Aromatherapy is a kind of a therapeutic treatment, to alleviate some ailments, using mainly essential oils and natural aromatic materials. Aromatherapy has been practised over many centuries in many civilisations. Although, it has not been scientifically scrutinised, like any other therapy is medical practises, it has been widely acknowledged, that Aromatherapy offers relief, to some dermatological problems, like ‘eczema’ and ‘psoriasis’. It also offers relief, to some psychological problems. It treats both body and mind. It has been well documented in ‘Ayurveda’, an Indian medical practise, about the influence of mind over the body. The smell of essential oil triggers a memory in the mind of a person, who feels the change in his or her mood or in the ambience.
It is a deeply soothing experience for both body and mind. People feel fresh and rejuvenated after the treatment.
It is one of the fastest growing complimentary therapies in the world.
Essential oils are derived mainly from plants and herbs, which have distinct fragrance. A majority of them are basically organic, oleiferous materials, which are insoluble in water. They are blended with vegetable oils, preferably cold pressed oils such as olive or coconut oils, and used for topical applications. Some of the essential oils are simply blended in solvents and vaporised. They also blend essential oils with wax to make special candles, with distinct colour and fragrance. Some essential oils are blended with sandalwood paste and made into ‘Incense sticks’. It fills the surrounding with gentle fragrance, as it burns.
The industries offer number of tools and techniques to prepare these natural ingredients in its purest forms. Advanced analytical instruments such as spectroscope and chromatography are available to test the purity of aromatic components. For example, supercritical extraction methods are available to extract essential oils and fragrant, such as Jasmine, Tuberose, and Lavender. They use inert solvents such as ‘liquid carbon dioxide’ to extract aromatic ingredients in its purest form, with its original fragrance intact.
These fragrant, when inhaled through our nostrils, it directly attacks our olfactory organs and send certain electrical signals to the cortex of our brain, causing a change in our emotions. Popular essential oils are: Rosemary oil, Lavender oil, Sandalwood oil, Peppermint oil, and Lemongrass oil. Some of the essential oils are toxic and strictly prohibited for oral consumption.
Aromatherapy is used for massaging patients, by applying a blend of essential oils and aromatic materials, to relieve some of their pain or to give a sense of relaxation and comfort. Alternatively, they mix it in a bathing tubs or spa, and offer a gentle massage so that the patient can inhale the aroma, as it slowly vaporises in the steam.
Originally started in France, now Aromatherapy is becoming popular all over the world. More and more people opt for Aromatherapy, because they use only natural materials, which offer them a sense of well being and good health. Some Aroma therapists claim to cure ‘snoring problems’ and other breathing problems with certain blends of essential oils. They may also offer relief for common cold and flu.
Aromatherapy is now well recognised in many parts of the world. Many universities and educational institutions offer fulltime or online courses, for aspiring candidates, who are interested to learn and practise ‘Aromatherapy’ as a complimentary medicine.
