| Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils which are intended to promote the health and well-being of an individual. Although the essential oils, which are extracted from plants, have very specific aromas which have been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, they also have numerous other important qualities and various oils may be antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic etc. Essential oils have been used in perfumery and healing for many thousands of years, even before the ancient Egyptian times. The art of embalming was very dependent upon essential oils, and Greek warriors are known to have anointed themselves with oils before going into battle. Precious gifts in the Middle East 2000 years ago included myrrh and frankincense. In Europe in the middle ages, aromatic plants such as clove, cypress, sage and rosemary were burned in an effort to control plagues. The use of natural oils for both fragrance and healing purposes however started to die out in the early nineteenth century when scientists learned how to synthesize the plant oils for both perfumes and medicines. It was thought that the new synthesized products would take the place of the natural, more expensive substances, which accordingly fell out of favor. Since then of course, we have learned that synthesized drugs do not always provide the best answer and that nature often provides a solution that is more suited to the task and with fewer side-effects. In the early 1900's, a French chemist named Gattefosse was working in his perfumery laboratory when he suffered a severe burn to his hand. Wanting to immediately cool his burn, but not having any water within reach, he plunged his hand into a bowl of lavender essential oil. A few days later, and to his surprise, he found that his burns were healing very quickly and with minimal scarring. Gattefosse began to investigate the properties of the lavender oil, and then other essential oils, and he eventually became the principal authority on essential oils. Gattefosse is today credited with rediscovering the art of using essential oils from plants for 'health' purposes Essential oils can enter the body through the air via the nose and bronchial passages. (Inhalation) or can be absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream using massage. (Absorption). Aromatherapy makes use of both inhalation and absorption. The power of smell is a very powerful trigger to the human nervous system. Some aromas, such as newly cut grass, the sea breeze, etc. have evocative smells so powerful that simply reading the word can remind us of the aroma. An aroma usually has an immediate effect, which is why smelling salts can instantly revive. The nose contains tiny hair-like extensions of the brain which detect scent. The brain very rapidly interprets aromas that are inhaled. It has long been known that certain smells or aromas have a sedative or soothing effect whilst others have a stimulating effect. A qualified aromatherapist uses essential oils to treat a surprising number of ailments. Although serious conditions should always be treated by a qualified practitioner or by a physician, many common ailments can be relieved safely and effectively at home with aromatherapy. You may in fact, soon come to regard essential oils as a vital part of your home first aid kit. For self help, essential oils are most commonly used to relieve aches and pains, for relaxation and stress reduction, and for skin and hair care, but they also have much wider possibilities. Many oils have proven antiseptic properties and can be used as first aid and as an ongoing treatment for cuts, burns, insect bites and bruises. Some other oils are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antibiotic, etc. Oils with anti-fungal properties can be used in such conditions as athletes foot and other fungal infections. Some can be used as an aid in the overall management of more serious conditions, such as candida, arthritis and rheumatism. In addition, since the oils work through the brain to act on the emotions, they are very useful too not only for stress relief, but in cases of anxiety, overwork, stage fright etc. |
| What is Aromatherapy? |
| Aromatherapy Benefits Aromatherapy is the combination of creativity and technical knowledge. It helps to know the characteristics of oils and the combinations of scents. To know the subtle differences in essential oils that are attributable to thousands of aroma chemicals, and how these chemical constituents affect the human body, is the science of Aromatherapy. The aromatic properties of pure, natural essential oils are a catalyst for change in the human mind and body. The Mind Essential oil aromas stimulate the part of the brain that affects emotion. The shape of an essential oil molecule is like a key that opens lock-like structure in the olfactory nerve receptors in our nostrils. The impression of the aroma is sent directly and immediately to the limbic system where memories are stored and pleasure and emotions are perceived. When stimulated, the limbic system releases chemicals that affect the central nervous system. Serotonin counteracts anxiety; endorphins reduce pain and affect sexual response. Inhaling essential oils can help us attain a pleasurable emotional balance. A balanced emotional state in turn can have a therapeutic effect on physical problems, particularly those that are stress-related. Enhance your mental and physical well-being with essential oils using direct inhalation or diffusion. Direct inhalation is great when immediate relief is needed. For instance, to relieve stress, drip 2-5 drops of chamomile onto a handkerchief, hold it under your nose and breathe deeply. Because of their volatile nature, essential oils will readily diffuse into the air. An aromatherapy lamp a ceramic vessel equipped with a small basin to hold a mixture of water and essential oil is a good way to diffuse scent. The basin is warmed from underneath by a candle or light bulb. Diffusing relaxing oils like chamomile, rose or sandalwood can help anyone feeling anxiety, in your home or work area. To counteract after-lunch sleepiness diffuse energizing uplifting oils like peppermint, lemon or basil. The Body Essential oils are quickly absorbed through the skin, traveling around individual cells and into hair follicles, where the oils enter the sebaceous glands and mingle with the skin's natural emollients. The chemical properties of the oils can be cleansing, deodorizing, toning, or balancing. Essential oils add an aesthetic dimension to the healing effects of massage therapy, compresses, facial steams and body and foot baths. Because they're so concentrated, essential oils must be diluted so they compose 2%-3% of the blend either in a carrier vegetable oil, such as sweet almond and jojoba, bath water or body care product. Add a few drops of grapefruit to a warm bath and agitate the water, then soak away a stressful day. Certain oils are especially suited to benefit the skin. The largest organ of the body, the skin, reflects our inner state of well being while protecting us from a daily barrage of pollutants. Lavender oil, the supreme skin oil, is cleansing, deodorizing, toning and balancing. It is also relatively safe in higher dilutions up to 20%. It combats oily skin while soothing and replenishing dry skin. The Spirit A diffused aroma creates a mysterious presence in a room, then wafts away like a wish or prayer. The essential oils can be thought of as the quintessential spirit of plants, captured in a jar. Frankincense oil has been used as an adjunct to meditation and prayer for centuries. Its rich, balsamic aroma penetrates deeply into the lungs, inspiring slow, regular breathing. Try diffusing frankincense to help carry you along on your next spiritual journey. Essential oils have positive effects on every level of being. Their unique properties enhance the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy is the creative and scientific application of essential oils to create beneficial changes in our lives on aesthetic, therapeutic and mystical levels. |
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