Natural products, notably plants and herbs, have long been seen as mankind’s medicine cabinet. For thousands of years healers and witchdoctors have used plant extracts to heal common ailments and even serious diseases. These potions have had mixed success and modern medicine largely discredits these approaches to healing. However many of the mainstream drugs that are produced in the pharmaceutical industry have their origins in the natural world. An alternative medical tradition that uses natural products to heal is aromatherapy. The basic definition of aromatherapy is the use of aromas to heal the mind or body. Many people are attracted to aromatherapy essential oil kits as a drug free, holistic approach to healing that they can use at home. This article will discuss types of aromatherapy essential oil kits and how they are used.

Many aromatherapy kits are created from common or garden varieties of everyday plants and fruits. For example, essential oils are created from Grapefruit to give perfumes scent and to flavor drinks. The term essential oils actually refers to a type of oil extraction performed on the product and molecular makeup from various plants. There are other ways to get aromatherapy oils, such as absolutes and infusions. However it is thought that aromatherapy essential oil kits are the best because they leave the least amount of trace elements from the original product that might cause irritation or allergic reactions from the skin.

Generally an aromatherapy essential oil kit can include a one or two oils or several different oils. The kit is geared towards an overall theme such that the oils complement each other is some healing synergy. So you won’t find a kit that has massage oils and healing salves together. Having said this, aromatherapy essential oil kits are relatively inexpensive so you can get different kits that target themes of relaxation, muscle healing or depression and anxiety relief. In fact, you can get an aromatherapy kit for as little as $15. Depending on how often you use it, it may last up to a year or even longer.

There are also beginners kits, which are essentially sampler or tester kits. They will have a large variety of essential oils in small sampler bottles. You will use these quite quickly but will discover what works for you and be more specific with your next purchase. A beginner kit may have a diffuser or way to use the essential oils if they are not applied to the body.

Once you have more experience with aromatherapy you can start to customize your kit. This will cost more money but it will include the types of essential oils that you like or you know work for you. You can mix and match themes so that you have essential oils for skin care, shampoos, soap and air borne diffusers.

Aromatherapy essential oil kits can make great gift for yourself or for family and friends. If you work hard and feel the pressures of stress and great way to relax at the end of the day is to set of an aromatherapy diffuser with your favorite relaxation essential oil. You can also give it to friends and family that may be having health problems. For the more romantically link friendships you can give massage oil kits that can bring pleasure and relaxation in equal measure.





By: Adrian Hardy

I have not been feeling very well lately, with a bunch of symptoms fatigue, weight gain, ect.. so I got lab tests done and went to an endocrinologist. She told me my vitamin d was a bit low and that basically that was causing every issue I was having. However, still feeling yucky, I went to an alternative health professional who is a phd but works naturally. She told me a load of things were wrong, High cholesterol, low red blood cells, low t3 function of my thyroid ect ect. when I look at the labs themselves they do say low or high, so how could someone as trained as an endo miss this??? or is this alternative woman taking it too far?

I want to stop using businesses that use perc because of the health hazards and pollutants. How can I dry clean items on my own in the laundry or find a dry cleaner that doesn’t use perc?

We all think of development as following a certain socio-economic developmental model, that can be applied almost universally. Are there any development models that have been suggested that focus more on building cultural capital, ensuring social and environmental harmony, and more on spiritual health than economic gain? (given that people have been supplied the basics)

Don’t buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Even if you only intend on using aromatherapy in your lifestyle for the sheer enjoyment of the aroma, essential oils that are breathed in can offer therapeutic benefits. These benefits do not occur with the use of perfume oils.

Be selective of where you purchase your essential oils. The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to company. Additionally, some companies may falsely claim that their oils are undiluted or pure when they aren’t.

Aromatherapy tips when followed properly can overcome both physical pains and mental stresses. It calms the anxious mind and heals all physical body pain. Following are the forbidden things of aromatherapy massage: Do not mistake perfume oils for real aromatherapy oils. Do not buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated, which will turn the rubber to gum thus ruining the oil.

In case of pregnancy, never use oils like cypress, basil, jasmine, juniper, arnica and marjoram.

Check the label. Keywords such as “perfume” or “fragrance oil” are a big sign that the oils contained within the bottle are not pure essential aromatherapy oils. Even though the bottle may have the term aromatherapy printed on it, if you see natural identical oil or fragrance oil on the label, then your aromatherapy oil more than likely contains unwanted perfumery chemicals.

Herbs have a variety of effects including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative or stimulant properties. By being aware of each plant’s properties and used carefully the man can be relieved of various symptoms or illnesses. In general, all essential oils have the ability to strengthen the immune system, and are detoxifying in nature. Essential oils can be used as preventative treatment; most symptoms can be reduced with regular treatment.

The therapeutic effects of rose otto oil is extremely complex. It contains more than 400 known ingredients. It is also one of the most expensive oils today. It originates from Bulgaria, and its production is a very tedious process. About thirty flowers are picked by hand in the mornings, these thirty flowers make one drop of oil. In fact, more than two tons of roses must be distilled to make a single pound of this essential oil.

The ways in which Aromatherapy can be practiced can be separated into five areas of specializations. Although it is impossible to draw hard and fast lines between these various aspects, classifications of this kind are helpful, at least in the short term, for the process of clarification and understanding. These different areas are: simple Aromatherapy for home use; cosmetic Aromatherapy; perfumery and the psycho-therapeutic use of oils for the effects of their odors on the mind; massage using essential oils; and medical and clinical Aromatherapy, where essential oils are used to treat medical complaints.

To prevent any unwanted problems arising from your aromatherapy bath, always make sure you use only essential oils to which you have no sensitivity. If you’re not sure whether you may have sensitivity to particular oil, an aromatherapy bath is not a good time to experiment. In addition, be aware that there are some oils that should always be avoided in an aromatherapy bath. These oils include cinnamon, black pepper, clove, thyme, nutmeg, basil, bay and oregano.





