Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Filed under: Health Parlor — admin at 5:17 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2008

Aromatherapy makes use of Essential oils. This 3-Part article will provide some detailed insight into the use of Essential oils in Aromatherapy.

We will look at:
a) Where Essential oils come from,
b) The way Essential oils effect the mind and emotions, and
c) The way Essential oils effect the etheric body or the physcho-spiritual level

a) WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM ? - Essential Oils - Part 1

The odoriferous substances (Essential oils) themselves are formed in the chloroplasts of the leaves where they combine with glucose to form glucides and are then circulated around the plant in this form. At certain times of the day or year they are stored in particular parts of the plant.

In some plants, the essential oils are produced by the secretory tissues, and in others they are combined with glycosides, and are therefore not detectable until the plant is dried or crushed, e.g.: Valerian

Essential oils are considered to be an important part of the plant’s metabolism: some have hormonal activity and others are a stage in some other process, e.g.: the oil found in the rind of the orange is a stage in Vitamin A synthesis.

Essential oils can be found in almost any part of the plant, in differing concentrations, depending on the plant itself, the time of day and year. They may be found in the roots (e.g.: Calamus and Valerian), flowers (e.g. Lavender, Rose,), bark (e.g. Sandalwood, Cedarwood), fruits (e.g.: Lemon, Cardamom, Orange), berries (e.g. Juniper), leaves (e.g. Thyme, Rosemary, Sage).

Plants which contain essences must be picked at the correct time of day and in the correct season, and in particular weather conditions in order that a maximum yield of the essential oils can be obtained, and of course, as with all medicinal or nutritional plants, soil conditions, and climatic conditions will also dictate the quality of the oils obtained.

Heavy, concentrated oils are called ABSOLUTES e.g.: Rose, Jasmine, Oils which are solid at room temperature and which must be warmed before use are called BALSAMS, e.g.: Benzoin and Camphor.

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?

Essential oils are known to have an effect on us in three different, but overlapping, ways.

a) On the physical body, both locally and systemically, via the lymphatic and blood circulation.
b) On the mind and emotions via the Sense of Smell and the Limbic System.
c) On the “Etheric Energy System” of the body via the energy vibration of the individual oils themselves.

The Way Essential Oils Effect the Physical Body
When Essential oils are applied to the surface of the body, either via Massage, Baths, Compresses, Creams or Lotions, they will have an effect locally (i.e. the site at which they are applied), and Systemically (i.e. throughout the body). The Systemic effect occurs when essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the Lymphatic Circulation, and they are then dumped from the Lymphatic circulation into the blood stream.

Once the oils are circulating in the blood, they are carried to their TARGET ORGAN/S, where they exert a therapeutic effect on the specific tissues. Every Essential oil has its own Target Organ, e.g. Juniper oil targets the urinary tract and kidneys in particular, with secondary effects on the Digestive, Respiratory and Reproductive Systems. Chamomile Oil targets the Nervous System via which it can then exert a broad effect on many other body Systems, like the Digestive Tract for example.

Even when Essential oils are inhaled only, say in the form of a steam inhalation for a cold or as a fumigator for a background “psychological” effect, the oils will be absorbed across the mucous membranes of the Respiratory Tract and lungs into the blood stream, where once again, they can travel around the body very rapidly.

If Essential Oils are taken orally, their absorption through the Mucosa of the stomach and into the blood is very rapid. Very few essential oils are actually ‘digested’, which is fortunate as their Therapeutic principles may well be altered if this were the case.

The reason why Essential Oils behave in this manner in the body is because the molecules of which they are composed are organic molecules and very small indeed. Below are some of the more common Therapeutic Properties which can be obtained by using Essential Oils.

SOME THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

1. ANTISEPTIC
All essential oils are to a greater or lesser extent ANTISEPTIC. This is one of their most important and valuable properties. This broad description of ANTISEPSIS includes anti viral, antifungal, anti-bacterial and general anti-microbial activity which is found in such oils as: Lemon, Thyme, Tea Tree, Garlic, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Pine, Lavender and Sandalwood.

