complementary medicine

Scents play a big role in our lives. Some fragrances may recall memories or transmit sensations. Who has not felt better after going to sauna with eucalyptus smell? Or associated flowers` scents to the feelings of calm and peace? Aromatherapy took advantage of this basic human instinct to treat diseases
provide well being
skin care and relaxation. It can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils for prevention and/or auxiliary treatment of physical
psychological and energetic problems.

The true Aromatherapy consists on the therapeutic application of 100% essential oils in baths
massages
compresses
diffusions
internal use
etc. Before being used
the essential oils are frequently dissolved in neutral lotions such as vegetal oils
cereal water or cereal alcohol. This preserves chemical properties and chemical/physical activity in the human body.

According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"
the favored technique of aroma therapists is the massage
because it ensures that the oils are absorbed in the skin and into the blood stream. On this method
the essence is diluted into base oil (jojoba
avocado
peanut
soy
peach kernel oil
etc). Another book
Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body & Soul
emphasizes the importance of rubbing the oil in the skin. The author
Kathi Keville
claims that the human touch warms the body
relieves stress
relaxes and encourages deep breathing.

Benefits
Aromatherapy is known for bringing well-being and stress relieve to people
but this is only one of its possible benefits. This therapy can affect the body chemistry; the emotions and attitudes; and the ability of the body to function. The book "Aroma Therapy: Healing for the body and soul" cites a wide range of therapeutical uses for Aromatherapy:

- Reduction of pain
inflammations and spasms;
- Stimulation of the immune system
hormone production and blood circulation;
- Skin infections;
- Heal of respiratory and digestive problems;
- Emotional problems
like depression and panic.

Precautions
Some essential oils
like camphor
thuja and red thyme
can cause damage to the patients due to their high toxicity levels
which can cause severe dermal irritation. Essential oils should not be applied directly at the skin; they should be diluted in a carrier oil or cream. It is also suggested to do a patch test on the skin before using the essential oil
because some people can be very sensitive or have allergic reactions. Some oils
like the lemon and the verbena
when exposed to the sun
may cause spots.

The "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" warns that pregnant patients or the ones who have diabetes
high blood pressure and epilepsy can not be massaged with some essential oils. It is recommended that they inform the therapist about their condition. It also adverts that essential oils should not be used at home to treat serious medical or psychological problems.

Oils properties
The oils have different properties. Some of the most common essential oils are:

ท Calming - chamomile
lavender
geranium;
ท Uplifting - ylang ylang
clary sage
rose
neroli
lemon
fennel;
ท Energizing - rosemary
thyme (white)
grapefruit
cinnamon;
ท Cleansing - rosemary
tea tree
lavender; frankincense;
ท Decongesting - eucalyptus
pine
tea tree
peppermint;

Profession
Although nowadays Aromatherapy has become a widespread practice around the world
it is still considered a complementary medicine in the majority of the countries. In France
Aromatherapy is part of the formal education in Medical schools. During history
medicinal and aromatic plants were used to purify and scent places
scare away evil spirits
treat skin and other physical disorders as in the use of infusions
in the mummification process in ancient Egypt and Roman baths.

According to The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)
the organization that promotes and supports the practice of this method
there is no licensure or laws for Aromatherapy in the US. NAHA determined that to become an aroma therapist is necessary to be graduated in a course of at least 200 hours. Some professionals incorporate the training of this technique with their licensed work. It is the case of many massage therapists
acupuncturists
doctors and nurses.