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holistic healing.
Ancient man was dependent on his surroundings for everything from food, to shelter and
clothing. Being so keenly aware
of everything around him, and how it could be used for survival, he quickly discovered
methods to preserve food and treat
ailments through herbs and aromatics. Aromatherapy, as it is practiced today, began with the
Egyptians, who used the
method of infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants which were used for medicinal and
cosmetic purposes as well
as embalming. At a similar time, ancient Chinese civilizations were also using some form of
aromatics. Shen Nung's
herbal book (dating back to approximately 2700 BC) contains detailed information on over
300 plants and their uses.
Similarly, the Chinese used aromatics in religious ceremonies, by burning woods and
incense to show respect to their
Gods - a tradition which is still practiced today. The use of aromatics in China was linked to
other ancient therapies such
as massage and acupressure. Aromatherapy has also been used for many centuries in
India. Ayurveda, the traditional
medical system of India, uses dried and fresh herbs, as well as aromatic massage as
important aspects of treatment. The
Greeks acquired most of their medical knowledge from the Egyptians and used it to further
their own discoveries. They
found that the fragrance of some flowers was stimulating while others had relaxing
properties. The use of olive oil as the
base oil absorbed the aroma from the herbs or flowers and the perfumed oil was then used
for both cosmetic and
medicinal purposes. The Romans learned from the Greeks and became well known for
scented baths followed by
massage with aromatic oils. The popularity of aromatics led to the establishment of trade
routes which allowed the
Romans to import "exotic" oils and spices from distant lands such as India and Arabia. With
the decline of the Roman
Empire, the use of aromatics faded and the knowledge of their use was virtually lost in
Europe during the dark ages.
Rediscovery of a Healing Art:
One of the few places where the tradition of Aromatherapy continued was in monasteries,
where monks used plants from
herbal gardens to produce infused oils, herbal teas and medicines.
At the time of the plague and during the Middle Ages, it was discovered that certain aromatic
derivatives helped to prevent
the spread of infection, and others, such as cedar and pine, were burnt to fumigate homes
and streets.
The revival of the use of essential oils is believed to be credited to a Persian physician and
philosopher known as Avicenna
who lived from 980 AD to 1037 AD. The Arabs initiated a method of extraction known as
distillation, and study of the
therapeutic use of plants once again became popular in the Universities. The knowledge of
distillation spread to their
invading forces during the Crusades, and the lost process was once again returned to
Europe.
By 1200 AD, essential oils were being produced in Germany and were based mainly on
herbs and spices brought from
Africa and the Far East.
When South America was invaded by the conquistadors, even more medicinal plants and
aromatic oils were discovered,
and the wide variety of medicinal plants found in Montezuma's gardens provided a basis for
many new and important
remedies and treatments.
Throughout the northern continent, Native American Indians were using aromatic oils and
producing their own herbal
remedies which were discovered when settlers began to make their way across the plains of
the New World.
Although herbs and aromatics had been used in other world cultures for many centuries, it
was not until the 19th century
that scientists in Europe and Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on
humans. It was French
chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse who discovered the healing powers of lavender oil after
burning his hand in his
laboratory. He published a book on the anti-microbial effects of the oils in 1937 and the term
"Aromatherapy" was born.
Although it has been practiced for thousands of years, Aromatherapy has only recently
become popular in our culture. This
is a result of a return to a holistic lifestyle, recognizing the importance of combining the mind,
body and spirit to achieve
optimum health and wellness.
Aromatherapy in Modern Times: Modern day scientific research has been, and continues to
be performed which verifies not
only the emotional but the physical benefits that aromatherapy provides. Through research
and awareness we have come
to better understand and appreciate what nature has to offer us. We know the effects of "clear
cutting" our forests and
polluting our skies. And we ask for change. We realize that in order to sustain this earth, for
the generations far beyond
ours, we have to preserve, and protect it. At the same time, we know that we need to look after
ourselves. We are all
seeking answers for the illnesses that pervade our society, and the stresses that this fast
paced modern life place on us.
Conventional medicine has given us some of those answers in the form of prescription
drugs and surgery, but still, we ask
for more. With growing health care costs and the sometimes impersonal quality of
conventional medicine, we have turned
to nature to find the answers to our questions. We have realized that we must take personal
responsibility for our health
and strive to educate ourselves on living more balanced lives. Therapies and medicines that
were once viewed as
alternative, cloaked in a shroud of skepticism, have risen from the shadows, providing a
complement to conventional
medicine. Aromatherapy is one such example, and a very powerful one, of a complementary
therapy widely practiced today.
For some of us, we don't even know we're doing it. When you burned that scented candle last
week, you were practicing
Aromatherapy. When you walk through a fragrant garden, you are doing it again! In fact,
virtually all of the bath and body care
products we use contain some form of essential oils - the basis of Aromatherapy. This is one
of the reasons Aromatherapy
is so popular today. It is easy to practice, readily available, and effective as a therapy.
The Basics
In increasing numbers, people are returning to a holistic lifestyle, recognizing the importance
of combining the mind, body,
and spirit to achieve optimum health and well-being.
Reputed to be thousands of years old, and having been used in almost all civilizations of the
world, aromatherapy is one
form of holistic healing that can easily be practiced in our daily lives.
