Aromatherapy

There is some debate about whether or not aromatherapy actually works.  Some believe aromatherapy "works" simply because it is believed in, while others believe completely in the healing power of essential oils.  It has not been proven whether or not aromatherapy actually "works", because there are many theories as to how, exactly, they are supposed to promote healing and psychological effects.  

Aromatherapy is the use of plant extracts (called essential oils) for affecting the mind and body in a positive way.  There are many ways essential oils can be used in aromatherapy.  Some of the most common methods of use are absorption through the skin, inhalation and ingestion.  Some believe that aromatherapy is simply the inhalation of soothing fragrances to relax the mind.  Others believe that these other methods of healing are also considered aromatherapy. 

Absorption through the skin has become one of the more common methods of use of aromatherapy.  Usually administered by massaging the diluted essential oils into the skin, this method is believed to treat many physical and psychological ailments.  It has been found that essential oils, when applied to the skin, work their way directly into the bloodstream, thus providing maximum effectiveness.  Massaging essential oils into the skin is believed to sooth sore muscles, relieve tension, relieve migraines, reduce the pain and appearance of bruises and many other things.  There is much debate about whether or not aromatherapy is a legitimate form of treatment and is mostly considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). 

Inhalation is also a commonly used method of aromatherapy.  Even when we use essential oils for a relaxing massage or a soothing bath, we inhale the aroma.  This is called "direct inhalation" since the essential oils are being applied directly to the skin.  "Indirect inhalation" is the method used when we light an aromatherapy candle or burn incense.  Any form of aromatherapy that involves the use of essential oils and scents being released directly into the air for inhalation is indirect inhalation.  There are many ways to do this.  The use of scented candles, incense, vaporizers, or even applying a couple of drops of essential oil onto a tissue and inhaling the scent are forms of indirect inhalation.  

The ingestion of aromatherapy essential oils is commonly used in some places as a way to ease stomach or intestinal discomfort.  Most of the time, only internal complaints are treated with this form of aromatherapy.  An aromatherapy specialist or a physician educated in the effects of aromatherapy can help determine whether or not ingestion is needed and what extracts should be used.  The ingestion of essential oils is not recommended without education or consultation on the topic. 

It is believed that aromatherapy has been used since the time of the cavemen.  Natural plant oils were used to treat many ailments, since there was no other form of medicine back then.  The term "aromatherapy" was applied to the use of essential oils in the 1920s when a French chemist by the name of René Maurice Gattefossé accidentally caught his arm on fire.  In a desperate attempt to put out the flame, Gattefossé dipped his burning arm into a nearby vat of lavender oil.  He discovered that the burn healed quickly and without much discomfort.  The burn also left no scar.