Aromatherapy

The use of essential plant oils (the volatile, aromatic extracts of plants) to treat minor ailments, symptoms of long term illness, stress and emotional problems.

Essential oils are extracted from the roots, leaves, flowers, fruit, bark and wood of plants. They are the most potent plant extracts available - up to 70 times more concentrated than the whole plant and are composed of hundreds of chemicals, some of which can be toxic, and as such, need to be used with care and in small amounts.

History

The use of plant extracts has been recorded in many cultures for over 6,000 years and has formed the basis for much of modern pharmacology.

The specialised use of essential oils only developed after 1937 with the work of French chemist and perfumer René Gattefossé.

Philosophy

Aromatherapy has a holistic approach to treating illness. It uses naturally occurring essential oils from plants to encourage the body to heal itself. The essential oils act in synergy with each other to address both the physical symptoms being treated whilst also acting on the mental and emotional aspects which may be the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Treatment Techniques

The oils can be used in a range of ways: massages, hot and cold compresses, vaporisers, inhalations, poultices and baths.

In France (the home of aromatherapy) and Germany, aromatherapy is practiced mostly in the medical profession and oils are predominately ingested orally.

In the UK, US and Australia the use of aromatherapy is based mainly on massage, inhalation and vaporisation - relying on absorption of the oil components through the skin and nose.

Conditions Treated

Aromatherapy can be used to treat a range of minor ailments, symptoms of long term illness, stress and emotional problems. For relief of minor ailments and stress, people can self-prescribe and use essential oils at home; for treatment of significant health problems it is recommended that people consult a qualified aromatherapist.

Benefits

Aromatherapy can become an integral part of helping an individual to manage their own health and well being using a holistic, natural approach.