Whole Living Guide
The Whole Living Guide is Chronogram’s handbook to the often
confusing and overwhelming choices available in the natural health
and whole care field. The Whole Living Guide will inform readers about
practitioners, services and products. Our hope is to offer a clear
and easy-to-use reference to the wide array of conventional and alternative
health modalities available in the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Why Essential Oils Are Essential
By Joan Apter, CMT
For over 5,000
years, people have worn perfumes, burnt incense and used aromatic
plants with oil-bearing qualities to enhance the human experience.
Although the term “aromatherapy” is new to many, the practice
of using aromatic essential oils for both physical remedies as well
as to influence the mind and the emotions is indeed a true and ancient
art.
What Are Essential
Oils?
Essential oils are the subtle, aromatic and volatile life-force extracted
from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes,
shrubs and trees, through steam distillation under low pressure and
low temperature.
Like human beings, they are alive, both chemically and electrically.
They have a direct effect on the brain through the olfactory system
and skin absorption. Serving the same function as human blood, essential
oils are the regenerating, oxygenating and immune defense properties
of the plant kingdom.
Essential oils are naturally antibiotic, antiseptic, antibacterial,
antifungal, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antiviral and antidepressant.
They are important in bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells and
assist in the efficient disposal of carbon dioxide and other waste
products. They increase blood flow, negative ions and ozone, improve
the efficiency of the immune system and decrease blood viscosity.
Oils enhance brain wave function, improve spiritual awareness and
bring about a balance to the body. Essential oils contain a frequency
that is several times greater than the frequency of herbs and food.
There is not a single part of the human body and brain that is not
helped by the action of essential oils. Aromatherapy is the art and
science of the use and application of therapeutic essential oils for
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance.
A Short History of Essential Oils
Many writings tell us that the distillation of aromatic plants was
used over 5000 years ago. Some say that aromatherapy began in China,
some say India. According to a papyrus found in the Temple of Edfu,
dating back to 4500 BC, the Egyptians were using fragrant oils for
rituals, ceremony and medicine. Three oils used in the embalming process
were cedarwood, myrrh and frankincense. Well-preserved oils were found
in alabaster jars in King Tut’s tomb.
According to the Bible, the three Wise Men brought the oils of frankincense
and myrrh to the Christ child. In those days, frankincense was considered
more precious than gold, both for its ability to heal and protect
as well as to enhance prayer and meditation. There are 188 references
to oils in the Bible, and some, such as frankincense, myrrh, rosemary,
hyssop and spikenard, were used for the anointing and healing of the
sick.
During the Great Plague of the Middle Ages, perfume oils were the
best antiseptics available. It was widely reported that in those terrible
days of widespread death, the perfumers were virtually immune to the
plague. Up until the nineteenth century, medical practitioners still
carried a little bag filled with aromatics on top of their walking
sticks, so they could inhale them when visiting any contagious cases.
By the turn of the eighteenth century, essential oils were being used
comprehensively in medicine; during the nineteenth century, essences
were investigated more scientifically than ever before. Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse, a perfumer in Grasse, France, coined the term “aromatherapy”
when he immersed his badly burned hand in a vat of lavender oil. Much
to his surprise, his burn healed at a phenomenal rate, with no sign
of infection and with no scar. In 1928, he published his first book
on aromatherapy.
Another French doctor, Jean Valnet, began to use essential oils in
his treatments during the Second World War. It is almost entirely
due to his work that aromatherapy is now recognized as a therapy in
its own right. Valnet first published his book, Aromatherapie, in
1964.
For over 40 years essential oils have been researched and used therapeutically
in Germany, Switzerland, France and England. Aromatherapy is taught
in medical schools in France and England and the oils are used by
doctors in many hospitals. Now, in the 21st century, the healing attributes
of essential oils are being studied and enjoyed by people all over
the globe.
Why Do Essential Oils Work?
1. Properties and Characteristics
Essential oils are chemically complex mixtures that can contain hundreds
to thousands of different chemical constituents, each responsible
for different healing properties.
On average, an essential oil contains one hundred chemical components
such as terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones and phenols.
Lavender oil contains 160 components, while rose oil contains 137.
These components act as building blocks for just about everything
in the human body, and act upon hormones, vitamins and energy.
2. Frequency
The effectiveness of essential oils cannot be fully understood without
some discussion of frequency. Frequency is the measurable rate of
electrical energy flow that is constant between any two points and
is measured in hertz (Hz). Everything has frequency. Dr. Robert O.
