Aromatherapy


     The sense of smell is the key to rememberring and emotion.  It could
produce positive feelings, calm or arouse, reverse negativity, relieve stress
and worry, etc.   They can also have a psychic influence evoking visions
and colors or feelings of having been "in touch".

      In Aromatherapy, essential oils are used, which are high concentrations
of the life force (oil gland or sac) of the plants.  
      These are obtained from plants, flowers, blossoms, roots, bark, leaves, resins, needles and twigs, grasses, seeds, roots, wood, fruit, peel of fruits, herbs, etc. by specific distallation proccesses. 
       Water distillation:  plant material placed in still and covered with
water, brought to a boil and the steam produced is passed through a

connecting tube into a condensor.  When the steam cools, returns to

liquid form producing essential oil. 

       Water and Steam distillation:  the same process as above but along
with boiling material, steam is also processed into the still producing more heat than with just water.  
        Examples of how much plant material is needed to produce only
one pound of essential oil:  50 lbs. of Eucalyptus, 150 lbs. of Lavender,
500 pounds of Rosemary, 1,000 lbs. of Jasmine, and 2,000 lbs. of Rose...
highly concentrated and potent.   
       
      The perfumers of Europe escaped the plague due to the use of certain 

plant based oils which acted as antiseptics and antibacterials.

      The oils are safe when used correctly and are not addictive. First

believed to be used hundreds of years ago we know that they were used
by the Egyptians.  There have been tomb drawings of stills used at that time
for the distillation process.  The hieroglyphic symbol for the verbs "to enjoy"

or "to take pleasure in" is represented by a "nose".

       Archeologists have found evidence of oils in many Egyptian tombs and
they were used in healing, ceremonies, and embalming.  The practice of
using essential oils then spread to the Far East, Europe and beyond.
      The science of Aromatherapy is taken very seriously in Europe today.
It is possible to obtain a Doctorate in Aromatherapy and it is prescribed as
a treatment for various ailments and used in hospitals.  Great Britain is one
of the leading countries in this field. 

       Although this is such a safe means of treatment. one should always
seek the advice of a medical professional when there is a problem.  Here
in the US we have several schools which teach this science and, after completing the program and successfully passing the exams, will award
the certification of "Aromatherapy Practitioner".  
      Studies are being done at many universities, particularly abroad, on
the many benefits of this wonderful means of healing.

        Essential oils can also be used as a massage blend and applied 
directly to skin.  As they are quite concentrated and potent, they should
be dilluted with a carrier oil (our oil of choice is Fractionated Coconut),
or distilled water.  Skin sensitivity should be considered as well.
        This is recommended for sore muscles or painful areas, but again,
one must know the synergies of the oils in order to be sure they are safe.
         Our skin creams have precious essential oils with a base of pure 
Shea Butter which has been purified for a smoother and creamier consistency.  

                Some essentials  oils are not recommended for use on
                   children, expectant mothers,  or folks with certain 
                           medical problems (blood pressure. etc.).

                          This is why it is important to obtain blends

                                         from a reliable source.

                  Also, when working with animals, only use essential  
                  oil  blends  that are formulated specifically for them.
                  Please note that Aromatherapy is not recommended

                                for many of them (birds, fish etc.)

         Jeanne is a Certified Aromatherapist who has been a practioner for
over 16 years.  Classes are given by Jeanne  in Introduction to Aromatherapy

and followed up by Advanced Aromatherapy (prerequisite of Introduction

class needed). 
         These are usually held at Avalon Moon on Main Street in Delhi, NY.
 Please check this web site for information on dates and times or contact us. 
 

                          Classes:  None scheduled at this time

         The chart below shows how the properties of essential oils are
absorbed and processed in our bodies.  They are inhaled through the nose (Olfactory nerve) and then pass through our system.  This is quick and effective.  Many of our immunization applications are now done through a "puff" of medicinal vapor into the nose.