Description
Aromatherapy is derived from two words. Aroma -- meaning fragrance or smell and Therapy -- meaning treatment. This word is liberally used on fragrance and body care products, but what is meant by "Aromatherapy" is often something quite different.
Aromatherapy is a system of caring for the body and mind that uses concentrated botanical essences to benefit the mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils are highly concentrated and may be 75 to 100 percent stronger than the plants they are derived from.
While many masseurs and beauticians use essential oils as part of their work, Aromatherapy itself is a very different type of treatment. Essential oils are freely available to the general public, which creates a sense of anxiety in many people. This concern is heightened when the practitioner is not familiar with the human body or the effects of the oils they are using.
Essential oils, when properly used, have a balancing action on the body. The oils do produce a definite physiological effect and should be used with respect. Essential oils work on the body on several levels: primarily through the sense of smell and through skin absorption.
Scientific research supports the understanding that inhaling different aromas has a direct affect on brain activity. When you inhale essential oils, they trigger certain reactions from the limbic system, or control centre, of the brain. The limbic system is able to promote reactions in the nervous and hormone systems of the body. This may influence body temperature, appetite, thirst, calorie levels, digestion, stress, sexual arousal, nervous system and hormones. The limbic system also controls conscious thought and reactions, along with memory.
Smell is not the only way that Aromatherapy works on the body and essential oils are also effective when applied topically. The oils are absorbed by the skin directly into the bloodstream where they allow different effects to take place. While some oils may stimulate, others will help to relax.
For more detailed information on Aromatherapy, including how to prepare, purchase store, and use essential oils, see the dedicated Aromatherapy.
