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.
