Intro To Aromatherapy
by
Gloria Clarke, RN
What
is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is simply ‘therapy’ using ‘aroma’.
Aromatherapy oils are a
mixture of essential oils, which are
active extracts of
flowers,
herbs, leaves, bark, gums, and/or resins, diluted in a thin carrier oil. Essentials include Bergamot, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender,
Lemongrass, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pink Grapefruit, Rose, Rosemary,
Sandalwood, Tea Tree, and Ylang Ylang. Oils may be used in massage
therapy, facials, baths, and as inhalation for desired effects such as
relaxation, energizing and
detoxification.
How
does Aromatherapy work?
Using Aromatherapy
stimulates the olfactory nerves in the nasal passages, which in turn sends
neuro signals to the portion of the brain that controls the limbic system.
The limbic system triggers emotional, physiological, endocrine, and/or the
immune system. Individual oils have specific effects on the desired system through inhalation and/or absorption through
the skin to the blood stream.
Safety Issues:
The majority of essential oils and Aromatherapy formulas produced in the world today usually contain some synthetic ingredients, which pose many
possible health risks such as allergies, toxic degenerative and carcinogenic
effects. Anything applied to the skin that has molecules small enough
can penetrate the pores and enter the bloodstream, thus effecting health for
better
or for worse.
Beware of misleading products claiming to be ‘natural’ as they often contain
preserving chemicals along with only some ‘natural’ ingredients. Some
conditions, like pregnancy and immune disorders, may pose contraindications
therefore seeking care with a knowledgeable Aromatherapist is always
recommended.
NATURAL GRACES uses only
‘pure’ essential oils and ingredients
in our
formulas which are all
chemical and preservative-free.
History of
Aromatherapy:
The origins of
Aromatherapy can be traced through the religious, medical, and social
practices of all the major civilizations as far back as 9000 BC. The
Egyptians used a variety of essential oils and resins during the
mummification process well-preserving many bodies for up to 5000 years. Hippocrates, considered by many to be the father of modern medicine,
influenced the Greeks and Romans to use Aromatherapy extensively for
therapeutic bathing and massage. In the 1500’s Nostradamus was not only a
prophet, but a well-known doctor and herbalist in his day. 
He used a sash of
fresh Lavender around his neck when he treated victims of the black plague
and likely never contracted the illness due to the
antibiotic qualities of the herb, living to an advanced age. The
French chemist Rene Gattefosse’ and Dr. Jean Valnet were the pioneers of
modern healing oils by the 1920’s. Many wound healings were
documented during WWII using Aromatherapy and by the 1960’s Dr. Valnet and
Madame Maury both published books on the medicinal, therapeutic and cosmetic
uses of essential oils. Today, with the trend toward more natural
approaches to health, there is a renewed interest in using essential oils to
promote wellness.
Click here
to go back to the top of the page...
Natural
Graces Health Therapies and Day Spa
2204 El Camino Real, Suite 100-A
Oceanside, CA 92056
760-439-HEAL (4325)
NaturalGraces@aol.com
All
rights reserved.
www.naturalgraces.com ©2006
Page Last Updated: January 2, 2007
