The Concept of Aromatherapy
Medical Aromatherapy harnesses the therapeutic potential of essential oils to relax, rejuvenate, balance, restore, revitalise and revive the mind, body and spirit. It is a fragrant alchemy the art of healing the body by invoking a person’s senses to heal itself through indirect stimulation of the immune system.
What is Essential Oil
An essential oil is a liquid distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other parts of a plant. Despite the name, essential oils are not greasy or oily. Most are clear, though some like patchouli, orange, and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.
Essential oils are antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and analgesic. They offer a natural system of healing that harmonizes with the body stimulating the immune, circulatory, and neurological systems in predictable and beneficial ways.
How Aromatherapy Works
Essential oils enter the body either through the olfactory membranes or through the skin. Each fragrance molecule binds to specific receptor cells at nerve endings, generating electrical impulses transmitted to the limbic system of the brain the area that controls heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, memory, stress, and hormonal balance.
These impulses create profound physiological and psychological effects, promoting both mental and physical relaxation. The method of application depends on the ailment and patient response. Common applications include:
- Massage
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
What Makes an Aromatherapy Blend
Essential oils form the base of aromatherapy. These plant essences extracted from flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses, and seeds each possess unique therapeutic, psychological, and physiological benefits that help prevent illness or assist in healing.
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