complementary medicine

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream
Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm
rose
black spruce
tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However
more than a science
aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil
of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren้-Maurice Gattefoss้. Gattefoss้ is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand
he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research
he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety
stress or insomnia
muscular aches and pains
headaches
eczema
digestive problems
menstrual or menopausal problems
etc. Therefore
aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen
after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath
cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy treatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon
clary sage
and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores
referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly
the Indian subcontinent
Middle East and the Africas.

However
the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries
which use aromas and scents
use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore
they are not harmful. As said earlier
essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken
then can result in irritation or be poisonous
when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No
they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea
headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine
it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet
lifestyle
and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.