AROMA THERAPY

INTRODUCTION
 Aromatherapy is the practice out using
volatile plant oils, including essential oils,
for psychological and physical well-being.
 Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant,
have been found to provide both
psychological and physical benefits when
used correctly and safely.
 Aromatherapy encourages the use of other
complementary natural ingredients
including cold pressed vegetable oils,
jojoba (a liquid wax), hydrosols, herbs,
milk powders, sea salts, sugars (an
exfoliate), clays and muds.
 Perfume oils also known as fragrance oils
are not the same as essential oils and do not
provide the therapeutic benefits.
DEFINITION
 Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment based on
the external use of essential aromatic plant oils
to maintain and promote physical,
physiological, and spiritual wellbeing. The
essential oils may be used in massage, added
to a warm bath, used to moisten a compress
that is applied to the affected part of the body,
added to a vaporizer for inhalation, or diffused
throughout a room.
 Aromatherapy is a form of alternative
medicine that uses volatile plant materials,
known as essential oils, and other aromatic
compounds for the purpose of altering a
person's mind, mood, cognitive function or
health.
PURPOSES
 To relax from stress by enjoy the sensory
experiences of massage, warm water, and
pleasant smells.
 To improve a person's mental outlook and
sense of well-being by affecting the limbic
system.
 To stimulate emotional responses of
pleasure and relaxation by pleasant smells.
 For enhancement of energy and short term
memory.
INDICATIONS
.

ANXIE MENSTR
UAL
TY
CRAMPS
STRESS
RELATED
PHYSICAL
DISORDER
S
.

DEPRE
SSION
PANIC
ATTACKS

INSOMNIA
CONTRAINDICATIO
NS respiratory allergies, or
•Asthma,
chronic lung disease
•Skin allergies
•Pregnant women (as certain oils
may trigger uterine contractions)
•Children under the age of 5 years.
MECHANISM OF
ACTION Fragrance of oil
stimulate

Odor sensing/ olfactory nerve

send to

Brain (limbic system)

Calming effect Stimulating effect

 The other is the direct pharmacological effect
of essential oils. The oils are thought to
interact with the body’s hormones and
enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure,
pulse and other body function.
 Another theory suggests that the odors of
certain oils may stimulate the body’s glands to
produce pain-fighting substances.
 Some people believe that certain fragnances
unlock specific memories and the emotions
tied to those memories.
 COMMON ESSENTIAL
OILS
1. CHAMOMILE OIL-
 Chamomile is at the top of the list
of the most popular essential oils.
 Most calming, soothing &
relaxing effect
 Analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic
& digestive properties.
 It can be used to cure and control
acne.
 It also used for the treatment of
blisters and boils
 Chamomile is also useful for digestive and
gastric problems like indigestion, colitis
and irritable bowel syndrome. Flatulence
and gout can be treated with the use of
Chamomile essential oil.
 Chamomile essential oil when massaged
with base oil can help relieve nervous
tension like anxiety, fear and even mild
cases of depression.
2. EUCLYPTUS OIL-
 It has a balancing and
stimulating effect.
 It has analgesic, anti -
inflammatory, antiseptic and
antiviral properties.
 It can be used as an air
disinfectant.
 It is popularly used to treat
lung disorders like asthma and
bronchitis.
 Eucalyptus oil is used to topically treat cuts,
wounds and burns. It is also used to relieve
muscle and rheumatic pains by massaging it
into the skin.
 Eucalyptus oil is popularly used to treat flu as
a decongestant and it great for headaches
and sinus problems when inhaled or
massaged with base oil into the scalp.
3. LEVANDER-
 Lavender essential oil is used
and is popular for its calming
and therapeutic effects.
 It has analgesic, anti-
inflammatory, antiseptic,
diuretic and sedative
properties.
 It is used to treat skin
problems like acne, psoriasis
and eczema. It is used to
topically treat burns,
sunburns, wounds, sores and
insect bites.
 Lavender oil is also helpful in curing
bronchitis, sinusitis, flu, colds and throat
infections.
 As it is calming and relaxing, it helps induce
sleep and can help in the treatment of
insomnia.
 Speaking of babies, lavender essential oil can
be used to treat sleeping disorders in
toddlers.
4.GERANIUM OIL-
 Geranium essential oil has
antifungal, antiseptic,
antispasmodic and diuretic
properties.
 It is also used for skin conditions
like eczema and edema and is
used for the treatment of burns.
 It also helps in the prevention of
fluid and water retention.
 Geranium essential helps to cure
conditions like rheumatism, poor
circulation and tonsillitis.
5.BERGAMOT OIL-
 Useful in treating anxiety or
reversing the effects of
depression.
 Bergamot contains antiviral
and antibacterial properties
that help in getting rid of nasal
mucus. These same properties
are also responsible for treating
any form of itching or pain
associated with certain types of
allergies.
 To prevent the formation of scar tissue.
 Bergamot essential oil's antiseptic qualities
will prove to be useful.
 To relief from lower back pains or muscle
cramps as it has antispasmodic qualities.
6. LEMON OIL-
 Lemon is a popular citrus fruit
and is also recognized for its
contribution to aromatherapy.
 It has antihistamine, antiviral,
and antibacterial properties. It
also makes an effective first aid
treatment for wounds, minor
cuts, insect bites or stings
because it is known as a
natural antiseptic.
 Lemon oil is uplifting and anti-
stress/anti-depressant.
7. PEPPERMINT OIL-
 This oil can be very
beneficial particularly in
treating sprains, nausea,
lower back pain, or cramps.
 Its strong scent enlivens
senses to remain mentally
awake at work.
 This type of oil is too strong
for use on children and
pregnant women as it can
induce labor.
8. SANDALWOOD OIL-
 This type of oil is widely used to
facilitate for yoga meditation.
The aroma emitted by
sandalwood essential oil helps
to relax your mind and body,
relieving it from tension and
anxiety.
 This process is an important
prerequisite to reaching the
specific state of mind needed to
effectively practice meditation
while also increasing your
ability to concentrate.
9. TEA TREE OIL-
 Tea tree oil is an effective
essential oil used in treating
common skin problems as it has
astringent, antibacterial, and
anti- fungal properties.
 Therefore, it can help prevent
the formation of infection such
as acne, blemishes, earaches,
and sore throats.
 It is most effective on people
with oily skin and also a very
effective natural insect repellent.
10. YLANG YLANG OIL-
 Ylangylang essential oil is
powerful due to the combination
of benefits for the mind and
body.
 On the physical aspect, its
sedative properties help in the
stimulation of circulatory
system, treat palpitation, and
enabling the body to relax.
 On the mental aspect, its
soothing scent helps to relax
mind and provide emotional or
mental stability.
TECHNIQUES
MASSAGE

