Diversional Therapy Activities
Aromatherapy
The definition of Aromatherapy according to Medicine.Net is:
“A form of alternative and complimentary medicine based on the use of very concentrated "essential" oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with purported healing properties.”
For the past twenty odd years, Aromatherapy has become very popular as part of the holistic treatment in nursing homes facilities. Essential oils are believed to have the power to
change moods and can thus life people out of states of melancholy and/or anger. It is also believed that aroma therapy can assist people to heal both emotionally and physically..
Although none of it has been as yet scientifically proved the general consensus is that
our sense of smell is one the most powerful and long lasting senses we have. Scents, when detected by the nostrils can trigger long gone memories and experiences and evoke emotions in some people.
Since it is a fact that the brain controls memory, breathing, blood pressure and stress levels among many other functions, it is reasonable to accept that the use of essential oils can assist in stimulating and promoting some physiological and psychological change.
Aromatherapy Massage
There are various ways to use the essential oils but massage is perhaps the most common.
A blend of essential oils mixed with cold pressed oil is prepared by the practitioner and applied according to individual’s needs. Remedial or relaxing massage should last a minimum of 20 minutes. It is important that essential oils are not used directly on the skin, as adverse reaction may occur.
Therapeutic blends for emotional and physical wellbeing should be focus on the client’s needs.
Before preparing a blend for an individual you must find out all you can from that person’s health background. Any allergies, high blood pressure, fresh wounds, pregnancy, etc, etc. Talk to the client and the client’s family and also talk to other health care providers such as nurses, RNs, physiotherapist, doctor, etc.
To make aroma therapy blends you will need:
- Dark coloured glass bottles (500ml) with pumps.
- Paper or plastic labels.
- Base oil of any of the following: almond, corn, avocado, sunflower, grape oil.
- Essential oils
Labels should carry some information such as:
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Contents:
- 400ml sunflower oil
- 20 drops of Lavender
- 20 drops Niauli
- 20 dropsof Lemon Scented Eucalyptus.
Suitable for body, hand, feet and neck massage to induce relaxation and promote well being.
Not to be taken internally.
Keep away from naked flame.
Created date: 15/08/2007
Expiry date: 15/01/08
Nursing Home Centre Name: ________________________________
Name of practitioner: __________________________
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Therapeutic aromatherapy recipes for Massage
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- 400mls of base oil
- 20 drops of lavender
- 20 drops of sandalwood
- 20 drops of geranium.
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- 400mls of base oil
- 20 drops of lemon grass
- 20 drops of Ylang-Ylang
- 10 drops of pepper.
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- 400mls base oil
- 20 drops of chamomile
- 20 drops of clarysage
- 10 drops of bergamot.
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Shake well and apply.
Massage hands and temples before going to bed.
More recipes to come soon…