Aromatherapy uses concentrated plant extracts (essential oils) to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. These oils can be absorbed through the skin or olfactory system.
Essential oil fragrances can have sedative, antidepressant and stimulant properties. They can also promote healing. For example, rubbing lavender oil on the skin can soothe burns and other skin injuries.
History
Aromatherapy integrates ancient wisdom with scientific research examining the therapeutic properties of essential oils and their impacts on the body and mind. The resulting union facilitates aromatherapy’s evolution as a comprehensive healing practice.
The use of essential oils has been recorded in many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, recommended aromatic baths and scented massages for health and well-being.
During the Middle Ages, monks conserved herbal knowledge and practices in abbey gardens. The knowledge was passed on to European doctors such as Galen and Hippocrates, who used plant remedies in their treatments.
The modern science of aromatherapy began with French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. He stumbled upon the therapeutic uses of lavender oil in 1910 after an accident in his lab left him with severe burns. He discovered that wound rinsing with lavender oil prevented infection and promoted healing. This led him to coin the term, aromatherapy. Other early 20th century aromatherapy pioneers include Jean Valnet, Marguerite Maury and Shirley Price.
Techniques
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that uses aromatic essential oils to balance the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the self. It is used to alleviate a variety of symptoms and conditions, including anxiety, stress, pain, and sleeplessness.
Inhalation is the primary method of using essential oils in an aromatherapy session. When inhaled, the delicate molecules of the oil are absorbed through your nasal and respiratory tracts, which initiate a chain reaction of signals to the brain and other parts of the body that result in a variety of therapeutic effects.
Joyessence’s aromatherapy training program focuses on equipping students with the right tools for success. This includes introducing students to a wide range of essential oils and teaching them how to use them through various techniques. In addition, Joyessence places a strong emphasis on safety, which is key when practicing as an aromatherapist. It’s important to use only high-quality, pure, and organic essential oils.
Essential oils
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, distilled from various parts of the plant that contain unique aromatic compounds, to help with physical and emotional well-being. They may reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and can be relaxing, sedating or stimulating.
These bottled plant extracts have been used in healing for thousands of years. One way they work is by stimulating the olfactory nerves in your nose, which sends messages to your limbic system, which controls emotions and memories.
When you inhale an oil’s scent, the chemicals also enter your bloodstream and may affect different parts of your body, such as your heart rate and hormone levels. Test-tube studies show that some have antimicrobial properties, and others may soothe irritated skin.
You can find essential oils online, in health food stores and some regular supermarkets. However, make sure you choose a pure oil that isn’t mixed with other ingredients, as some have been shown to cause allergic reactions. You should also avoid taking essential oils by mouth, as they can be harmful to your kidneys and liver.
Carrier oils
Carrier oils are essential components of aromatherapy massage and many natural cosmetics including bath and body oils, creams and lotions, shampoos and conditioners, facial serums and lip balms. They work supportively with essential oils, reducing their potency and adding beneficial properties of their own.
Typically, carrier oils are odorless or have very mild, nutty and/or sweet aromas that reflect the nut or seed from which they were pressed. Some, such as jojoba oil, are hard at room temperature while others like fractionated coconut oil, are liquid.
Carrier oils act as a buffer between the skin and the more concentrated essential oils, preventing irritation and sensitization that can occur when the oils are applied undiluted to the skin. Because of this, they are an important component in creating effective massage blends. They also add lubrication and assist in penetrating the oil deep into the tissue. Additionally, they may contain a wide range of skin-nurturing vitamins and minerals as well as tocopherols and other antioxidants.
