camclub November Articles
- The importance of Using High quality
- A life changing experience
- An Effective Alternative to Dental Implants and False Teeth in Periodontal Disease
- Four Ways to Fight Fatigue
The importance of Using High quality
Certified Organic Aromatherapy Oils and Soil Association Standards
By Kolinka Zinovieff Director of NHR Organic Oils
More and more professional aromatherapists and everyday users of aromatherapy are appreciating the potency and purity of certified organic aromatherapy oils. But for the many who have not used them or do not know about the benefits of using certified organic aromatherapy oils, this article will attempt to explain the importance of using organic oils compared with non organic ones.
It is vital that the oils have been certified by a recognisable body for example the Soil Association, because there are many companies who claim their oils are organic but with no certification to prove it, usually it is a false claim!
Most aromatherapy essential oils on the market are of very low quality: they are often synthetic or ‘perfume grade’. This means they have little or no therapeutic effect – in other words they simply do not work. This unfortunately confirms the sceptics view that “aromatherapy has no effect whatsoever”. In contrast, the reason that pure, high grade organically-grown oils have such strong therapeutic qualities is because they contain a multitudinous variety of natural chemical components which remain pure and intact – whereas the low-quality oils have been adulterated to such an extent that these components are no longer present.
Organic Essential oils do not contain any pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilisers and any other man made chemical residues. This makes the oils both purer and more potent in their healing effect. Also as the plants are grown to organic standards they are healthier and more vibrant, therefore resulting in a more powerful and richer oil.
6 reasons to use organic oils
There are many reasons for buying organic oils, one is simply that the aroma is much richer and fuller, but there are also sound health reasons for doing so. It has been shown in studies to be more potent and have a fuller range of trace elements etc than conventionally grown oils, and of course it will not have been treated with any noxious chemicals.
It is safe, nutritious, unadulterated
It does not use artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers
It is environmentally friendly
It is produced without GMOs, which are prohibited within the Soil Association Standards for organic food and farming
It reduces dependence on non-renewable resources
It relies on a modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control
Many individuals are not aware of the critical importance of the quality of organic essential oils; they simply go to their health-food shop, chemist or mail order catalogue and buy whatever is available. They can hardly be blamed for this, since, with the enormous growth in the aromatherapy industry world wide – from millions of dollars turnover only a few years ago to a multi-billion dollar affair today. Many suppliers are jumping on the bandwagon and sell low-quality cheap oils; they rely on the uneducated and undiscerning customer.
Happily, things are changing and there are some shining exceptions amongst the suppliers of essential oils: these few aromatherapy companies have carried out meticulous, painstaking research to find the best sources of high quality organic essential oils, and have selected only the purest and most potent oils from these specialist organic growers and suppliers.
HOW TO TEST THE ORGANIC OILS IS ORGANIC AND OF PURE QUALITY
For suppliers to be certain that the oils are sourced from the highest organic quality, suppliers need to follow some stringent rules: They should build up a very close relationship with the source i.e. farm and distillers where the essential oils are produced. Below is an outline of how we at NHR organic oils test all our organic oils before we choose a particular oil, for example we may have 10 different organic Lavenders to test before we choose the best one.
How to find the best organic oils yourself?
For individuals who want to buy the best organic oil, there are several points to be aware of;
First of all, they must be discerning in choosing a supplier and only buy from a trustworthy source.
Secondly the supplier must be one who has carried out the relevant research and can produce reliable organic certification for example the soil association.
At the same time they should trust their own sense of smell and the therapeutic effect of the oils they are using. Here it should be added that one of the primary reasons for only buying organic essential oils is that these oils do not contain any pesticides, chemical fertilisers, artificial preservatives, adulterants or – especially now – do not come from genetically altered plants. It is true that such pure oils might cost twice as much as impure oils, but they so much more effective, and therefore more economical to use.
BUYING ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS
Until now, organic essential oils have been very expensive, only available from a few outlets and usually restricted to trained practitioners. NHR Organic oils aims to provide the purest organic oils at affordable prices by buying in large bulk quantities ad passing on the saving to the customer
THE SOIL ASSOCIATION STANDARDS
When a certified body like the Soil Association covers a company, they are scrutinised with great detail, for example every single invoice and organic certificate for each oil is examined and cross checked. Also Regular spot checks on stock levels and accounts by a Soil Assoc inspector.
