Find
an Aromatherapy Practitioner
Aromatherapy
What Is It?
How Does It Work?
What Happens During Treatment?
What Is It Used For?
Side Effects/Cautions
Recommended Books
What Is It?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted
from plants to improve health and treat common ailments. The aromatic
essences are believed to contain medicinal properties and are used
in massage, steam inhalations, compresses, or added to bath water.
The use of aromatic oils to treat illness has been
practised for thousands of years, but the term “aromatherapy” was
coined in the 1920’s by the French chemist Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse who used it to treat soldiers wounded during
World War I. Gattefosse classified essential oils according
to their "healing" properties: antitoxic,
antiseptic, tonifying, stimulating, calming, etc. The
modern concept of using aromatherapy as a holistic
therapy was developed by Austrian biochemist Margaret
Maury during the 1950s.
Aromatherapists use up to 130 oils which can invigorate
and uplift the mind and body, or soothe and relax,
reducing stress and promoting general wellbeing.
How Does It Work?
Aromatherapy is believed to use the mechanisms of olfaction (the
smelling of aromas), the absorption of aromas through the skin,
and the influence of aromas on the brain. Proponents suggest
that when the aromas from essential oils enter the nasal cavity,
they stimulate odour-sensing nerve cells which send impulses
to the limbic system, the part of the brain associated with memory
and emotion. Depending on the type of scent used, emotional responses
can exert a calming or energising effect on the body. Some suggest
that certain aromas may stimulate the adrenal glands to produce
steroid-like hormones that reduce pain and inflammation. Oils
inhaled or rubbed onto the skin may react with hormones and enzymes
in the bloodstream to produce healing effects. Aromatherapy may
also work by evoking pleasant memories, such as a grandmother’s
lavender-scented bedroom.
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What Happens During
Treatment?
Aromatherapists use only the purest, most highly concentrated essential
oils extracted from various herbs, trees and other plants. Your
therapist will ask about your general health and reasons for seeking
treatment. Certain oils will then be selected and mixed according
to your specific requirements. Aromatherapy is often used as a
home remedy, as essential oils are easy to obtain and use. Aromatherapy
can be applied in a number of ways:
• massage to soothe the muscles - oils are mixed with a “carrier
oil” such as sweet almond oil
• steam inhalations for respiratory problems
• diffusion sprays to calm the nerves
• adding a few drops of essential oil to a bath for relaxation
• hot or cold compresses for bruises or to soothe aches and pains
• applied to pillows for a restful sleep
• heating oil in an oil burner
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What Is It Used
For?
Aromatherapy has been used to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia,
to ease the pain of arthritis, and to treat cuts, bruises, colds,
headaches, nausea, digestive problems, aching muscles and many
other ailments.
Aromatherapy should be seen as a complementary therapy and not
a replacement for traditional medical treatments.
Side Effects/Cautions
Aromatherapy oils should never be taken internally. They are very
potent and some may be poisonous if swallowed.
Some oils can trigger bronchial spasms in asthmatics
- consult your doctor before using any aromatherapy
treatment.
Test for allergic reactions by mixing one drop of
essential oil with a few drops of vegetable oil and
dabbing this on your skin. Wait 24 hours to see if
any reaction occurs.
Certain essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy,
including sage, rosemary, juniper, basil and thyme.
These can induce miscarriage if used in excessive amounts.
References
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an Aromatherapy Practitioner
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Recommended Books
Prices are in US Dollars
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The Illustrated Encyclopedia
of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the
Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism (Illustrated
Encyclopedia S.)
Julia Lawless
This book contains a wealth of information
about 165 essential oils. It is a wonderful
reference guide for the begining as well as
the experienced aromatherapist. Detailed information
about each oil includes; botanical name, safety
data, current & historical uses, blending
companions, method of extraction, uses for
common ailmants, main chemical constituants,
and photographs pf the plant. There are also
narrative sections on the historiacal roots
of aroatherapy,blending, perfumery, and an
explination of chemical constituants. This
book is concise, comprehensive , and gives
information on more than just the most common
oils.
- Jason D Florin, reviewer.
Learn
more...
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The Complete Book of Essential Oils
and Aromatherapy
Valerie Ann Worwood
There are plenty of good books on herbs, and
some of them devote a chapter to essential
oils, but there's nothing comparable to Worwood's
work. Her premise is different from other herbalists--she
believes that the most effective way to use
herbs medicinally is by external application
or inhalation. Both methods allow the essential
oil to enter the bloodstream without passing
through the digestive tract. Her book prescribes
oils for everything from basic first aid and
treating common ailments to natural cosmetics
and body care, fragrance for the home and office,
and cooking with essential oils. A good addition
to alternative medicine collections.
- Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville,
Ala.
Learn
more...
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The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for
Personality, Mind, Mood, and Emotion
Valerie Ann Worwood
This encyclopedia of aromatherapy presents
the latest scientific research about aroma's
effects on the mind and body. This title goes
beyond listing aromas for specific ailments:
it tells how to mix oils for massage, how to
understand herbal mood enhancers, and how to
review the information on aromatherapy and
personality. An essential handbook.
Learn
more...
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