Aromatherapy - Simply Amazing
Aromatherapy involves the use of oils distilled from
plants for therapeutic purposes. It has a long history of use in
ancient Egypt, China, and India. The distillation method used to
extract essential oils was invented by an Arab physician in the 10th
century A.D. Modern aromatherapy in the West began with a French
chemist, Rene Gattefosse who burned his hand while working in a
perfume laboratory. He immersed his hand with some readily
available lavender oil. The burn healed quickly and left no scar,
perking his interest in the possible curative effects of plant oils.
He began to study them, coining the term aromatherapy in 1937 to
describe this new field.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, which are
natural, high-quality, pure oils derived from the distillation of
plants. The oils are named for the plant from which they are
derived, such as bergamot, rose, ginger. They are highly
concentrated: between fifty and several thousand pounds of plant
material is required to make one pound of essential oil, depending
on the plant. At least forty essential oils are used in
aromatherapy. Each is categorized according to its effects on the
body, mind, and diseases it is said to treat. Oils from various
plants maybe used individually or in combinations.
Aromatherapy is delivered to patients in several
ways. Oils can be applied directly to the skin through massage. For
skin application, the oils are combined with a carrier medium,
usually a vegetable oil, because the amount of essential oil
required is so small. The oils also may be inhaled with steaming
water containing a few drops of an essence, or by using diffusers to
spread steam containing an oil throughout a room. Because they are
highly concentrated and therefore potentially toxic, the oils should
not be taken internally.
Aromatherapy is said to reduce stress, which is
achieved through the personal use of aromatic oils or by combining
aromatherapy with other stress reduction activities, such as soaking
in a hot bath treated with scented oil or receiving a massage
accompanied by aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy can balance and increase the well-being
of both body and mind, thus decreasing the likelihood of developing
disease. Aromatherapy is also used to treat physical and mental
ailments. For instance, lavender is used to treat anxiety, mild
depression, and insomnia. Below are other popular Aromatherapies and
results claimed for them:
* Lemon is believed to detoxify; stimulate immune
system and liver.
* Rosemary is believed to relieve pain; relaxes
muscles.
* Peppermint is believed to provide pain and
digestive relief; decreases inflammation.
* Chamomile is believed to serve as sedative,
relaxant, and antiallergen.
* Eucalyptus is believed to eliminate infection.
* Rose is believed to regulate female hormones.
Conditions that practitioners believe to be aided by
aromatherapy include acne, anxiety, cold and flu, skin disorders,
headaches, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome, muscle tension, and
pain. Some aromatherapy advocates use body applications to treat
physical problems, and inhalation methods to treat emotional
problems.
Aromatherapy is based on the sense of smell, which is
extremely acute in humans and other animals. The sense of smell has
been studied extensively for its role in communication and memory.
There is an unproven belief that essential oils used
in aromatherapy can affect the body's health. Substantial research
evidence exists about the olfactory system (the sense of smell). For
example, a single waft of an odor can trigger memories from decades
back. In addition, scientists have found substances called
pheromones in almost all organisms. These chemicals are emitted by
the body and sensed by the olfactory system. In mammals, pheromones
play a role in sexual attraction and mating. In other organisms,
they facilitate not only mating, but also the attraction of prey and
forms of communication. Pheromones are responsible for a phenomenon
called menstrual synchrony, where the menstrual cycles of women who
live in close proximity often become similar, or synchronize with
one another.
Some studies implicate the sense of smell in illness
and relaxation. One researcher found that certain odors could
trigger migraines in some individuals and, alternatively, that the
fragrance of green apples may heighten feelings of relaxation.
However, although smell and the olfactory system have multiple
functions, there is no scientific evidence indicating that
aromatherapy can aid in preventing or alleviating disease. The
medical literature contains no research on the effects of
aromatherapy as a medical treatment.
Aromatherapy may reduce stress, enhance pleasure, and
improve quality of life. However, no evidence in the medical
literature that supports claims that aromatherapy can help prevent
or heal disease. Evidence is lacking even in the case of those minor
and self-limiting conditions, such as headaches and colds, that
advocates say can be alleviated by aromatherapy.
Used as a strictly complementary technique, however,
aromatherapy is a pleasant addition to baths and massages. Scented
candles or aroma sprays, for those who enjoy the fragrance,
contribute to a sense of relaxation and help create a calming
atmosphere.
|
