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what is it?
Natural oils extracted from plants, known as 'essential oils', are used to enhance well-being and bring emotional and physical benefits. Each plant oil has a particular scent and is said to have different therapeutic properties. Some, like geranium, are calming; others, like rosemary, are uplifting or stimulating. Or they may have medicinal qualities. Tea tree and lavender are antiseptic; peppermint and eucalyptus are decongestant.
Aromatherapy is one of the most popular and widely available complementary therapies in the UK. Essential oils can be bought over the counter for self treatment or are applied in an aromatherapy massage by a practitioner.
The use of plant oils for healing and relaxation has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Myrrh and frankincense, for example, are mentioned in the Bible and Hippocrates, the father of medicine, wrote in the 4th century BC, 'The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage every day.'
Modern interest in the benefits of essential oils was aroused in the early 20th century by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who was impressed by the healing powers of lavender when applied to a burn. Some French doctors use essential oils medically, prescribing them for certain conditions, such as cystitis, thrush, constipation, skin problems and stress.
Essential oils are extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves and stalks of plants. The most common method of doing this is distillation, in which the plant is boiled in water and the aromatic vapour condensed and collected. High quality oils are ideally organic and must be free of synthetic additives.
what it's supposed to do
Aromatherapy is claimed to benefit people rather than treat illnesses. Its most effective use lies in relieving stress and thus it may help stress-related conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches, depression and digestive disorders. Muscle pain, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms and colds may also be helped.
Most oils possess several properties but the most common qualities are sedative, calming, stimulating, uplifting, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, analgesic and decongestant.
Alcohols, ketones, phenols and other chemical compounds in the plant oils are said to be responsible for their different therapeutic properties. Molecules of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream, either through the skin in massage or by inhalation through the nose and lungs. These pass to the olfactory centres in the brain where they are thought to act on the hypothalamus, which influences mood and the hormonal system.
what happens
If treating yourself at home, a few drops of essential oil can be added to the bath for relaxation or energising. To induce a certain mood, a vaporiser scents a room by heating a few drops in water over a candle. Medicinal oils like eucalyptus can be inhaled from a bowl of steaming water, or a drop or two sniffed on a tissue or handkerchief.
An aromatherapy massage is a very effective and agreeable way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. A few drops of the desired oil are diluted in the vegetable carrier oil that the practitioner uses for massage . This is usually based on Swedish massage techniques that aim to induce relaxation, improve circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system to flush away toxic wastes. Some therapists also work on acupressure points.
Essential oils are often included in beauty facials. If you are having a body massage, be prepared to undress completely or to your underpants. Aromatherapy massage sessions can be anything from 30 to 90 minutes.
what's the evidence?
The psychological effects of smell are well-documented, but what biological pathways relate particular scents to specific results are less clear. Studies show that massage with essential oils of lavender or neroli can relieve anxiety in hospital patients but researchers have found little evidence of direct physical effects on the brain and suggest that any benefits are in the mind.
A study is underway at the Medicinal Plant Research Centre, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, supported by the Mental Health Foundation, to determine if a component in melissa oil may raise levels of a brain chemical that is deficient in people with Alzheimer's disease. Another multicentre study, funded by cancer charities, is currently looking into whether aromatheray can relieve anxiety and improve quality of life in cancer patients.
Neuropsychiatrists at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, found that certain oils, particularly jasmine, seem to prevent epileptic seizures.
precautions
Go to the safety first section of 'before you start' for some general precautions to take into account when considering a complementary therapy.
- Do not take essential oils internally (unless supervised by a medically qualified practitioner).
- Never apply undiluted essential oils to the skin (except tea tree and lavender).
- Keep essential oils away from naked flames and out of the reach of children.
- Take care inhaling essential oils if you suffer from asthma or nosebleeds.
- Consult a qualified aromatherapist if you are pregnant, epileptic or have high blood pressure.
how to find a practitioner
Aromatherapy is an unregulated profession which means that anyone can call themselves an aromatherapist and set up a school or college. Aromatherapy organisations are working towards self-regulation, seeking agreement on educational and training standards, a code of ethics and disciplinary procedures. The Aromatherapy Organisations Council will provide a list of member associations and training establishments. Ask your aromatherapist if they belong to a professional association.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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