FULL BODY BATH

HAND OR FOOT BATH

INHALATION

DIFFUSION

COMPRESSION

AROMATIC SALVES

FOR INTERNAL USE

 1. MASSAGE- This is the technique that most
people associate with aromatherapy. For use
in massage, essential oils are mixed with a
vegetable carrier oil, usually wheatgerm,
olive, safflower, grape seed, or soya bean oil.

 2. FULL BODY BATHS- In this technique, the

essential oil is added to a tubful of warm (but
not hot) water, as the water is running. The
dosage of essential oil is usually 5–10 drops
per bath.
 3. HAND OR FOOT BATHS- These are often
recommended to treat arthritis or skin
disorders of the hands or feet as well as sore
muscles. The hands or feet are soaked for 10–
15 minutes in a basin of warm water to which
5–7 drops of essential oil have been added.

 4. INHALATIONS- This technique is used to

treat sinus problems or such nasal allergies as
hay fever. Two cups of water are brought to a
boil and then allowed to cool for five to ten
minutes. Two to five drops of essential oil are
added to the steaming water, and the person
leans over the container and inhales the
fragrant vapors for five to ten minutes.
 5. DIFFUSIONS-This technique requires the
use of a special nebulizer to disperse
microscopic droplets of essential oil into the
air, or a clay diffuser that allows the oil to
evaporate into the air when it is warmed by a
small votive candle or electric bulb. Diffusion
is recommended for treating emotional
upsets.
 6.COMPRESSES-
 These are made by soaking four or five layers
of cotton cloth in a solution of warm water and
essential oil, wringing out the cloth so that it is
moist but not dripping. Then applying it to the
affected part of the body.
 The compress is then covered with a layer of
plastic wrap, followed by a pre-warmed towel,
and kept in place for one or two hours.
 Aromatherapy compresses are used to treat
wounds, sprains, bruises, sore muscles,
menstrual cramps, and respiratory congestion.
 7. AROMATIC SALVES-Salves are made by
melting together 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and
1 oz of beeswax in a double boiler over
medium heat, and adding the desired
combination of essential oils.
 8.INTERNAL USE- Some essential oils such
as oil of peppermint and cinnamon can be
used to make teas or mouthwashes, or mixed
with a glass of honey and water. The dose
depends on the oil, but a physician,
naturopathist, or other practitioner should be
consulted.
TYPES OF AROMA THERAPY