On top of this a detailed log of every single time a bottle of organic essential oil is filled, every time a container is used to fill an oil and every item/oil that arrives and is dispatched has to be timed, dated and logged. It adds to the paper work, but should be reassuring for all customers that the Soil associations standards are refreshingly high. Even non-organic oils that we stock e.g Wild grown oils have to have GMO free certificate and are checked if used in an organic blend for example.
By choosing organic agriculture you are supporting the environment and your own health.
Certification of Organic Essential Oils
It is important to establish that your oils have been certified organic, as this certification process is a good safeguard against many of the unscrupulous practices that go on in this industry. There are many good certification bodies to choose from both in the U.K. and worldwide, Ecocert International covers the EEC. In the UK the Soil Association is one of the better-known bodies. NHR only sources certified organic oils where possible, over 95% of nearly 100 oils of our range are certified organic, there are a few oils that are impossible to certify because they only grow wild or in farmed conditions, for example the Boswellia tree resin, which Frankincense is made from. In these cases we always source from wild grown or untreated sources, and label accordingly. Meaning no pesticides or chemical fertilisers have been used.
Organic Certification: Professional Standards
Organic farming is a carefully devised system of production defined by EU law and is based on the following principles:
• Building soil fertility;
• Minimal use of non-renewable resources (no chemicals);
• Minimise pollution and damage to the environment;
• Working with, not against, natural systems;
• Respect for animal welfare;
• Minimal processing or additives
Organic farming is governed by EEC Regulation No. 2092/91, which defines the basic standards of production and processing and the requirements for control and policing. This Regulation is implemented in Britain by the UK Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS). The statutory requirements are:
• Two-year conversion period prior to full organic status is achieved;
• Adequate physical and financial separation of organic and non-organic units under the same management;
• Application to, inspection by, and certification with, an approved inspection body, such as Soil Association Certification Ltd;
• Maintenance of adequate records to demonstrate compliance with the standards;
• Annual monitoring and inspection by the approved certification body;
• Strict requirements for labelling and for the use of additives and processing aids.
Source: The Soil Association
Testing procedure:
Include the use of the most up to date GC-MS (Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry) laboratories in the UK and in France. Which can detect down to 0.001% trace substances.
Each oil is individually tested and analysed to detect the exact proportion and quantities of correct components. For example when choosing an organic Lavender, it would be checked the oil contains a proportion of esters “exprimes” in linalyl acetate varying between 35 and 55 p 100. on the GC-MS chart verifying a clinical grade oil.
Organic Quality checks
* All oils are checked for any adulterants present or chemical residues of any sort, guaranteeing that the source of growing is from a certified organic farm.
* Reports of extraction methods, and farming techniques, keeping a close check on the crop quality and harvest over the whole season.
* Finally each organic essential oil is selected from numerous samples and reports, and are then meticulously examined for:
Colour Consistency
Highly important as it indicates just how pure and balanced the oil is, a lost art in the aromatherapy world, due to the use of brown glass bottles that hide the oils’ colour.
Viscosity
How the oils feels on the skin. Texture and consistency Indicates the quality of the extraction method and therefore quality of the oil.
Aroma
Carefully evaluate the aroma for its full note range. Using our professional experience to select the purest and most balanced oils amongst the batch being tested.
COSTS
Organic essential oils are usually priced at 50% –100% higher than normal high grade essential oils, but there is no rule as yet. The average price one should expect to pay for organic lavender oil is between £7 and £14 per 10ml depending on the type. It is expected that, from 2011 onwards, there is going to be a world shortage of many organic essential oils, especially Lavender. Demand simply outstrips supply and the demand for organic oils is growing twice as fast as the supply!
To learn more about quality of organic Oils “NHR Organic Essential Oil Diploma Course” at the Mill Retreat Centre.
The course will be run over a weekend at the beautiful Mill Retreat Centre. It will take place on the weekend of the 4th-7th May 2012
or (1st to 3rd of September 2012)
Course Description:
This is an exciting and practical Advanced Diploma Course, set in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of lakes, rivers and woods. It will deepen your knowledge and give you hands on experience of working with organic essential oils and aromatherapy.
You will learn how the highest quality organic essential oils are made, and cultivating plants to Soil Association standards. You will distil your own pure oils, and use these oils in cooking, massage and research.
We will also explore the intuitive and creative understanding of essential oils, all in a nourishing and supportive environment.
Course Summary:
•Distillation of your own organic essential oils on site.
•Learning about the importance of organic farming to Soil Association standards, and growing aromatherapy plants in the Mill’s beautiful herb garden.
• The art of cooking with organic essential oils, to make delicious and nourishing meals.
• Exploring the subtle and energetic properties of essential oils, using colour, creativity and intuition.
