WORK STRESS IS NOW THE BIGGEST 'STRESSOR' IN OUR LIVES

I have written many times about stress on this blog and what happens to the body when we are stressed so I won't repeat this again as my last article explained this. We don't have the stresses we once had as we evolved as our ancestors did and the body's reactions to stressors aided our survival but by far the biggest stressor in our life is work related. Stress evokes the sympathetic nervous system into action, blood pressure is raised senses heightened etc, short term as it was originally designed is fine, for in fact some degree of stress does motivate us, but it was not designed to be long term and when stress continues that is where it begins to affect or health.

So what can we do to alleviated stress? we evoke the opposite to the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, this reverses the increased blood pressure, lowers levels of adrenaline and makes us feel relaxed. One of the best ways to do this is by Holistic Therapies, there are many to choose from. aromatherapy, reflexology, indian head massage, any kind of massage in fact, reiki and one of the easiest, and it costs nothing and you don't need to visit a therapist is 'Meditation'.

There are various methods to induce a meditative state, some like to focus on something, such as the breathing or candle flame, but no matter which method is used, it is beneficial as it has be proven to reduce blood pressure, and reduce activity in the nervous system, namely by invoking the parasympathetic nervous system. Breathing slows and becomes deeper and more efficient, the heart rate slows down and as regards the brain it has been researched that even a small course of meditation strengthens connections between regions of the brain that regulate our emotional responses. In effect meditation has the opposite effect on the body as does Stress.

To find out more about solutions to stress and other holistic therapies click here there you will find a guided meditation you can read and record it and play it back with some music or see the tabs at the top of this page.

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ARTICLE BELOW HERE IS FROM THE DAILY MAIL

Work stress is now the biggest factor driving harassed Britons to drink, drugs and depression

• A third of adults say their job is the most stressful part of their lives, according to a study carried out for Mind
• 57% of adults admit to drinking after work and 14% say they even drink DURING the day 
• 7% of adults say they have suicidal thoughts because of work-related stress

Work stress is now the biggest factor in driving Britons to drink, drugs and depression, according to mental health experts.

More than a third of adults say their job is the most stressful aspect of their lives – more so than money or health worries.

Six in ten (57 per cent) of these hit the bottle after work – with one in seven (14 per cent) even drinking during the day, a survey for mental health charity Mind found.

More than a third of adults say their job is the most stressful aspect of their lives

The organisation also reported that workplace stress caused 7 per cent to have suicidal thoughts, rising to a worrying 10 per cent of those aged 18 to 24.

Companies themselves are also affected, said Mind, as 19 per cent of workers have thrown a sickie because they could not face going in to work that day.

 

Around one in 11 (9 per cent) have resigned from a job because of stress while a quarter (25 per cent) admit they have thought about quitting but have yet to do so, it was found. 

Workers rarely feel they can talk to their bosses about being stressed, even though most employers say they would like to do more to help improve the mental wellbeing of staff, said the charity.

Work is now the biggest factor driving Britons to drink, drugs and depression, experts have warned

Mind’s chief executive, Paul Farmer, said: ‘Work-related mental health problems are an issue too important for businesses to ignore

‘We know that right now, one in six workers is experiencing depression, stress or anxiety and yet our survey tells us that most managers don’t feel they have had enough training or guidance to support them.’

While 34 per cent say work is the biggest cause of stress, 30 per cent say it is financial problems. And 17 per cent of the 2,000 adults surveyed said health worries were causing them stress or anxiety.

Other ways of coping include using sleeping tablets or anti-depressants, or smoking.

WORRYING CAN MAKE YOU ILL

This article below mine comes from the 'Daily Mail' and I have been saying this for years. The article talks about levels of C-reactive protein rising in the blood, but that's not all that happens in the body. Worrying and stress was nature's way of keeping us alert and reacting to danger quickly, however we don't have the same stresses today as way back in our ancestory.

