About Aromatherapy
by Eileen Mallard
This article is part of our 'About' series where we asked practitioners of various healing modalities and therapies the same set of questions to give you some background information, features of the healing modality, health benefits and what you might expect from a session with this type of practitioner.
1. What type of healing modality or therapy do you practice and how would you summarize it?
I practice in Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the therapeutic treatment using highly concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, roots, fruits and leaves that contain hormones, vitamins, antibiotics and antiseptics
2. Why did you decide to become a practitioner in this field and what do you enjoy most about it?
I was introduced to essential oils more than 10 years ago and began using them because I liked the fact that they are natural and I enjoyed their individual and synergestic aromas. I soon realized they offered so much more than just making a room smell nice and began making my own natural skincare as I was continually disillusioned with what was on offer on retail outlet shelves and the chemicals the products on offer contained. I went on to study and achieve my diploma in Aromatherapy in 2003 and I produce a range of natural skin care. I really get excited when I see results the oils can offer a person.
3. What is the history or foundation of this therapy/healing modality?
The use of essential oils dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians used oils in religious rites, perfumery and hygiene and for the embalming process. Greeks and Romans used aromatics in baths and massage. Arabs used aromatics to cleanse, purify & protect themselves from diseases. French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattesfosse coined the term ?romatherapie in 1937, when he witnessed first hand the healing power of lavender oil on healing skin burns.
4. What are the key features and components of this form of therapy/healing modality?
- Heal the body
- Alter moods
- Stir memories
- Arouse sexual desires
- Generally improve quality of life
5. Does this therapy/healing modality cater to the physical body, mind, emotions, spirit, or a combination of these?
Aromatherapy utilizes the essential oils to promote health & vitality of the body, mind and spirit. That is, we treat the person holistically.
6. When should someone visit this type of practitioner?
Aromatherapy has been found to be particularly helpful for the following conditions:
- Anxiety, stress, depression & nervous tension
- Fatique
- Insomnia and poor sleep patterns
- Headaches
- Low immune system
- Menstrual problems, pregnancy and menopause
- Poor circulation
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory conditions including asthma and sinusitis
- Muscular aches and pains, including before and after sports and workouts
- Skin conditions and skin care
7. What can someone expect from a session?
During the first session, details are taken of current health, medications, diet, lifestyle and the client's expectations of the treatment. This information enables the therapist to treat the client with essential oils chosen specifically to suit their needs, physically and emotionally at that time. The most effective way to get the oils into the body is via a specialized massage technique, incorporating acupressure, lymphatic drainage and facial massage. Base oils (usually vegetable, nut or seed oils) are used to dilute the essential oils as they are too highly concentrated to be used directly on the skin.
8. What are the most common outcomes for clients?
Depending on what the condition or reason for treatments and treatment plan. Clients can expect good responses from a treatment. That is relaxation, easing of skin conditions, headaches, etc.
9. Can you share some success stories from this form of therapy/healing modality?
a) From a client: After suffering from Molluscum Contagiosum (a skin infection characterised by smooth, round, pearly lumps) for approx. 7 months on the backs of his knees, my 4 year old boy was constantly frustrated and complaining about how itchy and sore they were. The doctor had originally prescribed Imiquimod 0.1% in Aqueous ointment which was to be purchased from the Royal Children's Hospital via post. This only irritated the surrounding skin even more. And did not remove one Molluscum. The doctor then attempted to remove them with dry ice. This was very painful and it only helped temporarily. They grew back again. I then contacted Eileen for an aromatherapy remedy, she first made me a blend to put in the bath, there was improvement in the appearance of the Molluscum in a few days. Eileen then made a second blend for my son and after putting it on for approx 5 weeks they were gone. I have been very happy with the results especially considering the Doctor had told me there nothing else that could be done for them except wait for the cycle to pass.
b) From a client: My daughter suffered from Molluscum Contagiosum for approximately 12 months before DD recommended I contact Eileen (as she had had great results with her son's treatment with Aromatherapy). My daughter suffered quite badly on the back of her knees, her groin and arms. Her doctor was burning them off every 6 weeks and said there was not much else he could recommend. After using Eileen's aromatherapy remedy for approximately 6 weeks I am happy to say that my daughter is now free of Molluscum.
c) A friend came to me for treatment of her anxiety. I came up with a treatment plan of fortnightly aromatherapy massage, using a blend of oils to help treat her, a massage oil blend and a shower blend for her to use in between treatments. After treating her for three months I am happy to say she is feeling so, much better. Her anxiety attacks are more infrequent now. She continues to use the blends and has more made up as needed. We swap them around using a 100% pure essential oil blend for her to burn and a pulse blend that she can take in her bag and use as required. She continues to have regular massage monthly. She has taken up mediatation and yoga and has found these classes to be most beneficial.
Thank you to Eileen Mallard of VIC, Australia for answering Peaceful Willow's questions about Aromatherapy. Eileen specialises in providing Aromatherapy treatments, relaxation massage, ear candling and Australian bush flower essences. For more information about Eileen please visit her website: www.good4youaromatherapy.com.