Aromatherapy for Holistic Healing

The aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting from the kitchen, the crisp smell of pine in the forest and the unmistakable scent of a salty ocean breeze all illustrate how certain smells can evoke memories, moods and emotions.

This is part of the theory behind Aromatherapy, a rapidly growing modality of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). On a physical level, because essential oils are made up of very small molecules, they are able to penetrate into our blood stream and can help many problems. They are used extensively in the spa industry to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and ease sinus congestion. In skincare products, by penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin, essential oils can have a positive effect on the skin, such as optimizing the cellular renewal process, enhancing blood circulation and addressing problems such as acne, eczema and ageing skin.

On an emotional level, the aromas of essential oils can have a dynamic effect. The sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses, and is linked to the deepest parts of the brain which govern basic instincts, memories and emotions.

Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with other CAM modalities, such as massage, relaxation techniques, psychotherapy and behavior modification, and it is even becoming a more mainstream treatment choice in traditional medicine. Studies with cancer patients have shown that aromatherapy massage is associated with reductions in anxiety, nausea and pain. In general, Aromatherapy is used to bring about greater feelings of well-being and depending on the essential oils used can reduce stress and tension, improve mental clarity, invigorate, relax, relieve depression and reduce anxiety. Essential oils have also been suggested for medical uses, but have not widely been tested or studied. Anecdotal evidence suggests that aromatherapy or essential oils can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions including acne, arthritis, digestive disorders, headaches and inflammation, to name a few.

At Revage Medical Spa, we offer essential oils that are concentrated extracts taken from the blossoms, roots, leaves, stems or bark of plants, obtained by steam distillation or mechanical expression. Since essential oils are very highly concentrated, they are usually diluted in a carrier oil, like vegetable oils and plant derived base materials, such as Shea Butter and Aloe Vera. These carriers are used because of their natural affinity with essential oils and allow the oils to work to their best potential.

Here at Revage, we offer the Aromatherapy Associates line because of their consistent essential oil quality and wealth of experience and knowledge in sourcing the finest quality natural ingredients, extensively sourced from around the world.

Soothing formulation
Protects against over-exposure to the elements
Protects when skin becomes over sensitive
Effective skin protection for delicate, fine skin or high skin color
Key Ingredients: Rose, Sandalwood, Evening Primrose Oil
After cleansing with Renew Rose Cleanser and Renew Rose Skin Tonic, apply an even layer of Renew Rose Intensive Skin Serum, press in 3 to 4 drops of facial oil over face and neck with fingertips and/or follow with Renew or Balance Moisturizer.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes, usually through direct application to the body (as in aromatherapy massage) or inhalation (as in diffusing the scent throughout a room).. At the Revage Medical Spa, our practitioners believe that essential oils can work on physical as well as emotional levels to improve one’s general state of health and wellbeing.

Our essential oils are derived from organically grown plants where possible using traditional methods thereby avoiding the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. All our products contain high levels of natural, active ingredients and are GM free with no added color or mineral oils that can inhibit full absorption.

Essential oils are used not just as a fragrance or an added extra, they are the key to what the product achieves. All our oils – for bath & shower, body, face, room fragrances and essences - contain 100% natural ingredients.  Pure nature – with nothing else added.  However, whilst we love using natural ingredients we never want to compromise on product safety or stability, so a limited number of preservative systems in certain products are used where absolutely necessary. 

This philosophy of quality flows through everything we do at Revage Medical Spa – from sourcing ingredients, to developing products, to blending the oils and creating our unique, recognizable aromas.

Aromatherapy Associates plays an active role in the production of our products from plant through to bottle, exercising stringent quality control at every stage of the process.  By talking directly to harvesters and distillers, they have traceability right back to the farmer and the original source of the essential oil.  Furthermore, each consignment we receive is tested in-house and analyzed by an independent laboratory to fit our strict criteria.

On an ethical basis we strive for sustainability of species at source and endorse fair trade practices.  With the environment in mind, we take great care when we source our packaging - the cardboard we use comes from sustainable resources and is, along with the plastic used for our bottles, recyclable.

Allowing the essential oils in our products to work

Of course we have quality products with natural ingredients but there’s more. We use our essential oils at higher than average blending strengths which gives us the therapeutic edge enabling you to feel the results.

