What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for
healing purposes. The word aroma in aromatherapy is
misleading because essential oils are not solely used as
inhalants. They can also be massaged into the skin or even taken
orally (although this is less common). Whether inhaled,
absorbed, or ingested, essential oils are gaining new attention
as an alternative treatment for infections, stress, and other
health problems. (Note: essential oils should never be ingested
without specific instruction from a trained and qualified
specialist.)
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the
roots, leaves, or blossoms of plants. Each essential oil
contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix
determines the healing properties of the oil. Some oils promote
physical healing -- for example, some are able to relieve
swelling or fight fungal infections. Others are used for their
emotional value -- they may enhance relaxation or make a room
smell pleasant. The essential oil derived from orange blossom,
for example, contains a large amount of ester, an active
ingredient thought to induce a calming effect. This may explain
the tradition of a bride carrying an orange blossom bouquet on
her wedding day.
What is the history of aromatherapy?
Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for
nearly six thousand years. The ancient Chinese, Indians,
Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used essential oils in cosmetics,
perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for
spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes.
More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist,
discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he
applied it to a burn on his hand after an explosion in his
laboratory. Following this unexpected finding, he devoted his
time to analyzing the chemical properties of essential oils and
to recording their value in treating burns, skin infections,
gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In 1928,
Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950's
massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists,
doctors, and other healthcare professionals began using
aromatherapy. In France, more than 1,500 trained physicians use
essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics.
Aromatherapy did not become popular in the United States
until the 1980s, when essential oils gained the attention of
massage therapists, alternative practitioners, and the
commercial industry. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty
products are sold under the name "aromatherapy."
Unfortunately, however, many of these products contain synthetic
fragrances which do not have the therapeutic substances found in
essential oils.
How does aromatherapy work?
Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy works,
but many experts speculate that our sense of smell plays a very
important role. This sense is incredibly powerful -- according
to some estimates, about 10,000 times stronger than any other
sense. The "smell" receptors in your nose communicate
with two structures that are embedded deep in your brain and
serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. These structures
are called the amygdala and hippocampus. When essential oil
molecules are inhaled, they affect these parts of the brain
directly. Researchers believe that stimulation of these
structures influences our physical, emotional, and mental
health. For example, lavender is believed to stimulate the
activity of brain cells in the amygdala in the same way that
certain sedative medications work.
In addition to stimulating certain brain structures through
your sense of smell, essential oils can also influence mood
through several other methods. Aromatherapy massage is a popular
way of using essential oils because it works in several ways at
the same time: it produces benefits from absorbing the oils into
the skin, from inhaling the oil's vapors, and from the physical
therapy of the massage process itself.
What happens during an aromatherapy session?
Professional aromatherapists, nurses, physical therapists,
and massage therapists can provide topical or inhaled
aromatherapy treatment. Only specially trained professionals can
provide treatment that involves the ingestion of essential oils.
At a typical aromatherapy session, the practitioner will ask
about your medical history and symptoms, as well as any
preferences you may have for certain scents. Depending upon the
condition of your health, the practitioner will instruct you to
inhale essential oils either directly from a piece of cloth, or
indirectly through steam inhalations, vaporizers, or sprays. The
practitioner may also apply diluted essential oils to your skin
during a massage. In most cases, the practitioner will instruct
you on how to continue using aromatherapy at home. For example,
many essential oils can be mixed with milk or cream and added to
a bath.
What is aromatherapy good for?
Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings -- from
health spas to hospitals -- to treat a variety of conditions. In
general, aromatherapy appears to ease pain, enhance mood, and
promote a sense of relaxation.
In a study that included more than 8,000 pregnant women in
labor, essential oils (particularly rose, lavender, and
frankincense) administered by qualified midwives, lessened
feelings of anxiety and fear, promoted a sense of well-being,
and reduced the need for pain medications during the delivery.
Many women also report that peppermint oil relieves nausea and
vomiting during labor.
Massage therapy with essential oils may also be of value
(together with medications and/or therapy) for people with
depression. The smells of the oils are believed to stimulate
positive emotions through the limbic system (the area of the
brain responsible for memories and emotions). However, the
benefits of aromatherapy with massage appear to be related to
the relaxation effects of the treatment as well as to an
individual's belief that the treatment will be helpful.
Studies have found that chemical compounds in certain
essential oils have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Some evidence also suggests that citrus oils may enhance immune
function and that peppermint oil may promote proper digestion.
Fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage have estrogen-like
compounds which may make them effective in relieving symptoms
associated with premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and the
menstrual cycle.
Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful
include:
Should anyone avoid aromatherapy?
Women in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as people
with severe asthma or a history of allergies should avoid all
essential oils.
Pregnant women as well as people with a history of seizures
should avoid hyssop oil.
People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating
essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.
Those with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or
ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds
such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage.
Caution should be exercised when considering use of
aromatherapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally
considered safe. You should never ingest essential oils unless a
trained professional advises you to do so. Some oils are toxic
and taking them orally could be fatal.
Rare side effects of aromatherapy can include allergic
reaction including rash, headache, liver and nerve damage, as
well as harm to the fetus (this is why aromatherapy should be
avoided during pregnancy unless specifically instructed by an
expert).
Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can cause
skin irritation. Dilute oil with water or a base massage oil
(such as almond or sesame oil) before applying to your skin and
avoid using near your eyes. In addition, essential oils are
highly volatile and flammable so they should never be used near
an open flame.
Animal studies suggest that active ingredients in certain
essential oils can interact with some medications, but studies
in people are needed to confirm. Eucalyptus, for example, may
clear certain medications, including pentobarbital (used for
seizures) and amphetamine (a stimulant used for narcolepsy and,
sometimes, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) from the
body more quickly, which makes these drugs less effective.
The essential oils sold in stores are often mislabeled. For
this reason, you cannot be entirely sure that the amount of
essential oil contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose
(if the oil is in capsules), is the same as what is stated on
the label. A qualified aromatherapist can help you decide which
oils will be most effective for you and can direct you to
high-quality products.
How can I find an aromatherapist?
While there are currently no boards that certify or license
aromatherapists in the United States, many professionals are
members of organizations that strive to improve public awareness
of aromatherapy and increase the standards of aromatherapy
education and practice. To locate a qualified aromatherapist in
your area, contact the National Association of Holistic Therapy
(www.naha.org) at
1-888-ASK-NAHA. Many aromatherapists are trained in some other
form of therapy or healing system, such as massage or
chiropractic, and have incorporated the use of essential oils
into their practice.
What is the future of aromatherapy?
Although essential oils have been used for centuries, few
studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of
aromatherapy in people. While there are many potential uses of
aromatherapy in a wide variety of settings, conclusive evidence
of its effectiveness is lacking. Additionally, there are some
concerns regarding the safety and quality of certain essential
oils. More research is necessary before aromatherapy becomes a
widely accepted alternative remedy with clear medical
indications.
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