PSYCHE AND THE SKIN

Itchiness. A severe or even mild itch, whether localized or generalized, is, in the absence of any prior external or internal disease, most likely to be psychogenic. Often this itch may occur in an area highly endowed with nerve endings, such as around the genitals or the anal area. Various possible psychological reasons and explanations have been given for this particular symptom. These include displaced sexual gratification; a need for self-inflicted injury to satisfy masochistic impulses; the relief of tension by the neuromuscular exercise of scratching, and the expression of shame, guilt, or exhibitionistic traits.

Eczema. There are three forms of eczema, all occurring in adults, which are thought to have a strong emotional basis. These are: the so-called discoid eczema, which occurs in coin-shaped spots, mainly on the limbs, and which is extremely itchy; dyshidrotic eczema, which occurs about the fingers and toes, as small, itchy bubbles under the skin; and lichen simplex, which is a well-localized thickened area of skin which is extremely itchy. Lichen simplex may occur on any area of the body, but always in an easily accessible place. Sufferers of these forms of eczema obviously require treatment to the skin and, in addition, an understanding doctor to help them sort out, or at least talk over, the underlying problems or anxieties.

Trichotillomania. This is not such a rare condition, but it is one which frequently goes unrecognized in its minor form. Principally, it occurs in children who seek neurotic satisfaction through pulling out their own hair. Usually they select the hair of the scalp, and less often the eyebrows. The principal element in the psychodynamic of children is the turning on oneself of unexpressed rage at rejecting parents. This is the transformation of a sadistic instinct into a masochistic one. Hair pulling may be missed if it is not considered in relation to patients thought to have ringworm, alopecia areata, etc.

Adults who inflict this condition on themselves are often deeply disturbed individuals, usually with sexual conflicts which, basically, resolve around the notion that sex is dirty, filthy, and repugnant; they contrive to ’shed’ these feelings by pulling out their hair and making themselves less likely objects of sexual attention.

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ESSENTIAL OILS SAFETY INFORMATION AND CARING OF YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS

• Essential Oils must not be taken internally.

• Never apply undiluted essential oils to skin, unless specifically directed.

• Do not use essential oils near or in the eyes.

• Do not use essential oils on babies or during pregnancy without advice from a qualified Aromatherapist.

• Do not exceed recommended dilutions, use less rather than more.

• Do not use with, or in place of medication without qualified professional advice.

• Keep all essential oils well out of the reach of children.

Cautions with Essential Oils

• With Alcohol: Clary Sage, Sage

• Epilepsy: Sweet Fennel, Hyssop, Wormwood, Basil, Eucalyptus, Sage.

High Blood Pressure: Rosemary, Hyssop, Fennel, Sage, Thyme, Cypress, Eucalyptus Low Blood Pressure: Marjoram

Homeopathic Treatment: Black Pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Peppermint

Direct Sunlight: All citrus oils and Bergamot should not be applied before exposure to direct sunlight.

Care of your Essential Oils

• Always keep the caps on tightly when not in use. Essential oils are very volatile and they will evaporate quickly. Prolonged contact with the air will also produce oxidation of the oil.

Keep essential oils away from direct sunlight or bright lights as they are very sensitive to ultra violet light.

• Keep in a cool place, when possible below 25°C

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AROMATHERAPY: BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS AND METHOD OF USE

There are different stages of evaporation of essential oils.

Top Note

Evaporates within 20 minutes, acts quickly, acute conditions, refreshes and stimulates the mind and body

Basil, bergamot, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, sage, tea tree.

Middle Note

Evaporates within 20 – 60 minutes, moderately volatile, stabilisers to the mind and body.

Chamomile, clary sage, fennel, geranium, juniper, lavender, marjoram, pine, rosemary, thyme.

Base Note

Evaporates within 1 – 4 hours, evaporates more slowly, strengthening, relaxing and sedating.

Cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, myrrh, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vertiver, ylang ylang.

Method of Use

Basic Rule

Always use less rather than more for you will get reversed effects. Essential oils are mixed in a base oil or (carrier oil) which is any cold pressed vegetable oil or water.

When you start to blend and use essential oils keep in mind that every one is an individual and what might be right for one person may not suit the other.

Treat essentials oils as medicine not just as an aromatic oil. This fact seems to have confused a lot of people with the use of essential oils. We don’t need to use essential oils every day as has been widely advertised. Do you need to take medication every day?

