| Even before the term alternative medicine was | | | | acceptance of these factors is important: getting about |
| formally used, aromatherapy was already being | | | | 5 teaspoonsful of oil could entail the use more than |
| practiced 5000 years ago by Egyptians. At that time, | | | | 220 pounds of rose petals. This process is what |
| oil was extracted from aromatic plants through infusion | | | | makes pure essential oils costly, although their |
| and used for embalming, cosmetics and medicinal | | | | effectiveness is not compromised because a |
| purposes. This knowledge was passed on to the | | | | treatment can entail the use of only a few drops to |
| Greeks and served as the basis for more discoveries, | | | | generate the target effect. An option is the |
| including the relaxing and stimulating effects of the | | | | less-expensive synthetic oils, although they do not |
| fragrance of some flowers. Going back further, ancient | | | | offer the healing properties of their natural |
| man's dependence on the environment for all his basic | | | | counterparts. |
| needs and survival led him to discover natural ways of | | | | 5. How It Works |
| food preservation and the treatment of various | | | | Essential oils work by stimulating the olfactory system |
| conditions using herbs and aromatics. | | | | and later the brain or limbic system. The fragrance, |
| 1. Eastern Roots | | | | other properties and effects of the oil determine how |
| The use of aromatics is also reflected in a Chinese | | | | these body systems and their parts are stimulated. |
| herbal book by Shen Nung dated 2700 BC, showing | | | | During a massage, these oils are inhaled and absorbed |
| specific details on more than 300 plants and their | | | | by the body at the same time, penetrating the skin and |
| various applications. Ancient Chinese also burned | | | | eventually reaching the organs and body systems. The |
| incense and wood as part of religious practices that a | | | | absorption can be as short as 20 minutes and possibly |
| good number of their modern counterparts still observe | | | | extend to 2 hours or more, making some experts |
| today. Aromatics was also a part of acupressure, | | | | advise to avoid a shower or bathing immediately after |
| massage and other therapies identified with the | | | | the massage to maximize the desired effect. |
| Chinese. | | | | 6. Effects Last Days, Not Hours |
| 2. Modern Health Treatment | | | | The longevity of a fragrance also varies from 3-24 |
| Today, many individuals place a high premium on health | | | | hours to 2-3 days and even longer to about a week. |
| and well-being. The cost of traditional or conventional | | | | Eucalyptus, peppermintthyme, and bergamot are |
| medicine such as surgery and medicare, however, has | | | | among oils with a short-lived scent, while the scent of |
| made a high number of people turn to aromatherapy, | | | | hyssop, lavender, balm, and other oils last between 2-3 |
| or essential oils therapy, and other forms of alternative | | | | days. Jasmine, sandalwood, ginger and cedarwood are |
| medicine. | | | | among the oils that take as long as one week before |
| 3. Basics | | | | completely evaporating. |
| - Facilitates an equilibrium of physical, mental and | | | | 7. Achieve A Sense Of Calm |
| spiritual health through natural means | | | | The desired health balance of an individual also |
| - In some cases, these alternative treatments are now | | | | requires the creation of a balanced perfume, or a |
| considered as strong and effective complements to | | | | combination of the three types of oils based on |
| regular medicine | | | | longevity. These various combinations or |
| - The main component of aromatherapy is essential | | | | aromatherapy blends can be mixed into a warm bath |
| oils | | | | to relax and calm an individual, eliminate stress and |
| - Essential Oils are highly concentrated essences | | | | depression, energize and sooth the body or aching |
| known for their healing effects | | | | part. The healing or calming effect of a massage can |
| 4. Essential Oils | | | | be enhanced by applying essential oils. However, this |
| These aroma-producing oils come from the flower, as | | | | would require the use of carrier oils to prevent irritation |
| in the case of a rose; leaves (basil is an example); twig; | | | | or any other negative skin reaction. Some of these |
| bark; fruit rind and other plant parts. Experts say that | | | | carrier oils, which help dilute essential oils, include |
| the extraction process can be time-consuming, | | | | avocado oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, wheatgerm oil, |
| complex and require much patience. Recognition and | | | | almond oil, soya oil and hazelnut oil. |