By: peterhutch

hello. so what do you think, should alternative medicine be covered by insurance? why yes or why not.
thank you.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that makes use of the body’s sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress as well as encourage better health. Aromatherapy uses volatile liquid plant materials called essential oils, and other compounds from plants for the purpose of healing.

Various fragrant substances are used during aromatherapy sessions, such as aromatherapy soy candles, and each smell can produce a different result. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used to help stimulate the body for people who are feeling sluggish. Lavender and chamomile can have the opposite effect as it helps a person relax.  Lemon and rosemary are effective at revitalizing a tired body.

Our sense of smell is very powerful.  In fact, the body can distinguish around 10,000 different scents!  As a scent is inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other ‘feel-good’ chemicals. In other words, aromatherapy triggers various responses in the body.

 

Aromatherapy also works by absorbing the essential oils that have been extracted from plants, fruits, herbs and flowers into the blood stream. This method is perfectly safe and if you’ve ever rubbed a fragrant lotion, cream or ointment into your skin or received a massage, you’ve already indulged in this type of aromatherapy.

Fragrances used in aromatherapy are many and are commonly added to:

 

- Lotions

- Inhalants

- Gels

- Candles

- Bath salts

- Vaporizers

- Perfumes, and

- Room sprays

Aromatherapy oils extracted from naturally occurring materials are unlike synthetic fragrances and perfumes which can cause allergies and irritation. Essential oils are safe to use for every one and evidence of its use has been found as far back as Ancient Egyptian civilizations.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

You don’t have to pay someone a fortune to do it – it is something you can learn to do at home

Many people seek out professional massage therapists or visit expensive spas for their aromatherapy sessions. While this is a great way to indulge if you can afford to, it’s easy to learn how to do aromatherapy right in the comfort of your own home.  All you need are some candles, essential oils or bath oils and a burner or diffuser.  You will also want to find a comfortable space for your aromatherapy session where you can totally relax.

There’s nothing unhealthy about it – Aromatherapy is a completely natural approach that will improve your health.

Aromatherapy is a great alternative to other treatment options such as prescription medications and caffeine. When used properly, there are no or very few side effects.  Some of the side effects that can emerge are due primarily to a person’s sensitivity to certain ingredients that they might have an allergic response to. Most people are aware of their particular sensitivities so you can easily avoid those.

Aromatherapy is great for alleviating minor discomforts before they become a big deal!

While aromatherapy isn’t going to cure a major illness, it is very effective at:

 

- alleviating minor aches and pains in joints

- improving the functionality of the immune system

- relieving the symptoms of menstrual cramps

- improving your skin tone

- relaxing muscles (something you can do every day if you want)

- lowering blood pressure

- clearing congestion

- improving circulation to the scalp which helps reduce dandruff and helps promote healthy hair growth

- relieving tension that causes headaches, and

- improving sleep

For more information about essential oils go to The Reference Guide for Essential Oils http://www.diffuserworld.com/detail.aspx?ID=93





By: Cathy Taylor

Find Spa and Aromatherapy Education in the United States and Canada. Once you have decided to further your professional goals in the spa, beauty and wellness field, pursuing spa and aromatherapy education at one of several career training schools can provide you with the skills necessary to gain entry-level employment or as an entrepreneur in the industry.

Today, most spa and aromatherapy education programs include basic studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology, practice management and occupational health and safety. However, depending on the individual vocational or natural health school, spa and aromatherapy education courses may vary. For example, some spa and aromatherapy education is primarily geared toward spa treatments and essential oil therapies, while a number of these courses may involve more advanced training in massage modalities, as well as energy medicine.

Comprehensive spa and aromatherapy education involves subject matter in aromatherapy, aromatherapy massage, chemistry and pharmacology (with regard to aromatherapy), Bach Flower remedies, beauty body treatments (and products, thereof), cosmetic chemistry and makeup application, facial treatments, manicure and pedicure, nutrition, massage (hot/cold stone, chair, facial/scalp and Swedish massage), hydrotherapy, spa-body treatments, waxing/hair removal techniques, as well as other skin nutrition therapies. Additional coursework entailed in spa and aromatherapy education like Reiki and reflexology are common electives.

Courses vary in duration and are often dependent upon the various studies, which are involved in the actual program. For instance, if students pursue spa and aromatherapy education, but the course involves esthetics and/or massage therapy, students can anticipate at least a 300-500 hour training program. In addition, state regulations often require that students who are pursuing spa and aromatherapy education, coupled with massage or esthetics, have achieved standard educational requirements respective to the state in which students reside. Therefore, it is always wise that prospective students review spa and aromatherapy education curriculums prior to applying.

Though many spa and aromatherapy education courses emphasize aromatherapy and spa treatments, more advanced studies will not only reward graduates with a diploma and/or certificate in spa and aromatherapy, but also in massage therapy, esthetics, and other studies (Reiki, reflexology, energy healing, etc.).

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding spa and aromatherapy education, let professional education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Spa and Aromatherapy Education: Subject Matter

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By: Steven Parbach

Hey so it’s the start of the New Year so of course everyone is running more including me. I get so sore the day after a good run. I’m not fond of the typical bengay stuff b/c it still too smelly even if it says now with no smell. I ice down my legs but it gets messy plus it’s so freaking cold outside anyways. I guess I’ll stick to OTC pain reliever pills. Does anyone have advice on muscle soreness from the natural/alternative medicine perspective? Thanks! Caroline

If you majored in alternative/natural/homeopathic medicine.. did it work out well for you? Do you like it? Are you glad you did it… reccomend it? Any info is great!