Overview

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. There are some 400 essential oils extracted from plants all over the world. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways:

• Massage (most used method)
• Baths (add a few drops to warm water)
• Inhalations (not for asthmatics)

Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions. Aromatherapy is not intended to replace traditional medicine or traditional healthcare. It is simply an avenue for you to take more responsibility for your own health and to allow nature to do what it does best - balance and heal body, mind and spirit.

History

The use of aroma oils dates back more than 6000 years with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all realising their many benefits and utilising oils not only for medicinal purposes but also for pleasure and practical reasons ie embalming the dead.

The term "aromatherapie" was coined by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928. He utilized the word to imply the therapeutic use of aromatic substances (essential oils). Since the beginning of Aromatherapy, the practice has encompassed human pathology and the treatment of different conditions (emotional and physical) with essential oils. As Aromatherapy developed into a practice it adopted an holistic approach which encompasses the body, the mind and the spirit (energy).

Benefits

Research has shown that when they are applied to the skin or inhaled, essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised in the body, similar to other substances. Many essential oils possess significant anti-microbial properties, in both liquid and vapour form. Clinical trials have shown that tea tree oil is highly effective in treating thrush.

Another study has shown that aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was significantly more effective than both plain oil massage and a control group, in reducing heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and pain in patients in a hospital intensive care unit. There are many studies that demonstrate how essential oils can positively affect mood and the sense of well-being.

Aromatherapy has proven, therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions:

Emotional based benefits: including Depression, Frustration, Grief, Anxiety, Insomnia, Irritability, Fear, Poor Memory, Moodiness, Nervous Tension, Worry.

Medicinal benefits: including Bruises/Sprains/Strains, Burns (including sunburn), Wounds and Scars, Motion Sickness, Fatigue, Respiratory Conditions inc colds, flu, sore throat, asthma and bronchitis, Muscular aches and pains, Fungal infections such as athletes foot and nail fungus, Digestive disorders such as Constipation.

Skincare benefits: Dermatitis, Stretch Marks, Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, Mature Skin, Varicose Veins, Dry Skin, Cellulite, Wrinkles, Enhanced wound healing, Antifungal activity, Antibacterial activity.

By learning more about the proper use of essential oils, either through a recognized school or through a qualified aromatherapy practitioner, you will open the door to a whole new world - one that is not so dependent on antibiotics and other over-prescribed drugs.

Procedure

The aromatherapist will ask questions about your medical history, general health and lifestyle. This will help him or her decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you as an individual.

The aromatherapist may wish to contact your GP, with your permission, to inform him or her that you are receiving aromatherapy treatments.

After selecting and blending appropriate essential oils, the aromatherapist will usually apply the oils in combination with massage. A session normally lasts for 60 to 90 minutes.

Source of information: The Aromatherapy Organisation Council | The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy