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The term aromatherapy was named by the Frenchman Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse, a chemist in a perfume factory, who sustained
a serious burn to his hand in a laboratory accident. He
immediately plunged the hand into the nearest available
liquid, a container of pure lavender oil. Fortunate for
him, he was amazed by the fast, non-infected and scar-free
healing of the burn. He studies, developed and wrote about
the therapeutic uses of plant essences (essential oils),
and actually began the rebirth of the ancient healing practice
of using herbs for therapeutic purposes. The value of aromatherapy
for its antiseptic and bacterial properties, as well as
its balancing effect on the body and mind has been proven
through modern research with the unique combinations of
chemical and aromatic elements of essential oils and the
subtle effect in healing.
Benefits/Contraindications
READ THOROUGHLY.
Although essential oils have been proven to be invaluable
in healing, a professional should always be consulted when
treating conditions. For example, some essential oils may
contain certain constituents regarded as prohibited substances
by official governing bodies (under Jockey Club or Racing
and Show Regulations) such as camphor, menthol and thymol.
Used externally, these could be licked and ingested to test
positive in a blood test. Always consult a professional
when selecting and treating with essential oils.
Flower essences are high-frequency electrical solutions
distilled from fresh flower blossoms that contain the distinct
vibrational energies of the beauty from which they are made.
Flower essences can help heal, balance, and strengthen the
electrical system when it is out of balance or under stress;
they can ease or eliminate emotional, spiritual, or mental
turmoil. Animals, both human and non-human, are complex
bio-chemical-electrical beings, and right now they are under
a great deal of stress. Vibratory changes can be particularly
difficult for animals, both because their electrical systems
cannot adapt as easily as those of humans to rapidly rising
vibratory levels and because their planetary service involves
the absorption of our negativity into their own electrical
system. This combination of circumstances often leaves the
animals electrically overloaded. Most animals greatly need
and appreciate the gentle, powerful, harmonizing effects
of flower essences.
Unlike pharmaceutical or psychoactive drugs, flower essences
have no direct impact on the body's biochemistry, and therefore
pose no risk of overdose or unwanted side-effects. Essences
are issue-specific; they are neither toxic nor addictive,
and can safely be administered in a common water bowl.
Training/Licensing
At this time,
there's no specific regulation of Aromatherapists or Aromatherapy.
Many practitioners incorporate it into their practice, such
as massage therapy, and the laws governing that practice
are the ones that apply. An Aromatherapist with no other
medical training or license generally works as a counselor
or teacher and should follow whatever regulations apply
to that profession in their area. The majority of programs
are seminars and anyone can attend. A few programs are designed
specifically for medical practitioners. These generally
require the student to either be enrolled in an appropriate
college or to already have a degree/license in their area.
These professional Aromatherapy seminars range from courses
designed for massage therapists to courses designed for
medical doctors.
Information provided courtesy of Catherine Bird
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted
from plants. These essential oils may come from the flowers,
leaves, bark or fruit of a plant. Essential oils have a
strong scent that may vary from floral to herbal or earthy
tones.
When the molecules
from essential oils are taken into the body, they are 'read'
by the limbic system of the brain, which instructs the endocrine
system to release neurochemicals, creating a symphony of
responses throughout the body. The constituents enter the
blood stream and then access the body parts that need assistance,
helping the animal to find homeostasis. A response begins
in nanoseconds within the body. Once they have found their
target, the residue of the oil constituents is safely excreted
out of the body in the urine.
The simplest way
to use essential oils is to offer the scent to the animal.
Some essential oils will appeal more than others. As you
learn to read the responses from an animal, you will gain
a better understanding of his personality and challenges.
Sometimes the animal is attracted to an essential oil that
gives an indication as to what is physically ailing him;
other times he may select an essential oil to help him step
out of worry or anxiety. This therapy can also assist in
diffusing painful memories.
Topical applications may address muscle soreness, respiratory
tract infections, and other physical conditions. Only areas
of the body in need, are given an application. An added
benefit is that the animal can still inhale the essential
oils as they evaporate.
Essential oils
treatment can be combined with various bodywork techniques.
Essential oils may also be applied to sore muscles, or to
an injury, in vegetable oil or aloe vera gel carriers. A
2.5% dilution of essential oil in the carrier will address
most issues and get into a warm, massaged muscle, accessing
the bloodstream via the hair follicle.
Aromatherapy is
a gentle, non-invasive treatment, which has profound effects.
It can be safely employed on a simple level, or its energetic
and chemical properties may be explored at the practitioner
level. It empowers animal guardians to better understand
their companions on a physical, emotional and spiritual
level.
Aromatherapy is
not intended to replace veterinary care. Due to the profound
biochemical changes that can occur, when essential oils
are used as complimentary therapy for an illness it is important
that a professional do treatment. For further information,
look up the IAATH 2002 Conference papers, or contact the
author at www.happyhorses.com.au
About
Catherine Bird
Catherine is an Aromatherapist, Medical Herbalist and Massage
Therapist specializing in horses. She is based in Sydney,
Australia and consults in person and via the Internet worldwide
at www.happyhorses.com.au.
She is the author of Horse Scents and A Healthy Horse the
Natural Way. She also offers the Equine Aromatherapy
Correspondence Course.
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