‘Aroma therapy’ - a treatment through fragrance

The Word Perfume literally means ‘ through smoke ’ and it was by walking through the smoke of a fire, on to which a fragrant pot- pourri of scented woods and spices had been thrown, that the earliest perfumes were worn. Later, sticks of incense were burned in temples and the fragrant wreath of smoke offered up as a gift to please the gods. Today the context may have changed, but much of the magic remains. The fragrance or smell speaks its own language. The language may be soft and subtle fresh and surprising, mysterious and exotic, but the most important thing is that because smell develops, reacts and changes on your skin, it is a language that is entirely a science, a tradition practised for enhancement of beauty, to help cure or heal both body and mind. This fascinating art in today’s world of green age is better known as ‘Aroma therapy’ - a treatment through fragrance.

What is aroma therapy?

Aroma therapy is describes as a new sense for life, which is yet to be experienced by millions of people all over the world. As the name suggests, it is a science of smell which is often confused with herbalism. In fact they are two specialised branches of the same natural science, where as herbal therapy involves the use of the whole plant or herb, or it’s extract, In aroma therapy the most potent – the vital essence of the plants energy, the so called essential oils are used to enhance psychological and physical well being. In aroma therapy the main form of treatment is by simply putting the essential oils on your skin or deep massaging with them, either breathing them through your nose or putting them in your bath water, and skin care products. Beauty therapists who specialise in facial massage and reflexology treats scalp and hair also with expectant all based on aroma therapy. The growth of this therapy not only in India, but all over the world is so rapid that it has become a life style rather than a trend, through its unique synergy with nature.

How it works!!

Essential oils in aromatherapy are used through inhalation or as a topical application. The pleasant odour of the oils evaporated into the air using diffuser containers or sprays is inhaled through the nose. The smell receptors in the nose stimulates the brain function through nervous system which is linked to the part of the brain that plays a role in your emotions. It may respond in balancing stress, heart rate, breathing, memory, blood pressure, and hormones. The main form of treatment by inhaling or sniffing the aroma of the oils is to evoke the feeling of well being, relieve stress, lift depression, pain and headaches. It also has a pro- found effect on the mind and emotions, making a person to set a particular mood, to bring back the freshness.

The best effects though seem to be due to the effect of oil penetration through the skin itself, by giving massage, because the oils which are in use, have a light, watery consistency and have no toxic effects, they penetrate in the skin better than mineral oils, or synthetic creams, thus improving condition and functions of the skin at the cellular level, which in turn improves the texture and appearance of the skin. Even skin rejuvenation is also a definite possibility.

The other most important aspects of massaging with essential oils is detoxification. Many diseases and problems are due to accumulation of toxins and wastes. Most of the skin problems, associated with beauty are caused by skin congestion. Therefore, the elimination of accumulated toxins and wastes becomes necessary. Many essential oils while massaging on the skin give deep effect on lymph, blood and skin itself thus helping in reducing skin congestion.

Essential oils

Essential oils are the foundation of aroma therapy like all natural substances, they are organic in nature and are obtained usually by distillation from plants, herbs, seeds, woods, resins, flowers and fruits, based on the idea that the aromatic oil from the plant has healing properties. It takes a lot of plant product to make essential oil. In fact it takes a tonne of roses to extract a single litre of rose oil..! It is this potency of essential oil that makes aroma therapy appealing and most precious of all. Essential oils should not be confused with perfumes or other fragrance oils. Essential oils are natural to the plant whereas fragrance oils are chemically produced scents for colognes, perfumes and candles etc. Essential oils are never applied directly to the skin they must always be combined with a carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil or a lotion to dilute its strength and provide lubrication. Rose, lavender, jasmine, chamomile, eucalyptus, clove, mint camphor basil and tea tree are some of the names which indicate the wide variety of uses to which essential oils may be put.

Various types of essential oils have different uses and effects. learn about the most common here.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is useful for reducing pain, body aches and fatigue. Giving relaxation to the body it enhance the sleep. It also has some antiseptic properties. Jasmine

Jasmine oil helps in stimulating blood circulation, reduces, anxiety, agitation, stress and depression.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus essential oil can help in relieving nasal congestion. Reduces arthritis pain and is used in skin problems and mosquito repellents.

Clove

Clove essential oil is a natural analgesic or pain killer commonly used for tooth ache and headaches. It also prevents nausea and has anti fungal properties.

Basil

Basil essential oil reduces stress and depression and helps in improving mood. It may relieve headaches and migraines and can be used as antiseptics for skin problems, for minor bruises and cuts.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and disinfectant qualities. It is commonly used in skin care and hair care products. Hair products having tea tree oil reduces hair loss and promotes hair lustre and growth.

Aromatherapy treatment through fragrance is fast catching up as an alternative form of cure and beauty care which indeed is not a temporary trend but is definitely here to stay. What it all need is useful guidelines of expertise in this direction as many of us misuses this art due to the lack of knowledge.