Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma Module 1

78 Pages·2013·3.14 MB·English

by  A James

Clinical Aromatherapy Diploma

Module 1

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Not for reproduction in any form without prior permission of both Essentially Holistic and Fleur Aromatherapy
Contents

CONTENTS ................................................................................................... 2
THE DEFINITION OF AROMATHERAPY ..................................................... 3
THE HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY ......................................................... 5
ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION METHODS ............................................... 17
ADMINISTRATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS .................................................. 26
CAUTIONS ON THE USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS ....................................... 30
STORAGE ................................................................................................... 33
METHODS OF USING ESSENTIAL OILS .................................................. 35
TABLE OF THE BASIC METHODS OF USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS .......... 38
BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS .................................................................... 39
APPROACHES TO BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS .................................... 42
CARRIER OILS USED IN AROMATHERAPY ............................................ 47
THE HOLISTIC APPROACH ...................................................................... 57
UNDERSTANDING DISEASE / PATHOLOGY ........................................... 63
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................. 70

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The Definition of Aromatherapy

‘Fragrant oil brings joy to the heart and a friend’s support is as pleasant as
perfume’
Proverbs 27 v.9

In order to begin any discussion on aromatherapy, the term ‘aromatherapy’
needs to be defined. It has become a very fashionable word illustrating
anything from cigars to perfume. There has been a failure to clearly
understand the meaning of the word and it has been used to provide
credibility for frivolous products. So as a therapist it is important that you truly
understand the meaning of ‘aromatherapy’

The Definition is:

‘Aromatherapy’ is the controlled and informed use of essential oils to maintain
and/or improve the health of the mind, body and spirit’
The Word Aromatherapy

I also searched the term ‘aromatherapy’ on-line and found the definition as:

‘Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential
oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in
combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a
holistic treatment approach’.
http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Aromatherapy

Rene Maurice Gattefossé
The word ‘aromatherapy’ is derived from the French word ‘Aromatherapie’,
which was first coined by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefossé. He burnt
his hand on a Bunsen burner. A pot of lavender was on the table and he
dipped his hand in. To his amazement the pain disappeared and he found the
healing process was quick. He started to investigate and research the healing
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properties of essential oils. Gattefossé used essential oils on wounds of those
who suffered in the terrible trench warfare of 1914-18. In his research he
discovered that essential oils take from 30 minutes to 12 hours to be
absorbed totally by the body after rubbing on the skin (15th International
Symposium on Essential Oils 1984 confirmed by H.Schilcher)

How does Aromatherapy Work?
The word ‘aromatherapy’ can be misleading; it suggests that it is a form of
healing which works exclusively through our sense of smell, and on the
emotions. Each essential oil has an individual combination of constituents,
which interacts with the body’s chemistry. It is important to recognise that
essential oils have three distinct modes of action when working on the body’s
chemistry.

 Pharmacological – When an essential oil enters the bloodstream it can
react with the hormones and enzymes causing a physical reaction to
the body.

 Physiological – The essential oil is sedating or stimulating to the body

 Psychological – When inhaled the essential oils affect the mind and
emotions.

The Word Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a treatment designed to help by the correct use and
application of essential oils obtained from plants. The word ‘aroma’ means a
fragrance or sweet smell, a subtle pervasive quality, the fragrance in plants,
spices and other substances, and ‘therapy’ means a particular type of
treatment.

The Many Forms of Aromatherapy
The statement ‘aromatherapy’ may encompass the use of essential oils in
foods, perfumery, cosmetics, medicine both orthodox and alternative,
psychotherapy or science. It is clear that aromatherapy exists in these many
forms; the focus of this course will be on what we now define as ‘Holistic
Therapy’.

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The History of Aromatherapy

Let’s take a walk through time and plot the journey of aromatherapy
from its first beginnings to the present day.
Ancient Egypt

Our story begins before the birth of Christ in Ancient Egypt. Aromatherapy is
without question linked to the development of aromatic medicine. Egyptians
used these aromatic potions in combination with religion, prayer and
mysticism. They honoured their Gods by burning sweet smelling woods,
herbs, spices and resins.