•Learn the chemical constituents of organic essential oils and how these chemicals therapeutically affect the body. An explanation of GLC (Gas liquid Chromatography) charts.
•Learn the properties of 40 Organic Base Vegetable oils.
•Massage treatments with essential oils you have made yourself.
•Optional exercises and meditation.
The course will be led by Kolinka Zinovieff, the Director of NHR Organic Oils and the Mill Retreat Centre. He has been working with organic oils for over 20 years, and has extensive training and practice in aromatherapy and the organic industry. He has written “Essential Health - The Complete Aromatherapy Guide”
The weekend will include three nights’ accommodation at the Mill with delicious organic meals.
There will be time for you to enjoy exploring the Mill Retreat Centre, set in 30 acres of natural paradise only 2.5 hours from London, near the town of Aumale in Northern France. Transport will be provided from London.
The peaceful grounds incorporate a nature reserve and an array of stunning wildlife habitats, including a lake, over 10 acres of woodland, wetlands, a river and a beautiful garden. At different times of the year you can see wild boar and deer in the woods, otters and fish in the lake, over 40 species of birds, including swans and a huge variety of plant life.
Dates: Friday 4th to Monday 7th May 2012 or (1st to 3rd of September 2012)
Cost: £495.00
(£450 early bird discount before January 31st 2012)
Price includes all meals ( 3 organic meals per day), accommodation for 3 nights, teaching and all materials.
Discounts: NHR Organic Oils customers will be entitled to a 10% discount off the course
BIOGRAPHY
Kolinka Zinovieff qualified as an aromatherapist at the Institute of Clinical Aromatherapy and studied a postgraduate course in ‘Molecular activity and the therapeutics of organic essential oils’, based on the work of Pierre Franchomme, at the Institut des Sciences Phytomédicales (Body Treats). He also trained as a craniosacral therapist with the Cranial Osteopathic Association (CrOA) and the Upledger Institute. He runs a company called NHR Organic Oils, the main purpose of which is to sell pure, high quality, organic essential oils at affordable prices. (See Directory for more information).
For further information:
NHR Organic Oils (Director Kolinka Zinovieff:), Sells only Certified organic essential oils:
Please tel. (UK) 0845 310 8066 or email at: [email protected] or www.nhrorganicoils.com
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A life changing experience
By Lynn Rae LMT
Cancer Survivor
London, England 2011
Paul Lewis spoke at the Camexpo on Post Surgical treatment of mastectomies from a rehabilitative massage therapy approach. Lynn read about Paul and before sitting through any of his lectures or workshops got first hand experience of his approach.
Lynn’s experience demonstrates the effects of massage therapy on the physical and also the indirect impact it could have on the emotional and psychological state of any client.
Lynn writes:
I was diagnosed with Right side invasive breast cancer December 23rd 2008, I was expecting this diagnosis as my Mother died from breast cancer at a young age of 63, but I was not expecting to need a mastectomy. As a divorced, 46 year old mother of 2, my first thought was how am I going to convince my beloved teenagers that I am not going to die and my second, was how will I survive with only one breast?
As a mother the protective instinct took over and it was easier to focus all my attention on the welfare of my children and the doctors could take care of me.
After the sentinal node biopsy came back positive, a full lymph clearance on the right became necessary. A visit to the plastic surgeons and I was persuaded that the best option for me was to have post surgical reconstruction using an S-Gap flap. Using fat from one buttock to reconstruct the breast, this procedure would be a highly complex and a relatively new surgery. It would take 12 hours , but I was assured that I would be thrilled with the natural appearance and feel of the result. In addition my buttock would appear flattened on one side but this could be evened out at a later date using liposuction on the other side.
Waking up from surgery with 2 breasts was vital for me to be able to cope with the mastectomy and I was pretty impressed with the result.
Recovery was painful, mainly on the Left side of the ribcage where I must have been twisted on the operating table.
My work as a massage therapist proved to be too physical and so I was forced to focus more on teaching Pilates and body movement. This amazingly helped me to rebalance both my mind and body. It became vital for my mental wellbeing that I regained my strength and balance within my body also.
Two and a half years later, I am now physically fit and strong, I have had an implant put in under my existing breast on the Left side to give balance bilaterally. my nipple on the right was created using a skin graph. I feel like a woman when fully clothed although still working on the undressed version.
