About Aromatherapy - The Art and the Science

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Sedona Aromatherapie is an Oak Creek Enterprises Incorporated Company
Sedona, Arizona

The term aromatherapy, or perhaps it is more appropriate to use the term aromatherapie, as its language of origin was French, was coined in 1928 by the French Chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Amazingly, it was by some accident that Gattefosse 're-discovered' the powerful and natural effects of what we today commonly call 'essential oils'. Gattefosse severely burned his hand, whilst carrying out his work, and plunged it into the nearest container, thinking it was water, when it fact it was a vat of lavender. To his surprise, his hand did not bear the burn scarring that he feared, and thus 'aromatherapie' was born.

What is Aromatherapy?

Of course, the roots of aromatherapy can be traced much further back in history, all the way back to ancient times. Many civilizations have recognized, and used, the benefits of aromatherapy in one form or another, before it emeged today in its present form. The earliest recorded use of aromatherapy can be attributed to the use of plants and plant extracts in the use of medicine and for personal hygiene in places such as India, Egypt, Greece and, later in time, the Romans. However, it is likely that it was in use long before even these early beginnings and record keeping.

Did you know??? In the 17th century, early English 'alternative' practitioners were commonly seen as witches, and were burnt at the stake, as fear of the 'wise woman's' knowledge was invoked by the medical profession wishing to suppress that which was 'new'.

Defining Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is both an art and a science. Strictly speaking, the use of plants in earlier times is not how we define the practice of aromatherapy today. Aromatherapy is basically a therapy using the 'aromas' of the plants, and not the use of the plants themselves. It is these 'aromas', which we call essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy to help with any number of ailments and to induce certain moods.

Essential oils are the 'life blood' of the plant.The essential oils of the plant can be ontained in a number of places. They are in the glandular hairs, glands, veins or sacs of a plant, grass or tree. Oil can be extracted from flowers, leaves, trees, roots, and the fruit.

The Science

Flowers - the lifeblood od essential oils and aromatherapy.

Essential oils are volatile (from the latin volare - to fly), which means they evaporate at or above room temperature. Heat releases the fragrance of the oils, hence the wonderful feelings generated by a walk through a summer garden! In the winter these fragrances are less noticeable as the cooler air prevents easy evaporation of the oils
from plants.

A final noteworthy fact is, despite their name, essential oils are in fact non-oily. The extraction of these oils is a lengthly and sometimes costly process, hence the wide variation in the cost of, for instance, rose oil, which is extremely difficult to extract in large quantities, to something such as orange, which is far more easily extracted. If a 'true' essential oil feels oily to you, its probably not a pure essential oil and been adulterated, as some suppliers do, due to the high costs involved in pure extraction techniques.

Did you know??? It takes about 60,000 roses to produce just one ounce of essential oil!

The Art

It is these oils which can have a number of effects on the body and help with a number of ailments. They can be used in a variety of ways - inhalation, massage, lotions and oils, compresses, baths, and, in some cases of an experienced aromatherapist, used neat. They can be stimulative or relaxing, depending on the quantity used, the oil used and for which ailment. Oils can be combined together to produce different effects. This produces what is known as a synergistic blend of oils, personally 'adjusted' to help your particular ailment. In short, using essential oils can produce varying results, and thus the experienced aromatherapist is skilled in producing a unique blend of essential oils that cater to your specific need.

What can I use aromatherapy for?

There isn't much that aromatherapy hasn't been used for! Aromatherapy may be used for helping the conditions in the following, by no means exhaustive, list:

Stress, back problems, asthma, arthritis, depression, burns, pregnancy related problems, childhood ailments, menstrual and menopausal problems, coughs and colds, circulation problems, headaches, skin problems, insect repellants and bites - and much, much more. It can also be used in various ways around the home from air fresheners to household cleaning. And it can be used in beauty treatments as well.

Is it suitable for me?

Whether you are old or young, mother or child, aromatherapy can be used, if you gain advice from a qualified and experienced aromatherapist. This is particularly important in the use with children and mothers-to-be, as quanties often should be reduced and, in some cases, certain oils should only be used with care, or not at all. The elderly may be advised to reduce the amount of essential oils used in lotions and oils as well.

I have taken additional post-graduate courses in using aromatherapy in pregnancy, and for babies and children, and would be happy to advise on your particular situation.

Are there any side effects?

If used correctly and in the correct quantities, there are very little side effects to essential oils, when compared to the use of conventional drug treatments. It is best however, to consult an experienced aromatherapist to gain the best advice on using essential oils both effectively and safely. If used incorrectly or in the wrong quantities (especially in the case of babies and children) there may be some strong adverse reactions, simply because the person was not experienced in what they were doing. Used correctly, essential oils are extremely beneficial and almost entirely risk free.