Aromatherapy

Chapter 9: Aromatherapy 

Overview:

• Provides the history of aromatherapy
• Defines essential oils and their properties
• Describes various methods of application
• Explain introductory aromatherapy uses in midwifery and nursing
• Provides numerous case studies to demonstrate practical uses in various situations
• Lists current education opportunities in aromatherapy

Description:

This chapter discusses various aspects of aromatherapy including its history, its application in nursing and midwifery, recent research into its use and educational approaches towards using it. Aromatherapy appears to be the complementary therapy of most interest to nurses and midwives. This chapter provides a thorough introduction to the subject. Some interesting case histories are included to demonstrate the practical benefits of aromatherapy in various situations.

Topics:

• Introduction
• History
• Essential oils
• Absorption, metabolism and excretion properties
• Some therapeutic properties of essential oils and examples
• Methods of application
• Massage
• Compressing
• Inhalations
• Baths
• Vapourisation
• Research
• Skin absorption
• Midwifery
• Wound healing
• Behavioural effects
• Nursing studies
• Application in nursing
• Suggestions for the use of aromatherapy in common nursing problems
• Informed consent
• Case studies
• Quality of essential oils
• Practical aspects
• Equipment
• Precautions
• Current education in aromatherapy
• References

Speaker / Author:

Margaret Meyer

BA, RN, RM, Diploma of Aromatherapy, Certificate of Massage, Certificate of Reflexology (Advanced), Instructor in Infant Massage. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Midwifery, The Northern Hospital, Epping, Victoria.

Margaret Meyer was born and educated in Melbourne, Australia. After completing nursing and midwifery training Margaret spent six years in Britain where she discovered and became fascinated with aromatherapy. Margaret qualified in massage in 1989, aromatherapy in 1991 and reflexology in 1996. She continues to update her professional development in complementary therapies with postgraduate studies. Margaret now divides her working time between the practice of midwifery and private practice in complementary therapies. She teaches aromatherapy and acts in an advisory capacity to health care settings.

Margaret has a special concern for the implementation of complementary therapies into health care settings, and is Chair of the Complementary Therapies Special Interest Group of the Australian Nurses Federation. She served on the International Advisory Board of the UK journal Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery from 1995 to 1998.

Professional Reviews:

Clear concise information readily understood and useable in the t.herapeutic environment