Contraindications
Contraindications to aromatherapy can be either localized or generalized, if general it means that the condition affects the whole of the body. Local means local to an area. For certain conditions G.P’s referral is needed so it is important to check before treatment so as not to cause harm. Also it is important to be aware that each oil has its own contraindications and so these should be checked before use also. Click HERE to find out about the individual oils
Contraindications – Definition
(Definition: A factor that renders the administration of a drug or the carrying out of a medical procedure inadvisable)
Remember the information provided here must never be used as an alternative to, or replacement for, advice given by a qualified medical professional.
Pregnancy
Post-operative states
Advanced heart conditions
Advanced asthmatic conditions
Cancer
Emphysema
Hyperthyroid
vaccine
Diabetic
Varicose veins
Thromboses/embolism
Disease of nervous system
Bruising
Fractures/sprains
Swelling
Pitin oedema
High blood pressure
Low blood pressure
Skin/nail infections
Allergies/intolerance
Pregnancy (g)
Special care, lowered dilution of oils, only use oils that are recommended.
G.P’s referral if their are any complications. Avoid all toxic oils
(harm to mother/fetus). Aromatherapy is beneficial for back ache, swollen
ankles or legs. Avoid oils which are EMMENAGOGUE these induce menstruation
(lavender & Chamomile do not use in first 3 months). Avoid abdomen
in the first 3-4 months. Citrus oils are generally safe in a low dilution.
1% dilution
Post Operative States
This may be localized e.g.. The face or a limb. If it is a general
problem seek G.P’s referral scar tissue may appear healed externally
but healing can still be taking place internally. Recent scar tissue
can stretch, open up or get infected. There may also be lack of skin
sensation. There may be lack of suppleness, such as abdominal surgery.
Avoid stimulating excessively.
Advanced heart conditions(g)
Generalized contra-indications need G.P’s referral these include, Angina
Pectoral, Heart attack, Heart valve conditions, Pace makers
Advanced asthmatic conditions(g)
Respiratory disorder, where bronchioles go into spasm and constrict
making it difficult to breath. Attacks can be triggered by allergies,
nervous tension and over exertion. Anti spasmodic oils are beneficial.
(basically they help to relax)
Cancer(g)
Generalized only treat if clinically qualified and with G.P’s or Hospitals
concent.
Emphysema(g)
Air sacs in the lungs loose their elasticity. Grow larger and are not
effective in gaseous exchange, the blood becomes overloaded with Co2
and deficient in oxygen. Only treat with medical advice.
Hyperthyroid(g)
Thyroidtoxicosis, secrets excess amount of Thyroid hormone (Thyroxin)
into the blood stream leads to weight loss rapid heart beat tremor sweating,
increased appetite & over activity. Check the affects of medication
& any G’P advice.
Vaccine(g)
Do not treat within 24 hours, if after Typhoid vaccine do not treat
for 36 hours.
Diabetics(g)
General imbalance in the blood sugar due to insufficient insulin in
the blood to metabolize it. Use low dosage and do not use heavy pressure
as diabetic bruise easily. Only treat with G.P’s approval.
Varicose veins(l)
Where blood vessels are permanently dilated, due to valves which do
not close to prevent back flow, they lose their elasticity, they become
permanently dilated, raised and bulbous. Never massage over these veins
as they can easily burst always massage higher than the area.
Thrombosis/embolism
G.P’s referral. An accumulation of cholesterol plaques & fibrous
material on the lining of the arteries. The lining breaks down and a
clot(Thrombos) forms which blocks the arteries(Thrombosis). The clot
may break free and travel in the blood stream causing areas of dead
tissue. This is dangerous in cardiac and cerebral arteries. Embolism,
an obstruction of blood flow by an embolus(clot) maybe fragments of
a blood clot, tumor tissue, cholesterol plates, puss from an internal
abscess, fat from bone marrow, air bubble from coming up from a dive.
It may occur in any artery or vein, never treat any of the above conditions
without referral.
Nervous diseases(g)
Varying degrees of this condition will depend on the areas affected
by the type of nervous disease eg. M.S, Stroke, epilepsy G.P’s referral
required
Bruising(l)
Localized- never massage over open areas always cover & work around,
bruises are ruptured capillaries beneath the skin, blood has leaked
out into the surrounding tissue causing discoloration. Avoid the area
until healed. Bruising may indicate deeper hidden damage i.e. internal
injury bruising without cause may indicate a fault in the blood clotting
mechanism.
Fractures/Sprains(l)
Fractures, localized contra, a recent fracture will be painful, tender,
swollen and may also have bruising, loss of power/movement and be deformed.
Avoid until completely healed. For a bad fracture 6 months minor one
probably 3 months.
Sprain, a tear of the ligaments and tissues at a joint. It will be painful,
avoid completely until healed about 3 months to heal, ligaments are
hard tissue.
Swelling(l)
leakage of plasma out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues.
Maybe due to lymphatic system which prevents the tissue fluid from being
drained away. Localized swelling maybe due to histamine released from
an allergic reaction.
Pitin Oedema(g)
A swelling in area, press remove finger and indentation is left. Could
be related to a heart, liver or kidney condition, check with G.P.
High blood pressure(g)
too much pressure on the artery walls due to the strength of the heart
beat & resistance of the capillaries. Can lead to further complications.
High blood pressure can lead to heart attach, check the side effects
of medication it may become intensified.
Low blood pressure(g)
Blood flows more slowly around the body. Very slightly low is healthy.
If in any doubt get G.P’s advice.
Skin/nail infections
Their is a wide variety, should be very careful and aware so as to prevent
cross infections.
Allergies/intolerance(g)
Special care needed for people with allergic reactions and intolerance.
Carry out a skin test, avoid all essential oils known to be skin irritants
or sensitizers. Some strong odor’s may bring on an attack.