Aromatherapy has been in our culture since the dawn of time. From medicine men and wise women to the herbalists of today, all offering to restore youth and vigour. Why hasn't modern medicine picked up on this sooner? |
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What is Aromatherapy? |
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Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. It is a holistic treatment using natural oils to treat the body and mind. Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of plant including the flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome. To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, they should be made from natural, pure raw materials. |
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Aromatherapy works on our sense of smell and by absorption into the bloodstream. About 15 per cent of the air we inhale goes to the roof of the nose, where olfactory receptors transport odours straight to a part of the brain called the limbic system. This area is connected with instinct, mood and emotion, and it's thought that aromatherapy may stimulate the release of chemicals which in turn play a part in unlocking emotions (think how even the merest whiff of floor wax can zip you back to the classroom). |
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History of Aromatherapy |
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The use of Aromatherapy actually predates written history. Combinations of resins, oils and fragrant plants were used in some form - for ceremonial, medicinal, or pleasurable reasons - in most ancient civilizations. Perfumes and aromatic plants were the basis for many of the early trade routes established among ancient civilizations. Some of the earliest documented uses of Aromatherapy were in Ancient Egypt. There, 3000-year-old papyruses have been discovered containing remedies for many types of illnesses. Some of the methods of application are similar to the ones used in Aromatherapy today. The Ancient Egyptians used aromatic plants and their essential oils to create massage oils, medicines, embalming preparations, skin care products, fragrant perfumes and cosmetics. There are other written accounts of aromatic oil use in Ancient Africa, Mesopotamia, Greece, Babylon, and China. In fact, the Chinese Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine, written in 2697 BC, is the oldest surviving medical book in China; it contains information on more than 300 plants and their properties. |
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Greek and Roman civilizations later adopted the use of aromatic oils for both medicinal and cosmetic reasons. The Western World's standard medical reference for over 1200 years was a book on herbals written by the Greek physician Pedacius Dioscorides. In fact, many of his remedies are still in use in modern Aromatherapy. Aromatics were used in early Rome, where massage with oil would often follow a typical bath. The Romans, who were also voracious explorers and conquerors, expanded trade routes to East India, Arabia, and beyond. This enabled them to add a wide variety of new aromatic products to their repertoire. |
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Other examples of ancient cultures using some form of Aromatherapy abound. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, has been practiced for more than 3000 years and incorporates aromatic massage as one of its main aspects. Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans used aromatic plants and oils in ceremonies and in daily life. The Aztecs specifically were well known for their plant remedies, and a wealth of medicinal plants was found in Montezuma's botanical gardens when the Spanish conquerors arrived. Native North Americans have long used aromatic oils, smudges, and aromatic plant-based remedies. |
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During The Plague of the 14th century, over eighty million people across Europe died within the space of a few years. Again aromatics were turned to for help. Frankincense and pine scented candles and garlands of aromatic herbs were burned in European streets to cover the stench of death and help disinfect the air. Later, during the sixteenth century Bubonic Plague, doctors walked the streets wearing huge hats with large ‘beaks’ attached. Aromatic herbs were placed in the ‘beaks’ to purify the air for breathing and long open-ended canes also filled with herbs were carried. They waved the canes in front of them as they walked for extra security. Aroma and health were firmly linked as perfumed air was deemed not only pleasurable, but antiseptic. |
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The modern term Aromatherapy was coined in 1928 by the French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Decades later, another French medical doctor Jean Valnet, inspired by Gattefosse's research, published his own work in 1964, The Practice of Aromatherapy. In 1977, Robert Tisserand released his book The Art of Aromatherapy and was successful in capturing American interest in this ancient healing art. Through Valnet's, Tisserand's, and other scientists' work of the current era, the healing science of Aromatherapy has begun to be more widely known in the West. Today in the West, the popularity of Aromatherapy as an alternative or complementary therapy is growing rapidly. |
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Modern day Aromatherapy |
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Aromatherapy is becoming widely accepted by the general public and is also becoming accepted more and more by mainstream healthcare professionals as a therapy that can be used for many things. |
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Aromatherapy can help in the prevention of ill health or the onset of psychological problems such as depression. It is a good supportive therapy for anyone undergoing medical treatment or facing very difficult emotional challenges that can lead to ill health Aromatherapy can often help the Recovery from illness particularly when people are just beginning to get better but are vulnerable and need some form of gentle holistic caring. |
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The medicinal uses of aromatherapy are well known from the smells of the eucalyptus in Vicks VapoRub to the warming qualities of camphor in BomBenGay, and birch in Aspercreme. Birch, extracted from the American white birch contains acetylsalicylic acid known to every medicine cabinet as aspirin. The anti-inflammatory properties in aspirin have long been used for arthritis and sore muscles. Massage oil blended with birch essential oil and massaged into the skin and muscles diminish pain and inflammation. Eucalyptus essential oil in the bath water can clear up congestion from colds and sinus infection, and relieve achy muscles from the flu or over exertion. Lavender will promote relaxation and sleep, as well as decrease inflammation, swelling, pain, and redness on the skin or anywhere on the body. Rosemary is uplifting and stimulating, and is used to boost fatigue or jetlag. It can be used in the bath, as shower gel, or inhaled on a tissue for a quick boost late in the afternoon. It is known to raise blood pressure, so caution must be taken if hypertension is a problem. |
