Aroma Therapy
A holistic healing treatment
Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil therapy, is the art
and science of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants
to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.
HISTORY
The use of essential oils for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic and ritualistic purposes goes back to a number of ancient civilizations including the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans who used them in cosmetics, perfumes and drugs.
A French perfumer and chemist, Maurice Gattefossé, invented the term “aromathérapie” in 1937 with his publication of a book by that name. His book contains early clinical findings for utilizing essential oils for a range of physiological troubles. By using that new word, it seems that he clearly meant to distinguish the medicinal application of essential oils from their perfumery applications.
ESSENTIAL OILS
The term "essential oil" is a contraction of the original “quintessential oil” -> spirit or life force of the plant.
Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam. Other processes include solvent extraction, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping, and cold pressing.
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. It can deliver a synergy of healing properties such as physiological, psychological and spiritual response to the individuals applying them.
HOW TO USE THEM
The modes of application of aromatherapy include:
Aerial diffusion: for environmental fragrancing or aerial disinfection
Direct inhalation: for respiratory disinfection, decongestant, expectoration as well as psychological effects
Topical applications: for general massage, baths, compresses, therapeutic skin care
The materials used can be:
- Essential oil as oils, fragrant butters, concretes, and enfleurage pommades using ethanol
- Carrier oils: to dilute them for use on the skin
- Aroma lamp or diffuser: an electric or candle-fueled device which volatilizes essential oils, usually mixed with water
- Vaporizer: typically higher oil content plant based materials dried, crushed, and heated to extract and inhale the aromatic oil vapors in a direct inhalation modality
BENEFITS
Just adding some of the most common essential oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint and tea tree oil to your natural medicine cabinet can:
- Fight cold and flu symptoms
- Relax your body and smoothe sore muscles
- Heal skin conditions
- Alleviate pain
- Balance hormones
- Improve digestion
- Reduce cellulite and wrinkles
- Reduce stress, tension and anxiety
- Promote a sense of relaxation and renewed energy
EFFECTIVENESS
There is some evidence that aromatherapy can help improve general well-being, but no good medical evidence that it can prevent or cure disease.
Evidence for the efficacy of aromatherapy in treating medical conditions is poor, with a particular lack of studies employing rigorous methodology.
SAFETY CONCERNS
- Essential Oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly on the skin or near the eyes. Using oils neat on the skin can create a rash, itching, an allergic reaction, and even severe pain.
- They must always be diluted in a suitable carrier oil (almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil or coconut oil) for massage, or diluted with water for baths and vaporization.
- Essentials oil should be kept away from children and pets and stored in dark-coloured glass bottles away from sunlight and heat.
- Certain essential oils are contra-indicated for pregnancy, sunbathing (lavender lemon or lime essential oils are phototoxic )and some health problems. There are many excellent books on aromatherapy.