Aromatherapy

Archive for October, 2006

There can be no doubt that the full richness of an aroma is most perfectly captured in the living plant itself. When one enters an environment where the air is vibrating with the fragrant symphony of invisible molecules charged with the life impulse of a delicate flower or herb, it often influences the heart and mind in a deep and penetrating way. It can awaken memories of precious moments in the life journey or can unlock doors of perception, which give one a glimpse of a sublime life that is filled with wonder and hope. For thousands of years those intrigued by the mysteries of aroma, have sought ways and means of capturing those essences so that the powerful emotions and feelings evoked by fragrance in its natural state can be recreated even in the midst of the routine of everyday life. Most have found that one of the best ways to capture that scent is through the use of absolutes in a daily aromatherapy regimen.

Today many of us living in the crowded conditions of cities and towns are seeking for means of reconnecting to a natural world. In many cases essences derived from botanical resources help us establish a rainbow bridge into times, places and environments that speak to us of a rich inner life that is based upon a refined outlook on existence rather than the frantic accumulation of material goods. It may be that these sublime aromas speak to us of the of the wisdom and knowledge to be gained from “listening” to the trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers that have been our friends and companions for thousands of years. But no matter how we wish to explain the impact these aromas have on us, we can certainly say that it “exists”, and that with a little interest on our part we can directly participate in exploring this world by entering into the domain of natural perfumery, or some other branch of the aromatic arts, crafts or sciences.

A significant amount of information has appeared in recent years with regards to the world of absolutes in aromatherapy. In this discipline there is a strong emphasis on the therapeutic value of essential oils and hydrosols. More and more research has been devoted to exploring the scientific basis of the benefit of this therapy. There is also a growing body of knowledge based on practical experiences of those engaged in this work. It reveals the important role the human interaction plays in the healing process. Often times those engaged in this work have a true sympathy and understanding of the people that come to them and take the time to help their patients develop a new attitude towards themselves and life. The oils aside from their specific therapeutic uses, also help to create an open atmosphere where positive communication can take place. One of the special attributes of natural aromatic essences is that they help a person relax and feel comfortable in unfamiliar environments.

The world of aromatic plants provides the raw material for distilling/extracting a wide range of sublime essences in the form of absolutes, essential oils, attars, CO2 extracts and hyrosols. One of the most interesting ways to use plant essences, though, is absolutes. In most cases, absolutes are the most concentrated form of an essential oil. Where most plant essences are made through steam distillation, absolutes are made with the use of chemical expression, concentrating them further than most people could ever imagine. This process usually begins when the plant material is soaked in hexane. After that occurs, it goes through a double distillation process at a low temperature. The resulting product is diluted with alcohol and filtered. For some plant essences, this is the only way to use the essential oil properly. For example, this is the only way that plants like jasmine and honeysuckle can be extracted. Absolutes are typically only used in the fragrance industry, but there are many ways that you can introduce them into your daily aromatherapy regimen. It is essential to note, though, that absolutes, unlike some other forms of plant essences, can contain materials that may provoke allergic reactions in some people. Using absolutes in your next aromatherapy experience may provide the enhancement you’ve been searching for.

The word “scented” appears on everything from perfumes to household cleaning products. Increasingly, people are aware of the benefits that can be achieved through our sense of smell and are incorporating aromatherapy into their beauty and holistic health care regimens.

Aromatherapy is a completely natural form of therapy that promotes relaxation, relieves symptoms of certain ailments and promotes mental and physical well-being. In its practice, essential oils are inhaled, massaged into the skin or added to a hot bath. According to many aroma therapists and holistic health practitioners, the fragrances of the essential oils, which are highly concentrated plant extracts, have a soothing effect on the brain’s limbic system, the part of your mind involved in memory, emotion and control of hormones. Many experts believe that aromatherapy relaxes the muscles and quiets the brain when applied correctly.

Aromatherapy, though, is not a new concept. Ancient civilizations used plant extracts and fragrances for anointment in religious ceremonies, as healing ointments, and to boost the overall mood of citizens. We have plenty of archaeological data regarding Egyptian culture, which used resins and plant extracts in their ceremonies and medical practices. Western medicine, however, discarded the evident health benefits during the 1800’s, which generally rejected holistic medical practices in favor of their newer scientific discoveries.

Then, in 1928, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, applied lavender oil to a burn on his hand, easing his pain and minimizing the scar. This led him to continue to research this lost art of healing, and he soon coined the word “aromatherapy” citing the many positive benefits that aromatic oils had on the human body.

What makes aromatherapy make sense as an alternative treatment? While it is rarely thought of as a cure or used as the sole treatment for any ailment, aromatherapy achieves positive health benefits for the body on both the physical and mental levels. The fragrance is carried to the brain through the body’s sensory receptors. The brain, in turn, reacts to the fragrance. When the fragrance hits the brain, the effects can be calming, invigorating, relaxing or stimulating depending upon the fragrance used. The oils can also be carried into the body through the skin via massage or submersion in a bath, carrying the healthful properties into the body through the pores. Each essential oil, highly concentrated and carefully produced for purity, either calms or stimulates the skin when applied.

The right fragrances can trigger an emotional reaction, called the “nose brain connection.” According to scientists, olfactory nerves that connect to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland pick up odor molecules as they travel through the nose. Our limbic system creates a response to the smell, either in the form of a thought or a memory. This causes a response in our thought processes and mood, thus releasing into the body the chemicals that soothe and relax, or that invigorate and stimulate us.

This response is the reason holistic practitioners have been adding aromatherapy to their health care regimes, as have massage therapists and other health professionals. Combining the positive benefits of touch with the enhancement of essential oils and aromatherapy, massage therapists have been very successful in providing their clients with the release of tension inside the muscle tissues and the calming of the mind at the same time. Clients report that aromatherapy added to their massage sessions go deeper and last longer than without the addition of aromatherapy.

If you are interested in aromatherapy, some of these tips might help. Pour a few drops of essential oils into the palm of your hand, and then deeply inhale the fragrance. You could also pour 10-20 drops of an essential oil into hot bathwater before soaking. Infusers, oil warmers and diffusers are also effective tools in dispensing the aromas of essential oils. Remember, these oils are highly concentrated, and a few might be toxic, so never ingest an essential oil. Also, because of the high concentration, a few drops of an essential can contain the extract of an entire plant. It’s also important to dilute the oil in a carrier-oil before applying it directly to the skin. When used alone, aromatherapy is a powerful tool to promote wellness and healing. See how it can change your sense of well being.