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There are hundreds of essential oils just as there are over the counter drugs. Caution is advised and education is required in their use. With a little understanding of preparation, application, and safety, these oils can enhance the health of all ages of people, and can be incorporated into everyone's busy lifestyle. These natural medications are pleasant to use and smell. Once the nose acquires an awareness of true essential oils, synthetic products are easy to tell apart. They take on a chemical odour and it is easy to tell the difference. People with allergies to bath products and perfumes and environmental fragrances will find that when using true essential oils their allergies are diminished or eliminated, as there is no chemical synthetic reaction occurring. |
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Aromatherapy has been involved in a marketing frenzy in the last couple of years. The therapeutic value of essential oils have extended from beauty lotions, bath oils and soaps to aromatic colour therapy, insect repellents, house cleaners and ready made bath and vaporiser treatments. Essential oils are available just about everywhere. |
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Methods of Use |
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* Massage is one of the oldest and best methods to enjoy Aromatherapy due to the added benefit the massage brings. Massage is also the most efficient method because the skin covers a large area and readily absorbs the oils into the bloodstream. You can choose just one, or a couple, essential oils suitable for your own particular needs and add them to your carrier in a dilution of 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier. If you have particularly sensitive skin use only 3 drops. To calculate how many drops to use in a smaller measure, simply divide the amount of carrier oil (in mls) by 2, and that is the total number of drops of essential oil needed. For example, if you wanted to use just 6ml of carrier for a local application you would use 3 drops of essential oil. |
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* Baths: For a wonderfully relaxing experience at the end of a busy day, just add 4 - 6 drops of an essential oil to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. Always agitate the water well before getting in. Choose from any of the relaxing oils such as Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet or Sandalwood for a truly blissful experience. Alternatively you can use oils in the morning to give you an invigorating start to the day by simply choosing appropriate stimulating oils. If you use several oils together in the bath, ensure that you do not exceed a maximum total of 8 drops. When using a citrus oil in a bath it is wise to not exceed 3 drops as they may be mildly irritating to some sensitive skins. Baths are particularly helpful if taken as well as massage, but always take the bath first and then apply the massage. For handicapped or elderly people a footbath is the ideal alternative to a conventional bath. Use only 3 or 4 drops of essential oil in a footbath. |
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* Compresses are a highly effective method of pain relief and first aid. A Hot compress is for relieving chronic pain, period cramps etc. and a cold one for reducing swelling, sprains and headaches. Put 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or icy cold water. Using a folded piece of absorbent material soak up the oils without fully immersing in the water, wring out excess and apply to the affected area. Finally, cover the area with a towel or wrap with polythene. |
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* Inhalation has been used for centuries to help all respiratory tract problems. This method can be highly effective. Fill a large bowl with almost boiling water and add 3 or 4 drops of your chosen blend or individual essential oil. Lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes until relief is felt. A towel may be placed over the head to help direct the vapours. |
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* Vaporisers are excellent for room refreshing or to create a soothing atmosphere for relaxing or meditation by simply using an essential oil for its particular quality. Use during illnesses to kill airborne bacteria and help prevent the spread of infections. |
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* Instant Relief: If you are suffering from a cold, asthma attack or hay fever, put 3 or 4 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and gently inhale. This is a handy method to use when out of the house. This is also the recommended application for asthmatics, who should not expose themselves to steam |
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Safety Guidelines |
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* When using any essential oils there are guidelines that should be followed to ensure safe use: |
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* Essential oils should always be kept away from the delicate eye area, open flames, unattended children, pets and all highly polished surfaces. |
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* Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. In an emergency, Lavender oil and Tea Tree oil can be used undiluted - but only once or twice. Some individuals can become sensitised to neat Tea Tree oil if it is applied repeatedly. |
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* Never take essential oils internally, unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist who has had the necessary training in this very specialised area. |
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* Pregnant women, and suffers of epilepsy or high blood pressure, should always seek expert advice before using any essential oils. |
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* Citrus oils are mildly photosensitising and should not be used prior to sunbathing or using a sunbed. Use no more than 3 or 4 drops of citrus oils in the bath since they can irritate sensitive skin. |
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Conclusion |
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The new millennium of modern medicine will have to incorporate both old and new traditions of health care practices. Aromatherapy, so very old, and yet so very new, will be a pleasant and fragrant addition to the medicine cabinets of the twenty-first century. |
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Bibliography |
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Valerie Ann Worwood |