Aromatherapy Basics
Aromatherapy is considered one of the country’s biggest businesses today! Need proof? Take a trip to every natural food and herb products store and you will see a variety of aromatherapy products on display. Although relatively new in the United States, aromatherapy’s popularity has escalated to unprecedented heights as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) since its “birth” in the 80s.
What is aromatherapy? There is still some controversy surrounding this topic. Some claim that aromatherapy is all about fragrances and is commonly perceived as anything that exudes sweet-smelling odor such as that of scented candles and potpourri. Some even claim that the oils used should not even be of natural origin. This is not the true element of aromatherapy. In its absolute meaning, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from natural botanical sources to influence the physiological and psychological well-being of an individual.
Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils for healing and therapeutic purposes, traces its origin back from the Neanderthal times. The method was so commonly used all throughout the ancient period that it transverses the boundaries of distance and culture. It was so widely practiced that you can see references from ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Indian, Roman, Tibetan, Australian and New Zealand, North American, South American and Middle Eastern sources.
What are essential oils and how are they used in aromatherapy? Essential oils are the volatile liquid products extracted from plant sources. These oils are extracted from the plant materials either through steam distillation, expression, or through the more recent method of supercritical CO2 extraction.
In steam distillation, steam is directed towards the plant material, which vaporizes the more volatile components of the plant. This process yields two products – the essential oil (contains oil soluble products) and hydrosol (containing water-soluble products). Rose water is one of the most popular hydrosols produced using this method.
Expression is more popularly used in extracting essential oils from citrus fruits. In this process, the peel of a citrus fruit is grated or scraped in order to release the oil. No heat is applied in this method so the oil produced smells essentially the same as that of its source. The oils from lime, lemon and grapefruit are obtained through this method.
In supercritical CO2 extraction, carbon dioxide is used to yield a high-grade extract which has a very similar composition as that of the natural material.
What conditions are usually treated by aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is effective for a wide range of conditions and ailments. Basil oil, for example, can be used to counter depression, sharpen the memory and treat headaches and migraines. Others have stimulating effects on the bodily systems such as the digestive and urinary tracts (bergamot oil) and the circulatory system (black pepper oil). Still others can be used as analgesic (clove oil), as topical antiseptics and disinfectants (tea tree oil, eucalyptus, sandalwood oil, etc.) and insect repellents (bergamot oil, citronella oil). Some even act as aphrodisiacs (Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang ylang oil)!
Applying the essential oil depends on the nature of the condition or ailment to be treated and the desired effects of the therapy. It can be through inhalation (proven to positively affect the psychological well-being of a person), topical application, or ingestion.
Although relatively safe, some people may experience allergic reactions to some of the oils. Cross-sensitivity, or the potential to experience allergic reactions to similar substances, may likewise be another possibility. This may be caused by the presence of adulterants in the oil that you are using. To be on the safe side, take extra precautions whenever using any products. Essential oils are very concentrated so for skin applications, remember to use a concentration not greater than 5% to avoid negative reactions. If you are going to employ inhalation methods, please be advised that exposure should not be more than 15 minutes in 1 hour.
When in doubt, always consult with a qualified practitioner.
Some wonderful tidbits of information. We humans are not the only ones who benefit from these wonderful oils. Plants use these naturally occurring essential oils in controlling and healing infections, humidity, hormonal effects and in attracting or repelling insects, birds and animals.
By: Michael Russell
About the Author:
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Aromatherapy
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Botanical Sources, Natural Food, Natural Origin
Aromatherapy Correspondence Courses
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment using fragrant natural oils such as lemon, rose, lavender and peppermint. These oils are usually added to the bath or massaged into the skin. Now, aromatherapy has become more popular and is treated as a complementary medicinal system for the relief of pain, to ease tension, in skin care, and also to invigorate the entire body. In addition to the regular courses, one can partake of aromatherapy as home study. Aromatherapy correspondence courses are meant to give students an in-depth understanding of essential oils, their uses and therapeutic properties.
