Three Modes of Application in Aromatherapy

In Aromatherapy, essential oils can be administered in a variety of different ways, using Aromatherapy techniques. We are going to address the three different modes of application. We will also be touching on some safety points to remember when using these techniques.

The three main ways in which essential oils can be administered are the modes of application. These are Topical, Aromatic, and Internal.

We will now outline these three different modes of application.

Topical

Topical application is one of the most widely used methods of applying the oils. We can apply essential oils to our skin via carrier oils to dilute their potency.  The idea that when applied to the skin, the essential oils will be absorbed into the subcutaneous layer and then into the bloodstream. This method is highly effective and  can be practiced in different products and methods, including massage oils, creams, perfumes, ointments, etc. As essential oils are lipid soluble, these substances are able to penetrate the skin easily and topical application is effective because the essential oils can be absorbed by the skin, it also helps and benefits the localized area of application such as scars and cuts.

An essential oil molecule mimics the body’s own molecules and they are extremely tiny and can penetrate through the hair follicles, sweat glands and pores. From the subcutaneous layer, they reach the bloodstream, capillaries, lymph, and then the blood brain barrier.

When applied topically essential oils, it takes 2-3 minute to enter the bloodstream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in your body, and 2 ½ hours to be metabolized. If you want essential oils to absorb faster, you can apply them on the pulse points which are areas of the body closest to the skin surface blood vessels. Applying to pulse points allows for quicker absorption and for essential oils to work faster. The pulse points are as follows: the wrists, temples, and the back of the neck.

Aromatic or Inhalation

This is the art of aromatic or inhalation and it is a technique that is powerful and has been practiced for thousands of years. With it you can enhance an environment, perfume your body, and scent your clothing.

How inhalation works is when inhaled the essential oils, tiny molecules become airborne and travel to the olfactory nerves via the nose. They are then transported directly to the brain and have an immediate impact on the amygdala, which is the emotional center of the brain. They are also absorbed into the bloodstream this way and this is called the blood brain barrier.

Sending the molecules to cells throughout your body. The molecules also interact with the sensitive areas of your nose and mouth, and can affect the respiratory system as well. Once the oils are in our system, they have a major therapeutic effect in our bodies and their properties and functions work on the areas they are most needed in a positive way to help with healing and wellbeing.

Inhalation is a powerful method to affect the mind and body and environment. With it, we can treat mental equilibrium, physical conditions, and calm the nervous system. If used in this way, we can affect the human brain and emotions by boosting mood, alertness, refreshing the system, reducing mental stress, helping fatigue, calming anxiety, and uplifting in cases of depression. Inhalation is one of the most effective ways to treat our mental health.

Ingestion

It should be said that ingestion of essential oils is not safe at all, especially for the layman and should be attempted by a clinical practitioner of medical aromatherapy.

In Australia, in our studies and practice of the art of Aromatherapy, we teach our diploma-level Clinical Aromatherapy students to never administer essential oils this way.

The definition of ingestion is to take internally, and many people throughout the world practice and teach this however it is unsafe and can be detrimental and toxic to the body and its organs. So never ingest these oils. It's never okay even in small doses.

That being said, in the French method of Aromatherapy, the original ingestion methods were developed by French aromatic practitioner René Gattefossé, he cited that doctors and medical practitioners regularly exercise the following techniques:

• Intramuscular Injections
• Inhalations
• Rectal Absorptions
• Injections through the gastric tract

Dr. Jean Valnet

Essential Oils were mixed with alcohol to be ingested in safe methods through a couple of drops of essential oils to affect the organs and system.

That being said, we never teach ingestion of essential oils at Aiyah Aromatherapy as in Australia it is contraindicated at all times and is not considered safe practice.