What Is Aromatherapy? Beyond 'Just Smelling Nice'
Do you agree Aromatherapy has suffered from it's New Age stigma long enough? It's time to tell the masses what these little bottles of liquid jewels are all about! Here in the United States, common use of the term 'aromatherapy' has been skewed so much that only that 'touchy-feely' aspect of 'feeling good from smelling something nice' is it's complete definition to most folks. If you happen to know better, this article may just be a refresher in the science of therapeutic essential oil usage, but one that may help you teach others the 'why' of 'medical aromatherapy' - if this concept is new, however, read on and learn - this may be important to you someday!
We've always been attracted to pleasant smells - body perfumes have been used for millennia, as have incense and scented balms in religious and ritual ceremony. Plants have been used medicinally throughout history as well. Therapeutic use of distilled aromatic compounds of plants only 'officially' began in 1937 with the writing of Rene Maurice Gattefosse's 'Aromatherapie' - a treatise on the physiological effects of essential oils published by the scientist after his accidental discovery of the healing properties of Lavender oil. Medical aromatherapy practice continues strongly in Europe today - in France, one can be prescribed an essential oil blend by a doctor, and have it filled as we have pharmaceutical prescriptions prepared here. These are not prescriptions for simple aromatic use; as the practice of Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds, these prescriptions utilize other broad-ranging physiologic effects of essential oils. These include noted antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and immune supportive effects of many oils, just to name a few.
The well-known effects of genuine essential oils on the nervous system and psyche through the smell sense is certainly not to be ignored. Important, useful actions have been documented through university studies. Lavender oil, for example, has been noted to help many individuals who suffer from insomnia; even better than pharmaceutical sedatives in many cases, without side effects and development of tolerance. Other studies have shown improvement of test scores of students who have inhaled Lemon or Rosemary oils during study sessions. The list continues - and with little surprise. The 'aromatic' effects of essential oils rely on the olfactory sense's direct connection with primary control centers of the brain. It is the only one of the five senses with such a direct connection - the others are first routed through the Thalamus before interacting with the bulk of the gray matter.
The olfactory sense is closely tied to the limbic system, which is the center of emotions, plays a significant part in the formation of memories, and affects our sexual responses. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which in-turn controls the entire hormonal system through it's influence of the pituitary gland. One can easily imagine an olfactory sense receptor being stimulated by the mist of an essential oil resulting in downstream stimulation of the brain in a certain way - stimulating, sedating, relaxing, or otherwise - depending on the molecular form of the oil.
Though we shouldn't get distracted by the wonderful possibilities of aromas! The physiologic effects of essential oils are far more extensive than if used through the smell sense alone. Medical aromatherapy includes topical application, oral ingestion and natural suppository use of aromatic oils as well. Due to their molecular shapes and sizes, essential oils are remarkably compatible with human physiology. They are easily absorbed and well tolerated, for the most part, in small amounts. Essential oils are not cure-alls however, or placebo-effect-inducing nice smells - they are potent plant medicines, each with significantly different actions. Oregano oil is one of the most broad spectrum antimicrobials known; at the same time, it takes knowledge and skill to employ it properly as it is a strong skin irritant. Melissa oil has been hailed as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer's of motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal parasites - but not to those with the Herpes virus. The list goes on; the take-home message is that oils CAN be effective if used properly, and improper use can not only be ineffective but even dangerous. That doesn't mean essential oils are something to be afraid of - they deserve the respect given to any powerful medicine. Consult a qualified professional for ANY serious condition, and consider using essential oils if and when appropriate.
Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the established medical community, and qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies available to you! - 17268
We've always been attracted to pleasant smells - body perfumes have been used for millennia, as have incense and scented balms in religious and ritual ceremony. Plants have been used medicinally throughout history as well. Therapeutic use of distilled aromatic compounds of plants only 'officially' began in 1937 with the writing of Rene Maurice Gattefosse's 'Aromatherapie' - a treatise on the physiological effects of essential oils published by the scientist after his accidental discovery of the healing properties of Lavender oil. Medical aromatherapy practice continues strongly in Europe today - in France, one can be prescribed an essential oil blend by a doctor, and have it filled as we have pharmaceutical prescriptions prepared here. These are not prescriptions for simple aromatic use; as the practice of Aromatherapy includes the entire branch of botanical medicine using volatile aromatic plant compounds, these prescriptions utilize other broad-ranging physiologic effects of essential oils. These include noted antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory and immune supportive effects of many oils, just to name a few.
The well-known effects of genuine essential oils on the nervous system and psyche through the smell sense is certainly not to be ignored. Important, useful actions have been documented through university studies. Lavender oil, for example, has been noted to help many individuals who suffer from insomnia; even better than pharmaceutical sedatives in many cases, without side effects and development of tolerance. Other studies have shown improvement of test scores of students who have inhaled Lemon or Rosemary oils during study sessions. The list continues - and with little surprise. The 'aromatic' effects of essential oils rely on the olfactory sense's direct connection with primary control centers of the brain. It is the only one of the five senses with such a direct connection - the others are first routed through the Thalamus before interacting with the bulk of the gray matter.
The olfactory sense is closely tied to the limbic system, which is the center of emotions, plays a significant part in the formation of memories, and affects our sexual responses. The olfactory region also connects to the hypothalamus, which in-turn controls the entire hormonal system through it's influence of the pituitary gland. One can easily imagine an olfactory sense receptor being stimulated by the mist of an essential oil resulting in downstream stimulation of the brain in a certain way - stimulating, sedating, relaxing, or otherwise - depending on the molecular form of the oil.
Though we shouldn't get distracted by the wonderful possibilities of aromas! The physiologic effects of essential oils are far more extensive than if used through the smell sense alone. Medical aromatherapy includes topical application, oral ingestion and natural suppository use of aromatic oils as well. Due to their molecular shapes and sizes, essential oils are remarkably compatible with human physiology. They are easily absorbed and well tolerated, for the most part, in small amounts. Essential oils are not cure-alls however, or placebo-effect-inducing nice smells - they are potent plant medicines, each with significantly different actions. Oregano oil is one of the most broad spectrum antimicrobials known; at the same time, it takes knowledge and skill to employ it properly as it is a strong skin irritant. Melissa oil has been hailed as a cure for Herpes Simplex virus infections by German researchers. Ginger oil has brought relief to sufferer's of motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and intestinal parasites - but not to those with the Herpes virus. The list goes on; the take-home message is that oils CAN be effective if used properly, and improper use can not only be ineffective but even dangerous. That doesn't mean essential oils are something to be afraid of - they deserve the respect given to any powerful medicine. Consult a qualified professional for ANY serious condition, and consider using essential oils if and when appropriate.
Broad acceptance of true 'medical aromatherapy' is a ways-off in the US. There is a lack of knowledge within the established medical community, and qualified aromatherapists are fairly rare, as of yet. With the growing body of evidence validating the efficacy of natural medicines, however, and the failing confidence in our allopathic medical institutions, it may not be long until essential oils find their rightful place in our medicine chests. In the meantime, be cautious, have fun, and do stop and smell the roses, and lavenders, patchoulis, sandalwoods, and all the other great aromatherapies available to you! - 17268
About the Author:
The author utilizes pure essential oils for aromatherapy. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.
posted by X - Men at
2:40 AM
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