Each aromatherapy correspondence program follows a modular strategy that covers all aspects of aromatherapy, starting from introduction and going on to an advanced series. These programs help a person to become an experienced aromatherapy practitioner or adviser. Many institutes conduct specialized training in aromatherapy by correspondence. The correspondence programs ensure a solid ground for participants in the use of various natural oils and their combinations.
Aromatherapy home study consists of basic courses, certified courses for those who have basic knowledge in aromatherapy, short term massage courses for teaching hands, and diploma and graduate courses in aromatherapy. A certificate is issued on the successful completion of each course. For students of correspondence courses, these institutes provide adequate support throughout the course. Schooling at home allows you to schedule the program, learn at your own speed and get the level of knowledge you desire. You can communicate with instructors and the institute through email, phone, mail or fax. In addition, there are postgraduate aromatherapy programs. The seminars, tutorials, and workshops for these courses are organized in various parts of America and also in other countries. National and international certification courses are also available.
The Atwood Institute for Research and Education, the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, and the Northeast Holistic Center are popular training centers offering aromatherapy correspondence courses.
By: Thomas Morva
About the Author:
Correspondence Courses provides detailed information on Correspondence Courses, Army Correspondence Courses, Bible Correspondence Courses, College Correspondence Courses and more. Correspondence Courses is affiliated with Graduate Distance Learning Programs.
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Adviser, Atwood, Graduate Courses
Benefits of Essential Oil and Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, the treatment using scents, is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils. Essential oils are complex, highly fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degrees of complexity, fragrance, and volatility. Aromatherapy stimulates the immune system, strengthens resistance to disease and helps to combat infections. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. Many essential oils are also superb skin care agents – balances sebum and tones complexion – and can heal athlete’s foot, cold sores, ringworm and scabies.
Aromatherapy is also extremely useful as a first aid measure for all the little accidents most likely to happen at home – minor burns and cuts – and common problems like sore throat, blocked or stuffy nose, etc. The benefits of using essential oils are as varied as the oils themselves. Physical pain that may be caused by stress and anxiety, such as muscle cramps or rheumatism, as well as digestive problems, are thought to respond particularly well. Aromatherapy can be used in different ways. It can be used as a “pot pourrie” style fragrance where a relaxing scent is released into the air. It can also be used during a massage for a totally relaxing experience. It is important that person giving the massage be experienced in aromatherapy techniques. Roses, jasmine, lotus blossoms, citrus flowers, and lavender are just a few of the flowers that are used to create the wonderful fragrances of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is also used as a medical aid to treat people who suffer from anxiety, stress and tension. The most common way for people to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home is with an aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy is very effected to treat stress related problems like insomnia. It has proved to work quite well on the majority of people. The benefits of aromatherapy can be dated back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. These cultures have known for centuries that aromatherapy can have many properties beneficial to overall mental health. Today, most of the flowers that are used in aromatherapy are grown around Egypt. The most recent discovery is that rose oil, which has always been associated with innocence and purity. It can also be used as an aphrodisiac with the right mixture of the right oils, and have been proven to be quite effective in that role.
Aromatherapy also works by absorbing essential oils into the skin and blood stream. Aromatherapy burners or diffusers can be used in order to create a soothing atmosphere in your bedroom that helps you relax. Aromatherapy candles can scent any room and have positive effect, too. Benzoin is warming, relaxing and sedative. It is very effective for emotional exhaustion, bronchitis, tension, coughs and insomnia. Neroli is non-toxic, non-irritant and relaxing. This essential oil is very effective for panic, irritability, shock and insomnia. Sweet marjoram is very effective to treat anxiety, catarrh, muscular pain, headaches, joint pain, colds and insomnia. Jasmine is soothing and relaxing. Some essential oils must be strictly avoided during pregnancy. People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme, while diabetics should avoid angelica oil.
By: Juliet Cohen
About the Author:
Juliet Cohen writes articles for aromatherapy and beauty tips. She also writes articles on makeup tips.
Categories: Aromatherapy Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromaterapia63, Cancer Patients, Cardiac Patients