Aromatherapy Advice

Take delight in being of service to others? Perhaps a career in massage therapy or holistic health care is right for you. At the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts, you can achieve your professional aspirations. Providing a wide variety of educational programs, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts is a diverse career-training school where one can attain certification in holistic massage therapy, advanced massage therapy, holistic health, master body worker, teacher training, family health, and/or spa services.

Boasting three convenient campus locations from which to choose, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts provides in-depth skills and practical training to students in the San Francisco Bay area, Pleasanton, and San Rafael, California. Its 210-hour holistic massage therapy program includes training in anatomy and physiology, Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy®, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage, and Swedish/Vibrational Massage combination, along with supplementary education in philosophy, communication, business, and ethics.

The advanced massage therapy certification program at the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts entails eight to 12 months of hands-on training in anatomy & physiology II, Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy® II, deep tissue II, Feet First Reflexology & Rehabilitation®, lymphatic massage, cranial-sacral balancing, shiatsu, and advanced integrative studies, among other related subject matter.

If you’re interested in becoming certified as a holistic health practitioner, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts offers an ideal holistic health certification program that includes studies in alternative theories of healing, movement in health, energy bodies awakening, power of language and communication, holistic fitness and nutrition, kinesiology, aromatherapy, flower essences, healing hypnotherapy, coaching, and much more.

Successful graduates of the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts’ Master Body worker program acquire four different state-approved certificates, including Advanced Massage Therapist (AMT), Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP), Holistic Massage Therapist (CMT) and of course, Master Bodywork (MBW). In addition, students who successfully finish both the Holistic Massage Therapy Program and the Advanced Massage Therapist Program can sit for the National Certification Exam (administered by National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork – NCBTMB) and gain National certification.

Aside from its varied certification programs, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts extends continuing education courses that may be taken as individual workshops. Furthermore, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts offers independent courses in hot stone massage’ aromatherapy massage; salt scrubs and herbal wraps; pregnancy massage; baby, child, teen and geriatric massage; pet massage; chair massage; floor massage; standing massage, among other associated studies.

Offering a wide range of available financial aid programs, the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts is also approved by the U.S. Government for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (I-20) and is authorized by the California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Vocational Education.

World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts presents Open Houses on the first Monday evening of each month from 6-9 p.m. (PST).

HolisticJunction.com recognizes the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts and applauds its standards of excellence in providing professional healing arts training.

If you would like more information about this unique healing arts school, please visit the World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts today.

Featured School of the Week: The World School of Massage and Holistic Healing Arts

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The CollegeBound Network

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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Oil from “Down Under”, Tea tree oil is yellow / greenish tinged essential oil extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Australian natives used tea tree for antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immune stimulant properties. The essential oil steam distilled from its leaves and twigs to treat range of ailments like cold, sores, acnes and even whooping cough. Combats skin infections, insect bites, and minor wounds and is a remedy for oral infections.

The balsamic woody antiseptic fragrant tea tree oil’s magical healing powers make it one of the best essential oils to have in your medicine closet. Beside lavender oil, tea tree oil can be used directly without any carrier oil. It can be used undiluted as it is non toxic, non-irritating. It is ideal to perform a patch test your skin before using it. Blends well with lavender, lemon, rosemary, and clove oils.

The much talked about oil treats vaginal yeast infections, plantar warts, warts and insect bites. Rubbing it on to scalp will help in getting rid of nits, dandruff and lice. Fights viruses, bacteria, fungi thereby boosting the immune system to ward off infectious disease. It can be used undiluted on wounds, minor cuts and insect bites. It cures the affected area by penetrating the skin and leaving no scars.

Tea tree oil is good remedy for acne. It heals the acne scars and unclogs the pores. Single large drop tea tree oil dabbed on the pimple may clear it up quickly. Few drops of tea tree oil to your warm bath relax and rejuvenate you. It helps to remove persistent body odor and soothe sore muscles. When added to water in pools, hot tubs and spas it controls bacteria.

Massage few drops of undiluted oil for athlete’s foot and ring worm infections. Inhalation of few drops of this oil is a great relief for persistent colds, flu, toothache, and cough. A dab of tea tree oil around your nose will open up clogged nose soothing sinuses.

Tea tree oil has been used effectively to treat abscess, blisters, burns, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts and wounds. You can use tea tree oil to cure sunburns, diaper rash, toenail infections and problems of smelly feet.