 

Well this goes way back to the times when we were developing as humans and in early periods in history. The body's chemistry was designed to protect us with "The fight or flight response". For example man sees a big bear approach what does he do? he either tackles it or he runs off. Nature is very clever and gives us the capacity to do this. However in 2011 we no longer have the bears, wolves, etc. (ok some of you may) like of yesteryear we have different stresses. Your work colleagues or your neighbours may annoy you but you can't fight them, nor can you run away, but you can learn to deal and dissipate your stress levels so that it doesn't impinge on your health.

But firstly we need to deal with the science bit for if we understand the physiology of stress we're half way there to solving the impact stress has on our lives.

THE SCIENCE BIT

Deep within the brain we have an area known as the Hypothalamus (1), its the home of our moods and emotions and a very primitive part of the brain. The Hypothalamus is also the area that maintains equilibrium in our bodies and it maintains and regulates every bit of our body's chemistry. It is the area that controls the Endocrine system, it forms part of the Autonomic Nervous System and part of the Limbic System. It is Hypothalmus that is the key to managing stress and all its detrimental effects on our mind and body. It is directly through this area that the holistic therapy Aromatherapy works and is managed by other holistic therapies.

Since the Hypothalamus is the home of moods and emotions anything that affects these will influence the Hypothalamus, thus will have an effect on the body's equilibrium.

Now if we are stressed and modern stressors are not the same as those stressors we had as we were evolving as humans, they still have the same effect resulting in "the fight or flight response"

(1)The Role of the Hypothalamus

The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the endocrine system.

The Pituitary gland lies beneath the Hypothalamus and it is this that controls the other endocrine glands.

The Hypothalamus receives information about the Homeostasis (balance) of the body, this is achieved by two means:

The blood circulation i.e. temperature, blood glucose levels and hormone levels

The nervous system i.e. The Autonomic Nervous system i.e. the part of the nervous system that regulates automatic functions e.g. breathing, heart rate etc. and mental and emotional states, our feelings: these influence ‘automatic responses’ e.g. ‘The fear, flight response’

The Hypothalamus responds to these changes by:

Secreting Hormones (chemical messengers) that regulate hormones to be released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary

The hypothalamus also directly releases hormones via the Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary , Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin

And by stimulating a nerve response to the ‘Central Nervous System’ (Brain & spinal Cord)

SO WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE?

Moods/emotions affect the hypothalamus, the hypothalamus evokes a reaction on the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces Adrenocorticotropic hormone this in turn targets the adrenal glands causing them to secrete Cortisone, Cortisone in turn effects the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure by causing changes in the amount of salt secreted, this hormone causes the body to retain salt. Now remember the Hypothalamus one of its jobs is to maintain the body's equilibrium, it detects a rise in salt levels in the blood so to keep balance it causes the body to retain fluid, it is this retained fluid that increases blood pressure. At the same time, the Hypothalamus being part of the Central Nervous System evokes what is known as the Sympathetic Nervous System this diverts blood away from the digestive system and to lesser important body structures such as the skin and concentrates the blood to the heart, lungs and muscles. Simultaneously this nervous response influences the adrenal glands to produce Adrenalin and Noradrenalin, it is these hormones that induces vasoconstriction (reduces the blood supply) to the skin and peripheral tissues, thus also raising blood pressure.

Now this is putting it simply there are a few other processes also going on to increase blood sugar to give the body fuel to either run off or fight, Corticotrophic hormones influence the pancreas to secrete glucagon this has the opposite effect as insulin.

When the stress is over the Parasympathetic Nervous reverses the process again it is the Hyptholamus that instigates this.

Obviously its much more complex than this and I have focused on a few key hormones as it the action of these hormones that affects our well-being, the ageing process and blood pressure.

The fight or flight response was not designed to last forever it was meant ti instigate an action to deal with an aggressor, be it a wild animal or in a fight with an attacker therein lies the problem modern stressors tends to be work, work colleagues etc. the stress becomes long acting, this kind of reaction is fine in the short term but very detrimental to the body in the long term.

