Safe Use of Essential Oils in Aromatherapy & Massage
Although essential oils are wholly natural products; truly astonishing in their ability to heal & help, they are nevertheless chemical compounds which can cause reactions & be very dangerous under certain conditions. There are some circumstances which may be hard to assess – individuals may potentially be specifically allergic to almost any oil (as with any substance), but many of the oils contain safety procedures with blending percentages for use. For example, in case of dermal irritation or reactions with certain conditions or medications. Many are toxic if ingested or swallowed. Although in France oils may be prescribed internally, this is done so by experts only & it is illegal to do so at all in the UK.
I am a professional aromatherapist & am fully-insured to blend & work with essential oils. To do this I have undergone a strict two year training in essential oil safety procedures & usage including molecular chemistry & belong to the professional body the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).
Home Blending
If you are planning to use essential oils & aromatherapy it is very important that you are aware of any safety considerations – either by consulting with a professional aromatherapist or by using a proper guide.
For the serious blender the standard textbook is by Robert Tisserand:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Oil-Safety-Health-Professionals/dp/0443062412
but there are many excellent books available & Neal’s Yard has a brilliant little guidebook which can safely guide you in home-blending for less than £10:
http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-oils-and-blends/books/7861.html#start=3
Aromatherapy Massage
If going for a genuine aromatherapy massage then it is best to book with a professional aromatherapist who will not only have a wide selection of essential oils to tailor-make a bespoke blend for you at each individual treatment but who can also do so safely, or if you prefer, using entirely safe essential oils. If in doubt check that they are a member of a professional body such as the IFPA or go to the IFPA website & use their Find A Therapist facility for a professionally-qualified aromatherapist.
For example, for aromatherapy massage with pregnant women, young children, hypersensitive individuals or the elderly I would always use completely safe oils at a very low percentage level.
The oils are the most beautiful of companions to work with, I love them dearly & am truly fortunate to be able to work with them on a daily basis, but, as with all of nature, I believe in treating them with the greatest of respect & as much knowledge as possible.
If you have any questions regarding essential oil safety, aromatherapy massage or your safe usage of essential oils please do feel free to contact me via my website or Facebook page.
Please see also the below well-sourced article for more information:
http://www.webpoisoncontrol.org/articles/2014%20Jun/Essential%20Oils
