Essential oil for aromatherapy
The concept of inhaling aromatic natural oils goes back to ancient China, but the practice was not truly refined until the early 1900s. In 1937 French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé came up with the name “aromatherapy.”
Aromatherapy contends that inhaled scents can have an effect on the mental state and, in some cases, on the physical body itself. The physical process that activates our sense of smell is quite efficient: airborne molecules are drawn into the nose, where they strike olfactory neurons (nerve cells). Nerve impulses travel to a pair of olfactory bulbs connected to the limbic system, the seat of memory and emotion. In this way we quickly become aware of a scent, sometimes something so evocative that we are overcome by the memories. Smell is estimated to be 10,000 times more sensitive than the other senses, so it should not be surprising that it is capable of stimulating positive or negative emotional responses. In fact, scientists have linked smell to both memory and emotion.
Essential oil for aromatherapy
A BRIEF HISTORY
The practice of inhaling aromatics to achieve spiritual connection occurred in many early civilizations, especially as part of religious rituals, but its roots as a mood enhancer probably began about 6,000 years ago in China. The Egyptians had a distillation process that separated the oils from plants such as clove, cedarwood, and cinnamon, which they then used for embalming. Hippocrates, the Greek “father of medicine,” used herbal oils for healing purposes. After French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé burned himself in a lab accident in 1910, he discovered the healing benefits of lavender oil and began exploring the healing potential of essential oils. When French surgeon Jean Valnet successfully used essential oils on wounded soldiers during World War I, he vindicated their medical benefits.
Today, aromatherapy is a large part of the wellness movement; it integrates nicely with bodywork therapy, such as massage and shiatsu, and has become part of the meditation process for many people. Some spas and resorts include aromatherapy sessions and teach aromatherapy classes.
METHODS OF DELIVERY
Essential oils are traditionally accessed in a number of ways.
• Massage combines the hands-on benefits of bodywork with the therapeutic olfactory effects of the warm oils.
• Bathing with essential oils offers double benefits: the soothing effects of soaking in a warm tub, plus the healing, relaxing effects of the oils. Footbaths with essential oils are extremely restorative to tired, aching feet.
• Compresses allow essential oils to work on pain and stiffness. Simply apply 3 or 4 drops to a cold or hot compress and place it on the afflicted area.
• Steam inhalation requires filling a large bow with nearly boiling water, adding 3 or 4 drops of oil, and leaning over it with a towel draped over your head.
• The latest ultrasonic diffusers atomize the oils into the air without heat, helping to clear sinuses, coughs, or congestion.
FAMILIAL SCENTS
Familial scents aromatherapy incorporates a number of scent “families,” which are based on aromas with similar attributes.
• Floral—rose, geranium, lavender, neroli, jasmine
• Woodsy—cedar, pine, sandalwood
• Earthy—vetiver, patchouli
• Citrus—orange, lemon, grapefruit, bergamot
• Herbaceous—rosemary, basil, clary sage
• Minty—peppermint, spearmint
• Camphorous—eucalyptus
• Spicy—cinnamon, clove, nutmeg
• Oriental—ginger