Aromatherapy
How Does It Work?
"Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul." ~Oscar Wilde~
One of the ways aromatherapy works is through smell, because of the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning, through the olfactory system.
Essential
oils used in aromatherapy stimulate our powerful sense of smell which is a primordial link to our
brains.
We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells and it is also well known that smells have a significant impact on how we feel.
As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located
inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods,
our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the limbic system and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters
and other "feel-good" chemicals.
Certain studies involving brain wave frequency indicated for instance that
smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are
associated with relaxation and the fragrance of jasmine increases beta waves in
the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.
Life Without Fragrance.
Doctors have found, when dealing with patients with anosmia that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression.
Anosmia is to smell, as blindness is to sight, or deafness is to
hearing. Anosmics cannot detect scents of any kind.
Aromatherapy also works by absorbing the essential oils that have been extracted
from plants, fruits, herbs and flowers into the blood stream.
When an aromatic essential oil (diluted) permeates our skin through the bath or a massage, it activates thermal receptors, killing microbes and fungi.
When the oil penetrates
the epidermis, it also stimulates our sophisticated lymph duct system, and
enters the bloodstream, eventually delivering well-being to our frayed and
frazzled minds.
This method is perfectly safe and if you've ever rubbed a fragrant lotion, cream
or ointment into your skin or received an aromatherapy massage, you've already indulged in a
form of aromatherapy.
Scientific studies have established that essential oils used in aromatherapy contain chemical components that can exert certain specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes.
Aromatherapy Methods of Application Table
| METHOD | PROCEDURE | DOSAGE | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massage | Use a massage couch and cover the patient with towels, exposing areas one at a time. Massage for up to 90 minutes | 7-10 drops (1.5- 2%) in 25ml (1 fl oz) of carrier oil, for a complete massage (adult dose) | Benefits physical and psychological problems. Good for muscular fatigue and aching, nervous tension, and anxiety |
| Ointments and creams | These require a cream base, preferably made from cold-pressed vegetable oil. Apart from essential oil, one may add herbal oils such as calendula and hypericum, at 10-20% | 5-20 drops (0.5-2%) in a 50g (2 oz) jar or tub | Higher dose of 2% may be applied to bruises, sprains, painful joints, and the chest and back for respiratory ailments. Lower dose of 0.5% is for sensitive or inflamed skin |
| Compress | Add essential oil to a bowl of either hot or cold water. Place a cloth on the water and wring out. Apply to affected area for 5 minutes. Repeat 2-4 times | 3-5 drops in a 600mls (one pint) bowl of water | Hot compresses are suitable for cold conditions characterized by a fixed, cramping pain, worse in cold weather. Cold ones are for hot, swollen conditions, and pain of a "burning" nature |
| Steam Inhalation | Add essential oil to a bowl of boiled water. Draping a towel over the head, breathe in the steam for 1-2 minutes only. Repeat 2-4 times | 2-3 drops in a 600mls (one pint) bowl of water | Effective for respiratory complaints, including: bronchial and sinus congestion; coughs and bronchitis; and sore throats, colds, and influenza |
| Bath | Add essential oil to very warm bath water, vigorously stirring in the drops to ensure full and safe dispersal. Allow time for a good, relaxing soak | 4-6 drops (adult) 3-5 drops (13-16yrsS 2-4 drops (10-12yrs) 1-3 drops (7-9 yrs) 1-2 drops (4-6yrs) 1 drop (under 3yrs) | The ultimate way to relax. Especially beneficial for nervous tension and tired, sore muscles. For insomnia, bathe in oils such as lavender, orange, and chamomile before going to bed |
| Vaporization | Add essential oil to a burner (containing water), or a dish of water that can be safely warmed. Or use an electric nebuliser (without water) | 5-20 drops in a burner or dish; 20-200 drops in a nebuliser | A burner is best employed for the psychotherapeutic purposes of mood enhancement and upliftment. A nebuliser is preferable for disinfecting the air and to improve breathing |
One way of choosing the correct oil is to know their Colour Vibrations.
