Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a treatment for minor medical problems, for example-
Depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia and arthritic conditions. Aromatherapy has been around and practised in one form or another since before the Romans. It is the use of oils (taken from aromatic plants) to try and enhance beauty and health. Essential oils have been known to have effects on the human mood and mind.
There are many contraindications to aromatherapy; the following are reasons why people should not use the treatment;
- If the person suffers form epilepsy.
- Has a severe circulatory disorder and heart condition.
- If they have diabetes.
- The person has a terminal illness (cancer, leukaemia etc.).
- If the women is pregnant.
- The person has a dysfunction of the nervous system.
- If there is a history of embolism or thrombosis.
- When the client has either low or high blood pressure.
- If the person suffers from migraines.
- When the person has a skin disorder.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in the Far East 2000 years ago (approximately). It is the insertion of fine needles in the body, to stimulate nerve junctions that correspond with the body's 'patterns of pain' to attempt to release it.
There are a few contraindications in acupuncture, for example, acupuncture is known to mask certain symptoms, including some that are equivalent to those of cancer. Also, the body produces opiates (endorphins and enkphalins), that dull the senses as part of the body's pain relieving system. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases these 'natural pain relievers' into the body's main nervous system and the amount of pain relief felt, is directly linked to how many opiates have been released.
Task 2
Using the therapies that you have chosen, analyse the applications of the different complementary therapies.
Reflexology
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham, used William Fitzgerald's findings on reflexology, as a starting point where she mapped the feet to reflect zones in the whole body. Ingham then went on to develop a system of compression massage on the feet (mainly on the soles), which is also known as 'thumb walking'. On the next page is a diagram of the soles of a pair of feet. This diagram show's which parts of the feet are supposed to correspond with what parts of the body, for example all the main organs.
The diagram on the previous page illustrates how zones on the feet are thought to correspond with different parts of the body. It is believed that illness shows up as tender spots on the reflex area of the organs that are affected, and by applying a soothing massage to the correct points on the foot, it can treat almost any area or organ of the body. It is believed that illness occurs because of a blockage in the body's 'energy channels', Reflexology is directed at breaking down these blockages, allowing energy to flow freely again.
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy there is more than one technique that is used to administer essential oils into the body.
- Oils can be passed into the body through adding the essential oils to a warm bath, where it will be absorbed into the muscles/joints and then into the bloodstream, where it will flow into the persons tissues and organs (liver). Ylang Ylang can be used in this way, it is known for its exotic floral smell. It has an instantaneous relaxing effect and it also has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac.
- The oils can be inhaled, through the nose, where the aroma will enter the olfactory system and travel up to the hypothalamus (part of the brain) which will cause an emotional and physical effect. For example-Lavender, if a few drops have been placed on a cotton wool and then put inside a pillowcase. This is meant to calm the body and mind and promote relaxation, helping a person to sleep.
- Some oils can be taken orally; it will reach the stomach pass through the digestive system. It will then pass into the blood stream, where it flows into the person's tissues and organs (kidneys).
- The oils can be massaged into the skin, where it will be absorbed into the muscles/joints and then into the bloodstream, where it will flow into the persons tissues and organs (e.g. the kidneys). For example- Jasmine, which is believed to release anxiety and uplift spirits due to its warm erotic odour.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates chi flow by breaking down energy blocks, by inserting fine needles into the skin. The needles are placed over energy trapping points along the meridians, which are linked to certain organs, body zones and functions. Occasionally Moxa, a herb is burned on the point of the needle, so that the heat travels downwards, to heat the acupressure point and help make it more receptive to treatment. This is most successfully when acupuncture is used to treat joint or back pain.
The concept of acupuncture is that there are 12 meridians, they run down in pairs, six on either side of the body and they all correspond to major functions (organs). It is believed that 'Qi energy' must be able to flow freely and at the correct strength through each of these meridians for health to be maintained. The practice of acupuncture may differ from place to place, but the concept remains the same, but it all originates from 'the traditional acupuncture' theory, which is based on the Daoist idea of yin and yang.
Task 3
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different complementary therapies.
Reflexology
Advantages of reflexology are that it leaves the client feeling relaxed, happy and less stressed. Also doctors believe that little harm can come from this therapy and the majority of people find it very beneficial. It has been known to help with problems such as digestion, constipation, fluid retention (swollen legs), stress and fatigue.
Aromatherapy
There are many advantages to aromatherapy, for example- it can be an effective stress reliever and helps to counteract PMS, insomnia anxiety and depression. Aromatherapy oils can be mixed to help ease muscle strain, rebalance skin problems, help with respiratory and circulatory problems and to help strengthen the immune system
Disadvantages of aromatherapy can be by the misuse/overuse of essential oils, which can have adverse effects on certain people. For it can cause headaches and a general feeling of nausea. This is not true in all cases for certain aromatic smells can have this affect on certain people, without there being any misuse of the oils.
Acupuncture
Advantages to acupuncture are that it is beneficial for skin problems, especially eczema. Also it is known to help with chronic fatigue, ME, menstrual and menopausal problems.
