Wellness Therapies Flashcards
Three natural therapies
Aromatherapy
Phytotherapy
Algotherapy
Natural therapies involve ingredients extracted from
Herbs
Flowers
Sea plants
The earth
Def of aromatherapy
Controlled use of essential oils
Essential oils should not be __________ or _______ without being ___________
Exceptions?
Essential oils should not be used internally or applied directly to skin without being diluted in a carrier oil
Lavender and tea tree oil
Common issues with aromatherapy (essential oils) and what not to use for those
Phototoxicity (sensitivity to sunlight) - Angelica root, bergamot, cumin, ginger, lemon, lime, and orange
Skin irritation - allspice, basil, black pepper, eucalyptus, pine needle, thyme, and peppermint
Pregnancy - basil, cedarwood, cinnamon, fennel, and thyme
How aromatherapy can be used/applied
Can be applied by massage; used in skin care products, compresses, body wraps, scrubs, lotions, and diffused in the air
Antibacterial and antimicrobial property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Helps body fight off and kill harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses
Antiseptic property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Prevents bacterial growth on skin; heals skin eruptions with external application
Astringent property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Provides a constricting, drying effect; helps contract tissue and reduce secretions
Anti-inflammatory property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Reduces tissue swelling and soothes swollen muscles
Analgesic property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Relieves pain either by relaxing muscles or reducing pain signals to the brain
Antioxidant property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Fights harmful oxidation, which leads to free-radical attack
Regenerative and wound healing property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Promotes cell regeneration so the skin can repair itself
Soothing and calming property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Calms the nervous system, reduces irritation, helps reduce stress
Stimulating property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Increases blood flow at the surface of the skin
Moisturizing property of aromatherapy - primary actions
Softens dry or flaky skin, conditions, soothes, and protects skin
5 methods of how essential oils are obtained
Steam distillation: most common; steam is percolated through plant material, pulling off volatile oils, which are then condensed; oil separates from water
Expression: squeezes fragrant oil out of an ingredient
Extraction: uses chemical solvent (petroleum or ether) to leach aromatic component from plant
Enfleurage: steeping matter in oil or fat, which absorbs materials fragrance
Maceration: plunging substance into hot oil or fat, which absorbs ingredients fragrance
areas during a facial to add essential oils (7)
Massage
Steam or warm towels
Masks
Paraffin wax treatments
Hand or foot soak treatments
Mud treatments
Body wraps
Aromatherapy shown in the treatment room
Room diffuser
Ultrasonic diffuser (little water no heat)
Soothing aroma fragrances
Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang
Energizing essential oils
Lemon, grapefruit, mint, and eucalyptus
Lavender uses
Used in many facial and body treatments and products; soothes swollen muscles
Orange oil uses
Pleasant aroma; acne; sedative
Peppermint oil uses
Cooling, calming, and relieves tension and aches in sore muscles; antiviral, insecticidal
rosemary oil uses
Helps boost immune system, relieves aches and pains, and relieves muscle tension; invigorating, purifying
Rose oil uses
Promotes skin healing; tightens skin
Sandalwood oil uses
Relieves sore muscles, soothes irritated skin; acne
Lemon oil uses
Refreshing aroma; rejuvenating, nourishes, and hydrates skin to prevent aging; acne
Tea tree oil uses
Acne/problem skin; good for cuts and abrasions
Eucalyptus oil uses
Relieves stiff, sore muscles; boosts circulation
Ylang-ylang oil uses
Enhances circulation; soothes irritated skin; increases microcirculation
Neroli oil uses
Oily skin, mature skin; helps with scars and stretch marks
Chamomile oil uses
Any skin conditions, any treatment; helps with headaches
Fragrance categories (6)
Floral
Oriental
Forest or wood
Spice blend
Fruit blend
Modern blend
Carrier oils and benefits (7)
Jojoba oil - moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antifungal
Coconut oil - antibacterial, antifungal, moisturizing
Sunflower oil - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating
Grapeseed oil - moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
Almond oil - rejuvenating and moisturizing
Apricot kernel oil - moisturizing, stimulating, anti-inflammatory
Olive oil - moisturizing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory
Phytotherapy def
Medicinal use of plants (herbalism)
3 methods of Phytotherapy treatments
Infusions: herb steeped in a container such as a tea bag or tea ball in boiling water; herbal teas are infusions
Decoction: boiling loose herbs in water
Poultice: mixing crushed herbs and hot liquid to form a paste; placed directly on skin or folded into a hot towel to use as a compress
3 Phytotherapy actions
Botanicals: plant ingredients
Tinctures: soaking herbs in alcohol to extract active ingredient
Ointment: thick cream or sale made from herbs and petroleum
Basic Phytotherapy ingredients (13)
Lavender - flowers
Aloe Vera
Algae
Avocado
Green tea
Echinacea
Mulberry
Willow bark
Licorice root
Eucalyptus
Ylang-ylang
Mushrooms
Chamomile
Algotherapy def
Therapeutic uses of seaweed or algae (algae therapy)
How Esthes use seaweed (4)
Extracts and gel diluted with water or toner then applied on skin
Mixed into masks, moisturizers, and body products
Body treatments; powdered seaweed mixed with different liquids to form a paste
Seaweed powder mixed in therapeutic baths
Thalassotherapy def
Treatments using sea products; seawater, sea mud, sea sand, and sea plants
Seaweed actions
Effective moisturizer, can boost cell metabolism, aids skin circulation, and healing
Concentrated trace elements in sea plants (8)
Mineral salts
Essential amino acids
Polysaccharides
Vitamins
Enzymes
Helpful bacteria
Natural antioxidants
Phytohormones
Brown algae properties/uses
Contains high levels of iodine and fiber (iodine detoxifies and stimulates cell renewal); good source of vitamin c; has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (kelp)
Green algae (seaweed) properties/uses
Contains large amounts of vitamin c and magnesium; magnesium helps relax body and soothes and calms skin; contains minerals like calcium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, vanadium, and zinc
Red algae properties/uses
Contains beta-carotene and protein; beta carotene is antioxidant and anti-aging; rich in calcium
(Irish moss, laver(nori), and coralline algae)
Blue-green algae properties/uses
Contains many B vitamins, calcium, and protein; protein supplies skin cells with energy; vitamins help protect skin from environmental damage and prevent it from drying out
(Cyanobacteria found in lakes, rivers, and ponds)
Reflexology uses
Pressure on specific points of feet, hand, and sometimes the ears to influence certain body conditions
Ayurveda def/belief
Optimal health can only be achieved is a persons body and emotional state are in balance
Reiki (touch therapy) def and how it’s performed and its belief/concept
Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation; also supports balance in the body’s system
Performed by laying hands in various positions on the body
Based on concept that an unseen life force energy flows through each person and causes us to be alive
Mindfulness def/action
Deliberate practice of calmly being present in the moment; ability to pay attention to ones thoughts and feelings
Shown to help regulate emotions and manage stress, anxiety, and depression
Meditation def
Incorporates concentrations such as mindfulness, and focus on breathing or the repetition of a mantra to achieve a higher spiritual awareness