Tea tree oil properties act as immune booster helping the body to fight off host of micro organisms that lead to reduction in body’s natural resistance power.

Aromatherapy massage actually improves the texture and appearance of the skin Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are thought to have healing properties. Aromatherapeutic massage utilizes the power of Essential Oils to help soothe the body and elevate emotions. Aromatherapy is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing by the use of plants and their parts. Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating and stimulating. Aroma Vera Massage Oils are produced with the highest quality ingredients, and are perfect for either professional or home use. Aromatherapy helps to strengthen the healing processes by indirect stimulation of the immune system. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils have been in use since ancient times for a multitude of reasons, from religious ceremonies and meditation to healing and seduction. Massage benefits the body by the stimulation of touch receptors and the regulation of energy flow via acupressure pathways. The combination of massage and essential oils is an ideal way to combine the benefits of both therapies. Aromatherapy can help ease a wide assortment of ailments; easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems. Room Diffusion method is used to diffuse a beautiful aroma through the house, disinfect the air if someone is sick and to boost immunity through inhalation. Depending on type of diffuser, add 10-15 drops of your chosen oil or oil blend. Bath is helpful for overall absorption into the body, boosting immunity, skin conditions and general relaxation.

Aroma Essential Oils are refreshing, fragrant plant extracts which can have an uplifting effect on the state of mind and body. Aromas and the sense of smell influence memory recall, moods, and bodily responses such as heart rate, respiration, hormone levels and stress reactions. Essential oils help to create harmony in body, mind and spirit and promote feelings of well-being, relaxation, confidence and receptivity. Essential oils work by entering the body in two ways, through the nose and through the skin. The nose is a powerful sense organ, and the sense of smell is connected directly to the limbic system of the brain, which helps control emotions, memory, and several functions in the body. Essential oils with their potent aromas can be used to enhance moods, promote relaxation, and increase energy levels. Essential Blend’s therapeutic-grade essential oils deliver positive benefits to the body through smell & direct absorption into the skin. Massage and/or Aromatherapy masssage is the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Antiseptic, calming, stimulating, soothing, our essential oils bring balance to all systems of the body. Focusing on the powerful medicinal capabilities of essential oils. Sunspirit Aromatherapy carries an extensive range of therapeutic grade pure essential oils, whilst also embracing their emotional and spiritual effects. There are many different ways of applying the essential oils depending on the effect you want to achieve. Inhalations are used particularly in the case of upper respiratory issues, such as colds, coughs and sore throats.

The “Matriarch” of oils, very gentle, soothing and calming to the mind and body. Using aromatherapy for pregnancy and birth is also an age old process. Some form of essential oils was used in almost every native culture. Today, aromatherapy is widely practiced in North America and Europe. Foot and Hand baths are highly beneficial in situations where it is impractical to enjoy a full aromatherapy bath – perhaps if you are elderly or have a disability. The essential oils used in aromatherapy are plant volatile oils from the flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots that have been extracted using steam distillation, water and stem distillation or cold-pressing. Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of health conditions, such as allergies, stress, bruises, burns, diarrhea, earache, prementrual syndrome (PMS), energy, insect bites, relaxation, poor digestion, headache, menopause, insomnia, nausea, bronchitis, colds, flu, sinusitis, sprains, wounds, shingles (herpes zoster), muscle and joint pain, arthritis, nervousenss, restlessness, and scars. Essential oils can be used at home by inhalation or topical application. Steam inhalation is often used for respiratory conditions. Steam inhalation involves adding 2-3 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus, roosemary, tea tree, or other oil to hot water and holding the face over the pot with a towel draped to form a tent.

Make aromatherapy massage oils by mixing a base oil, such as jojoba, grape seed, sunflower or apricot, with 6-to-12 drops of essential oils. Prevent skin irritation from aromatherapy massage oils with tips in this free video from an experienced aromatherapist.Expert: Sundae Thomas Contact: www.Naturalsundae.com Bio: Sundae Thomas has been a massage therapist for more than 10 years, and she has been the owner of Natural Sundae in Land O’ Lakes, Fla. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz…

Imagine coming home from a stressful day and wondering how to diffuse the unhealthy stress that is being experienced. Some methods of dispelling stress include exercise, involvement in a hobby, and being involved in a stress relief center.

