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AROMATHERAPY

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to boost wellness in the physical, mental, and spiritual areas of one’s health. “Aroma” meaning “scent” and “therapy” meaning “treatment”, aromatherapy can consist of any use of essential oils in various holistic therapies. It can be integrated with other healing practices and alternative therapies, as well as alone.

Pure essential oils can be extracted from the roots, bark, leaves, flowers, or stems of various plants. Each possesses distinctive therapeutic properties that can be utilized for both physiological and psychological effects. These oils are taken into to the body either through the skin or through inhalation. Techniques can  include straight inhalation from the bottle, steams, spritzes, baths, massage, and compresses. Many oils need to be greatly diluted for safe use, but a few are gentle enough to be used "neat," or undiluted.

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS AROMATHERAPY MAY BENEFIT
      - Mood enhancement, balance and well-being
      - Relieving of minor discomforts
      - Boosting the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems
      - Healing wounds
      - Relieving headaches
      - Decreasing sinus congestion
      - Aiding in digestion
      - Killing fungal and bacterial infections
      - Relieving menstrual
      - Regulating hormones
      - Improving sleep

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF AROMATHERAPY
The first known use of essential oils occurred in the Middle East, China, and India, and specific combinations of oils and other aromatic substances are mentioned in the Old Testament. Essential oils were also found in the ancient Egyptian tombs, and these substances were frequently used for medicinal purposes by Roman soldiers.

The oils were utilized more widely beginning in the 16th century, as advances in glass distillation processes allowed them to be bottled and stored. Because of these improvements compounds from plants such as chamomile, lavender, rosemary, and others were able to be extracted and preserved. Since the discovery of the processes to extract them, essential oils have been utilized in fragrances, flavors and medicines.

Because of the difficulty in extracting and preserving the oils they were costly and difficult to obtain before the twentieth century. However, increasing trade and commerce and the travel of soldiers to foreign lands increased the awareness of these essences, and many of the plants were transported to new areas. For instance, orange trees and other citrus thought to originate in China and the East were brought back to Spain and Italy by explorers.   

The use of plants to soothe and heal became even more important with the invention of the microscope. This development allowed certain naturally occurring plant compounds to be isolated and reproduced in a laboratory, often in a far greater concentration. White Willow Bark, for example, is a common plant whose compound of salicylic acid is now reproduced and used as aspirin.

French scientist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse piqued interest in aromatherapy after burning himself while working in his cosmetics laboratory in the early twentieth century. He immediately applied lavender oil to the burned area and noted that his skin healing rapidly and did not scar.Intrigued, he went on to study the aromatic substances and wrote a medical manual of their therapeutic functions. In 1937, he invented the term Aroma-therapie; to describe these processes. Presently, there are some 400 essential oils that are used, extracted from plants all over the world.

What is it based upon?
THEORY OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy practices are based on the historical evidence that essential oils have special therapeutic abilities to improve memory, focus and attention, and to soothe emotions. Such results are the effects of the oils’ effect on the olfaction process. 

The nose, being a direct protrusion of the brain, allows a scent to enter the body in less than one second. The scent travels to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, then activating the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain. This can then elicit a specific response, relaxation or stimulation. This message is then sent to the rest of the body via the nervous system. When applied to the skin, often diluted in a carrier oil, essential oils can then activate thermal receptors, and sometimes known to kill microbes and fungi.

In parts of Europe mainstream medicine has embraced aromatherapy, and it is used for medicinal purposes such as the treatment of viruses and bacterial infections. In the United States aromatherapy is less popular, but is increasingly used for relaxation, wellness, and well-being. 

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF AROMATHERAPY IS LIKE
In the U.S., most aromatherapy is administered in conjunction with other services by massage therapists, herbalists or other health care professionals or para-professionals. Those whose practices include aromatherapy may include a health intake which includes information about general health and lifestyle. This will help them decide according to their training which essential oils are appropriate for each individual. Severe allergies or pregnancy may be contraindications to using aromatherapy oils. Some practitioners may sell oils or oil combinations for  clients to use them at home.

Who does it?
AROMATHERAPY PRACTITIONERS
People who specialize in aromatherapy can label themselves as "aromatherapists" and can work just with oils in their practice. Other practitioners, such as massage therapists, acupuncturists, colon hydrotherapists, nutritionists, etc. can integrate the use of essential oils in their practice.

Presently, there is no formal aromatherapy certification or accreditation necessary in the United States to practice aromatherapy. The use of essential oils is not subject to government regulation. Practitioner education can range from attending training programs or schools, completing on-line courses or certification, self-study, reading books, or apprenticing with another practitioner.