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Why Aromatherapy? Why Do I Care?
What's so
essential about essential oils?
What is
aromatherapy?
The Art of
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the art
and practice of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to
restore or enhance health, beauty and well being. The basic intention of
aromatherapy is to bring together the scientific achievements of man with his
intuitive understanding for the treatment of illnesses with the most effective
and useful natural essential oils.
Aromatherapy is a unique branch of herbal medicine that utilizes the medicinal properties found in the essential oils of various plants. Through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing, the volatile constituents of the plant's oil (its essence) are extracted from its flowers, leaves, branches or roots. According to Dr. (rer. Nat.) Kurt Schnaubelt, Director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, the term "aromatherapy" is somewhat misleading, as it can suggest an exclusive role for the aroma in the healing process. "In actuality," says Dr. Schnaubelt, "the oils exert much of their therapeutic effect through their pharmacological properties and their small molecular size, making them one of the few therapeutic agents to easily penetrate bodily tissues."
How Aromatherapy Works:
According to Dr. Schnaubelt,
"The chemical makeup of essential oils gives them a host of desirable
pharmacological properties ranging from antibacterial, antiviral and
antispasmodic, to uses as diuretics, vasodilators and vasoconstrictors.
Essential oils act on the adrenals, ovaries and the thyroid and can energize or
pacify, detoxify and facilitate the digestive process." The oils'
therapeutic properties also make them effective for treating infection,
interacting with the various branches of the nervous system, modifying immune
response and harmonizing moods and emotions.
The Physiological Effects of
Fragrance:
Aromatic molecules that
interact with the top of the nasal cavity give off signals that are modified by
various biological processes before traveling to the limbic system, the
emotional switchboard of the brain. There they create impressions associated
with previous experiences and emotions. Because the limbic system is directly
connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure,
breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance, scientists have learned
that oil fragrances may be one of the fastest ways to achieve physiological or
psychological effects.
John Steele, Ph.D., of Sherman Oaks, California, and Robert Tisserand, of London, England, (now in California, I believe) leading researchers in the field of aromatherapy, have studied the effects on brain wave patterns when essential oils are inhaled or smelled. Their findings show that oils such as orange, jasmine and rose have a tranquilizing effect and work by altering the brain waves into a rhythm that produces calmness and a sense of well-being. In the same way, the so-called 'stimulating' oils - basil, black pepper, rosemary and cardamom - work by producing a heightened energy response.
Inhaling the fragrance of certain essential oils can help clear sinuses or free congestion in the chest, as well as alter the neurochemistry of the brain to produce changes in the mental and emotional behavior. Even aromas too subtle to be consciously detected can have significant effects on central nervous system activity, sometimes to the point of cutting in half the amount of time needed to perform a visual search task.
We've taken this definition from the glossary of terms at Clayton College of Natural Health where Ann is now enrolled:
"Aromatherapy involves the use of unadulterated (our emphasis) fragrant essential oils that are extracted from various plants. In nature, these act to protect the plant from parasites and diseases. Distilled, the essential oils are mixed with neutral-scented carrier oil and then may be applied to the skin, sprayed into the air, added to bath water, etc. Some fragrances are stimulating, while others promote relaxation. Aromatherapy is used to promote healing from various physical, mental, and emotional conditions."
We have listed some of the best links on the web to help you learn about health & healing through the use of essential oils and natural herbal products. You will see a whole new world of possibilities open up to you as you begin to realize God through nature has provided us with a vast assortment of natural healing possibilities and far better choices than chemicals.
Clinical Aromatherapy - the best place to take lessons if you are interested in the clinical benefits of essential oils and research proving their effectiveness.
Click here for more information about aromatherapy classes, books and recipes.http://thecompounder.com/PracticalAromatherapy.html
Add a Little Spice to Your Life
http://ladyoftheearth.com/oils/guide-aromatherapy.txt - The Guide to Aromatherapy
http://www.aromaweb.com/links/default.asp - Excellent site for all sorts of information concerning aromatherapy & essential oils.
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