Aromatherapy, derived from the Greek word “aroma” meaning scent and “therapy” meaning treatment, encompasses a specialised branch of herbal medicine. Its focus lies in using concentrated plant oils known as essential oils to enhance both physical and emotional well-being, promoting holistic harmony.
Unlike herbs in traditional herbal medicine, essential oils are not ingested but are inhaled or applied topically. Each oil possesses a unique fragrance and gentle healing properties, contributing to the widespread popularity and pleasurable nature of aromatherapy, making it one of the most sought-after complementary therapies available.
How aromatherapy works
Aromatherapy, when used correctly and given sufficient time to take effect, can have subtle yet powerful benefits. While a single treatment may offer immediate relaxation or rejuvenation, its effects tend to be short-lived. It is through regular treatments that we can truly rebalance our body systems. If you have been under stress or unwell, it may take several weeks of consistent treatment before you notice any improvements.
Aromatherapy goes beyond simply enjoying the aroma of plant oils; it aims to incorporate these essential oils into our bodies to influence our body chemistry, support our systems, and enhance our moods and emotions. The most effective way to achieve this is through massage, as it allows the oils to be absorbed into the skin. By manipulating the body’s soft tissues, we can release both emotional and physical tension, alleviate pain, promote healthy circulation, and restore overall well-being. Professional aromatherapists often choose massage as their method of treatment.
For personal use, you can also add essential oils to your bathwater, inhale through the use of an oil diffuser or by applying directly onto your skin by using an essential oil roller blend, or apply them to hot or cold compresses for any bruises, swollen or painful areas.
When you apply essential oils to your skin, they start working right away on your body tissues. The molecules in the oils are so tiny that they can be absorbed through your skin pores and into your bloodstream, which carries them all throughout your body. We incorporate aromatherapy into all our natural skincare products to experience not only skin benefits but emotional and well-being benefits also.
The power of aroma or scent should not be underestimated. Inhaling essential oils by using any type of diffuser can enhance the effects of topically applied oils while providing a safe alternative for those sensitive to skin irritation. Although the exact mechanism of how aromas impact the mind remains a mystery, it is believed that olfactory receptors in the nose convert scents into electrical impulses that are transmitted to the limbic system in the brain. Once these scents reach the limbic system, they have the potential to directly influence our moods, and emotions, and even enhance mental alertness and concentration.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy offers numerous benefits to individuals, focusing on enhancing well-being rather than curing illnesses. It is a gentle practice that can be embraced by people of all ages and health conditions. From nurturing babies and children to providing comfort and care to the elderly, aromatherapy serves as a source of solace. Even pregnant women and seriously ill patients, such as those with cancer or AIDS, can find relief through professional treatment.
It is important to note that aromatherapy is not a recommended cure for any specific disease. Its true power lies in its ability to relax both the mind and body, alleviating pain and restoring balance to the body’s systems, creating an environment conducive to healing. Aromatherapy is most effective when used preventatively or to address subclinical symptoms before they progress into more serious conditions. This therapy has proven to be incredibly effective in preventing and treating stress and anxiety-related disorders, as well as muscular pains, digestive problems, irregular periods, menopausal discomfort, trouble sleeping, and depression.
Seeing a professional aromatherapist
During a first appointment with an aromatherapist, the session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. To ensure safe and effective holistic treatment, the therapist will begin by taking your case history. This includes gathering information about your medical background and any specific concerns you may have.
Aromatherapists not only determine which oils would be most beneficial for you, but also which ones to avoid. It’s important to note that certain oils should be avoided if you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, have high blood pressure, have epilepsy, or have recently undergone surgery. For instance, pregnant women should steer clear of oils like thyme, basil, rosemary, clary sage, and juniper, as they may pose a risk to the fetus or lead to miscarriage.
The therapist will also inquire about your stress levels, current medication, and use of homeopathic remedies. Understanding your mood and the events of your day is also important for the aromatherapist. This comprehensive interview typically lasts around 20 minutes and may conclude with a consent form for you to sign.
Treatment typically involves massage. During the session, you will be asked to undress down to your underwear and lie on a massage table, which will be covered with a towel to keep you warm and ensure your comfort. The aromatherapist will work around your body, gently moving the towel but never removing it completely. Based on the information you provide, the therapist will carefully select a suitable blend of oils. Generally, the oils you prefer are the ones that work best for you. Using the chosen blend, the aromatherapist will begin the massage, employing gentle strokes and possibly focusing on pressure points.
Throughout the 30-45 minute duration of the full body massage, the therapist will maintain a calm atmosphere, allowing you to fully relax. At the end of the session, it is advisable to refrain from bathing for several hours to allow the oils to be fully absorbed. Additionally, the therapist may offer you oils to use at home as a continuation of the treatment.
Ancient Origins of a Modern Therapy
Plant oils with a captivating aroma have been used therapeutically for thousands of years. The ancient Vedic literature of India, along with historical Chinese and Arabic medical texts, highlights the significance of aromatic oils for both health and spirituality. The Egyptians were well into aromatherapy back in the day. It’s said that physicians from around the world even travelled to Egypt to master the art of aromatics. The practice of aromatherapy made its way to the West during the time of the Crusades. However, it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that scientists were able to identify many of the individual components of plant chemistry.
Research has empowered scientists to extract the active components of medicinal plants, which ironically led to the development of pharmaceutical drugs and a decline in the use of plant medicine. In the 1920s, the dedication of a French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefossé sparked a modest resurgence in the use of plant oils. Gattefossé discovered that lavender oil had remarkable healing properties when he quickly healed a burn on his hand. This discovery led him to coin the term “aromatherapy.”
Later on, a French army surgeon named Dr. Jean Valnet published “Aromatherapie,” which is still regarded by many as the definitive guide to aromatherapy. In the 1950s, Marguerite Maury, an Austrian beauty therapist and biochemist, introduced the concept of using essential oils in massage and established pioneering aromatherapy clinics in Britain, France, and Switzerland.
Through research and the commitment of these individuals, the world rediscovered the therapeutic potential of plant-based essential oils, ushering in a new era of aromatherapy.
