What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils obtained from plants and using them in a holistic manner to enhance our lives in a therapeutic manner.

In the December 2004 issue of the 'Simply Essential' journal from the International Federation of Aromatherapists (now known as IAAMA) it states; "Aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including aromatic plant oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapists blend therapeutic aromatic plant oils especially for each individual, and suggest methods of use such as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion, to stimulate the desired responses."

Dating back to ancient times, many civilisations used *infused oils for both spiritual and medicinal uses. In many parts of the world aromatic plants have been and still are an integral part of rituals and healing practices. Holy perfumes that were mentioned in the bible were used for healing and to evoke a spiritual atmosphere and to heighten spiritual awareness.

On a spiritual level we are easily able to see that aromatherapy is effective. And in modern times we have come to understand through chemical analysis that this is due often to the presence of psycho active plant substances. For example, 'Frankincense' contains a plant chemical known to aid prayer, meditation and contemplation. It is also suggested that Frankincense may free the flow of Qi energy. Frankincense however is also recommended in aromatherapy for the respiratory system - asthmatic conditions. Each individual *essential oil may have many benefits.

Scientific tests are being employed today to determine the effect that essential oils have on our brain wave patterns and with the use of modern devices such as EEG's we are able to see the brain's response to the inhalation of oils.

Very little is understood about our sense of smell. If you open any anatomy and physiology book you will see very few pages dedicated to our sense of smell - compared to our other senses - sight, hearing etc. We know there are odour receptors in our nose that take messages through to the limbic system in our brain, which are related to our emotions and memory.

Smell related emotions and behaviours are due to olfactory signals which have been received through nerve receptors that have received information from molecules in the air. The direct effect that smell can have on our hypothalamus suggests why aromatherapy is considered a very powerful tool when treating stress and anxiety related problems. Odours whether pleasing or unpleasant can and will affect our emotions.

Used in skin care Aromatherapy is a very powerful healing tool because the skin is so permeable essential oils are able to be carried through the layers of the skin.

In Egypt many references were made through hieroglyphics about the use of plant oils and herbs. They were considered so precious that pharaohs were buried with bottles and bottles of precious oils. They all of course had very special qualities and were considered an indication of prestige, as they are today with our perfume industry; which sadly has become just a mixture of chemical cocktails made in test tubes!