Due to the high concentration of essential oils they do work very effectively, but be aware they can also have negative side effects if misused. In my own experience as an Aromatherapist I have discovered a lot of benefits and side effects with the use of essential oils. I had a great concern about how the public was being educated about the use of essential oils, so I decided to conduct some workshops. I was horrified at the feed back I received from the general public on how they used essential oils. There is a lot of confusion. We do have a large range of books available on Aromatherapy, however there is a lot of contradiction. This occurs because the books are written about other peoples experiences or about what they have learnt. The information should only be used as a guide. What I have written should also be treated in the same way.

Use the oils with caution and find what is right for you, trust your own intuition.

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COMMON USES OF HERBS ARNICA (ARNICA MONTANA), CACAO BEANS (THEOBROMA CACAO) AND BAY LAUREL (LAURUS NOBILIS)

Herbs have been used for health throughout the ages. In the past decades the value of natural medicinal herbs has been rediscovered. Using herbs can be of assistance in maintaining and regaining general well-being and in skin care preparations.

A healing thyme ointment can be used to heal cuts, bums, bruises, acne, rashes, sores and wounds.

Arnica (arnica montana) Kneipp said: “You can’t pay for arnica with gold”. The powerful arnica was also highly honored by other famous healers of central Europe. The bath is used particularly for a better skin and for people who stand the whole day at work. Arnica tincture is used externally for bruises, sprains, chilblains (on unbroken skin) and wounds. Repeated (concentrated) applications may have an inflammatory effect.

Bay Laurel (laurus nobilis) Use as an anti-dandruff rinse. Add 3 tsp. of crumbled bay leaves to 1 quart of boiling water, cover for 25 minutes. Apply solution to freshly washed hair and leave it on. Use as a herbal oil for arthritic aches, pain, muscle sprains, tendon swelling and varicose veins. Use for the treatment of itching rashes and fungal diseases of the feet, make up a decoction of the leaves or berries.

Cacao Beans (theobroma cacao) cocoa or cocoa butter can be used to remove wrinkles on the neck and around the comers of the eyes (crow’s feet) and the comers of the mouth. A facial mask for dry skin use cocoa powder (as in drinking chocolate) it softens up old, dry weathered skin. Add enough fresh cream and olive oil to cocoa powder to make up a thick enough consistency to apply to the face as you would a mud pack. All the ingredients used contains linoleic acid, for healthier, more youthful-looking and lovelier skin.

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HERBS FOR YOUR SKIN CARE: HERBAL INFUSION AND HERBAL DECOCTION

Herbal Infusion

Hot Infusion: use dry or fresh herbs. Pour boiling water over herbs . Leave for 15 minutes then strain or sieve through a coffee filter. The same method is used to make a herbal tea, the strained “tea” is the part that is used. The herbs are discarded or used as a poultice. Cold Infusion: herbs are chopped, placed into a glass container, then covered with a cold liquid such as water, milk or vinegar. Place a lid onto glass jar and let the herbs steep for about 4 hours, then strain or sieve through a coffee filter.

Herbal Decoction

A decoction of herbs, means the boiling up of the herb, and is usually prepared by using roots, stems, bark and berries.

Method: place the herbs into a saucepan, cover with water and bring the herbs to boil, then simmer slowly in a covered pan, usually for 20 minutes, allow to cool. Then strain or sieve through a coffee filter, the resulting liquid is drawn off and the herb is discarded or used as a poultice.

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OTHER INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR BEAUTY REMEDIES: ESSENTIAL OILS, EGGS AND CUCUMBER

Essential Oils

These can work cosmetically as anti-ageing agents. They stimulate skin cells to respond at a quicker rate and assist in the elimination of old cells. They also have a regenerating, cleansing and purifying effect on the skin. See also chapter Aromatherapy.

Eggs

Eggs are a natural tonic besides being the oldest beauty aid, full of vitamins, protein, lecithin and iron. A newly laid egg is a wonderful cosmetic preparation. The whole egg can be used as a shampoo. Rubbing the yolk into your hair after shampooing will nourish it and leave it with a glorious shine. Egg yolks are used for an enriching and nourishing facial mask as well as a wrinkle chaser. For a special beauty treatment, egg yolk, beaten with a little almond oil, is excellent. Egg whites are astringent and are suitable for oily blemished skin. They have a toning, firming and bleaching affect. Whip the egg whites, essential oils can be added, and use as a hair mousse.

Cucumber

Is a natural astringent, contains an anti-wrinkle hormone and is suitable for all skin types. It also has a bleaching effect for freckles and helps prevent sunburn. Used in lotions and creams it is cooling, soothing and softening to the skin.

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