?
Essential oils can be added on to any type of massage for aromatherapy purposes. Massage therapy has been linked to short-term decrease in physical aches and pains and improved mood. Adding an essential oil for an aromatherapy massage can potentially enhance the effects.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy itself consists of the manipulation of muscles and lymph nodes through professional pressing and rubbing techniques. Some types of massages include: deep tissue. Swedish. prenatal. hot stone massage. Essential oils can be added on to any type of massage for aromatherapy purposes.
Does chamomile help with anxiety?
Another study looked at the effects of chamomile and massage therapy for anxiety relief. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the results showed a greater decrease in anxiety symptoms after massages with chamomile versus massage without aromatherapy.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for certain benefits. Examples include lavender, orange and bergamot, and eucalyptus. These “aromas” are all plant-based derivatives from herbs, tree extracts, and flowers.
Is aromatherapy bad for you?
Aromatherapy massage risks. There are generally few risks associated with aromatherapy massage. One consideration is possible sensitivity to the essential oils used during your session. Your massage therapist should always dilute the oil with massage lotion or a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
How to use essential oils for a bath?
For the oils to enter through the skin the patient should: 1 Gently massage the essential oils which have been mixed with a carrier oil onto the skin. The role of the carrier oil is to help spread the essential oil over the skin. 2 Add six to eight drops to a bath and sit in it for at least ten minutes.
Why is aromatherapy used?
Today, aromatherapy is used as an alternative treatment for pain, wounds, infections or stress. It is a safe treatment as long as ...
How does essential oil affect mood?
As the person breathes in the essential oil’s scent, their body’s sense of smell is stimulated. In response, the brain releases certain chemicals which can affect the person’s mood. But, if the oil is massaged onto the skin, it will be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Where do essential oils come from?
The essential oils used in aromatherapy come from over two hundred different plants. They are found in many parts of the plant, including the veins, sacs, glands and glandular hairs of aromatic plants. There are several ways of getting the essential oils out of plants with distillation being the most frequently used ...
Do aromatherapists use essential oils?
Aromatherapists insist on using natural oils that have had nothing added to them (e.g., no chemicals to make essential oils last longer). Essential oils are sold in many forms – as single oils, mixed together in blends or already mixed with carrier oils.
Does aromatherapy help with relaxation?
Although aromatherapy can help people relax, its power to treat medical conditions has not been scientifically proven. Some opponents even argue that its demonstrated relaxing effects are merely due to the massage rather than the oil itself. Other skeptics think that aromatherapy is just a pleasant placebo.
Is it safe to use essential oils in aromatherapy?
Health Risks Associated with Aromatherapy. The use of essential oils, when applied properly, is generally safe. The oils should not be taken by mouth or put on the skin without first diluting them in a bland carrier oil, typically a vegetable or nut oil. And, even when diluted, some people may experience an allergic reaction to ...
Is aromatherapy bad for you?
The dangers of aromatherapy are rarely mentioned. Aromatherapy can help ease stress, improve your mood and energy levels, and calm anxiety. Unfortunately, there are also some dangers that come naturally with essential oils.
Is it safe to use essential oils in aromatherapy?
Now that you’re aware of the risks, you can adjust your aromatherapy sessions so that it’s as safe as possible for you and everyone in your living environment. Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy!
Is essential oil a natural product?
While pure essential oils are natural products, they’re also highly concentrated forms of plants with the potential to impact the human body and mind in powerful ways. One of the biggest mistakes that new users make is to apply too much at one time. This is one case where you can get too much of a good thing.
Can essential oils burn your skin?
Some oils can irritate or even burn the skin while others are toxic when ingested. If you’re using your essential oils only for aromatherapy , then these warnings won’t apply to you.
Can you diffuse essential oils for asthma?
Children with asthma are often triggered into attacks by diffused essential oils, and you don’t want to compromise the breathing of someone who is already struggling. You should start with very little oil diffused for a short period of time if you want to try this around someone with respiratory issues.
Can pregnant women ingest essential oils?
You should never ingest essential oils when pregnant, but what about diffusing oils or adding them to aromatherapy jewelry? This is a controversial topic, and every expectant mother must decide where she wants to stand.
Who is David Crow?
I had the pleasure of speaking with David Crow, a doctor of Oriental medicine, an aromatherapy educator, and the owner of Floracopeia, in Nevada City, California. Crow travels around the world to meet with distillers, import exotic oils and teach seminars.
Who is Katie Haley?
Katie Haley is an esthetician, spa specialist and licensed massage therapist, and is a certified medical aromatherapist in France. She is a past president of the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, Central Florida chapter, and a national educator for BIOTONE. She owns#N#CosmicFlower Aromatherapy Inc., in Orlando, Florida.