In Egypt perfumery was firmly linked to religion. Each deity had its own
special fragrance, and statues would be covered with scented oils. Their
embalming knowledge was considerable. The body would be taken to the
priest, who would produce specimen models of the body in wood; he would
then paint the model to resemble nature.

The process of embalming can be seen in this video;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jal3tzOrces

The herbs, resins and spices used to create the potions and perfumes were
transported across the deserts by Arab merchants meaning that only the very
rich could afford them. They often commanded prices higher than gold.

Between the 18th and 25th Dynasty the Egyptians refined the use of aromatics
creating incense, perfumes and cosmetics. Gabriel Mojay cites that
frankincense resin was burned to form ‘kohl’ which was used to line the eyes.

One of the best known perfumes, kyphi was used by the priest. It contained
up to 16 different ingredients including honey, myrrh, cinnamon, turpentine,
juniper, cardamom and wine. The Greek philosopher Plutarch wrote ‘Its
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aromatic substances lull to sleep, allay anxieties, and brighten dreams. It is
made of things that delight most in the night’.

A video of making Kyphi can be viewed on this link:
http://vimeo.com/50515159
The password to view if required is incense

This is the recipe I used to make the Kyphi:
http://www.greenchicafe.com/egyptian-kyphi-incense-recipe

We now move through history and time
China and the Qin Dynasty

In China the Yellow Emperor Huang Ti included herbal medicine in his book
on disease called ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ dated
from 2000 BC. Remedies such as ginger and opium, which apart from their
therapeutic applications are known to have been utilised for religious
purposes.

We continue our journey a little further
Traditional Indian Medicine
Ayur Veda, incorporated plant extracts and essential oils into its healing
potions. One of the oldest books ‘VEDAS’ was documented around this time
by the Rishis. The Rishis who were the ancient holy men developed
Ayurvedic medicine. They made huge advances in the medicinal knowledge
and also of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Ayurveda is
derived from the Sanskrit words “Ayur” meaning life and “Veda” meaning
science or knowledge. It is a way of life which works on the physical, spiritual
and mental bodies aiming to bring them all into balance. It lists over 700
substances including cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, coriander and sandalwood.
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Their understanding of plant lore developed into the traditional Indian or Ayur-
Vedic system of medicine, which has enjoyed an unbroken transition up to
the present day. Versions of the ‘Vedas’ are available today

We slowly progress through time and change continent, we’re here for a while
so you can kick off your shoes!
The Ancient Greeks
As the Egyptian empire crumbled Europe took on the role of evolving new
methods or healing which came from a more scientific view of the body.

The Greeks learnt a great deal from the Egyptians; Herodotus and
Democrates, who visited Egypt during the fifth century BC, were later to
transfer what they had learnt about perfumery and natural therapeutics. They
also visited the ‘Cradle of Medicine’ in Egypt and learnt their perfumery and
natural therapy recipes which they then set up the first medical school on
Cos.

The earliest known Greek physician was Asclepius who practised around
1200BC. On his death he became the god of healing in Greek Mythology.

Next in our journey we meet Hippocrates who came to be known as ‘The
Father of Medicine’. He was born in Greece about 460 BC. He described the
effects of 300 plants. He wrote ‘The way to health is to have an aromatic bath
and scented massage every day’. He also prescribed perfumed fumigation’s
and fermentations. One of his famous preparations was made from myrrh,
cinnamon and cassia and was called ‘megaleion’ after its creator Megallus.
Like the Egyptian ‘kyphi’ it could be used both as a perfume and as a remedy
for skin inflammation and battle wounds. He believed that surgery was a last
resort and was one of the first to view the body as a whole, thus creating
‘holism’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2LnqnJY9OQ
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Theophrastus, a philosopher and student of Aristotle investigated plants and
even how scents affected the emotions. He wrote several books including ‘the
History of Plants’. This book was used for many centuries and he is generally
referred to as the founder of botany

Dioscorides was a military physician who served in Nero’s army. In order to
study herbs he marched his army across much of Europe, recording what he
saw. He wrote ‘De Materia Medica’ in which he gave a detailed account of the
healing properties of many herbs. This was translated into Persian, Hebrew,
Arabic, Anglo-Saxon and other languages.

