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Aromatherapy Massage

Even though essential oils are natural products, it is still necessary to follow certain precautions when using them. Many essential oils are NOT safe to use with certain health conditions.  

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Serious medical conditions that require a referral from a doctor before treatment include:

• heart and circulatory disorders 

• thrombosis

• high and low blood pressure

• diabetes

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Restricted massages (avoid an area) maybe required in certain cases such as:

• prevalence of scar tissue

• skin disorders such as eczema

• bruising, cuts and wounds

• fractures and sprains

• varicose veins

• Due to the strong association between smell and memory, special care should be taken when using aromatherapy on patients undergoing chemotherapy or feeling very ill. The smell of the oil may induce nausea, vomiting or negative emotions in subsequent context.

• Allergic reactions are more commonly associated with certain oils including Basil, Fennel, Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Verbena oils.

• Infectious diseases : People suffering from infectious diseases like colds, fever, tuberculosis, flu, measles, and scarlet fever must not be given aromatherapy massage since they are contagious.

• Skin diseases and sensitivity : Important precautions during aromatherapy relate to skin sensitivity and skin disorders

• High Blood Pressure: Some essential oils are generally best avoided with individuals suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension), although the evidence is by no means certain, especially as soothing massage is known to actually lower blood pressure. However, it is recommended that the following essential oils are avoided during treatment of individuals suffering from hypertension: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.

• Low Blood pressure: Individuals with low blood pressure should not be treated with Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Melissa or Ylang Ylang.

• Cancer: Clients with cancer should be treated with great caution. Generally, those with active tumors should not be treated at all, unless with the explicit agreement of their doctor. In these situations, the following oils should be avoided: Anise, Basil, Fennel, Laurel, Myrtle, Nutmeg and Star Anise.

• Epilepsy: Individuals with epilepsy should not be treated with Balsamite, White Camphor, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Sweet Fennel, Hyssop, Peppermint, Rosemary, all types of Sage, Tea Tree or any strong-smelling oil, as there is some risk that an attack could be triggered by the strong odor.

• Asthma: Asthma suffers should be treated with great care, as steam inhalation of essential oils can actually worsen symptoms. Moreover, asthmatics may be allergic to the essential oils themselves. However, certain antispasmodic oils can be used safely if inhaled directly.

• Diabetics should avoid Angelica, and use caution with Cinnamon, Rosemary.

• Fevers should be treated cautiously if using Balsamite, White Camphor, Garlic, Hyssop, Massoia, Oakmoss, Treemoss and Verbena.

• Clients with Glaucoma should not be treated with Lemongrass, Melissa or Styrax as intra-ocular pressure may be increased.

• Kidney disease can be worsened if nephrotoxic oils such as Indian Dill, Juniper, Parsley Leaf/Seed or Black Pepper are used.

• Cardiac patients should avoid Nutmeg, a heart stimulant.

• Clients with Liver disease should not be treated with Indian Dill, Parsley Leaf/Seed or oils containing Menthol.

• Clients with Prostatic Hyperplasia should not be treated with Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Melissa or Styrax.

• Those clients suffering from acute Lung or Respiratory problems should avoid Garlic, Onion and Sage.

• Clients receiving homeopathic treatments should not be treated with Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary, as these oils can counteract the affects of homeopathic medicines.

• Migraine : Strong odors can exacerbate migraine symptoms.

• Menstruation : Abdominal cramping during menstruation can be heightened by using certain essential oils.

Essential Oils During Pregnancy:

Many Essential oils are contraindicated in pregnancy due to the potential toxicity to the mother and fetus and the risk of triggering spontaneous abortion.

• Any essential oil that is considered safe for use during pregnancy should always be diluted to half the usual strength, because the growing fetus is much more sensitive than an adult would be and also because women are much more likely to suffer dermal reactions during pregnancy than at other times.

• Some oils, such as Clary Sage and Juniper, are emmenagogues, which stimulate the uterus and carry a small associated risk of miscarriage.

• Essential oils that should be avoided in pregnancy include Ajowan, Angelica, Anise Star, Aniseed, Basil, Bay Laurel, Calamintha, Cedarwood, Celery Seed, Cinnamon leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Cumin, Eucalyptus, Sweet Fennel, Hyssop, Juniper, Labdanum, Lovage, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Rosewood, Snakeroot, Spanish Sage, Tarragon and White Thyme.

• Lavender, Peppermint, Rose and Rosemary are also best avoided during the first trimester.

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Local Contraindications (can not work on affected area)

• Varicose veins

• Undiagnosed lumps and bumps

• Bruising

• Abrasions

• Sunburn

• Acute inflammation

Total Contraindications (can not proceed with treatment)

• Fever

• Contagious diseases (including a cold and flu)

• Under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs (including pain medication)

• After a recent operation (within the last 6 months)

• Infectious skin diseases

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Severe undiagnosed pain

• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

• Gangrene

• Haemorrhage

• Unstable heart conditions

Cautions for Reflexology – requires doctors written consent

• Neuritis (inflammation of the nerve pathways)

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Cellulitis

• Diabetes mellitus

• Epilepsy

• Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions (Thrombosis, Phlebitis, Hypertension, Hypotension)

• Kidney infections

• Nervous/Psychotic conditions

• Nervous system dysfunctions (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone disease)

• Oedema (swelling)

• Osteoporosis

• Prescribed medication