Overall we aim to use ingredients that are as naturally active as possible.  For example, we prefer to use floral waters in place of water and juice straight from the Aloe Vera leaf in place of reduced Aloe Vera concentrate, a common ingredient of other cosmetic products.

Different dilutions are recommended for different uses, for example:

• Massage/body oils: 10-12 drops per ounce of carrier oil
• Bath: 3-15 drops per tub of water
• Room spray: 20 drops per 4 oz water
• Foot bath: 5-10 drops per quart of water
• Compress: 5 drops per cup of water
• Inhalant: 3-5 drops in a bowl of hot water

Aromatherapy for Holistic Healing

Here are more essential oils. The oils listed below may have uses other than those noted, we have only mentioned the uses most relevant to skin care and well being. For more detailed information on how to use these oils and what they can and can not be blended with be sure to ask your aromatherapy specialist or in store clerk.

Basil
USES: mental fatigue, migraines, depression, nervous tension, mental stimulant.

Bergamot
USES: acne, eczema, ulcers, deodorant.

Cajeput
USES: acne, antiseptic, eczema, muscle pain, nervous tension.

Carrot Seed
USES: dermatitis, eczema, rashes.

Camphor
USES: sinus headache, mental clarity, acne, muscle spasm.

Cedarwood
USES: acne, antiseptic, eczema, oily hair, oily skin.

Chamomile
USES: anxiety, inflammations, fevers, menstrual problems, skin irritations, insomnia.

Cinnamon
USES: colds, toothaches, general pain relief.

Clary Sage
USES: depression, female hormone balancer, skin care.

Eucalyptus
USES: colds, fevers, sore throats, sinuses, skin ulcers, wounds.

Fennel
USES: antiseptic, nausea, bruises.

Frankincense
USES: anxiety, colds, coughs.

Geranium
USES: burns, depression, dermatitis, eczema, skin care, PMS, bruises.

Ginger
USES: stimulant, digestive, expectorant, colds, obesity, muscle spasm.

Grapefruit
USES: stress, manic depression, obesity, water retention.

Jasmine
USES: anxiety, coughs, skin care.

Juniper Berry
USES: acne, eczema, diuretic, flatulence.

Lavender
USES: abscess, acne, burns, eczema, depression, fatigue, insomnia.

Lemon
USES: acne, refreshment, relaxant, stimulant, coughs, colds, oily skin.

Lime
USES: anxiety, depression, fever, chest congestion.

Marjoram
USES: colds, headache, insomnia, sensitive skin, bruises.

Myrtle
USES: addiction, respiration, skin care, bruises, infections.

Patchouli
USES: anxiety, skin care, inflammation.

Peppermint
USES: flu, headache, nausea, rejuvenation, nervous disorder.

Petitgrain
USES: depression, acne insomnia, muscle spasm.

Rose
USES: acne, headaches, sedative, PMS, skin care.

Rosemary
USES: flu, burns, mental fatigue.

Rosewood
USES: antiseptic, relaxant, deodorant, skin moisturizer, infections, joy.

Sandalwood
USES: acne, skin hydration, cough, sore throat, nausea, insomnia, sedative.

Tangerine
USES: muscle fatigue, calming, depression.

Tea Tree
USES: acne, antiseptic, flu, cold sores, gingivitis, itching.

Thyme
USES: depression, exhaustion, colds.

Vetiver
USES: stress, muscle aches, exhaustion, insomnia.

Ylang Ylang
USES: antiseptic, insomnia, oily skin, depression.

Most topical and inhaled essential oils are considered safe. However, people with allergies, asthma, history of seizures and pregnant women should use care and consult with someone knowledgeable about aromatherapy. Side effects may include rashes, skin irritation, headaches or nerve damage and could potentially harm a developing fetus. Ingesting essential oils is generally not recommended and should only be attempted under the care of an expert, since some oils are toxic. Keep oils away from the eyes, as they may cause eye irritation. Always dilute essential oils in a base oil or water before use.

At Revage Medical Spa we have qualified medical aestheticians who can help you determine which essentials oils are best for your skin care and health needs. Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation today at 702-989-2410.