Take Cortisone, it has a damaging effect on specialised cells within the dermis (the skin), fibroblasts, these cells produce collagen and elastin, it is collagen and elastin that gives our skin elasticity and support. Adrenalin reduces blood supply to the peripheral tissues, such as the skin and hair, therefore, these structures do not receive adequate nourishment from the blood. So the effect of long term stress affects the skin resulting in ageing of the skin. However the skin is the least of our problems, those same hormones are responsible for raising the blood pressure, (fine if its short term) long term it put's strain on the heart having to pump harder, this in turn puts stress on the arteries and the tiny arteries (arterioles) within the kidneys and can cause damage to them. The raised blood pressure can lead to strokes and the circulating Cortisone as well as damaging the fibroblasts in the skin damages specialised white blood cells the T-lymphocytes which are instrumental in keeping our immune system healthy and enabling us to fight infection. The immune system is also responsible for destroying rogue mutant cells that can induce cancer. 

This stress response was only designed to be for the short term and it works very well in this way to protect us from danger. But you need to ask yourself what are you worrying about? what will it achieve? My personal philosophy is this: if I can do something to alleviate my worry, I will strive to do this or seek help if I can't do so myself, if however no one can help what is the point of worrying, what will it achieve? as we can see ill health and we don't need this as well. The other part of my philosophy is this: thoughts are energy and like attracts 'like' in the universe, so negative thinking will attract negative energy and situations to us and likewise positive thoughts attract positive energy and situations to us. So it is true dwelling on stressful events can weaken your immune system and make you ill. However 'Daily Mail' and researchers us in Holistic Medicine have known this for decades

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Article below from the 'Daily Mail'

Are you a born worrier? Just dwelling on stressful events can weaken your immune system and make you ill

• Researchers at Ohio University studied 34 healthy young women
• They were asked to give a speech about her candidacy for a job
• Half of the group was asked to contemplate their performance
• For this half of the group levels of an inflammatory marker rose

Worrying too much about stressful events can trigger inflammation, according to a new study.

Researchers found dwelling on negative events can increase levels of inflammation in the body.

They discovered that when study participants were asked to ruminate on a stressful incident, their levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of tissue inflammation, rose.

The study is the first time to directly measure this effect in the body.

Worrying too much? Researchers found dwelling on negative events can increase levels of inflammation in the body

Study lead author Peggy Zoccola, an assistant professor of psychology at Ohio University in the United States, said: 'Much of the past work has looked at this in non-experimental designs.

'Researchers have asked people to report their tendency to ruminate, and then looked to see if it connected to physiological issues. It's been correlational for the most part.'

The research team recruited 34 healthy young women to participate in the project. 

 

Each woman was asked to give a speech about her candidacy for a job to two interviewers in white laboratory coats, who listened with 'stone-faced' expressions.

Half of the group was asked to contemplate their performance in the public speaking task, while the other half was asked to think about neutral images and activities, such as sailing ships or grocery store trips.

The researchers drew blood samples that showed that the levels of C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the subjects who were asked to dwell on the speech.

The study found that when study participants were asked to ruminate on a stressful incident, their levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of tissue inflammation, rose

For these participants, the levels of the inflammatory marker continued to rise for at least one hour after the speech.

During the same time period, the marker returned to starting levels in the subjects who had been asked to focus on other thoughts.

The C-reactive protein is primarily produced by the liver as part of the immune system's initial inflammatory response.

It rises in response to traumas, injuries or infections in the body.

C-reactive protein is widely used as a clinical marker to determine if a patient has an infection, but also if he or she may be at risk for disease later in life.

Doctor Zoccola said: 'More and more, chronic inflammation is being associated with various disorders and conditions.

'The immune system plays an important role in various cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, as well as cancer, dementia and autoimmune diseases.'

Now Dr Zoccola is working with Fabian Benencia in Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lauren Mente, a registered nurse and graduate student in the School of Nursing, to investigate the effect of rumination on additional inflammation markers.

