All About Aromatherapy

The term aromatherapy was first used in the 1920s by French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé. Gattefossé first discovered the wide ranging healing powers of natural oils after catching his arm burning down one day in his lab. In his attempt to released the fire, he forced his arm into the nearest bin of liquid, which just happened to be lavender oil. The burn healed quickly without a scar.

Aromatherapy is usually associated with alternative healing techniques. It is the procedure for using natural oils as a method to alter an individual’s mood or health. There are three main branches of aromatherapy. The first is home aromatherapy, which is self-treatment with aromatherapy products. The second is clinical aromatherapy. Clinical aromatherapy can be used as     a pharmacological treatment in a clinical setting. The third branch is aromachology. Aromachology is the study of odors and their effects about the mind.

There are three common three procedures of aromatherapy use. The first is the usage of oil as a scent. Commonly, aromatherapy oils used for this function are found in candle form. With the scent level, certain plant oils activate the limbic system and the emotional centers of the brain. Aromatherapy candles are believed to be beneficial in creating alternate emotions.

The second common method of aromatherapy use is for a topical treatment. When certain plant oils are put on the skin, they activate thermal receptors and kill microbes and fungi. In many cases, natural oils are utilized to heal skin abrasions, just as Gattefossé used lavender oil to expedite the healing of his burn wounds.

The     final common method of aromatherapy use is as an internal drug. For this purpose, natural oil medications must be prescribed. They are said to activate the immune system.

Aromatherapy, especially in the more developed countries of the world, is practically never used as the sole treatment for an ailment. Often, it is only used as a method of alternative medicine. However, many healthcare workers use aromatherapy techniques in combination with other more recognized treatments.

However, many individuals preach of the stress-relieving advantages of aromatherapy scents. In fact, aromatherapy is commonly used in spas as a method of relaxation. Skeptics argue that the important things about aromatherapy treatments are supported with little scientific research.

Persons interested in using aromatherapy techniques as a means of stress reduction have to first determine what natural oils will provide immunity in providing the emotional effect they desire. For example, honeysuckle oils are considered relaxing and rejuvenating, perfect for stress reduction after a long week at work. Likewise, rose oils are said to create a romantic atmosphere.