 SIMPLE AROMATHERAPY
 COSMETIC AROMATHERAPY
 PSYCHO-AROMATHERAPY AND
PERFUMERY
 AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
 MEDICAL AROMATHERAPY
 SIMPLE AROMATHERAPY-
 A basic approach uses aromatic oils in a wide
range of methods, including vaporization,
aromatic bathing, local massage, cosmetic
creams, and steam inhalation, for first-aid
purposes and in the treatment of common
complaints.
 It can be adapted by nurses and other
professionals and used as an adjunct to
medical Treatment & it can help to ward off
infectious illness and promote general health
and well-being.
 COSMETIC AROMATHERAPY-
 The use of essential oils for skin and beauty
care is an ancient and specialized aspect of
Aromatherapy.
 It is a way of enhancing their beauty.
 Aromatic herbs, gums and oils were
incorporated into carefully formulated
cosmetic ointments and other beauty
preparations, as well as being employed in
the embalming process.
 PSYCHO-AROMATHERAPY& PERFUMERY-
 Used to describe the use of the
psychotherapeutic benefits of essential oils,
effected mainly by inhalation but also by
other methods of application.
 It can influence moods and emotions and
help to induce certain states of minds by
bringing about a state of relaxation or
through their energizing and stimulating
effects.
 AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE-
 There are many benefits to be derived from
combining massage with the use of essential oils.
 Aromatherapy massage has been largely influenced
by the French pioneer, Marguerite Maury, whose
research work was directly aimed at utilizing the
healing and revitalizing properties of aromatics,
especially through application to the skin.
 This approach is beneficial for the treatment of
stress-related disorders and requires a substantial
degree of training, both in acquiring massage
techniques and in understanding the many and
varied properties of the essential oils that may be
used.
 MEDICAL AROMATHERAPY-
 Medical Aromatherapy includes the systemic
use of essential oils in the treatment of
clinically diagnosed medical conditions.
 It adopts a wide range of methods, including
oral prescription.
 It should only be practiced by suitable trained
medical doctors or by clinical therapists, who,
like qualified medical herbalists, have
undergone a training period of at least four
years.
BENEFITS OF AROMA THERAPY
 Inhaling Essential Oils

 Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs

offer both psychological and physical benefits.
 Not only does the aroma of the natural
essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a
reaction, but when inhaled into the lungs, the
natural constituents (naturally occurring
chemicals) can supply therapeutic benefit.
The Benefit of Physical Application

 Essential oils that are applied to the skin can

be absorbed into the bloodstream. The
constituents of essential oils can aid in health,
beauty and hygiene conditions.
 To apply essential oils to the skin, essential
oils are typically diluted into a carrier such as a
cold pressed vegetable oil, also known as a
carrier oil. Common carrier oils include sweet
almond oil, apricot kernel oil.
Essential Oil Blends
 Essential oils can be blended together to
create appealing and complex aromas.
 Essential oils can also be blended for a
specific therapeutic application.
 Essential oils that are carefully blended with a
specific therapeutic purpose in mind may be
referred to as an essential oil syngery.
 A synergistic essential oil blend is considered
to be greater in total action than each oil
working independently.
PREPARATION
 Use of fresh oils and oil mixtures.
 Both essential oils and vegetable carrier oils
deteriorate over time and should not be kept
longer than one or two months.
 It is best to mix only small quantities of
massage oils or salves at any one time.
 AFTER CARE
 Aromatherapy does not require any particular
form of aftercare, although many patients
like to rest quietly for a few minutes after a
bath or massage with essential oils.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AROMA
THERAPY
 There are no risks involved in external
aromatherapy when essential oils are diluted
as recommended. Benzoin and other
essential oils derived from tree resins should
not be used internally.
 A few cases have been reported dissociative
episodes triggered by fragrances associated
with traumatic experiences. Patients in
treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) or any of the dissociative disorders
should consult their therapist before they use
aromatherapy.
 Skin irritations or other allergic reactions to
essential oils, and the development of
traumatic memories associated with specific
smells.
 PRECAUTIONS
 To avoid applying essential oils directly to
the skin as a form of perfume. Some
essential oils such as oil of orange or oil of
peppermint are irritating to the skin if
applied full-strength.
 When essential oils are used in massage,
they are always diluted in a carrier oil.
 To avoid taking essential oils internally
without a consultation with a physician or
naturopathist. Possible exceptions may be
peppermint oil and aloe.
ROLE OF NURSE