Aromatherapy, as its name implies, uses fragrant portions of plants to facilitate physical, mental and spiritual healing. As a holistic or alternative medical practice, aromatherapy seeks to prevent and treat illnesses by initiating responses from the body's instinctive healing properties. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy describes aromatherapy as "an art and a science" that skillfully uses essential oils and their related scents to elicit specific natural bodily responses.
Pain Relief, Anxiety Reduction and Relaxation
Pain relief, reduction of anxiety and relaxation are a few of the proven effects of aromatherapy scents, according to a report written by Mary Margaret Chappell for the Arthritis Foundation. Chappell reported intriguing findings from cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, clinical aromatherapist Dr. Jane Buckle and neurologist Dr. Alan Hirsch. These medical professionals documented results from their studies involving the use of essential oils in their respective practices.
Chappell shared their recommendations in her report. First, use vanilla for relaxation. Patients exposed to vanilla scents exhibited more stable blood pressure and heart rates during stress tests than patients undergoing tests without a scented room. Second, use stronger scents like peppermint, jasmine or citrus to "wake up" and feel invigorated. Use these scents in moderation, as they can be slightly irritating in excessive amounts. Third, use green apple scent for pain relief. Patients with migraine headaches experienced less severe and shorter periods of pain when they smelled the green apple fragrance.
Massage and Stress Relief
Aromatherapy massages can do wonders for relieving stress and relaxing tense muscles. Massages may incorporate aromatherapy in a couple ways, according to the Aromatherapy Massage website--rubbing oils consisting of blended essential oils massaged directly into the skin or candles scented with essential oils burned during the massage. Among the most popular aromatherapy massage scents for relaxation are lavender and chamomile. For people who suffer from tension, fatigue or depression, commonly used scents during massages include citrus, bergamot, jasmine and rose. Masseuses endeavor to use the right blend of essential oils to most effectively address the needs of their respective clients.
Tranquility and Invigoration
Gayle Eversole, a nursing educator and practitioner of natural healing for nearly half a century, founded the Creating Health Institute and wrote a report in 2002 on the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy. According to Eversole, essential oils carry certain beneficial qualities that affect the central nervous system and endocrine system, triggering positive hypothalamic and hormonal responses. Eversole reported that lavender essential oil created a soothing and relaxing effect, while rosemary and peppermint essential oils initiated an opposite stimulating reaction.
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