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| You are in>Alternative Medicine>Aroma Therapy |
| Aroma Therapy
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Introduction |
Aromatherapy is a gentle and soothing way of helping to improve physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy benefits a wide range of conditions and disorders suitable to all age groups. It uses certain essences that are extracted from plants, shrubs, and trees. These essential oils help to prevent the development of the illness.
The roots of aromatherapy can be traced back to the early Egyptian empire. In Egypt essential oils were used to embalm the dead. The Greeks used aromatics in rituals and ceremonies. Romans used essential oils more lavishly to beautify themselves. Eventually the Romans brought their knowledge to Britain. Later, Arabia became the world's center for the production of perfume. Europeans used essential oils to ward off body odour and sickness.
The term 'Aromatherapie' was first used in early 20th century by Rene Maurice Gattefossse, a French scientist. He discovered the healing effects of essential oils. Later Dr Jean Valnet also found the healing capability of essential oils. He used their regenerative and antiseptic properties to cure the soldiers of World War II.
In ancient times in India plant essences were used as incense sticks. Commonly known as 'agarbatis' and 'dhoop', incense sticks have been in use for their fragrance and their virtue to purify the air.
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| Principles of Aromatherapy |
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Individuals have five senses- visual, auditory, olfactory (smell), taste and touch. These send messages to the brain, and affect the emotions by working on the brain and on the limbic system. Our brain regulates these sensations, behavioural mechanisms and sexual urges. Thus in an aromatherapy treatment the essential oils are able to enhance physical and psychological well-being simultaneously.
Essential oils promote natural healing by stimulating and reinforcing the body's own healing mechanisms.
When absorbed by skin, inhaled, or ingested, essential oils are transported throughout the body to affect various functions of the organ. These oils may act as carminatives and digestive aids, sedatives or stimulants, or cause numerous other physiological effects.
Since the molecules found in essential oils are very small, they are able to pass through the layers of the skin and work into the body by mixing with fatty tissues. Once in bloodstream, they travel to areas where they can
be of most benefit. If the skin is healthy, it takes only a few minutes for the molecules to be absorbed. It takes much longer if the skin is congested or if there is too much subcutaneous fat.
When inhaled, the aromatic molecules enter the body via millions of sensitive cells that line the nasal passages and reach the lungs. There they diffuse across the air sacs into the surrounding blood capillaries to circulate in the bloodstream.
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| Essential Oils |
The most vital element in aromatherapy is the essential oil. These oils are different from the heavy oils we use for cooking. These are concentrated essences, much lighter than water and highly flammable. They evaporate quickly, so they are usually mixed with other ingredients to trap their effectiveness. Essential oils are measured in drops because they are very concentrated.
Essence is a natural substance- the 'living' element of a plant which is captured and capsuled. Essential oils or essences can be found in petals, leaves, fruit, seeds, roots, nut kernels, bark, stalks, resins, flower heads and gums from trees. It is a delicate operation. For instance, certain petals and leaves must be picked at exactly the right moment or the quality of the oil is affected. Only the purest essences are used in aromatherapy so that their healing properties are maximized. Essential oils are extracted from the source, blended and sorted before they are ready to use.
Every oil has a distinct chemical composition which determines its fragrance, colour, volatility and the ways in which it affects the system, giving each oil its unique set of beneficial properties. Essential oils assist in the treatment of almost every type of ache and pain, as well as smoothing away the stress and strains of modern life.
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| Principles of Treatment |
Aromatherapy is used to treat physical ailments as
well as to obtain mental peace and relaxation. Aromatherapy is beneficial for long-term chronic
conditions. The use of essential oils helps to prevent the development of some illness.
Conditions that can be relieved by aromatherapy include painful limbs, muscles and joints due
to arthritic or rheumatic disorders, respiratory complaints, digestive disorders, skin
conditions, throat and mouth infections and problems affecting hair and scalp.
In aromatherapy, one needs to look at the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
This is because sometimes the symptoms may be of a more serious underlying health problem.
Aromatherapy demands a great deal of self-commitment. It may not be easy to surrender one's
body to the doctor and simply taking the medicine. Moreover one cannot expect an overnight
cure. Aromatherapy helps to stimulate the body's natural defences. It believes that by creating
favourable conditions in the whole person, that is, body, mind and spirit, the body will heal
itself.
In aromatherapy treatment the therapist first notes down the history of the
patient. He then mixes the oils he thinks are the best suited. The patient is asked to smell
the mix to see whether he or she likes it. Only the area of the body being worked upon is
exposed, the rest is covered by towels or blankets.
Aromatherapy is used to treat
physical ailments as well as to obtain mental peace and relaxation. It helps to combat
wrinkles, acne other skin problems. Aromatherapy is an effective treatment for poor
circulation, obesity, broken capillaries, rheumatism, sinusitis, depression, anxiety
and stress. The oils are applied through several methods: message, baths, skin preparations,
compresses and stem inhalations.
Massage is the most classic and effective way to introduce essential oils into the body. It
triggers the body's natural healing process by using lymphatic massage and essential oils to
stimulate the flow of blood. The stimulation and relaxation of the massage help the essences
penetrate the skin. The aromas also act upon the emotional center in the brain which governs
the way we feel.
Aromatic bath can act as tonics or sedatives and be relaxing or
stimulating. They minimize the ill effects of stress by relieving muscular pain and skin
conditions. Hot water opens the pores and helps the body to absorb the oils more quickly.
Moreover some of the oil turns into aromatic vapour that is gently inhaled during the bath.
Steam inhalation is another excellent method for treating respiratory problems and
colds. It should however be avoided by asthmatics.
Compresses are helpful for sprains,
bruising and headaches.
Essential oils contain the active ingredients of a plant in
a highly concentrated and potent form. Therefore they should be treated with care.
They should never be applied directly to the skin undiluted. However, there are many
ways of utilizing their therapeutic properties and fragrance which do not require any
special equipment.
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