Unfortunately, many individuals today turn to destructive methods or the use of synthetic items to dispel that stress. These harmful substances can include cigarette smoking, the use of alcohol etc. Rather than using these harmful methods of neutralizing stress there are other alternative methods. One of those alternative methods is the use of aromatherapy.

When considering aromatherapy it is important to understand what aromatherapy is and the essential oil properties of the various aromas that are utilized to reduce stress, alleviate other physical conditions as well as serving in other practical ways around the household.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a therapeutic technique that utilizes the scents of various natural items found on the planet. These natural items can include trees, flowers, spices, etc. These scents are extracted from the natural products and are distilled into therapeutic oils that capture the essence of these natural items.

The essential oil properties of aromatherapy can be therapeutically accessed by the individual in two separate ways. Those two separate ways include the application of the oil upon the skin and the diffusing of the oil’s aroma by heating up the specific aromatherapy oil through the use of a diffuser.

In both instances, the affects of the oil help the individual to address specific physical conditions and emotions that they are experiencing.

Essential Oil Properties

There are specific uses associated with essential oil properties. Some of those essential oil properties deal with the therapeutic treatment of individuals who are experiencing various conditions or practical household uses that these essential oil properties can address.

For example if an individual is experiencing a headache, the essential oil properties of lavender can prove to be very beneficial. This can be accomplished by placing a few drops of lavender on the temple portion of the head and rubbing the oil around that particular area. Or, if an individual feels fatigued, allow the aroma of rosemary to permeate your senses. The use of rosemary helps to promote alertness within an individual and stimulate their memory.

In addition essential oil properties can be used as a practical deterrent for some insects. For example a few drops of peppermint around the doorway or window will help to deter ants from entering the home.

Since recorded history –and probably before—women and men have anointed themselves with scents. It has been said that Egypt’s ruling queens Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut had extensive vats of exotic perfumes. History also notes that during the reign of King Charles II men often carried pomanders, or “nosegays” of scents as accessories. Perfumes through the years were not only used as alluring adornments, but also to dissipate body odor; by today’s standards, personal hygiene of the past was significantly lacking!

In our time, women’s perfumes and men’s colognes are considered to be an essential part of grooming. Heady, beckoning, and elegant ladies’ perfumes can be purchased in retail stores, specialty stores that carry only fragrances, on the Internet, through catalogues, or in duty-free international airports’ shops. Every perfume is built around “notes,” or specific scents; most fine fragrances have upper (the strongest), middle and lower notes all combined to form a single perfume. The top notes may be floral, earthy, musky, grassy, or citrus-based. The great parfumiers of France immortalized top-note fragrances like Chanel #5 by the House of Coco Chanel, Je Reviens from the House of Worth, Shalimar from the House of Guerlain, and Joy from the House of Jean Patou. In fact, Joy is the most expensive perfume in the world at $100 USD for half an ounce.

Men’s fragrances are primarily musky, earthy and citrus-based. Since most men object to the notion that they wear perfume as women do, these fragrances are usually referred to as colognes. Many fine colognes come from designers of men’s clothing such as Ralph Lauren, Versace, Chanel for men, Tommy Hilfiger, and Davidoff. In a recent US poll, Guerlain’s Vetiver, a citrus-based cologne, and Cool Water by Davidoff were top-ranked by men who use fragrances.

When you purchase fragrances, it helps to understand the difference between perfume and cologne, especially in women’s fragrances. Perfume is 100% fragrance-oil based, and very concentrated. Cologne, or eau de cologne, has been diluted with water; it’s smell doesn’t last nearly as long as women’s perfume. To locate fine perfumes, it’s necessary to shop in a specialty store or on-line. Much cheaper colognes are found in drug and discount stores. While a woman may lavishly spray herself with a less-costly cologne, only a small amount of perfume will endure for up to ten hours.

Even the bottling of fine perfume makes a difference in its enduring quality. Since the best perfumes are most often bottled in colored glass or crystal, they stay more fresh and retain their fragrance better than fragrances bottled in clear glass. Colored bottles prevent the essential oils in perfumes from becoming rancid. Many men and women store their fine fragrances in a cabinet to prevent too much exposure to light. Caring for the best fragrances is much like caring for fine jewelry; care must be taken to preserve your perfumes that can last many years!

Aromatherapy has gained a high level of popularity today. But just how effective is it at reducing ailments and improving our quality of life in reality? This article looks at research conducted and the level of safety its practice demands.

