Aromatherapy Research & the Synergy of Constituents
Essential oils are both complex and multi-functional, simultaneously acting as, for example, antibiotics and antidepressants. They contain many important bioactive constituents, and this complexity allows for both synergistic and antagonistic effects. Synergy is a manifestation of the efficiency of nature, combining substances for an enhanced outcome. Clinical aspects covered include radiation damage (whether from therapeutic or accidental exposure) skin safety, bedsores & wound healing, antibiotic-resistant infections, preventive measures for sun damage and skin cancer, and pain of different origins. Many clinical studies are referred to in detail. The seminar is for those with some previous knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy, and who want to take their understanding to a deeper level. Most of the seminar is lecture format with slides.
Seminar Dates
September 3rd and 4th 2011
Time
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Location
Rasa Spa/ Island Health Center, 310 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850
3rd Floor of the Island Health & Fitness Center, Thomas Ficorelli Community Room #314
Meals
Please plan to bring a lunch; we have access to full kitchen, refrigerator, freezer.
Cost (NON-REFUNDABLE)
$290.00 (lecture only; does not include lunch meals; tea and coffee will be served)
Accommodations:
Visit Ithaca website: here
Visit Ithaca craigslist here, housing for rooms, vacation rentals.
SEMINAR OUTLINE
SATURDAY
Introduction: synergy as a theme in plant medicine
Essential oils
How and why do plants create them?
How extraction methods affect therapeutic properties
Constituent chemistry and natural variation
Oxidation and essential oil integrity
BREAK
Dose & dilution: how much is enough?
Measurements: calculating drops, mL, g, oz
Dose, route of administration & efficacy: oral, dermal, inhalation
Transcutaneous penetration – how much gets through the skin
Skin safety: allergic reactions, phototoxicity
LUNCH BREAK
How essential oils work
Therapeutic synergy: whole oils, constituents, mixtures
Physical, psychological, energetic effects
Research: in vitro, in vivo, clinical
The limitations of functional group theory
BREAK
Holistic medicine: supportive and preventive care
Stimulating immune function
Soothing inflammation and pain
Prevention of bone loss
Neuroprotection
SUNDAY
Introduction: the evolution of aromatherapy: aromatic fatty oils and essential oils
Oxidative stress & disease
Radical scavenging
The protective role of detoxifying enzymes
Radiation damage, sun damage, skin cancer
Diabetes, vascular disease
BREAK
Protection
Bacterial infection and resistant strains
Features of virulence
Antimicrobial synergy
Tea tree, MRSA, wound healing, bedsores
LUNCH BREAK
Inhalation and the brain
Transient receptor potential channels
Neurotransmitters
Psycho-aromatherapy
Neurological disease and inhalation therapy
BREAK
Fragrant synergy
Differences between natural fragrance and aromatherapy blend
Simple and complex blends
Blending guidelines
Closing discussion
