Aroma Therapy Information

Aroma therapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that has been in practice for many years, dating back to approximately 2700 BC, according to the website A World of Aromatherapy. Most people do not know the wide variety of uses of aroma therapy. Aroma therapy preparations are not only used for massage or to make the home smell better. There are medicinal and beauty preparations that can be customized with a unique blend of essential oils to suit your own personal preference.

Function

Aromatherapy is the art of using aromas and extracts from plants to promote health and well-being. Similar to other forms of alternative medicine, aromatherapy focus is treating a person's entire body, not just one specific symptom. The body responds to aromas in many different ways. Some aromas could promote a sense of calm, while others could be invigorating.

History

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the word "aromatherapie" was created by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928. The word implies the therapeutic use of aromatic substances to treat the mind, body and spirit.

Benefits

Aroma therapy is a natural form of medicine used to promote health and well-being without the risk that many medications and therapies have been associated with. With a little bit of study, many custom aroma therapy concoctions can be made for use. Essential oils contain no artificial ingredients or chemicals, which can cause skin irritation or other health complications.

Considerations

Essential oils should never be taking internally. Some people have sensitive skin and could have a reaction when coming into contact with aromatherapy products. Consider doing a skin patch test if you have sensitive skin. You should be careful when buying essential oils, as they can be outdated, and check the container to ensure it has the proper Latin name of the essential oil you would like to use. You should also be sure that the bottle is dark and that the cap is on securely.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from different plants for use in alternative medicine therapies. Most essential oils are extracted from plants by steam distillation. Steam distillation involves applying heat and pressure to the plants, and the essential oil drips into a container where it is collected. Other extraction methods include expression, where the oil is extracted from the rinds of fruits and dissolved. According to Secrets of Youth and Beauty, approximately 300 different essential oils are utilized for aromatherapy, and there are approximately 30,000 known aromatic molecules that make up the various essential oils.