She also hopes to study the issue in other populations, such as older adults, who might be vulnerable to rumination and health problems.

She was due to present the findings at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Miami.

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SOME CARRIER OILS USED IN AROMATHERAPY

Carrier oils are nutritious and nourishing in their own right, as they contain essential vitamins and fatty acids. They soften and improve the condition of the skin, and some can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Carrier oils, therefore, complement essential oils and provide additional benefit to a treatment. Here is a summary of a few of the most popular carrier oils. Carrier oils suitable for essential oils should all be vegetable/plant based and mineral oils are not suitable as they are not absorbed into the skin but sit on the skin's surface. Mineral oils are cheaper as they are a byproduct of the oil industry.

Avocado: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin D, therefore very nourishing for dry, ageing, or lacklustre skin. It is quite heavy and has a medium odour so should be used blended with lighter oils such as Sweet Almond.

Calendula: Takes on the wonderful healing properties of Marigold, which makes it an effective oil for treating sensitive skin and skin conditions. It is mild enough to be used on young children and babies. It can also help in maintaining joint mobility later in life. It can be used neat to treat skin conditions, or diluted in carrier oil for massage. When considering using it neat the properties of the oil the Marigold flowers have been infused into should be taken into account (e.g. Olive or Sunflower).

Evening Primrose: A wonderful skincare oil, strengthening, soothing, moisturising and softening. This is because it is very rich in essential fatty acids, including GLA. It is good for treating various skin conditions, as well as regulating menstruation and blood/cholesterol levels. Evening Primrose Oil is expensive so is often diluted in cheaper carrier oils such as Sweet Almond. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Grapeseed: One of the most commonly used oils as it is reasonably priced, nourishing, and can be used on all skin types. It has a light pleasant aroma, which will not interfere with essential oils. It is easily absorbed so the client won’t feel greasy after its use. However, traces of the chemical solvent used to extract it have been found in Grapeseed oil, so it is not recommended for high quality products and blends.

Jojoba: High in vitamin E and mimics the action of Sebum, the skins own natural lubricant, which makes it excellent for treating ageing or inflamed skin. It is known for its rejuvenating properties and assists in fighting wrinkles. Jojoba Oil is expensive and more like a liquid wax, so is usually blended with cheaper carrier oils. It has a very long shelf-life, which will also extend the life of any blend it is used in.

Macadamia Nut: High in essential fatty acids, in particular Palmitoleic Acid, which makes it very good for promoting young looking, soft, and supple skin. It has a long shelf-life, which can extend the life of a blend.

Peach Kernel: High in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, making it an excellent anti-inflammatory, protective and moisturising oil. It is a light, fine oil and a favourite for facial massage, as it feels pleasant and encourages skin suppleness and elasticity. Peach Kernel Oil is expensive and care must be taken when sourcing to ensure you get the genuine article. It can be helpful in a blend due to its semi-oily texture.

Sweet Almond: An excellent popular oil for aromatherapy as it is reasonably priced, wonderfully nourishing for the skin, and can be used on all skin types. It has a light marzipan-like aroma, which will not interfere with essential oils. It is good for treating many skin conditions it has a very mild effect as a sun screen however I would not rely on this and would advise you to wear a good sunscreen with a high sun protection factor 30+.

Wheatgerm: Rich in vitamin E and very nourishing for all skin types, in particular dry, ageing, or damaged skin. It is quite heavy and has a strong odour so should be used blended with lighter oils such as Sweet Almond. It is also good for use on tired muscles. It has wonderful healing abilities and blends have a longer shelf life as Vitamin E is an antioxidant and preservative

There are other carrier oils besides this selection, Neem, which is very good for dry rough skin conditions however it does have a pungent smell and is quite thick in consistency and fractionated coconut oil, which has no aroma at all. It's a very light carrier oil however it can irritate sensitive skin. Like anything else it's pudent to carry out a patch test 24 hours prior to using it.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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MORE HYPE ABOUT SO CALLED MIRACLE SKIN CREAMS?

