Even
before the term alternative medicine was formally used, aromatherapy
was already being practiced 5000 years ago by Egyptians. At
that time, oil was extracted from aromatic plants through
infusion and used for embalming, cosmetics and medicinal purposes.
This knowledge was passed on to the Greeks and served as the
basis for more discoveries, including the relaxing and stimulating
effects of the fragrance of some flowers. Going back further,
ancient man's dependence on the environment for all his basic
needs and survival led him to discover natural ways of food
preservation and the treatment of various conditions using
herbs and aromatics.
1. Eastern Roots
The use of aromatics is also reflected in
a Chinese herbal book by Shen Nung dated 2700 BC, showing
specific details on more than 300 plants and their various
applications. Ancient Chinese also burned incense and wood
as part of religious practices that a good number of their
modern counterparts still observe today. Aromatics was also
a part of acupressure, massage and other therapies identified
with the Chinese.
2. Modern Health Treatment
Today, many individuals place a high premium
on health and well-being. The cost of traditional or conventional
medicine such as surgery and medicare, however, has made a
high number of people turn to aromatherapy, or essential oils
therapy, and other forms of alternative medicine.
3. Basics
- Facilitates an equilibrium of physical,
mental and spiritual health through natural means
- In some cases, these alternative treatments are now considered
as strong and effective complements to regular medicine
- The main component of aromatherapy is essential oils
- Essential Oils are highly concentrated essences known for
their healing effects
4. Essential Oils
These aroma-producing oils come from the
flower, as in the case of a rose; leaves (basil is an example);
twig; bark; fruit rind and other plant parts. Experts say
that the extraction process can be time-consuming, complex
and require much patience. Recognition and acceptance of these
factors is important: getting about 5 teaspoonsful of oil
could entail the use more than 220 pounds of rose petals.
This process is what makes pure essential oils costly, although
their effectiveness is not compromised because a treatment
can entail the use of only a few drops to generate the target
effect. An option is the less-expensive synthetic oils, although
they do not offer the healing properties of their natural
counterparts.
5. How It Works
Essential oils work by stimulating the olfactory
system and later the brain or limbic system. The fragrance,
other properties and effects of the oil determine how these
body systems and their parts are stimulated. During a massage,
these oils are inhaled and absorbed by the body at the same
time, penetrating the skin and eventually reaching the organs
and body systems. The absorption can be as short as 20 minutes
and possibly extend to 2 hours or more, making some experts
advise to avoid a shower or bathing immediately after the
massage to maximize the desired effect.
6. Effects Last Days, Not Hours
The longevity of a fragrance also varies
from 3-24 hours to 2-3 days and even longer to about a week.
Eucalyptus, peppermint
thyme, and bergamot are among oils with a short-lived scent,
while the scent of hyssop, lavender, balm, and other oils
last between 2-3 days. Jasmine, sandalwood, ginger and cedarwood
are among the oils that take as long as one week before completely
evaporating.
7. Achieve A Sense Of Calm
The desired health balance of an individual
also requires the creation of a balanced perfume, or a combination
of the three types of oils based on longevity. These various
combinations or aromatherapy blends can be mixed into a warm
bath to relax and calm an individual, eliminate stress and
depression, energize and sooth the body or aching part. The
healing or calming effect of a massage can be enhanced by
applying essential oils. However, this would require the use
of carrier oils to prevent irritation or any other negative
skin reaction. Some of these carrier oils, which help dilute
essential oils, include avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower
oil, wheatgerm oil, almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil.