What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be utilised to improve health and prevent disease. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways:

• Massage (most used method)
• Baths (add a few drops to warm water)
• Inhalations (not for asthmatics)

Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions.

Essential Oils
An essential oil is an aromatic, volatile substance extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression. Essential oils have been utilised in fragrances, flavours and medicines for thousands of years. There are some 400 essential oils extracted from plants all over the world. Some of the popular oils used in aromatherapy today include chamomile, lavender, rosemary and tea tree.

Is there any evidence?
Research has shown that when they are applied to the skin or inhaled, essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised in the body, similar to other substances. Many essential oils possess significant anti-microbial properties, in both liquid and vapour form. Clinical trials have shown that tea tree oil is highly effective in treating thrush. Another study has shown that aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was significantly more effective than both plain oil massage and a control group, in reducing heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and pain in patients in a hospital intensive care unit. There are many studies that demonstrate how essential oils can positively affect mood and the sense of well-being. (Woolfson, A & Hewitt, D (1992) Intensive Aromacare, International Journal of Aromatherapy 4(2) pp.12-13).

What happens in a typical aromatherapy session?
The aromatherapist will ask questions about your medical history, general health and lifestyle. This will help him or her decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you as an individual.The aromatherapist may wish to contact your GP, with your permission, to inform him or her that you are receiving aromatherapy treatments. After selecting and blending appropriate essential oils, the aromatherapist will usually apply the oils in combination with massage. A session normally lasts for 60 to 90 minutes, and usually costs between £20 and £40.

Information from the Aromatherapy Consortium www.aromatherapy-regulation.org.uk