Aromatherapy
Overview
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing
purposes. The word aroma in aromatherapy is misleading because
essential oils are not solely used as inhalants. They can also be
massaged into the skin or even taken orally (although this is less
common). Whether inhaled, absorbed, or ingested, essential oils are
gaining new attention as an alternative treatment for infections,
stress, and other health problems. (Note: essential oils should never be
ingested without specific instruction from a trained and qualified
specialist.)
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots,
leaves, or blossoms of plants. Each essential oil contains its own mix
of active ingredients, and this mix determines the healing properties of
the oil. Some oils promote physical healing -- for example, some are
able to relieve swelling or fight fungal infections. Others are used for
their emotional value -- they may enhance relaxation or make a room
smell pleasant. The essential oil derived from orange blossom, for
example, contains a large amount of ester, an active ingredient thought
to induce a calming effect. This may explain the tradition of a bride
carrying an orange blossom bouquet on her wedding day.
What is the history of aromatherapy ?
Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly six
thousand years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and
Romans used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential
oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and
ritualistic purposes.
More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered
the healing properties of lavender oil when he applied it to a burn on
his hand after an explosion in his laboratory. Following this unexpected
finding, he devoted his time to analyzing the chemical properties of
essential oils and to recording their value in treating burns, skin
infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In
1928, Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950's
massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and
other healthcare professionals began using aromatherapy. In France, more
than 1,500 trained physicians use essential oils as an alternative to
antibiotics.
Aromatherapy did not become popular in the United States until the
1980s, when essential oils gained the attention of massage therapists,
alternative practitioners, and the commercial industry. Today, many
lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold under the name
"aromatherapy." Unfortunately, however, many of these products contain
synthetic fragrances which do not have the therapeutic substances found
in essential oils.
How does aromatherapy work?
Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy works, but many
experts speculate that our sense of smell plays a very important role.
This sense is incredibly powerful -- according to some estimates, about
10,000 times stronger than any other sense. The "smell" receptors in
your nose communicate with two structures that are embedded deep in your
brain and serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. These
structures are called the amygdala and hippocampus. When essential oil
molecules are inhaled, they affect these parts of the brain directly.
Researchers believe that stimulation of these structures influences our
physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, lavender is
believed to stimulate the activity of brain cells in the amygdala in the
same way that certain sedative medications work.
In addition to stimulating certain brain structures through your
sense of smell, essential oils can also influence mood through several
other methods. Aromatherapy massage is a popular way of using essential
oils because it works in several ways at the same time: it produces
benefits from absorbing the oils into the skin, from inhaling the oil's
vapors, and from the physical therapy of the massage process itself.
What happens during an aromatherapy session?
Professional aromatherapists, nurses, physical therapists, and
massage therapists can provide topical or inhaled aromatherapy
treatment. Only specially trained professionals can provide treatment
that involves the ingestion of essential oils.
At a typical aromatherapy session, the practitioner will ask about
your medical history and symptoms, as well as any preferences you may
have for certain scents. Depending upon the condition of your health,
the practitioner will instruct you to inhale essential oils either
directly from a piece of cloth, or indirectly through steam inhalations,
vaporizers, or sprays. The practitioner may also apply diluted essential
oils to your skin during a massage. In most cases, the practitioner will
instruct you on how to continue using aromatherapy at home. For example,
many essential oils can be mixed with milk or cream and added to a bath.
What is aromatherapy good for?
Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings -- from health spas
to hospitals -- to treat a variety of conditions. In general,
aromatherapy appears to ease pain, enhance mood, and promote a sense of
relaxation.
In a study that included more than 8,000 pregnant women in labor,
essential oils (particularly rose, lavender, and frankincense)
administered by qualified midwives, lessened feelings of anxiety and
fear, promoted a sense of well-being, and reduced the need for pain
medications during the delivery. Many women also report that peppermint
oil relieves nausea and vomiting during labor.
Massage therapy with essential oils may also be of value (together
with medications and/or therapy) for people with depression. The smells
of the oils are believed to stimulate positive emotions through the
limbic system (the area of the brain responsible for memories and
emotions). However, the benefits of aromatherapy with massage appear to
be related to the relaxation effects of the treatment as well as to an
individual's belief that the treatment will be helpful.
Studies have found that chemical compounds in certain essential oils
have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Some evidence also
suggests that citrus oils may enhance immune function and that
peppermint oil may promote proper digestion. Fennel, aniseed, sage, and
clary-sage have estrogen-like compounds which may make them effective in
relieving symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and
the menstrual cycle.
Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include:
- Alopecia areata (hair loss)
- Agitation, including, possibly, agitation related to dementia
- Anxiety
- Constipation (namely, abdominal massage using aromatherapy)
- Insomnia
- Pain: Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis,
cancer (specifically, topical chamomile), and headaches
(specifically, topical peppermint) require fewer pain medications
when they use aromatherapy.
- Pruritis (itching), a common side effect for those receiving
hemodialysis
- Psoriasis
Should anyone avoid aromatherapy?
Women in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as people with
severe asthma or a history of allergies should avoid all essential oils.
Pregnant women as well as people with a history of seizures should
avoid hyssop oil.
People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential
oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.
Those with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian
cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel,
aniseed, sage, and clary-sage.
Caution should be exercised when considering use of aromatherapy in
cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally considered
safe. You should never ingest essential oils unless a trained
professional advises you to do so. Some oils are toxic and taking them
orally could be fatal.
Rare side effects of aromatherapy can include allergic reaction
including rash, headache, liver and nerve damage, as well as harm to the
fetus (this is why aromatherapy should be avoided during pregnancy
unless specifically instructed by an expert).
Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can cause skin
irritation. Dilute oil with water or a base massage oil (such as almond
or sesame oil) before applying to your skin and avoid using near your
eyes. In addition, essential oils are highly volatile and flammable so
they should never be used near an open flame.
Animal studies suggest that active ingredients in certain essential
oils can interact with some medications, but studies in people are
needed to confirm. Eucalyptus, for example, may clear certain
medications, including pentobarbital (used for seizures) and amphetamine
(a stimulant used for narcolepsy and, sometimes, attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder) from the body more quickly, which makes
these drugs less effective.
The essential oils sold in stores are often mislabeled. For this
reason, you cannot be entirely sure that the amount of essential oil
contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose (if the oil is in
capsules), is the same as what is stated on the label. A qualified
aromatherapist can help you decide which oils will be most effective for
you and can direct you to high-quality products.
How can I find an aromatherapist?
While there are currently no boards that certify or license
aromatherapists in the United States, many professionals are members of
organizations that strive to improve public awareness of aromatherapy
and increase the standards of aromatherapy education and practice. To
locate a qualified aromatherapist in your area, contact the National
Association of Holistic Therapy (
www.naha.org ) at 1-888-ASK-NAHA. Many aromatherapists are trained
in some other form of therapy or healing system, such as massage or
chiropractic, and have incorporated the use of essential oils into their
practice.
What is the future of aromatherapy?
Although essential oils have been used for centuries, few studies
have investigated the safety and effectiveness of aromatherapy in
people. While there are many potential uses of aromatherapy in a wide
variety of settings, conclusive evidence of its effectiveness is
lacking. Additionally, there are some concerns regarding the safety and
quality of certain essential oils. More research is necessary before
aromatherapy becomes a widely accepted alternative remedy with clear
medical indications.
Supporting Research
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