Aromatherapy and Migraines

Most physicians agree that aromatherapy makes an excellent complementary therapy for migraineurs. Aromatherapy has not been shown to eliminate migraine headaches, but when used to complement traditional therapy and medication it can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Aromatherapy is a natural healing methodology that uses plant-derived essential oils to achieve a desired therapeutic affect. It is not known precisely how aromatherapy works, whether it is the scent or a chemical action of the essential oil itself that provides relief. Because of this unknown factor some doctors worry about potential essential oil interactions with standard drugs used in treating migraines.

When trying aromatherapy to relieve migraines, keep in mind a few safety precautions.
* Always talk to a doctor before trying anything new.
* Speak to an experienced aromatherapist, if possible.
* When combining aromatherapy with other medications, watch for adverse reactions and report them to a doctor immediately.
* Buy real plant-derived essential oils designed for aromatherapy. Good ones will be sold in dark containers and stored away from direct sunlight.
* Use a carrier oil or aromatherapy diffuser. Essential oils can be powerful irritants and should not be applied directly to the skin.

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways. They can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser and inhaled two or three times daily. Oils can added to a large bowl of hot water and the aroma inhaled with eyes closed. While essential oils can also be added to carrier bath, face, or massage oils and applied to the body or bath, this should only be done after consulting with a knowledgeable aromatherapist to make sure the oils used are safe for this purpose.
Some of the essential oils commonly recommended for migraine aromatherapy are lavender, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, sandalwood, clary sage, ginger, ylang-ylang, basil, marjoram, and chamomile.

Aromatherapy really works

Emma Hill is on the scent of the latest massage oils and treatments
As the name suggests, aromatherapy is all about smell. When a fragrance travels up the nose, it triggers a response in the limbic system, the part of the brain linked with memory and emotion.

Hence the marvellous feeling we get when we smell something wonderful.
Smells affect different individuals in different ways, as they are closely linked to personal memories.
Yet studies by several French doctors, including aromatherapy pioneer Jean Valnet, illustrate the specific benefits of smelling certain essential oils. Each oil has its own properties.
"Frankincense causes us to breathe more deeply," says Geraldine Howard, co-founder of Aromatherapy Associates. Other stress-relievers include lavender and camomile.

The oils are also absorbed through the skin. "They are very small molecules, the same size as a virus and smaller than a bacterium," she says.
Essential oils are potent, so caution is needed when applying them. Too much of one can lead to irritation and even toxicity, which is why proper aromatherapy is a carefully-taught practice.
Aromatherapy massage has a specific technique that works with the oils to enhance their benefits. It has its roots in a method first developed in the 1950s by Marguerite Maury, a biochemist and aromatherapy pioneer. It works on the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic responses such as breathing and circulation. The massage involves working along both sides of the spine, stimulating specific points linked to the system, to encourage the body to rebalance itself.
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. Whether or not it works for an individual is essentially down to the recipient. Evidence of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils is increasing, yet experienced aromatherapists extol the treatment's virtues because of the results they've seen with clients, rather than scientists' findings.
Find a local aromatherapist: 0870 774 3477; http://www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk/.

WHAT TO EXPECT
A consultation will tell the aromatherapist what you need to get from the treatment and which oils to use. You may be invited to smell two or three. Treatments usually last about an hour and start with the back, moving to legs, face, chest and stomach. Towels are strategically placed for modesty. The best time for a treatment is later in the day.

TOP TREATMENTS
Micheline Arcier Signature Aromatherapy Massage, £90 (020 7235 3545). Ask for Kiyoko - her massage is exceptional. The treatment was designed by the late Madame Arcier, a pioneer of aromatherapy in Britain.
Aromatherapy Associates' Real Aromatherapy Experience, £65. At Calcot Manor, Glos (01666 890391). Massage is based on classic French techniques. (Salons nationwide: 020 8569 7030).
Decleor Aromassage Relax, from £80 at Spa Illuminata, London W1 (020 7499 7777). Tension relieving and rebalancing with frankincense and myrrh. (Decleor salons nationwide: 020 7313 8780).
Michelle Roques-O'Neil Aroma-Balance, £120. At Unit 14, 2A Wrentham Avenue, London NW10 (020 8177 8256). The Micheline Arcier-trained aromatherapist has the kind of experience and maternal approach that leaves you feeling cosseted and soothed.