The last Greek to note is Claudius Galen. He studied medicine from the age
of seventeen. His first job was to treat the wounds of Roman gladiators. It is
said that not one was lost under his care. He became personal physician to
the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. This placement gave him the
opportunity to study further and deepen his knowledge. A century after his
death the Roman Empire began its decline

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Biblical Times
When the Jewish people began their exodus from Egypt to Israel around
1240 BC, they took with them many precious gums and oils together with
knowledge of their use. On their journey, according to the Book of Exodus,
the Lord transmitted to Moses the formula for special anointing oil, which
included myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia and olive oil. This holy oil was
used to consecrate Aaron and his sons into priesthood. Frankincense and
myrrh, as treasures from the east, were offered to Jesus at his birth. The
Phoenician merchants also exported their scented oils and gums to the
Arabian peninsular and gradually throughout the Mediterranean region.
The Song of Solomon from the Old Testament has many references to
aromatic substances:
http://www.bartleby.com/108/22/1.html

*On a personal note some of this song was used as a reading at my wedding.
This was sometime before I became an aromatherapist – perhaps my path
was already made.*
This is a wonderful book to read – although fictional it is based on the biblical
texts.

The Romans
The Romans were very lavish with their perfumes. They used three kinds of
perfumes: ‘ladysmata’, solid unguents; ‘stymmata’, scented oils; and
‘diapasmata’ powered perfumes. They would fragrance their hair, bodies and
their clothes and beds. Large amounts of scented oils were used for massage
after bathing. Lavandula Stoechas known as French Lavender inhabited the
islands of Hyeres, which the Romans called ‘Stoechades’ after the plant.
They used this plant to perfume their baths (probably the foundation of the
plants name – from the Latin, lavare, to wash). After the fall of the Roman
Empire many of the Roman physicians fled to Constantinople taking the
books of Galen, Hippocrates and Dioscorides with them. These great Graeco-
Roman works were translated into Persian, Arabic and other languages, and
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at the end of the Byzantine Empire, their knowledge passed on to the Arab
world, Europe, meanwhile, entered the so-called Dark Ages.

We now arrive in Persia
Persia
It is here that the next chapter begins. Al-Razi is considered to be one of
Persia’s finest physicians. Known to Westerners as Rhazes he had a large
influence on medicine with his 237 books and articles. Ibn Sina (known as
Avicenna) the Physician and scholar wrote books on the properties of plants
and has been credited with the invention of the refrigerated coil, a
breakthrough in the art of distillation. The first preparation of rose water by
Avicenna was in the tenth century.

In 1975 Dr Paolo Rovesti led an archaeological expedition to Pakistan to
investigate the ancient Indus Valley civilisation. There, in the museum of
Taxila at the foot of the Himalayas, he found a perfectly preserved distillation
apparatus made of terracotta. The presence of perfume containers also
exhibited in the museum dating from the same period, about 3000 BC,
confirmed its use for the preparation of aromatic oils. This discovery suggests
that the Arabs simply revived or improved upon a process that had been
known for over 4000 years.

We now travel through time to the Anglo-Saxon era
Anglo-Saxon
The oldest surviving English botanical medicine text is the ‘Leech book of
Bald’. It was produced around 900-950 by a scribe called Cild under the
direction of Bald who was a friend of the King (Alfred the Great) The text
describes 500 plants along with ancient lore, magic and shamanism along
with how they are used in amulets, baths etc.
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