Honestly where do jouralists get these stories from. As I have said countless times, so many times now I've lost count, if a substance is able to penetrate the epidermis it cannot be called a cosmetic it MUST be licensed as a medication. Only medications, such as nicotene, HRT etc can penetrate the skin, UV light and essential oils. In my last article I posted on here essential oils must be used with caution and safety ahered to as they are not innoculous substances. For a substance to affect collagen it has to be able to pass through the epidermis into the dermis where you will find collagen. If this substance does have an effect it would no longer be labeled as a cosmetic and would only be available on prescription. Somehow I doubt it can as the molecules would have to be extremely tiny. The best antiageing solution for your skin is, don't smoke, keep out of the sun, avoid stress, drink plenty of water, eat a good balanced diet and avoid alcohol and extreme changes in weight

Article below is from the Daily Mail.

Revealed: The 'miracle' ingredient in wrinkle cream that DOUBLES the production of skin-plumping collagen 

• A chemical called MatrixylT used in some anti-wrinkle creams may double the amount of collagen in skin
• Collagen is needed to keep skin elastic and give it a plump, youthful feel - but production declines with age
• Scientists say MatrixylT can help the skin produce more 

It is a multi-million pound industry that continues to grow with our quest for eternally youthful looks.

But a nagging question always remains over whether anti-wrinkle creams make any difference at all.

Now researchers at the University of Reading say a chemical used in some of these creams really can work - by doubling the amount of collagen produced by the skin.

 

Researchers say chemical called MatrixylT used in some anti-wrinkle creams really can work - by doubling the amount of skin-plumping collagen it produces

Collagen is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity. With the amount we make falling as we age, the protein has become a key ingredient of many creams that claim to rejuvenate the skin and smooth away wrinkles.

Many anti-ageing products claim to stimulate the production of it to make skin look younger, plumper and firmer. Others contain collagen in the cream itself.

But with competition in the skincare market so fierce, there is scant published research on the effectiveness of various ingredients - particularly the 'miracle' ones that claim to turn back time.

Previous research has also indicated that expensive collagen-containing creams are a waste of money.



Collagen (pictured) is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity

Two years ago, scientists at the University of Bath said the collagen molecules in the enticing-sounding lotions and potions are so large that very few make it through the skin.

As a result, they sit on the surface of the face until they are rubbed off or washed away.

In the new research, the Reading researchers decided to test the effectiveness of a particular product on collagen - a peptide called MatrixylT.

This is said to encourage the skin to produce more collagen.

The researchers found that provided the concentrations are high enough, the product can almost double the amount of collagen that the cells in the body produce.

Ian Hamley, a chemistry professor at the university, said the study showed that products containing Matrixyl would have skin-care benefits.

He said: 'Studies like this are very important for the consumer as cosmetic companies rarely publish their work so rivals can't copy their products.'

MatrixylT was tested on skin cells in a lab, but products known to contain the chemical include some L'Oreal and Skindoctor creams.

Professor Hamley added that as well as skincare products, collagen-based materials could be used to treat wounds and enhance stem cell research.

'Collagen-based materials have immense potential in tissue engineering,' he added.

The research was independently funded by the University and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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20% OFF OFFER 'WHISPERED FANTASIES

For a limited time from 6th March until 6th April my book "WHISPERED FANTASIES" E.book version only has 20% off. It is available in different formats to suit whatever E.reader you use.

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AROMATHERAPY GUIDELINES

AROMATHERAPHY IS A VERY GENTLE SOOTHING THERAPY
BUT DANGEROUS IF SAFETY RULES ARE NOT ADHERED TO

Aromatherapy is a very gentle soothing therapy and can be very effective however aromatherapy oils can be dangerous if safey rules are not ahered to. Essential oils MUST always be diluted the only exception is Lavender and even then as a precaution should be patch tested. There is information on Carrier Oils later in this article.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? 

It is the systematic use of essential oils in Holistic treatments to improve physical and Emotional well being. Essential Oils are extracted from plants and possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be used to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. 