Becker in his book, The Body Electric, established that the human
body has an electrical frequency and that much about a person’s
health can be determined by its frequency.
In 1992, Bruce Tainio of Tainio Technology, an independent division
of Eastern State University in Cheny, Washington, built the first
frequency monitor in the world. Tainio has determined that the average
frequency of the human body during the daytime is 62-68 Hz. (A healthy
body frequency is 62-72 Hz.) When the frequency drops, the immune
system is compromised. If the frequency drops to 58 Hz, cold and flu
symptoms appear; at 55 Hz, diseases like candida take hold; at 52
Hz, Epstein-Barr; and at 42 Hz, cancer.
According to Dr. Royal R. Rife, every disease has a frequency. He
found that certain frequencies prevent and even destroy the development
of disease. He suggested that substances with a higher frequency would
destroy diseases of a lower frequency.
Processed and canned food has a frequency of zero. Fresh produce has
up to 15 Hz, dried herbs from 12-22 Hz and fresh herbs from 20-27
Hz. Essential oils start at 52 Hz and go as high as 320 Hz, which
is the frequency of rose oil. Clinical research shows that essential
oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance known to
man, creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, viruses and
fungi cannot live.
3. Lipid-Soluble
Essential oils are soluble in lipids, or fats, which is why they are
easily absorbed through the skin. They can start to affect an organ
within three to five seconds after application, and deliver 21% more
oxygen to every cell in the body in twenty minutes, without detrimental
effects. Essential oils stay in the body about 20 minutes to two hours,
and leave no residues. While oils are not accumulative in the body,
their frequency and effect is cumulative. Their effects can last up
to five months.
Once essential oils enter into the bloodstream, they are transported
into the nervous system and eventually into the brain. Because the
size of the molecules in essential oils is very small, they are able
to pass from the olfactory through the “blood/brain barrier,”
gaining entrance to the brain. This is why essential oils, especially
those high in the chemical constituent sesquiterpenes, (frankincense,
sandalwood, myrrh) are able to allow gentle and effective emotional
release from memories that are stored in the cells of the body.
4. The Brain Connection
The olfactory bulb, which is just above the top of the nose, is actually
a part of the brain that extends from the limbic system. The limbic
system of the brain, often called the “back brain” or “reptilian
brain,” is the seat of memory and emotion. Essential oils connect
directly into the hippocampus and amygdala areas of the limbic system.
In 1989 it was discovered that the amygdala plays a major role in
storing and releasing emotional trauma. The only way to stimulate
this gland is with fragrance, or the sense of smell. This is why essential
oils may play a major role in our effort to release emotional trauma,
and may profoundly affect our mood and emotion.
How to Use Essential Oils
1. Diffuse
Essential oils are highly aromatic and therefore, many of the benefits
can be obtained by simply inhaling them. You can rub the oil on the
palms of your hands and inhale, or they can be diffused into the room.
Essential oils, when diffused, can be the best air filtration system
in the world.
They will:
1. Purify, by removing metallic particles and toxins from the air.
2. Increase atmospheric oxygen.
3. Increase ozone and negative ions in the house, which inhibits bacterial
growth.
4. Destroy odors from mold, cigarettes and animals.
5. Fill the air with a fresh, herbal aromatic scent.
Heat is one enemy of essential oils. The “diffusers” often
found in the stores with candles and lamps destroy the chemical constituents
of a therapeutic essential oil. I recommend using a diffuser with
an air pump and a glass nebulizer, which shatters the essential oil
molecules into a micro-fine mist, leaving all of its therapeutic value
intact.
2. Massage
Massage or therapeutic touch has always been part of the healing for
both physical and emotional needs. When essential oils are combined
with massage, the benefits are numerous. When applied topically, essential
oils or their components travel through the layers of the skin to
muscle tissue and joints and then to the lymphatic system, cardiovascular
system, nervous system, endocrine system and to the glands. Circulation
and lymphatic drainage and the elimination of tissue wastes are improved.
The oils create peace and tranquility and bring about keen mental
awareness. Massage with essential oils opens and increases the flow
of energy, balances the entire nervous system and helps to release
physical and emotional disharmony.
3. Internal Application
When taken by mouth, essential oils travel to the stomach and then
to the small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, organs and tissues
and reproductive system. I would never recommend taking any essential
oil internally until you have verified the absolute purity of the
product from independent lab studies. Although essential oils are
prescribed as medicine in France, in this country we should never
use essential oils as medicines. Always consult an experienced therapeutic
essential oil practitioner before deciding on any protocol with essential
oils.
