Commonly associated with complementary and alternative
medicine, aromatherapy-a word originally introduced in 1928 by
a French chemist, Ren?-Maurice Gattefoss?, to describe the
therapeutic action of the plants’ aroma-is generally used today
to boost a person’s physiological or psychological state. Since
the ancient Chinese civilization, as far back as 4,500BC, the
Greek alchemists and the Egyptians practitioners, some
centuries later, or contemporary aromatherapy fans, essential
oils have been distilled by boiling and steaming from the
plants, to be added to cosmetic products, medicine and food.
These essential oils (EOs), which today are mostly extracted in
labs from a variety of plants with special chemical treatments,
are used by contemporary massage therapy practitioners or the
vast public. Researchers have found that aromatherapy products
increase the positive outcomes one may experience after
inhaling and exhaling the released aromatic essences as these
EOs are dissolved in water or are applied directly over skin.
Most people have been introduced to aromatherapy, as part of
their massage therapy, or as a “luxury” process they are
experiencing once in a while when treating themselves during a
relaxing bath. The main branches of aromatherapy include, home
aromatherapy, which takes place when one is self treated with
the aid of perfumes and cosmetic products, clinical
aromatherapy, which is an essential part of pharmacology and
pharmacotherapy, ad finally, aromachology, which is a distinct
term for the study of the effects of odors on one’s mind and
psychological state. But, regardless of the frequency one
selects to perform an aromatherapy act, the fact still remains
that the art of aromatherapy harnesses the potent pure essences
of aromatic plants, flowers and resins to work on two powerful
of human senses-smell and touch-to restore the balance between
body and mind.
Aromatherapy has to be experienced a holistic type of therapy
that works on a person if the “patient” is open to receive its
unique characteristics. Used in treatments against stress, or
to reduce minor ailments and negative emotional states,
aromatherapy should not be considered as a substitute of
conventional medical treatment, but rather a complementary
method one has to attain a positive result for his or her
health in less time. For instance, if somebody suffers from
back aches traditional medical treatment should not be avoided
just because an aromatherapy session has been scheduled.
Especially for serious medical conditions, such as cancer,
heart conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, neural
disorders, and post-operative states, aromatherapy cannot be
applied as the sole method of treatment to help a patient
recover or fight the health situation. Nevertheless, an
aromatherapy massage can go a long way.
Due to their high concentration levels, aromatic essential oils
are measured in drops and used in a variety of ways. Scented
candles, body and facial creams, or house-keeping products like
room sprays, disperse their fragrance in the air and help people
feel better. Whether one wishes to feel more relaxed or increase
his or her energy levels, experiencing an aromatherapy massage
through the use of essential oils is a therapeutic treatment
for both mind and body that can work miracles on a person’s
nervous system. Improving a person’s immune system and
balancing emotions, essential oils penetrate the body via the
skin and have a tremendously welcomed feeling of comfort. Thus,
experience aromatherapy and let your body reach your type of
“nirvana”-internal balance and peace.
About The Author: Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles for
http://4alternativehealth.com/ – In addition, Jonathon also
writes articles for http://forahealthyman.com/ and
http://worldof-science.com/
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