Essential Oils can be applied in a variety of ways such as in massage, baths and inhalations. They are readily absorbed into the skin and have gentle physiological effects and Aromatherapy is an especially effective therapy for stress-related disorders and a variety of chronic ailments

Aromatherapy has its roots in ancient civilisations i.e. the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans used plants and herbs and oils extracted from these for religious, medical and cosmetic purposes and in the Ancient Egyptians used Essential Oils for Embalming and Preserving. 

What are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic, volatile substances extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression. They are found in leaves, the hairs on leaves, in flowers, in tree bark or roots, in fruit pulp and peel. Similar to animal hormones, they are sometimes referred to as the plants’ ‘Life force’. The cells containing essential oils are generally close to the surface but they can only be seen with the help of a microscope. The essence is either stored in the cell where it is made or, as is the case with citrus fruits, moved to special storage sacs. 

Essential Oils are: 

• Aromatic, have a distinctive and often fragrant smell 

• Volatile, evaporate quickly in the air and to varying degrees depending on the oil 

• Very powerful when neat, are usually blended with a carrier oil for massage purposes 

• Flammable, must be kept in a cool place away from heat and/or naked flames 

• Soluble in oil and alcohol, (in water they will form a suspension) 

• Liquid, exceptions include Rose Otto and Benzoin, which are semi-solid Non-greasy, despite their name, the oils are generally light and not oily Expensive, producing the plants and extracting the oil is labour intensive and thus not cheap.

WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM? 

Essential Oils come from various parts of the plants. Some plants only produce one oil e.g. 

• Basil oil from Basil leaves 

• Carrot from Carrot seeds 

• Pine from the needles and sometimes the cones of Pine trees 

Other plants produce several oils from different parts e.g. each Sweet Orange tree produces three essential oils 

•Petitgrain from the leaves and branches 

• Neroli from the blossom 

• Sweet Orange from the peel 

THE SAFETY OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

How should oils be stored? 

Essential oils are delicate and expensive; it is therefore wise to look after them. They should be stored: 

• Away from extremes of temperature, heat will evaporate them and cold can affect their composition 

• In dark, amber/blue glass bottles, essential oils are sensitive to ultraviolet light, they should not be stored, or bought in plastic because it affects the molecular structure of the oil 

• In tightly sealed bottles, to protect them from evaporating in the air and to stop contact with the air from changing their composition 

• Out of the reach of children. 

Are Essential Oils Safe? 

Used correctly essential oils are very safe, mainly because they are used in such tiny amounts. When used in the wrong dilutions and in the wrong conditions they can produce adverse effects. Certain oils should never be used, under any circumstances and some should not be used for specific conditions. 

N.B. Essential oils are very strong and should not be swallowed. If oil gets into the eye rinse it immediately with lots of water. If necessary seek medical advice. 

N.B. Essential oils should never be used in the first three months of pregnancy. For the rest of the term, Mandarin is the only oil, which may be used. 

N.B. & ONLY USE THAT IF AN EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED & INSURED AROMATHERAPIST 

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK ON THE HUMAN BODY

What are the specific effects of Aromatherapy?

Using Essential Oils affects the Human Body 

• Pharmacologically, essential oils are chemical and so are humans. Once essential oils have been absorbed into the body, either through the skin or inhalation, the chemicals in the oils enter the blood and other body fluids and interact with the chemistry of our bodies e.g. hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters are all chemicals and the presence of another chemical (the essential oil) can affect the way they work. 

• Physiologically: physiology is the way our body works. Essential oils can affect this by changing the chemical messages and impulses sent around the body and thus changing the way the systems of the human body function e.g. if an oil has relaxing and de-stressing properties, it may help to relieve the symptoms of stress displayed by our bodies e.g. slowing heart rate and breathing rate or encouraging tense muscles to relax. 

