Found In: ›Activities ›Aromatherapy
Scent is linked to emotion and memory. It may unlock hidden memories, relieve stress, alleviate minor health problems and trigger buried emotions.
There are various types of Aromatherapy but the most popular is 'Massage Aromatherapy'.
In massage aromatherapy we add highly concentrated plant derivatives called essential oils to a base or carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Shake the blend before applying to the skin via massage.
If your facility does not have an Aromatherapist you can request management to hire one for a day for an 'Aromatherapy In-Service'.
It is important for activity staff to know the basics as there can be contraindications with the use of some essential oils.
Essential oils should be of the highest quality, 100% pure and if possible organic. Read the labels carefully before buying products. Make sure they haven't already been diluted.
Types of carrier oils: almond oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil, apricot kernel oil, soya bean oil, grapeseed oil, macadamia oil.
To add fragrance to cold cream and moisturizers, add 20 drops of essential oil for every 100mls of cream.
Consult senior staff before massaging your clients. Make sure you have the resident’s consent for massaging. If they are not able to give consent; a relative or guardian may do so.
1) Check each E.O. for contraindications with each resident's meds.
2)Know the E.O. effects thoroughly.
3) Check allergy to the blend (not the E.O. neat) on the inside of the elbow.
There is no one E.O. fits all but typically the safest is Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia), not Lavendin ( Lavandula intermedia). The first has the most medicinal constituents (ie relaxation) whereas Lavandin is actually a stimulant.
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