Plants have always been used as medicine for humans, but it was only recorded from about 5000BC. As with Reflexology, there is evidence from Egypt and India from tomb engravings, stone and clay tablets, papyri, and palm-leaf texts that depicts the use of plants for religious rituals, cooking, bathing, and medicine.
There are 3 ways in which we can benefit from aromatherapy. The pathways that the properties of the essential oils can be absorbed by the body are:
through the skin
through the respiratory system (through breathing in)
through the olfactory senses (smell)
When essential oils are used in conjunction with Reflexology, the oils pass through the skin, and unlike consuming something orally, the molecules immediately enter the bloodstream and stay the same. This is because everything that we take orally, passes through the liver - which aims to convert lipid-soluble substances like fats and oils (essential oils) to water-soluble ones.
With skin application, essential oils pass straight into the arterial blood and lymph circulation through the skin, and some of their molecules are distributed in their original state throughout the body. Along with the blood and lymph fluid, they will pass into and out of internal organs tissues, and cells which are nourished and cleansed by the circulation.
The cells that benefit more from the essential oils are those that receive the most blood, for example, the endocrine glands (responsible for our hormones), heart, lungs, liver, brain, and kidneys. Different oils have an attraction for certain organs - like fennel and juniper for the kidneys. Essential oils also have the ability to enhance our emotional state as well, often stating an uplifting feeling or a state of euphoria (well-being).
Essential oils are never applied directly onto the skin - they are so very powerful on their own, so they are mixed and diluted with a carrier oil or cream. The most permeable places to apply the diluted essential oils are:
the inside of the arm, wrist, or leg
behind the ears
Forehead
Soles and palms
Scalp
Shoulder areas
So you can see why we apply the custom-made cream directly to the feet and hands during reflexology to get immediate benefits of balancing the body.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When we apply essential oils through the skin or olfactory senses (smelling), we stimulate the pituitary gland into releasing endorphins. Endorphins are hormones with pain-countering effects produced naturally by the body. Interestingly enough, scientists have discovered that endorphins not only are produced in the pituitary glands, but also in CELLS in the many parts of the body, like the digestive tract, the circulatory system, the skin, kidneys, and the lungs. Many body functions are regulated by hormones like endorphins and they can communicate directly with each other without needing to go via the brain.
When the essential oil molecules enter the bloodstream, they bind to the outer membranes of the cells and trigger a message that the cell needs to perform certain functions or behaviors like:
regulation of body temperature
insulin production or inhibitor
regulation of heartbeat
involuntary muscle contraction
regulation of sleep cycles
inducement of moods and emotions
regulation of appetite and thirst
regulation of calorific levels
digestive functions
sexual arousal and satisfaction
the stress response
In addition to these benefits of essential oils, we must be careful as they have the potential to be very harmful if they are used in the wrong way, the wrong place or for the wrong circumstance. However, when trained by a trained aromatherapist, the risks are extremely low.
To make your appointment for Aromareflexology with me, via my online booking system HERE, call or text me on 07546 706 490 to make your appointment.
Carly
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