Physically, I have a lot of scar tissue and reduced sensation in and around Right axilla, tightness and scarring of Right pectoral muscle, tenderness on my sternum, I have a scoliosis a right -concavity around the mid thoracic and a rib that shifts to the Right. My pelvis twists and rotates constantly due to muscle imbalance and I have a lot of tightness in my SI joint particularly the right side. On a positive note I have been able to rebuild a lot of the gluteal and hip muscles on the right with precise strengthening and I keep the imbalances at bay to a reasonable extent with yoga and Pilates.
Since my surgery, I have minimal hands on bodywork, partly due to insecurities about my body after surgery and partly due to not wanting to trust therapists.
I heard about Paul Lewis and his approach to treating mobility issues relating to post mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. I felt I would be in safe hands even before we met. His manner, knowledge and care put me totally at ease, and the treatment from start to finish was totally sensitive and holistic. He looked at my body as a whole, which was something that none of the doctors at the hospital did. His treatment did not just cover the post surgical breast area but also my legs, buttocks; stomach, back, arms, shoulders, even the face. All areas that were connected in some way to the surgeries and procedures I have undergone in the past 2 and half years.
After the therapeutic massage I felt physically rejuvenated, muscles and joints relaxed and emotionally nurtured. I also felt a new level of acceptance of my body, having exposed it to someone who was not my doctor.
Overall I think it is wise to have massage from someone who is knowledgeable on the subject and who has treated many others in similar situations. A therapist who understands physically, emotionally and holistically can be a very powerful and healing experience. Also, although the massage was relaxing, it felt deep and the fact that Paul treats the body as a whole helped me to re-integrate myself and revisit areas I felt previously blocked. I no longer view my body in two parts, areas directly affected and other areas.
Paul Lewis had a short lecture schedule in London, England and I would have liked to have had more treatments had it been possible, but I can see from just having one, the amazing benefits that a course of treatments would have. I have met many other women suffering from breast cancer since my diagnosis and one of the main feelings that seem to affect us is that the whole medical process is rather like having an out of body experience, as if it were happening to someone else. Being able to have a treatment from a skilled therapist helps to bring you back into your own body, which is a step towards acceptance.
Since receiving that wonderful rehabilitative post surgical mastectomy treatment, I plan on taking some of Paul’s workshops on Dynamic Angular Petrissage(DAP) next time he is in London and I am on track getting back into treating clients again.
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An Effective Alternative to Dental Implants and False Teeth in Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the periodontal tissues (or in other words everything around the tooth): the gums, the ligaments, the bone. It happens when the balance between the ‘good’ bacteria and the destructive bacteria is disturbed. As a result, the teeth lose their attachment and become mobile. They can feel ‘wobbly’ or they can first shift and flare while ‘growing out’.
Is there an alternative to false teeth in such cases?
Traditionally the solution to wobbly teeth has been their removal, offering the patient either dentures or dental implants but with the BOST treatment we try and keep your own teeth and create the conditions for healthy gums. As holistic dentists we bring together a number of disciplines and techniques. I consider that there are four steps to the BOST periodontal treatment process, for long term healthy teeth and gums.
Bacterial DNA Testing
Since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, it is very important to know which bacteria are present before treatment begins. Modern periodontal treatment starts by determining which bacteria are present in a periodontal gum infection. Using the Bacterial DNA test, we are able to identify exactly which bacteria are causing the infection. In the majority of cases, the DNA test will reveal that the type of bacteria that are present in the gums can be eliminated without the use of antibiotics. In these cases, it is preferable to avoid antibiotics in order to prevent a drop in the immune system.
However, some species of bacteria cannot be brought under control using the treatment alone. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) are aggressive species of bacteria that fall into this category. If the test shows that these bacteria are present, then appropriate antibiotics are added to the treatment in order to produce complete healing.
BOST bone treatment
The Bone One Session Treatment (BOST), is an aerobic treatment that eliminates periodontal disease at its source: under the gums and in the bone supporting the teeth. After gently numbing the areas we carry out full mouth debridement (removal of plaque and calculus that have accumulated ) with specific specialised BOST instruments and give you a full comprehensive instruction to continue aerobic healing.
A typical BOST full mouth treatment is performed in 4-5 hours during a one day period. Due to the length of the appointment we have a very comfortable dental chair available. After a single BOST treatment, the bone around the teeth is able to heal and the pockets can fill with healthy tissue.
The basic ideas for BOST began over 20 years ago with Dr. William Hoisington of Seattle, Washington, USA. Years of research and continual improvement led to several publications in professional journals and articles in the popular press. Some 3000 cases treated with the technique by Dr. Hoisington and dentists he trained in several countries have provided a solid base of evidence of success.
