Aromatherapy Offers Health Benefits
Essential Oils can Impact Our Health and Well Being
When you hear the word aromatherapy, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine heavily scented candles, strong perfumes, or perhaps a therapist in a lab coat waving scented vials under a patient's nose. The word aromatherapy comes from two Greek words. Aroma means pleasant smell or fragrance, and “therapeia” means healing. Aromatherapy relies on our sense of smell and absorption into our bloodstream, and is believed to stimulate the release of chemicals which can trigger a variety of emotions.
Smell is the first sense to develop shortly after birth. Children have a stronger sense of smell than adults, although most adults can distinguish between 4,000 to 10,000 smells. Our sense of smell often triggers particular memories. Think of how the smell of pencil shavings brings back memories of school, and how a freshly baked apple pie can jog an image of being in your grandmother's kitchen.
How Aromatherapy Oils are Created
Aromatherapy is a generic term which refers to the practice of using essential oils as a form of alternative or complementary medicine to aid healing. Ailments targeted by aromatherapy have a wide spectrum of mental and physical conditions. The oils are made by extracting liquid plant materials and aromatic compounds from plants such as flowers, leaves, seeds, barks and fruit through a steam distillation process. The oils are usually mixed with vegetable, soy or almond based “carrier” oil due to their concentration, and then diluted with alcohol or water. This allows the oil to be used on large areas of the body and protects the skin from an unfavorable reaction. The scented oils are inhaled through the nose or rubbed onto the body and are typically used in one of three ways:
- Holistically- Often in the form of massage therapy to improve mood, reduce stress, and improve physical conditions
- Clinically-Used to complement conventional medical treatments, such as cancer treatments
- Aesthetically- Most common use for the oils to be used in candles, on specialty oil burners or diffusers, or used in bath water
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends particular oils for specific benefits for relaxation, stimulation, or revitalization. Peppermint is often used for headaches and indigestion, while eucalyptus, rosemary, and tea tree oils are used to stimulate the immune system. Lavender is believed to induce calm and relaxation, and also soothe headaches or migraines. Rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang have purported aphrodisiac benefits, while yarrow is used to alleviate cold and flu and improve joint pain. While there is a medical consensus for aromatherapy having favorable effects on mood and relaxation, there aren’t enough scientific studies or proof for the efficacy claims beyond those benefits.
Aromatherapy Practitioners Should be Licensed
While some countries do require aromatherapy practitioners to be licensed, there aren’t any licensing requirements in the United States. To determine if a practitioner is qualified to practice aromatherapy, ask for credentials. Formal aromatherapy training usually offers programs which require 200 to 300 hours of education. Experts also recommend seeking a practitioner with a license for hands on therapy like massage. Also clear any new therapeutic or alternative health therapies with your doctor.
Using aromatherapy essential oils at home is an easy and relaxing way to see for yourself what benefits aromatherapy has to offer. Essential oils can be found in most health and specialty foods stores. The price will vary according to factors which include origin, rarity, the type of extraction and demand for particular oil. Organic and wild harvested oils tend to be higher priced, as well as oils that come from endangered plants. Make sure to use a pure essential label, not a blend or massage oil. Look for organic oils which are made without chemicals. Always do a skin patch test for 24 hours and discontinue if any rash, redness or soreness occur. Aromatherapy shouldn’t be used on pregnant women or children and should never be consumed or tasted.
Pure essential oils are essential for aromatherapy and there are many methods to treat yourself and your senses, or someone you love. Being mindful a few of the cautions when trying aromatherapy at home, try adding five to ten drops of essential oil in your tub, or use a few drops on an oil burner or diffuser. Try adding ten to twelve drops to a water sprayer and use as a room mister. Or sprinkle a few drops of oil onto a tissue or handkerchief to breathe into throughout the day. Or really splurge and have an aromatherapy massage to experience the full range of benefits aromatherapy has to offer.
Scents can Reduce Stress
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