What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary system of healing that uses pure essential oils, for healing, general preventative care and physical well-being. These aromatic oils are distilled from various parts of flowers, herbs, plants, fruits, grasses and trees which can have various different therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties. There are a wide variety of these oils from most countries of the world.
The distilled oils are very volatile (they evaporate easily) they are also very powerful and are used in small amounts. They are mainly of a thin water-like consistency but some like sandalwood and myrrh are more viscous. Colours of the oils also vary; some are nearly colourless others can be light green, red, brown or blue.

The method of extraction is usually via steam distillation or cold-pressed from flowers. When extracted, the retrieved essential oil is a very concentrated liquid that contains the aroma and therapeutic properties of the plant from which it extracted. It is important that nothing should be added or removed from this oil if it is to be used in aromatherapy, this will result in maximum therapeutic benefits.

Essential oils can be used in different ways, including massage, bathing and inhalation. When essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional centre of the brain, or “limbic system”. The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing, and blood circulation, as well as the endocrine glands that regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects, determine stimulation of these systems.
When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body. Different oils are thought to act on the body in different ways, having a relaxing, energising, calming or uplifting effect.

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History of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a long history and there are many references to it in ancient writings. In Ancient Egypt oils were widely used. Skilled priests and physicians blended aromatic oils with herbs and animal fats to make healing ointments. Temple incenses (still used in churches today), fragrant cosmetics and perfumes were also created from essential oils and resins; popular among these were myrrh and frankincense. The Egyptian embalming and mummification process also made use of essences like frankincense, cedar wood, juniper and myrrh.
Cleopatra was an avid user of essential oils and fragrances, she was noted for bathing several times a day using essences such as orange blossom, rose and cedar wood.
The Romans were keen on aromatic oils, they used them in their daily bating and massages in the many steam rooms popular in Rome.
The Greek civilisation saw the increase in holistic physicians who advocated the healing power of plants. Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, recommended aromatic baths and massages to promote and maintain good health. Another Greek, Dioscorides was responsible for writing “Materia Medica” a vast volume detailing the attributes of medicinal plants.
In the 10th. Century the Egyptians discovered and perfected the skill of steam distillation which made it possible to extract essential oils from plants: a process still used today.
Soldiers returning from the Crusades brought back scents from Arabia, they were copied and added to by European physicians and proved to be very popular.
In the 17th. Century the famous physician and astrologer Nicholas Culpeper wrote his “Herball” which contained details of many different plants, herbal oils and their various different uses
In the late 17th. And 18th. Century perfume became increasingly popular, as bathing was not common it was used to mask body odours and those that afford perform used it plentifully.
The 19th. Century saw new advances in drug therapy and the use of more traditional remedies declined. Later, at the start of the 20th. Century the possible side-effects from drugs became apparent.
The knowledge of medicinal plants still survived and now scientists began to research them again. At the same time a French cosmetic scientist, Rene Gattefosse, whose main interest was the potential cosmetic use of plants, accidentally discovered the antiseptic and healing powers of essential oils. He was involved in an accidental explosion whilst working in his laboratory and received severe burns to an arm, he plunged the injured arm into a vat of lavender oil. This action surprisingly resulted in his arm healing quickly and left minimal scarring. In the 1920’s Gattefosse introduced the word Aromatherapie to the language and 8yrs. later published a book of the same name.
Around the same time in Italy Dr.Cajola and Dr. Gatti were researching the effects of plant essences on physical health and mental and emotional condition.
During the Second World War a French surgeon Dr. Jean Valner raised the profile of Aromatherapy when he pioneered the use of essential oils to treat battle wounds and later the treatment of psychiatric patients.
The work of Dr. Valner brought about a rekindling of interest in Aromatherapy among his fellow professionals and the public in general. In 1964 an Austrian biochemist further advanced interest and knowledge of Aromatherapy through her research and writing on the subject,

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How does Aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy historically has been linked with perfume and our sense of smell. Slowly through research it was discovered that by introducing the essences into our body they could affect our physical and emotional wellbeing.
The essential oils or essences enter the body by two methods, inhalation or absorption (occasionally they can be taken orally but this must only be under the direction of a suitably qualified person)
Inhaling the essential oils causes tiny droplets to enter our lungs from where some then enter the bloodstream. It is also known we have a massive capacity to recognize different smells. These smells affect the limbic area of the brain, which is the area that controls our moods, memory, emotions and learning.
Absorption can occur via aromatherapy massage or aromatic baths (both these method also generate vapours which are absorbed through inhalation).
The essential oils when created are usually strong so are diluted by a base oil making them easily absorbed through the skin. After permeating the skin the oils are transported via the bloodstream and tissue fluids and influence the specific organs they have bee chosen to affect.

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What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a non-invasive holistic therapy that can be self=administered or by a trained Aromatherapist.
Essential oils can be stimulating or soothing, some relieve pain and muscle tension, and most oils are antibacterial. Aromatherapy treatment benefits the body, mind, emotions and spirit. It strengthens resistance to disease and helps to combat infections.

• Enhances current well-being
• Aids in improvement of health
• Works with emotions (for balance and well-being)
• Spiritual Guidance
• Purification of Environment
• Aid in boosting immune, respiratory, circulatory systems
Essential oils can be stimulating or sedating, some relieve pain and muscle tension, and most oils are antibacterial. Aromatherapy combines them with the healing power of touch. This holistic treatment benefits the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Mind
Carefully chosen essential oils can increase concentration, memory and productivity. Insomnia and other sleep disorders can be treated with sedative and relaxing oils. Mental fatigue, stress and tension can be combated and phobias and mental blocks can be addressed using the appropriate oils.
Body
Essential oils are well known for their antibacterial properties which can aid wound healing. Blood circulation can be boosted and lymph drainage stimulated encouraging the removal of toxins. Muscular aches and pains like arthritis and backache can be soothed, and energy and stamina can be increased relieving muscular fatigue. There are many other benefits including the treatment of skin conditions, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances.
Emotions
There are several powerful anti-depressant essential oils that can calm, nurture, and help soothe grief and loss. States of nervousness, anxiety and panic attacks can be soothed, self-assurance and confidence can be increased.
Spirit
There is a long history of essential oil use by shamans and priests to raise consciousness and help connection to the higher planes. Today there are many essential oils commonly used to aid meditation.

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Are there any side effects from Aromatherapy?
In general the answer is no, but care must be taken to ensure that any oil used has been prepared and diluted correctly. If the essential oils are to be administered orally the advice should be sought from a qualified Aromatherapist.

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We have hundreds of therapists listed on our pages so if you want to find an Aromatherapist near you, use our Find a Therapist page

Our Aromatherapy guide covers the whole of the UK including-:

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