Distillation and Oil Purity
There are approximately 400 essential oils distilled today, 100 of
which are used in aromatherapy. It is of primary importance to know
the quality of the essential oil that you are using. High pressure,
high temperatures, rapid processing and the use of solvents or any
other chemical will fracture the oil molecule, destroying the therapeutic
value and altering the fragrance.
Before you purchase an oil, be sure that the company knows the origins
of its oils and can produce gas chromatograms from an independent
lab of each oil as proof of their purity. Often a supplier will extract
a particular chemical component of an oil and sell it to the perfume
industry. It then replaces it with a synthetic chemical component
and sells it to the more gullible American essential oil buyers, who
then pass it on in the marketplace as a “pure” essential
oil, which it is not. Synthetic, adulterated oils can cause allergies,
rashes and burns. I cannot vouch for the purity of the oils in the
health food and specialty shops.
Producing the purest of oils is very costly and may require several
hundred or thousands of pounds of plants to extract one pound of oil.
The preciousness of an essential oil reflects the amount of work it
takes to extract the oil. To produce one pound of peppermint oil,
35-40 pounds of plant are required. Lavender requires 175-250 pounds
of plant, while it takes 5,000 pounds of rose petals to distill one
pound of oil. (Sixty thousand rose blossoms are required to produce
one ounce of rose oil.) Jasmine flowers must be picked by hand in
the early morning of the first day they open. It takes eight million
handpicked jasmine blossoms to produce 2.2 pounds of oil, being one
of the most expensive oils on the market. The sandalwood tree must
be thirty years old and thirty feet high before it is cut for distillation.
Melissa requires three tons of plants to produce one pound of oil,
which sells for $9,000 to $15,000.
Oil Usage Guide
Here are a few of my favorite single oils and blends:
Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) is often called the universal oil,
being multi-faceted for physical as well as mental and emotional distress.
It is beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds, and is the ideal remedy
for tissue regeneration and to speed wound healing, especially from
burns. Lavender has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effects.
Apply on location. I never leave home without a bottle of lavender
in my purse, and end up distributing it all day long to people I meet
for headaches, stress, cuts, bruises and relaxation.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest and most highly
regarded herbs for soothing digestion, being an anti-inflammatory
for the intestinal and urinary tract. It may also help arthritis,
skin conditions, food poisoning, headaches, allergies, asthma, toothache
and fever, as well as relieving pain. Massage on location, apply to
bottom of feet or rub on the temples to treat headaches. Peppermint
will also improve concentration, alertness and memory.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) has been researched in Europe for
regenerating tissue and nerves and improving circulation. It is considered
the king of pain reduction. I have found this essential oil to be
worth its weight in gold for relief of pain and inflammation. It stops
bleeding on contact and will erase the pain and black and blue of
bruises. I applied this blend to a chainsaw foot injury after the
hurricane hit Woodstock. The next day the injured man reported that
he spent the next day pain-free and was able to get a good night’s
sleep.
Lemon (Citrus limon): The essential oil is cold-pressed from the rind.
It takes 3,000 lemons to produce a kilo of oil. Lemon has antiseptic-like
properties. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., the vaporized essence
of lemon can kill meningococcus bacteria in 15 minutes, typhoid bacilli
in one hour, Staphylocuccus aureus in two hours and Pneumococcus bacteria
within three hours. Even a .2% solution of emon oil can kill diphtheria
bacteria in 20 minutes and inactivate tuberculosis bacteria. Add two
drops to water for purification or combine with Peppermint for a refreshing
lift.
Conclusion
The educated use of therapeutic essential oils supports the burgeoning
trend of individuals who want to manage their own health. According
to a recent survey published in the Journal of the American Medical
Association, nearly 40% of Americans utilize alternative medicine
services. Visits to alternative practitioners were up 50% (689 million),
nearly twice that of visits to primary care MDs (386 million). The
natural products industry has reached $20 billion in annual sales.
Daniel Penoel, MD, in his book, Natural Home Health Care Using Essential
Oils states, “Essential oils are carriers of life force, builders
of vigor and strength and generators of calm and joy. They contribute
powerfully to achieving and maintaining authentic and profound global
health.” I invite you to enjoy this miracle from nature’s
pharmacy. n
Joan Apter, C.M.T. is a Certified Massage Therapist with 13 years
of training in the use and application of Essential Oils. She has
advanced training in the medicinal applications of essential oils
from Ege University in Izmir, Turkey and holds an international certificate
of study from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. She writes the
“Aromatherapy Corner,” which appears in the national publication
Healing Retreats and Spas.
