Aromatherapy

Does the scent of a vanilla candle remind you of your grandmother's kitchen?  Has the scent of citrus made you feel more alert or less sleepy?  If so, you intuitively understand the concept of aromatherapy.  Smell has a powerful influence on our bodies and minds.  Aromatherapy is a treatment designed to affect the whole person, not just a specific symptom or disease.  By applying naturally extracted essences (oils) from plants, trees and herbs, aromatherapists assist the body's natural ability to balance, regulate heal and maintain itself.

Aromatherapy works by stimulating nerve cells in the nasal cavity and sending impulses to the limbic system, an area of the brain associated with emotions and memory.  Today, there are approximately 150 essential oils that can be used singly or in combination.  Each essential oil has distinctive therapeutic, psychological and physiological properties that improve or prevent illness.  Some of these oils have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, antidepressant or expectorant properties, while others stimulate, relax, aid digestion or act as a diuretic.

Typically, the oils are mixed with bland oil (such as vegetable oil) and applied directly to the skin as a massage.  They may also be inhaled or they can be added to bathwater.  Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of applications, including relief of pain, skin care or to alleviate tension and fatigue.  Aromatherapy has also been very successful as a pain reliever for women in labor or for the pain caused by the side effects of chemotherapy.

While many individual oils can be purchased in health-food stores or pharmacies, to maximize the benefits and treat specific conditions, it is best to consult with an experienced aromatherapy practitioner with clinical training, who can help you choose and mix a blend of oils customized especially for your condition.