The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) says essential oils have been used for therapeutic reasons for the past 6,000 years, but according to a June 2000 article in The British Journal of General Practice, the actual concept of aromatherapy did not arise until 1936 in a book by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. Today, aromatherapy focuses on the use of essential oils as an alternative form of treatment for anxiety, stress and other ailments.
Essential Oils
Essential oils include the fragrance extracted from any herb, flower or plant, intended to promote good health. The Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) of the United Kingdom says the world contains about 400 different essential oils, the most popular of which are lavender, chamomile, peppermint and rosemary. Aromatherapists first review your medical history before deciding on which essential oils to mix for your specific medical condition.
Each scent is said to have its own unique power. For example, tea tree helps protect the skin against bacterial infection, according to research provided on the AOC's website. In addition, the UMM's website suggests that peppermint aids in digestion; citrus oil boosts immune functioning; and fennel, aniseed and sage buffer against premenstrual symptoms and menopause. However, the UMM's website notes that this information is based on test tube studies and not on actual human subjects.
Bath
After you speak with an aromatherapist or research online to determine which essential oils work best for your situation, add a few drops to a warm bath. The fragrances will help to carry your mind away from its current stresses and worries and relax your body in combination with the warmth of the water, reducing the symptoms of any physical aches or pains. Baths most likely provide the best form of aromatherapy outside of skin massage.
Inhalation
Occasionally, aromatherapy may involve the inhalation of fragrant scents in the air from steam, sprays or vaporizers. However, strong scents can aggravate asthma symptoms, so the UMM recommends that people with a history of plant allergies, asthma or other breathing conditions hold off on inhalation techniques.
Skin Massage
Within the studies analyzed by the British Journal of General Practice, massage appeared to be the best form of aromatherapy for relieving symptoms of anxiety and improving general well-being. If you do not have someone to aid you, one type of massage you can give yourself is a foot massage. Mix the appropriate essential oils together and massage them into the skin of your foot. The British Journal of General Practice reports that one controlled study showed that a foot massage combined with aromatherapy reduced symptoms of anxiety significantly better than a foot massage alone. If you have a friend or professional to assist you, any other combination of massage and aromatic scents may help to reduce tension and improve your current mental state.
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