Aromatherapy Effectiveness

Although there are few research papers concerning this the validity and effectiveness of aromatherapy the effects of essential oils can to a certain extent be predicted if you know their chemical make up.

Well managed trials that have investigated the effects of aromatherapy on people have suggested that some conditions can be alleviated. Evidence has indicated that aromatherapy:

may lessen alopecia

can reduce anxiety

helps prevent bronchitis

can combat acne and fungi

What must still be remembered is that the majority of such research has yielded little solid conclusions, more research being needed to set such ‘evidence’ in stone.

Aromatherapy Concerns

Aromatherapy products tend to contain only very small quantities of essential oils. These oils in their pure concentrated forms can be very powerful, therefore requiring care when handling. Typically, for example, only a few drops of an essential oil are needed in a bath. Over application of these oils could well lead to irritation, toxic effects have sometimes been seen when used incorrectly e.g. swallowed or eaten.

Side-effects from aromatherapy oils can be nausea, allergic reactions and headaches. Particular oils, like orange, bergamot and lemon react with ultra violet light from sunlight to burn skin.

Only a few essential oils should ever be applied to your skin, e.g. lavender oil and tea tree oil in low quantities. Ingestion of essential oils should only ever be done when recommended by fully qualified therapists. Some professional bodies recommend never internally taking such oils.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk about the use of aromatherapy with your doctor or professional therapist first before proceeding. A number of oils should never be used whilst pregnant or breastfeeding since they can build up in breast milk.

Some people get aggravations on their skin when it comes into contact with particular essential oils. As such, essential oils should be used carefully on:

broken skin

varicose veins

infectious skin conditions

Aromatherapy should not be used on patients that are still recovering from surgical operations. Additionally, aromatherapy is not recommended for people with:

high blood pressure

deep vein thrombosis

epilepsy

Some kinds of conventional medicines (e.g. antihistamines, anti-epileptic drugs, sedatives and antibiotics) can be enhanced or reduced when in combination with particular essential oils. The majority of homeopaths will tend to advise that essential oil use is halted whilst you are using homeopathic remedies.

Aromatherapy Practitioners

Always ensure that your aromatherapist of choice has studied at an accredited college known to the various professional aromatherapy associations. Practitioners should have participated in and completed courses with adequate weekly hours of tuition, having received studies and practicals on physiology and anatomy, the use of essential oils and massage.

Find Spa and Aromatherapy Massage Courses in the United States and Canada. Today’s average high school graduate is still debating on which educational path to follow. Those who aren’t certain about which career field to pursue may have an entrepreneurial niche; and may prefer a hands-on learning environment like that of a spa and aromatherapy massage program.

Prospective students who have shown interest in bodywork and natural healing may primarily be drawn to an education in spa and aromatherapy massage; as it combines essential training in oils, herbs, and botanical medicine with a variety of massage methods. In most cases, a spa and aromatherapy massage program involves practical training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and seated massage, among other modalities. In addition, students enrolled in a spa and aromatherapy massage course will often discover little known facts and history about the origins of herbal medicine, aromatic and scented oils, and their natural healing attributes.

A typical outline of a spa and aromatherapy massage program entails comprehensive studies in hot oil treatments, body wraps, facials, hand and foot spas, beauty/skin nutrition and treatments, detoxification therapies, and associated instruction.

Students who fulfill all educational and training requirements of a spa and aromatherapy massage course can earn holistic certification and/or diploma in the respective field. Because massage and healing arts schools vary in program length and training hours, a number of spa and aromatherapy massage courses may meet or exceed state and national requirements for national certification. Bear in mind that while you may be eligible for national certification as a massage therapist, esthetics’ licensure varies in accordance with the spa/aromatherapy curriculum requirements.

Successful graduates of a spa and aromatherapy massage program may go onto entry level positions in wellness clinics, or may put their skills to the test by going into their own business or managing a franchise. In some cases, professionals who have established a good reputation may choose to pursue entrepreneurial careers on cruise liners and at popular resorts. Truly, the sky is the limit in this occupation: as a career choice, experienced spa and aromatherapy massage professionals can anticipate lucrative earnings of $30* and up.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding spa and aromatherapy massage courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Salary source: Bls.gov (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Spa and Aromatherapy Massage: Courses for the Entrepreneur

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Plants and herbs give us oxygen to let us breathe safely. But this is not the end and there are practices like aromatherapy to rejuvenate our mind and body, which are mainly based on the use of essential oils. Use of aromatherapy essential oil gives our mind and body a glow that is certainly natural.

