Aromatherapy

High-tech whirlpools and steam showers are increasingly used as therapeutic aids, both for the delivery of moist heat and for hydro massage. But beyond conventional therapy, they are also used in treatment programs of holistic medicine. Aromatherapy is one element of such treatment.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils from various plant sources to improve one's health.

Essential oils have long been held to convey certain healing properties, but the term 'aromatherapy' was not coined until the 1930's. In the 21st century, demand for legitimate aromatherapy products continues to grow rapidly as people seek to reduce stress and improve their general health.

The practice deals with the inhalation of the vapors of 'essential oils', or the volatile essences of plants, obtained mainly from steam distillation of various plant components.

As they are inhaled, the oil vapors stimulate the body's nervous, endocrine and immune systems. These impulses not only cause physiological benefits, but emotional and psychological ones as well. Oftentimes the psychological effects outweigh the physical ones.

One of the most delightful ways of experiencing an aromatherapy treatment is in the bath. Add up to 10 drops to the water just before getting in, swoosh the water and let yourself unwind and relax ... or surround yourself with scented candles while soaking.

There are approximately 300 essential oils and related natural aromatic products currently available. But true aromatherapy is not simply a matter of using fragrant products.

Over the past few years, many companies have capitalized on aromatherapy's popularity by marketing scented products derived from petrochemicals rather than natural plant oils.

Such fragrances don't convey the therapeutic benefits of natural oils; they just smell good. There is now a growing trend to label 'true aromatherapy products' with the designation 'TAP', and to identify essential oils on the label by their Latin binomials.

It takes years of training and experience to understand how the various essences affect one's health. An experienced aroma therapist, however, can help a client develop a 'custom blend' of oils that will create the effect he is seeking.

See Also:

Links to Related Websites:
Aroma Web
Health World: Aromatherapy

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