AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is as old as nature itself. The scents of flowers, trees, and other plants have always had an impact on other life forms.

Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome were familiar with the use of aromatherapy oils. And while modern exploration of this wonderful form of therapy became more widespread in the last century, the healing properties of these truly natural oils have been confirmed in the laboratories of leading universities and research institutes worldwide. These potent essential oils have produced remarkable results on pain, infl ammation, infection, depression, dementia, and many other symptoms.

The great thing about aromatherapy is . . . everything. Fragrant scented oils are gently applied through massage or inhaled after being diffused into the air. It seems too good to be effective medicine but an experienced aromatherapist can achieve excellent results through the application of the correct essential oil. The science behind aromatherapy involves signals transmitted from cells in the nose to the brain. The message sent to the brain varies with the scent or scents detected by the nose. The brain then transmits signals to the rest of the body, which again acts accordingly.

Aromatherapy oil may consist of a single plant oil or a combination of many different oils from many species. The oils frequently have more than one therapeutic use based on their properties.

The three main classifications are “uplifting,” “balancing,” and “calming.”

Choosing the appropriate oil also involves choosing high-quality oils. The therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy are greatly diminished if the processing compromises the product (i.e., the integrity of the plant or plants). You are not likely to find quality aromatherapy products in most of the “bath and body” chain stores or department stores, including many popular ones. And remember: the last thing you want in your detoxification program is more chemicals, so avoid oils that are labelled “fragrance” or include ingredients other than oils from the plant or plants they are supposed to comprise. Choose only high-quality oils to avoid toxic, rancid oils that are common in bath and beauty stores.