Aromatherapy
The roots of aromatherapy lies in herbal medicine because essential oils, the important tools are derived from plants. Despite the technical debate whether it should be covered in herbal training or making it a integral part of herbal medicine, use of essential oils for various psychosomatic disorders and mood corrections is in vogue.
Studies indicate that aromatic plants were used even from Neanderthal times as a healing method. Ancient Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, Australian and New Zealand, North American, South American, Egyptian, Roman, and Middle Eastern historical accounts indicate the extensive use of essential oils. The traditional methods include inhalation, topical application or ingestion.
The first use of the word Aroma-therapy is found in Hunt's Fragrant and Radiant Healing Symphony explaining the plant scents. The French chemist, Gattefoss, had also used the volatile oils and made references in his book.
In United States, aromatherapy though gaining popularity, still is considered as lesser known complementary therapies, but used as a part of holistic nursing care. It is also considered as a part of nursing care in the United Kingdom. Aromatherapy is also used in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland.
The American Medical Association in Useful Drugs, has listed out some 30 essential oils. Studies suggest that aromatherapy as a part of alternative therapy started in the United States in 1980s where as aroma-oils are marketed even from 1967. However, the method gained popularity from 1980s and now it is a big business.
However, in recent times, there is a growing awareness of
fragrance sensitivity and as result a vast array of inexpensive synthetic aromatherapy products have hit the market but aroma-therapists do not prescribe and support these products.
Smell Sense
The sense of smell is very important to human beings from birth itself. Initially, even babies identify their mothers through smell only. Traditionally, it is considered with some degree of authentication that the scent of eucalyptus enhances creativity. Citrus, enhances immune function, where as lavender and clove can improve cognitive processing, and rose and bergamot orange can be helpful in relaxing.
Aromatherapy is considered to have produced both psychological and physiological effects. The psychological effects could be relaxing or stimulating, depending on the Patients earlier experiences and as well as the chemistry of the essential oils. Much depends on the background, perception, and training of the person conducting the aromatherapy and what that person is trying to achieve.
Experimental Evidence
The effectiveness of the aromatic oils and their application can be understood through various scientific tests conducted. The work on topical absorption of essential oils in various research institutions indicate that fragrance compounds are absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream.
Reports of increased cerebral blood flow in the cortex of human subjects after inhalation of 1,8-cineole from an unspecified source. And the experiment provided similar results even in people who are unable to smell.
However, caution is recommended in using the essential oils clinically, as it requires proper training. Some critic argue that aromatherapy focus on pleasure rather than clinical outcomes. but because they are so much more concentrated than herbs, reportedly small amounts may have excellent therapeutic effects. Where as synthetic products will not yield the same results and in turn could be very harmful, and can cause higher sensitivity, allergies and asthma.
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