Module 5 Flashcards
What dilution percentage would normally be used for: A. Adult body: B. Adult face: C. Pregnancy: D. Children 10+: E. Children 5-10 years: F. Children 2-5 years: G. Babies 6-24 months: I. Elderly: J. Adult body and face during pregnancy: K. Nursing: 1% L. Adult facial: 1-2 drops in 10mL
A. Adult body: 2.5–5% B. Adult face: 1% C. Pregnancy: 1% D. Children 10+: 2.5–5% E. Children 5-10 years: 1-2% F. Children 2-5 years: 1% G. Babies 6-24 months: 0.5% H. Infants birth – 6 months: 0.25% I. Elderly: 1.25–2.5% J. Adult body and face during pregnancy: 1% K. Nursing: 1%
Why would you use half the concentration for an elderly person?
Their body systems of slow down, and they don’t process chemicals as easily.
What is a blend equalizer?
Equalizers smooth out the sharp edges in the blend. They balance and hold the blend together e.g. Rosewood, fir, sweet orange, tangerine
What is a blend modifier?
A Modifier gives the blend a lift if the blend is flat and uninteresting e.g. clove, cinnamon, peppermint, German chamomile, vetiver.
What is a blend enhancer?
A blend enhancer has a pleasant fragrance and slightly modifies the blend without overpowering it e.g. bergamot, Cedarwood, geranium, clary sage, lavender, lemon, lime, Litsea cubeba, palmerosa, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Neroli, Rose, myrrh.
What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a herb that gently balances physiological processes, and encourages homeostatic balance in the body.
What are seven factors that influence the absorption of oils during massage?
1) Square area of the body
2) thickness of the skin
3) rate of circulation
4) temperature
5) hydration of the skin
6) warmth of the room
7) warmth of the carrier oil
What are some therapeutic benefits of massage? (14 listed)
- induces deep relaxation
- relieves mental and physical fatigue
- releases chronic neck and shoulder tension and backache releases chronic neck and shoulder tension and backache
- improves circulation to muscles which helps reduce inflammation and pain
- relieves neuralgic, arthritic, and rheumatic conditions
- can improve posture and mobility
- helps fractures, brakes, and dislocations to heal more rapidly
- improves digestion, assimilation, and elimination
- increases the ability of the kidneys to function efficiently
- helps control and eliminate headaches
- helps to release suppressed feelings
- improves either directly or indirectly the function of every internal organ
- improves kidney function
- provides a therapeutic effect of the specific essential oils being used in the massage
What types of massage techniques are included in an aromatherapy massage?
1) Effleurage: Long, smooth strokes using the flat of the hand (or fingers if working in small area); used to start off the massage and to apply the oil to the area; typically used several times throughout the massage
2) Petrissage: A number of movements including kneading, rolling, and picking up the skin and muscles
3) Friction: a penetrating circular movement which applies deep direct pressure to one particular area
4) shiatsu: literally means some pressure. Typical used along the spine (but never directly on the spine), the shoulders and lower back.
What are some contraindications to an aromatherapy massage? (14 listed)
- fever
- acute infectious disease
- acute inflammation
- acute osteoporosis
- varicose veins
- phlebitis
- Active cancer
- chemotherapy
- acute heart problems
- sunburn or other burns
- hypertension
- impairments (client is impaired by either drugs or alcohol)
- Contraindications of specific essential oils
Name some other topical applications for essential oils (8 named).
1) Bath - oils need to be diluted and either a carrier oil, sea salt, or Epsom salts and then put into the bathwater. Helpful for stress, relaxation, detoxification, edema, headache, menstrual problems, sore muscles, and insomnia
2) Foot bath - approximately five drops in either salts or a carrier oil and add to a foot bath. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Helpful for edema, circulatory conditions, arthritis, dry skin, and sore tired feet.
3) Mists: The base of the mist can be water or hydrosol. Needs to be shaken before each use. May use emulsifier to suspend the oil in the aqueous solution.
4) Compress: add a couple of drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm or cool water – place hand towel in the water and ring out excess. Place compress on particular area of the body; can be used for joint pain, muscle pain, headache, respiratory conditions, facials and burns.
5) Ointments: typically made with a combination of carrier oils and beeswax; the carrier oils are heated separately from the beeswax; important to make sure the temperature of the carrier oil is the same or slightly higher than the temperature of the beeswax, otherwise may end up with a gritty texture
6) Gels: usually clear or semi-opaque and can be made from water and a thickening agent such as a polymer or polysaccharide, or can be produced naturally in plants e.g. aloe vera gel. Gels generally absorb better than lotions or creams and do not leave a visible film on the skin
6) Sitz bath: also known as a hip bath. Fill a bathtub, covering hips, but only to the waist. Add five drops of essential oil to carrier oil or salt, soak in the bathtub for 5 to 10 minutes. Useful for cystitis, irritation of the anus or vulva, delayed or painful periods, lumbar pain, urinary ailments, gout, hemorrhoids, and constipation. Cold sitz baths are indicated for heavy menstrual bleeding, the flu, and to promote a sound sleep.
7) Douches: vaginal wash using a essential oils diluted in water. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 1 L of water, shake the mixture well. Add 1 teaspoon of cider vinegar to help maintain the pH balance. Can be used in a sitz bath, bidet, or in an enema or douche bag. Best position is lying on back; should be retained for 10 to 20 minutes. Should not be used on the regular basis because it can disrupt the normal, healthy bacterial balance. Not recommended by the AIA.
8) Lotions: very easy to make from scratch and ingredients can be controlled.
What are some of the inhalation applications for using essential oils (up to 5)
1) Direct inhalation: add 1 to 2 drops of a sensual oil to tissue and hold near the nose for a few minutes, inhaling deeply.
2) Nasal inhalers ply 15 to 20 drops of essential oil onto the wick and insert into the inhaler; inhale essential oil from the hole at the top of the inhaler
3) Vapourizer: add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to either a cool or warm water vaporizer
4) Diffusers: Electric or candle diffusers. Follow manufacturer instructions for how much essential oil to use. Candle diffusers should be made of clay pottery (neither metal or glass)
5) Steam inhalation: Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water, place towel over head, and inhale deeply for several minutes. Eyes should be kept shut.
What are some of the benefits of inhaling essential oils (6 listed)?
- helps alleviate nervous tension and stress
- relieves physical and mental fatigue
- relieves headaches
- assists with respiratory conditions such as asthma, colds, flu, sore throat, blocked sinuses, and coughs.
- cleanses the environment where the oil is being diffused
- benefits of the individual essential oil being used
Why do you need to be cautious when inhaling essential oils (3 points)?
How much oil you inhale or how long determines the amount being inhaled. It depends on several factors:
- The proportion of constituents entering the nose
- duration of inhalation
- method of inhalation
When should oral ingestion of essential oils be used?
Only under the guidance of a trained professional such as a doctor or medical herbalist who has specialty training in pharmacological interactions of essential oils and human physiology