Aromatherapy is the therapy to cure human life through the use of these extracted natural substances and they work for the betterment of human life, not essentially for the beauty purpose. However, aromatherapy through the use of essential oil adds to beauty and health to your life.

Aromatherapy essential oils are naturally extracted through a distillation or expression process. The essential oil comes out of the volatile aroma compounds of a plant or herb. This is a concentrated, liquid taken from the aroma of the plant. In simple terms, it is the oil of the plant as the oil of clove. The term essential carries the meaning that the oil has got distinctive scent or essence of the plant. These aromatherapy essential oils are used for different purposes such as in perfumes and cosmetics, for flavoring food and drink etc.

In aromatherapy, the use of essential oils is unique. Aromatherapy essential oil is used basically to reduce health problems like cold, arthritis, aches, skin problems as well as stress and anxiety like problems. Essential oil is not a sticky substance like many other oils, although it is earmarked as oil. And, in aromatherapy, essential oil embraces all the health problems only to cure them. When tunes with the harp of aromatherapy, essential oil fragrance directly hits the brain of a person and effect then positively. This positive effect leads you towards a healthy life.

However, while you go for the treatment of essential oil in aromatherapy, do not for get that there are types of essential oil for various different reasons and these are not identical. For every particular use or treatment, there is a particular fragrance of aromatherapy essential oils.

There are blends too in aromatherapy in the use of essential oil. If you want to use the various types of essential in an effective mix, it is available and a mixture of essential sometimes works really great because in this case, you are not to go for buying individual essential oil. Yet, there are problems and these may come with an itching or something alike for which it is essential to consult a doctor.

So, being in touch with the aroma of the aromatherapy essential oils can make a rainbow effect on your body and mind and to the soul as a whole and we get rejuvenated with a glow which was never before.

Aromatherapy oil is extracted from wood, seeds, bark, roots, leaves, and flowers. They are natural herbs and plants that are known for their healing powers. Aromatherapy oil works to calm and soothe both the body and the mind. There are many ways and locations to use aromatherapy oils.

The bath tub is a common place where women go to get a way from it all for a short period of time. Add several drops of aromatherapy oil and soak for at least 20 minutes. Rosemary and Lavender are great aromatherapy oils to help you relax.

Probably the most common method of using aromatherapy oil is the art of massage. The oil allows the massagers hands to glide smoothly and easily all over the body. As the oil is absorbed into the skin, the person getting the massage is able to relax. This is a great way to relieve stress and feel rejuvenated. For some people, a massage with aromatherapy oil excites them and increases their sexual urges. A massage with aromatherapy oil is a great way for a couple to spend a romantic evening together.

For someone who suffers from chronic pain, a compress filled with aromatherapy oils and hot water does wonders. A compress of aromatherapy oil and cold water can help relieve a headache. Inhaling aromatherapy oil can help relieve your sinuses as well as relieve stress. Add a few drops to a bowl of boiling water or to a vaporizer.

There are many ways to create aromatherapy oils. Steam Distillation is used to extract the oil. This process is quick and effective for extracting large amounts of aromatherapy oil in a short amount of time. The use of steam can reduce the potency of some aromatherapy oils.

Hydro Distillation involves using water to boil the plant in an effort of extracting the aromatherapy oil. This method is commonly used for hard herbs and plants including nuts, woods, and roots. You have to be careful with Hydro Distillation because if you allow the water to get too hot or boil the plants and herbs too long your aromatherapy oils will have a burnt smell that isn’t effective.

The newest and most effective way to extract aromatherapy oil is the process of Super Critical Carbon Dioxide Method. Carbon dioxide is used with high pressure to extract the aromatherapy oil. This is very effective and very fast. This method gets the most oils from the plants and herbs. It is also very inexpensive and fast.

The use of aromatherapy oils for physical and metal reasons is not new. It has been used for centuries by many cultures. It is a good idea to get a book on aromatherapy oils or do some research on the internet to find out the best aromatherapy oil for your particular needs. Some help you relax or get rid of stress. Others can make your body feel better. Regardless of how you use it, you can find some relieve from the ailments and the elements with aromatherapy oil.