We are sometimes described as a Carbon-based life form. We are organic and so by definition, we (organic) contains Carbon. Carbon, in all its forms is vital for our existence. We know about Carbon Dioxide (CO2), but we also have Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonates, Carbides, Carbonates. We think of Oxygen (O2) being vital and it is, but it’s also very destructive. We need the balance.
In respiration, there is the thought, Oxygen good and CO2 bad, waste gas. CO2 is a metabolic waste, but like most of our chemical constituents, it’s never that simple. Without enough CO2, nothing will work, but many cells can and do work anaerobically (without Oxygen). Without enough CO2, we cannot absorb the O2 we need.
The body is full of these seeming anomalies. They (the seeming anomalies) represent balance. Another term for this is Homeostasis. A word we’ll hear a lot of in this course.
Here is an intro into the difference between Organic and Inorganic – Carbon.
Let’s take a moment to be aware of our own body.
Close your eyes and come aware of the position your body. Notice the contact your feet have with the floor. Notice the weight of your body heavy on your sit bones. Notice the weight of your shoulders drawing downwards from the ears, notice the weight of the head sitting on top of your neck. Is the brain receiving any sensations from the body? Pain, warmth, ache, relaxation, softness, heaviness…notice all sensations and allow yourself to ‘feel’.
Place a hand on your heart and notice the rhythmic beat in your chest.
Let’s draw your attention to your breath, place a hand on the top of your chest and a hand on your lower ribs. Allow the flow of breath to move your hands.
Lay both hands on your abdomen, softening the belly and allow the movement of the breath to draw your focus to the hands on your belly.
You have just spent time with the skeletal and muscular system, the cardiovascular, the respiratory and digestive systems.
Your body is simply amazing.
SKELETAL SYSTEM – comprises of 206 bones that support and protect muscles and organs. The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum. The appendicular skeleton consists of the shoulder girdle, upper & lower limbs and the pelvic girdle.
MUSCULAR SYSTEM – comprises all the muscles of the body plus their attachments (ligaments, tendons & fascia). Contraction of muscles causes movement, both voluntary and involuntary.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM – This is a secondary circulation which provides a channel for excess tissue fluid to be returned to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system is responsible for the removal of interstitial fluid from tissues; it absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats to the circulatory system; it transports immune cells to and from the lymph nodes; and it carries lymphocytes from the lymph nodes.
“You may consider yourself an individual, but as a cell biologist, I can tell you that you are in truth a cooperative community of approximately fifty trillion single-celled citizens.”
Cells are the smallest units in the body. There are about 10 million, million cells in the human body. They can only be seen using a microscope and their shape and contents can be identified by a process called, Histology. Histology is the study of the structure and function of cells and tissues.
This may involve taking slices of tissue or whole cells and staining them with dyes that produce different colours for different cell structures. There are many different types and shapes of cells depending on the functions of the tissues or organs which they make up. However, despite these differences, cells do have many common essential features:
There are three different ways by which substances can enter or leave cells as nutrients or excretory products: Diffusion, Filtration and Active Transport. There are other sub-divisions listed here.
Diffusion needs NO ENERGY from cells or the body because it is a random movement of molecule(s) down a pressure gradient ie from an area of high to lower concentration. Small molecules (eg oxygen & carbon dioxide) pass through small holes in the cell membrane until equilibrium is reached. Eg the movement of carbon dioxide / oxygen from the lungs and into the bloodstream.
Click on the button below to download a PDF Fact Finder sheet. Please use this as part of your revision and return this as part of your homework folder.
Click on the button below to download a PDF Fact Finder sheet. Please use this as part of your revision and return this as part of your homework folder.
If a number of drops of an essential oil containing all top notes were put on a tissue this would evaporate completely, leaving no mark or smell within a number of hours.
If a number of drops of an essential oil containing all middle notes were put on a tissue this could take 2 to 3 days to evaporate completely, leaving no mark or smell.
If a number of drops of an essential oil containing all base notes were put on a tissue this could take up to 5 days to evaporate completely, leaving no mark or smell.
You will need to ask these questions every time you complete a consultation form, so please learn them or print this table so that you can refer while completing a consultation.
• BERRIES: Black pepper, Juniper
• FLOWERS: Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Ylang ylang
• FLOWERING TOPS: Clary Sage, Origanum
• LE AVES: Basil, Eucalyptus, Melissa, Peppermint
• RESIN: Benzoin, Myrrh, Frankincense
• RHIZOME: Ginger
• RIND: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Lime
• ROOT: Vetiver, Spikenard
• SEEDS: Coriander, Dill, Fennel
• WOOD: Sandalwood, Rosewood, Cedarwood
The essential oils are contained in glands, veins, sacs and glandular hairs and a variety of techniques are available for obtaining this valuable product.
To keep all essential oils at their best, store in a practitioner box at a temperature of 12-15 degrees Celsius.
Replace all lids firmly after use.
| ESSENTIAL OIL | Lavender | Mandarin | Tea Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLANT FAMILY | Labiatae | Rutacae | Myrtaceae |
| GENUS | Lavandula | Citrus | Melaleuca |
| SPECIES | angustifolia | reticulata | alternilfolia |
| CARRIER OILS | ESSENTIAL OILS |
|---|---|
|
Are fixed. They do not evaporate. |
Are volatile. They do evaporate. |
| Leave a permanent oily mark on paper because of their lubricating quality and non-volatile nature. | Do not leave an oily mark on paper, although any colour present will leave a stain. |
| Are not soluble in alcohol. | Are soluble in alcohol. |
LATIN NAME:
Anthemis nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile.
COMMON NAME:
Roman Chamomile.
PLANT FAMILY:
Asteraceae (Compositae).
METHOD OF EXTRACTION:
Steam distillation of the flower heads.
AROMA:
A fruity, apple-like fragrance.
Chamomile tea has for years been a popular aid for digestion and to promote sleep.
Anti inflammatory analgesic action relieves dull muscular pain lower back pain, useful for period pains and calms the irritable effects of PMT and during menopause.
Very soothing and calming to use on the skin, gentle and effective for all skin conditions including allergic responses on hypersensitive skin types.
LATIN NAME:
Eucalyptus smithii.
COMMON NAME:
Eucalyptus or Gully-gum.
PLANT FAMILY:
Myrtaceae.
METHOD OF EXTRACTION:
Steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.
AROMA:
Clear, sharp and piercing.
Decongestant for the respiratory system and it is used in many remedies for colds and for headaches due to sinus problems.
It helps the lungs to expel mucus and is useful for bronchitis and coughs.
It is cooling on the skin and may reduce body temperature during a fever and will also deodorise and cleanse both the feverish person and the atmosphere in the room, killing germs and viruses.
