The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It can be used as a preventative medicine or to help the body heal itself following the onset of disease. It is natural, holistic and non-invasive type of therapy. As it is a holistic therapy it is aimed at treating the whole person and is not used to focus on a particular disease or symptom.
History of Aromatherapy
It seems that aromatherapy has been around longer than recorded history. It is found in the earliest stages of medicine across many different cultures. It is found in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine, early Egyptian medicine and early Greek and Roman medicine. It is one of the basic foundations of Ayurveda, as it is used in conjunction with massage to treat the patient.
The use of plants for medicinal purposes in China is recorded in Shennong's classic herbal text. Early Egyptians used aromatherapy as a tool for embalming as well as for medicinal purposes, while wealthy Egyptians used essential oils in basic day to day activities.
Modern Aromatherapy
Although the use of essential oils for health goes back further than written history, the term aromatherapy, "aromatherapie", was first used by Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist in 1927. The way essential oils were originally used in early history is not a great deal different than how they are used in the early 21st century. Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular and is being used in cosmetics, spas and health care facilities all over the world. The three ways essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy are inhalation, topical application and by actually consuming the oil.
Inhalation
To use essential oils for inhalation they are commonly put into a burner or diffuser. A burner uses a small heat source like a tea light candle to heat up the oil. The scent of the oil is aerated by placing water in a bowl or saucer. The bowl or saucer is suspended over the candle. A few drops of the desired essential oil are added to the water. As the water heats up it evaporates and the scent is distributed throughout the room.
A diffuser does not use a heat source. An undiluted oil is placed in a container and a gentle stream of air is passed over the oil. The air flow creates a fine mist and moves the scent throughout the room.
Topical Application
Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin to create a desired effect. They can be applied to different areas of the body but the most common area is to the bottoms of the feet. When the essential oils are applied directly to the body they have a double effect. They are inhaled but they are also absorbed by the skin. Be aware that this method of aromatherapy has a greater chance of having side effects than inhalation does.
Ingestion
Ingestion is the least common form of aromatherapy. It is typically done by consuming a capsule filled with an essential oil or by putting the oil in water and drinking it. Because the oil is actually consumed, this method has the highest risk of side effects. It should not be attempted unless recommended and supervised by a qualified health care professional.
Caution
Although aromatherapy can be a great way to balance the mind and body so that it can heal itself, anyone experiencing a health condition should seek the advice of a physician before attempting treatment using aromatherapy. If you are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant or breastfeeding you should consult with your physician before using any aromatherapy.
It is very important to use quality essential oils when practicing aromatherapy. A quality essential oil will have a safety sheet available when it is purchased. The safety sheet should be read and adhered to while using each individual oil. If an essential oil is going to be applied to the skin, almost all essential oils need to be diluted to one percent to five percent in a base oil.
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