• Psychologically: the way essential oils affect our mind is more difficult to describe, mainly because everyone’s mind id different. However, our sense of smell is closely linked to our memory so that particular smells can cause particular responses: e.g. if you dislike the smell of Roses, Rose oil is unlikely to relax you; if Jasmine reminds you of a good holiday then its smell will bring back happy memories and provoke a positive response. 

General effects of Aromatherapy

There are certain effects from using essential oils which result from most treatments, especially since relaxing and/or hands-on application methods like massage and baths are very common in aromatherapy. 

General effects include:

• Reduction in Stress & Tension 

• Feeling of Well-being, Balance and Calm 

• Antibacterial effects of oil help the body to heal and support the immune system. 

How do essential oils penetrate the skin? 

There are two ways that oil can safely penetrate the body: 

1. Smell/Inhalation 

2. Absorption via the skin Ingestion, i.e. swallowing them is not safe. 

Smelling & Inhaling Essential Oils. The Nose & Olfactory Tract Smell is the fastest way for Essential Oils to penetrate the body. The molecules travel up the nose and there are two results: they send a message to the brain and nerves which respond to the new smell and they pass into the blood stream via the lungs and the respiratory system. 

In order to understand how this works, it helps to understand the structure of the Olfactory Tract. 

Most of the nose is concerned with breathing: inhaling air into the body and exhaling it out, however it is the organ of smell and thus very important in a therapy based on the power of aromas! At the top of the nose there are two areas of pigmented tissue known as Olfactory Membranes. They contain the olfactory, or smell-sensing cells, which have fine hair-like protrusions called cilia. The olfactory cells connect to nerves in an area known as the Olfactory Plexus. Once triggered, these nerves send messages along the olfactory Nerves to the Brain, particularly the Limbic System. This is the area of the brain that deals with Memory, Emotions, Our Basic Instincts and Mechanical Functions. When essential oil molecules pass over the olfactory cells, it is thought that these cells trigger receptor areas, which send an impulse via the olfactory plexus and nerves to the brain. Here the information is processed and interpretated (with either positive or negative associations). Depending on the interpretation, the brain sends messages to other parts of the body to elicit a response e.g. Grimace! The brain may also react to different chemicals in an essential oil and produce particular effects e.g. a relaxing or sedative substance may cause the brain to send out a message of relaxation either to the whole body or a particular part. 

How do Oils Penetrate the Skin? 

Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. In order to understand this, it helps to understand the skin’s structure. Being the largest human organ it is water resistant, but extremely minute substances, such as the molecules of an essential oil, can enter the tiny pores of the Epidermis, as well as penetrating through the hair follicles and the sweat glands. From here they enter the blood capillaries in the dermis. Once the oil reaches the blood and the circulation it is transported around the whole body. 

BLENDING & CARRIER OILS

Essential Oils are almost always used in a blend. They are blended with Carrier oils for use in massage and in some cases, baths. The correct blend is very important because essential oils are potentially toxic if used undiluted. They are also highly concentrated and will therefore not go very far in a massage on their own! 

What is a Carrier Oil? 

Carrier oils are known as fixed oils because unlike essential oils, they do not evaporate when heated. They are extracted from plants, flowers, nuts and seeds and those generally used in aromatherapy do not have a strong smell as it might interfere with that of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain fat-soluble vitamins e.g. A, D, E and K, minerals and proteins in differing amounts, so have healthy benefits of their own. 

Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy are:

• Of vegetable, nut or seed origin 

• Refined preferably cold-pressed 

• Stable, not volatile 

• Used neat 

• Non sticky 

• Lubricants for aromatherapist’s hands thus giving a smooth massage. 

There are several suitable carrier oils, which can be used alone or in a blend with other carriers. Some are lighter than others and often the thicker denser oils, which are more expensive and may be used, mixed with a lighter oil to make them go further. Lighter oils are better for a full body massage because they allow smoother movements whereas the thicker oils are more useful for massage on a small area. 

Recommended carrier oils are: 

Grapeseed Evening Primrose Calendula Sweet-Almond Avocado Macadamia Wheatgerm Jojoba Peach-Kernel 

DILUTIONS What are the correct dilutions? 

