20140625_124057

June 26th, 2014

The Quality Work/Life Committee for the Forensics Unit at St. Joes Hospital’s organized a “Wellness Wednesday” for their staff in support of developing healthy habits and promoting the importance of self-care.

The workshop,which took place between 12:00 and 12:45p.m. and was hosted by Jan Milligan from Just the Essentials, was a lesson in the therapeutic benefits of essential oils as well as an opportunity to sample the products.

“It’s really, really important that you take care of yourself because you are taking such good care of others” Milligan began. Milligan explained Aromatherapy as the art and science of using essential oils for health and well-being. She then explained some of the history of essential oils, noting their prevalence all the way back to ancient Egypt. These oils are obtained through steam distillation (extrating the aromatic element of the plant), expression (used primarily for citrus fruits where the oil is contained in the peel or rind) and solvent extraction (the soaking of delicate flowers in a solvent that extracts the elements). Essential oils enter the body through skin absorption, when applied directly to the surface of the skin such as massage, or through inhalation through the olfactory system.

Milligan then passed some scents around for everyone to sample. “Pay attention to what you are drawn to” she noted, “it’s what your body and mind need.” Scents such as Niaouli and Rose were shared around the group. Milligan pointe out special characteristics of the oils – for example, she noted that traditionally it was believed that “people who wore pink grapefruit oil appeared slimmer” and that it was good for treating anxiety and depression.

“It is not a replacement for medical treatment” Milligan reminded the group, “but a good use alongside.” The group learned that Lemon and Ylang Ylang are great for reducing blood pressure and could be put in the bath or on the soles of the feet and calves to help with sleeping. Lemongrass and Rose Bergamount are helpful in alleviating anxiety and uplift and soothe the mind. Rosemary and Wintergreen will enhance memory and Lavendar can be calming during the day.

Milligan suggested ways to incorporate the use of oils into the  day – foot baths after work, steaming the face with a bowl of hot water, a few drops of the oils and a towel, using an inhaler which will send the oil into the lungs then into the limbic system and up to the brain and even let the group know about a special alarm clock that will gently begin with a soothing sound then slowly light up to heat the oil and gradually wakes you up. She explained that olive oil was great for blending the essentials and that keeping them in a glass amber jar in a dark space will also help tp pro-long their life and usage.

At the end of the session everyone received a gift basket with hand and foot lotion, body mist, a bath bomb, massage oil and an essential oil to inhale. Milligan concluded as she began by encouraging the group to give back to themselves, as the afternoon ended the group shared their thanks and commented how appreciative they were, one nurse expressed, “this is so nice, very invigorating – thank you.”

20140625_124057

Jan Milligans store Just the Essentials is on Concession street in Hamilton – visit www.justtheessentials.ca for more information.