Health and safety is of paramount importance when working with the essential oils in the discipline of Aromatherapy because most oils are toxic and volatile. It is imperative that you discuss in detail your medical history with your therapist before you commence any program for your health condition. It is common that you will be given a different oil mix therapy for the same symptoms and/or condition you and your friend might have.
For similar reasons it is essential that the therapist should be in full knowledge of the other forms of mainstream or conventional medications, herbal medications or homeopathic or Ayurvedic program solutions you may be using. This is because in some cases, implementation of aromatherapy advise can counteract the benefits of other therapies, especially in the case of homeopathic programs as they both address the physical and subtle body of the client.
Discretion on the part of the therapist should be practiced and s/he should always be mindful of contraindications for massage and oils. Some contra-indications to aromatherapy massage are:
• Three months after a surgery – though the scar tissue may have seemed to heal, the inner layers may be tender, so massage of only the surrounding area is advised.
• Infectious diseases and those of skin – which may spread on massage.
• Thrombosis or phlebitis are inflammatory conditions of the circulatory system. Here massage can do more harm than good.
• Varicose veins or extensive bruising – massage should be done only in the surrounding area.
• Heart conditions – Massages are beneficial only post-heart attack. However, a doctor’s advice should be sought before proceeding with any regimen.
• Phototoxicity is another condition that can arise after an aromatherapy session. Phototoxicity is defined as having sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet rays of the sun, often causing pigmentation of the skin. It is essential that all the oils of the citrus family are not applied to any area of the body that will be exposed directly to sunlight within 4 hours of application. Sun beds should also be avoided in such a case. Besides the citrus family oils (lemon, orange, etc.), oils such as ginger oil, cumin oil, lovage oil, bergamot oil, angelica root oil are also known to cause phototoxicity.
On a similar note, there are some essential oils which are almost always toxic in some way. They are:
• Basil oil
• Clove oil
• Black pepper oil
• Turpentine oil
Though massage can be beneficial during pregnancy, only a few oils are completely safe for use in this delicate period. Some oils are emmenagogues (such as clary sage oil and chamomile oil, etc.) and will stimulate uterine muscles. This means that labor can be induced, especially in the early phases of pregnancy. They do however, prove beneficial during labor. Thus lavender oil or neroli (from orange blossom) oil are safe during the entire period of pregnancy. However, even these oils are to be avoided for application on abdomen during the first 16 weeks (four months) of pregnancy and on the soles of the feet, palm or ears at all times during pregnancy.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers) and An Urban Woman's Integrated Fitness Guide (Publishers: Hay House). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com. Visit www.mamtasingh.com