Dilutions depend on two factors i.e. the treatment and the scale of the treatment. The following are just guidelines and the more experienced Aromatherapist will adapt them according to circumstances. Treat dilutions and blends like a medical treatment i.e. a prescription must provide the right drug and dosage for the condition and patient. The same care should be used to create blends i.e. use the right oils for the problem in the appropriate amounts. For a treatment to work, just like a prescription, the quantities and qualities of both essential oil and carrier oil must remain constant. 

How much Essential Oil should be mixed with Carrier Oil? 

Usually from 1 % to 2%, the maximum dilution should be 2.5% of Essential Oil. 

How do I work out & measure these percentage? 

1 % equals one-drop essential oil to 100 drops carrier and 2% blend equals two drops essential oil to 100 drops carrier. 

Does that mean I have to count out 1OO drops of carrier oil? – No, 100 drops of oil is equivalent to 5mls or one teaspoon, therefore 1 % dilution would be one drop of essential oil per 5mls and 2% would be two drops per 5mls. 

Are there any instances when these dilutions are wrong or need changing? Use a maximum 1 % dilution when treating:

• Clients with sensitive skin 

• The elderly 

• Children 

• The weak/convalescent 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding 

How much oil is needed for different treatments? 

Full body massages require about 20-25mls carrier oil i.e. 8 drops essential oil per 20mls. 

For face massage only about 5mls of carrier is required i.e. 1-2 drops of essential oil per 5mls. 

Absolutes may contain traces of solvents so a weaker solution i.e. 1 % blend should be used. 

Baths essential oils float or sink so drops should not be added directly to the bath water but should be mixed with a small quantity of an emulsifier such as a fragrance-free shampoo, bath gel, liquid soap or even full cream milk before adding to the bath. 

Those with sensitive skin should use a lower concentration and take care with those oils known to cause skin irritations. 

Burners use two drops of the chosen oil in water 

Compresses soak the cloth in 100mls of water and add two drops of the chosen oil. 

Steam inhalations use one drop of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, two for a stronger effect. 

N.B. When using essential oils, always be very careful if in doubt, don’t. 

How Long do Blends Last? 

The average shelf life of a blend lasts approximately 3 months however by adding 10% Wheatgerm oil this can be extended to approx. 6 months. 

Can oils be used undiluted? 

Only in specific circumstances i.e. Lavender or Tea Tree, though some may be sensitive to the latter. Blending Oils that blend well Oils that are in the same botanical family to which they belong blend well i.e. the citrus e.g. Grapefruit & Lemon etc. 

Botanical Families & Examples Woody Cedarwood & Pine Herbaceous Marjoram & Clary Sage Citrus Bergamot & Lemon Floral Geranium & Rose Resinous Galbanum & Frankincense Spicy Ginger and Black Pepper 

A general guide to blending can be gained by looking at the ‘Note’ of the individual oil. The Note is a measure of the volatility of the oil, of which there are three main categories.

Top Notes 

• Fresh & light in aroma 

• The fastest acting • The quickest to evaporate 

• The most stimulating & uplifting to both mind and body 

Middle Notes 

• Moderately volatile 

• Primarily affect the functions of the body systems e.g. the digestive system etc. 

• Affect the general metabolism 

Base Notes 

• Are rich & Heavy 

• Slower to evaporate and therefore mixed with top notes, help to ‘hold back’ the volatility of that oil 

• The most sedating & relaxing 

A Frenchman named ‘Piesse’ developed the categorisation of oil notes during the 19th century. He classified aromas according to their harmony with other oils and based their grade on the musical scale; each aroma forming perfectly balanced chords or harmonics when combined with other oils. The simplest ratio being 3:2:1 i.e. Three drops top note, two drops middle and one drop base. 

Contra-indications for aromatherapy are the same for any massage with the proviso that certain oils will not be suitable depending on the client’s condition. 

MPB (c)

Maggie Brown (Author)

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