Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that uses the essential oils found in plants for their healing or medicinal properties. Although its name suggests that it is primarily a form of aroma or smell therapy, the essential oils are, in fact, intended mainly to be absorbed into the body via the skin, through massage, the lungs, and through inhalation. Aromatherapy is widely used to reduce stress, rejuvenate and detoxify the body, and to treat specific conditions.

There are several things to be concerned about when using essential oils, in addition to the purity of the oils themselves. Some oils should not be applied directly to the skin in full strength. Some individuals experience a skin reaction to certain oils when they are applied, whereas others suffer skin irritation from overuse. Even more serious are instances in which oils are incorrectly taken internally. Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or epilepsy should never treat themselves, and young children and pregnant women should be especially careful.

Aromatherapy is believed to rejuvenate both the mind and the body. As far back as the time of the Egyptians, fragrant oils were used for bathing and massage, and plant fragrances were used against the plague in both ancient and medieval times. In the 1930s, aromatherapy became a specialized branch of herbal medicine.

Aromatherapy consists of using essential oils, which are the concentrated substances produced by plants. Aromatherapists select particular oils for certain conditions such as repelling insects or enemies, storing energy, or attracting pollinating insects. Each oil has its own scent, as well as its own claimed healing characteristics. Some oils. such as tea tree oil, are considered antiseptic, some relaxing, and others stimulating.

When the oils enter the body through inhalation or absorption, the process can be as simple as putting a drop of oil on a handkerchief or a few drops into steaming water. Massage is the most common form of absorbing the oils directly into the body through the skin, and is considered the most effective method.

A visit to an aromatherapist could last as long as an hour and a half and usually begins with an interview. After the therapist gains an understanding of the patient's concerns and needs, the therapist will select a blend of oils and mix them in a neutral carrier, usually a vegetable oil. The patient then undresses and lies on a massage table covered by a towel, the therapist begins the massage. The massage may usually lasts about an hour is usually gentle and relaxing. For maximum results, the patient may be advised not to shower for a few hours.

Proponents of aromatherapy claim that the body is affected directly, since the tiny molecular structure of the oils allows them to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Depending on the particular healing properties of the specific oil, the oil produces an internal effect that can be antiviral, diuretic, or anti-inflammatory. Other oils energize, relax and support the immune system, or detoxify the body.

Depression

Research has shown great benefit in using aromatherapy with depression. Aromatherapy is a therapy that uses essential oils for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health. Essential oils are a concentrated liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from aromatic herbs or plants.

Aromatherapists often use a combination of gentle massage techniques while gently dropping the essential oils onto the body. The oils can also be diffused into the air in heated water or a mechanical device. Each oil is thought to have a specific pharmacological effect that occurs after transdermal resorption.

A number of studies have successfully used aromatherapy for improving mood. In one study, 20 depressed men on antidepressants were divided into two groups; 1) Twelve were exposed to citrus fragrance in the air, and 2) Eight received placebo. The aromatherapy group was able to substantially reduce their antidepressant dosage. A study of 288 cancer patients with clinical anxiety and/or depression noted that those treated with aromatherapy massage had lower anxiety and depression compared with those receiving usual care after 6 weeks of treatment.

Anxiety

The use of aromatherapy essential oils in the treatment of anxiety has been well documented. In a number of trials, aromatherapy has alleviated anxiety and stress. Placebo-controlled research with 52 subjects tested the use of lavender, ylangylang, and bergamot essentials oils used once daily for 4 weeks. The study, performed at the Geochang Provincial College in Korea, evaluated the benefits of aromatherapy for the treatment of anxiety. At the 4-week mark, the blood pressure, pulse, subjective stress, state anxiety, and serum cortisol levels among the aromatherapy group were significantly lower.

A trial at the Institute of Psychiatry in London studied 288 cancer patients referred to complementary therapy services with clinical anxiety and/or depression. Participants were allocated randomly to a course of aromatherapy massage or usual supportive care alone. Six weeks later, the patients who had received aromatherapy massage had lower anxiety and depression compared with those receiving usual care. At the 10-week mark, the results held, leading researchers to suggest that aromatherapy massage can have long terms benefits.

Aromatherapists emphasize that essential oils can affect the chemical activity of the brain and therefore produce both psychological and physical changes.

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