BEST PRODUCTS
Prolong the effects of an aromatherapy massage by adding the same oils to a bath, three times a week - always use a pre-blended oil to avoid the risk of irritation. Add a capful to a full bath and relax for ten minutes, inhaling deeply.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil (£30, http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/) with lavender, rosemary and ginger warms tight or aching muscles.
This Works Deep Calm Bath And Shower Oil (£32, 0845 652 9594) is a potent vetivert, lavender and camomile blend that has a grounding, soothing effect.
E’Spa Soothing Bath And Body Oil (£23, http://www.espaonline.com/index.cfm?F792E5A4-65B8-CEEE-AA7A-EE2A221B80D0) with frankincense, myrrh, ylang ylang and sandalwood is a fabulously indulgent, relaxing soak.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Soothing Bath Oil (£10, http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/) contains balancing geranium and bergamot, relaxing lavender and warming cypress essential oils

Aromatherapy Massage Treatment

Aromatherapeutic massage, while applying and spreading the oils all over the body, is a relaxing and never painful experience. It stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems improving the supply of nutrients to the body tissues and aiding the elimination of toxins and waste products from them. At the same time, massage relaxes the mind and nervous system.

What will happen during the treatment?

At the beginning of the session details of your medical history and lifestyle will be taken to assure the most beneficial (and safe) choice of essential oils for the treatment.There are some contraindications but something can always be done even when the full body massage is out of question!

During the massage, client's body remains fully covered with towels except for the head and the specific area that is being worked on. The temperature, level of lighting and music in the room can be adjusted to ensure client's comfort.

After the treatment, as follow-ups or to compliment your massage, synergistic oil blends and remedies can be made to suit your individual needs. Different forms of aromatherapeutic treatment may be advised for home use i.e.: - bath,- sitz bath,- footbath,- steam inhalation,- compress, - self-massage of localized area, - neat oil application, etc.Creams and ointments may be prepared for some skin conditions.They are all hand made and can be tailored to specific requirements.After the treatment feedback will be greatly appreciated and you will be asked for it before the next session!

How to benefit from massage treatment?

Dos and Don'ts

Before Massage:

1. Have a cool shower or bath,

2. Do not apply perfumes or deodorants,

3. Do not have a large, heavy meal,

4. Do not drink alcohol

5. Do not have massage if you have flu or fever or had recently an immunization or serious operation, however, once the worst is over let aromatherapy help your system back into balance.

After Massage:

1. Drink a glass of water immediately after the treatment and drink plenty of still mineral water and mild herbal teas for the rest of the day - it will help to eliminate toxins from your body

2. Keep oils on for 24 hours, if possible

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking

4. Do not lie in the sun or use a sun bed for one or two days - some oils can cause photosensitivity

5. Eat a light meal and avoid heavy or processed food for the rest of the day

Lavender Essential Oil

The scent of lavender often brings a smile to many faces. It seems to evoke memories of comfort and safety in those who prefer it. In fact, for years healers have used lavender in its various forms to relieve anxiety, lift depression, and promote relaxation.
There are many products on the market today that have lavender essence listed as a primary ingredient. However, there is no need to buy an overpriced and over-packaged product when you can get the same basic results with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Less than four drops in equal cups of hot to near boiling water produces a fragrant steam that is said to help ease restlessness and anxiety in adults when inhaled (please use caution with hot liquids!), and one or two drops mixed in with another base oil is perfect for a calming, relaxing massage.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Safety:Which Oils to Avoid and When

Not all oils are good oils — some should be avoided at certain times and others should be handled with care. Here are a few safety tips on the use of aromatherapy oils.
Never put undiluted essential oil on your skin. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as almond or baby oil. If you make your own oils by infusing plant matter in carrier oil, the resulting oil will be weak enough to use on the skin.
Do not use these oils when pregnant; bitter almond, basil, clary sage, camphor, clove bud, eucalyptus, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose geranium, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Always check on the safety of any aromatic oil during pregnancy.
If planning to work with an oil you haven’t used before, do a small skin test on the inside of your arm. Avoid if there is irritation.
People with epilepsy should avoid eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, sage, pennyroyal, juniper, tansy, thuja, turpentine, and rosemary, as these oils may cause seizures.
People with high blood pressure should avoid rosemary, sage and thyme.
Do not ingest essential oils or bring into contact with eyes.
Do not apply any product with citrus oils to your skin if you are going out in the sun. The essential citrus oils can cause burning and reddening of the skin.
Observe strict safety precautions when using an oil burner. Never leave an oil burner unattended and never go to bed or go out without first extinguishing the oil burner. Do not place oil burners near moving curtains or anything flammable. Make sure you place your oil burner in a larger ceramic container with a little water on the bottom so it is contained if it gets knocked over. Never burn pure oil in the oil burner — put water in the reservoir and add a few drops of oil to the water.
Keep oils stored in a cool, dark place or in the fridge.
Some oils are very toxic and should not be used at all, yet are still sold over the internet. Never buy wormwood or sassafras, even though they are still offered for sale. Always check the safety of any oil product before you buy it.
For the most part, you can use commonly available essential oils such as lavender with confidence. Some oils, such as thyme, may cause irritation and should be tested first. Always follow the directions given in recipes and avoid recipes with ‘way out’ or obscure ingredients.
The great benefit with aromatherapy is that most of the most useful and therapeutic herbs are the ones that smell good — so it isn’t too hard to avoid the ones that smell bad and may be toxic!