2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Oils with this property help to ease inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation are typified by pain, redness, swelling, and partial or total loss of function of the tissue involved. Examples of oils with this property are Chamomile, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Myrrh and Benzoin.

3. CYTOPHYLACTIC
Restoration of tissue function and regeneration of cells is another outstanding property of essential oils. Oils such as Pine, Basil and Rosemary are known to restore function to the adrenal glands, Jasmine, Cypress, and Ylang Ylang restore function of reproductive endocrine glands, lavender and chamomile stimulate cell regeneration in the skin.

4. SEDATIVE
Essential oils may also have a pronounced effect on the nervous system by producing relaxation, pain relief and relieving muscle spasm. Oils with these properties include Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Geranium and Ylang Ylang.

However, the most outstanding property possessed by essential oils is their antiseptic/antigenetic properly.

This is well documented in Dr Jean Valnet’s book, “The Practice of Aromatherapy” and he discusses at length the effects of specific oils in relation to the control of extremely virulent microbes like Meningitis bacteria, Golden Staphylococcus bacteria and typhoid bacteria.

In your Reading for Week One, in the Chapter entitled “The Healing Power of Plants”, from Valnet’s book, there are extensive references to the many ways in which essential oils can affect the physical body.

It is critical to your full understanding and appreciation of Essential Oil Therapy that you appreciate the ways in which essential oils can have both a healing and preventive role in diseases involving invasion of the body by microbes.

About the Author

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

Storing your babies cord blood - www.stemcellstorage.org.uk

Filed under: Health Parlor, Kiddie Stuff, Medical Center — admin at 5:30 am on Thursday, April 24, 2008

The method know as three dimensional ultrasound is used in early pregnancy, it provides 3d images of the fetus. Most of the time these pictures are collected and joined together to created a “4d ultrasound”.

Three dimensional scanning works similarly to the usual ultrasound methods except that the ultrasound scanning pulses can be sent from many directions. The ultrasound pulses are reflected back then captured to provide info to construct a 3d picture in much the same way as 3d pictures. 3d ultasound scanning was started by stephen smith and olaf von ramm at duke university.

It is important to understand that sonologists all over the world always pictured 3d pictures of anatomy or pathology in their minds whilst doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was very difficult to do this kind of reconstruction on on info using ultasound scanning. With the introduction of baby scans for the first time allowed us a view into the thinking of a sonologist and hence letting us see the images on the ultrasound machine.

3d imaging should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. There is no data to suggest any harm due to 3d ultasound scanning, its use in non-medical situations needs to be undertaken with the understanding that a risk may exist.

Also remember to store your new born babies umbilical cord blood cells by using people like cells4life.

4d scans - baby ultrasound.co.uk

Filed under: Health Parlor, Kiddie Stuff, Medical Center — admin at 2:31 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2008

The method know as three dimensional ultrasound is used during early pregnancy, it provides 3d pictures of the unborn baby. Most of the time these pictures are collated and combined and animated to produce a 4d ultrasound scan.

Three dimensional scanning works in the same way to the usual ultrasound methods except that the ultrasound pulses can be sent from many directions. The ultrasound waves are reflected back and captured and provide information to construct a 3 d image in much the same way as 3d pictures. 3 dimesional ultasound scanning was started by stephen smith and olaf von ramm at duke university.

It is important to understand that sonologists all over the world have always conjured 3d pictures of the body in their minds while doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was impossible to do this type of reconstruction on on info using ultrasound. With the introduction of ultrasound baby scans for the first time allowed us a view into the thinking of a sonologist and hence letting us view the images on the ultrasound machine.

The 3d/4d ultrasound image should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. While there is no information of harm due to 3d ultrasound, its use in none essential situations should be undertaken with an understanding of the risks involved.

Baby scans - babyultrasound.co.uk

Filed under: Health Parlor, Kiddie Stuff, Medical Center — admin at 3:59 pm on Monday, April 14, 2008

The method know as 3d ultrasound scanning is used when a woman is in early pregnancy, providing 3 d pictures of the fetus. Most times the ultrasound pictures are rapidly captured and combined and animated to produce a 4d ultrasound scan.