DNA testing immediately before and after treatment showed the BOST treatment reduces 99% of the bacteria, with no need for surgical ‘flap’ operations like mainstream periodontal treatment.
The BOST treatment costs between £2k and £5k depending on the severity of the gum disease present.
BOST treatment is a fast, comfortable, reliable, safe, less invasive, and less expensive, alternative to implants - keeping your own teeth and gums healthy.
Aerobic Oral Hygiene
Oral health and dentistry have their place in the overall health of patients. Aggressive bacteria from the mouth can become localized in critical areas of the body - such as the coronary arteries - affecting the normal functioning of other bodily systems. Gum disease can be related to heart disease, diabetes, infertility and a host of other conditions. Patients are shown a New Oral Hygiene routine that helps keep their gums and healthy for years to come.
Good Nutrition
All healing is achieved by creating the right circumstances in the body, which allow our body to heal. A deficient diet may well have contributed to the initial periodontal problems in the first place. As a Nutritional Therapist as well as a Dentist, I give my patients nutritional advice about how to include beneficial foods in their daily food intake, which can help create healthy teeth and gums. Good nutrition and a healthy gastrointestinal tract are the seeds to life – and it all starts in the mouth!
The combination of these four steps leads to predictable results. We help patients heal and it shows that it is possible to restore a healthy condition.
Suzanne Roelofs, MSC (Netherlands) graduated as a dentist in 2002 and did a postgraduate certificate in Clinical Dentistry in Australia and Dento-Facial Aesthetics in New York. Whilst practicing as a dentist in London, Suzanne realized that teeth couldn’t be treated ‘in isolation’ from the rest of the body so she studied Naturopathic Nutrition at The College of Naturopathic Medicine’s London branch, graduating in 2011. What she learned inspired her to change to holistic dentistry. Suzanne now practices BOST at the Hale Clinic in London, alongside Yvan Micholt. For further dental questions and appointments please see www.haleclinic.com
The College of Naturopathic Medicine offers training for careers in Nutritional Therapy, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. www.naturopathy-uk.com
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What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a symptom, rather than a specific disease or disorder, and is characterised by persistent tiredness. It can also be a symptom of another condition or disease. People who are fatigued feel tired all the time – physically and mentally. A person suffering from fatigue has slowed reflexes and reduced function in daily life. Research suggests that between 50 and 80 per cent of fatigue cases are mainly due to psychological factors. Fatigue is also the natural result of depleting your body’s stores of energy producing nutrients, and is therefore linked to diet.
Fatigue can be caused by a number of factors working in combination, and includes:
- Undiagnosed medical conditions such as infections
- Conditions such as diabetes
- Emotional concerns
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Too much sleep
- Alcohol and drugs use
- Lack of regular exercise
- Poor diet
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief
Our fast paced modern lifestyle is often blamed for causing the persistent tiredness that afflicts so many of us. There are many different ways you can boost your energy levels. These suggestions centre on four core areas of life:
Diet
Drink plenty of water as dehydration can cause fatigue. Water is one of the body’s most essential nutrients, so make sure you supply it with enough.
Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. The B-complex vitamins are especially beneficial in combating stress, and iron ensures oxygen gets to all of your muscles and organs.
Avoid fried and high-fat foods, and highly processed foods such as chocolate bars, crisps and other sweets.
Caffeine (found in coffee, teas and most soft drinks) give you an immediate boost, but then your energy levels will drop even lower.
Don’t smoke, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen available in the blood.
Eat regular meals to ensure that your body is getting its required nutrients
Exercise
Exercise at least 3-4 times a week, and try work to a schedule. This will boost your energy levels, help reduce your blood pressure and maintain a healthy body weight. It will also help you get a good nights sleep.
Whilst exercising avoid ‘high energy’ drinks, which contain a lot of sugar. These are a short-term measure that will interrupt your body’s natural response to fatigue.
Sleep
Get enough sleep, adults need about eight hours sleep per night.
Don’t drink too much caffeine, as this can affect your sleep patterns.
Natural aids to sleep include herbal relaxants such as valerian and lavender, which can aid in restorative rest.
Relaxation
It is important to set aside some time for some relaxation in your schedule. This may involve utilizing techniques such as controlled breathing, meditation, massage or yoga. Alternatively a holistic approach such as Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical practice that encompasses a range of treatments, may be beneficial in combating fatigue. Fatigue should not be confused with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), a medical condition with similar though more severe symptoms.
If you are constantly tired you may be suffering from fatigue. A consultation with a dietician, naturopath or personal trainer may be beneficial.