How does it work?
Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils of plants to treat ailments of the
mind and body. The scent of the
oils evoke a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory organs, which are
linked to the areas of the brain
which control emotions.
A series of chemical reactions, initiated by this stimulation then takes place, effecting a
physical or emotional change in the
body.
For further information on Essential Oils and their respective uses, refer to the following
pages.
Essential Oils
Essential oils form the basis of treatment in aromatherapy, and can be used in a number of
different ways and
combinations to create a desired effect.
The most common methods of use include massaging them into the skin, adding them to
the bath, burning them in a
diffuser, or using them in a compress.
Regardless of the method or oil chosen, the most important factor is the effect the scent has
on you. The whole principle of
aromatherapy is creating a pleasurable experience, and if you don't appreciate a particular
scent, the treatment will not be
beneficial. Fortunately, there are often oils that can be used for many purposes, allowing you
to choose one that you find
appealing.
Guide To Essential Oils
Eucalyptus has a balancing and stimulating effect, with a camphorous, woody scent.
Uses indicated include asthma, bronchitis, flu, muscle aches, pulmonary conditions,
rheumatism, sinusitis, and sore
throat.
Caution should be taken if you have epilepsy, or high blood pressure. Do not ingest, as
eucalyptus can be fatal.
Geranium has a comforting and healing effect, with a sweet floral scent.
Uses indicated include neuralgia, tonsillitis, inflammation, poor circulation, burns, eczema,
and rheumatism.
Caution should be taken as geranium's antiseptic, antifungal properties could irritate
sensitive skin. It's anti-spasmodic
properties also mean it should not be used during pregnancy.
Grapefruit provides a refreshing effect and is therefore helpful with a variety of mental
concerns.
Uses indicated include depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and water retention.
Caution should be taken as grapefruit oil is phototoxic, and should not be used prior to
exposure to the sun, or a tanning
bed.
Lavender has a calming and healing effect, with a floral, woody scent. Lavender is mild, yet
very effective, and is likely the
most popular of all the essential oils.
Uses indicated include colds, flu, headaches, tension, anxiety, skin conditions such as
burns, oily skin, acne, insomnia,
rheumatism, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Caution should be taken when using lavender oil while pregnant, or if you have low blood
pressure.
Lemongrass has a fresh, lemon scent, and a calming effect on the body.
Uses indicated include acne, oily skin, muscle aches, excess perspiration, and stress.
Caution should be taken if you have sensitive skin.
Patchouli has a soothing effect, and a sweet, woody scent.
Uses indicated include anxiety related disorders, skin conditions such as acne and chapped
skin. Patchouli may also be
effective for treating water retention and cellulite.
Peppermint has a stimulating effect, and a strong, minty aroma.
Uses indicated include asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, migraines, muscle and joint pain, as
well as indigestion and colic.
Caution should be taken if you have sensitive skin.
Rosemary has a restorative effect, and a refreshing, woody scent.
Uses indicated include colds, flu, digestive disorders, fatigue, gout, liver/gall bladder
problems, as well as skin conditions
such as burns and minor wounds.
Caution should be taken as rosemary's stimulating effects may create difficulty if you are
epileptic, suffering from high
blood pressure, or pregnant.
Tangerine is calming, and has a fruity, sweet scent.
Uses indicated include anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, digestive issues, aging skin.
Caution should be taken as tangerine is also phototoxic, and should not be used prior to
exposure to the sun, or a tanning
bed.
Ylang Ylang has a calming effect on the body, and a powerful floral scent.
Uses indicated include treatment of anxiety, intestinal infections, and stress. It is also known
to have a balancing effect on
the hormones.
Caution should be taken as Ylang Ylang's powerful floral scent can cause headaches, and
irritate sensitive, or
inflammatory skin conditions.
When using essential oils, DO:
Obtain information on the oil(s) prior to use
Mix an essential oil with a "carrier" oil prior to use in massage. Essential oils are highly
concentrated, and can cause skin
irritation if they are not mixed with a carrier oil such as almond, olive, or sunflower
Use small amounts. In massage, 1 fluid ounce of carrier oil should have 12 to 15 drops of
essential oil added.
For sensitive skin, or children under 12 use approximately 2 fluid ounces of carrier oil, and 12
drops of essential oil. On
children, or sensitive skin types, it is best to try a skin patch test before use.
When combining with carrier oils, mix only the amount that can be used in a relatively short
period of time. When properly
stored in a cool, dark place, essential oils on their own can last for years. However, when
combined with a carrier, oils will
turn rancid within three months.
When using in the bath, 10 to 12 drops of essential oil should be used. The water
temperature should be sufficiently hot to
ensure the oil mixes fully with the water, thus producing effects through both direct skin
contact, and the breathing of oil
enhanced steam.
Buy only high quality oils. Synthetic oils do not have the healing power of the natural products.
Consult an aromatherapist if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
When using essential oils, DO NOT:
Take any oils internally unless advised by a professional aromatherapist.
Store oils in plastic containers.
Use citrus based oils prior to sunbathing or using a tanning bed, as they are phototoxic.
Use a steam inhalation method if you are asthmatic.
PERIMENOPAUSE