Joan offers aromatherapy massage, consultations and classes throughout
the tri-state area and resides in Woodstock, NY. For more information,
contact Joan at 679-0512 or japter@ulster.net
Aromatherapy
Blends
It is an
art and as science to create therapeutic blends of essential oils
for specific purposes. The oils, when skillfully combined, act synergistically,
increasing the effects of the individual oils. Here are some of my
favorite blends that I use personally and in my practice.
AIR PURIFICATION
A blend for purifying the air of virus, bacteria, fungus and mold
contains the essential oils of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary,
Melaleuca and Myrtle. Apply some of the blend to cotton balls and
place them in air vents in cars hotel rooms and offices.
HORMONAL IMBALANCES
The essential oils of clary sage, fennel, sage, jasmine and lavender
have been shown by European research to have beneficial results in
helping to reduce some PMS and pre menopausal symptoms. Use this blend
with massage, and in the bath.
MUSCLE ACHES AND PAINS
Use an essential oil blend of birch, juniper, marjoram, red thyme,
vetiver, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemongrass to assist with aches
and pains, relieve muscle cramps and arthritic pain and give relief
to sports injuries.
RELAXATION
The essential oils of tangerine, rosewood, spearmint, peppermint,
ylang ylang and lavender are beneficial for stress, muscle cramps
and tension. They assist us to relax and unwind and are favored by
many massage therapists.
SENSUAL
The exotic oils of ylang yland, rosewood and jasmine are specific
for combating the effects of the increased chemicals in our environment,
air, food and water as well as our stressful lifestyles, which take
their toll on our glandular and hormonal balance. Take a bath with
these oils, mixed in a bath gel base.
CIRCULATION
Cedarwood, juniper, clary sage and pepper are beneficial for toning
the skin. The oil of cypress enhances circulation, strengthens vascular
walls and decongests the lymphatic system. Orange and grapefruit oils
are beneficial in dissolving cellulite. Use a blend of these oils
in a massage oil base, and apply topically after my shower.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
This blend is a strong support to the immune system, and contains
cistus, frankincense, hyssop, ravensara, mountain savory, oregano,
clove, black cumin and tansy. Apply it to the bottom of the feet every
day during cold and flu season and successfully avoid getting sick.
Calendar
Real
Feelings & Emotional Reactions
The weekend of February 12-13 David & Kerry Moskowitz, tecahers
and counselors in the 50/50 Work, will be offering a workshop called
“Relationship & Love” in the Catskills where the roles
of men and women in relationships will be explored, coupled with an
investigation into understanding the difference between emotional
reactions (a subjective, defensive posture based in fear and misconception)
and real feelings (an expression of our deepest self that exists in
the moment). The Moskowitzs specialize in relationship counseling,
teaching an of acceptance of the human condition through self-awareness,
self and self-responsibility. For more information call 800-693-9175.
The
Creative Process Gone Mad
Joe Raiola is a performance artist, writer and senior editor at Mad
Magazine. He’s also the associate director of the Theatre Within,
teaching artists how to access deep emotional spaces within themselves
to create powerful and personally charged work. Raiola will be offering
a weekend retreat at the Deer Hill Center in Wappingers Falls February
25-27 called “Deepening Your Creative Process & Commitment,”
involving “primal theatre improvisation,” ritual dance,
meditation and journaling.
At the Stone Ridge Center for the Arts, Raiola will be leading an
ongoing weekly workshop on Fridays nights at 7:30 p.m. beginning on
January 31, “The Primal Path: Embracing the Artist/Child Within.”
The workshop will identify and work through the blocks creative artists
in all fields face; the workshops are not cumulative and each session
is open. For more information, call 212-560-2552.
Scales
Are For Fish
As part of National Eating Disorder Week, February 14-18, New Paltz-based
psychotherapist and eating disorders expert Bonnie Hirschhorn is participating
in the National Eating Disorder Screening Program (NEDSP), a national
outreach to women and men—women with eating disorders outnumber
men by a ratio of nine to one—about the health implications of
eating disorders. The NEDSP is being held at 1500 sites nationwide
and participants will be able to take a self-test for eating disorders,
hear an educational presentation and receive a private consultation.
Eating
disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating.
All can result in serious health problems such as cardiac abnormalities,
osteoporosis, and digestive and intestinal problems and can sometimes
be fatal. Psychological characteristics vary, but generally eating
disorders involve poor self-esteem, isolation from family and friends
and significant disturbances in the way a person views their body.
If you would like to participate in the program, call Bonnie Hirshhorn,
CSW, at 256-9060 for more information.
