What is Aromatherapy?

In simplest terms, aromatherapy means ‘a therapy using aromas’. These aromas come from the plant kingdoms -- flowers, trees, herbs and bushes.

In France, cave paintings were discovered in the Dordoigne area. According to the carbon-dating of the pictures, Man appears to have been using plants for medicinal purposes as far back as 18,000 B.C.

How does it work?

The term “aromatherapy” does not mean healing exclusively through the sense of smell. Apart from its aroma, essential oils have a combination of chemicals that interact with the chemistry of the body and affects certain organs or systems in the body.

Odor signals are passed directly to the brain’s limbic system, evoking an immediate emotional or instinctual response. This is airborne. When the oils are used directly on the body, they are absorbed though the largest organ of the body -- the skin.

Aromatherapy can be used to treat the skin, muscles, joints and certain glands, as well as the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, immune, genito-urinary, and the nervous system. In addition, aromatherapy provides many benefits to ones mental and emotional health.

It can be applied through massage, hot and cold compresses, baths, vaporization and douches. For therapeutic purposes, essential oils are diluted before being applied to the body. For aromatherapy massages, an essential oil is mixed with a carrier oil (e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil).

What is it not

Aromatherapy is not a diagnostic tool, nor is it a treatment which requires a prescription. It is a thoroughly enjoyable, rewarding and wonderfully relaxing experience; harmless, yet dynamic and effective.

*NOTE: Great Britain has two branches of holistic practices covered by the National Health Service. They are: Alternative Medicine (consisting of Homeopaths, Naturopaths, Medical Herbalists) and The Complementary Therapy branch (consisting of Aromatherapists, Reflexologists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and so on.).

 your body will thank you!

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