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Aroma Therapy
All research done by myself
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WebMD - (Link)
What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and then put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s.
Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves send impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.
The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may stimulate the body to produce pain-fighting substances.

What is aromatherapy used for?

Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. But so far there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness.

Is aromatherapy safe?

Practitioners of aromatherapy are not specially licensed in the United States. A wide range of licensed health professionals (such as massage therapists, nurses, and counselors) may have experience and training in aromatherapy. It is important to talk with your medical doctor to see whether aromatherapy may be helpful and safe for your specific health condition.
Do not swallow the oils used in aromatherapy. Many of the oils are potent and can be dangerous if taken internally (swallowed).
Children younger than age 5 should not use aromatherapy, because they can be very sensitive to the oil. Nor should anyone use oils near the eyes or mouth, because irritation of the skin and membranes may occur.
People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor. These illnesses and conditions include:
- Lung conditions such as asthma, respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Oils may cause airway spasms.
- Skin allergies. Some oils may cause skin irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use aromatherapy. Some oils (such as juniper, rosemary, and sage) may cause uterine contractions.
Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

AromaWeb.com

It is my understanding at the time of this writing that there are no states in the U.S. that currently grant licenses/certifications to individuals for the use of the title of Certified Aroma-therapist.
A new U.S. non-profit registration body, The Aromatherapy Registration Council, was established within the last few years to provide a registry of aromatherapy practitioners that successfully pass a national aromatherapy exam.
Educators (Link)
- Self Study via books and other available resources.
- Networking involves exchanging your aromatherapy knowledge and experiences with others. Networking can occur anywhere and can include conversations that you have with your local aromatherapist and aromatherapy store owner (ask what they're credentials are!) to exchanging e-mail with other aromatherapy-lovers that you meet through the Internet.
- Local Classes offered through local school districts to aromatherapy classes that are offered by local aromatherapists or through aromatherapy stores. Local aromatherapy classes can vary greatly in what they teach. The educational and professional background of the instructors can also vary greatly.
- Seminars range from half-day to several-day aromatherapy events. In some cases, seminars are sponsored and held by local aromatherapy businesses and a well-respected aromatherapist provides the instruction. In other cases, a local aromatherapist or store owner acts as instructor.

Aromatherapy Council

The ARC Registration Examination in Aromatherapy is open to anyone who has completed a minimum of a one year Level 2 program in aromatherapy from a college or school that is in compliance with the current NAHA Educational Guidelines or anyone who could provide evidence of equivalent training (transcripts must be enclosed with Application).
Agreement to adhere to the Disciplinary Policy.
Completion and filing of Application for ARC Registration Examination in Aromatherapy.
Payment of required fees.

Limbic System (Dictionary.com)

A ring of interconnected structures in the midline of the brain around the hypothalamus, involved with emotion and memory and with homeostatic regulatory systems.

Aromatherapy for healing the spirit by Gabriel Mojay

Most essential oils that relieve frustration, irritability, and resentment have an energetic effect on the liver. (154)
According to oriental medicine, the root emotion of the liver, and of the Wood Element generally, is that of anger.
Anger, through the oriental perspective, as encapsulating a necessary, and potentially creative, force. It is only viewed as "negative" when out of balance or control - when anger is excessive or "deficient."
An excess of Anger can be a stagnation of Qi, whether or not the feelings are adequate or justified.
The aim of 'treatment' through aromatherapy can either be to pacify anger that is inappropriate, or to relieve the tension of those whose irritation is understandable.
The helper/therapist should naturally remain wholehearted and non-judgmental.
The ultimate aim of pacifying anger is to restore the Ethereal Soul (Hun) - the spirit housed by the liver - its innate capacity for tolerance and human kindness.
Orange, bergamot and grapefruit (the 3 citrus oils) help regulate the liver and smooth the flow of Qi.
- Oil of sweet orange is excellent for tense, frustrated states - especially in those who anticipate obstacles.
- The effect of bergamot oil is very similar, & helps diffuse an angry attitude through encouraging a spirit of compromise.
- Grapefruit oil isn't as relaxing, yet is particularly cleansing and refreshing. It is indicated for repressed or sustained feelings of anger.
Another group of beneficial oils are from the Compositae family. Roman and german chamomile, yarrow and everlasting work to both smooth the Liver-Qi and clear Liver-Heat and help to pacify an angry spirit. (156)
- The chamomiles are the 2 most important essential oils for problems of anger, and help to soothe feelings of resentment in almost any circumstance.
  - Suited for those who feel neglected even though they deny they need or expect help. They can also be described as moody.
- Yarrow oil may be beneficial for similar states of mind; more for those who are easily threatened or defensive.
  - Indicated for the anger that lies buried beneath a deep sense of wounding - the spirit stricken by unexpressed rage.
  - Can be dispersed when the person owns up to their anger.
- Everlasting is also good for repressed anger, especially when it has turned into long-standing resentment.
  - It works to dissolve the bitterness of the person who continually beats a grudge, helping to restore a capacity for forgiveness and compassion.
Other oils:
- Lavender oil is beneficial or tension and frustration in general.
  - Calming the Heart as well as smoothing the flow of Qi, it's one of the most effective oils for pent-up feelings of annoyance.
  - May be used to relax the nerves after sudden outbursts of rage.
- Rose oil is best reserved for the anger of those who feel hurt.
  - It is recommended for the resentment that results from emotional coldness, rejection, and betrayal.
  - Clearing heat from both the Liver and Heart, it is useful for those who become angry and later regret it, and are filled with remorse.
Yin pertains to anatomical structure - to the cells, tissues, and organs.
Yang pertains to the body's energy, its vital force, and dynamic functioning.
Nutritive-Qi - the Qi energy that circulates along channels commonly known as 'meridians.'
Defensive-Qi - the body's protective energy, the force that helps us resist external pathogenic invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
The 5 Elements
- Wood - rising yang
  - Season - Spring
  - Time of Day - morning
  - Bodily Organs - Liver & Gall Bladder
  - Spirit - ethereal Soul (hun)
  - Root Emotion - Anger
  - Highest expression - Compassion
- Fire - radiant yang
  - Season - summer
  - Time of Day - midday
  - Bodily Organs - heart, pericardium, small intestines & triple heater
  - Spirit - Mind (shen)
  - Root Emotion - joy
  - Highest expression - Love
- Earth - descending yin
  - Season - later summer
  - Time of Day - afternoon
  - Bodily Organs - stomach & spleen-pancreas
  - Spirit - intellect (yi)
  - Root Emotion - reflection
  - Highest expression - empathy
- Metal - gathering yin
  - Season - Autumn
  - Time of Day - evening
  - Bodily Organs - lungs & large intestines
  - Spirit - bodily Soul (P'o)
  - Root Emotion - grief
  - Highest expression - reverence
- Water - condensed yin
  - Season - winter
  - Time of Day - night
  - Bodily Organs - Kidneys & bladder
  - Spirit - Will (Zhi)
  - Root Emotion - fear
  - Highest expression - wisdom
- The Creation cycle - the natural symbolism of the elements
  - Fire burns wood
  - Earth absorbs the ashes of fire
  - Metal concentrates earth
  - Metal melts to liquid (water)
  - Wood (or 'tree') raises water
- The control cycle - the mutually restraining nature of the elements.
  - Wood (roots) penetrate earth
  - Earth contains water
  - Water dampens fire
  - Fire smelts metal
  - Metal cuts wood

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