Three dimensional scanning works in a similar way to the normal ultrasound methods except that the ultrasound pulses can be directed from multiple directions. The waves are reflected back and captured and provide information to construct a 3d image in in the same way as 3d movies. 3d ultrasound was devised in the usa.

It’s important to understand that sonologists around the world always pictured 3d images of the body in their minds whilst doing 2d scans. However, until recently it was very difficult to do this type of reconstruction on on patient information using ultrasound. The advent of 4d baby scans for the first time allowed us a peek into the mechanics of thinking of a sonologist and so allowing us see the images on the ultrasound machine.

The 3d/4d ultrasound image should utilize ultrasound energy following the same limits as conventional 2d ultrasound to create the 3d images. While there is no information of harm due to 3d ultasound scanning, its use in none medical situations should be undertaken with the understanding that a risk may exist.

Smoking? It’s Time to Quit!

Filed under: Health Parlor — admin at 11:20 pm on Friday, April 11, 2008

Someone you know, perhaps even you, need to quit smoking. You
understand the dangers and realize there is not one cell in your
body that is unaffected by cigarettes and/or snuff. You even
understand that no one in your immediate vicinity is safe from
the fumes of your cigarettes or the fumes you exhale.

Yet…you find it difficult to quit. You are not alone.
Statistics from 2004 indicated that 70% of smokers want to quit,
and most people have to try more than once before they are
finally able to quit.

Getting through the nicotine withdrawal is almost the easy part.
At least it was for me so many years ago. What I remember to
this day was the voices I started hearing…the ones that told
me it was okay to have a smoke…no one was around, therefore no
one had to know. My biggest enemy then was myself. I believe if
you understand that the addicted part of your brain does not
have your best interest in mind…you fill find it easier.

Here is some great information on what happens to your body when
you quit smoking.

*Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to
return to normal. In addition the temperature in your hands and
feet increases as the effects of vasoconstriction begin to
recede.

*Within 2 weeks to 3 months after you quit, your lung functions
increase by up to 30%, continuing to improve each month.

*Your risk of a heart attack or other coronary event is
diminished by 50% within one year, and becomes that of a
non-smoker by 15 years!

*While quitting will not reduce the number of wrinkles in your
face, you can definitely stop collecting wrinkles due to smoking.

*You will smell better, taste better and feel better. You’ll
have more money, more time, more friends and more life.

Today is a good day to quit. The rest of your life is waiting.

Where Can I Purchase Contact Lenses Online

Filed under: Health Parlor — admin at 12:29 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2008

Looking to buy contact lenses online? Asking your friends, “Where can I purchase contact lenses online?” Let us help you. But before answering your “Where can I purchase contact lenses online?” allow us to tell you why should you purchase contact lenses online. There are millions of online stores that sell contact lenses online. Buying online has loads of advantages.

First, buying online offers the buyers great convenience. While purchasing online you will do your research first. Start with the brands available. If your Optometrist has already suggested the type of contact lenses you need, your search is easier. Just look for the reputed brands that offer the type of contact lenses you are looking for.

If comfort is one of your primary requirements, you can buy soft contact lenses online. For a pair of healthy eyes you can opt for daily disposable contact lenses. You can try one of the reputed brands.

Bargain prices and hot Deals are another reason for purchasing contact lenses online. A very competitive market provides the buyers with hottest deals. Imagine saving up to 70% when you are buying your contact lenses online! Besides you get free shipping, advice from experts and can do your price comparisons sitting at the comfort of your home.

Now to answer your question, “Where can I purchase contact lenses online?” Your eyes being one of the most delicate organs, you need to be alert and cautious while buying contact lenses online. Make sure the outlets you are choosing to buy contact lenses are selling the best quality contact lenses. Brands are really important. Also check their prices and other terms and conditions. A solid customer care support is really needed. Don’t get carried away by marketing hypes. Quality is the most and probably the ONLY important thing you need to consider when you purchase your contact lenses from online stores.

If you find this information useful you should visit the site http://www.contact-lenses-for-me.com where you will find lots of interesting articles related to this topic, all original and wrote by Michael Lastun.

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